AFL Season Preview: Your Team’s Chances Heading Into Next Week’s Season Opener

The JLT Preseason is underway with many teams unveiling their new draft picks and players who are fit and firing for the beginning of the 2019 AFL season. We take a look at how each team is shaping up.

Adelaide Crows:

How they could make the 8:

Despite having a horror 2018 season that saw them miss the finals, the Crows will go into the 2019 season as one of the favourites having been the dominant team of the 2017 season where they were upset by Richmond in the Grand Final.

Their list is rated second strongest by Champion Data. Brodie Smith is a massive inclusion returning from an ACL injury. It’s hard to imagine a midfield with the names of Sloane, Gibbs and the Crouch brothers could not be there about for two seasons in a row.

On top of this their backline made up of Kelly, Brown, Doedee, Laird, Tahlia, Smith and Tahlia is the most attacking in the competition.

How they could miss the 8:

Could the scars of the infamous and torturous 2018 preseason camp still have an effect? The club has admitted that playing the Richmond theme song on bus trips and employing military style mind games on players in preparation for last year was the wrong call.

Prediction: 4th

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Brisbane Lions:

How they could make the 8:

The hype around the Lions young and improving list is real. Berry, Raynor, McLuggage, Hipwood and Witherden are amongst the most exciting young talent in the competition.

Their top end talent in Zorko, Cameron, Stef Martin and Rich is first class and have just been waiting for the youngsters around them to develop and now seems the time.

The Lions have also recruited extremely well, Lachie Neale is an A-Grade midfielder whilst Jarrod Lyons joins his younger brother bringing some great statistics from his career at Gold Coast. They’ve also rolled the dice in brining in Marcus Adams and Linc McCarthy who have shown promise in injury riddled careers at other clubs.

How they could miss the 8:

There won’t be too much internal pressure for this young list to make the big jump from 15th into the 8. The focus will more be on improving upon last year’s win/loss record. Despite picking up Neale, they will miss skipper Dane Beams and it may take time for their new recruits to gel.

Prediction: 12th

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Carlton:

How they could make the 8:

Another young list with plenty of excitement surrounding it. Curnow, Cripps, Weitering and Dow are developing nicely whilst last year’s No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh has already shown he is the real deal picking up 28 possessions in his first taste in the big league in a JLT match that saw Carlton account for the more fancied Bombers.

How they could miss the 8:

Only the loyalist of Blues supporters will be expecting their side to jump from the bottom to the top half of the ladder. They seem to be lacking A-Grade players that are in the prime of their career. In previous seasons too much has been asked of Simpson and Murphy.

Prediction: 16th

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Collingwood:

How they could make the 8:

The pies are up and about after shocking the AFL world by improving right up the ladder in a 2018 season that began with Nathan Buckley under immense pressure. Their list was ravaged with injury but still managed to not only make but be the better team for much of the Grand Final if it wasn’t for Dom Sheed’s heroics in the final minutes. There’s no doubt their list will be stronger and healthier for the beginning of this season. Pendlebury, Beams, Adams, Sidebottom and Grundy will cause nightmares for many opposition midfields.

How they could miss the 8:

It would be highly unlikely but there will be many wishing another case of the Collywobbles from a side with their premiership window wide open. If they have a weakness it could be in their key defender stocks. With the new starting position rules, there will definitely more pressure around this area of the ground. Whilst reliable, Dunn and Moore are hardly the competition’s best.

Prediction: 5th

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Essendon Bombers:

How they could make the 8:

The Bombers are a team on the rise. They play a high risk/high reward game style that sees them move the ball at a frenetic pace. The recruitment of the hard running Dylan Shiel will suit their game style perfectly. Add him to a young midfield group that already includes Merrett, Heppell and Smith and there is a lot to like about their chances. The return of key forward Joe Daniher is huge!

How they could miss the 8:

There were similar expectations on the Bombers this time last year and an inconsistent season saw them finish 11th. In a competition where you must improve just to stay where you are, do they have enough improvement in them to jump from 11th into the 8?

