AFL news 2023: Brutal reviews for 10 non

Jul 19, 2023

Some teams entered the 2023 AFL season with little to no expectations, while others had high hopes and slumped to become major disappointments.

But for 10, it’s simple – their season is over before September even begins.

Here’s how they all got here, and what they need to do in the off-season to ensure it doesn’t happen next year in our 2023 Brutal Reviews!

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9. WESTERN BULLDOGS (12-11, 108.7%)

Three word analysis

Major reset required

What went right

Marcus Bontempelli couldn’t have done much more for his side this season, often carrying his team on his back and rescuing it to win several matches. The Dogs skipper will be right in the mix for this year’s Brownlow Medal, with Josh Dunkley’s move to Brisbane allowing Bontempelli to dominate as an inside midfielder this season and average career-high contested possessions, tackles and clearances. Tim English is also a big chance to earn a maiden All-Australian blazer as the starting ruck. The No. 1 rated ruck in the AFL, he averaged the most disposals, inside 50s, intercepts and marks of any ruck, while he also averaged career-high hit-outs-to-advantage. Tom Liberatore also had a career-best year in his 12th season on the Bulldogs’ list. Elsewhere, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Ed Richards emerged in career-best seasons, while the acquisition of Oskar Baker was worthwhile. Overall, the Dogs were among the league’s top four teams for clearances, contested possessions and inside 50s as they reignited their contest and territory game.

What went wrong

For such a talent-laden list, how was this team prior to Round 24 scrapping for eighth spot when it really should’ve been among the big boys contending for a home qualifying final and, subsequently, premiership cup? With three weeks left, the Bulldogs lost games to bottom-three teams Hawthorn and West Coast — defeats that ultimately cost them a spot in September. But the reality is the Dogs only won three games against top-eight sides this season, so they’re ninth-placed finish is probably accurate. Two 50-point losses against Melbourne and St Kilda to start the season set a bad tone, while six of their defeats were by two goals or less. While they won so much of the ball, they ranked 10th for offence, suggesting there’s an overuse and/or a connection issue. And for a team last year lauded for its ball movement, the Dogs had big issues in this area in 2023, ranking 15th for defensive 50 to inside 50 conversion and 16th for kick rating. They were hit hard by injury, especially down back with Sam Darcy, Ryan Gardner, Jason Johannisen, Liam Jones and Alex Keath all missing big chunks of the season. And the fact they were ranked 18th in the competition for defensive one-on-one contest win rate suggests they still have big issues down back. Individually, Jack Macrae was well below his best this season, the acquisition of Rory Lobb seemed to cause more problems than solutions and, amid trade links to Geelong, Bailey Smith struggled to have the same influence he had last year.

What they need

Considering the numbers and Liam Jones’ age, possibly another key defender — although there’s hope last year’s top pick Jedd Busslinger will be able to have an impact in 2024 with a full pre-season. But it seems midfield depth might be on the agenda, which is remarkable considering a few years ago when Adam Treloar joined the Dogs, the footy world was wondering how they were going to fit so many on-ballers into a starting 22. The Dogs should also be big players in the draft. They have Picks 10 and, as it stands, 17, so they could make a play for Gold Coast’s Pick 4. That would make sense because the Dogs should also be asked to match a first-round bid on athletic 200cm father-son prospect Jordan Croft, whose dad Matthew played 186 games for the club. Croft is speedy and agile, yet also an accurate kick in front of goal. Ideally for the Dogs, they pick up a smaller/hybrid type with one natural pick and Croft with another.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

9pm: Well, 9pm according to the playing list on paper. But because the Dogs have become such an untrustworthy team, it’s a 9pm given without confidence. Going by the messaging out of the club, Luke Beveridge is regarded as the right man to maximise the Dogs’ list. Now more coaching experience will likely be hunted in a bid to bolster Beveridge’s support and change the mix around him. It happened with great success at Richmond under Damien Hardwick at the close of 2016 and it looks set to be the approach the Dogs take into 2024. It needs to work.

