Our look at the 2025 club lists now includes all the teams, with a conclusion at bottom. See below.
2025 Draft list - first look
The first open look at our 2025 draftees came in the under-age match before the Grand Final. From it, we were able to identify the notable players and their general playing positions, then identify their surrounding statistics. Of course, over the next 12 months, boys will grow and we will need to alter where they sit in terms of the height ranges.
Adelaide 2025
List:
It is time to get excited at Adelaide as the fruits of evolution are taking place. Younger players are earning central roles in the team's make up, while a solid depth is building across nearly all height and age ranges.
Disappointingly, a couple of ordinary Adelaide performers have been given second chances.
A few years ago, the Adelaide midfield was bare and the club was forced into moving defenders into the midfield. Now, the midfield has been built up sufficiently that midfielders can be regularly rotated - Rankine, Berry, Soligo, the workhorse Crouch, Sholl, Laird, Dawson, Jones, and now Neal-Bullen, Peatling & Draper. In team selection, it now needs to share the midfield opportunities amongst its rising stars. Rachele should now be building himself into a rotational midfielder/forward.
The forward half has many options, and Walker can now share the load with a variety of tall, medium and small forwards.
The back half has excellent depth in its key position players, but does need to build its depth of quality intercepting flankers. This is where its lack of mature taller mediums (186-189cms) kicks in. Cumming should be a "walk-in" onto one of the flanks. Maybe Neal-Bullen could be used as a back-flanker.
The rucks look good with O'Brien coming off a near career-best season. Thilthorpe averages 2 goals a game, as a forward/ruck. Strachan and the young Murray wait in the wings.
The major challenge will be to get full seasons out of their key players, like Worrell, Rankine, Thilthorpe, Milera, and the aging Crouch.
One would expect Adelaide to begin its rise this season.
Select 22:
The 2024 defence had very good intercepting talls, but its flankers lacked strength. I'd do a Zorko with Laird, and return him to defence. Young Borlase and Nankervis showed enough in the stats that they will grow as defensive flankers. Sholl could rotate midfield/defense too.
As said, the midfield squad is large enough, now, to be divided into rotating teams, with Crouch being just part of a rotation rather than carrying the whole load.
The forwards pick themselves, so does O'Brien as first ruckman. Neal-Bullen will have to earn a place. Adelaide is one team I can begin to get excited about.
It is time to get excited at Adelaide as the fruits of evolution are taking place. Younger players are earning central roles in the team's make up, while a solid depth is building across nearly all height and age ranges.
Disappointingly, a couple of ordinary Adelaide performers have been given second chances.
A few years ago, the Adelaide midfield was bare and the club was forced into moving defenders into the midfield. Now, the midfield has been built up sufficiently that midfielders can be regularly rotated - Rankine, Berry, Soligo, the workhorse Crouch, Sholl, Laird, Dawson, Jones, and now Neal-Bullen, Peatling & Draper. In team selection, it now needs to share the midfield opportunities amongst its rising stars. Rachele should now be building himself into a rotational midfielder/forward.
The forward half has many options, and Walker can now share the load with a variety of tall, medium and small forwards.
The back half has excellent depth in its key position players, but does need to build its depth of quality intercepting flankers. This is where its lack of mature taller mediums (186-189cms) kicks in. Cumming should be a "walk-in" onto one of the flanks. Maybe Neal-Bullen could be used as a back-flanker.
The rucks look good with O'Brien coming off a near career-best season. Thilthorpe averages 2 goals a game, as a forward/ruck. Strachan and the young Murray wait in the wings.
The major challenge will be to get full seasons out of their key players, like Worrell, Rankine, Thilthorpe, Milera, and the aging Crouch.
One would expect Adelaide to begin its rise this season.
Select 22:
The 2024 defence had very good intercepting talls, but its flankers lacked strength. I'd do a Zorko with Laird, and return him to defence. Young Borlase and Nankervis showed enough in the stats that they will grow as defensive flankers. Sholl could rotate midfield/defense too.
As said, the midfield squad is large enough, now, to be divided into rotating teams, with Crouch being just part of a rotation rather than carrying the whole load.
The forwards pick themselves, so does O'Brien as first ruckman. Neal-Bullen will have to earn a place. Adelaide is one team I can begin to get excited about.
Brisbane 2025
List:
Well, Brisbane finally won their premiership. Hurrah!
As said for the last couple of seasons, Brisbane's premiership window is all about the here and now. Similar to Geelong in 2022, the injection of younger legs into a mature team can make all the difference in winning a premiership. Now Brisbane are facing similar challenges to Geelong post 2022, i.e., what to do now? Do we maintain our twilighting stars? Do we inject more youth? Most teams that have successive premierships face this dilemma. We can use successful multiple premiership clubs - Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong - as examples. And, we learn from Footscray, Melbourne, and Collingwood too.
The big gap in their 22-24 yo age range shows there's not a lot coming up, apart from smaller-mediums.
Their well-overdone list of smaller-mediums clearly shows that Beecken, Brain, McLachlan and Torrent just won't get a go, and the small Craven too; especially, with Marshall and the younger Ashcroft coming in.
Yet, Doedee and Coleman will put pressure on the existing back-flankers, and will Zorko and Lester go again?
There will be a real contest for Daniher's spot - the existing Morris, the new/old Day, and the talented Ryan will be battling for it.
And, will Brisbane maintain Fort as 2nd ruckman, or continue the development of talented 22yo Smith?
But, as said, Brisbane is all about the here and now before the cliff comes.
Select 22:
After a premiership, one is inclined to keep the same faces, but also need to inject new faces. The team is settled and should start as is, except for forced changes. Injuries and rotations will create opportunities. Day, at 2 goals per game, should start, if he stays fit. But, Morris will want to remain in, and Ryan still kicked a goal a game playing in just four games, without getting a real go. Levi Ashcroft, if he starts well should be in the team, with Marshall wanting his opportunity too. And, I'd put games into the developing ruckman Smith, before he does a Fort (at Geelong) and walks off to play in a premiership elsewhere.
Well, Brisbane finally won their premiership. Hurrah!
As said for the last couple of seasons, Brisbane's premiership window is all about the here and now. Similar to Geelong in 2022, the injection of younger legs into a mature team can make all the difference in winning a premiership. Now Brisbane are facing similar challenges to Geelong post 2022, i.e., what to do now? Do we maintain our twilighting stars? Do we inject more youth? Most teams that have successive premierships face this dilemma. We can use successful multiple premiership clubs - Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong - as examples. And, we learn from Footscray, Melbourne, and Collingwood too.
The big gap in their 22-24 yo age range shows there's not a lot coming up, apart from smaller-mediums.
Their well-overdone list of smaller-mediums clearly shows that Beecken, Brain, McLachlan and Torrent just won't get a go, and the small Craven too; especially, with Marshall and the younger Ashcroft coming in.
Yet, Doedee and Coleman will put pressure on the existing back-flankers, and will Zorko and Lester go again?
There will be a real contest for Daniher's spot - the existing Morris, the new/old Day, and the talented Ryan will be battling for it.
And, will Brisbane maintain Fort as 2nd ruckman, or continue the development of talented 22yo Smith?
But, as said, Brisbane is all about the here and now before the cliff comes.
Select 22:
After a premiership, one is inclined to keep the same faces, but also need to inject new faces. The team is settled and should start as is, except for forced changes. Injuries and rotations will create opportunities. Day, at 2 goals per game, should start, if he stays fit. But, Morris will want to remain in, and Ryan still kicked a goal a game playing in just four games, without getting a real go. Levi Ashcroft, if he starts well should be in the team, with Marshall wanting his opportunity too. And, I'd put games into the developing ruckman Smith, before he does a Fort (at Geelong) and walks off to play in a premiership elsewhere.
Carlton 2025
List:
Carlton is a classic case of seeing a promising list in 2022 and thinking that it is ready for success. The club under-achieves for a year or two, but stocks up on expensive mature players, and delists its developing players. Suddenly, in 2024, it finds improvement, but then it has to jettison performing players because their contracts are expiring, while maintaining lesser performing players whose contracts are yet to expire. I couldn't believe it when Carlton announced salary cap problems mid-season 2024, and it hadn't even won a premiership.
Now, Carlton looks like an old list.
