After 5 rounds of the AFL season, we are starting to develop a sample size of what to expect from all 18 AFL teams.
The question now is how that first chunk of the season stands up versus what was predicted and expected coming into the season.
From players to coaches to off-field personnel to anything else, we have gone through all 18 AFL clubs and who/what has exceeded expectations, met expectations or underperformed so far in 2023.
See our thoughts below.
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Overall form, win-loss record, Jordan Dawson
The Crows are seemingly on top of the world right now.
They are riding high on the back of a 56-point win over Carlton, who entered the weekend in second position, and prior to that beat Fremantle and Port Adelaide comfortably.
Next up is Hawthorn in Tassie, which you’d assume would be a win, but after that it gets much tougher - Collingwood, Geelong, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Brisbane.
Regardless of what’s ahead, it’s been an impressive start to the season which not many (bar those in the West Lakes inner sanctum) would have expected.
On paper before the season kicked off, many might have seen the Crows as a 1-4 proposition after five rounds, but they find themselves 3-2 on the back of three straight wins and momentum is building.
Captain Jordan Dawson has been absolutely superb, particularly over the last few weeks.
He is quickly becoming an A-grade midfielder and a very good leader.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Taylor Walker
Veteran forward Taylor Walker is playing a less central role for the Crows in 2023.
The 32-year-old is still performing, returning 10 goals (nine behinds) in five games, but was goalless in the Showdown win over the Power which shows he doesn’t need to be relied upon like he has been in the past.
Walker is playing his role to perfection, meeting expectations by bringing others into the contest and allowing those around him like Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe and Lachlan Gollant to flourish.
The club’s all-time leading goal kicker is doing what is expected of him in 2023 with less need to do more.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Early-season form
Despite bettering their ledger over the past three weeks, the season didn’t begin kindly for the Crows.
They lost their first two matches to GWS and Richmond by performing well under what they have shown in recent weeks.
If they hadn’t have coughed up 11 goals in the second half to the Giants and 11 goals in the first half to the Tigers, then perhaps they could be in an ever stronger position.
Andrew Slevison
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Health of the list
While clubs always hope to have their best 22 available, it’s a rarity to not have at least a few of certain starters out injured.
Amazingly for Brisbane, so far they have just one player with any AFL experience on their injury list, and that’s Carter Michael who has just one senior game to his name.
With all of their best 22 fit and firing, the Lions would be thrilled that their list is as healthy as any in the competition.
Not having any stars – or even quality role players - unavailable would certainly have exceeded internal expectations.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Will Ashcroft
Wonderkid Will Ashcroft entered the AFL with a heap of hype around his potential, and so far, he’s lived up to it.
Through five games so far, the 18-year-old is averaging 23.2 disposals, 4.4 clearances and 2.8 inside 50s a game, incredibly strong numbers for a player with such little experience.
On top of his raw numbers, Ashcroft has quickly proven his quality with his obvious class and touch shining through and Brisbane fans will be thrilled that they’ve got such a future star in their hands.
We haven’t seen many players enter the competition with as much expectation surrounding their debut year.
He’s truly delivering on those hopes already.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Zac Bailey
After showing signs of rapid improvement in 2021 and 2022, Zac Bailey has regressed so far in 2023.
The 23-year-old has seen his averages drop considerably in disposals, marks, goals, tackles, inside 50s and clearances compared to last season.
Put simply, he’s having nowhere near the impact he had last campaign.
Clearly Bailey is a quality player and it’s probably a matter of time until he turns things around.
But the Lions would want that to happen sooner rather than later.
Lachlan Geleit
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
The draftees
Carlton hit the 2022 National Draft hard, despite only having the one first round pick and the early signs are incredibly promising.
Ollie Hollands (pick 11) was drafted to add to Carlton’s poor wing depth and he has immediately found himself in the club’s best 22, playing every game this season and pushing ahead of Lochie O’Brien on the depth chart.
Lachie Cowan (pick 30) has also played every game this season, playing a lockdown defensive role and showing his incredible toughness. Jaxon Binns (pick 32) has been excellent in the VFL and is pushing hard for senior selection as another outside midfielder, while Harry Lemmey (pick 47) will be given time to develop as a key position forward in the reserves.
It’s fair to say Nick Austin has corrected course on Carlton’s drafting after multiple poor years in a row under the previous regime.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Charlie Curnow
Many scoffed when the usual pre-season top 50 players list when Charlie Curnow was listed at number 1. And, sure, Jeremy Cameron says hello.
But so far in 2023, he has played like one of the game’s truly elite. He has been the game breaker for the Blues and arguably the difference maker in all three of their wins this season.
Even in their loss to Adelaide, a match-up many suggested Nick Murray won, he still had four shots at goal, took seven marks and had a goal assist.