Season grade

D+

— Ben Waterworth

10. ADELAIDE CROWS (11-12, 116.8%)

Three word analysis

Many ‘what ifs’

What went right

So much for a team that finished outside the top eight. In fact AFL 360 co-host Mark Robinson declared midway through the season the Crows had the capabilities to win the premiership. With 11 wins — including victories against Carlton, Brisbane and Port Adelaide — the Crows had their best season under Matthew Nicks, beating their previous best of eight last year despite having the third-youngest and second-least experienced list in the competition. They turned Adelaide Oval into a mini fortress, winning nine of their 13 matches at their home venue while narrowly losing to flag contenders Collingwood and Sydney by one point. The Crows were also one of the most exciting teams to watch in the competition, finishing No. 1 in the competition for both points scored and scores per inside 50. And the fact they were also among the top six teams for points from turnovers and time in forward half suggests Nicks has implemented a game plan that can bring them success in the future. The decision to appoint Jordan Dawson as captain was genius, with the midfielder in All-Australian contention. Izak Rankine was one of the recruits of the season as he finished with a career-high 36 goals, while 33-year-old Taylor Walker also had a career-high 76 goals to finish second in the Coleman Medal. Ben Keays, Max Michalanney, Jake Soligo, Luke Pedlar and Nick Murray all emerged, too.

What went wrong

Losses away from home — and lots of close losses. The Crows won just two games outside of Adelaide — an unconvincing three-point win over Hawthorn in Tasmania and a 45-point victory over the 18th-placed Eagles at Optus Stadium. And seven of the Crows’ 12 losses were by under three goals – and they were either in front of, or level with, their opponent in all but one of them. Three of their five single-figure margin losses were against top-four sides Brisbane at the Gabba (six points), Melbourne at the MCG (four) and Collingwood at the MCG (two). Nicks said after the Melbourne loss: “Execution in the end is what’s cost us the game.” Adelaide also wasn’t strong defensively, finishing ninth for average points conceded and, concerningly, 14th for points conceded from clearances. Defenders Tom Doedee and Nick Murray also ruptured their ACLs late in the season.

What they need

Midfield depth. That’s more likely to come through the draft rather than at the trade table. But could they look at fringe Collingwood midfielders Josh Carmichael and Finlay Macrae, who’ve been tearing it up in the VFL but struggled to cement their spots in the AFL side? West Adelaide Carmichael could appeal considering he’s 23 years old and an SA product. An intercept defender could also be a priority for the Crows this off-season. No defender at the club has rated elite for intercept marks this season, while their No. 1 interceptor for several seasons, Doedee, remains unsigned and could be on the move at season’s end. They picked up father-son gun Max Michalanney in last year’s draft, but with Doedee possibly gone and Nick Murray to miss a lot of next season due to injury, the Crows could target an interceptor like Esava Ratugolea.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

8pm: After exceeding so many experts’ pre-season expectations in 2023, the danger for the young Crows is they could take a step backwards next season in an ultra-competitive league. But dual All-Australian Leigh Montagna suggested the Crows are “coming with a rush” in 2024. Nicks has already established a sustainable game style into a young list that saw so many players extend their contracts this season. Add another pre-season into this playing group coupled with the heartbreak of losing so many close games this season, the Crows will be better prepared to stand up in clutch moments next season, especially away from home. All they need to do this off-season is add layers, both to their list and to their game plan. Do that and they’ll be a major threat next year.

Season grade

A-

— Ben Waterworth

11. ESSENDON (11-12, 89.7%)

Three word analysis

Eyes wide open

What went right

The Bombers stormed out of the blocks, winning four of their first five matches, with a 27-point win over Melbourne in Gather Round mightily impressive. Kyle Langford flourished up forward, helping cover for the injured Peter Wright in the first half of the season and finishing the year off strongly as well to lead all comers at the Bombers. Zach Merrett stepped up as captain and gave his all, while Nic Martin’s start to the season was awesome. Some of their losses were extremely competitive against top sides, including Collingwood and Port Adelaide.

What went wrong

The way they finished was the biggest disappointment, with two meek showings prefaced by two narrow wins over the bottom two sides on the ladder. Despite their gains, their inability to stop teams moving the ball remains a thorn in their side, while they finished as the fourth-worst defensive team in the competition for points against. Having to send Peter Wright in for surgery in the opening fortnight of the season was a setback, even though Kyle Langford rose to the challenge. Jordan Ridley going out with injury late in the season hurt the Bombers significantly, with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher struggling to cover. Jake Stringer was well below what many would’ve hoped from the match-winner.