Why would you let go of Owies, a mature small forward, played 23 games in 2024, with a 1.5 goal average?
Why would you recruit a 32yo tall defender, who played 8 games last year, when you already have an overly tall defence? (And, he was GWS's 7th best interceptor on average.)
Why do you have 4 key forwards all in the same age group - McKay, Curnow, De Koning & Silvagni?
Or, if you think De Koning is a first ruckman, why do you have a statistically better first ruckman in Pittonet who is about the same age?
And look at all that empty yellow in the developing 22-24 yo age range.
Carlton is at a crucial point, it either succeeds very soon, or it becomes a tipping point for a slide.
Failure in finals is usually due to a lack of intensity training leading up to September. However, increased intensity training with so many twilighters usually ends with injuries.
As for their juniors, Jagga Smith is a brilliant junior midfielder and can be played straight away.
The Camporeales are talented, but as defenders, they will need to find their feet in the VFL and gain experience before being elevated.
Select 22:
Carlton lines up tall, possibly overly tall, across the ground. Four tall defenders, four tall forwards, and two first ruckmen.
Good for the first half of the season, but when the rain hits in July of nearly every season, .........?
The team almost picks itself on the basis of last season's improvement, but the loss of Owies and Marchbank creates opportunities. Smith should walk into one of those forward running roles, where he should be able to roam up the ground, but also run back to defend his direct opponent's rebound opportunities. Moir gets in on his 1 goal average, but based on 2 games only, and Motlop needs to improve on a 0.85 goal average, based on only 7 games. While, young Cooper Lord looks like he might have something, based on stats of his 2 games last season.
Carlton is a classic case of seeing a promising list in 2022 and thinking that it is ready for success. The club under-achieves for a year or two, but stocks up on expensive mature players, and delists its developing players. Suddenly, in 2024, it finds improvement, but then it has to jettison performing players because their contracts are expiring, while maintaining lesser performing players whose contracts are yet to expire. I couldn't believe it when Carlton announced salary cap problems mid-season 2024, and it hadn't even won a premiership.
Now, Carlton looks like an old list.
Why would you let go of Owies, a mature small forward, played 23 games in 2024, with a 1.5 goal average?
Why would you recruit a 32yo tall defender, who played 8 games last year, when you already have an overly tall defence? (And, he was GWS's 7th best interceptor on average.)
Why do you have 4 key forwards all in the same age group - McKay, Curnow, De Koning & Silvagni?
Or, if you think De Koning is a first ruckman, why do you have a statistically better first ruckman in Pittonet who is about the same age?
And look at all that empty yellow in the developing 22-24 yo age range.
Carlton is at a crucial point, it either succeeds very soon, or it becomes a tipping point for a slide.
Failure in finals is usually due to a lack of intensity training leading up to September. However, increased intensity training with so many twilighters usually ends with injuries.
As for their juniors, Jagga Smith is a brilliant junior midfielder and can be played straight away.
The Camporeales are talented, but as defenders, they will need to find their feet in the VFL and gain experience before being elevated.
Select 22:
Carlton lines up tall, possibly overly tall, across the ground. Four tall defenders, four tall forwards, and two first ruckmen.
Good for the first half of the season, but when the rain hits in July of nearly every season, .........?
The team almost picks itself on the basis of last season's improvement, but the loss of Owies and Marchbank creates opportunities. Smith should walk into one of those forward running roles, where he should be able to roam up the ground, but also run back to defend his direct opponent's rebound opportunities. Moir gets in on his 1 goal average, but based on 2 games only, and Motlop needs to improve on a 0.85 goal average, based on only 7 games. While, young Cooper Lord looks like he might have something, based on stats of his 2 games last season.
Collingwood 2025
List:
There is a difference between a club that won a premiership two seasons ago and missed out last year, as against a team that hasn't won a premiership in 20 years and is suffering from the salary cap. However, both Collingwood and Carlton share in common, very mature lists, i.e., relying on a large pool of twilighters. Missing last season's finals was an unexpected blow. Why?
There are two big gaps in the Collingwood list. Firstly, its lack of mature and developing smaller-mediums (181-185cms), whom make up the bulk of the midfield and outside run. Secondly, they rely heavily on their overly-mature genuine talls, with little support.
One might guess that the leadership at Collingwood reckon they will have one last hit at a premiership this season. However, if they fail in the attempt, logic would infer that the rebuild will begin.
McCrae has worked on getting the most out of his elderly list through rotations. Elliott, Mitchell, De Goey, Markov, Mihocek, McStay and Frampton, all twilighters, played less than 16 games each last season. McCrae will need to do it again, as injuries only increase as players age over 30.
I just wish to make special mention of John Noble leaving Collingwood. Never, or nearly never, have I seen a club underrate or treat a player so disrespectfully as Collingwood treated Noble. He should've been in the 2021 premiership team. Moreover, he is still 27yo, and younger than lesser players. Also, why the aging Membrey? They have heaps of goal-kickers - good younger ones too.
Select 22:
As said, there are quite a few non-core players picked, due to their rotations from last year. ScStay, De Goey, Mihocek, Elliott, and Mitchell all had good per game averages, but didn't play in enough of them. Also, due to gaps, the team still relies on 'twilighters' - Pendlebury, Hoskin-Elliott, and possibly Sidebottom - whom each may be playing their last season. Hoskin-Elliott just gets in before the young Harrison.
A positive is young Dean, whose per game interception stats shone like Blight's of Richmond. Yet, why did they drop Dean back to a rookie? I prefer Dean's improving stats to that of the declining Howe. Contract expiry dates are most probably the key.
Perryman and Houston merely replace the retired Murphy and the unfortunate Noble, rather than adding something extra.
Yes, this season could be a tipping point for the Pies.
There is a difference between a club that won a premiership two seasons ago and missed out last year, as against a team that hasn't won a premiership in 20 years and is suffering from the salary cap. However, both Collingwood and Carlton share in common, very mature lists, i.e., relying on a large pool of twilighters. Missing last season's finals was an unexpected blow. Why?
There are two big gaps in the Collingwood list. Firstly, its lack of mature and developing smaller-mediums (181-185cms), whom make up the bulk of the midfield and outside run. Secondly, they rely heavily on their overly-mature genuine talls, with little support.
One might guess that the leadership at Collingwood reckon they will have one last hit at a premiership this season. However, if they fail in the attempt, logic would infer that the rebuild will begin.
McCrae has worked on getting the most out of his elderly list through rotations. Elliott, Mitchell, De Goey, Markov, Mihocek, McStay and Frampton, all twilighters, played less than 16 games each last season. McCrae will need to do it again, as injuries only increase as players age over 30.
I just wish to make special mention of John Noble leaving Collingwood. Never, or nearly never, have I seen a club underrate or treat a player so disrespectfully as Collingwood treated Noble. He should've been in the 2021 premiership team. Moreover, he is still 27yo, and younger than lesser players. Also, why the aging Membrey? They have heaps of goal-kickers - good younger ones too.
Select 22:
As said, there are quite a few non-core players picked, due to their rotations from last year. ScStay, De Goey, Mihocek, Elliott, and Mitchell all had good per game averages, but didn't play in enough of them. Also, due to gaps, the team still relies on 'twilighters' - Pendlebury, Hoskin-Elliott, and possibly Sidebottom - whom each may be playing their last season. Hoskin-Elliott just gets in before the young Harrison.
A positive is young Dean, whose per game interception stats shone like Blight's of Richmond. Yet, why did they drop Dean back to a rookie? I prefer Dean's improving stats to that of the declining Howe. Contract expiry dates are most probably the key.
Perryman and Houston merely replace the retired Murphy and the unfortunate Noble, rather than adding something extra.
Yes, this season could be a tipping point for the Pies.
Essendon 2025
List:
The Essendon list is an interesting one. Back in 2023, I would have thought that they would begin playing in finals but since then have not finished any higher than 11th. However, since 2023, two rounds of delistings have removed many of their mature players. Across their mature age range, 25-27yo, they look thin. The bulk of their midfielders sit in the developing age range, 22-24yo, which indicates that they have deferred their window until 2026.
Another area of concern is their surplus of 200cm players. Why so many? One thinks that they might be a bit too tall, especially with a dearth of mobile talls (190-194cm) and genuine talls (195-199cms). Also, isn't it time that Draper and Bryan rucked together and Goldstein was pastured?
