List changes: Veteran midfielder Sam Gibson and utility Curtly Hampton have retired, while father-son duo Ben Jarman and Jackson Edwards, and key position player Harry Dear, have been delisted.
SEASON REVIEW Adelaide
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Kyle Hartigan, Andy Otten, Alex Keath, Daniel Talia
General defenders: Luke Brown, Kyle Cheney, Tom Doedee, Jake Kelly, Rory Laird, Andrew McPherson, Wayne Milera, Brodie Smith
Summary: Experienced pair Otten and Cheney have yet to be re-signed. Alex Keath was solid when he came into the side and will put pressure on Kyle Hartigan. Milera impressed at half-back.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Rory Atkins, Brad Crouch, Matt Crouch, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Bryce Gibbs, David Mackay, Paul Seedsman, Matthew Signorello, Rory Sloane, Patrick Wilson
Ruckmen: Paul Hunter, Sam Jacobs, Reilly O'Brien
Summary: The Crows could do with more back-up for 30-year-old ruckman Sam Jacobs. Speed through the midfield is another need. Ellis-Yolmen could be traded for more opportunities, while Signorello and Hunter could be delisted.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Richard Douglas, Jordan Gallucci, Hugh Greenwood, Myles Poholke
General forwards: Eddie Betts, Ben Davis, Darcy Fogarty, Riley Knight, Tom Lynch, Lachlan Murphy
Key forwards: Elliott Himmelberg, Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern, Taylor Walker
Summary: McGovern's possible departure would leave the Crows light on for key forwards. Small forward is another need with 31-year-old Betts near the end of his career.
CONCLUSION
Adding midfield speed will be a focus after the retirements of Gibson and Hampton. The Crows have a lot of players in the 27- to 30-year-old age bracket and will need to carefully start blooding youngsters in the next few years and stagger the departures of their older brigade. - Lee Gaskin
List changes: Some experience has already been cut from the list led by Tom Bell and Rohan Bewick. Utilities Liam Dawson and Marco Paparone have also been delisted, along with rookies Jake Barrett and Claye Beams. Cian Hanley retired, returning to Ireland, earlier in the season.
SEASON REVIEW Brisbane
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Harris Andrews, Matt Eagles, Jack Frost, Darcy Gardiner, Jack Payne, Sam Skinner, Josh Walker
General defenders: Cedric Cox, Mitch Hinge, Luke Hodge, Ryan Lester, James Madden, Sam Mayes, Daniel Rich, Nick Robertson, Alex Witherden
Summary: A really settled part of the list led by Andrews and Gardiner. There's good flexibility in most positions, although some line-breaking speed would be a nice addition. Cox could fit the bill if he develops.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Jacob Allison, Zac Bailey, Ryan Bastinac, Dayne Beams, Jarrod Berry, Tom Cutler, Ben Keays, Corey Lyons, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh McCluggage, Brandon Starcevich, Dayne Zorko
Ruckmen: Stefan Martin, Oscar McInerney, Archie Smith
Summary: Plenty of quality with Beams and Zorko still A-graders, and McCluggage and Berry developing superbly. Still desperately need more depth though, particularly inside midfielders that can spread from the contest.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Charlie Cameron, Allen Christensen, Cam Rayner, Mitch Robinson
General forwards: Lewy Taylor, Toby Wooller
Key forwards: Connor Ballenden, Tom Fullarton, Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay
Summary: Some genuine X-factor in this part of the ground with Hipwood, McStay, Cameron and Rayner. Should form the nucleus of an exciting forward line for years to come.
CONCLUSION
Getting close to the list that should take them back towards the finals. The big hole is still the midfield, with another two or three quality players required – and that they will target this gap heavily during Trade Period – to create the depth the Lions need. - Michael Whiting
Eric Hipwood and Cam Rayner provide some X-factor in the Lions forward line. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: Alex Silvagni has retired, while Aaron Mullett, Cam O'Shea, Matt Shaw and Jesse Glass-McCasker have been delisted.
