For many people, the beginning of a new year represents a fresh start with goals and wishes in place that we wish to see happen.
The same can be said for AFL clubs, as they all aim for the greatest success at the end of every season.
As it stands, all clubs are just wishing for things to happen with the beginning of the season still a while away.
Here is a look at what each club may be wishing for.
Hawthorn: Tom Scully’s ankle heals to perfection
Eyebrows were raised when Scully was allowed to leave GWS so cheaply, but if the Hawks’ medical team can get him out on the field it will be an absolute steal. At his best, Scully is one of the best, if not the best, two-way runners in the game and would add to an already strong Hawthorn midfield.
Melbourne: Sam Weideman takes a giant leap
Weideman made his mark in the Demons’ run to the preliminary final and with Jesse Hogan now departed, there is plenty of opportunity for the key forward to make the position his own. 2019 could quite easily be the making of Sam Weideman.
North Melbourne: New recruits shine, show their worth
The Kangas may have missed out on the likes of Andrew Gaff, but the inclusion of Jared Polec gives the midfield some added class. Aaron Hall, Jasper Pittard and Dom Tyson are also handy inclusions and probably aren’t getting as much credit as they deserve right now.
Port Adelaide: Lycett takes the load off Paddy
It’s no secret that Paddy Ryder isn’t getting younger and the arrival of Scott Lycett from West Coast could be a big boost in helping Port. By acquiring Lycett, the Power now could have a system in place where Ryder could spend more time up forward alongside Charlie Dixon, who should no longer have to pinch hit in the ruck.
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Richmond: Tom Lynch roars
We know just how good Richmond are at their best, but could they be about to get a lot better with Lynch’s arrival? If Lynch can continue to produce at an elite level, there is no cap as to how good this side can be. But there is every chance his arrival sees a change in the style which had been so successful over the last two seasons.
St Kilda: Paddy McCartin comes of age
The former number one pick hasn’t had much luck in his career to date as he has battled several concussion problems. But when he has been at his best, McCartin has proven to be a key contributor and with Max King now having joined the club, the pressure for spots inside forward 50 is hotter than ever.
Sydney: Next generation leads improvement
Unfortunately for the Swans, several of their star players are reaching the pointy end of their careers and some pundits believe they could slide in 2019. But as always, the Swans have a habit of picking diamonds out of the rough and they will need improvement from their younger guys to avoid a slide.
Western Bulldogs: An English flavour
The ruck position at the Bulldogs has often been a source of debate between supporters over the past several years. Now entering his third season, Tim English has a good as chance as anyone to make the position his own. There is no doubting his talent and he looks to be a prospect for years to come.
West Coast: Filling the Nick Nat void
They may have won the premiership without Nick Naitanui but doing that once again appears a challenge in itself. With Scott Lycett having departed, Tom Hickey has been brought in to share the duties with Nathan Vardy. From an outside perspective, that’s not a pairing which spreads fear into opposition teams.
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