What they need

As Brad Scott said after their final match of the season, there are some significant gaps between where the Bombers want to be and where they are currently. An intense pre-season looks on the cards, as does the desire to drill into players the need for a good off-season. They need some more key-position depth in defence, which is why they’re keen on Ben McKay, who would slot in nicely alongside Jordan Ridley in the back six.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

6pm: Brad Scott has hinted on several occasions this season the club will be at its best in the future rather than the present and their young brigade is continuing to develop. Zach Merrett, Peter Wright and Jordan Ridley will be at their best for the next few years and the club will hope the improvement of the younger players will coincide with some of those years. That, plus some savvy moves in the trade space, should see them around the mark in a couple of years, with improvement expected in 2024.

Season grade

B-

— David Zita

12. GEELONG CATS (10-12-1, 112.6%)

Three word analysis

The hangover hits

What went right

After dropping the opening three matches of the year, the Cats went on a five-match winning sequence to help reignite the faith. Jeremy Cameron looked the best player in the competition during that period. There were some promising signs from Tanner Bruhn and Ollie Henry in their first season at the Cattery. Gryan Miers came into his own and got the attention of the footy world as the best goal assist player in the competition.

What went wrong

Three losses to start the season had everyone assuming the premiership hangover was real and it proved to be so despite the Cats rallying at stages. They could never get their best side out on the park or at their best long enough to mount a genuine charge at a premiership defence. Jeremy Cameron was incredible early in the season but dropped off rapidly and was nursing a shoulder injury at the close of the campaign. Tom Hawkins was sluggish to start the year and a spate of injuries hit the club throughout the year, affecting their backline most. They were well beaten in the middle of the ground at various stages — they dropped to 11th in the league for contested possession differential and 16th for clearance differential — and looked to desperately miss the sheer will of generational captain Joel Selwood.

What they need

The Cats’ midfield is in need of significant help, with many of the side’s regular engine room on the wrong side of 30. It’s why there have been calls for the Cats to go hard at restricted free agent Darcy Parish, as well as contracted Dogs midfielder Bailey Smith, who was frustrated in a half-forward role to finish the season.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

6pm: If the injury list is bare and they bring in a big-name recruit like Parish or Smith, the Cats may have one more chance at a flag, but it’s hard to shake the feeling last year was the elusive and only flag they may get under this current group of players.

Season grade

C

— David Zita

13. RICHMOND (10-12-1, 93.6%)

Three word analysis

Hardwick era over

What went right

The Tigers were able to stay competitive throughout the year despite the change of coach, overcoming the loss of spearhead Tom Lynch to a season-ending foot injury to keep their scoring power in check. Under Andrew McQualter, the Tigers ranked fifth in the competition for scoring chains and first for scores per inside 50, maintaining their impressive ball movement with Daniel Rioli enjoying a fruitful full season off half-back. The recruitment of Tim Taranto also proved a success, with the midfielder having a profitable season, and looms as one of the favourites to win the Jack Dyer Medal in his first season at the club.

What went wrong

After starting the year hoping for one last dance, the Tigers lost their bite. After a controversial end to the 2022 season and a super-competitive year, many (including Damien Hardwick) thought the Tigers would rise one last time, but it was not to be. They quickly fell out of top-four contention and were eliminated with a couple of weeks left in the season. Richmond’s DNA under Hardwick and in the middle of their premiership era was built of points from turnover and points from forward half intercepts. In 2022, the Tigers ranked second and first in both these categories but this year, slumped to 13th and 10th in a dramatic drop-off. The Tigers famously won the first of their premierships with a small forward line, a position that has been so profitable for them in their recent era. The Tigers could only manage 27 goals from their small forwards this season, ranking 17th across the competition. With a new coach coming in, will the Tigers get back to what made them formidable or will the Tigers get a new DNA to build their new dynasty?