SEASON REVIEW Carlton
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Liam Jones, Harrison Macreadie, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman, Sam Rowe, Jacob Weitering
General defenders: Ciaran Byrne, Sam Docherty, Jed Lamb, Cillian McDaid, Lochie O'Brien, Angus Schumacher, Jack Silvagni, Kade Simpson, Dale Thomas, Tom Williamson
Summary: Carlton is relatively well stocked defensively. Marchbank, Plowman and Weitering will lead the club's future, while injuries to a host of general defenders in 2018 have allowed a number of Blues to be rotated through the backline.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Patrick Cripps, David Cuningham, Ed Curnow, Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher, Nick Graham, Matt Kennedy, Marc Murphy
Ruckmen: Matthew Kreuzer, Matthew Lobbe, Andrew Phillips
Summary: It's clear the Blues need more midfield depth. Curnow, Graham and Murphy are their only pure midfielders over the age of 24. While Cripps is a gun, he needs more experienced support around him.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Sam Kerridge, Darcy Lang, Sam Petrevski-Seton
General forwards: Jarrod Garlett, Kym LeBois, Jarrod Pickett, Cam Polson, Matthew Wright
Key Forwards: Levi Casboult, Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning, Pat Kerr, Harry McKay
Summary: The Blues have a good core of young key forwards, led by Curnow, McKay and De Koning. They could use more small forward help, with Garlett, Wright and Pickett unable to go to the next level in 2018. Another pressure forward could be on their radar this summer.
CONCLUSION
Carlton has holes across its list, but the most significant are in the midfield. The Blues need depth to support Patrick Cripps. It's likely they will take Sam Walsh with the first pick in the NAB AFL Draft, but they could still use more experienced bodies and may try to lure a Dylan Shiel or a Will Setterfield to the club. They could perhaps use one more key forward, which could be the reason why they are targeting Mitch McGovern. - Riley Beveridge
List changes: Free agents Alex Fasolo and Jarryd Blair have uncertain futures while Tyson Goldsack is also without a contract but is in line for another year. Sam Murray's future is clouded as he remains under ASADA investigation, while it's unsure if a diagnosed heart irregularity will allow Kayle Kirby to continue his career.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Lynden Dunn, Jack Madgen, Sam McLarty, Darcy Moore
General defenders: Flynn Appleby, Jack Crisp, Tyson Goldsack, Levi Greenwood, Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon, Brayden Maynard, Nathan Murphy, Sam Murray, Adam Oxley, Matthew Scharenberg
Summary: Dunn wants to play on but remains without a new deal. Moore is also yet to sign, and with Dunn and Scharenberg out for a chunk of 2019 after knee reconstructions, would be a handy commitment. Madgen showed plenty late in the season while Langdon stood up during the backline injury crisis, but they'd love to add Steven May to their stocks in the coming months.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Taylor Adams, James Aish, Callum Brown, Tyler Brown, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips, Steele Sidebottom, Brayden Sier, Adam Treloar, Daniel Wells, Rupert Wills
Ruckmen: Brodie Grundy, Max Lynch
Summary: The Pies engine room motored well this year and shouldn't undergo too many changes in 2019. Wells is committed to seeing through the final year of his contract despite another injury-hit season. Sier made huge in-roads this year while Sidebottom had a stunning season.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Jarryd Blair, Tim Broomhead, Josh Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Chris Mayne, Jaidyn Stephenson, Josh Thomas, Travis Varcoe
General forwards: Ben Crocker, Jamie Elliott, Alex Fasolo, Kayle Kirby, Josh Smith
Key forwards: Mason Cox, Brody Mihocek, Ben Reid
Summary: The forward structure, consisting of mainly midfielders this year, has delivered. Hoskin-Elliott, De Goey, Thomas and Stephenson have all kicked more than 35 goals, while Mihocek has provided a solid target in the second half of the season. With Elliott expected to re-sign and Reid to put an injury-affected 2018 behind him, their forward stocks are in decent shape.
CONCLUSION
They patched together their backline in the wake of injuries, but would love an additional key defender, which is where May comes into play. Also, an additional project tall to develop in a key position and add ruck depth would be handy. - Jennifer Phelan
List changes: Brendon Goddard, Jackson Merrett and Josh Green have already been told the club won't be giving them contracts for next year, but a number of other players remain out of contract. Jayden Laverde, Mitch Brown, Matt Dea, Michael Hartley and Shaun McKernan are among that group.
SEASON REVIEW Essendon
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Michael Hartley, Luke Lavender
General defenders: Andrew McGrath, Martin Gleeson, Aaron Francis, Jordan Ridley, Mason Redman, Patrick Ambrose, Adam Saad, Conor McKenna, Matt Dea, Ben McNiece
Summary: The Bombers decided not to offer Goddard a contract for next year and with the depth in this area of the ground you can see why. They expect Francis, Ridley and Redman to play more games next year and have a number of running backs.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Darcy Parish, Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett, David Zaharakis, Kobe Mutch, Dyson Heppell, David Myers, Dylan Clarke, Trent Mynott
Ruckmen: Tom Bellchambers, Matthew Leuenberger, Sam Draper, Luke Lavender
Summary: It's little wonder the Bombers are searching for midfielders in this year's upcoming trade period. Langford came on this year, but they need a wider squad of ball-getters to choose from, plus some more class and size around the contest.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Devon Smith, Josh Begley, Jake Stringer, Travis Colyer, Jayden Laverde, Matt Guelfi, Jake Long
General forwards: Mark Baguley, Orazio Fantasia, Jordan Houlahan, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Key forwards: Joe Daniher, James Stewart, Mitch Brown, Shaun McKernan
Summary: Essendon managed well without Daniher for most of this season, with McKernan playing good footy before his hamstring injury. They have enough quality small forwards and medium options to be comfortable with their scoring power.
