As the mid-season bye rounds begin, it’s time to take stock of the 2024 season so far.
A couple of teams are flying, with many exceeding expectations, but others have fallen badly and need plenty of work to get up.
Fox Footy analyses every team’s season, plus a look at their contract and trade priorities, in our Midseason Report Card!
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NSW sides to get COLA back? | 03:27
ADELAIDE CROWS
12th, 4-6-1, 113%
Three word analysis
Playing catch up
What’s gone right
The addition of Izak Rankine and Jake Soligo into their previously two-dimensional midfield has given them some proper spark after a slow start. Their success, along with the resurgence of Matt Crouch and recent red-hot form of captain Jordan Dawson have steered the Crows away from what at one point looked like a crash course. They have properly tested some of the competition’s best this year despite their poor win-loss record, losing games against Collingwood and Essendon by less than a goal – as well as a draw against Brisbane.
What’s gone wrong
Undoubtedly, their start to the season. It took five games for the Crows to register a win in 2024, after consecutive losses to Gold Coast, Geelong, Melbourne and Fremantle. Granted, all four of those sides are well respected this year, but it’s given them a gruesome handicap since – and makes a finals birth extremely hard from here on in. It took coach Matthew Nicks a few rounds to sort out his midfield woes, and they haven’t looked back since he eventually injected the likes of Rankine, Soligo and Josh Rachele into the engine room. Their draw to start the season has been far from easy, but to join the great teams, you have to beat them – and the Crows just haven’t done that enough so far.
Trade and contract priorities
In terms of re-signing players, Sam Berry is the best of their young group still currently left uncontracted. You would think the Crows have every intention of extending his time at the club, as well as veteran star Taylor Walker, who continues to defy critics with his consistent output. Looking beyond the club’s inner circle, luring the likes of a Jack Lukosius home would be a huge bonus – but if not, a key or intercept defender would absolutely boost their young defence moving forward. Defender Mark Keane is out of contract at the end of next season, but the Crows would want to fend off any small talk that he could head back to his original club Collingwood.
Grade
C-
Crows run riot in thrashing of Eagles | 02:07
BRISBANE LIONS
13th, 4-6-1, 111.6%
Three word analysis
Nowhere near expectations
What’s gone right
Not a lot has gone right for the Lions this year, who were tipped to be serious premiership contenders. They have played reasonably well in patches but a few tight losses plus their injuries have done the damage. Veteran Dayne Zorko has rejuvenated his career off half-back, averaging 26.1 disposals, 8.4 marks and 475.8 metres gained. As a result of their injury woes, Chris Fagan has been able to give senior opportunities to the likes of Kai Lohmann, Jaspa Fletcher, Logan Morris and Bruce Reville. The positive is, the Lions look likely to retain their core group of players while adding some young talent via the draft, meaning they should bounce back again pretty quickly next year.
What’s gone wrong
The Lions have been struck by injury this season, with five players currently on the sidelines with ACL injuries alone. Young gun Will Ashcroft is expected to return in the next five to six weeks, but Keidean Coleman, Tom Doedee, Lincoln McCarthy and Darcy Gardiner won’t be seen again this season. Zac Bailey, Connor McKenna and Brandon Starcevich are other first choice players that have had interrupted seasons. They haven’t really fired a shot in 2024, having won just four games. It seems like another wasted year for a list that’s in its prime.
Trade and contract priorities
Star midfielder Hugh McCluggage is one of the biggest talking points this off-season, but there’s increasing belief that he will remain a Lion, potentially on a six- or seven-year deal according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. Jarrod Berry is out of contract at the end of the year and is an interesting watch as the season progresses. The Lions are set to land father-son selection Levi Ashcroft and Academy prospect Sam Marshall at the draft, both touted as first round talent.
