Expect a number of modifications to the highest eight subsequent season, with one younger membership nicely positioned for a maiden finals berth.
Plus what to anticipate in what looms as an interesting commerce and draft interval.
Foxfooty.com.au places ahead 23 predictions for 2023.
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Gold Coast makes the finals
After many false dawns, the Suns lastly look set to interrupt by means of for a maiden finals look in 2023. The reality they obtained shut this yr regardless of shedding arguably their most necessary participant in Ben King is a testomony to Stewart Dew and the teaching employees together with the taking part in group. His inclusion again into this facet might nicely be the lacking piece and will greater than make up for the lacking firepower from the now-traded Izak Rankine. The items are in place and there’s no motive why Suns followers ought to be ready any longer to see their staff play finals soccer.
And Touk Miller wins the Brownlow Medal
He missed out by simply two votes in 2022, however 2023 might be a watershed yr for each Touk Miller and the Gold Coast Suns. Should the Suns make the finals which means extra wins and sure extra votes and recognition for Miller, who’s already one of many competitors’s greatest midfielders. The hard-runner is a tagger’s nightmare and a teammate’s dream and there’s no motive to suppose he received’t be in nice contact in 2023. He must be proper within the combine for the Brownlow Medal.
The Gawn-Grundy combo works like a appeal
It’s the pairing that has everybody questioning simply the way it’s going to really work, however as Simon Goodwin advised AFL 360 earlier this yr, “We wouldn’t have had these discussions if we didn’t think it would work.” Add to Goodwin’s feedback the very fact Max Gawn performed a giant half in promoting Brodie Grundy on the transfer to the Dees and there’s clearly immense buy-in and an concept as to how this dynamic will operate. If it really works, it’ll work large, with Melbourne’s spluttering ahead combine doubtlessly turning into supercharged consequently. It was a down yr for Melbourne however there are many causes for optimism in 2023 and we’re tipping ‘Gawndy’, ‘Grawn’ or no matter you need to name it is going to be considered one of them.
Pickett turns into the competitors’s prized signature
He turned a Demons’ premiership participant at simply 20 years of age and has the composure to win video games off his boot. And at simply 22 years of age, Kysaiah Pickett will come out of contract with round 80 AFL video games below his belt – making him the proper candidate for a giant commerce deal. Given Melbourne already misplaced Pickett’s fellow 2019 draftee Luke Jackson, they’ll be eager to hold on to their livewire ahead. But can they afford it? With ample cap area already dedicated to the likes of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, Pickett might must sacrifice a giant payday to remain at Melbourne. Will the lure of household see him transfer interstate? Rival golf equipment reportedly confirmed curiosity in Pickett in 2022. Then there’s different Victorian golf equipment who absolutely would circle the confirmed match-winner. Pickett’s signature would be the one to observe in 2023.
The Pies slide down the ladder
The factor about statistical anomalies is that they’re anomalies for a motive. Winning the quantity of shut video games Collingwood did in 2022 was not a fluke, however equally it isn’t one thing that traditionally has been sustainable over a years-long interval. Maybe the Pies will break the mould one way or the other, however realistically it’s extremely unlikely the Pies win the identical variety of shut video games they did in 2022 once more. Given how tight the race was for the highest 4 and prime eight in 2022, dropping even a few wins might show appreciable when it comes to ladder ramifications. It was an exceptional yr for the Pies, however 2023 looms as a troublesome prospect and the double likelihood unlikely.
The Dogs miss the highest eight … once more
Dogs followers are nonetheless ready for the all-important double likelihood, with it remaining elusive since 2010. There have been some helpful additions in Liam Jones and Rory Lobb, however the facet’s 2023 fixture makes for grim studying. Despite ending exterior the highest 4 in 2022, the Dogs have been handed the second-hardest fixture within the competitors, behind solely grand finalists Sydney. It will show a troublesome activity, to not point out the lack of Josh Dunkley and to a lesser extent Lachie Hunter. The odds seem stacked towards the Dogs in 2023, however they’ll take consolation in realizing they’ve overcome the percentages earlier than.