CONCLUSION
It will be an interesting off-season for the Bombers after hitting the trade table strongly last year. They are expected to again be active in the exchange period by bolstering their midfield group, with Greater Western Sydney pair Dylan Shiel and Will Setterfield believed to be among their targets. Matthew Leuenberger is unsigned for next year and could retire, and if he does it could force the Bombers to add to their ruck division. - Callum Twomey
Joe Daniher's absence for much of the season tested the Bombers' forward depth. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: Three veterans – Michael Johnson, Lee Spurr and Danyle Pearce – have hung up the boots, but the Dockers are delaying delistings while they sort through their recruiting and draft options.
SEASON REVIEW Fremantle
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Joel Hamling, Shane Kersten, Alex Pearce
General defenders: Connor Blakely, Taylin Duman, Stephen Hill, Ethan Hughes, Griffin Logue, Ryan Nyhuis, Luke Ryan, Nathan Wilson
Summary: Plenty to like about a refurbished backline featuring Freo's better ball users around pillars Hamling and Pearce. Logue's return from injury as a third tall will add flexibility. Brennan Cox can offer key position support.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Bailey Banfield, Harley Bennell, Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Mitch Crowden, Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill, Ed Langdon, David Mundy, Lachie Neale, Tom North, Tommy Sheridan, Cameron Sutcliffe, Darcy Tucker
Ruckmen: Michael Apeness, Sean Darcy, Scott Jones, Lloyd Meek, Aaron Sandilands
Summary: The Dockers' engine room looks good on paper, but Mundy is 33 and Neale's future is unclear. Strong chance Blakely moves back into midfield, especially if Neale departs.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Stefan Giro, Michael Walters
General forwards: Hayden Ballantyne, Brady Grey, Brandon Matera, Sam Switkowski
Key forwards: Brennan Cox, Hugh Dixon, Cam McCarthy, Luke Strnadica, Matt Taberner
Summary: There is a worrying lack of star power and out-and-out goalkickers in Freo's attack. Taberner has become so important given McCarthy's struggles and with Cox still finding his way.
CONCLUSION
Ross Lyon wants speedy and skillful midfielders who can play multiple positions, and Freo will need to bolster the engine room if Lachie Neale is traded to Brisbane, but the Dockers desperately need more firepower. This could be the draft to find a 10-year key forward. A dangerous small forward or two to help Walters would be useful. - Travis King
List changes: The Cats have delisted six players – Stewart Crameri, Aaron Black, Timm House, Ryan Gardner, Cory Gregson and Matthew Hayball.
SEASON REVIEW Geelong
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Mark Blicavs, Lachie Henderson, Jack Henry, Harry Taylor
General defenders: Jed Bews, Zach Guthrie, Mark O'Connor, Tom Stewart, Zach Tuohy, Jake Kolodjashnij
Summary: The emergence of Henry and Blicavs has dug them out of a hole. With Taylor expected to retire at the end of next season, key defenders will be on the shopping list this off-season. More dash off half-back to assist Tuohy is also essential.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Gary Ablett, Charlie Constable, Jordan Cunico, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Cameron Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith, Tim Kelly, Jordan Murdoch, Joel Selwood, Scott Selwood, Jackson Thurlow
Ruckmen: Ryan Abbott, Zac Smith, Rhys Stanley
Summary: Outside of Constable, all of the Cats' genuine midfielders will be 23 or older next season. Time to bring in young top-end talent. The Cats were stretched in the ruck division late in the year with Stanley injured and Smith battling for form.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Sam Menegola, Quinton Narkle, Brandan Parfitt, Sam Simpson
General forwards: Nakia Cockatoo, Lachie Fogarty, Jamaine Jones, Lincoln McCarthy, Daniel Menzel, Gryan Miers, James Parsons
Key forwards: Wylie Buzza, Tom Hawkins, Esava Ratugolea.
Summary: The elimination final exposed Geelong's need for another key forward alongside Hawkins, with plenty of hopes riding on Ratugolea next year. With Cory Gregson delisted and the futures of Menzel and McCarthy pending, the Cats could be left thin for small forward options.
