Off-season stocktake: Will your club make a flying start to its 2020 campaign?
Few fixtures in the opening five rounds will generate as much excitement as Richmond’s clash with West Coast. Could it be a potential grand final preview? EVERY CLUB’S START REVIEWED
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Which AFL teams will make a flying start to 2020?
After all the toing and froing of trade period and the AFL draft, clubs are months into the pre-season slog as they build toward the home-and-away campaign.
For 17 teams, the planning is all about how to topple Damien Hardwick and his all-conquering Tigers.
What better way to set a platform for success than by dominating the early rounds of the season?
Most clubs have avoided major injury concerns in the off-season, but recent news Lance Franklin will be sidelined for 10 weeks after knee surgery was a setback for Sydney’s preparations.
Here’s how every club’s preparations are shaping up and a look at your club’s chances of success in the early rounds of the year:
ADELAIDE
Last flag: 1998
2019 finish: 11th
First five games
R1 v Sydney (H) AO Sat Mar 21 4.35pm
R2 v Port Adelaide (A) AO Sat Mar 28 7.40pm
R3 v Brisbane Lions (H) AO Sat Apr 4 4.35pm
R4 v Richmond (A) MCG Sat Apr 11 1.45pm
R5 v Essendon (H) AO Sat Apr 26 4.40pm
What a perfect way for the Crows to make a fresh start under new coach Matthew Nicks with four of their first five games at Adelaide, and they would fancy their chances in all four. Beating the Tigers at the MCG will be tough but Crows fans will take a 4-1, even 3-2, start to the season.
How will they go without … Alex Keath?
At 27, the intercepting defender had a breakout year playing 18 games after 12 combined in his previous two seasons since giving up cricket. He was in the top three for intercept marks before an ankle injury in Round 18 sidelined him for four games. Of all the players to leave the Crows in the off-season, Keath would be the player they most wanted to retain, but the return of Tom Doedee from a knee reconstruction can offset that loss.
Where do they throw … Tex Walker?
The former captain on Adelaide radio expressed a desire to play further up the ground on a wing in 2020 and coach Matthew Nicks said he would consider the idea. However, with Josh Jenkins and Eddie Betts among the club’s departures the Crows will need Walker’s presence up forward.
They said: “It was a poor second half results-wise, but I think the players are really enthusiastic about where it’s going. They don’t think they’re as far away as the outside might be saying. You’re never as bad or as good as everyone thinks.” – Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks.
TAB odds:
Premiership $41
Top 4 $17
Top 8 $5
Most losses $7
– Chris Vernuccio
MORE: WHY ADELAIDE CAN SURPRISE UNDER NICKS THIS YEAR
BRISBANE
Last flag: 2003
2019 finish: 2nd
First five games
R1 v Hawthorn (A) MCG Sun Mar 22 3.20pm
R2 v North Melbourne (H) Gabba Sat Mar 28 7.25pm
R3 v Adelaide (A) AO Sat Apr 4 4.35pm
R4 v Collingwood (H) Gabba Thur Apr 18 7.35pm
R5 v Western Bulldogs (A) Marvel Sat Apr 26 7.25pm
The breakout team of 2019 becomes the hunted in 2020. Finished second on the ladder before being bundled out of the finals in straight sets, this is a hungry group ready to win now. Would be considered favourite in each of the first three rounds, before a home blockbuster against the Pies and then a visit to Marvel to take on the Western Bulldogs, who many believe could be the Lions of 2020.
How will they go without … Luke Hodge?
One of the greatest leaders ever to set foot on a footy field is always going to be hard to replace but, to be fair on Hodgey, he was on his last legs and basically playing as an organiser. Harris Andrews came of age last season and will have learned plenty playing with the Hawthorn legend.
Where do they throw … Grant Birchall?
Can he fill the Luke Hodge role? Probably doesn’t need to, but the Lions would love the running defender to be fully fit in 2020 and play the customary attacking half back roll that helped him win four flags at Hawthorn.
