Mick McGuane’s magnet moves that have changed 2024 season

Coaches can have a huge say on the premiership race — and this season has been no different. MICK MCGUANE examines the daring magnet moves which have defined 2024.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 02: Rory Lobb of the Bulldogs kicks the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 21 match between Footscray and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on August 02, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He’s worked the magnets for almost 300 games at Keilor.

So when it comes to magnet moves, Mick McGuane knows a thing or two.

At AFL level, there have been several telling role changes made by coaches which have helped shape the 2024 season.

From Tom Stewart dodging taggers to Dayne Zorko’s halfback ressurection, the guile of coaches has had a huge impact for several flag contenders.

MICK MCGUANE'S 12 BEST COACHING MOVES OF 2024

1. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions)

The move of Zorko to replace the injured Keidean Coleman across halfback has been a masterstroke. The Lions want to get the ball in Zorko’s hands and his strong ball use helps kickstart their offence. Brisbane’s rise up the ladder has coincided with his form.

Dayne Zorko has been in All-Australian form at halfback. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

2. Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

There’s been a drop-off in recent weeks, but we can’t forget what Heeney did in the first half of the season after moving into the midfield. It was an inspired move from coach John Longmire, with Heeney proving incredibly damaging with his contest wins, creative ball use going forward and goal kicking ability.

Tom Stewart has been back to his best since being released into midfield. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

3. Tom Stewart (Geelong)

At halfback, Stewart was a sitting duck for close opposition attention and was struggling to impact games. But he has been flying since Chris Scott shifted him into the midfield. He gives the Cats a different midfield dynamic with his competitiveness yet can subtly drift back behind the ball and allow a Mitch Duncan to be a roaming midfielder.

4. Hayden Young (Fremantle)

This move started late last year, but I admire greatly the onballer Young has become this season. He complements Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong perfectly, providing elite foot skills and generating scoring opportunities through his high number of inside-50 entries.

5. Jy Caldwell (Essendon)

After spending time mostly forward and a small percentage of time on a wing last year, Caldwell has taken his game to another level as genuine onballer this season. He provides the Bombers’ with a better balance around the ball as a hard-nosed and accountable player, while he is also averaging a career-high 22.7 disposals a game.

Toby Bedford (right) has become one of the AFL’s stingiest taggers. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

6. Toby Bedford (Greater Western Sydney)

A one-time fleet-of-foot forward, Bedford has been given some significant run-with roles through the midfield since round 14, including playing on Zak Butters, Chad Warner, Jordan Dawson, Patrick Cripps and Tim Taranto. He’s sacrificing his normal role as a quick, pressure forward for the betterment of his team.

7. Alex Cincotta (Carlton)

A versatile player, Cincotta provides coach Michael Voss with great flexibility given his ability to play tagging roles on different types of opposition players. The former defender has been deployed through the midfield as a run-with player this year, but can also be a defensive forward or go back to defence.

8. Trent Rivers (Melbourne)

The Demons were left with a huge hole to fill when star midfielder-forward Christian Petracca went down with a season-ending injury before the bye. Since round 15, Rivers has stepped up and gone from being reliable defender to a damaging midfielder. It’s a real positive out of a sad and bad situation for Melbourne.

Karl Amon has become Hawthorn’s main distributor. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

9. Karl Amon (Hawthorn)

The former Port Adelaide wingman started his time at Hawthorn in the same role, but has since been shifted to halfback. From there, he reads the play well, finds space to become a usable option for teammates and he penetrates the game with his elite disposal and metres gained.

10. Rory Lobb (Western Bulldogs)

Injuries created an unexpected opportunity for the long-time forward and relief ruckman, who has accepted a challenge to play as a key defender since round 16. His success in the new role has certainly surprised me, but he looks comfortable back there and has helped elevate the Bulldogs’ intercepting game.

Rory Lobb has resurrected his Bulldogs career since moving back. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

11. Josh Daicos (Collingwood)

An All-Australian and club best and fairest winner on a wing last year, Daicos has been redeployed at halfback the past two weeks to good effect. He’s averaged 26 disposals and six rebound-50s across those two games, helping the Magpies kickstart their back-to-front ball movement.

12. Esava Ratugolea (Port Adelaide)

Again a small sample size of only the past just two weeks, but the player that the Power recruited as a key defender looks more natural as a forward. Heading into finals, it’s good for coach Ken Hinkley to know he has a potential swingman available if needed. Ratugolea just needs to improve his accuracy, having booted a wasteful 3.5 from his two games in attack.