2023 Expert Predictions

[Demonland 72,217]

SEN

PREMIERS: Melbourne 24, Brisbane 11, Geelong 9, Richmond

WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn 22, North Melbourne 13, West Coast 9, Adelaide

BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli 9, Clayton Oliver 6, Christian Petracca 6, Lachie Neale 5, Andrew Brayshaw 3, Connor Rozee 2, Rory Laird 2, Patrick Cripps 2, Touk Miller 2, Nick Daicos 2, Jeremy Cameron, Josh Dunkley, Caleb Serong, Tim Taranto, Zach Merrett, Callum Mills

BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide 17, Carlton 8, Bulldogs 6, GWS 6, Gold Coast 2, Collingwood, Brisbane, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, West Coast, Fremantle

BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda 13, Fremantle 11, Collingwood 8, Sydney 4, Port Adelaide 3, Hawthorn 2, Richmond, Melbourne, Bulldogs

David King (SEN Breakfast)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Collingwood
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Nick Daicos
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Collingwood
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Garry Lyon (SEN Breakfast)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Collingwood
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Tim Watson (SEN Breakfast)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Christian Petracca
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Richmond

Dwayne Russell (AFL Nation)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Jeremy Cameron
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Brisbane
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Nathan Buckley (SEN)

SEE BUCKS' PREDICTIONS HERE!

Liam Pickering (AFL Nation)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Josh Dunkley
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Andy Maher (SEN)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Geelong
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Andrew Gaze (SEN)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Lachie Neale
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Cam Mackenzie
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Paul Hasleby (SEN WA)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Connor Rozee
COLEMAN: Darcy Fogarty
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Sydney

Josh Kennedy (SEN WA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Patrick Cripps
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide/Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Western Bulldogs

Damian Martin (SEN WA)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Western Bulldogs
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Hawthorn

Malcolm Blight (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Lachie Neale
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Josh Jenkins (AFL Nation/SEN Track)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Rory Laird
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: George Wardlaw
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Campbell Brown (AFL Nation/SEN Track)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Rory Laird
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: George Wardlaw
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Mark Bickley (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Patrick Cripps
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Michael Barlow (AFL Nation)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Western Bulldogs
WOODEN SPOON: Adelaide
BROWNLOW: Caleb Serong
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Finn Callaghan
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Port Adelaide

Mitch Robinson (AFL Nation)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Andrew Brayshaw
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Gold Coast
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Mark Duffield (SEN WA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Christian Petracca
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Port Adelaide

Daniel Menzel (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Jade Rawlings (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Geelong
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Sydney

Kym Dillon (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Connor Rozee
COLEMAN: Joe Daniher
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Michelangelo Rucci (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide and Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood and Hawthorn

Gareth Hall (SEN Track)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Geelong
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Tim Taranto
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: GWS Giants
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Julian De Stoop (SEN)

PREMIERS: Richmond
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Christian Petracca
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Harry Sheezel
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Sarah Olle (SEN)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: GWS
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Tom Morris (SEN)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Zach Merrett
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Sydney

Peter Vlahos (SEN WA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Andrew Brayshaw
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Jarrod Walsh (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Port Adelaide
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Touk Miller
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Port Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Collingwood

Ash Browne (AFL Record)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Harry Sheezel
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Sydney

Michael Lovett (AFL Record)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Lachie Neale
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Hawthorn

John Donohoe (AFL Nation)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Charlie Cameron
RISING STAR: Cam Mackenzie
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Gold Coast
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Miles Pfitzner (AFL Nation/SEN Track)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Lachie Neale
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: Melbourne

Cam Luke (SEN Track)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Geelong
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

David 'Flash' Lithgow (SEN Tassie)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Sydney
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Callum Mills
COLEMAN: Tom Hawkins
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: St Kilda
BIGGEST SLIDER: Port Adelaide

Paul Bonsor (SEN SA)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Simon Chapman (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Christian Petracca
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Andrew Slevison (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Lachie Neale
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: GWS Giants
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Nic Negrepontis (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Richmond
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Elijah Hollands
BIGGEST IMPROVER: West Coast
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Lachlan Geleit (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: GWS
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Hugh Fitzpatrick (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Geelong
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Clayton Oliver
COLEMAN: Harry McKay
RISING STAR: Sam Darcy
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Western Bulldogs
BIGGEST SLIDER: Essendon

