FOR EIGHT clubs, season 2018 is very much alive. But what of the 10 teams that didn't make finals? Who's sore, who's done, who could be going and who might be heading their way? Our staff writers have their say.
Draft picks: 7, 14 (from Melbourne), 19, 37, 68 (from Melbourne), 79.
Delistings: Father-son selections Ben Jarman and Jackson Edwards, along with key position player Harry Dear, have been delisted. Matt Signorello, Ben Davis and Paul Hunter are no certainties to remain on the list, while Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Andy Otten and Kyle Cheney are unsigned. Forward Mitch McGovern has requested a trade despite having two years to run on his contract.
Retirees: Sam Gibson, Curtly Hampton.
Medical room: Midfielder Brad Crouch should be ready for the start of pre-season after missing the entire season with groin soreness. Skipper Taylor Walker is also expected to be ready for pre-season after surgery on the plantar fascia in his foot. Defender Tom Doedee has had surgery for a broken collarbone, Daniel Talia has had reconstructive surgery on his left thumb, Kyle Hartigan had minor surgeries on both knees and McGovern (ankles) and Otten (Achilles) went under the knife.
Free agents unsigned: Andy Otten
Best and fairest: Rory Laird
The coach: The Crows gave Don Pyke a long-term commitment when they signed him to a three-year extension until 2021 at the end of January. This is the first season the Crows have missed the finals since Pyke took over in 2016.
Footy staff: The Crows will need to make a couple of changes to their coaching staff. Assistant coach Josh Francou has left the club just one year into a three-year deal, while development coach Tate Kaesler has joined Gold Coast. Renowned physio Steve Saunders has joined the club in a full-time role after their hamstring issues this year, while the Crows have parted ways with physio Rohan Hattotuwa. The club's high-performance program has come under scrutiny after a spate of hamstring injuries and the failed pre-season camp on the Gold Coast.
Off-field health: The Crows continue to have strong support off the field, having increased memberships 13.8 per cent from last year, to 64,739. They also had the fifth-biggest average home crowd (45,417) in the competition.
Needs: The Crows would love to get their hands on highly-rated SA prospect Jack Lukosius, who can play at either end of the ground. They could also with pace through the midfield, a pressure forward in the mould of Izak Rankine and some assistance for veteran ruckman Sam Jacobs.
Pre-season starts: First-to-fourth year players resume on Monday, November 5, with the rest of the squad returning on Monday, November 19. - Lee Gaskin
Draft picks: 4, 22, 40, 58, 76
Delistings: The Lions won't make these official until their NEAFL team has been eliminated. Tom Bell, Rohan Bewick, Liam Dawson and Marco Paparone would all be nervous, as would rookie Claye Beams.
Retirees: No one in this category. Only Stefan Martin and Luke Hodge are in the 'over 30s' bracket and both are playing on in 2019.
Medical room: Livewire Charlie Cameron has almost fully recovered from the Lisfranc injury that cut his season short and will be fine to start day one of pre-season. Darcy Gardiner will have the biggest setback following shoulder surgery, running during pre-season but not back to full contact work until the New Year. Mitch Hinge (shoulder) is in the same boat. Matt Eagles will also be right for pre-season after overcoming groin surgery.
Free agents unsigned: Rohan Bewick, Ryan Lester
Best and fairest: September 1, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
The coach: Another excellent season for Chris Fagan resulted in a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2021. Has helped tighten up the defence by more than six goals over two seasons and seen the percentage rise from 61 to 89.
Footy staff: The current staff is going well. The coaching unit is cohesive and the medical and high performance staff have had a phenomenal two seasons, helping the Lions to one of the lowest injury rates in the AFL.
Off-field health: The biggest concern is the failure to lock in funding for the proposed new training and administration facility at Springfield. State and federal governments continue to delay their contributions, although the Lions are confident the money will come. On a positive note, both crowds and membership numbers have risen strongly.
Needs: Another established midfielder or two and a running half-back should be top of the shopping list. Lachie Neale is in the crosshairs, while free agent Mitch Wallis is also a target.
