It’s a big year for who at your AFL club in 2023?
Whether it’s time for a breakout, the club needs them to improve, they're a high-priced recruit or anything else, we’ve picked out a player or two from each club who will be hoping for a big year.
See our selections below:
Izak Rankine
Adelaide gave up a lot and paid a lot to bring Izak Rankine to the club from Gold Coast and with that will come immediate spotlight.
Rankine showed signs in 2022 of the talent he displayed at under 18s level. He had a four-game stretch in the middle of the season where he kicked 12 goals and he pushed towards averaging 15 disposals per game in the back-half of the year.
If he can find that level of consistent impact in South Australia, he will quickly become the face of the club.
Adelaide will be hoping 2023 is the year they begin to climb the ladder and Rankine as the X-factor in the forward half helps carry them upwards.
Nic Negrepontis
Marcus Adams
Not so much relating to form, but Marcus Adams needs a big year in regards to his body and mind.
The key defender has endured a stop-start AFL career throughout his 73 games primarily because of injury.
Adams has found the most continuity in his seven-year career over the past two seasons with the Lions and it has coincided with him playing some very solid footy.
But he was missing at the business end of the season due to concussion and could have been more than useful for Chris Fagan in the finals if he was fit.
Of course, if Adams is still dealing with his concussion symptoms then there’s not much he can do in order to have a big year, but if he has recovered, then his presence alongside Harris Andrews is utterly vital for Brisbane’s premiership hopes.
His season-by-season games tally reads: 11, 10, 6, 10, 1, 17, 18 - so for his own good, he would love to string a full season together especially with the Lions loading up for a flag tilt.
Andrew Slevison
Mitch McGovern
Mitch McGovern has played 24 games for Carlton across the last three seasons.
The most frustrating aspect of that would be that, especially in 2021 and 2022, McGovern has looked excellent in his limited appearances.
His early work last season playing as an intercept marking defender was incredibly promising. He read the flight of the ball, using his strength in the air and elite ball use to provide Carlton with something they haven’t really had for a few years.
Of course, he once again suffered a hamstring issue that saw him miss the next 16 games.
McGovern is out of contract at the end of the season and his future at the Blues would likely hinge on a big 2023.
Nic Negrepontis
Jordan De Goey
After a tumultuous 2022 season, Jordan De Goey will hope to stay out of the headlines a little more next year.
The 26-year-old was whacked for a video of lewd behaviour in Bali and suffered numerous injury setbacks across the year, but also put forward blistering performances across the Magpies' campaign – particularly in finals – that eventually earned him a new contract.
De Goey signed on the dotted line for five years and even held out on Collingwood over behavioural clauses. However, some behavioural elements are still in his deal for the next two seasons, and De Goey’s career rests with keeping his focus on footy.
With De Goey entering the prime of his career, 2023 is the year for him to stamp his foot and declare himself as a consistent star of the competition. The 2014 National Draft pick 5 clearly has the talent to take his game to the next level, but time is running out to prove he can do it on a consistent basis.
Seb Mottram
Harrison Jones
He only has 26 games of AFL experience to his name but Harrison Jones could do with a big 2023.
The 21-year-old, who was drafted in 2019, showed plenty in 2021 when he kicked 20 goals in 16 games.
Jones battled an ankle injury early this year before returning in Round 11 and again showed positive signs. However, he was quiet in a handful of matches which is something he’ll be hoping to improve upon.
His presence takes pressure off Peter Wright and if he can work his way into games a bit more frequently, then Essendon’s forward line will be all the better for it.
There should not be pressure on him to be a star in just his third season of senior footy, but some natural improvement would certainly be well received by the Dons.
Jake Stringer simply needs to get himself super fit so he can get on the park every week because he is so important to the way the Bombers play.
It is also time for Sam Weideman to find his feet at AFL level. The former Demon is entering his eighth season and a change of environment could do him the world of good.
The Bombers will also be hoping promising ruckman Sam Draper goes to another level after a breakout 2022 and take the midfield along for the ride with him.
Andrew Slevison
Matt Taberner
It would be unfair to dump the pressure on Jye Amiss going into his second season. The pressure will be on Matt Taberner to get his body right, put 22 games together and lead the Fremantle forward line.