What they need

An experienced key defender — and it just so happens there are a few on the market this year. The Tigers are well stocked for young key position depth with Tylar Young, Samson Ryan and Jacob Bauer showing signs throughout the year they can fill key posts for the next generation of Richmond. Fellow youngster Josh Gibcus didn’t feature this year as he battled hamstring injuries but is viewed as a player of significant promise at Punt Rd. With Robbie Tarrant and Jack Riewoldt retiring, the recruitment of another key defender would alleviate the pressure on Young (21) and Gibcus (19) in the short term while also allowing the flexibility for Noah Balta to swing forward and line up with Tom Lynch in the forward line. And as mentioned above, a small forward with some scoring power needs to be a priority, whether that’s through the draft or free agency.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

4pm: Richmond ticked past midnight and will attempt to begin the climb back up with a new coach. There is enough quality still on the Tigers list that they could bounce quickly, but are their holes too tricky to fill for a top-four finish in the next couple of years? Maybe they don’t go straight back into contention, but they shouldn’t languish down the bottom for long.

Season grade

D+

— Jono Baruch

14. FREMANTLE (10-13, 96.7%)

Three word analysis

Late charge worthless

What went right

The Dockers have finally found themselves their best Matthew Pavlich replacement in attack – seven years after the club great retired. Young West Aussie Jye Amiss produced an outstanding season and remains a serious contender for the Rising Star given he’d played just three matches before locking down his role in Freo’s forward line. Amiss was classed as above average for both goals and accuracy in promising signs of what’s to come. Footy ‘unicorn’ Luke Jackson showed why Freo went so hard to secure him, standing tall in Sean Darcy’s absence in the ruck and providing options both in attack and in the midfield. Caleb Serong banked an elite individual year averaging more than 30 disposals a game. The Dockers’ late-season form was outstanding as they racked up three wins and pushed top four finishers Brisbane and Port Adelaide all the way. Between Rounds 20-23, Fremantle was ranked first for points against and second for both opposition points from turnover and opposition defensive 50s to inside 50 – sitting at a remarkably low 17 per cent for that stat. But that late season form came too late to salvage 2023.

What went wrong

While Amiss was a shining light, the Freo forward line – and getting it in there – continued to be an issue for Justin Longmuir’s men. The Dockers were ranked 13th for points for and 14th for both scores per inside 50 percentage and points from turnover. When the likes of Lachie Schultz and Michael Frederick found space up the ground, they hit targets. But too often there wasn’t anyone to take that big grab at half-forward, with Matt Taberner missing most of the season through injury, Josh Treacy still in his early days and Luke Jackson having to juggle ruck duties with his new role as a forward. The Nat Fyfe experience as a forward didn’t work before his year was again cut short by injury. The Dockers appeared to lack leadership at times during their horror six-loss run post-bye in seven games. Alex Pearce was in his first year as captain after taking over from Fyfe, but that move didn’t seem to provide the same sort of inspiration the young mids needed. The absence of a retired David Mundy in the midfield could not be underestimated either.

What they need

Defensively the Dockers are sound. But should Hayden Young move into the midfield, after he produced some outstanding displays late season, it could leave them a mid-sized backman short. Heath Chapman and Nathan O’Driscoll both struggled with form and injury but could get that call up in 2024. It’s in the midfield and in attack where Freo need a boost. What could the Dockers get for the likes of Matt Taberner and Liam Henry? The side need to make sure they come out winners in any deal for those two. Taberner remains contracted but couldn’t get on the park, while top 10 pick Henry is widely tipped to explore new opportunities. The Jaeger O’Meara move didn’t pay off, as he finished with an average season in AFL Ratings Points, but the Dockers need to find another similar midfield target to add some experience and take the pressure of the likes of Serong and Andy Brayshaw. That’s where Nat Fyfe could come in – but can his body withstand a return to the midfield?

What time is it on the premiership clock?

4pm: The Dockers aren’t there, but they’ve got some of the key ingredients for a successful recipe. They’ve got only five players on their list over the age of 30 in a great show of young talent coming through. Michael Walters is the senior statesman of the bunch at just 32, with a host of their players now heading into their footballing prime. If Fremantle can find a target inside 50 – aside from Amiss – and hit him, they will be a contender for those latter top eight spots.