Grade
D-
Buckley disputes Kingy’s Fagan claims | 02:50
CARLTON
8th, 7-4, 104.9%
Three word analysis
Shakier than expected
What’s gone right
Carlton have all the pieces to really push for a premiership in 2024 but they haven’t quite put it all together yet this season. Harry McKay has put his goalkicking woes of years gone by behind him to continue his formidable partnership with star forward Charlie Curnow, who is once again leading the Coleman Medal race. Patrick Cripps leads from the front each and every week and Zac Williams has thrived in his role as a forward across the past fortnight. The Blues won five of their first six games before injuries started mounting, restricting them to just two wins in their last five outings.
What’s gone wrong
Injuries and player availability have stopped the Blues from really getting going in 2024. Sam Docherty ruptured his ACL in Opening Round, Adam Cerra has been dealing with hamstring issues that have restricted him to just six games, while Sam Walsh missed the first month of the season with back problems. Mitch McGovern missed some time with a hamstring injury, while important defensive duo Jacob Weitering and Adam Saad have both missed games too. Throw in the likes of Jesse Motlop, Caleb Marchbank, David Cuningham and Jack Martin and all of a sudden, it’s pretty bleak reading for Blues fans. Additionally, what is Carlton’s best ruck setup? Is it both Tom De Koning and Marc Pittonet or one or the other? Michael Voss still hasn’t quite settled on that debate just yet and there’s benefits and drawbacks to all options.
Trade and contract priorities
Carlton’s small forward stocks leave a bit to be desired, but rumours are they’re chasing Swans livewire Will Hayward pretty hard. The Blues are reportedly set to offer Hayward a six-year deal to lure him away from the Harbour City. Other than that, the Blues list is pretty solid. Perhaps their biggest challenge this off-season will be to retain players, as clubs begin throwing big money offers in the direction of the likes of Jacob Weitering amongst others. The Midweek Tackle team revealed that the Blues have an “unspoken pact” amongst senior players to stick fat, possibly on less money, in order to chase success.
Grade
B
Carlton storm back into top eight | 01:12
COLLINGWOOD
7th, 6-3-2, 107.1%
Three word analysis
Recovered. Threat again.
What’s gone right
After a disastrous 0-3 start to the season where some were writing off the reigning premiers, they’ve since bounced back in a major way to re-emerge as one of the flag frontrunners. Having not lost since Round 2 (which, of course, includes two draws), Collingwood has overcome one of the heaviest injury tolls in the competition including a particularly dour run in recent times. Such bad injury runs can make or break teams, and in the Magpies’ case, they’ve unlocked some gems with youngsters Harvey Harrison and Joe Richards to build important depth in their squad. Nick Daicos continues to do freakish things in year three, while Jack Crisp’s move to the midfield has proven to be a masterstroke. After starting the season outside the senior team, John Noble and Billy Frampton have been important staples to Craig McRae’s back six.
What’s gone wrong
It was like watching a completely different side in the opening rounds. The reigning premiers were out of sorts, lacking their usual defensive tenacity and uncharacteristically leaking goals as questions came over their system and veterans. The Pies have been playing catch up ever since that 0-3 start, and now with a big injury toll, there’s little margin for area nor as much flexibility to rest the likes of Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom. Injuries are very much stacking up at Collingwood and have become a genuine concern, particularly given the majority of them and medium to long term. It includes Jordan De Goey battling an ongoing groin injury, while concussion forced Nathan Murphy into retirement. The Pies haven’t exactly filled the Dan McStay void either even though their smaller, more mobile forward line functioned effectively.
Trade and contract priorities
The big one for Collingwood is whether out-of-contract club champions Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe play on or not. All signs point to Pendlebury extending his decorated career as he eyes Brent Harvey’s games record, while Sidebottom and Howe are less certain. You sense a lot of it will come down to how they and the club performs in the second half of the season. In terms of who they’re targeting, the Pies are seen as one of the frontrunners for Western Bulldogs’ Bailey Smith and were also linked to Geelong’s Max Holmes prior to his re-signing, so it’s clear they’re looking to add more pace through the midfield. Collingwood should also be looking at defensive reinforcements after Murphy’s retirement and Howe in his twilight days.