Pre-season starts: First-to-four year players return on November 5 and the rest of the squad on November 19. - Michael Whiting
Lachie Neale would make a massive impact in Brisbane's midfield. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft picks: 1, 24, 25, 65, 73
Delistings: Aaron Mullett, Cam O'Shea, Jesse Glass-McCasker and Matt Shaw have already been delisted. A few more remain without contracts and with their future still up in the air, such as Nick Graham and Sam Kerridge.
Retirees: Alex Silvagni has already retired. Fellow experienced defender Sam Rowe remains unsigned, though may go around again. Experienced duo Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas will play on in 2019.
Medical room: Charlie Curnow suffered a knee injury in the final game of the season, though won't require surgery this summer and is expected to be fit for the first day of pre-season. Sam Docherty will also return following a year on the sidelines with an ACL injury. Zac Fisher, Liam Jones, Matthew Kreuzer and Lachie Plowman are set to be fine for the first day of pre-season. Matt Kennedy and Jarrod Garlett underwent surgery at the conclusion of the year, but aren't expected to miss significant periods.
Free agents unsigned: Kade Simpson
Best and fairest: Friday 5 October, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The coach: Brendon Bolton has obviously faced his fair share of scrutiny throughout a two-win season, but his job is not under threat going into this summer. Contracted through to the end of 2020, he will be given the full backing of the club's board for at least the next two seasons. Tangible improvement next year remains pivotal to his long-term future.
Footy staff: The Blues have already announced that midfield coach Tim Clarke will depart the club after three seasons. His replacement is not yet known, though Carlton would love a senior assistant to aid Brendon Bolton. Despite rival interest, it's expected that head of strategy and high performance John Barker will remain at Ikon Park.
Off-field health: Carlton recorded a membership tally of 56,005 this year and remains one of the AFL's most healthy clubs from an off-field perspective. The Blues are in the midst of lucrative long-term sponsorship deals with Virgin Australia and Hyundai, while plans were revealed for a $50 million redevelopment of Ikon Park earlier in the year.
Needs: Carlton has been vocal in its desire to attract a player in the age bracket between 22 and 27. Obviously, midfielders remain the club's priority and it has already been linked with the likes of Dylan Shiel and Will Setterfield. The Blues have also been linked with Mitch McGovern, who would bolster their young key position stocks.
Pre-season starts: First-to-fourth year players resume on Monday, November 5, with the rest of the squad returning on Monday, November 19. - Riley Beveridge
Could the Blues land Giant Dylan Shiel? Picture: AFL Photos
Draft picks: 8, 30, 62, 80
Delistings: Brendon Goddard and Jackson Merrett have already been informed they will not be offered new deals for next year. Josh Green is out of contract and only played seven games this season so could face an uncertain future, with Jake Long also unsigned.
Retirees: The Bombers may not have any retirements this season, with Goddard still weighing up whether to play on at a third club. Matthew Leuenberger is out of contract and played just two senior games this year.
Medical room: Only two players on Essendon's list – Tom Bellchambers and Luke Lavender – have undergone off-season surgeries so far, on their respective shoulder concerns. At this stage the club doesn't expect any more surgeries to be required. All eyes will how Joe Daniher's pre-season goes after his groin struggles this year, while the club will be hoping Martin Gleeson gets through unscathed after missing all of this year with a foot injury.
Free agents unsigned: None.
Best and fairest: Thursday, October 4, Peninsula Docklands
The coach: Worsfold extended his contract through to the end of 2020 early this year, before the Bombers' slump in the first half of the season. Finals is a must next year for many at the club.
Footy staff: Richmond assistant coach Ben Rutten will join the Bombers' coaching panel for next season. The former Crow has spent four years at the Tigers.
Off-field health: The Bombers recorded an all-time high membership tally of 79,319, so fans have clearly stuck by the club during its tumultuous supplements saga. The club wants to continue to expand its Tullamarine headquarters, which is already one of the leading facilities in the competition.
Needs: Essendon's focus should be on beefing up its midfield. It has its eyes on GWS gun Dylan Shiel, while younger Giants midfielder Will Setterfield is also on the radar.