Season grade

D

— Catherine Healey

15. GOLD COAST SUNS (9-14, 91.7%)

Three word analysis

Dew underwhelms again

What went right

There were stages throughout 2023 where it seemed like this budding Gold Coast side had finally arrived and would make its first ever finals appearance. It included a patch throughout the middle of the year where the club won five of seven games – beating both the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide in Darwin – with Noah Anderson, still just 22, and Matt Rowell, 21, leading the charge from the midfield and taking their games to new heights with Touk Miller sidelined. This is reflected by Gold Coast ranking seventh in the league in contested possession differential and fourth in clearances differential. Their best footy was very much finals worthy amid calls from Fox Footy pundits in June that the Suns were a “serious footy team”, while they appear to have found their long-term forward pairing with Jack Lukosius and Ben King. Charlie Ballard showed he could very well be the most underrated key defender in the game in a brilliant All-Australian calibre season, ranking second in the league in contested defensive one-on-ones, second in intercept marks and third in intercept possessions. Gold Coast also unearthed young gun Bailey Humphrey as an exciting part of its future, while the club’s VFL team enjoyed a dominant season, finishing first on the ladder to showcase its depth of quality.

What went wrong

Though there were promising signs, it felt like a repeat of last year – and others before it. After a strong start to the season, the Suns faded in the second half of the campaign, including losses to Carlton by 59 points coming off their bye and Collingwood by 78 points a fortnight later. It’s a win-loss business and it was always going to be tough for the already under pressure Stuart Dew to retain his position from there. Gold Coast made the call to sack its coach after five and a half seasons in early July and thus waive the white flag on its season, handing Steven King the reins for seven games. They would ultimately win just nine games – one fewer than last year – and finish in the bottom four. The club clearly missed Miller for the majority of the first half for the season, while Ben King struggled to get back to his best form in his return from an ACL injury. From a statistical standpoint, their kicking rating was the second-worst in the league and they dropped off significantly in key territory stats including ranking 16th in points from turnover, 16th in points from forward half intercepts, 14th in forward half intercepts and 12th in time in forward half.

What they need

The Suns have arguably already acquired the thing they need most in the form of new coach Damien Hardwick in their bid to go to another level. Hardwick has already been unveiled as the Suns’ fourth full-time coach in an exciting acquisition, perhaps the most significant in the club’s history. It’ll add a harder edge and more grit, where you sense the Suns will be widely tipped to be one of the big risers in 2024. From an on-field perspective, they don’t want for much, with Hardwick even declaring that 80 per cent of the current list would lead it to its first flag. Could the triple-premiership coach look to pry any of his old players – either those recently retired or out of favour – up north? Or maybe even a certain three-time Norm Smith medallist? They’re also set to bring in more elite young talent in Academy draftees Jake Rogers, Jed Walter and Ethan Read, with the ties to the trio meaning the club will shop its first Pick, the No. 4 selection. At this stage, it’s more important for the Suns to retain their talent and ensure this current crop remains committed to the club compared to those of years past, with Izak Rankine the most recent star to depart.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

6pm. As crazy as it sounds, could the Suns contend next season? Even though Gold Coast went backwards this year, history shows there’s always a team that comes from outside the top eight into the top four calculation. Gold Coast certainly has the talent to bounce hard at some stage, particularly now with Hardwick at the helm. Of course, they’d settle for a maiden finals appearance before anything, but the talented Suns have boundless potential as a team to keep an eye on, even if they were well off the mark in 2023.

Season grade

D

— Ben Cotton

16. HAWTHORN (7-16, 80.2%)

Three word analysis

Best 16th ever?

What went right

Hawthorn entered 2023 with, clearly, the youngest and least-experienced list in the competition after some bold off-season calls. And of the 28 Fox Footy pundits surveyed pre-season, 15 predicted the Hawks to claim the wooden spoon. So to finish the season with seven wins has been seen by the footy world as a big tick. There were shock wins over top-four teams Collingwood and Brisbane in games that had a finals-like intensity and a 116-point annihilation of West Coast. And there were heartbreaking losses to Adelaide, Richmond and the Giants (twice) where the Hawks showed great promise. The Hawks have a clear on-field direction and brand under Sam Mitchell. They showed off a threatening offensive game and blistering ball movement while they also became a much more reliable stoppage and contested possession team. After being ranked 17th for clearance differential from 2015 to 2022, the Hawks finished 2023 seventh in that stat and sixth for contested possession differential. The move of Will Day onto the ball was a masterstroke, Jai Newcombe continued his improvement, James Worpel recaptured his best form and Conor Nash was a wildcard find. James Sicily had a ridiculously good season and is surely in line for a maiden All-Australian blazer, ranking first in the competition for marks and second for intercepts, while he was the No. 1 rated key defender for average disposals. Dylan Moore thrived on the field in his first year in the club’s leadership group, free agent acquisition Karl Amon picked up from where he left off at Port Adelaide, second-year player Connor Macdonald had a big back-end to the season and triple premiership forward Luke Breust – clearly the oldest and most experienced player on Hawthorn’s list – finished with 47 goals.

