If looking at your club after Round 18 in 2022 versus Round 18 in 2023, where do they compare?
We have cast our eye over each club to see where they are 12 months on from this time last year.
Are they any better? Have they become worse? Or is it about the same?
See our analysis below:
Crows in 2022
WINS: 5
LOSSES: 12
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 20
POINTS FOR: 1292
POINTS AGAINST: 1542
PERCENTAGE: 83.8
LADDER POSITION: 16th
Crows in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 8 (+3)
LOSSES: 9 (-3)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 32 (+12)
POINTS FOR: 1610 (+318)
POINTS AGAINST: 1403 (-139)
PERCENTAGE: 114.8 (+31)
LADDER POSITION: 12th (+4)
We knew the Crows were going to be a better side in 2023, but maybe not to this extent.
Adelaide’s offence has gone through the charts while also improving its defence.
The club had put the pressure on 2023 to be the year where significant improvement was shown, and credit where it’s due, the Crows have shown more than what many expected.
Matthew Nicks’ side is right in the bracket of fighting for finals. But there’s no award for missing and for all their good work, the Crows would love to play in September from a strong position.
RATING: Better than last year. The rebuild is on the move.
Seb Mottram
Lions in 2022
WINS: 12
LOSSES: 5
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 48
POINTS FOR: 1688
POINTS AGAINST: 1340
PERCENTAGE: 126
LADDER POSITION: 3rd
Lions in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 12 (equal)
LOSSES: 5 (equal)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 48 (equal)
POINTS FOR: 1689 (+1)
POINTS AGAINST: 1295 (-45)
PERCENTAGE: 130 (+4)
LADDER POSITION: 3rd (equal)
The Lions have remarkably similar numbers to 12 months ago.
Incredibly, they have kicked only one more point this year, while defending marginally better at 2.6 points per game.
Brisbane’s best in 2023 is slightly better than what it was at this stage of the 2022 season. They have kicked 100 or more on nine occasions and won four times out of Queensland. Last year’s numbers read eight 100-plus scores and four wins outside Queensland.
On paper, its tough to split Chris Fagan’s Lions, but you just get the feeling their midfield has more options, their attack is more rounded and their defence is slightly sturdier than it was this time 12 months ago.
RATING: Marginally better and well placed nicely for another finals tilt.
Andrew Slevison
Blues in 2022
WINS: 11
LOSSES: 6
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 44
POINTS FOR: 1483
POINTS AGAINST: 1308
PERCENTAGE: 113.4
LADDER POSITION: 7th
Blues in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 8.5 (-2.5)
LOSSES: 8 (+2)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 34 (-10)
POINTS FOR: 1392 (-91)
POINTS AGAINST: 1250 (-58)
PERCENTAGE: 111.4 (-2)
LADDER POSITION: 10th (-3)
So umm … is Carlton in a better or worse position than they were 12 months ago? Yes, they’re 2.5 wins behind 2022, but are they peaking at the right time this year? You could argue the Blues peaked in Round 1 last season.
Carlton won one of their last five games from Round 18 onwards last year, ultimately missing the eight, while in 2023, they exit Round 18 with a five-game winning streak and charging towards the eight.
Defensively, they’re nearly 10 goals better than this time last year. That awful mid-year stretch where they couldn’t score (or kick accurately) sees them down 91 points on last year, but are coming off scores of 122, 98, 112 and 120 in the last four games.
Carlton fans were certainly more certain of their finals credentials in Round 18 of 2022, but they are seemingly about to hit the finish line with a bit more steam in 2023 – their list is certainly healthier.
And that might be the key point. The Blues were battered injury wise 12 months ago. They had 13 players on their injury list last year, plus the likes of Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering and Marc Pittonet playing through significant issues.
This year, things are a little more settled (knocks on wood), though Harry McKay’s injury is a hammer blow.