Seb Mottram (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Geelong
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Aaron Naughton
RISING STAR: Elijah Hollands
BIGGEST IMPROVER: GWS
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Terence Lattanzio (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Collingwood
WOODEN SPOON: West Coast
BROWNLOW: Patrick Cripps
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: GWS
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Laurence Rosen (SEN.com.au)
PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Christian Petracca
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Carlton
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Alexandra Dunn (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Collingwood
WOODEN SPOON: North Melbourne
BROWNLOW: Andy Brayshaw
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Finn Callaghan
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Fremantle
BIGGEST SLIDER: Bulldogs

Jack Makeham (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Melbourne
RUNNERS-UP: Brisbane
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Touk Miller
COLEMAN: Tom Lynch
RISING STAR: Cam Mckenzie
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

Sam Watson (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Marcus Bontempelli
COLEMAN: Charlie Curnow
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: Fremantle

Charles Goodsir (SEN.com.au)

PREMIERS: Brisbane
RUNNERS-UP: Collingwood
WOODEN SPOON: Hawthorn
BROWNLOW: Nick Daicos
COLEMAN: Jeremy Cameron
RISING STAR: Will Ashcroft
BIGGEST IMPROVER: Adelaide
BIGGEST SLIDER: St Kilda

FOX FOOTY

FINALS

28 (votes out of 28) — Geelong Cats, Brisbane Lions

27 — Melbourne

26 — Sydney Swans

24 — Western Bulldogs

22 — Carlton

21 — Richmond

20 — Fremantle

18 — Collingwood

4 — Port Adelaide

1 — St Kilda, Essendon, Gold Coast Suns

Premiers

13 (votes out of 28) — Melbourne

7 — Geelong Cats

6 — Brisbane Lions

1 — Richmond, Sydney Swans

Wooden Spoon

15 (votes out of 28) — Hawthorn

10 — North Melbourne

1 — West Coast Eagles, Essendon, St Kilda

Brownlow Medal

9 (votes out of 28) — Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

6.5 — Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

4 — Andy Brayshaw (Fremantle)

3 — Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)

1 — Josh Dunkley (Brisbane Lions), Dustin Martin (Richmond), Tom Papley (Sydney Swans), Jack Steele (St Kilda), Chad Warner (Sydney Swans)

0.5 — Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal

8 (votes out of 28) — Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats), Harry McKay (Carlton)

6 — Tom Lynch (Richmond)

4 — Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

1 — Darcy Fogarty (Adelaide Crows), Joe Daniher (Brisbane Lions)

Rising Star

22 (votes out of 28 — Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

3 — Finn Callaghan (GWS Giants)

1 — Reuben Ginbey (West Coast Eagles), Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs), Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)

JONATHAN BROWN

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Richmond OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

NATHAN BUCKLEY

Top 8 changes: No change

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (Richmond)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

BEN COTTON

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (Richmond)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

NICK DAL SANTO

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Collingwood OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

BEN DIXON

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Richmond OUT

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Tom Papley (Sydney Swans)

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

CATH DURKIN

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (Richmond)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

CATHERINE HEALEY

Top 8 changes: Carlton and Port Adelaide IN, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs OUT

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (Richmond)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

ANTHONY HUDSON

Top 8 changes: No change

Premiers: Brisbane Lions

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Andy Brayshaw (Fremantle)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Finn Callaghan (GWS Giants)

BRAD JOHNSON

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Collingwood OUT

Premiers: Brisbane Lions

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

DREW JONES

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Sydney Swans OUT

Premiers: Brisbane Lions

Wooden Spoon: St Kilda

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Coleman Medal: Darcy Fogarty (Adelaide Crows)

Rising Star: Finn Callaghan (GWS Giants)

MAX LAUGHTON

Top 8 changes: Carlton and Port Adelaide IN, Collingwood and Western Bulldogs OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs) and Christian Petracca (Melbourne) tie

