With the finals fast approaching, a number of teams find themselves already planning for next year.
Whether your team has missed the finals by a long way, is close to squeezing into the eight, or making up the numbers at the bottom end, clubs will be evaluating their lists to plan their next rise up the ladder.
Here I take a look at the bottom clubs and what they might be looking for next year.
St Kilda
Alan Richardson has just come out and said they will re-build via the draft with free agency a long way off. The Saints best players continue to be their ageing stars with the most obvious deficit on the list some key forwards.
What they need?
Almost everything! A tall forward with the first draft pick would be the number one priority and a class midfielder with any other high draft pick would help the rebuild. At this stage having high draft picks and picking the best quality players available is the key.
Take a punt
The Saints need young players but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rely solely on the draft. If the Saints are prepared to take risks they could fast track their development.
Nick Reiwoldt to Fremantle for Jack Taberner or Michael Apeness, sign up some young talent out of contract from other clubs such as Kristian Jacksch and Jono O’Rourke and putting an offer to Levi Greenwood or David McKay would suddenly add some instant impact.
Personally I think the Saints need to get their hands on some developed youngsters from other clubs but they need to build some culture and history at the club – time to stop letting the older legends of the club go to other clubs.
Brisbane
Brisbane actually have some big positives to work with despite their lowly position. They have some promising key talls, with Justin Clarke, Darcy Gardiner and Michael Close are getting some game time and have shown some good signs. Add James Aish, Lewis Taylor and Nick Robertson to a midfield already with Matthew Leuenberger (when fit), Daniel Rich, Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff and they have a strong base.
What they need
The best class midfielder in the draft. A player with clean footskills is a must to continue to build depth to their midfield.
Take a punt
With Jonathon Brown finished up and Close still developing, what are the chances that Justin Leppitsch would back his knowledge from the Tigers and take a punt on Tyrone Vickery? Could be a useful player if he can live up to his potential? A play for David McKay could also add some finish to their current midfield group.
GWS
They have assembled one of the most talented group of players on any list and just need some time. As the Gold Coast Suns have shown rapid improvement can come as the group gets more games into them and completes another full pre-season.
What they need?
Time. The players they have are quality but if you had to be picky their tall defenders could do with some bolstering. Phil Davis is a good player and they continue to have some quality talls who can play both ends but this is one area the Suns have the upper hand on their fellow expansion club.
Take a punt
James Frawley could be an option if they were looking to bolster their defence but I think they just need to focus on developing their list and signing up their youngsters.
Melbourne
They have come a long way under Paul Roos this season but the last couple of weeks have been a reminder that there is still a long way to go. They have a group of youngsters that are developing and with Tom McDonald, Jesse Hogan, Christian Salem, Dom Tyson, and Jack Viney, their young players have some potential.
What they need?
To re-sign Frawley. Not only for their list but also to show the group that players see a future at Melbourne. Outside of this they need to get quality players in. Another early draft pick will help the re-build.
Take a punt
Let Frawley go and they could receive another high draft pick. Jack Watts could be used as trade bait for a club looking for another forward option. Could Paul Roos lure Craig Bird to the Dees? Perhaps Melbourne’s biggest signing could be their next assistant coach, with the handover from Roosy coming up soon – look out Lingy.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are building a good squad and the most promising sign over the past couple of weeks has been that their youngsters are the ones leading the charge. Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Jake Stringer and Tom Liberatore have been strong and show a healthy future for the Dogs.
What they need?
A key forward. Liam Jones and Jarrad Grant continue to frustrate and while Stewart Crameri was a solid signing, they lack a real tall forward option. The draft could deliver a young tall with so many on offer this year.
Take a punt
The Eagles have stock piled a number of ruckmen and with little support for Wil Minson and the need for a key forward, a play for Scott Lycett or Callum Sinclair could help fill a couple of holes.
Richmond
The Tigers have struggled this year and have been left wanting in the midfield and up forward. They have a raft of recycled players and young players coming through and some tough decisions may need to be made to find out which players can handle the heat and which need to be moved on.
What they need
Forward options. With Ty Vickery failing to fire and Jack Riewoldt played out of position, the lack of alternative goal kickers was obviously. Both small and tall options would be good as well as more depth through the midfield.
Take a Punt
Trade Ty Vickery for a high draft pick. Target the young talent at other clubs. A quality ball user such as Jono O’Rourke from GWS, sign Tim Membrey or Kristian Jacksch and make a play for Scott Lycett to replace Ty Vickery.
Carlton
The Blues have been up and down. They have been competitive with some of the best teams and have had some bad loses. Overall they are overhauling their list with Mick Malthouse finding out who can play and who needs to go.
What they need
Quality mids. They have Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs who are quality players but need to add to their midfield depth to compete with other teams. Also a tall defender to ensure Lachie Henderson can stay forward would be nice. They should position to get themselves a high draft pick to add a quality mid and see what’s out there for another tall defender option.
Take a Punt
The Blues have little to offer in the way of trade bait and whether they have the salary cap room to snag a quality free agent remains unknown given their punt on Daisy. Signing James Frawley or making a play for David MacKay or Levi Greenwood could add some much needed depth and talent.
West Coast
They have been a side which has promised much but failed to deliver in recent seasons. They have strong key defenders and a forward set up which is the envy of a number of clubs. They have no shortage of ruckmen either with four quality ruck options.
What they need
A class midfielder or two. Matt Priddis is a workhorse and Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey have great potential but they really need to find some class through the midfield. Some X factor up forward with a quality goal sneak would round out their forward structure.
Take a Punt
A trade using one of their surplus big men for a quality midfielder is what’s needed. Craig Bird should be a big target and if they can’t find a suitable trade, maybe they should target a first round pick for Scott Lycett – maybe with Port.
Adelaide
With a strong late run, the Crows are looking in a solid position. With a midfield boasting Brad and Matt Crouch, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane and Brodie Smith, they can afford to lose David MacKay. Their forward line suddenly looks potent and they have some quality talls down back.
What they need
Some fine tuning to their list. Scott Thompson and Ben Rutten are on their way out so some replacements for these players would be top of their wish list for the draft.
Take a punt
Adelaide are in a position where a couple of quality signings could make a big impact. A play for Nick Riewoldt or Leigh Montagna from the Saints, or perhaps targeting James Frawley to shore up their defence could put them back into the prelim final with another shot at a grand final.
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