They said: “Although we had a good year, we didn’t really get what we wanted out of it towards the end so there’s a lot of hunger in the boys. There’s a bit of a ‘chip on the shoulder’ type scenario where everyone’s come back hungry and the competition internally is right up there.” — Lions wingman Mitch Robinson
TAB odds:
Premiership $10
Top 4 $2.50
Top 8 $1.50
Most losses $251
—Michael Randall
MORE: EIGHT REASONS WHY BRISBANE SHOULD BE OPTIMISTIC FOR 2020
CARLTON
Last flag: 1995
2019 finish: 16th
First five
R1 v Richmond (A) MCG Thurs Mar 19 7.25pm
R2 v Bulldogs (H) Marvel Sat Mar 28 4.35pm
R3 v Essendon (H) MCG Thurs Apr 2 7.25pm
R4 v Sydney (A) SCG Sun Apr 12 1.10pm
R5 v Hawthorn (A) Marvel Sun Apr 19 3.20pm
It is a blockbuster filled opening month of the season for the Blues. Big games against Richmond and Essendon at the MCG, as well as clashes at Marvel against the Bulldogs and Hawthorn. Throw in a trip to Sydney and it adds up to a tough start.
How will they go without … Dale Thomas?
Daisy played 101 games for the Blues across six seasons and produced a solid
2019 campaign, in which he averaged 19 disposals and five marks in 20 games.
They may miss him more than some think.
Where do they throw … Jack Martin?
Blues fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when they finally got their man via the pre-season draft. The big question now is where will he first line up at 2020? Does he go straight into the midfield, or will he get his wish and be throw into the forward line?
They said: "Pre-season has been good. They’ve really brought an energy and a desire to training and a desire to learn. They’re having a red-hot crack," Carlton coach David Teague said.
TAB odds:
Premiership $51
Top 4 $15
Top 8 $4
Most losses $11
– Nick Smart
MORE: EIGHT REASONS THE TEAGUE TRAIN CAN GATHER STEAM AGAIN
COLLINGWOOD
Last flag: 2010
2019 finish: 4th, prelim final
First five games
R1 V Bulldogs (A) Marvel Fri Mar 20 7.50pm
R2 v Richmond (H) MCG Thurs Mar 26 7.25pm
R3 v Hawthorn (A) MCG Sat Apr 4 1.45pm
R4 v Brisbane Lions (A) Gabba Thurs Apr 9 7.35pm
R5 v Port Adelaide (H) MCG Sat Apr 18 1.10pm
The Woods leave Victoria to the face the Lions at the Gabba, and they’ll also face tough contests against reigning premier Richmond, bogey side Hawthorn and the tipped-to-improve Dogs.
How will they go without … Dayne Beams?
Very few significant list changes by the Magpies at the end of 2019, but of the current crop they face the prospect of being without Beams (mental health) for at least the start of 2020. There is no date set for his return.
Where do they throw … Ben Reid?
The 2010 premiership player looked set for retirement after a largely luckless injury run before returning and doing enough in Collingwood’s preliminary final loss to the Giants to earn a new one-year deal. He made his bones as a defender, but will the Magpies select him in their Round 1 side up forward and back him in? A fit Reid would keep Mason Cox on his toes.
They said: "It was a wasted opportunity (in 2019) but it wasn't a wasted season. Season 2019 was a reinforcement of the positive gains we made the year before," coach Nathan Buckley.
TAB odds:
Premiership $8
Top 4 $2.10
Top 8 $1.25
Most losses $501
– Nick Smart
MORE: EIGHT REASONS THE MAGPIES ARE CERTAINTIES TO CONTEND
ESSENDON
Last flag: 2000
2019 finish: 8th, qualifying final
First five games
R1 v Fremantle (H) Marvel Mar 21 1.45pm
R2 v Sydney (A) SCG Mar 27 7.50
R3 v Carlton (A) MCG Apr 2 7.25pm
R4 v GWS Giants (H) Apr 11 7.25pm
R5 v Adelaide (A) AO Apr 16 7.40pm
A free hit for outgoing coach John Worsfold or a swift in-season exit for successor Ben Rutten? Either way, the start is crucial for Essendon, players, staff and increasingly nervous fans and members hungry for success. Overcame a slow start last season to sneak into the eight only then to be dismantled by West Coast. Could be 3-0 with luck before tough match ups against GWS Giants and Adelaide.
How will they go without … Mitch Brown
Tall goalkickers can be hard to come by, especially consistent ones, so pressure is on injury prone targets Joe Daniher and Shaun McKernan to stay fit and healthy in 2020. Brown booted 55 goals in 59 games in black and red. His absence also heaps pressure on lively small forward Orazio Fantasia who look to hit the season in full flight.