CONCLUSION
Holding pick 11 before compensations, it's a chance to go to the draft. The most pressing need falls between a quality forward/ruck or a top-end midfielder with Tim Kelly tipped to leave this year or next. With Harry Taylor nearing the end, and Lachie Henderson set to turn 29 by round one next year, key back depth is another requirement. - Mitch Cleary
List changes: Matt Rosa retired late in the season and Michael Barlow, Michael Rischitelli, Max Spencer and rookies Mackenzie Willis and Josh Jaska have been delisted. Rischitelli will be drafted again as a rookie for 2019.
SEASON REVIEW Gold Coast
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Jack Leslie, Steven May, Rory Thompson
General defenders: Callum Ah Chee, Charlie Ballard, Jack Bowes, Jarrod Harbrow, Jesse Joyce, Kade Kolodjashnij, Connor Nutting, Jack Scrimshaw, Lachie Weller, Harrison Wigg
Summary: Possibly the best part of the list with Harbrow, Weller and Joyce rock solid at the smaller positions. Thompson had a career-best year, but May's future beyond 2019 is clouded and Leslie is out of contract. Desperately need key position help.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Will Brodie, Jacob Dawson, Brayden Fiorini, Aaron Hall, Pearce Hanley, Jesse Lonergan, Jarryd Lyons, Touk Miller, Brad Scheer, Josh Schoenfeld, David Swallow
Ruckmen: Brayden Crossley, Tom Nicholls, Jarrod Witts
Summary: Plenty of work needed here. Fiorini, Miller and Bowes all showed they can make it as first-choice midfielders but with Hall wanting out and Hanley cursed by injury, there's just not enough bodies to rotate through this part of the ground.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Ben Ainsworth, Nick Holman, Jack Martin
General forwards: Jacob Heron, Sean Lemmens, Darcy MacPherson, Wil Powell, Alex Sexton, Aaron Young
Key forwards: Sam Day, Tom Lynch, Peter Wright
Summary: With Lynch set to leave there'll be plenty of focus on Wright and Day next year. Martin remains a crucial cog with his ability to play tall, small and in the midfield, and his signature beyond 2019 is critical.
CONCLUSION
Although Tom Lynch's impending departure means the Suns are starting to look light-on for key targets, their main area of concern is the midfield. They lack depth and they lack class, so whether it's through the draft or trade – preferably both – this area of the ground needs the most attention. - Michael Whiting
Tom Lynch's impending departure means the Suns desperately need tall targets. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: There haven't been any retirement announcements or delistings at this stage, and while Heath Shaw will play on, fellow veteran Ryan Griffen is out of contract, and yet to make a call on his future.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Aidan Corr, Phil Davis, Lachie Keeffe, Tim Mohr, Jake Stein, Sam Taylor
General defenders: Matt Buntine, Isaac Cumming, Jeremy Finlayson, Ryan Griffen, Nick Haynes, Adam Kennedy, Harry Perryman, Sam Reid, Heath Shaw, Lachie Whitfield, Zac Williams
Summary: Plenty of depth in the back half, especially in the key positions with Adam Tomlinson also there for support after playing the year on a wing. Small defenders are also stacked.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Stephen Coniglio, Brett Deledio, Jacob Hopper, Josh Kelly, Tom Scully, Will Setterfield, Dylan Shiel, Nic Shipley, Tim Taranto, Adam Tomlinson, Callan Ward
Ruckmen: Matt Flynn, Rory Lobb, Dawson Simpson
Summary: The midfield is clearly full of talent, but the ruck spot is a worry. Simpson looks the best option, with Lobb more effective forward, but the West Australian is improving.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Aiden Bonar, Matt de Boer
General forwards: Dylan Buckley, Brent Daniels, Toby Greene, Ryan Griffen, Zac Langdon, Daniel Lloyd, Lachie Tiziani
Key forwards: Jack Buckley, Jeremy Cameron, Harry Himmelberg, Zac Sproule
Summary: Greene and Cameron are the stars of this group but Himmelberg's emergence has been significant this season. Langdon was a genius selection, as was de Boer the year before.