Grade
B
Did Pies anger the ump? | 01:08
ESSENDON
2nd, 8-2-1, 104.4%
Three word analysis
Turned the corner
What’s gone right
The Bombers have had a lot go right this season. They’re sitting pretty in second on the ladder with a record of 8-1-2 but above all else, they’re finally playing with some grit and determination in what has become known as the ‘Essendon Edge’. Captain Zach Merrett has been a key driver of that, as has vice-captain Andrew McGrath who is in career-best form. Their quartet of off-season recruits in Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein, Jade Gresham and Xavier Duursma have all had an impact. Sam Durham’s transition into an inside midfielder has been a huge success, while Nic Martin has had a strong season too.
What’s gone wrong
Young gun Zach Reid suffered another hamstring injury in round one and just cannot get a decent run at things, while star defender Jordan Ridley has managed just one match in season 2024. Exciting youngsters Elijah Tsatas and Nik Cox haven’t quite kicked on yet at AFL level and it seems Ben Hobbs has fallen slightly out-of-favour. Sam Draper has had a tough run of injuries but is still seen as their future number one ruck.
Contract and trade priorities
Jake Stringer is the big name here but word on the street is that talks are progressing. Archie Perkins, Jye Caldwell and Matt Guelfi are also without deals beyond 2024 and should be re-signing priorities. After luring four new recruits last year, the Dons could throw their hat in the ring for the likes of Harry Perryman, Elliot Yeo and Hugh McCluggage. Dylan Shiel could seek greater opportunity elsewhere and their small forward stocks still remain a work in progress.
Grade
A+
Stringer strikes as Bombers beat Tigers | 02:36
FREMANTLE
9th, 6-4-1, 110.6%
Three word analysis
Better, but enough?
What’s gone right
Caleb Serong has found another gear to put his name up there with the best midfielders in the competition and remain in the Brownlow Medal race thanks to his stellar start to 2024. His groundball gets are up 21% on last year, his clearances up 12% and his disposals/score involvements up 8% in stunning Champion Data averages. Luke Jackson has stepped up in the absence of injured Sean Darcy, but then shows incredible versatility around the ground when his ruck partner returns. Dual Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe has remained out on the park – which is no easy feat given his injury run the past few years. Josh Treacy is improving week on week as a forward and given the Dockers’ known troubles with finding a key forward since the retirement of Matthew Pavlich a decade ago, his partnership with young Jye Amiss remains crucial to the club’s future success.
What’s gone wrong
Inaccuracy has plagued the club in worrying signs for coach Justin Longmuir. While Fyfe has been out on the park, his reluctance to kick is now well documented – going at almost one in five kicks for his disposals. Freo’s fleet-footed brigade – who were so crucial to the club’s finals run in 2022 – haven’t been able to hit the scoreboard as much as predicted. Bailey Banfield is the only small forward in double figures. Fremantle are yet to defeat a side that sits ahead of them on the ladder – with losses against Sydney, Carlton, Port Adelaide and the draw with Collingwood. Given there’s a tough run home looming – with a physical Western Derby to be followed by clashes with finals contenders Geelong, Essendon, GWS and Port Adelaide – the Dockers need to be banking as many home wins as possible.
Contract and trade priorities
The Dockers finally seem to have found a solution in attack – but the question on what to do with Matt Taberner remains. The big man has struggled to get his body right and been limited to just 124 AFL games in 12 seasons. The same could also be said for Sam Sturt and his 19 games in five years. Michael Walters isn’t getting any younger, so the signature of small forward Bailey Banfield looms very important – despite the latter becoming somewhat of Fremantle’s whipping boy as sub repeatedly in recent seasons. Banfield has now cemented himself as a starter, but could Blue Jack Martin be tempted to come home to WA? The out-of-contract forward has struggled to get his body right – and that could be enough to see him out the door at the Blues. Liam Baker could be the perfect fit at Freo and remains out of contract at Richmond. The Dockers also appear one elite midfielder short compared to the big contenders, with Caleb Serong carrying a heavy load for his side. Nat Fyfe’s efficiency by foot remains a concern and Andy Brayshaw hasn’t been able to hit the scoreboard like the most elite midfielders in the competition have an ability to do.