Where do they throw … Andy McGrath
After 64 games across three seasons, the apprenticeship is over for the 2016 No. 1 draft pick. Nothing but full-time midfield minutes should be the benchmark for the silky-skilled 21 year-old line-breaker.
They said: “The game evolves fairly quickly. Fundamentally, it’s still the same, but we’ll try to incorporate a few things from elsewhere.” – New assistant coach Blake Caracella
TAB odds:
Premiership $29
Top 4 $7
Top 8 $2.50
Most losses $34
— Gilbert Gardiner
MORE: WHY THIS CAN BE THE YEAR DONS END FINALS DROUGHT
FREMANTLE
Last flag: N/A
2019 finish: 13
First five
R1 v Essendon (A) Marvel Stadium 1:45PM
R2 v Hawthorn (H) Optus Stadium 6:20PM
R3 v Melbourne (A) MCG 1.10PM
R4 v Gold Coast (H) Optus Stadium 4.35PM
R5 v North Melbourne (A) Blundstone Arena 1.10PM
This is about as good as it gets for a team looking to push into the top 8. The Dockers open their season with only one game against a team who made the finals last year. Any less than two wins will be a blow for this group.
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How will they go without … Bradley Hill?
Every team in the league wants pace. So what happens when you lose one of the best runners in the game? The Dockers will be hoping Stephen Hill, who is returning from injury, can provide the same run and carry.
Where do they throw … James Aish?
He made his name as a defender at Collingwood but there is no doubt Aish has the ability to press up onto a wing. With the Magpies needing to cut salary, it’s possible he could prove to be one of the steals of the trade period.
They said: “He smashed our time trial, he’s in unbelievable nick. I think he’s got his name pencilled in round one for that wing position, and someone is going to have to knock him off for that.” – Nat Fyfe on Brett Bewley.
TAB odds:
Premiership $51
Top 4 $17
Top 8 $6
Most losses $9
– Liam Twomey
MORE: WHY DOCKERS SHOULD BE BULLISH ABOUT LONGMUIR’S FIRST YEAR
GEELONG
Last flag: 2011
2019 finish: Prelim final
First five games
R1 v GWS Giants (A) GS Sat Mar 21 7.25pm
R2 v Gold Coast (H) GMHBA Sun Mar 29 1.10pm
R3 v West Coast (A) OS Sat Apr 4 8.10pm
R4 v Hawthorn (H) MCG Mon Apr 13 3.20pm
R5 v St Kilda (H) GMHBA Apr 19 4.40pm
Awkward start, having to travel twice in the first three rounds for tantalising showdowns with two serious premiership aspirants. The Cats’ 2020 bona fides will become obvious by the time Easter Monday rolls around. Opened with a bang last year, winning four of the first five to set up the minor premiership, however, this looks harder on paper.
How will they go without … Tim Kelly?
The Cats responded to Gary Ablett’s Gold Coast defection with a premiership but a lot of has changed down the highway since then. Let’s not beat around the bush, Kelly leaves a gaping hole in Geelong’s midfield.
Where do they throw … Jack Steven?
Steven is one of the most damaging midfield jets in the game, able to break lines and kick goals, form and fitness permitting. That is the big unknown.
They said: “We have a lot of improvement in us. For a team that finished top there is a lot of improvement to come.” – Second-year Cat Luke Dahlhaus
TAB odds:
Premiership $12
Top 4 $2.75
Top 8 $1.60
Most losses $101
— Gilbert Gardiner
MORE: WHY YOU SHOULDN’T WRITE OFF GEELONG WITHOUT KELLY
GOLD COAST
Last flag: N/A
2019 finish: 18th
First five
R1 v Port Adelaide (H) Metricon Sat Mar 21 7.25pm
R2 v Geelong (A) GMHBA Sun Mar 29 1.10pm
R3 v Sydney (H) Metricon Sun Apr 5 4.40pm
R4 v Fremantle (A) PS Apr 11 4.35pm
R5 v Melbourne (H) Metricon Sun Apr 18 1.10pm
Gold Coast could start the season 0-5 with tough road trips to Geelong and Perth in their first five rounds. Three games at Metricon against 2019 bottom-10 sides helps and winning one or two of those will show if they’ve improved from last season.
How will they go without … Jack Martin?
The Suns managed to lose former mini-draft selection Jack Martin and get nothing in return after refusing to bow down to Carlton’s offer. Martin got there anyway through the pre-season draft and he could make them pay if he lives up to his glittering potential.