Blackburn breaks by means of for BnF
Star Western Bulldogs skipper Ellie Blackburn has polled extra AFLW greatest and fairest votes than some other participant throughout the primary seven seasons of the competitors. Next yr in season eight, that consistency will likely be rewarded along with her first competitors league greatest and fairest medal. Still solely 27, Blackburn has been an outstanding and passionate chief for the Bulldogs over latest years. With her younger staff anticipated to rise subsequent season, Blackburn will solely get higher – and ballot extra votes.
Will Ashcroft has a Sam Walsh-like debut yr
OK, this one won’t be as ‘fearless’ as others given the hype round Will Ashcroft, however doing what Sam Walsh did isn’t any straightforward feat. Nick Daicos might additionally fall on this bracket however the place Daicos spent a lot of his time throughout half-back, Walsh was thrust into the center and at occasions on the wing in his debut yr at Carlton. He took to it like a duck to water and there’s no motive to doubt Ashcroft will fare equally. Even higher for Ashcroft is the help community he’ll come into. Where for Walsh he instantly turned the trusty sidekick to Patrick Cripps, Ashcroft may have the likes of Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley drawing vital consideration off him, permitting him to flourish much more. It’s exhausting to place a ceiling on what Ashcroft might accomplish in 2023, not to mention past.
Port Adelaide storms out of the blocks … or else
No staff wants an excellent begin to the season greater than Port Adelaide after the horror present that came about early in 2022. The Power have been left chasing their tail after 5 straight losses and it merely proved too nice a mountain to climb regardless of an admirable restoration. The additions of Jason Horne-Francis and Junior Rioli this low season have solely added to the expectation on coach Ken Hinkley, whereas they absolutely have a greater run with damage than they have been afforded in 2022. They didn’t end anyplace close to as low on the ladder as West Coast, however either side are comparable in that 2022 would ideally be checked out as a mulligan given the observe file each had constructed earlier than that time. In any case, it’s on the Power to make issues proper to start out 2023.
Essendon turns into the primary of the most recent AFLW growth sides to play finals
The Bombers have been one of the best of the 4 new golf equipment in season seven of the AFLW, ending tenth with a 4-6 file. But their share of 98.6 — thanks to shut losses to Carlton, Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong — was an ideal indication they weren’t far-off from that includes in finals first up. They ranked sixth within the competitors for common factors scored. with Daria Bannister, Paige Scott and Bonnie Toogood forming a dangerous mixture inside 50. With Madison Prespakis, who’s solely simply turned 22, primed to enhance once more — she completed fourth within the competitors’s greatest and fairest rely final month — and a full pre-season below the staff’s belt, the Bombers ought to be nicely positioned for a top-eight berth.
Gather Round really turns into successful
The concept of 9 video games being performed in the identical state for a similar spherical is bold – however the gamble will repay for the AFL in 2023. While following within the success of the NRL’s Magic Round, followers are already beginning to flock to South Australia, with 100,000 tickets snapped up pre-Christmas. And the fan calls for will solely ramp up as Round 5 nears. It was a giant name for the AFL to go together with South Australia’s bid for internet hosting rights, however there’s little doubt Premier Peter Malinauskas will make it a weekend to recollect.
The Luke Jackson commerce doesn’t resolve Freo’s ahead line woes … however a match Fyfe does
It’s no secret Fremantle haven’t discovered that large recreation ahead who can flip a recreation off his boot since Matthew Pavlich retired. And whereas the Dockers went all-in to safe Demons premiership younger gun Luke Jackson, he received’t be the participant to fill that void in 2023. Fremantle footy boss Peter Bell says Jackson will play “a large proportion forward” as Sean Darcy takes the lead function within the ruck. But with out Rory Lobb, and Matt Taberner’s run of soppy tissue woes, the Dockers want somebody to step up and kick baggage if they’re to progress previous the semi finals. Enter Nat Fyfe — the true soccer unicorn, not Jackson. He’s the one two-time Brownlow Medallist at the moment within the AFL and a participant who can flip a match in a matter of minutes. And now, he’s now not wanted to do this within the midfield. Fremantle have recruited a mighty midfield with the likes of Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Will Brodie. Throw Jackson into that midfield combine and it’ll enable Fyfe to play predominantly ahead. If the celebrity can resolve his accuracy yips – look out 2023 as Fyfe has a few of the greatest palms within the AFL.