Grade
B-
Dockers fight back to snag draw vs. Pies | 02:49
GEELONG
6th, 7-4, 110.7%
Three word analysis
Two polar opposites
What’s gone right
Geelong went unbeaten in their first seven matches of the season, shocking the football world after a lean 2023 campaign. Max Holmes would be right up the front for their club best and fairest after spending more time at half-back this season, while Gryan Miers is finally getting the recognition he deserves as a star half-forward. Zach Guthrie has had a strong start to 2024, while superstar forward Jeremy Cameron started the year like a house on fire before slowing in recent weeks.
What’s gone wrong
It’s been the tale of two halves so far for the Cats. They’re currently on a four-match losing streak for the first time under long-time coach Chris Scott. Their midfield remains an issue, which has only been amplified by the lack of games from captain Patrick Dangerfield and gun Cam Guthrie. Teams are starting to put more time into star defender Tom Stewart, which is having a detrimental impact on their ability to win games. Their defence is looking quite vulnerable as a result, conceding an average of 104 points per game to the opposition in the past month. You’d imagine they’ll be able to fix this, but it’s certainly been an inconsistent start to the season.
Trade and contract priorities
Geelong’s list management team is arguably the best in the business, and they are likely to be key players in the off-season again this year. The Cats have been strongly linked to Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith, who would be a huge acquisition for the club. They’ve also been talked about as a potential landing spot for Lion Hugh McCluggage or reborn Eagle Elliot Yeo, but they seem less likely to move than Smith. Veteran trio Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan and Zach Tuohy are all without deals for next season as it stands, with calls to be made on their playing future sometime soon.
Grade
B
Chris Scott on Geelong’s perseverance | 09:57
GOLD COAST SUNS
10th, 6-5, 108.2%
Three word analysis
Dimma to deliver
What’s gone right
The Suns’ midfield is becoming scarily good. Matt Rowell is the best contested player in the competition and Noah Anderson gets better with every game he plays. Add the hard-running Touk Miller and breakout star Sam Flanders into that mix and it’s arguably the best across the League. Defender Mac Andrew looks a serious player, while spearhead Ben King has booted 32 goals this season already to sit second in the Coleman Medal race. They’ve also managed to get some game time into 2023 draft Academy quartet Jed Walter, Jake Rogers, Ethan Read and Will Graham.
What’s gone wrong
The Suns simply can’t win on the road, losing all four of their away matches in 2024. While they’ve made People First Stadium a fortress and TIO Stadium in Darwin their second home, their road struggles continue to hamper Damien Hardwick’s side. Star defender Wil Powell hasn’t been seen since round nine after copping a five-game ban for using a homophobic slur in the QClash. They beat an injury-depleted Geelong side in round 10, but other than that, they’re yet to take a big scalp in season 2024. The signs are certainly promising under Hardwick however, who has brought an aura to the club that they’ve never had before.
Trade and contract priorities
The Suns have said they need to target some dare and dash off half-back and have been strongly linked to Tiger gun Daniel Rioli who flourished under Hardwick back at Punt Road. Small forward Ben Ainsworth is currently out of contract, but reports suggest a four-year deal has been put on the table for him. Ned Moyle has struggled to break into the senior side and might seek greater opportunity elsewhere, while a call on David Swallow’s playing future will be made later in the year.
Grade
C+
Hardwick on dangerous tackle techniques | 07:33
GWS GIANTS
5th, 7-4, 114.6%
Three word analysis
Big, big chance
What’s gone right
The Giants have arguably the best one-two defensive punch in the competition in Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley, while spearhead Jesse Hogan sits third on the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 31 majors. Lachie Whitfield is averaging 28.7 disposals a game and is back to his damaging best off half-back and Tom Green is threatening to break into the top echelon of midfielders if he hasn’t already.