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

JORDAN LEWIS

Top 8 changes: Carlton and Essendon IN, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

KATH LOUGHNAN

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Richmond OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Andy Brayshaw (Fremantle)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

ALASTAIR LYNCH

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (Richmond)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

GARRY LYON

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

CHLOE MOLLOY

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Richmond OUT

Premiers: Sydney Swans

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Andy Brayshaw (Fremantle)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

LEIGH MONTAGNA

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Collingwood OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Finn Callaghan (GWS Giants)

CAMERON MOONEY

Top 8 changes: St Kilda IN, Western Bulldogs OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Andy Brayshaw (Fremantle)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

ADAM PAPALIA

Top 8 changes: Carlton and Port Adelaide IN, Richmond and Collingwood OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Jack Steele (St Kilda)

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

Rising Star: Reuben Ginbey (West Coast Eagles)

MATTHEW PAVLICH

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Collingwood OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

JON RALPH

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: West Coast Eagles

Brownlow Medal: Josh Dunkley (Brisbane Lions)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs)

MARK RICCIUTO

Top 8 changes: Port Adelaide IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Richmond

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Dustin Martin (Richmond)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

MARK ROBINSON

Top 8 changes: No change

Premiers: Geelong Cats

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Chad Warner (Sydney Swans)

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

DWAYNE RUSSELL

Top 8 changes: No changes

Premiers: Brisbane Lions

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

RUBY SCHLEICHER

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Richmond OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: Essendon

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay (Carlton)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

KELLI UNDERWOOD

Top 8 changes: Carlton and Gold Coast Suns IN, Sydney Swans and Richmond OUT

Premiers: Brisbane Lions

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Joe Daniher (Brisbane Lions)

Rising Star: Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)

BEN WATERWORTH

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Brisbane Lions

Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (Richmond)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

DAVID ZITA

Top 8 changes: Carlton IN, Fremantle OUT

Premiers: Melbourne

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong Cats)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)

HERALD SUN

MARK ROBINSON

2023 Premier: Geelong. If anything, the Cats have a deeper list this year to complement a game style which most opposition teams found too challenging.

Runner-up: Brisbane

Brownlow Medal: Chad Warner

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow

Top 8:

Geelong
Brisbane
Melbourne
Collingwood
Richmond
Sydney
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle

Bottom 4:

Hawthorn
GWS
North Melbourne
West Coast

Wooden spoon: Hawthorn

Young talent to shine: Keidean Coleman. Won’t be surprised if he’s All Australian half-back this year.

One big call for season 2023: Buddy to retire mid-season.

JON RALPH

2023 Premier: Geelong. Won their last 16 in 2022, won their last two finals by 71 and 81 points. And the list is better. If you don’t tip them you are a mug.

Runner-up: Brisbane

Brownlow Medal: Josh Dunkley

Coleman Medal: Harry McKay

Top 8:

Geelong
Brisbane
Melbourne
Sydney
Western Bulldogs
Collingwood
Carlton
Richmond

Bottom 4:

North Melbourne
Essendon
West Coast
Hawthorn

Wooden spoon: West Coast

Young talent to shine: Sam Darcy is 19 with only four games under his belt and already looks a 250-gamer.

One big call for season 2023: The Hawks investigation is only just starting in terms of ugliness with law suits at 20 paces to settle this dispute throughout 2023....

JAY CLARK

2023 Premier: Melbourne. The Dees blew it on the big stage last year, but have made changes to the game plan to be more direct in attack. Lachie Hunter will sharpen the connection and Brodie Grundy could be the pickup of the year. Goals will flow.

Runner-up: Geelong

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver

Coleman Medal: Jack Gunston

Top 8:

Melbourne
Geelong
Brisbane
Sydney
Fremantle
Western Bulldogs
Carlton
Richmond

Bottom 4:

GWS
West Coast
North Melbourne
Hawthorn

Wooden spoon: Hawthorn

Young talent to shine: Essendon’s Nic Martin might be the most underrated 21-year-old in the league.

One big call for season 2023: One of either Carlton, Collingwood and Richmond miss the eight.