Like most teams, Essendon's success will rely on having a much larger portion core players in their team. 14 of 22 isn't enough to be a final's contender. This brings us back to Hobbs and where he is at. His 2024 stats don't put him anywhere near the best 22. Here's hoping a better 2025 for him.
Also, where to for Jones and Cox? Both appear to be surplus.
Select 22:
As said, Essendon need to have more core players. Caddy is an automatic pick at CHF, replacing Stringer. Another interesting one is Setterfield. On general clearances, he sits at #1, but sits at #6 for centre clearances. Maybe, he needs to spend more time in the centre rotations.
Bryan and Draper should share the ruck, as their stats are not far off Goldstein, with them previously spending far less time there.
The new draftee, Kako, as a small forward should walk into a team that has a relatively low goal-scoring average.
The Essendon list is an interesting one. Back in 2023, I would have thought that they would begin playing in finals but since then have not finished any higher than 11th. However, since 2023, two rounds of delistings have removed many of their mature players. Across their mature age range, 25-27yo, they look thin. The bulk of their midfielders sit in the developing age range, 22-24yo, which indicates that they have deferred their window until 2026.
Another area of concern is their surplus of 200cm players. Why so many? One thinks that they might be a bit too tall, especially with a dearth of mobile talls (190-194cm) and genuine talls (195-199cms). Also, isn't it time that Draper and Bryan rucked together and Goldstein was pastured?
Like most teams, Essendon's success will rely on having a much larger portion core players in their team. 14 of 22 isn't enough to be a final's contender. This brings us back to Hobbs and where he is at. His 2024 stats don't put him anywhere near the best 22. Here's hoping a better 2025 for him.
Also, where to for Jones and Cox? Both appear to be surplus.
Select 22:
As said, Essendon need to have more core players. Caddy is an automatic pick at CHF, replacing Stringer. Another interesting one is Setterfield. On general clearances, he sits at #1, but sits at #6 for centre clearances. Maybe, he needs to spend more time in the centre rotations.
Bryan and Draper should share the ruck, as their stats are not far off Goldstein, with them previously spending far less time there.
The new draftee, Kako, as a small forward should walk into a team that has a relatively low goal-scoring average.
Fremantle 2025
List:
This year, Fremantle stands out as a team showing really good depth in its mature, developing and junior areas. Where you can fault them, and it is symptomatic of Western Australian teams, is that the list tends to be overly tall because of the generally dry conditions there.
So, one asks the question, why were Carr, Nicholls and Riddle added to their list, if they already had sufficient junior depth in these tall areas?
Surely their focus in the 2024 drafts should have been squarely on midfield rotations.
The positive is that there is overall depth, Bolton should walk into the team as a small goal-kicking midfielder. Narkle may have to wait for opportunity, and Reid is a future genuine midfielder, which is what they will need.
The one to watch is the developing ruckman Reidy. In two games, he is just about ready to be a full-time ruckman, yet he will be behind Darcy and Jackson in pecking order.
The rest of the team is fairly settled. One would think that Freo would be big improvers and firmly placed in the finals this season.
Select 22:
Hopefully, Pearce can play out a full season, but at 29yo, the likelihood is that his injury-time will increase. Cox needs to play more games too. The defence generally lines up tall and I would have liked to have seen another small/smaller medium defender in the mix. Maybe there is a place for the mature Aish there.
Their midfield looks to have quite a few rotation options - Brayshaw, Young, Serong, Frederick, Bolton, Sharp, Fyfe, O'Meara, Walters - providing a heap of depth.
The forward line has three genuine talls - Treacy, Amiss & Jackson - and could lose a tall when playing in the cold & wet Melbourne winter.
As said, in the rucks, they have Darcy, Jackson and Reidy, but they only need two in the team.
Yep, Freo looks a good mix, with depth, but a little bit overly tall.
This year, Fremantle stands out as a team showing really good depth in its mature, developing and junior areas. Where you can fault them, and it is symptomatic of Western Australian teams, is that the list tends to be overly tall because of the generally dry conditions there.
So, one asks the question, why were Carr, Nicholls and Riddle added to their list, if they already had sufficient junior depth in these tall areas?
Surely their focus in the 2024 drafts should have been squarely on midfield rotations.
The positive is that there is overall depth, Bolton should walk into the team as a small goal-kicking midfielder. Narkle may have to wait for opportunity, and Reid is a future genuine midfielder, which is what they will need.
The one to watch is the developing ruckman Reidy. In two games, he is just about ready to be a full-time ruckman, yet he will be behind Darcy and Jackson in pecking order.
The rest of the team is fairly settled. One would think that Freo would be big improvers and firmly placed in the finals this season.
Select 22:
Hopefully, Pearce can play out a full season, but at 29yo, the likelihood is that his injury-time will increase. Cox needs to play more games too. The defence generally lines up tall and I would have liked to have seen another small/smaller medium defender in the mix. Maybe there is a place for the mature Aish there.
Their midfield looks to have quite a few rotation options - Brayshaw, Young, Serong, Frederick, Bolton, Sharp, Fyfe, O'Meara, Walters - providing a heap of depth.
The forward line has three genuine talls - Treacy, Amiss & Jackson - and could lose a tall when playing in the cold & wet Melbourne winter.
As said, in the rucks, they have Darcy, Jackson and Reidy, but they only need two in the team.
Yep, Freo looks a good mix, with depth, but a little bit overly tall.
Geelong 2025
List:
Slow change is happening at Geelong - evolution, rather than revolution.
It is quite clear this season that the Geelong list is moving downwards in age. Although they retain the same core handful, there are many young players around them. The list has shed the aged Hawkins, Tuohey, and Rohan. Also, the mature Furphy and Hardie, neither of whom had made it.
One of the more unfortunate losses was Brandan Parfitt, 26yo, an okay last season, but below his 2021-22 peak.
One to watch is the 21yo, Lawson Humphries, as well as last season's up-and-comer Ollie Dempsey.
As a list, Geelong look very competitive in 2025, as long as their twilighters can maintain their intensity.
Select 22:
As you would expect with a stable team, Geelong's core picks itself.
Neale has already succeeded Hawkins as a key forward last year. Conway has now shown himself ready to play first ruck, supported by the twilighter Stanley. The team has plenty of midfield rotations with Dangerfield, Bruhns, Holmes, Atkins, Z.Guthrie, Bowes, Humphries, Dempsey and Miers able to share time in the centre.
Players who have missed with injury last season - Cam Guthrie, Bews, and others - will have to fight their way in.
Things look good at Geelong, as said, as long as their twilighters can maintain their intensity.
Postscript:
Yes, just read that Bailey Smith is now in full training, so he can be included. The main problem is where to play him.
At the Bulldogs, he played off a half back flank, but I think he was mis-positioned there.
His career stats may be a first indicator – his intercepting and marking stats are poor relative to other defenders.
His 2023 stats show the same thing. His Metres Gained stats are good, indicating he may be better as an outside midfielder. Although not generally played at the Bulldogs as an inside midfielder, his clearance stats are pretty good.
So, I’d put Bailey Smith on a wing, and make him one of the inside midfield rotations, with the view of developing him as a full-time inside midfielder.
Finally, on reflection, there is only one place for Holmes and that place is in the centre.
Slow change is happening at Geelong - evolution, rather than revolution.
It is quite clear this season that the Geelong list is moving downwards in age. Although they retain the same core handful, there are many young players around them. The list has shed the aged Hawkins, Tuohey, and Rohan. Also, the mature Furphy and Hardie, neither of whom had made it.
One of the more unfortunate losses was Brandan Parfitt, 26yo, an okay last season, but below his 2021-22 peak.
One to watch is the 21yo, Lawson Humphries, as well as last season's up-and-comer Ollie Dempsey.
As a list, Geelong look very competitive in 2025, as long as their twilighters can maintain their intensity.
Select 22:
As you would expect with a stable team, Geelong's core picks itself.
Neale has already succeeded Hawkins as a key forward last year. Conway has now shown himself ready to play first ruck, supported by the twilighter Stanley. The team has plenty of midfield rotations with Dangerfield, Bruhns, Holmes, Atkins, Z.Guthrie, Bowes, Humphries, Dempsey and Miers able to share time in the centre.