Curnow is having a fantastic season so far and is living up to the billing.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
The on-ball unit
George Hewett and Matthew Kennedy are not having the same impact as they were 12 months ago in Michael Voss’ contest and clearance focused game-plan and that is hurting the Blues big time.
Hewett has been dealing with an injured hand, while Kennedy missed two weeks with a calf complaint which hasn’t helped matters, but both appear to be struggling and the clearance numbers support that.
David King summed up the Blues’ midfield issues perfectly here.
Nic Negrepontis
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Impact of Mitchell, Hill and Frampton
Collingwood brought in four recruits in the off-season and their additions have paid off already.
While Dan McStay has been solid in his role and now faces a stint on the sidelines injured, all three of Tom Mitchell, Bobby Hill and Billy Frampton have made a big impact.
Mitchell, who arrived for effectively two late picks, has been reborn in a role that brings the best out of him as he’s quickly become a crucial cog in Collingwood’s engine room, while also hitting the scoreboard.
For Hill, he’s quickly become a certain starter as he averages two goals a game, with his smarts, pressure and inside 50 nous coming to the fore.
Frampton, who was the least hyped recruit, has now become one of the players Collingwood can least afford to lose with several talls out injured as the big man fills vital roles down back and in the ruck.
If McStay returns in good form, the Magpies could look back on their off-season as perhaps their best in recent memory.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Jordan De Goey
He’s been one of the most hyped players in the competition over the last five years, but Jordan De Goey has finally begun to deliver.
After a big finals campaign and strong pre-season, De Goey looks like he’s genuinely ascended to the competition’s elite … and he’s doing it consistently.
De Goey arguably has four best on grounds from his last seven games, and he’s still remaining as damaging as ever as his statistics improve across the board.
After teasing his potential in previous years, it looks like De Goey has began to finally become the player so many hoped he’d become.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Jack Crisp
Coming off two consecutive Copeland Trophys, the ever-consistent Jack Crisp hasn’t had a huge impact for Collingwood so far this season.
While he’s had to wade through an off-field issue, Crisp’s form since Round 1 has been slightly below par.
Perhaps some of this has come off the back of a drop in centre-bounce attendances, having attended 59 per cent in 2022 compared to 45 per cent so far this season.
While Crisp has been getting less looks on-ball compared to last season, his versatility and ability to play both back and forward means he should still have as many opportunities to have a decent impact on the game.
The 29-year-old will certainly back himself in to recapture his best in the coming weeks.
Lachlan Geleit
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Coaching and overall performance
Essendon hasn’t been coached like this for a very long time, leading to Brad Scott’s side in his first season at the club becoming one of the hardest sides to score against so far this season.
The Bombers sit in the top four after five weeks, winning four of the first five games of the season. But rather than winning matches on the back of individual performances, Scott’s Bombers have been excelling with a fresh system that has seen the club prioritising defence above all else.
Beating Melbourne put the football world on notice. If they beat Collingwood on ANZAC Day next Tuesday, they can afford to dream a bit bigger considering the modest expectations on the club heading into the season.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Midfield holding up their end of the bargain
Dylan Shiel, Jye Caldwell, Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett as an on-ball group should be competitive against most sides.
While they’ve all played well so far, the addition of Will Setterfield has changed things this year for the Bombers, injected a bigger body into a midfield group that has been crying out for a different dynamic for years.
The midfield group is humming, allowing the other parts of Essendon’s game to flourish.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Forward set up
To their credit, Essendon has been able to manufacture goals despite their clear lack of potent forward options at the moment.
Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips combined for five goals against Melbourne, while Jake Stringer has played two good games on return and been potent up forward.
But with Peter Wright set to miss out of the season through injury and Harrison Jones struggling for form at the moment, Essendon’s forward set up is still operating at far from their best.
After five weeks of footy, it’s the clear area of improvement for the Bombers.
Laurence Rosen
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Michael Walters
After a couple of inconsistent seasons, Fremantle veteran Michael Walters seems to have been shot out of a cannon in 2023.
The 32-year-old has kicked two bags of four across his first four matches and has become Fremantle’s focal point in attack, albeit in a somewhat dysfunctional forward line.
While the Dockers will be hoping that Walters' forward counterparts lift alongside him, coach Justin Longmuir must be happy with the output he’s receiving from the 2019 All Australian as Walters’ averages 2.5 goals and 6.5 score involvements per game in 2023.
MET EXPECTATIONS
The development of Sean Darcy and Caleb Serong
The Dockers have faced a disappointing start to the season, but their fans must be happy with the continued development and performances of 24-year-old ruckman Sean Darcy and 22-year-old midfielder Caleb Serong.
Fremantle haven’t quite found the right midfield mix since the retirement of David Mundy, but Serong has been a shining light for Fremantle across the first five matches of the season.