Prediction: 11th

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Fremantle Dockers:

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How they could make the 8:

The Dockers have long been needing a gun key forward and have now picked up two in Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb from the East. Brownlow medalist Nat Fyfe will no doubt be willing his side over the line in matches over the course of the season.

How they could miss the 8:

It’s a list that still seems to have big holes in it. Midfield depth is a big concern, especially after losing 2 time Best and Fairest winner Lachie Neale to the Lions. Their back 6 also appear under strength. Most punters would be happy to risk betting against the Dockers threatening this year.

Prediction: 17th

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Geelong Cats:

How they could make the 8:

It would be an interesting argument to suggest a midfield that contains Dangerfield, Selwood, Duncan and Ablett did not belong playing finals. Expect a huge season from Tom Hawking up forward with the new rules aimed at limiting forward line congestions. The Cats could well be a side that improves from the bottom half the the top of the 8.

How they could miss the 8:

Whilst their top end talent is elite, there are still question marks surrounding the depth of their list. They will be relying on the likes of Menegola, Ratugolea, Parfitt and Kelly to continue to improve. Whilst they have a phenomenal record of making the finals, how long can this keep happening before they bottom out?

Prediction: 7th

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Gold Coast Suns:

How they can make the 8:

Unfortunately, they can’t. Once again they appear to of landed great prospects at the draft in Rankine, Lukosius and King. It can’t be expected that these 18 year olds will surge them up the ladder.

How they could miss the 8:

Having struggled to retain talent throughout their short existence, losing co-captains and key position guns at either end of the ground in May and Lynch is a killer blow.

Prediction: 18th

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GWS Giants:

How they could make the 8:

The noise around the Giants seems to of dropped off the last year or two but they still possess one of the most talented lists in the AFL. The return of The Big Mummy from retirement is a massive plus if he can rediscover anything near his best form. Ward, Coniglio and Kelly is one of the best mix of inside and outside midfield combinations in the competition. They should be there about again.

How they could miss the 8:

It seems unlikely but the loss of running machines Dyl Shiel and Tom Scully will hit where it hurts. They need Jonno Patton to have an injury free seasons and begin to fire up forward with Jeremy Cameron.

Prediction: 6th

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Hawthorn Hawks:

How they could make the 8:

Alistair Clarkson is a football genius. He keeps finding a way to re-elevate his list to stay in the top half on the ladder even if it means moving on premiership heroes like Hodge, Mitchell and Lewis like he has the past couple of seasons. Chad Wingard adds plenty of flair to their forward line.

How they could miss the 8:

Losing reining Brownlow medalist Tom Mitchell to a broken leg is a serious downfall. They will need to find someone to step up and fill some of the void. Trading young gun defender Ryan Burton to secure Wingard is a big risk but Clarkson has pulled off moves like this before. If threes a team from last year’s top 4 to bottom out they would be the favourite after going out in straight sets.

Prediction: 10th

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Melbourne Demons:

How they could make the 8:

After a much-anticipated breakthrough 2018, it would be nothing short of disastrous if the Dees missed here. Champion Data ranks them as the strongest list in the competition and it’s hard to argue. Brayshaw, Oliver, Viney, Petracca, Gawn and Lever are all genuine A-Graders in the prime of their career. Sam May adds to that list coming from Gold Coast. Expecting a big season from the Demons.

How they could miss the 8:

Nearly unimaginable but after so many years down the bottom and then just missing out, could there be mental scars amongst this group when the going gets tough? It could be interesting to see how the relatively new combination of both Lever (returning from ACL) and May gel down back.

Prediction: 3rd

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North Melbourne:

How they could make the 8:

The Kangas have opened the cheque book over the off season and whether that pays immediate dividends is up in the air. Polec, Tyson and Hall add much needed class and depth to their midfield. Also expect a big season from second year first round draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke. Ben Cunnington is the most underrated midfielder in the competition and with more talent around him he may just go to another level.