GLENN MCFARLANE

2023 Premier: Geelong. The Cats will be doubted again, but they were flawless in the back-end of 2022, so why can’t they win it again? A retired Joel Selwood aside, Geelong has added more depth to its list and can win back-to-back flags for the first time in just over 70 years.

Runner-up: Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Clayton Oliver

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch

Top 8:

Geelong
Mebourne
Brisbane
Collingwood
Sydney
Richmond
Carlton
Fremantle

Bottom 4:

West Coast
Hawthorn
North Melbourne
GWS

Wooden spoon: West Coast

Young talent to shine: Let’s take a future’s ticket on the Rising Star Trifecta … Will Ashcroft to win, with Sam Darcy and Finn Callaghan to run the placings.

One big call for season 2023: Chad Warner elevates himself from young star to AFL superstar - a top five player in the comp - and puts himself right into the Brownlow Medal frame.

REBECCA WILLIAMS

2023 Premier: Brisbane. The Lions appear locked and loaded. Josh Dunkley strengthens an already impressive midfield, while the addition of Jack Gunston sharpens the attack. If they can’t roar with this line-up, they never will.

Runner-up: Geelong

Brownlow Medal: Lachie Neale

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch

Top 8:

Brisbane
Geelong
Melbourne
Richmond
Collingwood
Carlton
Sydney
Fremantle

Bottom 4:

GWS
West Coast
Hawthorn
North Melbourne

Wooden spoon: Hawthorn

Young talent to shine: There have been big wraps on the second-year Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen over summer and he is pressing to make a round 1 debut. He’ll add aerial strength and mobility to the Demons’ attack. Expect Will Ashcroft to make an instant impact at the Brisbane Lions.

One big call for season 2023: The McKay twins - Harry and Ben - finally get to play against one another.

SAM LANDSBERGER

2023 Premier: Geelong. The Cats are impossible to tip against - they won last year’s grand final by 81 points with their 16th consecutive victory and can add Max Holmes, Tanner Bruhn, Oliver Henry and Jack Bowes to that premiership team.

Runner-up: Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch

Top 8:

Melbourne
Geelong
Richmond
Brisbane
Western Bulldogs
Sydney
Collingwood
Fremantle

Bottom 4:

Essendon
Hawthorn
North Melbourne
West Coast

Wooden spoon: West Coast

Young talent to shine: Mitch Owens. Suspect most will go for Will Ashcroft or Jamarra … but this 19-year-old from St Kilda has something special about him, although $67 Rising Star odds suggests the bagmen haven’t noticed. Love Owens’ size and attack on the footy. Watch this space.

One big call for season 2023: The premier and top-eight teams remain unchanged from 2022, while at the foot of the ladder premiership Eagle Ash Hansen – who is Carlton coach Michael Voss’s right-hand man – returns west to rebuild wooden-spooner West Coast.

MATT TURNER

2023 Premier: Brisbane. Their list looks very strong after a busy off-season and they will have learned plenty from their run of finals defeats.

Runner-up: Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch

Top 8:

Melbourne
Brisbane
Collingwood
Geelong
Sydney
Fremantle
Western Bulldogs
Richmond

Bottom 4:

Gold Coast
West Coast
North Melbourne
Hawthorn

Wooden spoon: Hawthorn

Young talent to shine: A breakout year is on the horizon for GWS midfielder Finn Callaghan, who has Marcus Bontempelli similarities. The 192cm midfielder has just five AFL games to his name, but with no Tim Taranto or Jacob Hopper, there will be plenty of opportunity for a player who looks like a star in the making.

One big call for season 2023: Adelaide to finish higher than Port.

SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON

2023 Premier: Brisbane. A team that is absolutely in the window has gone and added Josh Dunkley to take the load off Lachie Neale and got a player in Will Ashcroft who can do a Nick Daicos.

Runner-up: Fremantle

Brownlow Medal: Touk Miller

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch

Top 8:

Brisbane
Melbourne
Fremantle
Sydney
Geelong
Port Adelaide
Richmond
Western Bulldogs

Bottom 4:

GWS
West Coast
North Melbourne
Hawthorn

Wooden spoon: Hawthorn

Young talent to shine: Mattaes Phillipou. Love his confidence and the kid can play as well.