The 2020 Rising Star winner has become the Dockers’ premier midfielder this season averaging 32 disposals (14 of which have been contested) seven clearances and nearly six score involvements per game.
Meanwhile Darcy has experienced an equally impressive start to the year as he establishes himself as one of the premier ruckmen in the competition.
The 2021 best and fairest winner leads the competition for hitouts while he also ranks elite for contested possessions (11 per game), clearances (five per game), hitout win percentage (62 percent) and score involvements (5.6 per game).
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Efficiency inside 50
The biggest criticism of Fremantle in 2023 has been their inability to move the ball quickly from defence to offence and this has led to poor entries inside 50.
It hasn't helped that the Dockers have had to resort to seven-gamer Jye Amiss as their main target inside 50 after a mix of injuries and poor form has meant that key forwards Matt Taberner and Josh Treacy aren't in the side.
When going forward the Dockers actually rank fifth in the competition for number of forward 50 entries averaging 56 per match. The problem the Dockers are facing is how effective they are when attacking as they currently rank 17th in the competition for efficiency inside 50.
If the Dockers are to climb back up the ladder and feature in finals again, Longmuir and his side will need to drastically work on their delivery into the forward 50.
Marcus Beeck
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Jeremy Cameron
One of the best players in the game last year, Cameron has gone to another level in 2023 and been the Cats’ sole shining light.
After two goals against Collingwood in Round 1, Cameron almost won Geelong the game off his own boot against Carlton with six.
He then had six shots at goal for three majors against the Suns and has kicked 13 in the last two weeks combined.
Currently leading the Coleman Medal by four, the 30-year-old would be long odds to finish any less than second behind Charlie Curnow.
The question for Cats fans is, how long can he keep carrying this side?
MET EXPECTATIONS
Ollie Henry
Henry may have exceeded some expectations, but Magpies fans would have known exactly what Geelong was getting when the youngster requested a trade down the highway.
There was plenty of noise out of the Cattery over the pre-season about how good Henry was looking, yet he’s flown somewhat under the radar despite an impressive goal-kicking prowess.
He’s come in and booted two goals in every game bar one and is proving why Collingwood was so desperate to keep the talented forward.
So far, the Cats will feel justified in paying up for Henry, but the Magpies won’t be losing too much sleep after their hot start to the season.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Geelong's chemistry
There were several directions this could have gone, as is reasonable when the reigning premiers are winless until Round 4.
Yet it was the chemistry as a side that was most disappointing over the opening five weeks.
As they showed against Hawthorn in the second half and for a quarter against West Coast, Geelong can link up like no other team in the competition.
But for the best part of the other 17 quarters, the Cats have missed targets, fumbled and struggled for any consistency in their game.
Despite several new faces and some role changes, it's far worse than what most saw coming.
Chris Scott would want to hope he knows what he’s doing. A strong win over Sydney would alleviate almost all pressure.
Seb Mottram
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Jack Lukosius
Jack Lukosius has settled into a role across half forward, pushing up to the wing this season and it has been an impactful one for the Suns.
He sits 19th in the competition for score involvements, 16th for goal assists and 10th for inside 50s per game.
Lukosius was dominant against Geelong, kicking 5.2 and was just as influential against Fremantle, kicking 1.4 and having three goal assists.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Noah Anderson
When analysing what has gone right for Gold Coast so far in 2023, the list isn’t particularly long.
Former number two draft pick Noah Anderson however has held up his end of the bargain. His 38-disposal, 10-tackle, 7-clearance game against the Saints in Round 4 was an example of what his best footy looks like when he is unleashed.
And while he hasn’t been as prolific in other games, he is impactful with his touches and is a consistent clearance winner.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
The season so far
When you come into the season saying that you’re ready to fight for a finals spot coming off a trade period where you dumped a former top 10 pick and an actual top 10 pick for nothing, you best deliver early.
The Suns have not done that. They sit 16th on the ladder with one win and a percentage of 74.5 and don’t even appear to be in the mix.
The win over Geelong was promising, but it has once again highlighted an inconsistent season for Gold Coast who are not delivering on their promises.
What that means for coach Stuart Dew going forward, no one knows, but the next month is already vital.
Nic Negrepontis
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Midfield group of Green, Kelly and Coniglio
The coaching of Adam Kingsley has allowed the Giants to develop a formidable on-ball force to start the 2023 season.
Despite only two wins from the opening five games, a complete inside midfield group of Tom Green, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio is creating winning chances for GWS.
A substantial jump in effective disposals and centre clearances from their 2022 campaign has been crucial, seeing clean ball movement through the corridor and generating entries inside forward 50 for their key forwards.