How they could miss the 8:

A lot of pressure will be on Marley Williams and Luke McDonald in their roles attacking off halfback as this seems to be their main weakness. It may also take time for new combinations to gel. A lot also hinges on Todd Goldstein’s ability to get back to his All-Australian form with Majak Daw expected not have a delayed start to the season. One of the more interesting teams to watch this year.

Prediction: 13th

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Port Adelaide:

How they can make the 8:

There’s no doubt that Port have immense talent across every line on the field. Ollie Wines and Tom Jonas take over as Co-Captains from the ever reliable Travis Boak who will keep his play in the team. An injury free Patty Ryder presents huge problems for opposition teams both in the ruck and up forward. Ryan Burton is a great addition to their backline as part of a trade for the often maligned Chad Wingard.

How they could miss the 8:

The Power disappointed their fans with a limp ending to the season which saw them just miss the 8. In an competition that is growing stronger and stronger there is every chance that could happen again. They need to make Adelaide Oval a fortress once more and get the best out of their star players to ensure they don’t repeat 2018.

Prediction: 9th

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Richmond:

How they can make the 8:

The biggest certainty for 2019 will be the Tiger army will be up and about this year. It could be argued that it will be closely followed by the certainty of the Tigers once again being a threat come September after so many years of missed finals heartache. Adding one of the competition’s best key forwards in Tom Lynch is a scary thought. Match this with the star power of Martin, Cotchin, Reiwoldt, Rance and Prestia and it’s a lot to get excited about.

How they could miss the 8:

Very unimaginable. With so many games in Melbourne where they are so popular in particularly at the MCG, they are a near certainty to play finals footy.

Prediction: 2nd

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St Kilda Saints:

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How they can make the 8:

The addition of Premiership winning Swan Dan Hannerbery adds much needed polish to their midfield. 2019 will be a big year for the careers of a lot of individual players on this list. Whilst not many fancy them to threaten finals, their 2-0 JLT record showed promise.

How they could miss the 8:

Already appearing to lack top end talent, their injury list is the worst in the league before the season has even begun. Premier on-baller Jack Steven has taken a leave of absence to deal with mental health issues, Jake Carlisle’s season looks over and key forward Patty McCartin suffered his 8th concussion in his short career during their second JLT game.

Prediction: 15th

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Sydney Swans:

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How they can make the 8:

The Blood’s list profile looks to be coming together nicely. Expect more midfield time from players coming into their 40-80 game threshold. Heeney, Mills and Florent should step into a midfield with the likes of Parker, Kennedy and Jones. Buddy Franklin has had a much better preseason than last year and the new starting position rules seem like they’ll suit him perfectly. Should be a lock for the bottom half of the 8 and could surprise with a finish further up.

How they could miss the 8:

Whilst he hadn’t been at his best for the last season or two, losing spiritual leader Dan Hannebery takes away from their midfield run and grunt. In a competition where every team is improving, there is a thought that Sydney may be going the other way with a lot of their A-graders in their 30s.

Prediction: 8th

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West Coast Eagles:

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How they could make the 8:

The defending Premiers will welcome back the best ruckman in the competition in Nic Naitunui. Whilst it’s not everything, they proved there should be no sign of a Premiership hangover by finishing in top of the preseason ladder. Their forward line of Darling, Kennedy, Rioli, Ryan and Waterman is the strongest in the competition. One of the major players.

How they could miss the 8:

With such an impressive list that should improve, it is very unimaginable to see them losing enough games, particularly in the West, to miss the 8.

Prediction: 1st

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Western Bulldogs:

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How they could make the 8:

On paper it looks a lot more possible than what many believe. Tom Liberatore is a cult figure and appears to of had a strong preseason. Add him to the midfield mix of Bontempelli, Hunter, Daniel, Wallis and McRae and they appear to be on the mark. The experience of Premiership winner Taylor Duryea looks to be a perfect fit.

How the could miss the 8:

Since their 2017 Premiership, the Dogs have been very disappointing. Their 0-2 record isn’t tragic but seeing teams in similar positions to them show much better form is a worry. Whilst Easton Wood is one of the most underrated players in the league, the strength of their backline looks questionable.

Prediction: 14th

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