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AFL 2019 Season Preview

It’s time to forget the disaster of AFLX, as the opening round of the 2019 AFL Premiership Season kicks off this weekend.

Like the Western Bulldogs in 2016 and Richmond in 2017, it was the West Coast Eagles who were the surprise Premiers in 2018.

Melbourne, Richmond and Collingwood are the early season front runners to again finish at the top of the AFL ladder, while the Gold Coast Suns are expected to have some competition for the wooden spoon.

Before the first bounce this weekend, we’ve looked at each club and rated their chances for Premiership glory in 2019.

VIEW THIS WEEK'S MATCH PREDICTIONS



Adelaide Crows 

2018 Ladder Finish: 12th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 6.5%


Despite a season from hell in 2018, the Crows finished just one win outside the top eight. If the Crows can keep their stars healthy then expect them to be one of the big improvers in 2019. Forward Eddie Betts, at 33 will be expected to provide some much-needed stardust to a side that was torn apart by poor form and a long list of soft tissue injuries.  

If the other Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker can find some confidence in front of the sticks, expect the Crows to stick around at least to the first week of September. The Crows are an outsider for the AFL Premiership in 2019 but the last three seasons have shown us that anything can happen on that fateful day in September.

Key Loss:  Mitch McGovern
The loss of Mitch McGovern will be disappointing after a stellar 2017 season that took the Crows to the Grand Final. McGovern traded the City of Churches for the Melbourne spotlight and could be regretting his decision to join Carlton when Adelaide are back in September action.  

2019 Prediction: 6th


Brisbane Lions 

2018 Ladder Finish: 15th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection:  1.3%


Chris Fagan’s young cubs are travelling in the right direction, but don’t expect miracles in 2019. The Lions made the right moves in the off-season, nabbing star on-baller Lachie Neale from the Fremantle Dockers. Neale is one of the competition’s elite midfielders and will be expected to lead an exciting list that includes Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey

Wile the Lions have the building blocks for a potential AFL Finals assault, it simply won’t happen in 2019. The Lions have won just three games outside of Queensland in the last two seasons, which isn’t good enough for September football.  

Key Gain: Lachie Neale
Fremantle’s loss is Brisbane gain, with the two time Best and Fairest winner looking for a change of scenery. Neale will be expected to lead one of the most exciting young midfields in the AFL in a bid to break a nine-year finals drought.

2019 Prediction: 12th

Carlton FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 18th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 0.7%


The self-belief that Blues supporters found after Carlton’s effort in an admirable loss to Richmond in the opening round was quickly crushed as the 2018 season progressed. There’ll be no fairy tales for the Blues in 2019, with a young, raw list that will struggle for consistency. 

The loss of co-captain Sam Docherty to injury again is a major blow for Brendon Bolton’s side, adding pressure to gun midfielder Patrick Cripps. On paper, there’s plenty of promise about the Blue’s list but they’ll be in a shoot-out with the Suns and Saints to avoid the wooden spoon.

2019 Brownlow Chance: Patrick Cripps
Imagine what the Carlton midfielder could do if he had a little help? Cripps has all the makings of a superstar of the future (if not already) and if he can add something extra in the forward line then he could cause abit of an upset by claiming the AFL’s highest individual honour in 2019.

2019 Prediction:
17th


Collingwood FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 3rd

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 14%

Ninety seconds was all it took for the Pies to throw away an AFL Premiership. It will be interesting to see how Collingwood recovers from their heartbreaking finish to the 2018 season. Former Lion Dayne Beams makes a welcome homecoming to Victoria Park in 2019. Beams kicked 118 goals from the midfield in his first stint for the 'Pies and adds an extra option to their forward set-up now. Collingwood were ferocious at the MCG in 2018, and their ability to go one step better may depend on the health and fitness of Brodie Grundy and Scott Pendlebury in 2019.

Key Gain: Dayne Beams
The addition of the former Lions on-baller gives Collingwood deepens one of the best midfield units in the competition. Beams is a noted goalkicker and expect him to add an extra dimension to Nathan Buckley’s side in 2019.

2019 Prediction: 3rd

Essendon FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 11th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 6.5%

It’s a case of the deja vu for the Bombers, with 2019 starting in a similar fashion to last season. Boom recruits were ushered into John Worsfold’s side during a tough start to the 2018 season before bouncing back to finish just one game short of AFL Finals football. Zac Clarke and Dylan Shiel give the Bombers some quality depth in the ruck and on-ball areas. 

Essendon have enough depth in their list to cover for injuries to Joe Daniher which will give Andrew McGrath a chance to shine. The Bombers won’t win the flag in 2019 but they’ll cause enough jitters amongst the top half of the competition to see some action in September.

