The hot teams, the not teams, players on the rise and players on the slide — Kane Cornes looks into his crystal ball ahead of the 2017 AFL season.
Read Kane’s full article here.
HOT TEAMS
GWS
“The addition of Brett Deledio during the trade period makes their forward half even more potent. The Giants have the best list in the competition and it would be a shock if they aren’t running out on Grand Final day in 2017.”
Western Bulldogs
“The premiers have the most depth in the competition, with 33 players on the list having played 10 games or more in the past two seasons. As we saw in 2016, they can cover injuries to key players better than any side in the AFL.”
Sydney Swans
“Despite losing key midfielder Tom Mitchell to Hawthorn during the trade period, the 2016 grand finalist will be a dangerous match-up again in 2017. The midfield is intimidating, with new skipper Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker in their prime.”
St Kilda
“After narrowly missing the finals in 2016 with 12 wins, the Saints should finish in the top eight for the first time since 2011.”
Melbourne Demons
“Melbourne is also likely to break its 10-year finals drought in 2017. New coach Simon Goodwin has an excellent platform for sustained success at the Demons. The club has made the most of its first-round draft picks in recent years as well as adding depth and experience.”
NOT TEAMS
North Melbourne
“Three consecutive years of finals football at North Melbourne is about to come to an end. After winning the first nine games in 2016, the club has been on a steep decline on the field. It also forced four of the club’s champions into retirement, triggering a rebuild of the playing list.”
Brisbane Lions
“The Lions are at the beginning of a total rebuild. The first agenda item for first-year coach Chris Fagan will be to create a culture and a set of standards his players can live by…
“Worst list in the competition.”
Collingwood
“On paper, Collingwood has a list capable of playing finals. Its midfield – led by skipper Scott Pendlebury and supported by Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar – can be scintillating but the side’s lack of defensive action was notable in 2016.”
Hawthorn
“It’s hard to mount a case for the Hawks in 2016. Alastair Clarkson was brutal during the trade period and said goodbye to multiple premiership winning midfielders Sam Mitchell (West Coast), Jordan Lewis (Melbourne) and Brad Hill (Fremantle) in an attempt to rejuvenate his engine room…
“I’m predicting a finish outside of the top eight for the first time since 2009.”
Richmond
“The most scrutinised team in the competition was again disappointing in 2016, winning only eight games. Under-fire coach Damien Hardwick needs a finals berth to save his job at the Tigers…
“Richmond will find it difficult to find multiple avenues towards goal next year and the lack of stars coming through is a concern.”
RISING GUNS
Ollie Wines
“The captain-in-waiting finished the season with 30 disposals or more in five out of the last six games. He stormed home to finish second in Port’s best and fairest behind winner Robbie Gray.”
Jake Lever
“His composure under pressure cannot be taught. Look for him to play with increased confidence in 2017, winning more possession and flying for more aerial contests.”
Peter Wright
Joe Daniher
Christian Petracca
SLIDING STARS
Scott Thompson
“With some coaching demands added to his playing requirements, it won’t be unusual to see Thompson rested in favour of younger teammates.”
Andrew Mackie
“The triple Geelong premiership player averaged just 18 disposals in 2016, his lowest return since 2006. At 32, his outstanding career is nearing the end.”
Brendon Goddard
“Set to play his 300th game in round 11, the current Essendon captain has had a frustrating four years since moving from St Kilda, having only played in one final at the Bombers.”
Dale Thomas
“The former Magpie is four years into a five-year $3.5 million contract at the Blues in what could be the worst free-agency signing in AFL history… injury and poor form have crushed his career.”
Daniel Wells
“Has played just 31 games in the past three seasons and has already suffered an injury setback this pre-season. At his best he is a matchwinner but he will be 32 in February and it wouldn’t be a shock if his body lets him down again.”
Kane also picked five coaches under pressure in 2017.
Including his own former coach…
Ken Hinkley
“Hinkley will need to tinker with his game style this season as opposition scores from Power turnovers in 2016 were catastrophic. He is up for the fight.”
Damien Hardwick
Nathan Buckley
Ross Lyon
Rodney Eade