Where do they throw … Matt Rowell?
All eyes will be on where No. 1 pick Matt Rowell lines up in Round 1 – expect him to be in their first centre bounce. Along with excitement machine Izak Rankine – who is yet to make his debut – into their forward mix and fellow top-10 picks Noah Anderson and Sam Flanders, their fans will get a glimpse of what’s to come in the future.
They said: “It’s a bit of a dream come true. We’ve kind of joked about playing at an AFL club together and now it’s actually real,” Matt Rowell on being drafted with best mate Noah Anderson.
TAB odds …
Premiership $251
Top 4 $67
Top 8 $21
Most losses $1.50
– Dan Batten
MORE: EIGHT REASONS THE SUNS WILL IMPROVE IN 2020
GWS GIANTS
Last flag: N/A
2019 finish: Beaten grand finalist
First five
R1 v Geelong (H) Giants Stadium Sat Mar 21 7.25pm
R2 v Melbourne (A) MCG Sat Mar 28 1.45pm
R3 v Western Bulldogs (H) UNSW Canberra Oval Fri Apr 3 7.50pm
R4 v Essendon (A) Marvel Stadium Sat Apr 11 7.25pm
R5 v Sydney (A) SCG Sat Apr 18 7.10pm
The grand finalist will be favourite in at least three of these matches, with its Round 1 fixture against Geelong and Round 3 game against Western Bulldogs the pick of the opening five rounds. The match against the Bulldogs should be a beauty if the recent rivalry between the clubs is anything to go by. There’ll certainly be no love lost in the nation’s capital.
How will they go without … a spate of injuries?
The Giants were hit hard by injuries to key players and fans of the grand finalist must be optimistic about what 2020 could hold with a fitter list. If they get the best out of skipper Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly can feature in a full campaign and Callan Ward returns to his bullocking best, then look out. There’s no reason the Giants can’t contend again if they have a better run with injury.
Where do they throw … Toby Greene?
Greene flourished as a midfielder in the absence of Ward, Coniglio and Matt De Boer in the second half of 2019, but has played predominantly as a midfielder in GWS’ best team. Does Leon Cameron use him in the same role Nathan Buckley deploys Jordan De Goey, capable of pinch-hitting in the middle when the game is up for grabs? Or does Greene become a part of the full-time midfield rotation this year?
They said: “I’m just so excited by what we’re doing here and where we can build to both as a team and a club and I look forward to leading us into that future.” — new Giants skipper Stephen Coniglio.
TAB odds:
Premiership $9
Top 4 $2.25
Top 8 $1.30
Most losses $501
– Tim Michell
MORE: EIGHT REASONS THE GIANT CAN GO ONE BETTER
HAWTHORN
Last flag: 2015
2019 finish: 9th
First five
R1 v Brisbane (H) MCG Sun Mar 22 3.20pm
R2 v Fremantle (A) Optus Stadium Sun Mar 29 6.20pm
R3 v Collingwood (H) MCG Sat Apr 4 1.45pm
R4 V Geelong (A) MCG Mon Apr 13 3.20pm
R5 v Carlton (H) Marvel Sun Apr 19 3.20pm
A bit of everything in the first five rounds for the Hawks. They host Brisbane in their season opener, travel to Perth and then face huge games against quality sides Collingwood and Geelong. Challenging start.
How will they go without … Jarryd Roughead?
He may have played only eight senior games in 2019, but the retirement of Jarryd
Roughead leaves a huge hole at Waverley. Almost all of the players have never known Hawthorn without Roughy, so his loss will be felt deeply around the club.
Where do they throw … Chad Wingard?
Wingard's second half of 2019 demonstrated why Alastair Clarkson wanted him at Hawthorn. He played through the middle and as a small forward last season. That may continue or the Hawks could lock him down into a set position.
They said: “It’s weird seeing Roughy in a St Kilda top and Birch in a Brisbane Lions top, but it’s almost like a changing of the guard in a little sense and I’m really excited by what our new crop of players can do," Hawks midfielder Jaeger O'Meara said.