What went wrong

For all of the Hawks’ promise, there were some horrid performances. Eight of their 16 losses were by nine goals or more and they conceded some big scores, coughing up 100-plus points nine times. The Hawks finished the season ranked 16th for both points scored and points conceded — so for all the glass half-full chat, a 16th-placed finish is bang on. Elsewhere, Changkuoth Jiath struggled with injury and played just eight games, ex-Docker Lloyd Meek probably didn’t have the desired impact in his first year with the Hawks and Denver Grainger-Barras again couldn’t cement his spot in the best 22.

What they need

Considering those points scored/against rankings, the Hawks are scouring the key forward and defender markets. They’ve come late for North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay, while they’ve also been linked to off-contract Cat Esava Ratugolea. The Hawks will again go to the draft this year. They’ll pick up a star with a top-five pick — versatile 195cm prospect Daniel Curtin or dynamic 189cm forward Zane Duursma will be in their mix — then likely match a first-round bid on father-son prospect Will McCabe, a speedy 197cm defender who has great endurance and loves flying for his marks.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

2pm: While the picture appears is more rosy now than what it was pre-season, the Hawks are clearly in a long-term mindset and, you’d think, still a few years away from their next premiership push. And a lot can go wrong in a few years to flip the emerging list build script. But as Mitchell also flagged in October last year: “There is absolutely no ceiling on what this group can achieve or speed limit on how quickly it can be done.” And the reality is the short-term pain hasn’t been as demoralising as many predicted it would. Maybe Hawks fans have already endured the worst of the pain?

Season grade

B+

— Ben Waterworth

17. NORTH MELBOURNE (3-20, 71.5%)

Three word analysis

No Clarko miracle

What went right

The Alastair Clarkson era kicked off on such a positive note after the Roos won their first two games. Unfortunately, it all largely went downhill from there (but more on that later). Perhaps more exciting than anything, North has found two absolute gems in prized draftees Harry Sheezel, who should take home the Rising Star Award, and George Wardlaw, in a silver lining from the Jason Horne-Francis trade. Nick Larkey goes from strength to strength, finishing with a career-best 71 goals to finish third in the Coleman Medal race and consolidate himself as one of the premier key forwards in the competition to build around. North also improved at the contest, going from being ranked 14th and 18th in the competition in clearance differential and clearance efficiency respectively last year to 11th and eighth in 2023. Despite what their record suggests, the building blocks are there for a bright future as the club continues to move into a different era after the retirements of Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington.

What went wrong

Clarkson’s mental health break from May to August was a sad situation and unfortunate blow for North. And in some ways, it made it feel like the legendary coach’s first year at the club was a write-off. Just when the struggling Roos, who’ve finished bottom of the ladder the last two seasons, had something go their way, it was quickly taken away from them. But even before Clarkson’s leave of absence, it was clear this side still had a way to go. Tarryn Thomas was another off-field distraction despite strong form in the back half of the year. The club endured a 20-game losing streak and looked set to finish last again – but at least, allow them to draft likely Pick 1 Harley Reid – before upsetting Gold Coast in Round 24. It marked the Roos’ fourth-consecutive bottom-two finish, meaning they’ll again seek another assistance package from the AFL. North had big problems at either end of the ground, ranking 17th in the league in both points for and points against. Griffin Logue, who was recruited to bolster their defence, suffered a brutal ACL blow, while the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin, Cameron Zurhaar and Tristan Xerri’s campaigns were also disrupted by injury. Their next wave of midfielders coming through, such as Tom Powell and Will Phillips, struggled to take their games to another level.

