Touk Miller of the Suns could be destined for big things in 2023. Picture: Graham DenholmSource: Getty ImagesAnd Touk Miller wins the Brownlow Medal
He missed out by just two votes in 2022, but 2023 could be a watershed year for both Touk Miller and the Gold Coast Suns. Should the Suns make the finals that means more wins and likely more votes and recognition for Miller, who is already one of the competition’s best midfielders. The hard-runner is a tagger’s nightmare and a teammate’s dream and there’s no reason to think he won’t be in great touch in 2023. He has to be right in the mix for the Brownlow Medal.
The Gawn-Grundy combo works like a charm
It’s the pairing that has everyone wondering just how it’s going to actually work, but as Simon Goodwin told AFL 360 earlier this year, “We wouldn’t have had these discussions if we didn’t think it would work.” Add to Goodwin’s comments the fact Max Gawn played a big part in selling Brodie Grundy on the move to the Dees and there is clearly immense buy-in and an idea as to how this dynamic will function. If it works, it’ll work big, with Melbourne’s spluttering forward mix potentially becoming supercharged as a result. It was a down year for Melbourne but there are plenty of reasons for optimism in 2023 and we’re tipping ‘Gawndy’, ‘Grawn’ or whatever you want to call it will be one of them.
Pickett becomes the competition’s prized signature
He became a Demons’ premiership player at just 20 years of age and has the composure to win games off his boot. And at just 22 years of age, Kysaiah Pickett will come out of contract with around 80 AFL games under his belt – making him the perfect candidate for a big trade deal. Given Melbourne already lost Pickett’s fellow 2019 draftee Luke Jackson, they’ll be keen to hang on to their livewire forward. But can they afford it? With ample cap space already committed to the likes of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, Pickett may have to sacrifice a big payday to stay at Melbourne. Will the lure of family see him move interstate? Rival clubs reportedly showed interest in Pickett in 2022. Then there’s other Victorian clubs who surely would circle the proven match-winner. Pickett’s signature will be the one to watch in 2023.
Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons. Picture: Michael WillsonSource: Getty ImagesThe Pies slide down the ladder
The thing about statistical anomalies is that they are anomalies for a reason. Winning the amount of close games Collingwood did in 2022 was not a fluke, but equally it isn’t something that historically has been sustainable over a years-long period. Maybe the Pies will break the mould somehow, but realistically it is highly unlikely the Pies win the same number of close games they did in 2022 again. Given how tight the race was for the top four and top eight in 2022, dropping even a couple of wins could prove considerable in terms of ladder ramifications. It was a phenomenal year for the Pies, but 2023 looms as a tough prospect and the double chance unlikely.
The Dogs miss the top eight … again
Dogs fans are still waiting for the all-important double chance, with it remaining elusive since 2010. There have been some handy additions in Liam Jones and Rory Lobb, but the side’s 2023 fixture makes for grim reading. Despite finishing outside the top four in 2022, the Dogs have been handed the second-hardest fixture in the competition, behind only grand finalists Sydney. It will prove a difficult task, not to mention the loss of Josh Dunkley and to a lesser extent Lachie Hunter. The odds appear stacked against the Dogs in 2023, but they’ll take comfort in knowing they’ve overcome the odds before.
Blackburn breaks through for BnF
Star Western Bulldogs skipper Ellie Blackburn has polled more AFLW best and fairest votes than any other player across the first seven seasons of the competition. Next year in season eight, that consistency will be rewarded with her first competition league best and fairest medal. Still only 27, Blackburn has been a superb and passionate leader for the Bulldogs over recent years. With her young team expected to rise next season, Blackburn will only get better – and poll more votes.
Beveridge signs new deal with Dogs | 02:28
Will Ashcroft has a Sam Walsh-like debut year
OK, this one might not be as ‘fearless’ as others given the hype around Will Ashcroft, but doing what Sam Walsh did is no easy feat. Nick Daicos could also fall in this bracket but where Daicos spent much of his time across half-back, Walsh was thrust into the middle and at times on the wing in his debut year at Carlton. He took to it like a duck to water and there is no reason to doubt Ashcroft will fare similarly. Even better for Ashcroft is the support network he’ll come into. Where for Walsh he immediately became the trusty sidekick to Patrick Cripps, Ashcroft will have the likes of Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley drawing significant attention off him, allowing him to flourish even more. It’s hard to put a ceiling on what Ashcroft could accomplish in 2023, let alone beyond.
Port Adelaide storms out of the blocks … or else
No team needs a good start to the season more than Port Adelaide after the horror show that took place early in 2022. The Power were left chasing their tail after five straight losses and it simply proved too great a mountain to climb despite an admirable recovery. The additions of Jason Horne-Francis and Junior Rioli this off-season have only added to the expectation on coach Ken Hinkley, while they surely have a better run with injury than they were afforded in 2022. They didn’t finish anywhere near as low on the ladder as West Coast, but both sides are similar in that 2022 would ideally be looked at as a mulligan given the track record both had built before that point. In any case, it’s on the Power to make things right to start 2023.