Carlton really performs finals
The Blues spent all however the ultimate minute of season 2022 within the prime eight. But a devastating Round 23 loss to Collingwood ensured Carlton slipped out of the finals race in merciless style. With a second pre-season below coach Michael Voss’ belt, there’s little doubt the Blues will enhance. Given the nightmare damage run for his or her backline final season and the premature accidents to key midfielders, absolutely luck will likely be on their facet in 2023. Carlton hasn’t performed finals in a decade but when star combo Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay can repeat their type of 2022, the Blues will likely be a September bolter.
The Cats maintain kicking on
It’s powerful being the hunted, and even harder to stay forward of the pack when you find yourself the one being chased. But it’s exhausting to see how Geelong will fall down – even with skipper Joel Selwood now retired. There’s loads of expertise to guide from the entrance, and loads of younger expertise to step up and plead their case for a beginning spot. Max Holmes is ready for a giant yr after being the 2022 grand ultimate heartbreak story, whereas younger Sam de Koning can solely get higher with extra video games below his belt. If the Cats’ key weapons keep match, there’s no motive why they received’t be there as soon as once more on that final Saturday in September.
Hawks uncovered on and off the sphere
Hawthorn gutted its record on the finish of 2022, with only one participant remaining over the age of 30. While the rebuild is clearly underway, it’s off the sphere the place considerations lie as nicely. Jeff Kennett has been changed as membership president – however even that was a messy affair along with his choose Peter Nankivell not the person who ended up in cost. Former gamers have been divided of their help of Kennett’s chosen successor and the newly elected president Andy Gowers. Add within the racism investigation, which can come to go sooner or later early subsequent yr, and 2023 guarantees to be a difficult yr for the Hawks each on and off the sphere.
Harry Petty proves himself … as a ahead
The Demons struggled to search out avenues to purpose in 2022. It took till the ultimate quarter of their semi-final loss to Brisbane for Melbourne to uncover a doable resolution: Harrison Petty. The key-position participant confirmed he has the power and composure to be the massive goal they should help the likes of Ben Brown and Bailey Fritsch. Tom McDonald can be due again after battling an ankle damage and taking no half after Round 10, giving coach Simon Goodwin loads of tall choices in assault. The Demons have already got a powerful backline with the expertise of Steven May and Jake Lever, so can they shift Petty into a job ahead in 2023? It’s value a glance.
Tigers soar into the 4
Richmond was unfortunate first spherical finals losers in 2022 after some late Joe Daniher heroics on the Gabba. But as an alternative of dwelling on their earlier-than-hoped exit, the Tigers went to work and recruited GWS midfield duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto. Their arrivals will ease stress on veteran Trent Cotchin and permit looming star Shai Bolton to spend extra time floating ahead the place he does his greatest work. The Tigers managed to sneak into the eight with out celebrity Dustin Martin for a lot of the yr for private causes and damage, so simply think about how excessive they will climb with the three-time Norm Smith Medallist match and firing. Jack Riewoldt remains to be producing whereas they’ve discovered kids in Noah Cumberland and Josh Gibcus. Even Judson Clarke confirmed promise. There’s loads to love at Tigerland in 2023.
West Coast lifts itself out of the cellar
The Eagles had what can solely be described as a disastrous 2022 marketing campaign, beginning with Jack Darling’s vaccine hesitancy and ending with accidents to greater than half their record. The membership was so decimated that they needed to flip to Covid top-up gamers on a number of events. They simply by no means recovered. But there’s mild on the finish of the tunnel for the Eagles, with Oscar Allen to play his first minutes since 2021 and set to take up the mantle of retired nice Josh Kennedy. Campbell Chesser, Tom Cole, Jeremy McGovern, Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo are simply a few of the names able to have an effect in 2023. We’re not saying the Eagles are destined for finals … however they’ll be out of the picket spoon hazard zone.
