The Cairns Taipans had a great win on Friday night against the injury plagued Gold Coast Blaze but the big question is can they go all the way? I’m tipping ‘NO’, or at least give me until late Thursday to decide!

This may sound a bit harsh but over achieving and taking the holy grail are not in the same class and protecting your home court is essential but it doesn’t mean anything yet.

Eight home wins on the trot is nothing short of sensational, don’t get me wrong, and the club should be proud but there is still a long way to go and they are proven easy beats on the road.

They play ladder leaders New Zealand at 4.30pm on Thursday (5.30 EST and live on ONE HD) away from home comforts and I will be dissecting that one to see if they are premiership material.

My money for the flag is Perth to repeat or NZ to upset them for an inaugural title.  The Gongers are still a chance and Townsville need to start their run now. The Snakes need to get mentally tough on the road starting Thursday to have any chance!
 
Whilst I’m tipping winners let’s pop into the crystal ball for the AFL in 2011.

Will Collingwood repeat and hand Buckley a team that can only go downhill? Will St Kilda break the drought this year and get the monkey (and the 17 year old) off their backs?  Or will a Freo or Essendon improve enough to give it a shake?  I have no idea but I’ll tip Hawthorn to be big improvers .

At the other end of the scale the Gold Coast Suns will take the spoon and my Lions won’t be far off.  Geelong will slide but still be decent and Worsfold will be the first coach to get the flick with Vossy not far behind.

Here’s my top eight; Pies, Hawks, Dogs, Saints, Cats, Crows, Dockers and either Dons or Roos for the last spot.

The Blues, Dees, Power and Swans will all be in the mix but the Tigers will go back to being terrible!  The best thing about that for their supporters is that Richmond have always been consistent – consistently very ordinary!
 
And who’s gonna win the Aussie Open – The Fed Express Baby!!
 
That’s this week's wrap and unless there’s nude footballers or Fev being a naughty boy again then there really isn’t that much to talk about.

See you next week.

Nicky G