Essendon becomes the first of the latest AFLW expansion sides to play finals
The Bombers were the best of the four new clubs in season seven of the AFLW, finishing 10th with a 4-6 record. But their percentage of 98.6 — thanks to close losses to Carlton, Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong — was a great indication they weren’t far away from featuring in finals first up. They ranked sixth in the competition for average points scored. with Daria Bannister, Paige Scott and Bonnie Toogood forming a damaging combination inside 50. With Madison Prespakis, who’s only just turned 22, primed to improve again — she finished fourth in the competition’s best and fairest count last month — and a full pre-season under the team’s belt, the Bombers should be well placed for a top-eight berth.
AFL release fixture for ‘Gather Round’ | 01:13
Gather Round actually becomes a success
The idea of nine games being played in the same state for the same round is ambitious – but the gamble will pay off for the AFL in 2023. While following in the success of the NRL’s Magic Round, fans are already starting to flock to South Australia, with 100,000 tickets snapped up pre-Christmas. And the fan demands will only ramp up as Round 5 nears. It was a big call for the AFL to go with South Australia’s bid for hosting rights, but there’s no doubt Premier Peter Malinauskas will make it a weekend to remember.
The Luke Jackson trade doesn’t solve Freo’s forward line woes … but a fit Fyfe does
It’s no secret Fremantle haven’t found that big game forward who can turn a game off his boot since Matthew Pavlich retired. And while the Dockers went all-in to secure Demons premiership young gun Luke Jackson, he won’t be the player to fill that void in 2023. Fremantle footy boss Peter Bell says Jackson will play “a large proportion forward” as Sean Darcy takes the lead role in the ruck. But without Rory Lobb, and Matt Taberner’s run of soft tissue woes, the Dockers need someone to step up and kick bags if they are to progress past the semi finals. Enter Nat Fyfe — the real football unicorn, not Jackson. He’s the only two-time Brownlow Medallist currently in the AFL and a player who can turn a match in a matter of minutes. And now, he’s no longer needed to do that in the midfield. Fremantle have recruited a mighty midfield with the likes of Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Will Brodie. Throw Jackson into that midfield mix and it will allow Fyfe to play predominantly forward. If the superstar can solve his accuracy yips – look out 2023 as Fyfe has some of the best hands in the AFL.
Carlton actually plays finals
The Blues spent all but the final minute of season 2022 in the top eight. But a devastating Round 23 loss to Collingwood ensured Carlton slipped out of the finals race in cruel fashion. With a second pre-season under coach Michael Voss’ belt, there’s no doubt the Blues will improve. Given the nightmare injury run for their backline last season and the untimely injuries to key midfielders, surely luck will be on their side in 2023. Carlton hasn’t played finals in a decade but if star combo Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay can repeat their form of 2022, the Blues will be a September bolter.
The Cats keep kicking on
It’s tough being the hunted, and even tougher to remain ahead of the pack when you are the one being chased. But it’s hard to see how Geelong will fall down – even with skipper Joel Selwood now retired. There’s plenty of experience to lead from the front, and plenty of young talent to step up and plead their case for a starting spot. Max Holmes is set for a big year after being the 2022 grand final heartbreak tale, while young Sam de Koning can only get better with more games under his belt. If the Cats’ key weapons stay fit, there’s no reason why they won’t be there once again on that last Saturday in September.
Hawthorn racism investigation extended | 00:58
Hawks exposed on and off the field
Hawthorn gutted its list at the end of 2022, with just one player remaining over the age of 30. While the rebuild is clearly underway, it’s off the field where concerns lie as well. Jeff Kennett has been replaced as club president – but even that was a messy affair with his pick Peter Nankivell not the man who ended up in charge. Former players were divided in their support of Kennett’s chosen successor and the newly elected president Andy Gowers. Add in the racism investigation, which will come to head at some point early next year, and 2023 promises to be a challenging year for the Hawks both on and off the field.
Harry Petty proves himself … as a forward
The Demons struggled to find avenues to goal in 2022. It took until the final quarter of their semi-final loss to Brisbane for Melbourne to uncover a possible solution: Harrison Petty. The key-position player showed he has the ability and composure to be the big target they need to support the likes of Ben Brown and Bailey Fritsch. Tom McDonald is also due back after struggling with an ankle injury and taking no part after Round 10, giving coach Simon Goodwin plenty of tall options in attack. The Demons already have a strong backline with the experience of Steven May and Jake Lever, so can they shift Petty into a role forward in 2023? It’s worth a look.