What they need

Put simply, they still need to improve in multiple areas. The Roos clearly need more support at ether end of the ground, but of great concern for their defence, they’ll be without Logue for most of next year, while Ben McKay is widely expected to depart as a free agent. McKay leaving mightn’t be the worst thing in the bigger picture though if it nets North Picks 2 and 3, where the club can continue to bring elite young talent through the door. Given North hasn’t been linked to any key backs (which is a dry market), it suggests they’ll instead look to give more opportunities to the likes of Miller Bergman, Kallan Dawson and Josh Goater next year and develop them. But could they look to add a cheaper-priced veteran defender, one that may not even be on an AFL list? At the other end of the ground, Larkey is crying out for help. Getting someone like Jack Silvagni would be invaluable, though it’d frankly be a hard sell right now. Recruiting aside, it’s more maturing and natural internal improvement that’s the big key to helping the Roos get to another level.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

1pm. While the Roos went into 2023 as something of a wildcard, particularly with Clarkson at the helm, it quickly became apparent they still have a lot of work to do. Though things could turn quickly for the club beyond 2023 as it continues to add elite young talent, North Melbourne fans will need to remain patient and trust the process for now.

Season grade

F

— Ben Cotton

18. WEST COAST EAGLES (3-20, 53.0%)

Three word analysis

Hit ground zero

What went right

Oscar Allen’s return at a time when the Eagles were desperately crying out for a target in attack was probably West Coast’s biggest positive in a horror season. At just 24, Allen showed he can lead a forward line in retired great Josh Kennedy’s absence, as he kicked 53 goals in a season – more than one in every four of West Coast’s goals for 2023. Add in the fact he didn’t feature at all in 2022 due to injury and then played a lot of this season through pain due to availability issues at the club — and the expectation is he’ll only go better in 2024. Midfielder Tim Kelly was another standout for the struggling Eagles as he further proved his critics wrong. The Eagles did give up a hefty trade hand to secure the West Aussie, but Kelly did everything he could to lift the club. The only highlights for the year came late in the season when they racked up two wins in the space of four weeks – and ranked seventh in the AFL for pressure during those weeks, according to Champion Data.

What went wrong

This could be a very long list, so we’ll give the summed up version: Injuries, illness, form and a mountain of pressure on coach Adam Simpson all conspired to produce West Coast’s worst ever season in club history. Not only did the Eagles cop five 100-plus point drubbings in one season, they finished with a woeful percentage of just 53. One of their highest-paid players Andrew Gaff was so out form he was dropped to sub for Round 18. A decimated defence – plagued by rumours of star Tom Barrass’ potential trade to the Swans – was under siege week after week. And in attack, aside from the lone hand from Allen, there was no target. The Eagles finished the year ranked as the competition’s worst team for points scored, scores per inside 50, points against and opposition score per inside 50. In the middle, West Coast was the worst in the AFL for contested ball and clearances as rookie Reuben Ginbey was left to shoulder a load of the pressure – and it took its toll with his season cut short by injury.

What they need

Direction. Unrest has plagued the club all year, and with the blowtorch placed squarely on coach Adam Simpson, questions need to be asked of those pulling the strings above him. A lack of high draft picks has cruelled their list, along with the fact they’ve kept veterans who either haven’t produced or haven’t been able to get on the park. The big priority is to find a ruckman after Nic Naitanui’s retirement. Despite earning himself a two-year contract extension at the end of 2022, Naitanui didn’t feature at all in 2023 before calling time. Bailey Williams has filled in admirably, but isn’t the answer as number one ruck. They’ve been linked to Essendon’s Nick Bryan, but they’re also keeping tabs on Bulldogs star Tim English, although he’s contracted for another season. Some more forward line help for Oscar Allen could also come in handy. But it’s in the midfield where they desperately need someone to win the hard ball, especially without Luke Shuey there in 2024. This season showed that without a hardened ball-winner like Shuey, they just couldn’t get the ball forward.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

12.01pm: Forget the premiership clock. Finals aren’t even an option for this club in the near future. It’s a sorry state of affairs at West Coast with the club’s list tipping over and their rebuild only just beginning. Coach Adam Simpson has repeatedly warned it’s going to get worse before it gets better at the Eagles. And with just three wins coming in 2023, that’s a scary prospect. They’ve just lost almost 800 games of AFL experience too, with the retirements of Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui.

Season grade

F

— Catherine Healey