The players who stood out and those who must improve from Round 18

See below who stood out and who must improve from Round 18.

Stood out: Reilly O’Brien

O’Brien capped off a very good individual season with a fine game in Saturday’s loss to Richmond. He picked up 19 possessions and won 29 hit-outs with his best work done both in the air and at ground level. He took seven marks with four of those big contested grabs around the ground. He also laid four crunching tackles and had two clearances. O’Brien was Adelaide’s best on the day and could even be crowned as the Crows’ best and fairest after a remarkably consistent season which has seen him shoulder the majority of the ruck work in a struggling side.

Must improve: Across the board in 2021

We won’t pick out an individual from the weekend but rather place the spotlight on the club as a whole. 2020 was nothing short of a disaster for the Crows who, thankfully for the sanity of their supporters, won three matches late. But that won’t gloss over a first-ever wooden spoon in club history. There’s some sort of light on the horizon with a quality hand at the draft but things will need to improve a fair bit under Matthew Nicks if Adelaide is to recoil strongly in 2021.

Andrew Slevison

Stood out: Callum Ah Chee

Callum Ah Chee was an impenetrable wall for Brisbane across half back on Saturday night. Carlton has struggled to convert midfield control into decent forward 50 entries and Ah Chee made life even tougher for them, taking 10 marks – most of which were intercepts. He has found a role for himself across half back and was particularly important given the Lions were without star defender Harris Andrews and needed to stop three Carlton key forwards.

Must improve: Dan McStay

Brisbane’s forward line is where all the question marks were coming out of last year’s finals series and nothing much has changed. Daniel McStay holds the power to change that with a big game against Richmond in finals. He was incredibly quiet against a Carlton key defensive duo – Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones – that have beaten most of their opponents this year. McStay had five disposals and took one mark in the win. That level of output will not lead the Lions to a Preliminary Final.

Nic Negrepontis

Stood out: Tom Williamson

With nothing to play for, Carlton threw the magnets around against Brisbane. Mitch McGovern played in defence, Sam Walsh spent the game on-ball for a second straight week and Tom Williamson was deployed as a wingman. Williamson was particularly impressive, showing great know-how for the position and getting in dangerous positions. He finished the game with five clearances, five score involvements and two goal assists to go with a goal of his own.

Must improve: Forward structure

Carlton must spend the summer working out what their best forward line looks like, particularly with Charlie Curnow’s return imminent. Do they still want to play three key forwards together even though it didn’t have much success in 2020? What do they do with Mitch McGovern, who finished the year in defence? Is Eddie Betts a best 22 player in 2021? Can you afford to play midfielders in Michael Gibbons, Zac Fisher and David Cuningham as small forwards? The Blues have a lot of questions to answer this coming summer.

*Nic Negrepontis

Stood out: Darcy Moore

Darcy Moore has had an outstanding 2020 and the footy world is better for having him fit and firing. Port Adelaide’s forward line, led by Charlie Dixon, has been as dangerous as any this year, but Moore and the Magpies defence held up well despite Port’s total midfield dominance. He will have a huge say in whether Collingwood beats West Coast next week.

Must improve: The midfield in big games

Terry Wallace put it perfectly on SEN’s Dwayne’s World this afternoon and you can read his thoughts here.

Nic Negrepontis

Stood out: James Stewart

Joe Daniher’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty and in the event he leaves Essendon, the club’s forward line is going to look very different so it would’ve been pleasing to see James Stewart end the season well by kicking three goals in their loss to Melbourne last Saturday. At his best Stewart remains a prospect worth pursuing with, booting 11 goals this season from limited opportunities. He currently remains unsigned heading into next season but it’s widely tipped he’ll ink a new deal in the coming weeks ahead of a make-or-break 2021 season for the Dons big man.

Must improve: Handling of retirements

It’s regrettable that Tom Bellchambers’ retirement has been mired in controversy, following Sam Edmund’s report revealing that senior players were unhappy that he wasn’t given a farewell game. It was telling that two former Essendon employees – Craig Jennings and Rob Harding – both voiced their displeasure on SEN at the club not sending off a loyal servant with one final game. While it’s debatable whether he should’ve been given a send-off match, it was a sour way to end what was an incredibly disappointing season both on and off the field for Essendon. They’ve simply got to be better.