CONCLUSION
The Giants' midfield depth should only get better next year if Setterfield and Bonar follow the development shown by Hopper and Taranto, but questions over Shiel's future remain, with the Victorian on the radar of several sides. They could look to get an established ruckman in if they're not convinced Simpson or Lobb can be the man. - Adam Curley
List changes: Cyril Rioli has retired. Ty Vickery was technically on the list in 2018 but called time on his career at the end of last season.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Kaiden Brand, James Frawley, Kurt Heatherley
General defenders: Grant Birchall, Ryan Burton, Taylor Duryea, Conor Glass, Blake Hardwick, Changkuoth Jiath, Harrison Jones, Teia Miles, David Mirra, Harry Morrison, James Sicily, Ben Stratton
Summary: Frawley turns 30 this month and the Hawks need to find a replacement for him. The backline looks awesome when it's up and running – Sicily and Stratton are stars, and so is Birchall when fit, while Burton and Morrison could be. It's a matter of having them firing simultaneously.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Shaun Burgoyne, James Cousins, Ricky Henderson, Daniel Howe, Kieran Lovell, Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O'Meara, Jonathan O'Rourke, Liam Shiels, Isaac Smith, Brendan Whitecross, Dallas Willsmore, James Worpel
Ruckmen: Jonathon Ceglar, Ben McEvoy, Marc Pittonet
Summary: Mitchell, O'Meara, Smith, Burgoyne and Shiels is a nice midfield but it's a class below the competition's elite onball units. Worpel showed he could soon be among that group.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Oliver Hanrahan, Will Langford, Dylan Moore, Jackson Ross
General forwards: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Jarman Impey, Paul Puopolo
Key forwards: Mitchell Lewis, Conor Nash, Tim O'Brien, Jarryd Roughead, Ryan Schoenmakers
Summary: Roughead still contributes, but he's not the star he once was. Lewis is developing well in the VFL, having booted 37 goals from 17 games in the second tier this year, but might need another season before he becomes a consistent contributor.
CONCLUSION
Hawthorn needs to figure out who will take over from Frawley and Roughead when they finish up. A star onballer would fit in perfectly, as would a pressure forward in the wake of Rioli's retirement and Puopolo potentially heading into his final season. - Dinny Navaratnam
List changes: Veteran defender Bernie Vince has announced his retirement, which will occur at the end of the season, while Harley Balic has also hung up the boots. The Demons have not announced any delistings yet.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Sam Frost, Declan Keilty, Oscar McDonald, Jake Lever, Harrison Petty, Joel Smith
General defenders: Michael Hibberd, Jayden Hunt, Neville Jetta, Christian Salem, Bernie Vince, Josh Wagner, Jordan Lewis, Dion Johnstone, Bayley Fritsch
Summary: Lever's return from a torn ACL will be an important boost for a Melbourne defence that has struggled to contain the opposition at times this season. The Demons have high hopes for last year's draftee Harrison Petty.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Nathan Jones, Corey Maynard, Clayton Oliver, Billy Stretch, Dom Tyson, Jack Viney, Jay Kennedy Harris, Oskar Baker, James Harmes, Angus Brayshaw.
Ruckmen: Lachlan Filipovic, Max Gawn, Mitch King
Summary: Melbourne has one of the deepest midfields in the AFL and a silky-smooth outside ball user would complement their stocks nicely. The Demons have reported interest in North ruckman Braydon Preuss, while the 204cm Austin Bradtke – the son of champion Australian basketballer Mark – will join the club as a Category B rookie in 2019.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Tom Bugg, Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian Petracca, Aaron vandenBerg, Charlie Spargo, Tim Smith
General forwards: Jeff Garlett, Mitch Hannan, Dean Kent, Jake Melksham, Pat McKenna
Key forwards: Jesse Hogan, Cameron Pedersen, Sam Weideman, Tom McDonald
Summary: The Demons do not anticipate Hogan's season-ending foot injury to affect him long-term, but it will be fascinating to see how Melbourne structures up forward when Hogan, Weideman and Tom McDonald are all fit. Former cricketer Guy Walker will join the club as a Category B rookie in 2019.
CONCLUSION
However long they fare in September, the Demons should be confident that their list is in good shape to contend again in 2019. Melbourne's young stars are starting to hit their peak and the club has the most dominant ruckman in the competition. They play a brand of football that quite clearly stands up in finals and the club has made little secret of the fact that it is setting up for a sustained period of success. - Ben Guthrie
The Melbourne midfield is in good hands. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: The Roos delisted Billy Hartung, Mitch Hibberd, Dan Nielson, Josh Williams and rookies Tom Jeffries, Oscar Junker and Gordon Narrier, while Jarrad Waite called time on his 17-season AFL career.