What’s gone wrong
The Giants have lost four of their last six after starting the season like a house on fire, winning their first five games. Josh Kelly and Lachie Ash are both dealing with significant calf injuries, while Isaac Cumming has not yet featured in 2024. Remarkably, Toby Greene has not been at his best this season either, which means there is certainly scope for improvement in the back half of the season. He’s going at just 1.6 goals a game in 2024, far less than the 2.75 he was averaging last season, but he just hasn’t been able to discover that same spark just yet this campaign.
Trade and contract priorities
Harry Perryman is the biggest out-of-contract name at the Giants, with both Adelaide and Port Adelaide reportedly interested in his services. The Giants chased Crow Elliott Himmelberg, brother of Harry, last year and could make another play again to shore up their key position stocks. The Giants have an extremely strong list at the moment, so they’re unlikely to make too many major moves this off-season.
Grade
B+
Hero Giant almost misses team song! | 01:56
HAWTHORN
14th, 4-7, 82.8%
Three word analysis
Showing more growth
What’s gone right
Hawthorn’s past six weeks has shown tremendous signs of growth, winning four of their last six games. Josh Weddle continues to excite the Hawthorn faithful as a utility with huge upside, while Cam Mackenzie has improved with added midfield time. Lloyd Meek has well and truly put his hand up as the number one ruck and Blake Hardwick has continued to show he is one of the club’s most important players. The Hawks are playing an exciting brand under Sam Mitchell, which means on their day, they are certainly able to cause an upset.
What’s gone wrong
The Hawks lost their first five games of the campaign as pressure mounted, but they’ve since stabilised. Their backline was absolutely decimated in the early parts of the season, meaning they were forced into playing captain James Sicily as more of a lockdown defender. Spearhead Mitch Lewis has played just three games and can’t manage to get onto the park, while veterans Luke Breust and Jack Gunston aren’t the same players they once were. Their midfield mix hasn’t quite hit their straps yet, ranking 17th for clearances.
Contract and trade priorities
The Hawks will be hoping to re-sign versatile swingman Blake Hardwick as well as exciting speedster Changkuoth Jiath as a matter of priority. Calls on veterans Jack Gunston, Luke Breust and Sam Frost will be made as the season progresses. The Hawks should look to bolster their key position stocks over the off-season and have also been linked to Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith.
Grade
C
Sam Mitchell ecstatic as Hawks fly high | 00:44
MELBOURNE
4th, 7-4, 116.9%
Three word analysis
Solid with slip-ups
What’s gone right
Arguably the club most under the pump going into 2024 after a tumultuous off-season, the Demons have overcome that external pressure to again position themselves for a premiership tilt. Max Gawn has reminded the footy world he’s still the game’s premier ruckman (and heck, arguably the greatest ruckman in AFL history). The defensive backbone, led by Steven May and Jake Lever, that’s made this club so successful again remains a great strength, with Melbourne having given up the second-least points this year behind Sydney. After a slow start to the season following a disrupted summer and finger injury, Clayton Oliver is starting to get back to some of his best form. Fair to say Melbourne need Oliver to continue on that trajectory if it’s to seriously challenge for the flag.
What’s gone wrong
Forward half and scoring issues remain a concern for the Dees despite Simon Goodwin tweaking his game plan to a more attacking style. Despite this, Melbourne has the least points for of the current top eight teams, and we’ve seen that inability to score hurt the Demons in finals. They’re still crying out for a key forward/reliable target inside 50 and still don’t seem to have found their optimal attacking mix. Jacob van Rooyen (13 goals) and Harrison Petty (three goals) haven’t been able to impact games consistently enough, while Ben Brown has been in and out of the team due to injury and form issues.
Trade and contract priorities
There will be a watch on Harrison Petty again after he was linked to a move to return to his native South Australia via the Crows last off-season. Reports have state Adelaide will again pursue the swingman, who’s a free agent next year. Melbourne’s other priorities would be to lock away Daniel Turner and Ed Langdon on new deals, but it’s next year when bigger-name Demons come out of contract including Petty, Jack Viney, Max Gawn and Steven May. You sense Melbourne will again be in the market for a key forward even though a host of stars who were set to hit the market have re-signed with their current club.
