Some clubs will fail in 2023. But the one thing they all have right now is hope.
“You tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.” ― Homer Simpson.
Truly wise words.
Because let’s face it, sticking to New Years resolutions can wind up being just more failure.
But enough with the negativity, because IT’S 2023!
In AFL land, a new year means new hope.
And if these organisations are setting resolutions like the rest of us – across the AFL and AFLW programs, here’s what they might look like.
Adelaide: Discipline. The Crows’ AFLW campaign ultimately became unstuck by averaging 15.8 frees against per game during the regular season. It’s something to fix up if they’re to be in the mix to return the title to Adelaide.
Brisbane: The Lions were the team to beat all AFLW season, but ultimately fell short in the home Grand Final by two points. Going one step further is Brisbane’s clear and ultimate goal this year.
Embed from Getty ImagesCarlton: The loss against Collingwood in the final round of the men’s home and away season was heartbreaking. But with a new season on the horizon, Carlton need to rectify their mistakes and make sure they don’t fall out of the top 8 when it matters most; play finals in 2023.
Collingwood: Whilst the men’s side had a fairytale year in 2022, absences from the likes of Taylor Adams saw the Pies struggle to win centre clearances… emblematic of always finding themselves behind the eight ball in games. Collingwood has work to do this pre-season, solidifying measures to keep the group as healthy as possible ahead of Round 1.
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Essendon: Once again, the Bombers finals curse continues to cloud over the men’s side heading into a new season. There can only be one overarching thing on the minds of those inside the walls of the Essendon Football Club.
That twitter account sure has been quiet recently, too…
Fremantle: The Dockers shone when it came to tackles in the AFLW, averaging 74.4 per game. Going forward, they need that effort to result in stopping opposition scoring, so Fremantle can return to the premiership hunt.
Geelong: After silencing their critics last season, crowned AFL premiers, Geelong’s now the hunted. They’re out to keep the momentum rolling, ushering in some sharp pick-ups during the AFL’s trade and Draft periods to help keep the flame flickering.
Gold Coast: The Suns had their best AFLW campaign yet in season seven, however a loss to the Tigers saw them miss out on a second finals appearance. If their last season was anything to go by, Gold Coast should be able to keep building.
GWS: Even the best efforts from the Giants’ leading goal-kicker Toby Greene wasn’t enough to save the side from ranking 16th in the AFL for scoring. Averaging 10.8 majors per game didn’t cut it in 2022; the 29-year-old needs help. GWS took Aaron Cadman with the first overall pick in the Draft; they’ll be patient with their young key forward but be looking for more contributors in the front half next season.
Hawthorn: The men’s side are undergoing a rebuild in their second year under the reigns of Sam Mitchell. It’s unknown what will come of key departures, so the club will be hoping the group consistently compete and pinch some wins along the way. Seeing another year of development from promising youngsters is key.
Melbourne: The Demons achieved the ultimate dream in season seven of the AFLW, so what now? Back to back is the goal, of course, but getting some of the new generation prospects growing, including Georgia Gall and Ella Little, would also be a win.
North Melbourne: The Kangaroos suffered heartbreak, losing one of the AFLW Prelims to eventual champions Melbourne. North isn’t that far off from a maiden flag.
Port Adelaide: The first year in the AFLW competition saw Port Adelaide unveil a playing list stacked with plenty of talent. But they managed just one win. Results will determine how much growth this young squad does.
Richmond: With a few of the Tigers’ ‘cubs’ finding their feet, the men’s group might still be in that elusive premiership window. Get off to a strong start and see what happens.
St Kilda: It’s safe to say 2022 was a rollercoaster, particularly on the men’s side of the equation. As Ross Lyon returns, consistency is king at Moorabbin in 2023.
Sydney: Their inaugural AFLW season presented its fair share of challenges. But for Sydney’s second year in the competition, at least one win – a maiden win – is achievable. The men’s equation is simple, too; one step further than their last campaign.
Western Bulldogs: In several games last season, the guys group struggled to maintain leads when it counted. The list is good enough to win big finals, but they need to rectify the fourth quarter fades.
West Coast: After a rough couple of years, the Eagles’ men’s outfit will attempt to shock a few teams and get some games into the kids; looking for a few fringe talents to emerge into reliable best 22 players.
