- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Having had a look at the lower half of the AFL ladder in part 1, today we assess the top of the table and what they need to make next season a success.
Gold Coast
The Suns have been building their list and making progress each season, and clearly have a talented
squad. Whether or not they make the finals this year they are building, and with another pre-season under their belts and with a further 15-20 games experience, next year promises to be exciting.
What they need
Not much. A star-studded midfield, quality talls at either end and the best player in the comp, time is perhaps the only thing they need, along with some experience in big games.
Take a punt
No need. Give the players all the resources you can off the field and develop them into a powerhouse side over the next two years.
Collingwood
The Pies have had an up and down season. They showed promise and resilience early in the year, with some good young talent coming through, but cracks are appearing of late.
What they need
Another forward option. Travis Cloke is their only serious tall threat up front, with Jesse White plagued by injuries and some inconsistent form. They have some quality small forwards but need another avenue to goal.
With their premiership window open and recent first round draft picks secured in the past two years, a ready-made player is a must. They need to get some more midfield class into their side as well.
Take a punt
Jack Watts. He is a frustrating player and I’m not overly convinced he works as hard as he could, but as a number one draft pick with immense talent, he has the potential to be a more influential player when surrounded by more quality players.
Essendon
The Bombers’ on-field performances have been overshadowed by the ongoing supplements scandal, and with show cause notices hanging over most of their squad the future is uncertain. Assuming that their current list are all available next season, where do they sit?
What they need
A closer look at the Bombers list shows they have a good spread of quality youngsters across a number of positions. If anything they need to begin looking at midfield replacements, as some of their core group of midfielders are close to the end of their careers. A young key forward or young ruckman could also be on the agenda.
Take a punt
With a couple of key signings it is not unthinkable to have the Bombers pushing for a top-four spot. Another goal kicking option, Jarrod Waite perhaps? Along with another quality midfielder such as David MacKay or Craig Bird could just push them up into contention in the next couple of seasons.
North Melbourne
The Kangaroos have been building, with some big wins this year, along with a few unexpected results. The fine tuning of their game plan is hopefully moving them closer to being a genuine top-four contender. They have been able to maintain their position in the eight and their performances more effectively than the Tigers.
What they need
A replacement for Drew Petrie. Their defence is looking solid and they have a core group of developing midfielders, so another forward option would be a plus. Given they are pushing for a tilt at the top four and a possible premiership in the next three years, they can afford to recruit a player nearing his peak.
Take a punt
Interesting to see who they can get, with tall forwards hard to come by nearing their peak. A trade package for Jonathon Patton or biding their time for a crack at Jeremy Cameron?
With a couple of bigger bodies up front they need a roaming half forward or a lead up forward – Tim Membrey or Kristian Jacksch would be longer term prospects, but if they want to be bold sign up James Frawley.
Port Adelaide
After looking unbeatable when two games clear on top of the ladder the Power have slowed. Teams are learning how to shut them down and with a few injuries their depth has been tested. They are still a young side and performing above most people’s expectations, so it’s hardly doom and gloom.
What they need
Support for Matthew Lobbe and another option up forward. With Jackson Trengove out injured and John Butcher having failed to develop over the past year or so, there are a couple of holes in their list. Jay Schultz is also not getting any younger. They won’t have too many options for an early draft pick so their best bet may be to look uncontracted players.
Take a punt
They need Scott Lycett. He can provide another option in attack and also help ease the load on Matthew Lobbe. At just 22 he fits their age profile and will be well and truly at his prime as the Power push for a regular top-four position and premiership tilt over the coming seasons.
Geelong
Geelong are in the process of overhauling their list and have balanced the need of blooding youngsters as their ageing champions retire. Although they might not be dominating as they have in the past, most teams would take a lower place in the eight as a bottoming out.
What they need
Replacements for their tall defenders and some help for Tom Hawkins. Shane Kersten has looked promising alongside Hawkins but a spread of goal kickers is always needed. Nathan Vardy back on the field should help this. There has already been some reports of interest in James Frawley as well.
Take a punt
Clear some room in the salary cap and make a big play for Steven May when he comes out of contract. Frawley would be the obvious choice for a ready-made replacement and perhaps a play for an older forward to support Hawkins – such as Jarrad Waite – could be options if they want to be a genuine challenger next season
Hawthorn
The Hawks are coming off a premiership and their forward set up has looked stronger despite the departure of Buddy Franklin. They are bringing through some exciting youngsters like Brad Hill, Angus Litherland, Mitch Hallahan and Billy Hartung. There is some real talent pushing through.
What they need
An ongoing and proactive list management strategy. Perhaps a tall defender is their most pressing issue, with James Frawley top of the list. Their midfield is getting older and whether the next generation are there to take up the slack is yet to be seen.
Take a punt
Get one back on the Swans and sign up Craig Bird. This will help fill the gap between the ageing stars and the developing youngsters.
Sydney Swans
A deep list, a potent forward line, strong midfield and reliable defence. There are no holes in the Swans squad, especially given Mike Pyke’s ability to hold down a strong position in the ruck.
So what do the Swans require in 2015? To keep their players!
What they need
Some would say more room in their salary cap to ensure they keep all their players. They need a long-term view, with young tall defenders perhaps the focus in the draft. With guys like Tom Mitchell and Tim Membrey running around in the reserves there is some depth there, they just need to hold on to it.
Take a punt
No need. Develop some youth, especially through their academy, manage their salary cap to keep their squad and they should remain near the top for a few years to come.
Think outside the square and if Craig Bird looks like leaving perhaps a trade for a top-three draft pick could keep the production line coming for the Swans.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.