Which AFL teams will be the biggest risers and sliders of 2024? We asked in our fan survey, which received over 50,000 votes.
We asked: of the teams that missed finals in 2023, who will climb furthest up the ladder next season?
The fans clearly believe in Damien Hardwick, with 34.8% of responders believing Gold Coast will jump up after finishing 15th this year.
The Suns had a bumper draft, adding four players in the first round – including two in the top 10.
After only missing the eight due to a goal umpire error, fans are also confident Adelaide will be a finalist in 2024 with 22.3% believing in them.
After adding Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston and Massim D’Ambrosio in the trade period, and Nick Watson with pick five, Hawthorn came in third in the voting.
Biggest improver of 2024 (non finalists)
Gold Coast – 34.8%
Adelaide – 22.3%
Hawthorn – 12.5%
North Melbourne – 8.2%
Essendon – 7.4%
Western Bulldogs – 3.8%
Geelong – 3.7%
Fremantle – 2.8%
Richmond – 2.3%
West Coast – 2.1%
As for the other side of the coin, which 2023 AFL finalist will slide the furthest down the ladder?
Well, it would seem fans have no little faith in Ross Lyon and St Kilda, with 45.8% of responses selecting them.
Of course, the Saints were overlooked and ignored across the 2023 season despite spending the vast majority inside the top eight.
Top four sides Melbourne and Port Adelaide are next up, while fans seem to have the most faith in GWS and Brisbane being as successful in 2024.
Biggest slider of 2024 (of 2023 finalists)
St Kilda – 45.8%
Melbourne – 19.1%
Port Adelaide – 15.2%
Sydney – 5.7%
Carlton – 5.2%
Collingwood – 4.9%
GWS Giants – 3%
Brisbane – 1.2%
