TT, fair points you make there mate, and let it be known that I am gernearlly speaking about souths as a club prems - 4th grade). We have fielded 5 teams this year and are experimenting with a 6th side - the most we have ever fielded in the opens alone... so that is a sign in itself - why? well this will lap over with my thoughts on the prems side...
I think last weekend was a better sign of where our boys are at this year. Even though GPS are struggling for a bit of form it really was a good hit out.
A few little things such as no Muirhead or Sefton (who is know overseas) in the early rounds. Muirhead played on the weekend and was very good, As you say, without him it is a very different side - throw in a new coaching system and new combinations and it does take time. This easts game will be a good gauge for the outsiders!
As for what and why will 2015 be different - Well the biggest is the coaching staff and the differences from previous years.
I honestly believe that the biggest reason as to why 2015 will be different is Souths has an "appeal" about it back - Picone offers an avenue for players, Arnold an avenue for the younger players (whilst only the first season, these are foundations) basically now players can see the club as one which is worth changing too - we have never had that before. This is reflected in the record numbers we have - and Our reserve grade, 1st grade, 2nds and 3rds are all certainly competing with the big hitters in the comp!