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.
Josh
Expert
North's defense is not as solid as it looks I'm afraid... people forget that we have really been playing just the one true tall defender in Scott Thompson for most of the year, with the likes of Michael Firrito playing "fill in" roles. Kristian Jaksch would be a great get as one we could develop into a serious CHB.
Dalgety Carrington
Guest
It was his first run in the AFL after a knee reco, so we can cut him some slack (plus there has been some talk about him having a bit of flu), he will get better given more time. As for the young brigade, there are a few tall players that are showing a bit, but they still probably need a few more seasons of development. Hannath is probably the first ruck in line, having played a few games and could really blossom next year. The next young ruck option is a young bloke called Moller, who had some state carnivals for NSW where he seemed to be able to do what he wants, but he is very raw still and will be a 3-4 year prospect before he starts to get any regular game time. The KPP talls, Taberner, Apeness and Alex Pearce, are coming along, but wouldn't really start hitting their straps until 2016 or so.
imonty35
Guest
Griffin would want to improve on his output from his last run! Are there any good young talls running around in Freo's WAFL players?
Dalgety Carrington
Guest
I think you'll find Griffin would take on the no. 1 ruck if Sandi were to go at the end of the year, which ain't happening anyways. Still would love the big Griffin to take over the number one mantle next year, with Sandi to station himself deep forward for the majority giving Ballas and Walters a massive target to crumb off. It'd also extend Sandi's career you'd think. Also give Fyfe more time at centre half forward if, touching a forrest of mahogany, Morabito continues to play and improve. I'd put Clarke on a wing to use his height and athleticism with enough structure and freedom to suit his development.
Ian Montgomery
Roar Pro
I though I must have missed something!! Young players are what Fremantly need. With Pav, Sandilands and McPharlin retiring where is the next generation coming from. Obviously Zac Clarke is a lock to take over the number one ruck spot and I do think they have a few good prospects in Hannath, Taberner and Apeness but the concern is whether these players can pick up the slack immediately. I'd be targetting some young WA talent from other clubs coming out of contract and hope that Lyon does a better job of brinign on the young players at Freo than he did at the Saints
Ian Montgomery
Roar Pro
Fair point on the small goal kicking options for the Cats but Hawkins has had to carry the bulk of the load as a lone tall forward at times and they really need some of the young forwards to step up - Kersten, Walker, Brown.... For immediate impact though a short term deal could give them a big kick along.
Gecko
Guest
There must be half a dozen disgruntled Swans who've been running around in their reserves most of the year, and other Swans wondering whether the pay rise they'd hoped for can be fitted into the Swans' salary cap. Could be a feeding frenzy as clubs offer bait to Sam Reid, Brandon Jack, Tom Mitchell, Nathan Jones' little brother and whoever is currently being squeezed out of the Swans' back six. Rampe, Nick Smith, Bird and Parker probably currently underpaid and ripe for big offers. Swans may need advice from Tippett re how to keep all their players in their cap.
Mark
Guest
Not sure about most but he's top 5 for sure
Peter Baudinette
Roar Guru
Michael, I think there is a greater chance of Goodes retiring at the years end than Malceski leaving. I have thrown the Malceski departure thing out there in a few comments but it's more to see if the COLA haters would bite at the suggestion it opens a gaping hole for more Swans action in Trade Week. Even so, if Goodes, O'Keefe and LRT all retire......then lookout! I find it hard to see them letting go of Bird. One more season for Shaw. Two more for Richards. Reg is still young, 3-4 more seasons. That staggers the departures from the back 6 across a few seasons. And as you say, you plug the first hole with Alex Johnson, and then bring in one or two defenders over the coming drafts. I think McVeigh will spend more time off half back from here on in.
Balthazar
Guest
Yep, that was my argument in another thread against all the doomsayers who say we're too old. Well that just proves my point!