TAB odds:
Premiership $15
Top 4 $3.75
Top 8 $1.75
Most losses $101
– Nick Smart
MORE: WHY CLARKO CAN FAST TRACK HAWKS RETURN TO FLAG CONTENDER
MELBOURNE
Last flag: 1964
2019 finish: 17th
First five games
R1 v West Coast (A) OS Mar 22 6.20pm
R2 v GWS Giants (H) MCG Mar 28 1.45pm
R3 v Fremantle (H) MCG Apr 5 1.10pm
R4 v St Kilda (A) Marvel Apr 12 4.40pm
R5 v Gold Coast (A) MS Apr 18 1.10pm
Some would argue Melbourne’s deplorable 2019 campaign was built on the back of its 66-point 2018 preliminary final nightmare against West Coast in Perth, so what better way to banish the demons of seasons’ past than with a win over the Eagles on their home deck. It might be a bridge too far, given the potential strength of the Eagles’ best 22, but with GWS Giants and likely improvers Fremantle and St Kilda next up the Dees must be desperate to bank wins early.
How will they go without … Jordan Lewis?
Lewis might not have put Champion Data out of business with big numbers in his swan song season, but what the Dees will miss the most is the veteran’s smarts and organisation skills. Is Nathan Jones a candidate for the on field coach role masquerading as a defensive forward?
Where do they throw … Kysaiah Pickett?
The nephew of Byron Pickett and Neville Jetta, who maps like a cult figure in the making at Melbourne, would be in the box seat to fill the forward role vacated by Jeff Garlett.
They said: “The players are in a really good headspace and they’ve attacked the pre-season … it was made pretty clear to them that we needed to become fitter and stronger and more able to cope with the rigours of AFL footy.” – Demons director of coaching Alan Richardson
TAB odds …
Premiership $26
Top 4 $7
Top 8 $2.50
Most losses $34
— Gilbert Gardiner
MORE: WHY DEES FANS SHOULD BELIEVE CLUB CAN REBOUND QUICKLY
NORTH MELBOURNE
Last flag: 1999
2019 finish: 12th
First five games
R1 v St Kilda (H) Marvel Mar 22 1.10pm
R2 v Brisbane Lions (A) G Mar 28 7.25pm
R3 v Port Adelaide (H) Marvel Apr 4 7.25pm
R4 v Western Bulldogs (H) Marvel Apr 10 4.20pm
R5 v Fremantle (H) BA Apr 19 1.10pm
It took Brad Scott six seasons to taste Round 1 success at North Melbourne but new coach Rhyce Shaw can do it in one with an evenly matched clash St Kilda to kickstart proceedings. It gets harder though, with a trip to Brisbane before a treble of bogey teams who tend to trouble the Shinboners. Started poorly last year (1-4) and can least afford a repeat in 2020.
How will they go without … Scott Thompson?
The bedrock of the back six for more than a decade will be missed but ‘Scooter’s’ retirement opens the door for Sam Durdin, Ben McKay and recruit Josh Walker to cement a spot.
Where do they throw … Aiden Bonar?
High draft pick, who was starved of opportunity at GWS Giants, will get the chance to impress through the midfield and half forward. Has the size and tricks to impact straight away.
They said: “I am really keen for our fans, our members, for the AFL to understand when North Melbourne take the field they will play a really hard and physical game … that is in summary how I want it to be.” – Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw
TAB odds …
Premiership $34
Top 4 $8
Top 8 $3
Most losses $41
— Gilbert Gardiner
MORE: WHY NORTH’S RESURGENCE UNDER SHAW WON’T BE FALSE DAWN
PORT ADELAIDE
Last flag: 2004
2019 finish: 10th
First five
R1 v Gold Coast (A) Metricon Sat Mar 21 7.25pm
R2 v Adelaide (H) AO Sun Mar 28 7.40pm
R3 v North Melbourne (A) Marvel Sat Apr 4 7.25pm
R4 v West Coast (H) AO Fri Apr 10 7.50pm
R5 v Collingwood (A) MCG Sat Apr 18 1.10pm
The Power don’t play a top eight side until Round 4 and would be hopeful of going 3-0 before tough clashes with West Coast and Collingwood. Anything less than two wins before that point is a failure, especially with their cross-town rivals losing a number of key players.
How will they go without … Dougal Howard?
Howard was trialled in defence and attack for the Power but there is no doubting he is best suited down back. Key defenders in his mould are hard to come by and he could be the one that got away.
Where do they throw … Miles Bergman?