RATING: shrugs
Nic Negrepontis
Magpies in 2022
WINS: 12
LOSSES: 5
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 48
POINTS FOR: 1450
POINTS AGAINST: 1365
PERCENTAGE: 106
LADDER POSITION: 5th
Magpies in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 15 (+3)
LOSSES: 2 (-3)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 60 (+12)
POINTS FOR: 1598 (+148)
POINTS AGAINST: 1150 (-215)
PERCENTAGE: 139 (+33)
LADDER POSITION: 1st (+4)
Collingwood is the hot premiership favourite at this stage of the 2023 season.
12 months ago, the majority of the footy public weren’t quite sold on Craig McRae and his Magpies.
The Pies are primed to contend in September, whereas last year their whole run felt unexpected.
Tom Mitchell has bolstered their midfield, while fellow recruits Bobby Hill, Billy Frampton, Oleg Markov and Dan McStay, who has just returned from injury, have all contributed positively.
They have more overall depth and with the constant improvement of Nick Daicos, the maturity of Jordan De Goey and the defensive brilliance of first-year captain Darcy Moore, they could perhaps go all the way.
RATING: Better. By a fair way.
Andrew Slevison
Bombers in 2022
WINS: 6
LOSSES: 11
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 24
POINTS FOR: 1341
POINTS AGAINST: 1558
PERCENTAGE: 86
LADDER POSITION: 14th
Bombers in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 9 (+3)
LOSSES: 8 (-3)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36 (+12)
POINTS FOR: 1464 (+123)
POINTS AGAINST: 1447 (-111)
PERCENTAGE: 101 (+15)
LADDER POSITION: 8th (+6)
Essendon is undeniably a better side right now compared to this time last year.
The Ben Rutten era is behind them and they’re moving forward under the guidance of new coach Brad Scott, winning three more games that by this stage of the campaign.
They have scored 20 goals more, have conceded 18.5 goals less and are arguably stronger through the midfield, led by new captain Zach Merrett.
Armed with a new game plan, the Dons can look ahead with confidence with six weeks left in the regular season.
RATING: The Bombers are better.
Laurence Rosen
Dockers in 2022
WINS: 12
LOSSES: 5
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 48
POINTS FOR: 1393
POINTS AGAINST: 1155
PERCENTAGE: 120
LADDER POSITION: 4th
Dockers in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 7 (-5)
LOSSES: 10 (+5)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 28 (-20)
POINTS FOR: 1329 (-64)
POINTS AGAINST: 1489 (+334)
PERCENTAGE: 89 (-31)
LADDER POSITION: 15th (-11)
Fremantle’s 2023 season has been nothing short of a major disappointment, tumbling down the ladder after holding a top four slot 12 months ago.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why a team that progressed to the second week of finals last year now sits in the bottom four, but coach Justin Longmuir continues to point out that their team remains one of the youngest in the competition.
Across all indicators they’re down, conceding over 300 more points than this time last year and winning five feerw games than at the same point in 2022.
It’s set to be an off-season of soul searching at the Dockers, especially if they cannot make any headway in the remaining six weeks.
RATING: Worse.
Laurence Rosen
Cats in 2022
WINS: 13
LOSSES: 4
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 52
POINTS FOR: 1586
POINTS AGAINST: 1158
PERCENTAGE: 137
LADDER POSITION: 1st
Cats in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 9 (-4)
LOSSES: 7 (+3)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 38 (-14)
POINTS FOR: 1639 (+53)
POINTS AGAINST: 1334 (+176)
PERCENTAGE: 122.9 (-14.1)
LADDER POSITION: 5th (-4)
The numbers say Geelong is not on the same level as it was last year.
But those numbers are deceiving in taking into account the entire season. In 2022, the Cats had a dream run with injury, being able to manage players and everything clicking before going on an unbeaten streak from Round 10 onwards.
This season hasn’t afforded the same luxuries. Through injuries, form issues and external noise, the Cats have battled on multiple fronts in 2023.
Yet they are 5th on the ladder and Saturday night’s win over Essendon looked like the 2022 Cats in the leadup to the finals.
Holistically, they’re worse off in 2023. But now, there’s nothing to stop them from playing the football they did at the end of last year.
RATING: Worse. But coming...