Players who have missed with injury last season - Cam Guthrie, Bews, and others - will have to fight their way in.
Things look good at Geelong, as said, as long as their twilighters can maintain their intensity.
Postscript:
Yes, just read that Bailey Smith is now in full training, so he can be included. The main problem is where to play him.
At the Bulldogs, he played off a half back flank, but I think he was mis-positioned there.
His career stats may be a first indicator – his intercepting and marking stats are poor relative to other defenders.
His 2023 stats show the same thing. His Metres Gained stats are good, indicating he may be better as an outside midfielder. Although not generally played at the Bulldogs as an inside midfielder, his clearance stats are pretty good.
So, I’d put Bailey Smith on a wing, and make him one of the inside midfield rotations, with the view of developing him as a full-time inside midfielder.
Finally, on reflection, there is only one place for Holmes and that place is in the centre.
Gold Coast 2025
List:
When looking at the Gold Coast list, one immediately sees it being in transition. Firstly, the core players are spread evenly over all age groups. Secondly, that the influx of new players range from mature to junior. Thirdly, the number of non-core players in the twilight (28+yo) section might indicate contract challenges.
The strength of the Gold Coast list is that there is no shortage of players to choose from. The problem is finding enough players that play at a consistently intense level. The defence has Ballard, Collins and Andrew anchoring the tall positions, however there has been no consistency in the mediums around them. Only Powell has shown consistency. So, recruiting of Noble and Rioli should strengthen the defence more.
The loss of Day and Lukosius, with Walter not being quite ready, means that Himmelburg will be required to do the hard work as a high half forward (nee CHF), unless the aforementioned Walter develops significantly in the pre-season. The positive is that there are plenty of good mediums and smalls to go around their tall forwards. The outstanding junior Lombard should be given early opportunity.
Moyle's development in the ruck has been excellent, with the 22yo ready to share duties full-time with the aging Witts.
The midfield has an excellent handful - Miller, Anderson, Rowell and Flanders, but I would like to see it expand to a good 10, who can be rotated in groups during a match. Gold Coast's key weakness is that you can overrun their lack of rotations when their short handful retires. This is where Rioli and Noble can add to their midfield rotations.
There is opportunity for at least half a dozen improving juniors (18-21yo) and developing (22-24yo) players to force their way into the team.
Select 22:
An almost settled defence has Noble and Rioli adding experience and extra run to it. Sexton, a twilighter whose excellent per game statistics, especially metres gained - provides a top option on a wing. Himmelburg should start at high half forward, taking height pressure off King. Moyle should be included in the 22 every game to change with Witts (unless only one ruck is required - teeming with rain). Lombard should get early opportunity.
There is plenty of depth and opportunity for the Gold Coast list this season. How much improvement will depend on its level of intensity and consistency.
When looking at the Gold Coast list, one immediately sees it being in transition. Firstly, the core players are spread evenly over all age groups. Secondly, that the influx of new players range from mature to junior. Thirdly, the number of non-core players in the twilight (28+yo) section might indicate contract challenges.
The strength of the Gold Coast list is that there is no shortage of players to choose from. The problem is finding enough players that play at a consistently intense level. The defence has Ballard, Collins and Andrew anchoring the tall positions, however there has been no consistency in the mediums around them. Only Powell has shown consistency. So, recruiting of Noble and Rioli should strengthen the defence more.
The loss of Day and Lukosius, with Walter not being quite ready, means that Himmelburg will be required to do the hard work as a high half forward (nee CHF), unless the aforementioned Walter develops significantly in the pre-season. The positive is that there are plenty of good mediums and smalls to go around their tall forwards. The outstanding junior Lombard should be given early opportunity.
Moyle's development in the ruck has been excellent, with the 22yo ready to share duties full-time with the aging Witts.
The midfield has an excellent handful - Miller, Anderson, Rowell and Flanders, but I would like to see it expand to a good 10, who can be rotated in groups during a match. Gold Coast's key weakness is that you can overrun their lack of rotations when their short handful retires. This is where Rioli and Noble can add to their midfield rotations.
There is opportunity for at least half a dozen improving juniors (18-21yo) and developing (22-24yo) players to force their way into the team.
Select 22:
An almost settled defence has Noble and Rioli adding experience and extra run to it. Sexton, a twilighter whose excellent per game statistics, especially metres gained - provides a top option on a wing. Himmelburg should start at high half forward, taking height pressure off King. Moyle should be included in the 22 every game to change with Witts (unless only one ruck is required - teeming with rain). Lombard should get early opportunity.
There is plenty of depth and opportunity for the Gold Coast list this season. How much improvement will depend on its level of intensity and consistency.
GWS 2025
List:
So says the adage, "Two steps forward, one step back." For all of GWS's rebuilding over the last handful of years, it will, no doubt, face new challenges, with the loss of Perryman, Cumming, and Peatling. Perryman was a key intercepting flanker in 2024. Cumming's 2024 was hampered by injury. While Peatling looked the "up-and-comer" in the midfield. The twilighter Haynes is gone too, but his 8 games last year and repetitive hamstring injuries in big games already cast doubt on his future.
There is a the sparse area on their list of mature players (25 to 27yo) and developing smaller-mediums (22 to 24yo). The list desperately needs players of these types.
This means, GWS will have to rely again their twilighters playing core roles. However, their list's midfielders are sparse and there will be opportunities for their solid range of junior players. Why Stringer was recruited, to me, is a mystery, as he didn't look fit enough to play a midfield role last season.
Also, with Flynn gone, Briggs will be first ruckman, and he looks ready for it.
Gutfeel says that GWS might take a small rebuilding dip this season, but Kingsley and his crew have shown better than expected results over the last year or two.
Select 22:
The goal to goal line selects itself, based on good performances last season. However, the list lacks quantity in its developing midfielders and forward and defensive flankers. The back half is probably overly tall, and the forward half has too many key tall forwards.
The midfield lacks numbers - probably running on 4 cylinders - but Kingsley will rotate his twilighters in with his developing 'mids' and new juniors.
With Briggs being the only ready first ruckman, I might suggest Aleer being tried as a change ruckman. Ward marginally missed out but will play through the season.
This season looks like a challenging one for GWS. But, there will be heaps of opportunity.
So says the adage, "Two steps forward, one step back." For all of GWS's rebuilding over the last handful of years, it will, no doubt, face new challenges, with the loss of Perryman, Cumming, and Peatling. Perryman was a key intercepting flanker in 2024. Cumming's 2024 was hampered by injury. While Peatling looked the "up-and-comer" in the midfield. The twilighter Haynes is gone too, but his 8 games last year and repetitive hamstring injuries in big games already cast doubt on his future.
There is a the sparse area on their list of mature players (25 to 27yo) and developing smaller-mediums (22 to 24yo). The list desperately needs players of these types.
This means, GWS will have to rely again their twilighters playing core roles. However, their list's midfielders are sparse and there will be opportunities for their solid range of junior players. Why Stringer was recruited, to me, is a mystery, as he didn't look fit enough to play a midfield role last season.
Also, with Flynn gone, Briggs will be first ruckman, and he looks ready for it.
Gutfeel says that GWS might take a small rebuilding dip this season, but Kingsley and his crew have shown better than expected results over the last year or two.
Select 22:
The goal to goal line selects itself, based on good performances last season. However, the list lacks quantity in its developing midfielders and forward and defensive flankers. The back half is probably overly tall, and the forward half has too many key tall forwards.
The midfield lacks numbers - probably running on 4 cylinders - but Kingsley will rotate his twilighters in with his developing 'mids' and new juniors.
With Briggs being the only ready first ruckman, I might suggest Aleer being tried as a change ruckman. Ward marginally missed out but will play through the season.
This season looks like a challenging one for GWS. But, there will be heaps of opportunity.
Hawthorn 2025
List:
They're doing some very good things at Hawthorn now. They certainly were in a mess in 2021/22 but, at the end of 2023, they made big changes and started putting things right. Now the list looks just in the right place, with just a couple of holes needing to be filled, as follows:
1. The backline lacks for quality talls, and the experienced Frost looks tired. Battle and Barrass have been recruited, along with the junior tall Mraz.