Ken Hinkley threw his youngsters straight into the deep end last season, so he is every chance to do the same with exciting talent Miles Bergman, their first pick in the 2019 draft. An attacking midfielder with great athleticism and overhead marking ability, Power fans will be eager to see him sooner rather than later.
They said: “Having Charlie (Dixon), Ebo (Brad Ebert) and Hartsy (Hamish Hartlett) training a lot more in the pre-season is exciting. The new faces who have come in – to get three first-round draft picks and a couple of father-sons – is an exciting time for the club,” Darcy Byrne Jones said.
TAB odds
Premiership $34
Top 4 $11
Top 8 $3.50
Most losses $17
– Dan Batten
MORE: WHY YOUTH CAN LIFT POWER TO ANOTHER LEVEL
RICHMOND
Last flag: 2019
2019 finish: Premiers
First five games
R1 v Carlton (H) MCG Thu Mar 19 7.25pm
R2 v Collingwood (A) MCG Thu Mar 26 7.25pm
R3 v St Kilda (A) Marvel Sun Apr 5 3.20pm
R4 v Adelaide (H) MCG Sat Apr 11 1.45pm
R5 v West Coast (A) OS Fri Apr 17 8.10pm
Huge rivalries to start the 2020 season and no reason why the premiers can’t board a plane to Perth riding a 4-0 record. Went 3-2 last year despite being struck down by injuries but with even luck and improvement should be able to improve on that with three of the first four at the MCG fortress.
How will they go without … Alex Rance?
They won the flag without the five-time All Australian last year without Rance and others early due to injury so more of the same in 2020. The benchmark.
Where do they throw … Marlion Pickett?
Straight in the midfield. Would take a brave coach to snub the grand final debutant in Round 1.
They said: “(Hardwick) acknowledges that if we play the exact same as we did in 2019, it’s not going to be good enough in 2020.” – Tigers premiership defender Dylan Grimes
TAB odds:
Premiership $5
Top 4 $1.60
Top 8 $1.15
Most losses $1001
— Gilbert Gardiner
MORE: WHY TIGER DOMINANCE WILL CONTINUE IN 2020
ST KILDA
Last flag: 1966
2019 finish: 14th
First five
R1 v North Melb (A) Marvel Sun Mar 22 1.10pm
R2 v West Coast (H) Marvel Sun Mar 29 3.20pm
R3 v Richmond (H) Marvel Sun Apr 5 3.20pm
R4 v Melbourne (H) Marvel Sun Apr 12 4.40pm
R5 v Geelong (A) GMHBA Sun Apr 19 4.40pm
The Saints don't leave Victoria in the first five rounds, with their first four games at Marvel Stadium. Although, they face some difficult opponents in West Coast, Richmond and the Cats in Geelong.
How will they go without … Josh Bruce and Jack Steven?
Forward Josh Bruce is now at the Whitten Oval while Jack Steven is now a Cat. It's a bit of talent to be walking out the door, but that was offset by some quality acquisitions.
Where do they throw … everybody?
The Saints were the winners of the trade period, with Dan Butler, Bradley Hill, Dougal Howard, Zak Jones, Paddy Ryder all now at the Saints. They all walk into the Saints' best 22, so Brett Ratten's Round 1 side will look remarkably different to its 2019 outfit.
They said: "“All those guys (new recruits) add different elements to our game and if they’re all fit and well, along with Dylan Roberton and Jarryn Geary and Jimmy Webster and myself, it should hopefully be a pretty different looking team," Saints midfielder Dan Hannebery said.
TAB odds:
Premiership $29
Top 4 $8
Top 8 $2.75
Most losses $21
– Nick Smart
MORE: WHY GOOD FEELING CAN CONTINUE FOR SAINTS UNDER RATTEN
SYDNEY
Last flag: 2012
2019 finish: 15th
First five
R1 v Adelaide (A) Adelaide Oval Sat Mar 21 4.35pm
R2 v Essendon (H) SCG Fri Mar 27 7.50pm
R3 v Gold Coast (A) Metricon Stadium Sun Apr 5 4.40pm
R4 v Carlton (H) SCG Sun Apr 12 1.10pm
R5 v GWS (H) SCG Sat Apr 18 7.10pm
Could the Swans win their first four? The likely absence of Lance Franklin will hurt, but Sydney has every opportunity to make a flying start to 2020 when it takes on the Crows (11th in 2019), Bombers (8th), Suns (18th) and Blues (16th). That would set up a blockbuster Round 5 derby against the Giants.