One big call for season 2023: Dustin Martin will retire at the end of the year despite having a year on his contract.

LAUREN WOOD

2023 Premier: Melbourne. Not only have they topped up top-end talent with Brodie Grundy joining the crew, the likes of Lachie Hunter serve as prime support for Petracca, Viney and Oliver and co. in the middle. Looked primed in the pre-season.

Runner-up: Geelong

Brownlow Medal: Christian Petracca

Coleman Medal: Jeremy Cameron

Top 8:

Melbourne
Geelong
Richmond
Brisbane
Collingwood
Sydney
Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide

Bottom 4:

Hawthorn
Adelaide
West Coast
North Melbourne

Wooden spoon: North Melbourne

Young talent to shine: Harry Sheezel. Came in with big wraps and has lived up to them in the pre-season. Will be a shining light for the Roos up forward.

One big call for season 2023: Nick Daicos to finish top three in the Brownlow, just 12 months after claiming rising star honours.

CHRIS CAVANAGH

2023 Premier: Melbourne. The Dees didn’t get it right in finals last year, but still have a strong list that has only been improved over the off-season.

Runner-up: Brisbane

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow

Top 8:

Melbourne
Brisbane
Sydney
Geelong
Collingwood
Carlton
Richmond
Fremantle

Bottom 4:

GWS
Hawthorn
North Melbourne
West Coast

Wooden spoon: West Coast

Young talent to shine: They were teammates at Sandringham Dragons last year and Will Ashcroft (Brisbane) and Cam Mackenzie (Hawthorn) are AFL-ready stars. Also like the look of Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands (both Carlton), who are very highly rated internally and will add some much-needed outside run for the Blues.

One big call for season 2023: Geelong to make an 8-0 start to the season, to make for 24 consecutive wins and beat the club’s own VFL/AFL record.

SCOTT GULLAN

2023 Premier: Geelong. They won the preliminary final by 71 points and the GF by 81 so the Cats have a fairly big start on the rest. While Joel Selwood is a massive loss, they have recruited brilliantly again and are primed to go back-to-back, something which alluded this great club during their most recent premiership era.

Runner-up: Melbourne

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli

Coleman Medal: Charlie Curnow

Top 8:

Geelong
Melbourne
Western Bulldogs
Carlton
Brisbane
Collingwood
Richmond
Port Adelaide

Bottom 4:

Essendon
GWS
North Melbourne
Hawthorn

Wooden spoon: Hawthorn

Young talent to shine: Harry Sheezel. Sometimes it only takes a couple of moments to define a player. North Melbourne's No. 3 pick did some special things against Richmond in a pre-season game and it was enough for everyone at Arden St that day to declare him a future superstar.

One big call for season 2023: Sam Darcy to become the 2023 version of Sam De Koning. The Cats key defender went from kid with promise to match winner and pivotal to a premiership, Darcy has the same vibe about him.

[Demonland 72,217]

ESPN

Rohan Connolly

Premier: Western Bulldogs
Runner-up: Richmond
Biggest riser: Western Bulldogs
Biggest slider: St Kilda
Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne
Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli
Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch
Rising Star: Harry Sheezel
BIG call for the year: Tasmanian team's admission still won't be determined by the end of the season as the AFL continues to play politics over a new stadium to which there is considerable opposition.

Jake Michaels

Premier: Richmond
Runner-up: Melbourne
Biggest riser: Richmond
Biggest slider: Collingwood
Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne
Brownlow Medal: Touk Miller
Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft
BIG call for the year: Shai Bolton and Dustin Martin combine for 100 goals as Richmond win another premiership

Matt Walsh

Premier: Melbourne
Runner-up: Richmond
Biggest riser: Western Bulldogs
Biggest slider: Collingwood
Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne
Brownlow Medal: Christian Petracca
Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft
BIG call for the year: After a slow start to the year, Port Adelaide finally rip the band-aid off on Ken Hinkley's tenure come mid-year, but with no succession plan in place.

