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Each club's state of affairs before the AFL restart: Part 1

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Roar Guru
5th June, 2020
1

Here’s how Adelaide, Brisbane and Carlton are shaping up ahead of the AFL restart.

Adelaide Crows

The five most talented players
5. Rory Laird is often named in the best players for the Adelaide Crows. Laird provides plenty of run out of defence for the Crows.
4. Matt Crouch is a player that’s capable of being elite, he just needs to play to his optimum level.
3. Wayne Milera was given a five-year contract for a reason. Milera has plenty of natural ability.
2. Daniel Talia is extremely talented with regards to playing his role as a key defender.
1. Rory Sloane is a quality player who rarely has a bad game. Sloane reads the game well.

Most adaptable player
Brodie Smith has the capability of playing in defence or on the wing.

Who needs to lift?
Taylor Walker has to improve as he is one of the most experienced players and a former captain. Walker has to play better if his team is to feature in the top eight.

What has to alter?
The Adelaide Crows just need to kick more goals and win more games to gain more confidence. They need to play more as a team and less as individuals.

Taylor Walker

(Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Brisbane Lions

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The five most talented players
5. Hugh McCluggage is a player that simply goes about his role with no fuss.
4. Charlie Cameron is a forward pocket who has the capability of being regarded the best in the game. It’s up to him what he does with that talent.
3. Harris Andrews was named All Australian fullback in 2019 for a reason. Andrews plays his role as a key defender extremely well.
2. Lachie Neale is a player of immense talent that’s matched by his endeavour. Neale usually plays to his optimum level, which is why he is second to Hipwood, who has the capability to be a superstar.
1. Eric Hipwood is a natural talent that has the ability to be an All Australian if he can play to his potential.

Most adaptable player
Stefan Martin played as a defender at the Melbourne Demons, while he is the number one ruckman at the Brisbane Lions.

Who needs to lift?
Lincoln McCarthy is a player that isn’t playing to his capability and is just holding his spot in the Brisbane Lions’ best 22. McCarthy could be an important part of the Brisbane Lions’ best 22 if he plays at his best.

What has to alter?
The Brisbane Lions need more of an even contribution from their players. The possible inclusion of Grant Birchall in Round 2 should help. The Lions need to use their loss to Hawthorn in Round 1 as motivation to improve.

Carlton Blues

The five most talented players
5. Sam Petrevski-Seton has so much ability, but rarely plays to a level that he is capable of. Petrevski-Seton deserves a chance to play in the midfield.
4. Sam Docherty leads by example. Docherty is capable of being renowned as one of the best defenders in the competition.
3. Jack Martin showed what he’s capable of in Round 1 of season 2020, kicking some amazing goals. He kicked four, to be exact, which almost single-handedly got the Carlton Blues back into the game against the Richmond Tigers.
2. Sam Walsh is a player with immense ability and should be used through the middle of the ground as he has the potential to be elite.
1. Patrick Cripps is a naturally talented player. Cripps leads from the front. He has the capability to be captain of the All Australian team in 2020, if he plays to his potential. He leads by example.

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Patrick Cripps

(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Most adaptable player
Levi Casboult showed that he can play in the ruck in Round 1 of season 2020. Necessity is the mother of invention. Matthew Kreuzer was injured during Carlton’s Round 1 game, which meant that Casboult was thrown into the ruck. He can also be damaging in the forward line.

Who needs to lift?
Zac Fisher has plenty of potential, but needs to solidify his place in Carlton’s best 22. Mitch McGovern also needs to lift as McGovern has to improve to ensure Carlton are in with a chance of making the top eight in season 2020.

What has to alter?
The Carlton Blues need to improve in every aspect of their game. They have plenty of capability to get better, but they need to match their endeavour with their potential. Coach David Teague needs to implement a winning mentality, while keeping the better players’ feet on the ground. Carlton must be challenging for a top-eight spot in season 2020.

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