We do this from time to time, where we sum up your club's fortunes in only 3 words.
As we get underway for the revamped season, Kane Cornes has used this as the perfect time to do it again.
See each of the 18 clubs summed up in 3 words below:
Gibbs is gone
New coach Matthew Nicks talked up a new role and a career rejuvenation across half-back for Bryce Gibbs all pre-season.
Well it lasted one game. He’s been left out of Saturday’s Showdown.
After being dropped multiple times last year, this feels like it’s curtains for the man Adelaide paid such a large price to get.
The Gabba Gift
The biggest benificiary of the revised fixture has been the young Lions. But they do need a big win against the hapless Dockers on Saturday to get the season underway.
Make a move
And do it now.
I’m sick of waiting for this team with its embarrassment of first-round draft picks to actually show something.
Carlton fans, nine wins or more this year is the only acceptable outcome.
Buckley’s missed chance
Last night was the perfect opportunity for Nathan Buckley to just control the game after quarter time. They were up by four goals and they just didn't do enough to control the footy and the game.
One goal after quarter time should be somewhat concerning for Bucks.
Having said that, I still do expect this team to make the final four and be right there at the business end of the season.
Should’ve sold high
Is this the longest layoff in AFL history for a groin injury?
Joe Danniher probably won’t play this year meaning its been 11 games in the last three years. Why has it taken Joe and the club so long to get this groin issue right?
Given the price Sydney was prepared to pay for him last year, it's unlikely the Swans will go there again after the injuries to Sam Reid and Lance Franklin.
The offers for Joe Daniher at the end of the season will be at bargain basement prices.
Hogan holds hopes
In a side that will struggle to find many positives this year the sight of a super fit Jesse Hogan at training this week sets up a remarkable comeback story. Some were saying he'd never play footy again.
Whilst he wasn’t selected this week he is capable of kicking 40 goals in this shortened season.
Impossible to read
The revamped draw is room for optimism but they did lose a top 10 midfielder in Tim Kelly and their two leading goal kickers from last year - Tom Hawkins and Gary Ablett - are 32 and 36 respectively plus the captain Joel Selwood is banged up.
I think they'll make the 8, but only just.
Concerns on Izak
Isak Rankine was pick 2 in the 2018 AFL draft but was seen as the most talented player in that draft pool after dominating for the previous two years in the SANFL.
He missed his entire rookie season with a hamstring and hasn’t been selected for round one. Hopefully he isn’t the next Nakia Cockatoo.
AFL’s best duo
No duo this year will kick more goals than Jeremy Cameron and Toby Greene. Pencil them in for the final four at a minimum.
Clarko’s cooking something
The best coach in the league has had 12 weeks in isolations to come up with a plan that no one is expecting. I didn’t have them in my 8 before the lay-off, I do now.
Talk is cheap
No club has done more spruiking and talking this pre-season than the under-siege Demons. That talk will be pretty cheap if they happen to lose on Saturday against Carlton which could spell the end of their finals hope after only two games.
We love Rhyce
I watched round one when there was nothing on the line and North Melbourne's comeback against the Saints was largely due to Rhyce Shaw and his coaching from the sidelines.
He left the coaches box, he went down and he was barking instructions. You could hear them because there was no one in the ground.
The way his players responded to his instructions was inspiring.
Is Ollie out?
Ollie Wines may have been suspended for round two for a COVID breach but he hadn’t been selected anyway.
It's not the first time the side's highest paid player has been overlooked at selection and after having a look around in the trade period last year it maybe time he looks for a fresh start.
Rucking big issues
Whilst Ivan Soldo was serviceable at the stoppages against Brodie Grundy on Thursday night, he offers nothing around the ground and the lack of ruck class at Richmond could develop into a major problem as the year goes on.
Two too many
You can't play Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall in the same team, especially now with shortened quarters.
Twang goes 2020
When Buddy's hammie went snap so did any hope of finals in 2020.
Whilst I really like their youngsters, without Buddy and the unreliable Sam Reid they won’t be able to consistently kick a winning score.
Competition's best midfield
Nic Nat, Shuey, Yeo, Redden and Gaff. Plus Tim Kelly.
I'm almost going to lock them in for a Grand Final berth.
Lost their bite
The Western Bulldogs are overhyped and Luke Beveridge should be under more pressure than what he receives.
The Dogs are 31 wins and 36 losses since the 2016 Grand Final which is completely unacceptable for a team with this much talent on its books.