Jarryd Barca

Premier: Melbourne
Runner-up: Richmond
Biggest riser: Carlton
Biggest slider: Geelong
Wooden Spoon: Hawthorn
Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli
Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch
Rising Star: Finn Callaghan
BIG call for the year: Nat Fyfe thrives in new forward role, kicking 50+ goals on his way to a fourth All-Australian selection.

Christian Joly (Champion Data)

Premier: Brisbane
Runner-up: Geelong
Biggest riser: GWS
Biggest slider: Hawthorn
Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne
Brownlow Medal: Lachie Neale
Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft
BIG call for the year: Errol Gulden to be selected in starting 18 of All-Australian side.

Results:

Premier: Melbourne (2), Richmond (1), Brisbane (1), Western Bulldogs (1)

Runner-up: Richmond (3), Melbourne (1), Geelong (1)

Biggest riser: Western Bulldogs (2), Richmond (1), Carlton (1), GWS (1)

Biggest slider: Collingwood (2), Geelong (1), Hawthron (1), St Kilda (1)

Wooden Spoon: North Melbourne (4), Hawthorn (1)

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli (2), Christian Petracca (1), Lachie Neale (1), Touk Miller (1)

Coleman Medal: Tom Lynch (5)

Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (3), Harry Sheezel (1), Finn Callaghan (1)

[Deenooos_ 647]

Looks like it's ours to lose, again... I am quite optimistic for this season and winning on Saturday without 4 of our best 18 players would be a great indication we are in it to win it... but really this year. COME ON DEES!

[Demonland 72,217]

THE AGE

Emma Kearney, North Melbourne AFLW captain

Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). The Demons will be stronger premiership contenders in 2023 and it’s Oliver’s consistency in the contest that will gather the attention of the umpires. Has had a couple of standout years now, but can often get overshadowed by the work of Christian Petracca.
Rising Star: Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne). High footy IQ with great skills to match. Doesn’t look flustered mixing it with the bigger bodies.
Story of the season: Last season was all about the ageing Cats and how they were able to use their experience throughout the campaign. In 2023, it will be all about the kids and how their boldness and infectious energy impacts on games.
On the rise: Carlton.
On the slide: Fremantle.
Headline you won’t see: North winning another wooden spoon
Fans’ biggest gripe: Blurry camera angles for the score reviews.

Caroline Wilson

Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). The champion midfielder looks ready to lead Melbourne back into the top four this year.
Rising Star: Aaron Cadman (GWS). The No. 1 draft pick has done everything right, will break the mould of No.1 picks in recent years and justify the Giants’ faith in him from day one.
Story of the season: Gillon McLachlan will remain at the helm long enough to announce the birth of a 19th AFL team in Tasmania.
On the rise: Port Adelaide. Creating yet another intriguing chapter in the relationship between coach and president.
On the slide: Collingwood. Just a short-term hiccup, but the Magpies will become a target this season with injuries and personnel changes bringing them back to the pack.
Headline you won’t see: Kevin Sheedy quits Essendon board
Fans’ biggest gripe: Another gratuitous debate about the start time to the grand final.

Jake Niall, chief football writer

Brownlow: Christian Petracca (Melbourne). He finished with 24 votes last year after a season in which he had fluctuations and injury. He can do better in a dominant side.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions). He’ll play from the outset, in a strong midfield and will benefit from the tag on Lachie Neale.
Story of the season: The big-name coaches in their second comings at success-starved clubs – Alastair Clarkson, Ross Lyon, Brad Scott.
On the rise: The Western Bulldogs. So much talent, tall and in the midfield, can’t be denied.
On the slide: Hawthorn. They were 13th and they’ll be at least a few spots lower with so little experience. Long-term, though, they’ll be fine.
Headline you won’t see: Clarko goes to Buddhist retreat
Fans’ biggest gripe: Match review outcomes.

Michael Gleeson

Brownlow: Chad Warner (Sydney). He can do everything. More will be expected of him at the Swans this year, and he will deliver.
Rising Star: Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs). He has the size and athleticism, he’ll play every game and be a game changer for the Dogs.
Story of the season: Tasmania to get a team. On-field matters should be the story, but a team in Tassie is fixing a historic wrong.
On the rise: Dustin Martin, he will find his best again.
On the slide: Presidents who make headlines.
Headline you won’t see: AFL cuts ties with betting companies
Fans’ biggest gripe: Aside from perennials (umpires and tribunal) ... TV commentary.