Rory Lobb, coming off a career best season, has departed – as has capable swingman Griffin Logue.
Taberner is more than a capable goal kicker, averaging two goals per game across the last three years. His issue has been staying on the park.
The Dockers will be hoping to get a full year out of the 29-year-old in 2023.
Nic Negrepontis
Sam Simpson
Geelong’s 2022 premiership came off the back of a strong lift from the majority of the playing list, with over a dozen players enjoying career-best seasons.
But Sam Simpson saw none of it with lingering concussion issues, and he’s now only played three games since the 2020 Grand Final.
At his best, the 24-year-old is a silky mover with excellent disposal who Chris Scott would find a spot in the Cats’ best 22 for. But Simpson was the last Geelong player signed for 2023, and if he can’t find himself playing regularly next year, then he could find himself delisted.
Simpson will also now have to compete with Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and Jhye Clark for midfield spots, but he’ll hope to find his way into the Cats’ best side early in the year.
Geelong doesn't have much room to move with its list, and another year out of the side will spell trouble for Simpson.
Seb Mottram
Jack Lukosius
Jack Lukosius is a fascinating player to watch in 2023. The former no.2 draft pick now has 73 games to his name, but hasn’t quite locked in his best position.
He has shown signs as a half-back, with his ball use and intercept marking a feature of his game.
However, given the 22-year-old’s status as the second pick in the loaded 2018 draft class, will the Suns begin to want more from him?
Whether it’s as a key forward or another role, the 195cm Lukosius still has the potential to be anything.
Nic Negrepontis
Braydon Preuss
GWS’ no.1 ruckman hasn’t quite repaid the faith shown in him by the Giants when they recruited him in late 2020.
Preuss was unsighted at AFL level in 2021 due to a shoulder injury before multiple suspensions and injuries restricted him to just 10 appearances this year.
The Giants aren’t overly deep in the ruck department with the former Kangaroo and Demon the most experienced of their big men with just 28 senior games to his name.
Preuss should be intent on making a positive impact for the Giants in 2023 under new coach Adam Kingsley as the club strives to bounce back following a couple of down seasons.
He has the build and playing style to wreak havoc in the middle but just needs to harness his energies into leading the way for the midfielders around him.
Andrew Slevison
James Worpel
Bouncing back from a rough 2022 is vital for James Worpel as he looks to establish himself as a core piece for Hawthorn’s future.
The midfielder struggled to start last season, falling out of the Hawks’ best 22 after a string of tough performances, being dropped after a Round 9 loss to Richmond.
A spell in the VFL saw him return to form, yet a dislocated shoulder ended his season in just his second game back in the senior side.
When in form, Worpel provides plenty of grunt for a Hawthorn midfield that desperately needs it, thriving when there’s a ground ball to track down.
The Hawks would love to have Worpel back at his best in 2023, with the leadership he provides being vital for this young and rebuilding squad.
Jack Makeham
Adam Tomlinson
Adam Tomlinson has struggled to hold down a spot in Melbourne’s defence since making the move from GWS prior to the 2020 season.
Injuries and form have restricted him to 28 games across three seasons with the Demons but he has been a solid contributor when he’s been given the opportunity.
The 29-year-old was being linked with a move away from the club this past trade period as his frustrations reportedly grew.
However, the Dees kept hold of Tomlinson and now the chance is there for him to have a massive pre-season and bash down the door to Simon Goodwin’s lineup.
Tomlinson has the talent, evidenced by the fact he’s played 168 AFL matches, but he just needs to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way.
Star ruckman Brodie Grundy will also be keen on having a massive season after he was traded by Collingwood.
The one-two ruck punch he will former with Max Gawn is a tantalising prospect.
Andrew Slevison
Callum Coleman-Jones
North Melbourne gave up essentially pick 19 to trade for Callum Coleman-Jones at the end of 2021 and will be hoping the 200cm giant can develop as a key forward-ruck prospect.
At only 23, time is on the former Tiger’s side, but with Todd Goldstein still earning games in the ruck and the emergence of Tristan Xerri, he has a lot to prove in 2023.
The Roos could also use the help inside forward 50 for Nick Larkey, which Coleman-Jones can hopefully provide.
