The AFL Season 2019 is On Our Doorstep
Footy is back. With the new season upon us, let’s preview how our 18 clubs are looking for 2019. What should we expect? Will there be new heroes? Who will rise and who will fall?
Round 1 will be a significant date in the AFL calendar for so many reasons, but
none more than the players who are running out in new colours for the first time or for their first ever AFL level game. Let’s dig into the changes and expectations.
Adelaide Crows
Yes, 2018 was disappointing but the Crows are looking fresh and ready for another tilt at a Premiership challenge. With genuine stars on every line including; Rory Sloan, Tayler Walker, Matt Crouch, and Bryce Gibbs, everyone expects the Crows to be serious contenders in 2019.
Brisbane Lions
The Lions have an extremely talented young list just now beginning to take shape. That is why there is some genuine buzz surrounding the team. We expect this dynamic group to build momentum and cohesion in 2019. And make Brisbane winners.
Carlton Blues
Will the young and exciting Blues really make some serious in-roads in 2019, with their new skipper and superstar Paddy Cripps? That is what everyone is asking. For certain, the Blues promise to challenge many of the top clubs as they start to push up the ladder.
Collingwood Magpies
After coming heartbreakingly close to the biggest prize last year, the Pies are desperate to go even further in 2019. We expect plenty more ferocious pressure from their elite midfield stars- Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury and Adam Treloar.
Essendon Bombers
The Bombers were one of the biggest winners in the trade period. They added former GWS superstar Dylan Shiel to their already impressive midfield. We expect him to help push them into a finals appearance, with the aim to win their first final since 2004.
Fremantle Dockers
Fremantle is a team to watch in 2019, led by superstar Nat Fyfe and their prized recruit Jessie Hogan, and with their young midfielders Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra. We are all ready for them to have a breakout year, with plenty of exciting battles.
Geelong Cats
After another preseason of their star midfield playing together, the Cats are looking to improve in 2019. There is no excuse, now that they’ve added stars Gary Rohan and Luke Dahlhaus to the mix,. We expect the Cats to be strong contenders.
Gold Coast Suns
The Gold Coast Suns have a new look. They are looking for some big wins in 2019. In the post Tom Lynch era, let’s see who is unearthed as the future stars of the club.
GWS Giants
With some serious elite talent on the list, GWS will be keen to make amends for their disappointing finals series. Led by Josh Kelly, Phil Davies and Stephen Coniglio, we expect the Giants to be a serious force once again.
Hawthorn Hawks
After surprising many with a top 4 finish last year, let’s see if the Hawks can push to contend once again. Although they’ve lost Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell to injury, expect Tom Scully and Chad Wingard to boost their list as star additions.
Melbourne Demons
After making their way into a preliminary final in 2018, Melbourne have finally arrived as a genuine contender. With superstars Max Gawn and Angus Brayshaw leading the charge, there is no ceiling on how good the Dees could be this year.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
It is true that the North Melbourne club surprised many after a solid season and only just missing the finals in 2018. Everyone believes now that the sky is the limit for North as their young guns start to play consistent and well balanced footy.
Port Adelaide Power
Port Adelaide still have a very talented list who could break out at any time. With Robbie Gray at the peak of his powers, the solid support crew of Tom Rockcliff and Ollie Wines can still challenge anyone.
Richmond Tigers
Still one of the dominant teams in the competition, watch for the Tigers to become serious contenders again. With the addition of superstar forward Tom Lynch, expect their attack to become even more dangerous.
St Kilda Saints
Adding former Sydney star Dan Hannebery to the list, expect St Kilda to improve from a truly disappointing 2018 campaign. Their workhorse style midfield can surprise teams as they look to rise up the ladder.
Sydney Swans
Yes, Sydney always seem to make it far into September, and we expect 2019 to be no exception. With superstar Lance Franklin leading the charge, all expectations point to Sydney being a force yet again.
West Coast Eagles
Are the the ultra-impressive 2018 premiers going back to back in 2019? The Eagles have a great list, and play an exciting brand of football. We believe there is every chance of them backing up their premiership win.
Western Bulldogs
Okay a bold prediction! With a very talented group of players well and truly still in their window, 2019 will be the year the Bulldogs return back to the finals. If the 2016 premiers can reclaim their spark, with Marcus Bontempelli leading the charge, they should be able to beat anyone.
If we’ve learned one thing over the past three seasons, it’s that almost any club can win the AFL premiership. The Western Bulldogs won it from seventh, Richmond went from 13th to a flag, and last year West Coast were widely tipped to miss the eight – or even claim the wooden spoon – but earned premiership glory. So let’s just go to the games and cheer and watch for ourselves. We are certain about one thing … 2019 will be an exciting and truly an unpredictable year.
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