Grade
A-
Dees destroy Saints in MCG blitzing | 03:05
NORTH MELBOURNE
18th, 0-11, 55.9%
Three word analysis
Patience a virtue
What’s gone right
Their youth is only getting better and better and they’re wanting to hang around. Reigning AFL Rising Star Harry Sheezel has signed on until the end of 2030, while breakout ruck Tristan Xerri will remain a Roo until at least 2029. Tom Powell (re-signed until 2026) has taken steps forward as a midfielder, while prized draftee Colby McKercher looks a player of the future. Charlie Comben’s move into defence has been a big win, while George Wardlaw embodies the shinboner spirit as much as anyone.
What’s gone wrong
Roos fans are just going to have to wait this out. It’s no secret that the times are tough at Arden Street at the moment and being winless through the first eleven games of the season certainly proves that. The Roos have conceded 100 points in every game they’ve played this season, with an average losing margin of over 52 points per game. There’s still too many passengers on their list and they desperately need some more experienced support for their current leaders.
Trade and contract priorities
Footy boss Todd Viney has said the Roos will look to be active in the off-season once more as they continue to try and lure that elusive big fish. Cam Zurhaar is yet to sign a new deal and could be on the move as a restricted free agent, while Luke Davies-Uniacke is weighing up chasing success at another club. They’ve been linked to Western Bulldogs tall Rory Lobb as a potential support act for star key forward Nick Larkey but they should also look for some more defensive talent given their woes in the back half.
Grade
F
Port piles on more pain for Kangaroos | 00:55
PORT ADELAIDE
3rd, 8-3, 117.4%
Three word analysis
Just ticking along
What’s gone right
Doubts have regularly been thrown over the Power’s ability to beat top eight teams in recent years, but they’ve slowly started to reverse that label. Wins over Fremantle and Geelong (away) while they sat in the top echelon of the ladder were very impressive, as well as their 69-point thumping of Essendon in Round 3. Their midfield in Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis has been a pleasure to watch, and the resurgence of Ollie Wines – despite not always playing his traditional inside role – has given coach Ken Hinkley many reasons to smile in 2024.
What’s gone wrong
Not a whole lot has gone wrong for Port Adelaide, with a loss away to Collingwood probably their most disappointing showing. A close loss to Melbourne was valiant, while their five-goal loss to the Crows in a Showdown was down to abysmal kicking for goal. A lot of people are still sceptical of the club’s ability to truly make a run for the premiership this year, and a top-two finish would go a long way to making that dream become reality.
Trade and contract priorities
Weirdly, recruits Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Ivan Soldo were signed to the club on one-year deals; despite being picked in the best 22 from Round 1. Regaining their signatures shouldn’t be an issue, as the Power also look to lock in the out-of-contract Lachie Jones and Jeremy Finlayson at the club beyond 2024. Externally, there isn’t much need for heavy recruiting, but a dashing half-back could be of use to help a young Jase Burgoyne and push the likes of Kane Farrell and Dan Houston higher up the ground.
Grade
B+
Rozee in doubt for mega Blues clash | 00:40
RICHMOND
17th, 1-10, 61.6%
Three word analysis
Casualty ward overflow
What’s gone right
There hasn’t been much to celebrate at Punt Road in the first half of 2024. Mykelti Lefau has been a shining light up forward having crossed over from a rugby background. Thomson Dow, Tom Brown and Ben Miller have all benefited from increased opportunity that they might not have got if the list was healthy. They’re the only team in the competition to beat ladder-leaders Sydney, so that’s something they can hang their hats on.
What’s gone wrong
Pretty much everything – but their injury crisis has played a significant part in their fall down the ladder. The Tigers have had a horror run with injury in 2024 making Adem Yze’s start to senior coaching trickier than most. Tom Lynch has played just three games, Josh Gibcus suffered an ACL injury just two games in and star midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have been struck down by injury as well.
