How would you sum up your club in 24 words ahead of the 2024 season?
We have had a crack at using that amount of words to succinctly explain the situation at each of the 18 AFL clubs just a few weeks out from the new campaign.
Read the 24-word assessments below:
ADELAIDE
After years of incremental growth, now is the time for Nicks and the Crows to deliver. Anything less than finals would be a failure.
BRISBANE
The Lions are good enough to win a flag, they just need another chance to prove it. 2024 could be the year of revenge.
CARLTON
The Blues showed last year that they are close to putting it all together. The time is now for these expectant and suffering fans.
COLLINGWOOD
Two flags in a row is hard, but Fly’s Magpies could be made of the right stuff. They’ll be primed, but will need luck.
ESSENDON
Will the finals drought end? It seems the Dons are serious judging by their off-season. Time will tell if Scott’s message is getting through.
FREMANTLE
The Dockers simply have to recover after a disastrous 2023 season. Finals is a necessity otherwise Longmuir’s tenure will become a major talking point.
GEELONG
Are the old legs slowing down? 2023 suggested so but that might also have been a premiership hangover. Is this rebuilding on the run?
GOLD COAST
The Hardwick factor has many excited about what’s ahead. This list is talented but yet to achieve anything. Finals or the criticism will come.
GWS GIANTS
Was last year a fluke or genuine? The Giants could be the next Collingwood. Perhaps. They could also be the Melbourne of 2019. Unlikely.
HAWTHORN
A fair bit of hype surrounding some Hawks kids. Many believe they’ll be much better in 2024. Big scalps last year. Jury still out.
MELBOURNE
The culture has been questioned. Clarry is dealing with some issues. Can Goody and Gawn put it all behind them? They must capitalise now.
NORTH MELBOURNE
The young midfield is stacked. Clarko needs to get the most out of them. The master coach will be questioned if there isn’t improvement.
PORT ADELAIDE
The pressure came off Kenny last year. Anything less than a great start and it could come flooding back. Are they a finals lock?
RICHMOND
This season feels like a free hit for the Tigers under Yze. They just have to avoid bottoming out. A changing of the guard.
ST KILDA
Expectations from within. Some critics on the outside. Ross the Boss has had extra time to work his magic. Finals must be the goal.
SYDNEY
The runners-up recoil didn’t quite go to plan, but Horse still wrangled finals. Life post-Buddy will be interesting. Are they flying under the radar?
WEST COAST
It can’t get any worse, surely. Nobody is expecting the world, but the Eagles simply must improve. Imagine the hype if Harley starts well.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
It feels like a massive year for the Dogs. Finals or bust for Bevo following the review. So much talent, yet so much unpredictability.
