I'd say BGS will play consistently but won't perform to last year's standards. Emtage and Gardner are phenomenal coaches and whilst some star players are returning, the loss of Greene, Birch, Blackhurst, Gilbert, Radford, Starr-Thomas etc. (the most underrated player in BGS' squad- if he hadn't had stayed on the field after being hit by Charles Tenakanai during last year's decider, I seriously doubt Grammar would have won the game) will likely prove too damaging for the Light Dark Blue to repeat their 2012 heroics.
The lineup this year will look vastly different from last year's side. Cox, Kemp, Marsden, Aiono, Laud, Forsyth, Halliday- all capped last year- are returning for 2013, with all except Dalton Cox (lock) playing in a different position. I guess this is a natural progression as players like Matt Marsden move from starring roles on the wing in their debut 1st XV seasons, undertaking more central roles in the team as they hit senior year. The same can be said for almost every aforementioned player.
One of the biggest losses will be Josh Birch. Whilst Greene and Cornelson, BGS's two Aus Schools players from last year's side, were undoubtedly lauded as the biggest names in the entire competition (almost unarguably the standout back and forward respectively from the premiership team with both playing central leadership roles as captain and vice-captain), Birch's presence in the #13 jersey shored up the defensive capability of the side. His line speed was phenomenal and his tackling technique dominated every single player he hit throughout the season. Not to mention his incredible ability to run lines, tearing apart opposition defences, often finding himself scoring after supporting Marsden and Greene as they charged down the field (and vice-versa). His absence, I think, has been really underestimated and hopefully Grammar can find a solution because I can't think of a player in the setup who could adequately fill his role.