Pre-season starts: First-to-fourth-year players will return on November 7, fifth-year players and on will return on November 19. - Callum Twomey
Draft picks: 5, 77, 95
Delistings: No official delistings yet, but Cam Sutcliffe and Brady Grey are out of contract and will be nervous.
Retirees: Michael Johnson, Danyle Pearce and Lee Spurr have already retired.
Medical room: Expect most to be ready for the start of pre-season. Connor Blakely (knee) and Griffin Logue (foot) were done early enough in the campaign to be back for day one, while Andy Brayshaw (jaw) should return with the first-to-fourth-year players.
Free agents unsigned: None.
Best and fairest: Saturday, October 6, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The coach: Ross Lyon came under more scrutiny this year than ever before, firstly due to a workplace harassment storm and then after the round 22 capitulation against Geelong. The gap between the Dockers' best and worst is unacceptable, especially the difference at home and interstate. Lyon is contracted until the end of 2020 but the club can't cop another season of beltings after nine defeats by 50 points or more this year.
Footy staff: CEO Steve Rosich has taken over list management duties after Brad Lloyd departed to Carlton as head of football and the Dockers are searching for his replacement at a critical time in their rebuild. A review into the entire club's operation will take place this off-season after a largely disappointing campaign, with particular emphasis on the medical department after a spate of soft-tissue injuries and repeat setbacks for some players.
Off-field health: The Dockers are expected to post a small profit, which is a win considering they coughed up about $1.2m to play Gold Coast 'away' at Optus Stadium in round three. Freo's membership is healthy at 10th overall in the AFL and rose by about 4000 this year, with home attendances climbing at the glittering new stadium. With elite training facilities, the Dockers don't want for much off the field, but a passionate supporter base is desperate for success.
Needs: Ross Lyon indicated he desires two things – highly-skilled midfielders who can play multiple positions, especially down back, and recruits who can step straight into the best 22, not fringe players. But the Dockers also need out-and-out goalkickers. Michael Walters won the goalkicking with just 22 majors and spent plenty of time in midfield. Giants tall Rory Lobb and wantaway Crows forward Mitch McGovern could be targets and would help, but dangerous smalls are also a necessity.
Pre-season starts: Monday, November 5 (first-to-fourth-year players) and Monday, November 19 (full group). - Travis King
Michael Walters is a reliable source of goals, but needs help. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft picks: 2, 17, 26, 29, 38, 41, 74
Delistings: Veteran Michael Barlow and rookies Josh Jaska, Max Spencer and Mackenzie Willis have already been cut. The Suns have a number of players still out of contract with their futures in limbo including Jesse Lonergan and Jack Leslie.
Retirees: Matt Rosa announced recently his career was over.
Medical room: Finished with a long list of injuries but not too many that will affect the Suns' pre-season. Sam Day is recovering well from shoulder surgery but may be restricted in the early stages of his return.
Free agents unsigned: Tom Lynch, Michael Rischitelli
Best and fairest: September 1, Southport Sharks Events Centre
The coach: Tough first season for Stuart Dew but with two more years on his contract has time to mould the type of team and gameplan he wants. Wants a team based around contested footy and has shown his prepared to play the youth.
Footy staff: Some upheaval already with more to come. Assistant coaches Andy Lovell and Matthew Primus have left, with North Melbourne's Josh Drummond (assistant coach) and Adelaide's Tate Kaeslar (development coach) brought in. High performance coordinator Justin Cordy is also likely to be moved on with the Suns to search for a new fitness boss.
Off-field health: Not a lot to complain about on this front. A facility that is barely 18 months old and despite the reduced number of home games (seven) due to the Commonwealth Games, the Suns' membership saw a slight increase.
Needs: Need plenty to fix a struggling list. The Suns will target the best top-end talent available at the draft and hope to get some mature midfielders wanting more opportunities.
Pre-season starts: First-to-four year players resume on November 5 while the rest of the playing list will return on November 19. - Michael Whiting
Draft picks: 10, 28, 39, 53, 64, 82
Delistings: Billy Hartung, Daniel Nielson, Josh Williams and rookies Oscar Junker, Gordon Narrier and Tom Jeffries were the first of the Roos' delistings. Mitch Hibberd, Declan Mountford, Ryan Clarke and Alex Morgan are among the out-of-contract players.