Trade and contract priorities
The Tigers have over 20 players uncontracted for 2025, with Yze and his list management staff having plenty of calls to make before now and then. Liam Baker is drawing significant interest from both West Australian clubs and has purchased a property in Perth, but the Tigers are keen to retain him. Jack Graham is weighing up a potential move back to South Australia, while there has been a bit of chatter about a Daniel Rioli-Damien Hardwick reunion up north. Does Dustin Martin go around again? The Tigers are likely to hit the draft this season as they look to regenerate.
Grade
F
‘He just wanted to make a statement’ | 01:43
ST KILDA
15th, 3-8, 90.4%
Three word analysis
In deep trouble
What’s gone right
Controlling the engine room all season like he often has before, Rowan Marshall has been exceptional in the ruck. He has often been the glue for their midfield, and never stops trying regardless of the result. While he missed three games through suspension, Jack Higgins has also been a livewire up forward, averaging two goals and 14 disposals a game. They have also been able to match it at times with the better teams in the league, specifically in close losses to GWS, Geelong, Essendon and Port Adelaide; albeit the Giants and Power matches came down to one good quarter and the opposition’s woeful goal kicking respectively.
What’s gone wrong
The Saints are nearly at breaking point, and with the exception of a fantastic win over Collingwood in Round 2, have beaten only Richmond and North Melbourne. Their playing group has performed well below expectations, and it doesn’t seem to be overly reflective of coach Ross Lyon and more the playing group. Not all young talent perform right from day dot, but there are many undeveloped players who have been way off AFL level when selected and are yet to show their talent externally. Additionally, their midfield has been extremely one-dimensional for most of the season, likely forcing Lyon to hold some tough conversations with players come the end of the year.
Trade and contract priorities
St Kilda have widely been accepted as the club with the most cash to splash in the upcoming off-season, and also has the capacity to have the most turnover of any club. With 21 players out of contract at the time of publishing, their list could very easily go one way or the other. The club would surely be chasing the likes of Josh Battle and Mason Wood in that category, but perhaps willing to let many others go elsewhere. North’s Luke Davies-Uniacke has been heavily linked to the club amid speculation they will throw eye-watering sums his way, but the same tactic hasn’t worked with other rival players such as Jacob Weitering or Hugh McCluggage. Who they eventually spend their money on remains a mystery, but it’s hard to ignore that they club may, just may, need to go through a small rebuild.
Grade
F
‘Throw an extra $1 million at them’ | 00:51
SYDNEY SWANS
1st, 10-1, 150.1%
Three word analysis
Outright premiership favourites
What’s gone right
Plenty has gone right for the Swans in 2024 as they break away from the pack to become clear premiership favourites. Isaac Heeney would be right at the front of the Brownlow Medal race, having stepped into a predominantly midfield role in the first half of the season. Chad Warner, Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey are also on fire, while James Jordon has proven an astute acquisition. Despite the loss of Lance Franklin to retirement, the Swans have had no issues kicking a score in 2024 ranking first for points for, but they’re also defending incredibly well, ranking first for points against.
What’s gone wrong
Both Callum Mills and Luke Parker are yet to feature in 2024 and would add plenty of experience to this outfit in the second half of the season. There still remain some concerns over Tom McCartin’s welfare after a concussion in the Sydney Derby in round nine. A shock loss to Richmond earlier in the season is the only blemish on their record in 2024.
Trade and contract priorities
Star forward Logan McDonald should be priority number one for the Swans, who will have to fend off interest both the Western Australian clubs. There is growing belief he will re-sign at the Swans though. Livewire forward Will Hayward is being heavily courted by the likes of Carlton, Adelaide and Port Adelaide and could move on given the bigger and longer deals on the table elsewhere.