2. The ruck - Meek looks clearly their best, but who is their 2nd ruck? Nash is good at clearances but can't win a hit out. Not sure if ruck is Nash's best position! Lewis and Reeves are other options.
3. Forward - a multiple goal kicker. They share it around with 1 or two goals each, but no forward clearly dominates.
Select 22:
The team selects itself, based on last season's performances.
Hardwick was unlucky to miss out, as he is easily in their top 22 but, actually, outside their top 6 defensive interceptors. Maybe he needs a different position! Breust could have been in there too. A strong consistent list, with depth.
The Hawkers look to be in a great position coming into this season.
They're doing some very good things at Hawthorn now. They certainly were in a mess in 2021/22 but, at the end of 2023, they made big changes and started putting things right. Now the list looks just in the right place, with just a couple of holes needing to be filled, as follows:
1. The backline lacks for quality talls, and the experienced Frost looks tired. Battle and Barrass have been recruited, along with the junior tall Mraz.
2. The ruck - Meek looks clearly their best, but who is their 2nd ruck? Nash is good at clearances but can't win a hit out. Not sure if ruck is Nash's best position! Lewis and Reeves are other options.
3. Forward - a multiple goal kicker. They share it around with 1 or two goals each, but no forward clearly dominates.
Select 22:
The team selects itself, based on last season's performances.
Hardwick was unlucky to miss out, as he is easily in their top 22 but, actually, outside their top 6 defensive interceptors. Maybe he needs a different position! Breust could have been in there too. A strong consistent list, with depth.
The Hawkers look to be in a great position coming into this season.
Melbourne 2025
List:
As seen from last season, the Melbourne list is in two parts. The first section are the remnants of their 2021 premiership - 4 years ago - and some "ring-ins" thinking they might win another. (Yep, not the first ones to believe that.) The second part is that group of juniors (18-21yo) that they've recruited since that are beginning to move into the developing group (22-24yo). What this means is that Melbourne are in transition and need to ensure that they have what they need to be successful in the future.
With the future in mind, they need to focus on:
1. Retiring twilighters (28+yo) who aren't core players and aren't stars - I can identify 6 of these already.
2. They need to recruit a talented developing (22-24yo) ruckman, who isn't getting a go at another club, and a talented junior ruckman (18-21yo). Remember, Gawn was taken in 2009, debuted in 2011, and didn't click until 2015. That's 6 years of development for a star ruckman.
Oh, and Fullarton? Doesn't show enough, when he's not injured, and he's 25yo, now.
3. Recruit an elite goal-kicking smaller midfielder. Langford is an excellent recruit but is on the taller side. (My knock on Lindsay is that he is like the rest of their smalls and smaller-mediums - they don't do enough.
Select 22:
Melbourne have good junior and developing players on the flanks, but very very few busting open key or midfield positions. This why so many twilighters are being hung onto. Langdon could move into an inside role. Howes is a promising mobile tall interceptor and should be given every opportunity. On the other side, tall forward Matthew Jefferson has spent two years at Casey and is overdue for a senior debut. Daniel Turner is a capable developing utility.
One suspects Melbourne needs a few more years provided it fills in all its holes.
As seen from last season, the Melbourne list is in two parts. The first section are the remnants of their 2021 premiership - 4 years ago - and some "ring-ins" thinking they might win another. (Yep, not the first ones to believe that.) The second part is that group of juniors (18-21yo) that they've recruited since that are beginning to move into the developing group (22-24yo). What this means is that Melbourne are in transition and need to ensure that they have what they need to be successful in the future.
With the future in mind, they need to focus on:
1. Retiring twilighters (28+yo) who aren't core players and aren't stars - I can identify 6 of these already.
2. They need to recruit a talented developing (22-24yo) ruckman, who isn't getting a go at another club, and a talented junior ruckman (18-21yo). Remember, Gawn was taken in 2009, debuted in 2011, and didn't click until 2015. That's 6 years of development for a star ruckman.
Oh, and Fullarton? Doesn't show enough, when he's not injured, and he's 25yo, now.
3. Recruit an elite goal-kicking smaller midfielder. Langford is an excellent recruit but is on the taller side. (My knock on Lindsay is that he is like the rest of their smalls and smaller-mediums - they don't do enough.
Select 22:
Melbourne have good junior and developing players on the flanks, but very very few busting open key or midfield positions. This why so many twilighters are being hung onto. Langdon could move into an inside role. Howes is a promising mobile tall interceptor and should be given every opportunity. On the other side, tall forward Matthew Jefferson has spent two years at Casey and is overdue for a senior debut. Daniel Turner is a capable developing utility.
One suspects Melbourne needs a few more years provided it fills in all its holes.
North Melbourne 2025
List:
Well, that looks more like a normal list!
The North Melbourne list management reforms of 2022 have certainly made a difference. Previously, if you look at their 2021 list, it was in a shambles. With the 2022 management changes - Todd Viney (Football Manager), Jon Ralph (List Manager), Will Thursfield (Head Recruiter) - the list looks much better.
They now have good numbers of key position players, elite midfield options, supporting flankers.
In response to a lack of on-field leadership, they have brought in Parker, Darling & Daniel, which reminds me very much of Sheldon, Hamill and Marcou arriving at StKilda from Carlton in the 1980s.
I'm not too worried about their surplus of junior smaller-mediums (181-185cms) as there will be a handful of these types that will go at season's end.
In further recruiting, their focus in 2025 will be (190-194cm) mobile key postion options.
North will start winning games this season. Their challenge will be to win consecutive games consistently, which will come with experience.
Select 22:
For the first time in a long while, North have a list that can comfortably fill out all the positions in a team, plus extras that I couldn't include.
Fisher is an interesting one whom I liken to Holmes of Geelong. Both are excellent medium overhead players and do more than just being good defenders. I'd play Fisher in the centre - 24 disps and 5 marks a game is too good for a defender.
The goal to goal line of Corr, Comben, Fisher, Darling and Larkey has experience. Teakle can move into CHF if required. While, the junior Duursma might probably hone his tall forward craft in the VFL this season.
The midfield of Fisher, Davies-Uniacke, Sheezel, Simpkin, Scott, McKercher, Wardlaw, Parker, Powell, and Phillips gives them a 10-cylinder engine.
My only knock is that Xerri and Teakle are a good changing ruck combination, but they need to take more marks, as both take less than 3 marks per game.
The experienced Corr and developing Comben will take the two key defending roles, while Logue and Goater will compete for the 3rd tall defending position.
Good news! North will jump this season. How far? Time will tell.
Well, that looks more like a normal list!
The North Melbourne list management reforms of 2022 have certainly made a difference. Previously, if you look at their 2021 list, it was in a shambles. With the 2022 management changes - Todd Viney (Football Manager), Jon Ralph (List Manager), Will Thursfield (Head Recruiter) - the list looks much better.
They now have good numbers of key position players, elite midfield options, supporting flankers.
In response to a lack of on-field leadership, they have brought in Parker, Darling & Daniel, which reminds me very much of Sheldon, Hamill and Marcou arriving at StKilda from Carlton in the 1980s.
I'm not too worried about their surplus of junior smaller-mediums (181-185cms) as there will be a handful of these types that will go at season's end.
In further recruiting, their focus in 2025 will be (190-194cm) mobile key postion options.
North will start winning games this season. Their challenge will be to win consecutive games consistently, which will come with experience.
Select 22:
For the first time in a long while, North have a list that can comfortably fill out all the positions in a team, plus extras that I couldn't include.
Fisher is an interesting one whom I liken to Holmes of Geelong. Both are excellent medium overhead players and do more than just being good defenders. I'd play Fisher in the centre - 24 disps and 5 marks a game is too good for a defender.
The goal to goal line of Corr, Comben, Fisher, Darling and Larkey has experience. Teakle can move into CHF if required. While, the junior Duursma might probably hone his tall forward craft in the VFL this season.
The midfield of Fisher, Davies-Uniacke, Sheezel, Simpkin, Scott, McKercher, Wardlaw, Parker, Powell, and Phillips gives them a 10-cylinder engine.
My only knock is that Xerri and Teakle are a good changing ruck combination, but they need to take more marks, as both take less than 3 marks per game.