SEASON REVIEW North Melbourne
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Majak Daw, Sam Durdin, Ben McKay, Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson, Declan Watson
General defenders: Ryan Clarke, Jamie Macmillan, Luke McDonald, Alex Morgan, Tom Murphy, Ed Vickers-Willis, Marley Williams, Sam Wright
Summary: The Roos are stacked with both talls and smalls in defence, to the point where Durdin and McKay managed one game between them this year. Vickers-Willis will return from injury in 2019 to make it even more of a logjam.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Paul Ahern, Jed Anderson, Ben Cunnington, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Trent Dumont, Shaun Higgins, Ben Jacobs, Declan Mountford, Jy Simpkin
Ruckmen: Todd Goldstein, Braydon Preuss, Tristan Xerri
Summary: The Roos found some gems in Ahern, Anderson, Davies-Uniacke and Dumont, but they're targeting Jared Polec and Andrew Gaff to bolster this area. Preuss is looking elsewhere, including Melbourne, and would leave a ruck hole, given Xerri isn't quite ready if anything happened to Goldstein.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Shaun Atley, Kyron Hayden, Nathan Hrovat, Will Walker, Jack Ziebell, Cameron Zurhaar
General forwards: Taylor Garner, Kayne Turner
Key forwards: Ben Brown, Nick Larkey, Mason Wood
Summary: The path is clear for Wood to shine and for Larkey to play more, while Brown is a star. Finding a speedy goalsneak, whether from another club or through the draft, should be a priority. Garner will be a handy inclusion if he can get fit.
CONCLUSION
Operation Recruit Polec and Gaff is well and truly on, and if they land both of them they will aim big next year. North has also been linked to Aaron Hall and Gary Rohan, among others, as it seeks more speed and outside run. Can trading Preuss help land the Roos more midfield depth? - Marc McGowan
List changes: Defenders Jimmy Toumpas and Emmanuel Irra have been delisted, while veteran forward Lindsay Thomas has retired.
SEASON REVIEW Port Adelaide
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Tom Clurey, Jack Hombsch, Dougal Howard, Tom Jonas, Jarrod Lienert
General defenders: Riley Bonner, Matthew Broadbent, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Joel Garner, Hamish Hartlett, Dan Houston, Trent McKenzie, Jasper Pittard
Summary: The backline was one of the Power's strengths this year, even with Hartlett and Broadbent missing most of the season through injury. Contracted duo Hombsch and Pittard could be traded, while McKenzie is unsigned.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Karl Amon, Joe Atley, Dom Barry, Willem Drew, Brad Ebert, Cameron Hewett, Steven Motlop, Jared Polec, Sam Powell-Pepper, Tom Rockliff, Jack Trengove, Will Snelling, Ollie Wines
Ruckmen: Billy Frampton, Sam Hayes, Peter Ladhams, Paddy Ryder
Summary: The Power are in the box seat to secure West Coast free agent ruckman Scott Lycett to support 30-year-old big man Paddy Ryder. Polec's impending departure leaves a hole that Barry, Amon or perhaps exciting South Australian draft prospect Connor Rozee could fill, while Atley could leave for more opportunities.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Travis Boak, Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
General forwards: Kane Farrell, Sam Gray, Aidyn Johnson, Jake Neade, Jake Patmore, Jack Watts
Key forwards: Charlie Dixon, Todd Marshall
Summary: Once Dixon broke his leg late in the season, and with Marshall sidelined with injury, the Power lacked a key target in attack. Lycett's addition will allow Ryder to spend more time up forward.
CONCLUSION
The Power went all in with their experienced recruiting spree of Rockliff, Motlop and Watts last year. They'll be banking on the fact they'll be better the second time around. Pace through the midfield will be a priority, while Lycett and Ryder will be a strong one-two punch in the ruck. - Lee Gaskin
Bringing in some big names didn't pay off for the Power in 2018. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: Ben Griffiths and Shaun Hampson have retired while Anthony Miles, Sam Lloyd, Corey Ellis and Jacob Townsend are among the uncontracted players with uncertain futures.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: David Astbury, Noah Balta, Ryan Garthwaite, Dylan Grimes, Ben Miller, Alex Rance
General defenders: Nathan Broad, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Brandon Ellis, Bachar Houli, Oleg Markov, Patrick Naish, Jayden Short, Nick Vlastuin
Summary: The backline is in good shape. It's hard to argue with the combination of Rance, Grimes and Astbury, with Vlastuin, Broad and Ellis there to do the grunt work and Short and Houli to run the ball out. Garthwaite is coming along and Balta – who can play at both ends – showed plenty of promise in the VFL this year.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Reece Conca, Trent Cotchin, Corey Ellis, Jack Graham, Shaun Grigg, Kane Lambert, Sam Lloyd, Dustin Martin, Kamdyn McIntosh, Connor Menadue, Anthony Miles, Dion Prestia
Ruckmen: Callum Coleman-Jones, Toby Nankervis, Ivan Soldo
Summary: Midfield likewise, although Miles and probably Lloyd will move on, which will reduce their depth. But there's a good mix of inside and outside talent, with Conca becoming more of a midfielder this season and Lambert going to another level.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Liam Baker, Nathan Drummond, Shane Edwards, Jack Higgins
General forwards: Shai Bolton, Dan Butler, Josh Caddy, Jason Castagna, Mabior Chol, Daniel Rioli, Tyson Stengle, Jacob Townsend
Key forwards: Callum Moore, Jack Riewoldt
Summary: They've got a glut of small forwards, which will likely see one or two squeezed out. Higgins is a find, while Rioli is back to his best after missing half the year with a broken foot. Riewoldt was All Australian and won the Coleman Medal while Moore played six games. The big talking point is how Tom Lynch will fit into this structure if, as expected, he makes Punt Road his home.