Greg Baum

Brownlow: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs). Because he has to win one.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions). Because it’s the next logical milestone on his journey.
Story of the season: Concussion crisis prompts radical re-think.
On the rise: Gold Coast. The 12-year plan comes to fruition.
On the slide: Sydney. They can’t hover forever.
Headline you won’t see: Fan satisfaction with umpires on the rise
Fans’ biggest gripe: Noise pollution at the stadiums.

Jon Pierik

Brownlow: Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions). The addition of Josh Dunkley will make him even more dangerous.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft. A rookie ready to thrive in a man’s world.
Story of the season: Can Alastair Clarkson lift a playing group on its knees?
On the rise: Carlton. It’s time to regain some of that 1980s, ’90s arrogance.
On the slide: Fremantle. Hard to decipher where this side now sits.
Headline you won’t see: Hird ready to return to Bombers
Fans’ biggest gripe: More cameras needed for accurate score reviews.

Marnie Vinall

Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). Each year Oliver is right up there in the conversation to home Charlie, and if teammate Christian Petracca doesn’t take too many votes off him, I can’t see anyone getting in his way this season.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions). While it feels like a bit of a copout to choose the most hyped draftee, this kid seems like a genuine star who’ll rival the biggest midfield stars. Plus playing for Brisbane, who are expected to do well this season, can only help his case.
Story of the season: Will this be Buddy Franklin’s last year, or will he be going one more? (See this every week in the latter half of the season based on his performance each week)
On the rise: Brisbane. The Lions were a good team last year, making it one game off the grand final, but with the inclusion of new talent and energy with Josh Dunkley, Jack Gunston and Will Ashcroft coming on board, they could rise even further up the ladder this time around.
On the slide: Hawthorn. While they had a mediocre season last year, see them sliding even further this one.
Headline you won’t see: Essendon break finals win drought
Fans’ biggest gripe: Umpiring rules (but only when the decisions go against their team).

Andrew Wu

Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). Gun midfielder in a top team, and a prolific vote-getter.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions). Ready-made midfielder will thrive knowing he does not have to be the Lions’ top ball hunter.
Story of the season: Dees go head-to-head with Cats in dynasty race.
On the rise: Carlton. No more excuses.
On the slide: Richmond. All good things must come to an end.
Headline you won’t see: North fans slam Clarkson for lack of emotion
Fans’ biggest gripe: Too much Thursday night footy means nothing to do on weekends.

Marc McGowan

Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). Equal-fourth last year and third in 2021, Melbourne’s ultra-consistent on-baller is primed to top both those results and win the medal this season.
Rising Star: Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs). Luke Jackson and Jesse Hogan were the only key-position players to win this award in the past decade, but Darcy is talented enough to join them.
Story of the season: Charlie Curnow becomes first player to kick 80-plus goals since Josh Kennedy in 2016 as Carlton end finals drought and seal top-four berth.
On the rise: Gold Coast. The Suns are finally set to shine after a long run-up, with Ben King’s return to cap their first finals appearance.
On the slide: Fremantle. Rory Lobb’s departure – even with Luke Jackson’s arrival – could hurt more than first thought, especially if Matt Taberner struggles with injury again.
Headline you won’t see: Tigers send Cotchin and Riewoldt into retirement with another flag
Fans’ biggest gripe: Gambling advertising increasingly part of AFL game coverage.

Peter Ryan

Brownlow: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs). The fire is in the belly after last year’s disappointments.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions) They don’t often appear more ready to excel immediately.
Story of the season: The St Kilda reset – how far away from contention are they really?
On the rise: Gold Coast. They are well and truly Dew.
On the slide: Fremantle. They’ll miss the finals and need another year to become contenders.
Headline you won’t see: Toby Greene brain fade leads to tribunal appearance
Fans’ biggest gripe: Why not Thursday night football every week?