Tigers jump into the four
Richmond was unlucky first round finals losers in 2022 after some late Joe Daniher heroics at the Gabba. But instead of dwelling on their earlier-than-hoped exit, the Tigers went to work and recruited GWS midfield duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto. Their arrivals will ease pressure on veteran Trent Cotchin and allow looming star Shai Bolton to spend more time floating forward where he does his best work. The Tigers managed to sneak into the eight without superstar Dustin Martin for much of the year for personal reasons and injury, so just imagine how high they can climb with the three-time Norm Smith Medallist fit and firing. Jack Riewoldt is still producing while they’ve found youngsters in Noah Cumberland and Josh Gibcus. Even Judson Clarke showed promise. There’s plenty to like at Tigerland in 2023.
‘New era’ underway at West Coast | 00:54
West Coast lifts itself out of the cellar
The Eagles had what can only be described as a disastrous 2022 campaign, starting with Jack Darling’s vaccine hesitancy and ending with injuries to more than half their list. The club was so decimated that they had to turn to Covid top-up players on multiple occasions. They just never recovered. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the Eagles, with Oscar Allen to play his first minutes since 2021 and set to take up the mantle of retired great Josh Kennedy. Campbell Chesser, Tom Cole, Jeremy McGovern, Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo are just some of the names ready to have an impact in 2023. We’re not saying the Eagles are destined for finals … but they’ll be out of the wooden spoon danger zone.
No. 1 pick changes hands — again
When the four-way mega trade was struck during October’s exchange period, Pick 1 changed clubs for the first time in 21 years. In 2023, don’t be surprised to see it move again, largely because of just how good the player widely touted as the top draft prospect is. In fact if Harley Reid had been eligible for the 2022 draft, most recruiters believe he would’ve been a top-three prospect — possibly No. 1. That’s how good this kid is already. A Bendigo Pioneers product, Reid can play across any line — and win games from any line. He’s a brilliant interceptor and clean distributor in defence, he has explosive Dustin Martin-like power at stoppages and terrific overhead marking ability inside 50. Clubs will be clamouring to get their hands on Pick 1 next year, so expect a mightily juicy offer to be put forward in an attempt to land the prized draft selection.
Crows make the call early … and it might not be pretty
Adelaide has already been dealt a tough start to season 2023, with four of its first eight games against last year’s top eight, plus matches against 9th placed Carlton and a Showdown to contest. It’s been more than five years since their 2017 minor premiership high and since then, they’ve finished in the lower half of the ladder every season. The Crows are expected to improve from their 14th finish in 2022 – but if they are sitting 2-6 or worse after eight rounds, the call might come to start the rebuild early. And whether or not coach Matthew Nicks is the right man to steer them through that period will be a question asked. There’s no doubt there’s talent coming through the ranks – it’s just a matter of how patient they want to be with that development. The tough call was made with Matt Crouch late last year – with more of those calls expected if they can’t get a good run early.
St Kilda cop massive blow with King scan | 01:27
Giants bound for bottom four
The Giants haven’t managed to emulate their finals success since the brutal 2019 Grand Final defeat to Richmond. And after a 16th place finish and the exits of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto, we aren’t expecting new coach Adam Kingsley to work miracles. Prized No. 1 draft pick Aaron Cadman is expected to get a good run in his debut year, but like young Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, there can’t be too much early pressure placed on him. Jesse Hogan is capable of kicking bags but needs to find constant form if he is to prove himself as GWS’ main man in attack. There’s a solid backline for the Giants and a midfield boasting plenty of talent. But bringing it all together will be Kingsley’s toughest task in just his first year at the helm.
Sydney back in the big dance
While their grand final performance was less than desirable, the Swans have all the elements to make it back to the Grand Final again in 2023. In the past four years, only GWS has failed to back up a Grand Final appearance by missing finals altogether, which is good odds for the Swans in 2023. With the McCartin brothers rock solid in defence and the midfield led by Luke Parker with plenty of young talent including Chad Warner, James Rowbottom and Dylan Stephens, there’s so much upside for coach John Longmire. It’s just finding the right forward line balance for Sydney – and how they work around Buddy Franklin in what’s likely to be his final year in the game.
Ross the Boss won’t have answer for King-sized hole
St Kilda suffered a massive blow this month when Max King went down at training in an incident that has now ruled him out of its 2023 campaign. The loss of King is huge for the Saints, given the dominance he has in their forward line. King had almost 100 shots on goal last year, with the next best Tim Membrey only hovering around the 60 mark. While King’s accuracy was an issue for St Kilda in 2022, he was able to draw multiple defenders and take big marks to give himself those opportunities in front of goal. Without him, the Saints’ focus will have to shift. Lyon’s return to the Saints could quickly go from fairytale to nightmare if he can’t find other avenues to goal.