Key Gain: Dylan Shiel
The Bombers gave away two first round AFL Draft picks to secure the former GWS midfielder in the offseason, who was desperate to make the move back to Melbourne. Shiel is a proven ball winner and it will be interesting to see how he gels with the likes of Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and his former Giants teammate, Devon Smith.

2019 Prediction: 8th

Fremantle Dockers

2018 Ladder Finish: 14th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 0.7%

After an uninspiring season, the Dockers were one of the more active sides by the end of the AFL Trade Period in 2018. The Dockers saw reigning Best and Fairest winner Lachie Neale depart for the Brisbane Lions, and managed to pick up some value in return. Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb were major acquisitions for the Dockers, giving them the genuine forward targets that theyve been trying to bring in for a decade. 

Without a change of direction in the coaches box, expect 2019 to be another long year for the Dockers. again relying too heavily on Nate Fyfe in the midfield.

Key Loss: Lachie Neale
The two-time best and fairest winner is a huge loss for the Dockers. Neale gave the Dockers a genuine ball winning option beyond captain, Nate Fyfe. The absence of Neale weakens a Fremantle midfield relying too much on the former Brownlow Medal winner.

2019 Prediction: 16th


Geelong FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 8th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 7.3%

The Cats have one of the best home ground advantages - outside of the Eagles - in the competition. Change is on the horizon at Geelong, who opted to keep the faith in Gary Ablett Jr. and his band of merry men. Ablett, Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield are all now on the wrong side of 30. 

The gap between Geelong’s elite top five and their second-tier players is considerable, and injuries remain a concern for Chris Scott’s side. Geelong’s inability to win away from home was telling in 2018, and a poor start to the season could see Scott come under pressure for his position.

2019 Coleman Medal Chance: Tom Hawkins
A purple patch towards the end of 2018 saw Hawkins finish third in the race for the Coleman Medal. Hawkins remains one of the best key forwards in the AFL and some consistency in the first half of the season with the new 6-6-6 rules will see him again challenge for the top award in 2019.

2019 Prediction: 9th


Gold Coast Suns 

2018 Ladder Finish: 17th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 0.1%

I would rather watch a rerun of 'Married at First Sight' than sit through another depressing Suns AFL season. You have a better chance of seeing top 2019 AFL Draft picks Jack Lukosius and Izac Rankine asking to be traded home to Adelaide, than seeing the Suns play AFL Finals football. The Suns are a side that has somehow gotten worse since their entry into the AFL and things could get real ugly in 2019. The Suns have lost key bookends in both co-captains Steven May and Tom Lynch, and it’s difficult to see them making any improvements in what is set to be another tough year.

Key Loss: Tom Lynch
The former skipper saw the writing on the wall, and the allure of life on the sunshine strip was easy to turn down when Richmond came calling. Lynch remains one of the best young key forwards in the competition, and the Suns will struggle this season without their inspirational leader.

2019 Prediction: 18th


Greater Western Sydney 

2018 Ladder Finish: 7th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 7.0%

While the door hasn’t slammed shut on their AFL Premiership chances, the window is closing fast for GWS. There was a substantial amount of talent and experience swept out the door following the 2018 season, including Tom Scully, Dylan Shiel and Rory Lobb

The Giants still boast a talented list that is the envy of most of the sides in the competition. After consecutive AFL Preliminary Finals losses in 2017 and 2017, expect the Giants to feature at least into the second week of the AFL Finals come September.

Key Loss: Tom Scully
The former number one AFL Draft pick was sent to the Hawks for a future draft pick. While question marks remain over Scully’s fitness some fans are questioning the return value of a fourth-round draft pick for the prolific ball winning wingman.

2019 Prediction: 5th  


Hawthorn FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 4th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 2.6%

There’s no doubting the genius of Hawthorn maestro, Alistair Clarkson, but don’t expect the Hawks to repeat their legendary three-peat heroics. 2018 Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell carried the Hawks into the AFL Semi Finals and his loss before a ball is kicked in anger will hurt. Chad Wingard has shown his quality in the off-season and Hawks fans will be praying to the football gods that Tom Scully is able to get on the field in the first half of 2019.

Key Loss: Tom Mitchell
Mitchell’s prolific ball winning ability is unmatched in the competition, and it will be interesting to see how Hawthorn responds in Round One against the Crows. Mitchell was a ball magnet in 2018, propelling the Hawks deep into the AFL Finals.  

2019 Prediction: 7th


Melbourne FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 5th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 13.7%


Things were going so well for the Demons in 2018 until they failed deplorably to even look competitive against the Eagles in the AFL Preliminary Final at Optus Stadium. This list represents the Dees best chances of AFL Premiership glory since 1964, but I’m expecting the wait to continue for at least one more year. 

