The AFL's bottom 10 teams are gearing up for a crucial off-season, with the $2 million clock already ticking. As the season draws to a close, these clubs are under pressure to make significant changes to improve their fortunes in 2027. Here's a breakdown of what each team needs to address, with a focus on personal commentary and analysis.
Essendon: Locker Room Culture
The Bombers currently hold the top draft pick, but their success hinges on a critical aspect often overlooked: locker room culture. In my opinion, the team's weak standards and inconsistent performance are deeply rooted in their locker room dynamics. The players need to take a stand and demand excellence from themselves and their teammates. Until this middle core of leadership stands up and says 'enough is enough', the team will continue to struggle. It's a challenging task, but one that could be transformative.
Richmond: Injury Management
The Tigers' season has been marred by injuries, effectively delaying their rebuild. The team needs a clean bill of health to truly assess their potential. Imagine Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie playing a full year; it would be a game-changer. The club must prioritize physical preparation and ensure their players are in peak condition. This is a crucial step towards building a competitive team.
West Coast Eagles: Ruthlessness on the Field
The Eagles have shown signs of growth, but their past continues to haunt them. They are too accepting of losses, which has 'infected' the club. Andrew McQualter's efforts to change this are commendable, but the team needs to become more ruthless. They must learn to capitalize on opportunities, especially against manageable opponents. This is a critical lesson for any team aiming for long-term success.
Port Adelaide: Building a Legacy
The Power's future hinges on two key players: Jason Horne-Francis and Mitch Georgiades. These players are the foundation for the club's success. With the departure of Zak Butters, the focus shifts to building a team around these superstars. The club needs to ensure their core players are healthy and motivated, setting the stage for a bright future.
Gold Coast Suns: Honesty and Performance
The Suns' season has been a disappointment, marked by a 10-match losing streak. The team needs to get back to winning habits and address the 'gibberish' spoken by their leaders. Dimma must be honest with the players and the fans, taking responsibility for the team's struggles. This is a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and achieving success.
North Melbourne: Intangible Growth
The Roos' list chasm is evident, and it's time for them to focus on intangible growth. They need a key defender and some belief. The team is starting to show promise, and the recent game against the Bulldogs is a positive sign. They must build on this momentum and aim to take scalps regularly.
GWS Giants: Youth Revolution
The Giants need to move past some older players who aren't guiding the club to success. Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, and Jake Stringer may need to go. The team must embrace youth and back their exciting young talent. This is a bold move, but one that could pay dividends in the long run.
St Kilda: Nas' Future
The Saints need Max King and Nas to be healthy and productive. The pressure will be on Nas next year, especially with his contract situation. The club must decide whether to pay him more than $2 million, considering their salary cap constraints. This decision will shape the team's future.
Carlton: Cody Walker and Beyond
The Blues are in a strong position, with Cody Walker and O'Farrell set to return. They need a healthy Jacob Weitering and Josh Fraser to lead the team. The club's success hinges on these key players, and their ability to execute the game plan effectively.
Western Bulldogs: Key Defender Needed
The Bulldogs' midfield is strong, but they desperately need a key defender. The team's success relies on addressing this area, especially with the presence of Marcus Bontempelli. This is a critical offseason priority for the club.