The experienced Corr and developing Comben will take the two key defending roles, while Logue and Goater will compete for the 3rd tall defending position.
Good news! North will jump this season. How far? Time will tell.
Port Adelaide 2025
List:
In the 2020's, Port has almost consistently played finals, yet it hasn't lifted the premiership cup in that window. But, it has had holes.
In 2020/21, it lacked for genuine talls (195-199cms) in its defence, and had too many mature (25-27yo) and twilight (28+) players who weren't core players.
Now, in 2025, the list looks a lot better. It has genuine tall and medium interceptors in defence, it has very good depth in its tall forwards, and it has a heap of very good goal-kicking midfielders.
I have a couple of knocks. One, their best hit-out ruckman by far is still on the rookie list - Sweet - and they need to re-include Soldo, their best clearance ruckman, back into the fold.
Also, there is a gap in their mobile talls (190-194cms), which is where 3rd tall defenders and the new generation of tall "Crisp/Bontempelli" ruck-rovers are sourced.
An opportunity for those from other clubs could be Ollie Lord, still a developing goal a game player, but looks to be behind Marshall, Georgiades, and the newly recruited Lukosias, all ahead of him. And, only Adelaide plays 4 talls in the forward half in a grand final (hee hee!) Lord's contract runs out in 2026 anyway.
Aside from list, to borrow from the past thoughts of that great Australian philosopher Micky Malthouse ("the ox is slow but the Earth is patient"), Port needs to play more games on the MCG if it seriously wants to win a premiership.
Select 22:
To me, Port builds on its 2024 team. The aging Dixon has retired and should be replaced by the newly recruited and still developing Lukosius. Burton was close in 2024 to a core player with 15 games, yet was their 3rd best for average metres gained per game, and should be in the team. Also, although Sweet is their best hit-out ruckman, Soldo is their best clearance ruckman and needs to be in the team when centre clearances are needed.
Port will be strong in the 2025 season, again, but needs more games on the MCG for when the "big dance" comes.
In the 2020's, Port has almost consistently played finals, yet it hasn't lifted the premiership cup in that window. But, it has had holes.
In 2020/21, it lacked for genuine talls (195-199cms) in its defence, and had too many mature (25-27yo) and twilight (28+) players who weren't core players.
Now, in 2025, the list looks a lot better. It has genuine tall and medium interceptors in defence, it has very good depth in its tall forwards, and it has a heap of very good goal-kicking midfielders.
I have a couple of knocks. One, their best hit-out ruckman by far is still on the rookie list - Sweet - and they need to re-include Soldo, their best clearance ruckman, back into the fold.
Also, there is a gap in their mobile talls (190-194cms), which is where 3rd tall defenders and the new generation of tall "Crisp/Bontempelli" ruck-rovers are sourced.
An opportunity for those from other clubs could be Ollie Lord, still a developing goal a game player, but looks to be behind Marshall, Georgiades, and the newly recruited Lukosias, all ahead of him. And, only Adelaide plays 4 talls in the forward half in a grand final (hee hee!) Lord's contract runs out in 2026 anyway.
Aside from list, to borrow from the past thoughts of that great Australian philosopher Micky Malthouse ("the ox is slow but the Earth is patient"), Port needs to play more games on the MCG if it seriously wants to win a premiership.
Select 22:
To me, Port builds on its 2024 team. The aging Dixon has retired and should be replaced by the newly recruited and still developing Lukosius. Burton was close in 2024 to a core player with 15 games, yet was their 3rd best for average metres gained per game, and should be in the team. Also, although Sweet is their best hit-out ruckman, Soldo is their best clearance ruckman and needs to be in the team when centre clearances are needed.
Port will be strong in the 2025 season, again, but needs more games on the MCG for when the "big dance" comes.
Richmond 2025
List:
As everyone knows, the Tiges are in rebuilding mode, and they have largely done a good job, as seen in the depth and variety of its junior players.
In the draft, most expectations were about the Tigers rebuilding their midfield, but its recruiters took the view that it wasn't just the midfield that needed rebuilding. The inference from their draft selections was that the entire list needed rebuilding, and that the rebuilding process was going to take several drafts, not just one. Who could disagree with that?
However, in the short term, it will raise another of those many recruiting questions, this time Sam Lalor v Jagga Smith?
The list still needs a lot of work.
The midfield - as yet, none of the developing smalls or mediums - Mansell, Maurice Rioli, Dow, Sonsie, Ross, Ralphsmith - are not showing enough intensity to stamp themselves as genuine tier 1 midfielders. That will continue to put pressure on the regularly injured Prestia and Hopper.
The ruck - Nankervis is now in the twilight phase of his career. Focusing on that part of the list, Colina, now in the mature phase hasn't played a game yet, was delisted, then relisted. Hayes-Brown hasn't played a game yet, either. And last season, the promising Ryan wasn't getting a game until supporters began sending messages to the football leadership. (Which worked because he played 7 of the last 11 games.) Why would you relist Colina when their are younger and possibly better options?
The forward half - decimated by injury and retirements leaves it wide open for any juniors or developing players that can kick multiple goals. 2025 is an end-of-contract-season for Tom Lynch, and he'll be busting his gut to get on the ground every opportunity this season. (Sceptics sit down!)
The defence - it's the best part of the Tigers list with 6 excellent interceptors - Vlastuin, Blight, Broad, Trezise, Miller, Brown - and they need a season together to settle, instead of filling gaps elsewhere. But it does raise a question, where do you play Balta?
Here's the big knock on the Tiger list - Bauer, Blight, Campbell, Colina, Gray, Hayes-Brown, Lefau, Trezise, and Young are all on the rookie list, so they can't even start with their best team on the field. It would be logical for the Tiger selectors to be factoring for some early injuries or absences.
A non-list item to look forward to will be the immediate influence of Blake Caracella, if he can re-build the way the Tiges transition from defense into attack.
Select 22:
I was tempted to put up a team of senior listed players only to show up the rookie list absentees, but decided that I hadn't done that for others teams, so why do it now.
As said, the Tiges best 6 interceptors should be in defense, that's easy. Koschitzke's lack of marking prowess is a worry as a replacement. Balta, averaging 6 marks a game, still looks better.
Harder is the lack of genuine midfielders, and the doors will be open, and the pressure will be on, for Dow, Sonsie, Ross, Ralphsmith, Ross, Campbell, and McAuliffe to quickly develop themselves as inside midfielders. Then, of course, come the new draftees - Smillie, Lalor, Hotton, and Alger.
The forward half is open slather for anyone.
Like the bad old days of the mid to late 80s, Nankervis, like Mark Lee, remains unchallenged in the ruck. Ryan looks the next best bet, and he should be given more games, and more time in the ruck.
It's hard to see the Tigers bouncing if they structurally can't put their best team out on the field.
As everyone knows, the Tiges are in rebuilding mode, and they have largely done a good job, as seen in the depth and variety of its junior players.
In the draft, most expectations were about the Tigers rebuilding their midfield, but its recruiters took the view that it wasn't just the midfield that needed rebuilding. The inference from their draft selections was that the entire list needed rebuilding, and that the rebuilding process was going to take several drafts, not just one. Who could disagree with that?
However, in the short term, it will raise another of those many recruiting questions, this time Sam Lalor v Jagga Smith?
The list still needs a lot of work.
The midfield - as yet, none of the developing smalls or mediums - Mansell, Maurice Rioli, Dow, Sonsie, Ross, Ralphsmith - are not showing enough intensity to stamp themselves as genuine tier 1 midfielders. That will continue to put pressure on the regularly injured Prestia and Hopper.
The ruck - Nankervis is now in the twilight phase of his career. Focusing on that part of the list, Colina, now in the mature phase hasn't played a game yet, was delisted, then relisted. Hayes-Brown hasn't played a game yet, either. And last season, the promising Ryan wasn't getting a game until supporters began sending messages to the football leadership. (Which worked because he played 7 of the last 11 games.) Why would you relist Colina when their are younger and possibly better options?
The forward half - decimated by injury and retirements leaves it wide open for any juniors or developing players that can kick multiple goals. 2025 is an end-of-contract-season for Tom Lynch, and he'll be busting his gut to get on the ground every opportunity this season. (Sceptics sit down!)