CONCLUSION
They're the premiers for a reason: there are no glaring deficiencies on their list. They clearly want an heir apparent for Riewoldt, which is where Lynch comes in. After losing two talls this year, another ruck wouldn't hurt either. - Jennifer Phelan
List changes: Sam Gilbert, Nathan Freeman, Hugh Goddard, Darren Minchington, Nathan Wright and Ray Connellan have been delisted, while Koby Stevens has retired.
SEASON REVIEW St Kilda
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Logan Austin, Nathan Brown, Jake Carlisle, Oscar Clavarino
General defenders: Nick Coffield, Jarryn Geary, Darragh Joyce, Daniel McKenzie, Bailey Rice, Dylan Roberton, Shane Savage, Jimmy Webster, Brandon White
Summary: The list is loaded with mid-sized defenders. Coffield will eventually move into the midfield but the rest seem likely to play out their careers as backmen. Brown is still doing his job well but turns 30 in December, with Austin on hand to replace him.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: David Armitage, Hunter Clark, Luke Dunstan, Doulton Langlands, Ed Phillips, Seb Ross, Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele, Jack Steven
Ruckmen: Tom Hickey, Billy Longer, Lewis Pierce
Summary: Short on class and pace here. Clark split his time up forward and down back this season but will probably graduate to a midfield role next year. The Saints' ruck department is among the weakest in the competition.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Blake Acres, Jack Billings, Jade Gresham, Ben Long, Jack Newnes, Ben Paton
General forwards: Jack Lonie, Mav Weller
Key forwards: Josh Battle, Josh Bruce, Rowan Marshall, Paddy McCartin, Tim Membrey.
Summary: St Kilda lacks a No.1 option in attack. McCartin hasn't shown he can stay fit, Bruce probably isn't good enough, Membrey is too short at 188cm, while Marshall and Battle are inexperienced.
CONCLUSION
Star onballers with pace and foot skills are the most pressing concern. Help is needed for Steven, Ross and Steele. Once Gresham becomes fitter, he could move in there full-time, although he's so dangerous it's hard to move him away from attack. Furthermore, the forward set-up was sub-par. Some of that was because of injury, but a reliable target up there would help immensely. - Dinny Navaratnam
Jack Steven needs some help in the thin Saints midfield. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: The Swans haven't delisted any players yet, with their NEAFL side to play in the Grand Final this week, and there haven't been any retirements. The future of Alex Johnson is still up in the air, but he's expected to want to play on despite yet another knee reconstruction.
SEASON REVIEW Sydney
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Aliir Aliir, Alex Johnson, Heath Grundy, Jack Maibaum, Lewis Melican, Dane Rampe
General defenders: Matthew Ling, Jake Lloyd, Harry Marsh, Jarrad McVeigh, Callum Mills, Colin O'Riordan, Nick Smith
Summary: Rampe, Grundy and Aliir are a solid trio of key defenders, with Melican to put the pressure on if he can get on the park. Lloyd remains unsigned and should be the club's No.1 priority.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: James Bell, Jake Brown, Harry Cunningham, Oliver Florent, Jordan Foote, Robbie Fox, Dan Hannebery, Isaac Heeney, George Hewett, Zak Jones, Josh Kennedy, Nic Newman, Luke Parker, Ryley Stoddart, Angus Styles
Ruckmen: Darcy Cameron, Sam Naismith, Callum Sinclair
Summary: Definitely an area of concern for the Swans, with leg speed a priority. Ling should help that once he gets his body right, as will Stoddart, but another established midfield free agent would be preferable.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Tom Papley, Dan Robinson, Dean Towers
General forwards: Jordan Dawson, Will Hayward, Kieren Jack, Gary Rohan, Ben Ronke, James Rose
Key forwards: Joel Amartey, Lance Franklin, Tom McCartin, Toby Pink, Sam Reid,
Summary: Another area that needs work, and support for Franklin is critical. Reid is the answer, but his body has stopped allowing him to be the star he could be. McCartin will develop even more but still needs another season to add bulk.