Melbourne are a quality side, and the addition of Steven May gives them some strength and experience in defence. The Demons struggled in the cauldron of AFL Finals football when it mattered and history could repeat itself in 2019.

2019 Brownlow Chance: Max Gawn
If Gawn can continue his stellar 2018 form then expect him to become the second Demons' ruckman to come under serious consideration to claim 'Charlie' since Jim Stynes claimed the top individual honour in 1991.

READ: The Best Lies Ahead for Melbourne

2019 Prediction: 2nd


North Melbourne FC 

2018 Ladder Finish: 9th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 2.1%

While the Kangaroos defied their wooden spoon predictions in 2018, they'll be looking to break down the door of the top eight in 2019. 

Ben Brown’s consistency inside forward fifty kept the Kangaroos in the AFL Finals race last season. An ageing list and a lack of real pace through the midfield mean Brad Scott’s men will be making up the numbers this season unless some of their young players can step up big time.



2019 Prediction: 11th



Port Adelaide Power

2018 Ladder Finish: 10th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 2.1%

Expect Power coach Ken Hinkley to come under some real pressure if his side fails to deliver in the first half of the season. Port Adelaide have talent to burn on their playing list, but unfortunately, the majority of their first-tier players are approaching the wrong side of thirty.

Don’t expect miracles from the Power this season who will be deprived of excitement machine, Chad Wingard. A proven matchwinner, Wingard was traded to Hawthorn for half back flanker Ryan Burton. Expect Port to struggle this season to break back into the top eight.

Key Loss: Chad Wingard
Wingard has provided plenty of handy goals for the Power in the past, who’ll now be relying on a young forward line to make up the shortfall.

2019 Prediction: 13th


Richmond 

2018 Ladder Finish: 1st

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 17.7%

Everything was going according to plan for the 2017 AFL Premiers until they were shocked by the Pies in the AFL Preliminary Final, who simply wanted it more in the moment. The Tigers boast the most complete list in the competition, including superstars in Dustin Martin and Coleman Medal Winner Jack Riewoldt

New rules, the loss of key depth players and the addition of Tom Lynch into the forward line pose more questions for Damian Hardwick’s side who may struggle for answers early on.

Key Gain: Tom Lynch
The Tigers brand of football and the opportunity to play in the AFL Finals year after year was enough to secure the signature of the most sought after free agent in the competition following the 2018 season. Lynch is a genuine star and proven match winner up forward, but will need time to develop a partnership with Riewoldt.

2019 Prediction: 4th


St Kilda FC

2018 Ladder Finish: 16th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 0.4%

If Saints coach Alan Richardson can avoid the wooden spoon this season then that will be an achievement in itself, with the current playing list he has at his disposal (after key injuries). Following some signs of promise in 2016/2017, the Saints had a woeful 2018 and it’s difficult to see any positive progress this season. 

Unless he can perform a miracle expect Richardson to be one of first in line for the axe this season.

2019 Prediction: 16th

Sydney Swans

2018 Ladder Finish: 6th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 3.3%


After being an AFL Finals mainstay for a decade, the Swans are well and truly in decline with a rebuild looming in their future plans. Sydney scrapped into September in 2018, off the back of some horrendous performances, most notably against the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. 

An over-reliance on Lance Franklin to kick goals leaves the Swans vulnerable and expect them to miss the top eight in 2019.

2019 Prediction: 10th

West Coast Eagles 

2018 Ladder Finish: 2nd

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 13%

The Eagles surprised everyone claiming the 2018 AFL Premiership with the last shot on goal in the AFL Grand Final. West Coast were able to win the flag despite the losses of stars Nic Naitanui and Andrew Gaff, and will be a contender again in 2019. 

The Eagles were able to conquer their demons in Melbourne thanks to the dimensions of Optus Stadium matching the MCG. With the core of their Premiership squad remaining intact a top two finish to the regular season would put them in pole position to become the first side since Hawthorn's three-peat to defend their Premiership title.

READ: How West Coast Won the 2018 AFL Grand Final

2019 Prediction: 1st


Western Bulldogs

2018 Ladder Finish: 13th

2019 Stats Insider Premiership Projection: 1.0%

Since the 2016 AFL Premiership, the Bulldogs have won a total of 19 matches over the last two seasons. Expect the Premiership hangover to continue in 2019 for the Doggies who have struggled at both ends of the park for some time now. 

With no real gains to their playing list expect little improvement from Bulldogs side that has simply forgotten how to win major football matches.

2019 Prediction: 14th



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Daniel Gardner

Dan’s claim to fame was once being mistaken for David Beckham while living in South Korea. The ex U/8 most improved football prodigy now spends his days solving the mysteries of Wallaby selections and debating the quota of WA players in the Australian cricket team.

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