Seb Mottram
Suns in 2022
WINS: 8
LOSSES: 9
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 32
POINTS FOR: 1435
POINTS AGAINST: 1370
PERCENTAGE: 104.7
LADDER POSITION: 12th
Suns in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 8 (equal)
LOSSES: 9 (equal)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 32 (equal)
POINTS FOR: 1345 (-90)
POINTS AGAINST: 1422 (+52)
PERCENTAGE: 94.6 (-10.1)
LADDER POSITION: 13th (-1)
The Gold Coast Suns had to improve in 2023 if Stuart Dew was to keep his job. They haven’t, and it’s fair game he’s gone.
Again, they’re right in contention for finals. But the consistent blowouts and run-ons in quarters have seen the Suns score less and concede more to this point in the season, resulting in a major percentage swing.
Looking at it from an objective point of view, regardless of the Suns’ expectations to improve in 2023, they’ve still fallen short of achieving what they did last year.
One of the key markers for this team next year will be how many games they can be competitive in.
RATING: Worse. Just.
Seb Mottram
Giants in 2022
WINS: 5
LOSSES: 12
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 20
POINTS FOR: 1316
POINTS AGAINST: 1505
PERCENTAGE: 87
LADDER POSITION: 15th
Giants in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 9 (+4)
LOSSES: 8 (-4)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36 (+16)
POINTS FOR: 1400 (+84)
POINTS AGAINST: 1408 (-97)
PERCENTAGE: 99 (+12)
LADDER POSITION: 9th (+6)
GWS had just undergone their eighth game with caretaker Mark McVeigh at the helm by the end of Round 18 last year.
Under Adam Kingsley in 2023 they sit just outside the eight with a much-improved 9-8 record having kicked 14 more goals and defended much better, conceding 16 less goals.
The Giants are a four-win better side in 2023 and it feels that way, maybe even a bit more.
The defence is in good shape in the hands of Sam Taylor and improved pair Jack Buckley and Connor Idun, the midfield has covered the loss of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper while adding goals, and their attack has a few more options to call on this year.
Last year they were rudderless. This year they are on the verge of finals.
Andrew Slevison
RATING: The Giants are better. A finals smokey?
Hawks in 2022
WINS: 6
LOSSES: 11
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 24
POINTS FOR: 1402
POINTS AGAINST: 1563
PERCENTAGE: 89
LADDER POSITION: 13th
Hawks in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 5 (-1)
LOSSES: 12 (+1)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 20 (-4)
POINTS FOR: 1210 (-192)
POINTS AGAINST: 1566 (+3)
PERCENTAGE: 77 (-12)
LADDER POSITION: 16th (-3)
The Hawthorn of 2023 sits behind the Hawthorn of 2022 in all the metrics we have outlined, but the feeling is they’re a better team now.
The Hawks’ best this year is better, but their worse is just as bad as it was last year.
Their midfield has improved in 2023 and they have more depth given that talented youngsters have been afforded games after the exits of veterans Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara.
Sam Mitchell’s side has lost by 50 points on eight occasions this year. Last year at this stage it was only two. They have scored markedly less but their defence is basically the same.
The Hawks are a bit more volatile in 2023, but having said that, the arrow is pointing ever so slightly upwards.
If they can bridge the gap between their very best and their worst, then they’ll continue to head in the right direction.
RATING: Better… somehow.
Andrew Slevison
Demons in 2022
WINS: 13
LOSSES: 4
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 52
POINTS FOR: 1468
POINTS AGAINST: 1107
PERCENTAGE: 132.6
LADDER POSITION: 2nd
Demons in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 11 (-2)
LOSSES: 6 (-2)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 44 (-8)
POINTS FOR: 1529 (+61)
POINTS AGAINST: 1222 (+115)
PERCENTAGE: 125.1 (-7.5)
LADDER POSITION: 4th (-2)
Melbourne has kicked 10 goals more than this time last year, but have given up 20 goals more than at the end of Round 18, 2022.