Grade
A+
The ‘taboo topic’ Swans are breaching | 03:10
WEST COAST EAGLES
16th, 3-8, 70.8%
Three word analysis
Rising with Harley
What’s gone right
The Eagles copped plenty of criticism for holding firm and refusing to entertain offers for their prized number one draft pick last season. But their decision to recruit Harley Reid is paying off in spades. The teen brings a new level of excitement and provides the spark the cellar-dwellers were desperately missing after years of struggle. Finally West Coast have a (mostly) fit list – compared to recent seasons where they’ve been forced to turn to reserve grade players just to be able to field a team. Jake Waterman is on fire – and right up there in the Coleman Medal race – despite being a late re-sign for the Eagles last year. Elliot Yeo also returned to some of his best form early in the season, including winning the prestigious Glendinning-Allan Medal in the Western Derby before he suffered a fresh groin injury. Tim Kelly continues to drive the midfield while Tom Barrass remains the general down back with Jeremy McGovern. Not many predicted the Eagles would win a handful of games in the entire season – and given they’ve already got three under their belt, this year is looking more positive than almost everyone predicted for the rebuilding club.
What’s gone wrong
The Eagles are still struggling in ruck contests – despite plenty of calls for the club to find Nic Naitanui’s replacement during his last injury-hit years. Now with Bailey Williams having to carry the load, West Coast have been smashed in the stat – sitting a whopping -201 hitouts to their opponents in 10 games this year. That’s an average of -20 per game. Yes, recruit Matt Flynn is yet to debut for the club due to injury, but it shouldn’t rest on the former Giant’s shoulders to turn their fortunes. Jack Darling continues to struggle to find his best form, with just one goal in his first four games. Three big losses to start the season heavily dented the club’s percentage as they sit only clear of Richmond and North Melbourne – despite three impressive wins. The Harley hysteria could become a distraction, given the local media focus on the teen, and is something the club is desperately trying to contain. Talented forward Oscar Allen hasn’t been able to stay on the park for the second time in three seasons.
Contract and trade priorities
The Eagles need to find the man to partner Harley Reid long-term – and make sure they keep Reid long-term too. Elliot Yeo is doing a terrific job taking the teen under his wing – but his body isn’t where it was and those rival contract rumours remain for the veteran. Jeremy McGovern isn’t getting any younger either – and despite many opportunities, out-of-contract Harry Edwards doesn’t appear a lock as the next man in so a key back needs to be on the cards. When you consider the likes of WA defenders Dan Curtin, Jedd Busslinger and Denver Grainger-Barras have been snapped up by interstate clubs in the Draft, the Eagles will want to lure some of that talent home after a few years on an AFL list. Jack Williams has impressed in his limited game time and would be one the Eagles look to lock down. Ruckman Tim English remains the elusive Golden Ticket, with the WA native reportedly keen to remain at the Western Bulldogs on a big money deal. But he is someone who could turn this rebuild quickly – if the price is right. Swan Logan McDonald is another big name on the radar to shore up West Coast’s attack end.
Grade
B+
Harley Reid flexes with HUGE don’t argue | 00:40
WESTERN BULLDOGS
11th, 5-6, 121.3%
Three word analysis
Still not sure
What’s gone right
Sam Darcy has been superb as a young key forward this season, booting 19 goals from ten games, averaging 5.2 marks while taking some of the ruck load from Tim English as well. Ed Richards was thrown into the midfield in the past month to great effect, becoming one of the most damaging players in the competition. Harvey Gallagher has played every game so far, while Adam Treloar has had a really strong campaign to date. You can’t fault skipper Marcus Bontempelli either, who gives his all week in, week out and is the heartbeat of the club.
What’s gone wrong
Coach Luke Beveridge was heavily criticised in the early parts of the season for some of his selection decisions, but it appears as though the Bulldogs have found some form in recent weeks. There’s been some question marks around how the club has used gun youngster Ryley Sanders, but he’s a young man with his head screwed on and understands the challenges of playing at the top level. There were also genuine worries surrounding Tom Liberatore’s future after his concussion troubles, but he is expected to return in the next fortnight.
Trade and contract priorities
The Bulldogs are an intriguing off-season proposition. Does Luke Beveridge still think the club is a chance to go deep in September or is a rebuild on the cards? Despite being contracted, the likes of Jack Macrae, Caleb Daniel and Rory Lobb could all seek greater opportunity elsewhere, having spent time in the VFL side at different stages of 2024. Tim English and Bailey Smith are two of the hottest names on the market this season and the latter looks more and more likely to move on. Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn lead the race for Smith.
Grade
C