How will they go without … Lance Franklin early?
Superstar Franklin is in doubt for Round 1 after undergoing knee surgery which will sideline him for 10 weeks. Buddy faces a race against time to be fit for the Swans’ opening month, but John Longmire has Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin and Sam Reid to call on. If there’s an area Sydney could afford to lose a player it’s from its key forward stocks, despite how important Franklin is.
Where do they throw … Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills?
Heeney spent a fair chunk of last season playing forward due to Franklin being restricted to 10 games. Heeney is heading into his sixth season and the likelihood of increased midfield time has beckoned in recent years. Mills featured predominantly across halfback but Longmire must be tempted to throw two of his prized assets into the regular midfield mix and provide more support for Josh Kennedy and co.
They said: “We had players back in early November which was foreign territory for the Swans having played finals footy for the last nine years. The players came back fit and healthy and eager to get stuck in to a big pre-season.” — football boss Charlie Gardiner.
TAB odds:
Premiership $41
Top 4 $11
Top 8 $3.50
Most losses $34
– Tim Michell
MORE: EIGHT REASONS SYDNEY FANS SHOULD BE EXCITED FOR THIS YEAR
WEST COAST
Last flag: 2018
2019 finish: 5th
First five
R1 v Melbourne (H) Optus Stadium 06:20PM
R2 v St Kilda (A) Marvel Stadium 03:20PM
R3 v Geelong (H) Optus Stadium 08:10PM
R4 v Port Adelaide (A) Adelaide Oval 07:50PM
R5 v Richmond (H) Optus Stadium 08:10PM
The Eagles will have every chance of starting 2020 with a bang. Their three hardest matches, including two against sides who finished in the top four last year, will all be played at home. Meanwhile, away matches against St Kilda and Port Adelaide won’t hold any fears for this experienced group. A 4-1 or 5-0 start would give this group the perfect launching pad for another top four finish.
How will they go without … no one?
The Eagles didn’t lose anyone in the off-season via trade or free agency. The only list changes the club made were 10 delistings and apart from Chris Masten, none of them saw regular senior games.
Where do they throw … Tim Kelly?
Right in the middle of the guts and let him run riot. The addition of Kelly in the off-season gives West Coast arguably the best midfield in the game. It might take a little bit of time for him to get used to his new midfield mates like Gaff, Yeo and Shuey but once they do, there could be no stopping this group
They said: “I’m pretty keen to see myself and Nic and the other mids, our chemistry evolve and gel over the next couple of months. Nic, when he’s up and about, he’s clearly the best ruckman in the league.” – Tim Kelly on Nic Naitanui.
TAB odds:
Premiership $6
Top 4 $1.65
Top 8 $1.20
Most losses $1001
– Liam Twomey
MORE: HOW KELLY WILL MAKE FLAG CONTENDER EVEN STRONGER
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Last flag: 2016
2019 finish: Elimination final
First five
R1 V Collingwood (H) Marvel Fri Mar 20 7.50pm
R2 v Carlton (A) Marvel Sat Mar 28 4.35pm
R3 v GWS Giants (A) UNSW Canberra Friday Apr 3 7.50pm
R4 v North Melb (A) Marvel Friday Apr 10 4.20pm
R5 v Brisbane (H) Marvel Sat Apr 18 7.25pm
Huge season opener for the Dogs up against the Magpies at home. They'll also be
tested by a road trip to face the Giants and then a clash with fast improving
Brisbane Lions at Marvel.
How will they go without … Dale Morris?
The much loved Dog will be sorely missed around the Whitten Oval. Morris, who played 253 games across 14 seasons, was the heart and soul of the Dogs and that is hard to replace.
Where will they throw … Alex Keath?
They will throw the new recruit down back as an intercept defender, but the bigger question is just how effective will he be in his first year at the Dogs? The former Crow had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his lower leg in late 2019, although he has said it shouldn't affect his 2020 campaign. Time will tell.
They said: “I want to try to lead the forward line and be a bit of cannon fodder for young Naughts (Aaron Naughton) … just take the hits for him and (Josh) Schache and hopefully one of us can get off the chain," new recruit Josh Bruce said.
TAB odds:
Premiership $11
Top 4 $2.60
Top 8 $1.60
Most losses $101
– Nick Smart
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Originally published as Off-season stocktake: Will your club make a flying start to its 2020 campaign?
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