Laurence Rosen

Stood out: Luke Ryan

Luke Ryan is on the cusp of All-Australian selection so it’s fitting that he ended 2020 in style, recording 25 touches and taking an equal game-high nine marks in Fremantle’s loss to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday night. Ryan’s versatility has been on show this season and he’s one of the big positives to come from a largely fruitful debut season under Justin Longmuir. With Alex Pearce, Darcy Tucker and Joel Hamling all injured for large chunks of this year, there are good days ahead for the Dockers’ back six heading into next season.

Must improve: Rory Lobb

Matt Taberner’s late out was a massive blow for Fremantle considering his importance to the side this year but disappointingly, Rory Lobb wasn’t able to capitalise and fill the void adequately. While Jesse Hogan was able to kick a goal and provide plenty around the ground, Lobb was largely anonymous in Taberner’s absence and the Dockers suffered as a result. The Freo big man has had a solid season but evidently still has plenty of improvement to come.

Laurence Rosen

Stood out: Patrick Dangerfield

Geelong were staring down the barrel of a shock loss to Sydney that would have cost them a double chance in October. Chris Scott’s decision to move Patrick Dangerfield forward pay dividends and ultimately decided the game. Dangerfield kicked three vital goals with two of them coming in the final quarter that helped the Cats get over the line. Time will tell whether Scott pushes the Brownlow Medallist forward during the finals.

Must improve: Collective

Geelong looked flat from the outset and were some way off their best against a plucky Swans side. While they did enough to get the win and secure a top-four finish, it serves as a wake-up call for the Cats who will play minor premiers Port Adelaide for a preliminary final spot. Star veterans Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett will benefit from a match under their belts prior to finals as will recruit Jack Steven. A huge finals campaign awaits Scott’s men where only a Grand Final appearance will do.

Alex Zaia

Stood out: Alex Sexton

The 26-year-old had a curious 2020, kicking 19 goals from 14 games, but he’ll be intent on holding his place in the Gold Coast side for longer in 2021 after being dropped on several occasions this season. But as their season came to a close on Sunday, it was Sexton who was by far the Suns’ most potent forward option, kicking three goals while also winning the ball on 12 occasions. Consistency across a season will be what Sexton is searching for heading into 2021.

Must improve: Consistency across the season

There’s no hiding from the fact that Sunday’s 51-point loss to Hawthorn was an incredibly disappointing way to end a season which started with plenty of promise but finished with just five wins and a draw. The Suns will be hoping Matt Rowell’s return and another pre-season into their litany of stars will see them push further into the finals conversation. Sunday’s loss would burn deeply, even more so considering it felt like less like an AFL game and more like a Hawthorn testimonial match as their opponents farewelled premiership stars Paul Puopolo and Ben Stratton. They’ll still a long way to go for this young but deeply talented outfit.

Laurence Rosen

Stood out: Daniel Lloyd

Lloyd played his best game of the season when used primarily up the ground while also pushing up to assist in defence in the loss to St Kilda. He finished with an equal season-high 17 touches, plus six marks, three clearances, three tackles and a goal. It certainly wasn’t the most prolific Giants performance but he had a dip all night which can’t be said for the majority of his teammates.

Must improve: Desire in the contest

The Giants were almost lifeless against the Saints, particularly in the second half when their season was on the line. To be goalless for two quarters and to not put up a fight is simply not good enough.

After some earlier hope when they towelled up Richmond in Round 8, the season ultimately turned into a mess. Captain Stephen Coniglio was inexplicably dropped for a must-win match they would go on to lose by five points. That was one of five defeats in the last seven games. There is so much natural talent in the squad but the Giants didn’t really seem interested in playing as a team in the second half of the season. A major disappointment.

Andrew Slevison

Stood out: Dylan Moore

In just his third game of the season (and 10th in total), Moore produced easily the best game of his fledgling career in Sunday’s victory over Gold Coast. He racked up 25 touches (his previous best was 15), took eight marks, had seven score involvements, five inside 50s, provided a goal assist and kicked a goal in a fine display. Moore is without a contract for 2021 so was this the performance the Hawks were looking for in order to give him a new deal?

Must improve: Everybody

The Hawks entered 2020 thinking they were good enough to genuinely contend for the flag. It didn’t pan out that way and it now must be a full improvement across the board to bounce back swiftly next year. The list management has started with the retirements of Ben Stratton and Paul Puopolo, who both played well in the win over the Suns. Footy boss Graham Wright has said they will not give up their draft lot this year in a bid to get some quality kids in as they look to the future. Most Hawks fans will be majorly disappointed with how things went and will be expecting much more in 2021.

Andrew Slevison

Stood out: Different avenues to goal

Sam Weideman didn’t trouble the scorers in the win over Essendon but both Jayden Hunt (four goals) and Bayley Fritsch (three goals) more than filled the void and provided Melbourne with a different avenue to goal which no doubt would’ve pleased Simon Goodwin. For Fritsch, it was an afternoon that could’ve been anything, missing four of his seven shots but nonetheless, he would’ve been rapt to end the year in style. And as for Jayden Hunt, he’ll be hoping his starring role in the side’s Round 18 win will lead to a more consistent run in the senior team next year.

Must improve: Missed opportunities

Their final game of 2020 just about summed up the Demons' fortunes this year to a tee as they dominated against an inferior opponent for most of the match before a final quarter which saw Essendon claw their way to within a goal of taking the lead. It’s those lapses in concentration that cruelled Melbourne this year, highlighted by a pair of losses to Fremantle and Sydney earlier in the season which effectively took their finals fate out of their hands. Finishing in 9th place is probably about right for a side that dazzled on occasions but was far too inconsistent to be able to lock in a finals spot.

Laurence Rosen

Stood out: Jy Simpkin

Jy Simpkin’s breakout is one thing North Melbourne can smile about this year. Simpkin has proven himself capable of carrying a midfield and will go to another level with Ben Cunnington back in the side next year and greater help around him. He had 32 disposals at 75 per cent disposal efficiency against West Coast in Round 18, capping off a tremendous year. How he missed this year’s 22 under 22 team is a total mystery.

Must improve: Across the board

North Melbourne capped off a year from hell with 11 delistings, summing up where the club is at. After a strong start to the season, loss after loss mounted up and in the unique circumstances of being in a quarantine hub with each other all day every day, the team never managed to exit the downward spiral. They lost their last eight games, though they were competitive against the Eagles in Round 18. For the Roos, 2020 will go down as a year to completely forget and they will hope things turnaround with key pieces back from injury.

Nic Negrepontis

Stood out: Robbie Gray

Robbie Gray is finding form at the right time of the year. Gray was instrumental in helping Port Adelaide secure the club’s first minor premiership since 2004, starring in Monday night's win over Collingwood. The veteran looks as fit as he has been all season and will be a major player for the Power come October. Gray finished with 25 disposals and six clearances against the Magpies.

Must improve: Connor Rozee

Connor Rozee is a huge talent that could come alive for Port Adelaide during the finals. Rozee had a brilliant debut season but hasn’t quite hit the same level in 2020 with a heel injury sidelining him for multiple weeks. The 20-year-old went goalless for the ninth time in 14 matches this year against Collingwood but he’s the type of player who should relish the chance of playing on the big stage.

Alex Zaia

Stood out: Shane Edwards

The clever midfielder did not miss a beat in his first game back since Round 5 as the Tigers overcame Adelaide to secure a fourth straight top-four berth. Edwards was immediately back to his best with 18 assured disposals at 89% efficiency, highlighted by the use of his slick hands in traffic and his link play through the middle. Edwards also had a massive eight clearances, three tackles and three inside 50s in a performance that reminded us all of his importance to Damien Hardwick’s side. His return has come at the perfect time as the Tigers embark on their flag defence and it was a solid tune-up for both Edwards and the wider Richmond team.

Must improve: Mabior Chol

Chol was given a great opportunity to push his case for finals selection but didn’t quite grasp it. With Tom Lynch and Ivan Soldo both out injured, Chol needed to step up as a forward/ruck but was unable to impact the game as he would have liked. He kicked a goal after a lovely mark on Daniel Talia but finished with just three touches and two hit-outs. If Lynch is fit for the Qualifying Final, then Chol will be the one to make way. He has a huge amount of ability but until he becomes more physical, he will find himself in and out of the team on a needs basis.

Andrew Slevison

Stood out: Jack Steele

With St Kilda’s season on the line up against his former club, Jack Steele stepped up to the plate. Steele reminded GWS what they’re missing out on with an influential midfield performance that included 19 disposals, 10 clearances and two crucial goals. Touted as the Saints’ next captain, Steele has been immense and is right in the mix for a first All-Australian blazer.

Must improve: Tim Membrey

St Kilda will hope spearhead Tim Membrey can catch fire in October. While the forward is providing a contest both up and ground and inside 50, his goal tally of 18 in 16 games is down on his two-a-game return last season. Membrey recently returned from a finger surgery and has been solid without being spectacular playing alongside Max King and Rowan Marshall. Membrey will be key for the Saints as the club embarks on a first finals series since 2011.

Alex Zaia

Stood out: Effort and endeavour

Sydney coach John Longmire will take plenty of positives from the way his side pushed premiership contender Geelong right until the final seconds. Despite finishing 16th on the ladder with just five wins, the Swans successfully blooded more games into their crop of youngsters and are seemingly on the right track with their rebuild. First-round pick Dylan Stephens impressed against the Cats as did livewire Justin McInerney.

Must improve: Tom Papley’s goalkicking

Tom Papley missed out on a big haul to round out a terrific individual season. The star Swan blew several gettable opportunities to finish with 2.5 in the six-point loss to Geelong. Papley finished the year with a wayward 26.27 and kicked more behinds than goals in six of his last nine matches. If he can find his radar in front of goal a 40-goal-plus year is a sure thing. The 24-year-old’s career-best goal tally is 37 in 2019.

Alex Zaia

Stood out: Liam Ryan

Ryan has been West Coast’s best player over the last month. He is completely in control when he has the ball in his possession, using his superb skills and brilliant footy nous to set things up around forward 50. He kicked two goals, provided a goal assist and had seven score involvements in a quality showing in a low-scoring affair in the victory over North Melbourne last Thursday night. Ryan has been able to mix his aerial prowess with some quality at ground level in recent weeks and will be a dangerous proposition for opposition sides to deal with during the finals series.

Must improve: Tom Barrass

Without Jeremy McGovern in the side, more of the defensive intercept responsibilities have fallen to Barrass. But he failed to make an impact in the grinding win over the Kangaroos. He had just four touches, took only one mark and had just one intercept possession. Former skipper Shannon Hurn and Jackson Nelson were alongside Barrass to do the intercepting, meaning he wasn’t needed much in that capacity, but no doubt Adam Simpson would want a bit more from such a significant member of the backline. The Elimination Final is just around the corner and a key defender such as Barrass will want to be at his best if the Eagles are to advance.

Andrew Slevison

Stood out: Tom Liberatore

It’s hard to really say Tom Liberatore ‘stood out’ against the Dockers, because he has been this impactful all year – but he reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s most undervalued players (maybe not by Dogs fans) on Sunday night. In tough conditions, Liberatore won 25 disposals, had 12 score involvements, eight tackles, seven clearances, six inside 50s and two goal assists. His ball-use was outstanding (it almost always is) and he continues to fly under the radar in a star-studded midfield.

Must improve: Josh Bruce

With Aaron Naughton in serious doubt for week one of the finals with injury, Josh Bruce must stand up. The key forward moved to the Bulldogs as a big-name signing, but has had a poor year and done little more than provide a contest. He kicked one goal in tough conditions against Fremantle, but has only kicked 13 this year. If Naughton is gone, the pressure will be on Bruce to get the job done, coincidentally, against his old side in St Kilda.

Nic Negrepontis