Can Coleman-Jones pull ahead of either in the pecking order? It would go a long way towards setting up his career.
Nic Negrepontis
Orazio Fantasia
2022 was an absolute write-off for Orazio Fantasia, with the livewire forward not playing a single game of senior football due to a bad bite from the injury bug.
Having last played for Port in what was also an injury-interrupted 2021, Fantasia is returning to a very different looking Power squad, with Jason Horne-Francis and Junior Rioli coming in over the off-season.
With these two players coming in, the pressure will be on for Fantasia to come back strong and recapture some of the magic that made him a fan favourite during his time at Essendon.
With Horne-Francis playing a bit further up the field, Rioli looks to be the biggest threat to Fantasia’s role, both playing similar styles of electric goalsneak football.
Port will be hoping that the 27-year-old can find some health and be able to play the two small forwards together, yet all eyes will certainly be on Fantasia if he can’t find form to start the year.
Jack Makeham
Jason Castagna and Jack Graham
Three-time premiership forward Jason Castagna found himself out of Richmond’s senior side in the back-end of last season.
He played 16 games in 2022, the first time since 2016 that he has played less than 20 times in a season. He also returned just 12 goals, his lowest tally since his debut season.
Castagna was forced out of the team by the likes of Maurice Rioli Jnr and Noah Cumberland and in a contract year will be eager to re-enter Damien Hardwick’s calculations.
Midfielder Jack Graham is a vital member of the club’s engine room when he’s up and running.
The courageous and hard-working Graham was out for the last few games of 2022 with a foot injury and his toughness and physicality around the ball was missed in the devastating finals loss to Brisbane.
With the off-season acquisitions of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, it could spell danger for a player like Graham so he’d be keen to reaffirm himself as a pivotal on-baller.
Entering his seventh season and 97 games into his career, Graham is coming into his prime and could play a key role alongside the club’s prized recruits.
Andrew Slevison
Hunter Clark
After flirting with a trade to North Melbourne, Hunter Clark has remained at St Kilda. The question now is whether Ross Lyon is the man to maximise his talent.
Clark’s career to date has been marred by poorly timed injuries that have stymied his development.
Will he develop as a midfielder or find a home at half-back?
His best position is equally up for debate, but there’s no doubt St Kilda will be counting on Clark to deliver on his talent and become a key part of their lineup in 2023.
Nic Negrepontis
Peter Ladhams
The Swans are another team with a young list that arguably over-performed in 2022, and it feels wrong to call anyone out for the year that was.
But Peter Ladhams’ brain fade late in the VFL season that saw him handed a three-game suspension left the Swans lacking in ruck depth for the finals. Ladhams could have been selected to play over Sam Reid – who carried an injury into the Grand Final – in the most important game of the year.
It followed a suspension earlier in the year where Ladhams inexplicably struck former Power teammate Ollie Wines.
The 24-year-old endured a decent season on-field for the Swans, but only managed 11 games. Given he’s expected to take starting ruck role for Sydney in the next year or two, Ladhams needs to improve in 2023.
His best games in 2022 were very good, but Ladhams needs to show he’s got the temperament and consistency to play 22 good games of AFL year in and year out, starting in 2023.
Seb Mottram
Oscar Allen
Oscar Allen missed the entire 2022 season with a foot injury, but is one of the more promising rising key position players in the AFL.
With Josh Kennedy now retired and Jack Darling over 30, the forward line should begin to belong to Allen.
The Eagles need him to step up and take ownership inside 50 and breakout as the player many believe he can become.
It would go a long way to bringing West Coast back up the ladder following a tough 12 months.
Nic Negrepontis
Rory Lobb
Rory Lobb got his wish. He managed to wiggle out of his Fremantle contract and get to the club of his choice coming off a career-best season. The question is whether he can do it again.
Lobb kicked a career-high 36 goals in 2022 and while he was inconsistent at times, he remained a consistent threat who also provided strong ruck minutes.
This is exactly what the Dogs will be hoping for in 2023. Tim English needs support in the ruck and the likes of Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will benefit from having another big body to take off some of the pressure.
He didn’t come cheaply and the Bulldogs will be hoping he is the final piece of the puzzle for them next season.
Nic Negrepontis