The defence - it's the best part of the Tigers list with 6 excellent interceptors - Vlastuin, Blight, Broad, Trezise, Miller, Brown - and they need a season together to settle, instead of filling gaps elsewhere. But it does raise a question, where do you play Balta?
Here's the big knock on the Tiger list - Bauer, Blight, Campbell, Colina, Gray, Hayes-Brown, Lefau, Trezise, and Young are all on the rookie list, so they can't even start with their best team on the field. It would be logical for the Tiger selectors to be factoring for some early injuries or absences.
A non-list item to look forward to will be the immediate influence of Blake Caracella, if he can re-build the way the Tiges transition from defense into attack.
Select 22:
I was tempted to put up a team of senior listed players only to show up the rookie list absentees, but decided that I hadn't done that for others teams, so why do it now.
As said, the Tiges best 6 interceptors should be in defense, that's easy. Koschitzke's lack of marking prowess is a worry as a replacement. Balta, averaging 6 marks a game, still looks better.
Harder is the lack of genuine midfielders, and the doors will be open, and the pressure will be on, for Dow, Sonsie, Ross, Ralphsmith, Ross, Campbell, and McAuliffe to quickly develop themselves as inside midfielders. Then, of course, come the new draftees - Smillie, Lalor, Hotton, and Alger.
The forward half is open slather for anyone.
Like the bad old days of the mid to late 80s, Nankervis, like Mark Lee, remains unchallenged in the ruck. Ryan looks the next best bet, and he should be given more games, and more time in the ruck.
It's hard to see the Tigers bouncing if they structurally can't put their best team out on the field.
St Kilda 2025
List:
One look at the StKilda list indicates the split between twilighters (28+yo) and juniors (18-21yo), and little in between.
Their main struggle is trying to hold onto players that are repeatedly drawn to other more successful clubs.
What makes their drafting this year seem amiss is that the've mainly focused their drafting in areas where they already had strong juniors - taller-mediums (186-189cm) and mobile talls (190-194).
The other area that St Kilda's drafting seems amiss is in the area of midfielders. They seem rarely to have enough of them. A premiership team runs on at least an 8-cylinder (midfield) engine, many have a 10 to 12-cylinder (midfield) engine. The old adage goes, "You can never have too many midfielders." In StKilda's case, they seem to always struggle to have enough midfielders.
Yet, in the last draft, their early picks went on Tauru, Travaglia & Barrat - all tallish defenders.
Select 22:
StKilda's defence almost picks itself, with experienced players over several seasons. Hopefully, Howard plays more than 15 games this season. Schoenmaker looked very impressive in his 4 games last season and could be an early starter this season in place of the aging Webster (31yo).
The forward half has developed nicely, with Camaniti, Owens, Sharman and King all showing talent. Higgins hasn't taken the step up to being a regular midfielder. While Henry, a free-wheeling midfielder at Freo, seems restricted as a small forward at the Saints.
In the ruck, Marshall now moves into twilighter territory, so the developing Heath needs to be given game time. The talented junior Dodson (18yo) will need 2-4 years before being ready to start.
Again, picking midfielders is hard. Steele, Hill and Wood pick themselves. Ex-Bulldog MacCrae walks into the tallish midfielder role, but from there it gets difficult. Higgins, Henry, Dow, Clark, and others haven't shown enough to be tier-1 midfielders, and this is the crux of their problem.
Dow's recent knee injury and infection makes the problem more difficult. But, there is little else.
Without a decent midfield, its hard to see the Saints going anywhere quickly.
One look at the StKilda list indicates the split between twilighters (28+yo) and juniors (18-21yo), and little in between.
Their main struggle is trying to hold onto players that are repeatedly drawn to other more successful clubs.
What makes their drafting this year seem amiss is that the've mainly focused their drafting in areas where they already had strong juniors - taller-mediums (186-189cm) and mobile talls (190-194).
The other area that St Kilda's drafting seems amiss is in the area of midfielders. They seem rarely to have enough of them. A premiership team runs on at least an 8-cylinder (midfield) engine, many have a 10 to 12-cylinder (midfield) engine. The old adage goes, "You can never have too many midfielders." In StKilda's case, they seem to always struggle to have enough midfielders.
Yet, in the last draft, their early picks went on Tauru, Travaglia & Barrat - all tallish defenders.
Select 22:
StKilda's defence almost picks itself, with experienced players over several seasons. Hopefully, Howard plays more than 15 games this season. Schoenmaker looked very impressive in his 4 games last season and could be an early starter this season in place of the aging Webster (31yo).
The forward half has developed nicely, with Camaniti, Owens, Sharman and King all showing talent. Higgins hasn't taken the step up to being a regular midfielder. While Henry, a free-wheeling midfielder at Freo, seems restricted as a small forward at the Saints.
In the ruck, Marshall now moves into twilighter territory, so the developing Heath needs to be given game time. The talented junior Dodson (18yo) will need 2-4 years before being ready to start.
Again, picking midfielders is hard. Steele, Hill and Wood pick themselves. Ex-Bulldog MacCrae walks into the tallish midfielder role, but from there it gets difficult. Higgins, Henry, Dow, Clark, and others haven't shown enough to be tier-1 midfielders, and this is the crux of their problem.
Dow's recent knee injury and infection makes the problem more difficult. But, there is little else.
Without a decent midfield, its hard to see the Saints going anywhere quickly.
Sydney 2025
List:
Sydney are in the here and now in their opportunities to win a premiership, with the bulk of their core situated in the twilight, mature and developing areas. In fact, that's what makes the Sydney list management so attractive. The list can be in the premiership mix but doesn't rely on a specific age group. One can see into the future that as their twilighters retire, there is a good group of developing and junior players to replace them.
In defence, Lloyd, Rampe, and Melican, with Cunningham, are playing out the last phase of their careers, but Paton from St Kilda, and young Roberts, among some others can replace them.
The midfield has many options but appears to lack the very strong tall physical midfielder that can take the bumps. This is the crux of Sydney's premiership dilemma, in big games you can knock them out of the game because they lack the physical presence on the inside.
The forward half looks okay but lacks for a star goal-kicker and relies heavily on Papley as their small forward. They need a star tall and more small and medium goal-kicking options. Maybe the returning Sheldrick, previously a strong disposal accumulator, can build his goal kicking skills.
In the ruck, Grundy is still a star, but Ladhams, now in the mature phase, must be given more games.
The only knock seems to be a big gap in their developing mobile talls, which is why they hung onto Hamling and Francis. But, this the column of Bontempelli, Pendlebury, and Cripps, and the Swans may have to realise that premiership success and their ability to physically compete in big games may lie in that vacant area.
Select 22:
As said, Sydney's team largely picks itself and there is depth in their talented developing and junior players to put pressure on all positions.
Sydney has a strong but aging defence. I've picked the players that have consistently performed for them in that area, but others such as Roberts, Paton and others have the chance to be there mid-season as age and injuries can upset the twilighters.
Also, up forward, they have a large array of players who can kick one or two goals a game, but lack a genuinely talented forward who can kick big bags of goals. Until they do, Amartey, McLean and McDonald, supported by Papley and Hayward, and some midfielders will kick a competitive score.
Sydney are in the here and now in their opportunities to win a premiership, with the bulk of their core situated in the twilight, mature and developing areas. In fact, that's what makes the Sydney list management so attractive. The list can be in the premiership mix but doesn't rely on a specific age group. One can see into the future that as their twilighters retire, there is a good group of developing and junior players to replace them.
In defence, Lloyd, Rampe, and Melican, with Cunningham, are playing out the last phase of their careers, but Paton from St Kilda, and young Roberts, among some others can replace them.
The midfield has many options but appears to lack the very strong tall physical midfielder that can take the bumps. This is the crux of Sydney's premiership dilemma, in big games you can knock them out of the game because they lack the physical presence on the inside.
The forward half looks okay but lacks for a star goal-kicker and relies heavily on Papley as their small forward. They need a star tall and more small and medium goal-kicking options. Maybe the returning Sheldrick, previously a strong disposal accumulator, can build his goal kicking skills.
In the ruck, Grundy is still a star, but Ladhams, now in the mature phase, must be given more games.
