With the season-opener between Richmond and Carlton less than a month away, Healy has named the 16 things he’s most looking forward to.
The former Demon and Swan revealed his list to co-host Kane Cornes on SEN Sportsday.
“Every person has their own priorities, a list that they’re looking forward to seeing,” Healy said.
“Whether it be the impact of a new coach, new players or the development of youngsters.
“So, here’s some of mine to get you going.”
Check out Healy’s 16 below.
1 – Clarko’s impact with the Roos
“Let’s begin with the first game and Clarko’s impact on the Roos along with new recruits and maturing top-end draft picks that they’ve collected in the last few years.
“I’m expecting a significant improvement in the competitiveness of the Kangaroos and they may just win a few more games than people are giving them credit for.”
2 – New Tigers Taranto and Hopper
“Two is Taranto and Hopper.
“What a recruiting combination, a big coup for the Tigers, it’ll be interesting to see them in the jumper and the impact they’ll have.”
3 – Big Blue’s development
“Three is Tom De Koning’s development for the Blues.
“He can be anything.”
4 – Impact of undersold Collingwood recruit
“Four is an old man of the middle.
“Tom Mitchell’s impact at the Pies has been undersold I suspect, I’m looking forward to seeing him kick off in fine fashion.
5 – Tippa’s return and Weideman’s chance
“At number five, I’m going to the Bombers, Tippa is back and so is Sam Weideman.
“He (Weideman) is yet to make his true mark on the competition but he still looks a player to me and hopefully he makes it at the Bombers.”
6 – New-look Lions
“Six is the new-look Lions.
“With (Jack) Gunston, (Will) Ashcroft, (Josh) Dunkley and (Cam) Rayner across half-back.
7 – Jackson’s arrival and Fyfe’s return
“Seven, how will Fyfe perform?
“And obviously all eyes will be on Luke Jackson and what he does for Freo.”
8 – New tall timber at the Bulldogs
“As they also will be on Sam Darcy and (Rory) Lobb at the Dogs.”
9 – Ross’ return to St Kilda
“Number nine is Ross Lyon’s impact at the Saints.
“It’ll be there for all to see, and it’ll take some time, but it’s great to have Ross Lyon back in the coaching fraternity.
10 – JHF’s sophomore season
“Number 10 is Jason Horne-Francis.
“There’s been enough talk about him, particularly from you, Kane (Cornes).
“It’s time now for actions to dictate.
11 – Big Cat’s time to make a stamp
“Let’s have a look at Esava Ratugolea down back at the Cattery.
“Surely this is the year for the big E-sav.”
12 – Return of three Eagles
“The Eagles, they are one that could surprise on the up, they could improve more significantly than any other team.
“Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed and Oscar Allen – three guns – all return from write-off seasons in 2023.
13 – The Max and Brodie double
“Number 13 is the Max and Brodie double of course.
“What an act that could be.”
14 – Hawthorn’s eyas
“There’s the super young Hawks.”
15 – Kingsley bringing back the orange tsunami
“Then there’s the Giants under a new coach.
“Fortunately, he’s promised to bring back the tsunami.”
16 – The return of a King for the Suns
“Finally, it’s the man that could propel the Suns into the finals.
“The return of Ben King.”