No. 1 choose modifications palms — once more
When the four-way mega commerce was struck throughout October’s change interval, Pick 1 modified golf equipment for the primary time in 21 years. In 2023, don’t be shocked to see it transfer once more, largely due to simply how good the participant extensively touted as the highest draft prospect is. In reality if Harley Reid had been eligible for the 2022 draft, most recruiters consider he would’ve been a top-three prospect — presumably No. 1. That’s how good this child is already. A Bendigo Pioneers product, Reid can play throughout any line — and win video games from any line. He’s an excellent interceptor and clear distributor in defence, he has explosive Dustin Martin-like energy at stoppages and terrific overhead marking potential inside 50. Clubs will likely be clamouring to get their palms on Pick 1 subsequent yr, so count on a mightily juicy supply to be put ahead in an try to land the prized draft choice.
Crows make the decision early … and it won’t be fairly
Adelaide has already been dealt a troublesome begin to season 2023, with 4 of its first eight video games towards final yr’s prime eight, plus matches towards ninth positioned Carlton and a Showdown to contest. It’s been greater than 5 years since their 2017 minor premiership excessive and since then, they’ve completed within the decrease half of the ladder each season. The Crows are anticipated to enhance from their 14th end in 2022 – but when they’re sitting 2-6 or worse after eight rounds, the decision would possibly come to start out the rebuild early. And whether or not or not coach Matthew Nicks is the fitting man to steer them by means of that interval will likely be a query requested. There’s little doubt there’s expertise coming by means of the ranks – it’s only a matter of how affected person they need to be with that growth. The powerful name was made with Matt Crouch late final yr – with extra of these calls anticipated if they will’t get an excellent run early.
Giants certain for backside 4
The Giants haven’t managed to emulate their finals success for the reason that brutal 2019 Grand Final defeat to Richmond. And after a sixteenth place end and the exits of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto, we aren’t anticipating new coach Adam Kingsley to work miracles. Prized No. 1 draft choose Aaron Cadman is predicted to get an excellent run in his debut yr, however like younger Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, there can’t be an excessive amount of early stress positioned on him. Jesse Hogan is able to kicking baggage however wants to search out fixed type if he’s to show himself as GWS’ principal man in assault. There’s a stable backline for the Giants and a midfield boasting loads of expertise. But bringing all of it collectively will likely be Kingsley’s hardest activity in simply his first yr on the helm.
Sydney again within the large dance
While their grand ultimate efficiency was lower than fascinating, the Swans have all the weather to make it again to the Grand Final once more in 2023. In the previous 4 years, solely GWS has didn’t again up a Grand Final look by lacking finals altogether, which is nice odds for the Swans in 2023. With the McCartin brothers rock stable in defence and the midfield led by Luke Parker with loads of younger expertise together with Chad Warner, James Rowbottom and Dylan Stephens, there’s a lot upside for coach John Longmire. It’s simply discovering the fitting ahead line stability for Sydney – and the way they work round Buddy Franklin in what’s prone to be his ultimate yr within the recreation.
Ross the Boss received’t have reply for King-sized gap
St Kilda suffered a large blow this month when Max King went down at coaching in an incident that has now dominated him out of its 2023 marketing campaign. The lack of King is big for the Saints, given the dominance he has of their ahead line. King had virtually 100 pictures on purpose final yr, with the subsequent greatest Tim Membrey solely hovering across the 60 mark. While King’s accuracy was a difficulty for St Kilda in 2022, he was in a position to attract a number of defenders and take large marks to offer himself these alternatives in entrance of purpose. Without him, the Saints’ focus should shift. Lyon’s return to the Saints might shortly go from fairytale to nightmare if he can’t discover different avenues to purpose.
Originally revealed as Fearless 2023 AFL predictions are unhealthy news for Magpies, good news for Carlton
