If we leave aside the years when Manly was all but finished off by the Super League war, it is apparent that we make the finals 8 or 9 times each decade. It will be acceptable to continue that proud record.
In fact, since we came 3rd in 1966 we've made the finals every time we fielded a team except the following years:
2004 – 13th of 15
2003 – 14th of 15 (8 points clear of Souths!)
1999 – 13th of 17, missed top 8
1992 – 8th of 16, missed top 5
89 - 12th of 16, missed top 6
80 – 7th of 12, missed top 5
79 – 7th of 12, missed top 5
67 – 5th of 12, missed top 4
I didn't look earlier than '66 but you get the picture.
In fact, since we came 3rd in 1966 we've made the finals every time we fielded a team except the following years:
2004 – 13th of 15
2003 – 14th of 15 (8 points clear of Souths!)
1999 – 13th of 17, missed top 8
1992 – 8th of 16, missed top 5
89 - 12th of 16, missed top 6
80 – 7th of 12, missed top 5
79 – 7th of 12, missed top 5
67 – 5th of 12, missed top 4
I didn't look earlier than '66 but you get the picture.