Gaba, Eels lost Finch early and were without Inu, Mateo and K.Keating for much of the season so they didn't have a favourable run with injuries this year either.
You say the eels had a favourable run? Lets compare them to St George in matches against the cellar dwellers roosters, sharks and warriors shall we?:-
The dragons played sharks, roosters, and warriors twice and won them all. That's twelve competition points gifted to them.
Eels played roosters once (and lost), warriors twice (lost once), and sharks twice (lost once). That's four competition points gifted to them.
The difference is eight competition points right there. If you also threw in a win (rather than a draw) against the rabbitohs that would put the eels on 38 competition points, equal with the bulldogs and your side. Your side did better against crappier teams it seems. :lol:
If you want some perspective on how terrible they were then and how much improved they are now. They also beat teams 1,2 and 3 in the qualifiers and the storm in round 19. The only match they lost since the storm was against St. George which coincidently, was the only match they didn't have to win (they were also without grothe, hindmarsh and a game plan).
Next year they have Tahu, Poore and Shackleton coming into the club and K.Keating returning from injury. They will also have Tom Humble who has been exceptional in the Queensland Cup. They will work in the off season to get halves combination right which includes Robson as backup. Mortimer will be much better for the experience also. The eels will be a much more formidable side next year. Better in the Halves, Forwards and Back. They would have to be in top four contention.
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I think Tigers and Souths will be in the Eight next year and Broncos and Titans will miss out.