Retirees: Jarrad Waite called time on his 17-season career at North and Carlton ahead of round 23.
Medical room: Captain Jack Ziebell (left knee arthroscope), Majak Daw (foot), Trent Dumont (left thumb) and Coleman Medal runner-up Ben Brown (hip arthroscope) are booked in for post-season surgery. There will be interest in how North handles oft-injured forward Taylor Garner's pre-season after he didn't play a senior match in 2018 because of hamstring recurrences, along with the training loads for Ben Jacobs and Sam Wright.
Free agents unsigned: Scott Thompson and Sam Wright. Both are expected to receive new contracts for at least next year.
Best and fairest: Friday, October 5 at Peninsula
The coach: Brad Scott signed a two-season contract extension in August last year to remain at Arden St until the end of 2020. North defied low external expectations to finish just one spot outside the finals this season, but his challenge is to transform the Roos into a bonafide contender.
Footy staff: Aaron Greaves joins North Melbourne as its head of player development after a combined seven seasons' experience most recently at Port Adelaide and before that at Melbourne. Defence coach Josh Drummond left to take up an assistant's role with Gold Coast, while development coach Ben Dyer is returning to Western Australia and has been linked to WAFL club East Fremantle's vacant senior coaching job.
Off-field health: The Kangas' membership snuck just above 40,000 for the second straight season, but that pales in comparison to the 45,014 from 2016. An unexpectedly competitive 2018 campaign should help next year's numbers, as could the potential of landing Jared Polec and Andrew Gaff in the player movement period. The club fundraised $1.3 million in 24 hours last week to help finance the redevelopment of its Arden St headquarters.
Needs: The Roos made no secret of their want for more midfield depth. They seem certain to lure Port Adelaide's Jared Polec on a big-money offer and are frontrunners for dual All Australian Andrew Gaff if he departs West Coast. They are generally well placed elsewhere, but need to find a way to create more opportunity in 2019 for their developing key-position talent, such as Ben McKay, Sam Durdin and VFL leading goalkicker Nick Larkey.
Pre-season: First-to-fourth-year players will start pre-season training on November 5, with the five-plus-year group returning on November 19. - Marc McGowan
Jared Polec seems set to be a Kangaroo next season. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft picks: 9, 21, 27, 45, 46, 81.
Delistings: Former No.4 overall draft pick Jimmy Toumpas and Category B rookie Emmanuel Irra have been delisted. Cam Hewett, Will Snelling, Trent McKenzie, Peter Ladhams, Jack Trengove and Jake Neade aren't certainties to remain on the list.
Retirees: Veteran forward Lindsay Thomas has announced his retirement.
Medical room: Tom Rockliff and Charlie Dixon will have delayed starts to their pre-seasons. Rockliff has had a shoulder reconstruction and will be five to six months away from resuming full training. He hopes to be available for the Power's first pre-season game. Dixon had surgery for a broken leg and will be back after Christmas. Robbie Gray (knee), Jack Watts (ankle) and Karl Amon (knee) have also had minor operations. Hamish Hartlett and Sam Hayes continue their rehab from torn ACLs. Tom Clurey (foot), Todd Marshall (foot), Matthew Broadbent (foot), Joel Garner (shoulder) and Willem Drew (heel) should be right for the start of pre-season.
Free agents unsigned: Justin Westhoff
Best and fairest: Friday, October 5, 7pm. Adelaide Convention Centre.
The coach: After being in the hunt for the then-vacant Gold Coast job, Power coach Ken Hinkley signed a three-year contract extension at the end of last year until the end of 2021.
Footy staff: There will be a few changes to the Power's coaching staff. Senior assistant coach Matthew Nicks has joined Greater Western Sydney, forward coach Brendon Lade has gone to St Kilda and head of development Aaron Greaves is with North Melbourne. Subiaco coach, and Power premiership player, Jarrad Schofield has been linked to an assistant coaching role with the Power, while Sturt coach Martin Mattner is also in the mix.
Off-field health: The Power's membership has increased 4.3 per cent to 54,386, ranked 11th in the League. The club's foray into China is providing it with a valuable source of income.