Kane Cornes

Brownlow: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne). Oliver has polled 56 votes in the last two seasons and is primed for another year leading Melbourne’s dynamic midfield. He kicked just five goals last year; if he pushes into the front half more this season, he will be impossible for umpires to ignore.
Rising Star: Finn Callaghan (GWS). Callaghan is a prototype, athletic, big-bodied midfielder with a weapon of a left foot. With the departure of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, he will get maximum opportunities through the Giant’s midfield. Injury disrupted his first season, but the third pick in 2021 is fit and ready to break out.
Story of the season: St Kilda sacked Brett Ratten three months after extending his contract, believing that their list was better than it had shown. They feared getting stuck in the six-to-10 zone on the ladder. Trying to lower expectations on new coach Ross Lyon, they have since distanced themselves from those comments. However, anything but a top-eight finish will make the brutal call on Ratten go from bad to disaster.
On the rise: Adelaide.
On the slide: St Kilda.
Headline you won’t see: Zurhaar has last laugh in online feud he started with ex-teammate Horne-Francis
Fans’ biggest gripe: Holding the ball. The league is set to be red-hot on holding the ball, giving ball winners less time to dispose of the football. This is problematic as it disincentivises players from winning the ball and rewards those who sweat off to tackle. It will result in an inconsistent interpretation of the rule and drive the fans mad.

Sam McClure

Brownlow: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs). His career has been too good not to have won one. This is his year.
Rising Star: Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions). Based on the little we’ve seen so far, he might play two thirds of the season and still win it.
Story of the season: Why the wait? Clubs become restless as the AFL delays finding a replacement for Gillon McLachlan.
On the rise: Gold Coast.
On the slide: Fremantle.
Headline you won’t see: Blues become unstoppable
Fans’ biggest gripe: Too many free kicks.

 

[buck_nekkid 5,876]

Great work compiling all of this.  Interesting how we rate well for the flag.  I agree - we have a really strong defence, a top flight midfield and a developing forward line.  Our gameplan has been sharpened and pre season looked like a top flight outfit.  Its a long season, but I hope the intelligence of the crowd is more valuable than the ‘stupidity of the herd’.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,241]

A few going for a Melbourne/Filth Grand Final. That would be huge but I can't see it - Collingwood are not good enough.

Clarrie for the Brownlow. I would love it but sadly can't see it either. He and Trac just pick each other's pockets too much.

[Lucifers Hero 39,870]

The AFL should just hand us the Premiership 🏆 now. ❤️💙

Edited March 16, 2023 by Lucifers Hero

[layzie 33,814]

I think we need bigger heads to win the premiership..

[Demonland 72,217]

24 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Clarrie for the Brownlow. I would love it but sadly can't see it either. He and Trac just pick each other's pockets too much.

I have a feeling he back chats to the umps too much. The umps just don't seem to like him. There has to be a reason.

[Ethan Tremblay 30,861]

Miles Pfitzner has [censored] for brains.

[Lucifers Hero 39,870]

6 minutes ago, Demonland said:

I have a feeling he back chats to the umps too much. The umps just don't seem to like him. There has to be a reason.

He would have won last year if Selwood hadn't kicked his hand with some force.

[binman 43,020]

AFL 2023 — each team's predicted finish and their key question for the season

[layzie 33,814]

1 hour ago, Lucifers Hero said:

He would have won last year if Selwood hadn't kicked his hand with some force.

Fine threads. Take that away and rightfully rub out Cripps and it's probably a shoe in. 

[Demonstone 22,569]

6 minutes ago, layzie said:

Take that away and rightfully rub out Cripps and it's probably a shoe in. 

It was the shoe into Clarry's hand that was the problem.

* pedant note:  the term is shoo-in.  

[Bitter but optimistic 22,241]

18 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

It was the shoe into Clarry's hand that was the problem.

* pedant note:  the term is shoo-in.  

Please tell me you're not going to keep this throughout the season Demonstone.

[Rab D Nesbitt 8,369]

Miles Sphincter. 

[Demonstone 22,569]

6 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Please tell me you're not going to keep this throughout the season Demonstone.

Pedant corrections made this year:  1

Errors identified but ignored this year:  997.

Relax BBO, you have no cause for concern.