CONCLUSION
The Swans have been heavily linked to Collingwood's Darcy Moore and he could help at either end of the ground, but his injury history makes him a big risk. Midfield speed is still a weakness and has been for years, but that might need to come from within through Jones, Florent, Ling and Stoddart. Hannebery appears increasingly likely to be at another club in 2019 and that could free up space to pursue established talent. - Adam Curley
List changes: No delistings or retirements yet, although injury-plagued full-back Eric Mackenzie seems likely to hang up the boots.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Tom Barrass, Jarrod Brander, Eric Mackenzie, Jeremy McGovern
General defenders: Tom Cole, Liam Duggan, Shannon Hurn, Lewis Jetta, Jackson Nelson, Josh Rotham, Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard, Francis Watson
Summary: Settled and versatile group has most bases covered, although if Mackenzie retires more key defensive support would be useful, and Bulldogs free agent Jordan Roughead could help out here as well as in the ruck.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Brendon Ah Chee, Brayden Ainsworth, Hamish Brayshaw, Callan England, Andrew Gaff, Mark Hutchings, Chris Masten, Kurt Mutimer, Luke Partington, Jack Redden, Dom Sheed, Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo
Ruckmen: Scott Lycett, Fraser McInnes, Nic Naitanui, Tony Olango, Nathan Vardy
Summary: If Lycett wants to leave as a restricted free agent, the Eagles will be short on ruck depth with Naitanui out for most, if not all, of 2019. The midfield has delivered this year but would look thinner if Gaff doesn't re-sign.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Matthew Allen, Daniel Venables
General forwards: Tarir Bayok, Ryan Burrows, Jamie Cripps, Malcolm Karpany, Mark LeCras, Jack Petruccelle, Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan, Jake Waterman
Key forwards: Oscar Allen, Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy
Summary: The Eagles have regenerated the forward line with great results this year. Ryan and Rioli have addressed a dire need for pace, pressure and X-factor. Allen and Brander can play either end, and Waterman showed plenty of potential as a third tall.
CONCLUSION
It hasn't been confirmed yet, but Lycett looks set to leave as a restricted free agent, so adding ruck depth will be the most pressing need, and planning for life after Naitanui should already be underway. West Coast would love another star mid who can find the ball and use it well, and will need to find an A-grade talent if Gaff doesn't sign a new deal. - Travis King
Re-signing Andrew Gaff is a priority for the Eagles. Picture: AFL Photos
List changes: Premiership forward Luke Dahlhaus has already walked out on the club and is expected to take up a free-agency offer from Geelong, while third-year key defender Kieran Collins and rookie tall Nathan Mullenger-McHugh have been delisted. Flag stars Clay Smith and Shane Biggs have retired.
SEASON REVIEW Western Bulldogs
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Marcus Adams, Zaine Cordy, Aaron Naughton, Fletcher Roberts, Jackson Trengove, Lewis Young
General defenders: Hayden Crozier, Jason Johannisen, Brad Lynch, Dale Morris, Ed Richards, Roarke Smith, Matt Suckling, Bailey Williams, Easton Wood
Summary: The Dogs have plenty of depth in key defenders and have a young and developing core of smaller backmen lead by skipper Wood and Dale Morris.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Marcus Bontempelli, Caleb Daniel, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter, Lin Jong, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae, Toby McLean, Callum Porter, Mitch Wallis, Lukas Webb
Ruckmen: Tom Boyd, Tom Campbell, Tim English, Jordan Roughead
Summary: Father-son recruits Liberatore and Wallis remain unsigned but are likely to stay. Premiership star Roughead is likely to leave via free agency, while fellow ruckman Campbell will be traded or delisted.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Mitch Honeychurch, Bailey Dale, Liam Picken
General forwards: Tory Dickson, Billy Gowers, Fergus Greene, Patrick Lipinski
Key forwards: Jack Redpath, Josh Schache
Summary: Redpath's knee problems are likely to see him retire, while Honeychurch is expected to seek a trade to Gold Coast. Picken has vowed to play on after his concussion issues over the past 18 months.
CONCLUSION
The Dogs have a young and well-balanced list but will look to inject some class into their midfield and forward line through the draft. Father-son prospect Rhylee West is a likely addition and he will complement the club's inside midfielders. Clever Richmond forward Sam Lloyd has been linked to the club to help their ongoing conversion woes. - Ryan Davidson