Through the pairing of an experienced Kelly and Coniglio with a youthful Green averaging 33 disposals a game, the damaging skills of these on ballers can create future success this season for GWS.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Forward line consistency
A toe-to-toe battle on Saturday afternoon saw the GWS forward group put on a dominant marking display over an undersized Hawthorn backline, helping them sneak away with a two-point victory.
With multiple goal kicking games for Greene, Hogan and Himmelberg so far in 2023, forward consistency for the Giants is showing positivity and keeping them in contests.
Toby Greene played the small forward role brilliantly in Gather Round slotting six majors paired with 25 touches, a standout for the day.
Consistent performances from their forward line are allowing the Giants to hold onto and create wins.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Intensity levels seeing a decline
The end-to-end ball movement of GWS has seen a vast improvement with the addition of Kingsley in the coaches’ box, however the off-ball pressure has seen an unexpected decline.
While the stretched wings of Norwood Oval allowed for plenty of run during Saturday’s matchup, the tackling numbers for GWS have seen a significant drop this year compared to their 2022 season.
Struggles to place heavy tackles is granting other teams to remain close in contests and play corridor footy, as GWS allow their opponents the seventh most bounces this year.
Lifting the level of intensity could help the Giants to create winning chances and begin to run away with games.
Oliver Williamson
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
The “young” midfield
Having traded out the experienced duo of Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, many feared the young Hawks midfield would struggle in 2023. The emergence of Will Day coupled with quality youngsters in Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie and the return to form of James Worpel has been a shining light for the Hawks this season.
Whilst the team only have the one win this season, the midfield are currently top three in centre clearances, having been ranked 18th in 2022.
MET EXPECTATIONS
The season so far
Having made some big list decisions at the end of 2022 and trading out key senior players in Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Jack Gunston, the majority of Hawthorn supporters and the footy public had the Hawks finishing in the bottom four this season. Five rounds in, with only the one win and a percentage under 60, it looks like the Hawks are a lock to finish in the bottom 4 in 2023.
Whilst their season is essentially over and finals are no chance, the Hawks will continue to play their youngsters and continue to plan for their next tilt at premiership glory.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
The ruckmen
During the 2022 AFL Trade period, Hawthorn acquired Fremantle ruckman Lloyd Meek as part of the Jaeger O’Meara trade. Meek came to the Hawks with high expectations, having played some decent games at Freo partnering their number one ruck Sean Darcy.
Coupled with the Hawks’ number one ruck in Ned Reeves, on paper the Reeves-Meek combo looked like a strong pairing. After the opening five rounds of the season, the duo have been incredibly disappointing. Reeves, who is 210cm has taken multiple marks just once (4 in round 5), whilst averaging on six disposals a game.
Meek at 204cm has only taken multiple marks twice and his averaging 8.5 disposals a game. With Max Lynch dominating in the VFL for Box Hill, both Reeves and Meek will need to improve in the coming weeks or they will be dropped.
Brad Klibansky
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Impact of younger players
Melbourne boasts one of the deeper lists in the AFL and is right in the premiership mix. However one thing they haven’t had in recent years is a group of youngsters breaking straight into the best 22.
Kade Chandler, Judd McVee and Jacob Van Rooyen have all come into the team this year and had an impact.
This has added to the club’s depth and allowed them to build for the future while remaining in premiership contention.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Forward mix
One big issue for the Dees in 2022 was, outside of Bayley Fritsch, a lack of reliable options inside 50. Tom McDonald was injured, Ben Brown dealt with injuries and they were never able to settle on a consistent group.
While Fritsch has continued his good form in 2023, he has been joined by a firing Brown, who has kicked nine goals in three games (before another battle with some soreness).
Jacob Van Rooyen has impressed as a key forward, kicking six goals in three games, and Tom McDonald has returned to his role.
Kade Chandler has also bobbed up with seven goals in a nice surprise.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Essendon performance
Melbourne came into Gather Round as premiership favourites and huge favourites to end Essendon’s strong start to the season.
However, it was the Demons who received a reality check, failing to combat Essendon’s pressure around the ball and their size inside 50.
Melbourne star Christian Petracca was frank in his assessment of the performance on SEN Breakfast.
“It was a pretty frustrating game. It was very un-Melbourne-like,” the Demons star said.
“They just smashed us. Credit to Essendon. They played four quarters of solid footy, it was a contested game, real quick and we knew going into the game they wanted to play that style and run and get us out the back and we couldn’t handle it.
“I think our contest work was just not like us and our defensive structures is something that we pride ourselves on and I think it wasn’t there which is frustrating, but we’ve got to give credit to Essendon I think.”
Nic Negrepontis
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Harry Sheezel
Regardless of how much buzz surrounded Harry Sheezel coming out of the draft, no one could have expected this. The 18-year-old has averaged 31.6 disposals, six rebound 50s and 6.2 marks per game this season.
He is ranked first among rising star eligible players for: Disposals, