What went right? What went wrong? What do they need?
These are some of the questions often asked of the 10 teams that miss out on playing finals.
Now the dust has settled on the home and away season, there can be clearer assessment of what happened with those clubs.
Former AFL recruiter Matt Rendell has taken a closer look at the 2022 campaign and evaluated three specific aspects - What went right. What went wrong. What they need.
West Coast had a terrible season, largely due to the fact they were impacted by COVID and injuries.
The Eagles won just two matches to finish second bottom.
See his assessment of the Eagles below:
What went right
“Zero went right for them,” Rendell said on SEN.
What went wrong
“They’re overweight, too many fatties, COVID hurt them and they got a lot of injuries.
“Once again another team with a flogging (required in pre-season).”
What they need
“They need to rejuvenate their midfield.
“They’ve only got one kid there, Campbell Chesser, who was injured at the start of the year.
“They need some running backs, a ruck to replace Nic Naitanui.
“A key forward, well, they get Oscar Allen back, and a couple more gun mids.”
Overall
The Eagles finished 17th with a 2-20 record and a percentage of 59.8.
Defender Tom Barrass was the standout performer, gaining selection in the broader All-Australian squad while winning the John Worsfold Medal.
Retired vetern Josh Kennedy kicked 37 goals to lead the way, marginally ahead of Jack Darling on 34.