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Clearly not a Bombers fan are you...;)
Brian
Guest
Essendon need James Hird back in the driver's seat
dms1972
Guest
Collingwood have another tall forward option, he just hasn't played this season. Ben Reid is the answer up forward if Lachie Keefe and Jack Frost keep developing down back and Nathan Brown can stop doing his knees and shoulders. Otherwise get James Frawley or make a play for one of the GWS forwards (trade Nathan Brown and draft picks for one of Boyd, Patton or Cameron). Jack Watts is not the answer, he will never be anymore than a handy player, especially as a forward. He just doesn't have the bulk or the attitude to be a key position player.
MFairPlay
Roar Guru
"They are still a young side and performing above most people’s expectations, so it’s hardly doom and gloom." Too true! Well done.
Nik
Guest
I guess Fremantle doesn't need anything then?
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
I still reckon Sam Reid could be the replacement for Richards when Ted hangs up the boots. He always looks very capable when he's drifted back into defence. The trick for the Swans will be ensuring that Shaw, Malceski and Richards don't all leave at the same time. But the list management dept at the club have been doing a stellar job so far - no reason to think they'll come a cropper now.
Franko
Guest
Well done Ian, you pretty well nailed Port. The support for Lobbe should come with the return of Redden, who was rated higher than Lobbe before injuries. I can't see the Eagles giving up Lycett with Cox saying goodbye this week, he'll really have to force it. As for Geelong, surprised you didn't have their punt as bringing Paddy Dangerfield home. He and Selwood would make some combo.
Cat
Roar Guru
Gotta disagree on Geelong. Our spread of goal kickers isn't as bad as people assume. Still early days and might not work out as I think but I believe a full season out of Kersten next year (missed the opening 7 weeks of the season through injury, then 3 games in VFl to find form) will make a huge difference plus Motlop and Christensen (combined for 67 goals in 2013 but only 12 in 2014 due to offseason surgeries and large amounts of missed games). So basically we played the first 1/2 of the season minus what would be our 2nd, 3rd and 4th highest goal scorers in most seasons. Add in the expected growth of Horlin-Smith, Caddy, Guthrie and Duncan and I honestly don't see goal spread as an issue. Defense is an issue going forward, Enright might retire and Mackie and lonergan aren't getting younger so if we can snag someone like Frawley for a reasonable contract that would be a wise move, but no need to mortgage the future if he is looking for the reported 7 year $700k per deal. I'd also keep an eye out if any young ruckmen are available at the right price.
Michael huston
Guest
Interesting comments Bosk. I heard somebody say Richards and Grundy were greater than Lennon and McCartney. But in all seriousness, I do think Sydney have done a good job with their back-line. Richards will be a huuuge loss, Shaw is on the way out and if Malceski leaves, that's arguably three of our most important players gone. I think Alex Johnson and Dane Rampe are more than excellent replacements, and Nick Smith is in All Australian form. I think going forward, it will be our biggest concern. But I reiterate: Sydney cannot afford to lose Malceski. Can. Not. Happen.
Bosk
Roar Rookie
Gold Coast needs experience (obviously) but a tall forward wouldn't hurt, could they make a play for Waite? Collingwood need proven talls at both ends. An inside mid willing to run in both directions wouldn't hurt. There's been talk of Eddie offering Jeremy Cameron a Visy-esque Footy Show deal. Essendon needs a prayer to escape the wheels of justice, but their most pressing need is for forwards given how little class they have up front. Norf need someone who knows how to coach, a president with better connections, and better ADD meds for Jack Ziebell. Port need to play more games at Adelaide Oval, a louder siren, a muzzle for Kotchie, and tall forwards. Geelong need to stop refusing to respect their opponents and milking free kicks, along with a quality small defender given Enright & Mackie aren't far from the end. Hawthorn need NASA to develop cybernetic hamstring implants for Cyril, and a quality tall defender to ensure Brian Lake's next involvement with choking comes thanks to his wife, and probably on his birthday. Sydney need to stop subsidizing their list with AFL welfare and find replacements for Grundy & Richards.