So they’re a better offensive side, but significantly worse defensively and the trade-off sees them 4th instead of 2nd and with two fewer wins. It could’ve been three if not for a last-second comeback win over Brisbane.
However, we know what happened last year. The Dees nose-dived following the Entrecôte disaster after starting the season 10-0. They feel a little more in control this year, even if the ceiling may be a little lower.
Melbourne ultimately didn’t get near defending their premiership in 2022, going out in straight sets. Are they any more likely to contend in 2023? It feels about even.
RATING: Despite the numbers, about the same – slightly worse?
Nic Negrepontis
Kangaroos in 2022
WINS: 2
LOSSES: 15
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 8
POINTS FOR: 987
POINTS AGAINST: 1819
PERCENTAGE: 54.3
LADDER POSITION: 18th
Kangaroos in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 2 (equal)
LOSSES: 15 (equal)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 8 (equal)
POINTS FOR: 1177 (+190)
POINTS AGAINST: 1790 (-29)
PERCENTAGE: 65.8 (+11.5)
LADDER POSITION: 17th (+1)
North Melbourne has lost 15 games in a row in 2023 after starting 2-0 to sit on the exact same amount of wins as this time last year.
The biggest difference is the fact that West Coast is worse and absorbing the spotlight as the worst team in the AFL. Though, they will meet each other in Perth soon.
By every metric, the Roos are at the very least equal and at the very most significantly better – though the general vibe around the club would say the opposite.
If you didn’t watch footy and just looked at the numbers, you’d say the Roos are a much sounder team in 2023, even if they’re not converting that to wins. They’re clearly less-bad defensively and offensively at the very least.
However, they’ve lost 15 games in a row, it’s been a turbulent year thanks to the off-field drama surrounding Alastair Clarkson and Tarryn Thomas and it’s hard to see where their next win comes from.
RATING: Still very bad, but less very bad, but still very bad.
Nic Negrepontis
Port Melbourne in 2022
WINS: 8
LOSSES: 9
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 32
POINTS FOR: 1302
POINTS AGAINST: 1218
PERCENTAGE: 106
LADDER POSITION: 11th
Port Adelaide in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 14 (+6)
LOSSES: 3 (-6)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 56 (+24)
POINTS FOR: 1612 (+310)
POINTS AGAINST: 1406 (+188)
PERCENTAGE: 114 (+8)
LADDER POSITION: 2ns (+9)
Port Adelaide’s season has been elite and is a vast improvement from this time last year.
At this stage last year, the Power sat a game and per centage outside of the top eight and were playing very poor and inconsistent footy, fast forward 12 months and Ken Hinkley’s side recorded their first loss in 14 weeks.
If they beat the Pies at home on Saturday night, they’ll have the same number of points as the Pies, a huge turnaround in form from last year.
The inclusion of Junior Rioli and the form of Jeremy Finlayson has seen a dramatic increase in points for, the biggest out of any team in the last 12 months.
RATING: So much better
Tigers in 2022
WINS: 9
LOSSES: 8
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36
POINTS FOR: 1631
POINTS AGAINST: 1418
PERCENTAGE: 115
LADDER POSITION: 8th
Tigers in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 8.5 (-0.5)
LOSSES: 8 (equal)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 34 (-2)
POINTS FOR: 1370 (-261)
POINTS AGAINST: 1373 (-45)
PERCENTAGE: 99 (-16)
LADDER POSITION: 11th (-3)
Richmond had a bit more going for them in 2022.
The Tigers were placed nicely inside the eight with a nice run of matches ahead of them.
While they aren’t too far behind that this year, their draw is slightly tougher and they have much more competition for a finals spot.
They also don’t have Damien Hardwick at the helm. That’s not to denigrate Andrew McQualter, but ‘Dimma’ had the runs on the board when it came to pursuing September action.
The Tigers have lost some of their scoring strength due to the absence of their best forward Tom Lynch, but the defence has performed marginally better and after recruiting Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, the midfield is deeper.
The 2023 Tigers remain in the hunt, but most Tigers supporters would have had more faith 12 months ago than they do now.
RATING: Worse (slightly).