The only knock seems to be a big gap in their developing mobile talls, which is why they hung onto Hamling and Francis. But, this the column of Bontempelli, Pendlebury, and Cripps, and the Swans may have to realise that premiership success and their ability to physically compete in big games may lie in that vacant area.
Select 22:
As said, Sydney's team largely picks itself and there is depth in their talented developing and junior players to put pressure on all positions.
Sydney has a strong but aging defence. I've picked the players that have consistently performed for them in that area, but others such as Roberts, Paton and others have the chance to be there mid-season as age and injuries can upset the twilighters.
Also, up forward, they have a large array of players who can kick one or two goals a game, but lack a genuinely talented forward who can kick big bags of goals. Until they do, Amartey, McLean and McDonald, supported by Papley and Hayward, and some midfielders will kick a competitive score.
Westcoast 2025
List:
Westcoast seems innately a tall team, maybe, because of the dry conditions in Western Australia. Yet, when they won their premierships in 1992, 1994. 2006, and 2018, they weren't so tall. We know Westcoast are rebuilding, but their is concern in their list that they have 17 developing and junior aged players that are 190cm or taller. However, credit to them for packing out each height range of their junior players.
The knock is the big gap in their developing (22-24yo) smaller-mediums (181-185cm), taller mediums (186-189cm) and mobile talls (190-194cms), although this should rectify itself over the next 2-3 years.
As well as their trading - Owies, Graham & Baker, their drafting - Bo Allan, Davis, Champion, Shanahan, Grego & Gross all look good. To me, Gross is the one to watch as a talented & skilled Oakleigh Chargers midfielder.
With continued strong drafting, one can see a Westcoast premiership window in about 4 to 5 years.
Select 22:
As said, it is too easy to select an overly tall Westcoast team because of the height bias on their list. Jamieson looked very good in his 4 games last season, but it is absurd to have two 200cm players - Jamieson & Harry Edwards - on the back line.
Up forward, hopefully, Oscar Allen gets in a full season. Owies & Baker should boost their overall goal-kicking. Young Bo Allan is talented enough to grab a wing spot. Basil Williams is better at centre clearances and is almost on par with Flynn in knock-outs, so I would have these two changing in the ruck, with Jack Williams playing as a third tall forward.
No doubt, there will be injuries to their twilight midfielders, and that is where Graham and the junior midfielders will get opportunity.
Westcoast seems innately a tall team, maybe, because of the dry conditions in Western Australia. Yet, when they won their premierships in 1992, 1994. 2006, and 2018, they weren't so tall. We know Westcoast are rebuilding, but their is concern in their list that they have 17 developing and junior aged players that are 190cm or taller. However, credit to them for packing out each height range of their junior players.
The knock is the big gap in their developing (22-24yo) smaller-mediums (181-185cm), taller mediums (186-189cm) and mobile talls (190-194cms), although this should rectify itself over the next 2-3 years.
As well as their trading - Owies, Graham & Baker, their drafting - Bo Allan, Davis, Champion, Shanahan, Grego & Gross all look good. To me, Gross is the one to watch as a talented & skilled Oakleigh Chargers midfielder.
With continued strong drafting, one can see a Westcoast premiership window in about 4 to 5 years.
Select 22:
As said, it is too easy to select an overly tall Westcoast team because of the height bias on their list. Jamieson looked very good in his 4 games last season, but it is absurd to have two 200cm players - Jamieson & Harry Edwards - on the back line.
Up forward, hopefully, Oscar Allen gets in a full season. Owies & Baker should boost their overall goal-kicking. Young Bo Allan is talented enough to grab a wing spot. Basil Williams is better at centre clearances and is almost on par with Flynn in knock-outs, so I would have these two changing in the ruck, with Jack Williams playing as a third tall forward.
No doubt, there will be injuries to their twilight midfielders, and that is where Graham and the junior midfielders will get opportunity.
Western 2025
List:
The Bulldogs list is another that needs to decide which way it is going. A look at its twilight (28+yo) and mature (25-27yo) players indicate a good handful of players that weren't core players last season.
It raises the question, again, about club lists that are prepared to maintain ladder position for survival, and those more secure clubs that are prepared to risk their short term for the long term.
Does it continue with the same old midfield - Trelour, Bontempelli, Liberatore? Where are the young midfielders?
Does it continue with Liam Jones and Lobb in the key defensive positions, or does it give the younger O'Donnell, Freijah or Busslinger opportunity. For mind, Freijah, in his first 13 games, has shown that he should be there. Another, who showed a bit in just 1 game last season was young Arthur Jones, good overhead for his size. Poulter, from Collingwood, is another who needs to move to the next tier to become a regular. Sanders at 20yo is another.
The gap in the Bulldogs list is its taller-mediums, with only 4 of a possible 9, with Harmes and Dale in the twilight zone.
Yes, the Bulldogs "just keep keeping on", largely due to a very experienced recruiting group renowned for recruiting talented juniors.
Select 22:
The Bulldogs largely continue as last season. Jones and Lobb are their 2 best tall interceptors, and Freijah has earned a spot as the third tall defender. Jones and Duryea are their oldest players at 33yo, and while Duryea has been a very good acquisition some years ago, one wonders who takes over his position. Liberatore retired last year, then returned, how much longer has he got?
One might understand that the recruitment of Matt Kennedy of Carlton replaces the lost Macrae. But does Kennedy become a list-blocker for the likes of Sanders and other developing and junior players? Kennedy's best was 2022 declining, since. Harmes's best was 2021 - another blocker!
So, hopefully more of the developing and junior players will be given opportunity and become regulars.
The Bulldogs list is another that needs to decide which way it is going. A look at its twilight (28+yo) and mature (25-27yo) players indicate a good handful of players that weren't core players last season.
It raises the question, again, about club lists that are prepared to maintain ladder position for survival, and those more secure clubs that are prepared to risk their short term for the long term.
Does it continue with the same old midfield - Trelour, Bontempelli, Liberatore? Where are the young midfielders?
Does it continue with Liam Jones and Lobb in the key defensive positions, or does it give the younger O'Donnell, Freijah or Busslinger opportunity. For mind, Freijah, in his first 13 games, has shown that he should be there. Another, who showed a bit in just 1 game last season was young Arthur Jones, good overhead for his size. Poulter, from Collingwood, is another who needs to move to the next tier to become a regular. Sanders at 20yo is another.
The gap in the Bulldogs list is its taller-mediums, with only 4 of a possible 9, with Harmes and Dale in the twilight zone.
Yes, the Bulldogs "just keep keeping on", largely due to a very experienced recruiting group renowned for recruiting talented juniors.
Select 22:
The Bulldogs largely continue as last season. Jones and Lobb are their 2 best tall interceptors, and Freijah has earned a spot as the third tall defender. Jones and Duryea are their oldest players at 33yo, and while Duryea has been a very good acquisition some years ago, one wonders who takes over his position. Liberatore retired last year, then returned, how much longer has he got?
One might understand that the recruitment of Matt Kennedy of Carlton replaces the lost Macrae. But does Kennedy become a list-blocker for the likes of Sanders and other developing and junior players? Kennedy's best was 2022 declining, since. Harmes's best was 2021 - another blocker!
So, hopefully more of the developing and junior players will be given opportunity and become regulars.
Conclusions
There are some factors that outside the parameters of list management. I won't include injuries because good list management accounts and compensates for injuries. Two of these factors are as follows:
1. Culture - the underlying feelings, emotions and confidence in a club. ("Fish rots from the head down.")
2. Fixture biases - A team's previous season finish can affect its next season draw. E.g., Melbourne has an easier draw in 2025 than in 2023 & 2024. Hawthorn will have a harder draw given its finals position last season. Brisbane should and does have the hardest draw, but they've dealt with that already over the last few seasons. Exception: Richmond should have an easier draw but doesn't.
With that in mind, my expected ladder is as follows.
1. Culture - the underlying feelings, emotions and confidence in a club. ("Fish rots from the head down.")
2. Fixture biases - A team's previous season finish can affect its next season draw. E.g., Melbourne has an easier draw in 2025 than in 2023 & 2024. Hawthorn will have a harder draw given its finals position last season. Brisbane should and does have the hardest draw, but they've dealt with that already over the last few seasons. Exception: Richmond should have an easier draw but doesn't.
With that in mind, my expected ladder is as follows.
