Digby Beacham’s AFL Wash-Up
9th – CARLTON (12-10, 108.3%)
*What worked: The appointment of Michael Voss helped enormously, as did a fit Charlie Curnow in attack.
*What didn’t: An extensive injury list throughout the season proved telling. The narrow losses to Melbourne and Collingwood in round 22 and 23 cruelled their season.
*What happens next: The Blues have talent in key areas, but also need an injection of youth. Should play finals in 2023.
10th – ST KILDA (11-11, 99.3%)
*What worked: Brett Ratten’s decision to again commit to using Jack Sinclair as a rebounding half-back paid dividends.
*What didn’t: An 8-3 start was wasted. The gap between the Saints’ best and worst was obviously too great.
*What happens next: These Saints are precariously placed. It wouldn’t shock if they slide next year.
11th – PORT ADELAIDE (10-12, 110.3%)
*What worked: The injection of Connor Rozee into the midfield enabled the young gun to earn All-Australian honours.
*What didn’t: Nothing in the first five weeks. A 0-5 start reflects that.
*What happens next: Finals or bust for Ken Hinkley. And by finals, I mean preliminary or grand. They can spike and quickly.
12th – GOLD COAST (10-12, 102.8%)
*What worked: Fortress might be a touch strong, but the Suns finally turned home games at Metricon Stadium into a tough assignment for rivals.
*What didn’t: Keeping Izak Rankine. His departure after three seasons will be felt.
*What happens next: Fingers and toes crossed that Ben King makes a successful return from a torn ACL.
13th – HAWTHORN (8-14, 89.8%)
*What worked: The handing over of the baton from Alastair Clarkson to Sam Mitchell did. The best is yet to come.
*What didn’t: Ben McEvoy’s neck injury pre-season robbed the Hawks of experience and size.
*What happens next: The build continues. Finals next year appear unlikely, but 2024 post-season action is expected.
14th – ADELAIDE (8-14, 86.7%)
*What worked: Their ability to be competitive at home helped boost belief within the supporter base. The late-season win over Carlton was big.
*What didn’t: Paul Seedsman’s hopes of making a meaningful contribution were ruined by concussion.
*What happens next: The Crows need to satisfy Gold Coast and land Izak Rankine.
15th – ESSENDON (7-15, 83.2%)
*What worked: Clearly not enough if you ask the Essendon board. Peter Wright was reliable in attack.
*What didn’t: Ben Rutten’s game plan proved problematic for the players and ultimately led to his downfall.
*What happens next: Watch this space. There is so much the club needs to get right in all facets.
16th – GWS (6-16, 84.6%)
*What worked: After a couple of underwhelming seasons, Stephen Coniglio recaptured his best form.
*What didn’t: Pretty much everything. A lack of dare within Leon Cameron’s approach saw him exit mid-year.
*What happens next: Adam Kingsley has a big job ahead of him. He has the football pedigree to make an impact however.
17th – WEST COAST (2-20, 59.8%)
*What worked: Very little. Shannon Hurn’s season was strong and Josh Kennedy said goodbye in a manner befitting a champion.
*What didn’t: So much it’s hard to put into one sentence. The pre-season injuries hurt, COVID-19 was a disruption and it just got worse from there.
*What happens next: Players to return to pre-season training in pristine shape is the start point.
18th – NORTH MELBOURNE (2-20, 55.8%)
*What worked: Like West Coast, not a great deal. Luke Davies-Uniacke’s effort midfield was superb.
*What didn’t: David Noble’s post-match spray at the Gabba early in the year sealed his fate.
*What happens next: Over to you Alastair Clarkson.