Andrew Slevison
St Kilda in 2022
WINS: 9
LOSSES: 8
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36
POINTS FOR: 1333
POINTS AGAINST: 1311
PERCENTAGE: 101
LADDER POSITION: 10th
St Kilda in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 9 (equal)
LOSSES: 8 (equal)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36 (equal)
POINTS FOR: 1289 (-44)
POINTS AGAINST: 1236 (-75)
PERCENTAGE: 104 (+3)
LADDER POSITION: 6th (+4)
This is one of the harder teams to compare after 12 months.
On ladder position, the Saints have improved dramatically, jumping up four positions under the new-look Saints coached by Ross Lyon.
Unsurprisingly, the Saints have defended better under Lyon but haven’t kicked as many points as appose to when they were coached by Brett Ratten.
After winning the first four games of the year, the Saints have failed to win back-to-back games and their position in the eight is hanging by a thread.
But unlike last year, they’re still in the eight so you’d have to say they’ve improved.
RATING: Slightly better.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Swans in 2022
WINS: 11
LOSSES: 6
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 44
POINTS FOR: 1546
POINTS AGAINST: 1280
PERCENTAGE: 120.8
LADDER POSITION: 6th
Swans in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 7.5 (-3.5)
LOSSES: 9 (+3)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 30 (-14)
POINTS FOR: 1504 (-46)
POINTS AGAINST: 1363 (+83)
PERCENTAGE: 110.3 (-10.5)
LADDER POSITION: 14th (-8)
Sydney falling from the Grand Final last year to bottom five this year has been a sharp fall from grace.
Even just looking up until Round 18 last year, they are eight rungs lower on the ladder. They’ve scored less, given up more points and have a worse percentage – and that’s despite putting 200 points on West Coast.
This may be the least complicated of any team in the AFL, the Swans are worse. They are arguably the most disappointing team in the league this year. The Eagles and Roos have been embarrassing, but are basically unchanged ladder wise.
Sydney, expectation wise, have plummeted further than any team.
RATING: Fallen off a cliff.
Nic Negrepontis
Eagles in 2022
WINS: 2
LOSSES: 15
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 8
POINTS FOR: 1084
POINTS AGAINST: 1888
PERCENTAGE: 57
LADDER POSITION: 17th
Eagles in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 1 (-1)
LOSSES: 16 (+1)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 4 (-4)
POINTS FOR: 1002 (-82)
POINTS AGAINST: 2052 (+164)
PERCENTAGE: 49 (-8)
LADDER POSITION: 18th (-1)
Somehow, the Eagles have managed to be worse than last year.
After Round 18 in 2022, West Coast had the 17th least-effective attack in the league, yet losing those 82 points this season is enough to push them to the bottom of the competition.
They already conceded the most points last season, and this has only gotten worse with an extra 164 heaped on top.
This is a recipe for disaster, which sums up exactly how the Eagles' season has gone.
Injuries have not helped, but they have simply underperformed. Consistently.
RATING: Worse. Unimaginably.
Jack Makeham
Bulldogs in 2022
WINS: 9
LOSSES: 8
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36
POINTS FOR: 1570
POINTS AGAINST: 1402
PERCENTAGE: 112
LADDER POSITION: 9th
Bulldogs in 2023
(Differential in brackets)
WINS: 9 (equal)
LOSSES: 8 (equal)
PREMIERSHIP POINTS: 36 (equal)
POINTS FOR: 1370 (-193)
POINTS AGAINST: 1330 (-72)
PERCENTAGE: 104 (-8)
LADDER POSITION: 7th (+2)
The Bulldogs are in a unique place when comparing their seasons.
They’ve performed the same to this point in terms of wins and losses, yet their points totals indicate that they’ve been a less-effective team in 2023.
Yet they sit higher on the ladder!
Their attack has taken a noticeable hit, however, they have managed to concede less to balance it out slightly.
Essentially, the Dogs haven't changed much since last year, but currently sit as the beneficiaries of 2023’s insanely close finals race.
RATING: Basically equal.
Jack Makeham