Needs: The Power could do with a ruckman to support Paddy Ryder and to be his long-term successor. West Coast's Scott Lycett fits in the bill. Pace through the midfield will be required, especially, if as expected, Jared Polec leaves the club.
Pre-season starts: First-to-fourth year players resume on Monday, November 5, with the rest of the squad returning on Monday, November 19. - Lee Gaskin
Draft picks: 3, 57, 61, 63, 75
Delistings: Nathan Freeman, Hugh Goddard, Nathan Wright and Ray Connellan are gone. What happens to Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce will depend on the ruck merry-go-round set to take place in the upcoming NAB AFL Trade Period. Jack Lonie, Mav Weller and Darren Minchington need to wait before finding out their fates. Talks are progressing well to see rookie Doulton Langlands stay at the Saints.
Retirees: Koby Stevens has announced his retirement after troubles with concussion while Sam Gilbert could finish up as well.
Medical room: Paddy McCartin (left foot) will be right for the start of pre-season, as will Tom Hickey (left hamstring) and Josh Bruce (broken leg). David Armitage needs complete rest after carrying hamstring tendinitis for much of the season. Longer is recovering from ankle and finger surgery.
Free agents unsigned: Sam Gilbert
Best and fairest: Wednesday, September 19, at Crown.
The coach: Alan Richardson is contracted until the end of 2020 but performance clauses in his deal mean the side needs to perform next year for him to continue.
Footy staff: Assistant coaches Simon McPhee, Rohan Welsh and Lindsay Gilbee have been moved on, while Brendon Lade and Brett Ratten have joined the panel. Expect a development coach to come in as well. James Gallagher has taken over the list manager role from Tony Elshaug.
Off-field health: Financially, a lot of work needs to be done, with debt a major problem. That won't be helped by a poor year on-field, which is set to see the bottom line take a hit. However, the new facility at Moorabbin is a major upgrade from Seaford.
Needs: Other than the backline, more talent is needed everywhere. More specifically, class and pace are lacking through the midfield, experience up forward and a ruckman who can consistently perform. The club's development program has been an issue, hence the change in coaching structure.
Pre-season starts: first-to-four years – Wednesday, November 7, the rest – Monday, November 19. - Dinny Navaratnam
The end could be near for longtime Saint Sam Gilbert. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft picks: 6, 42, 59, 60, 78
Delistings: Kieran Collins and Nathan Mullenger-McHugh have been let go. Tory Dickson and Billy Gowers are set to sign new deals. Big man Tom Campbell remains out of contract, as do Lin Jong, Mitch Honeychurch and Brad Lynch.
Retirees: Shane Biggs and Clay Smith have retired. Jack Redpath is likely to finish up, despite being contracted for next year, because injury has taken a toll on his body.
Medical room: Jason Johannisen will have hip surgery next week but should be right to go when the group reconvenes. If Tom Liberatore stays, he will miss a fair chunk of pre-season after having his right knee reconstruction in March. Tough nut Liam Picken needs to overcome his persistent concussion issues, but is expected to do so.
Free agents unsigned: Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Liberatore, Jordan Roughead and Mitch Wallis.
Best and fairest: Wednesday, October 3, Crown Palladium
The coach: Luke Beveridge is contracted until the end of 2020 and despite his side not making the finals the past two seasons, delivering the club's second-ever premiership in 2016 means he is relatively safe, provided the team keeps improving.
Footy staff: A long injury list in 2018 points to a need to look at the fitness program. Bad luck was a big factor, so there might not be need for drastic change, but it's worth reviewing.
Off-field health: There's no getting around the Dogs being an inherently smaller club, and that will almost certainly never change. However, they have posted seven-figure profits the past three seasons. By the end of the last financial year, they had no debt – an enviable position to be in.
Needs: Speed through the midfield would complement what the Bulldogs are building. Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Toby McLean, Josh Dunkley and Lachie Hunter are the core of an impressive onball unit, but they need more outside help.
Pre-season starts: Monday, November 5 for first-to-fourth year players; Monday, November 19 for the rest of the group. - Dinny Navaratnam
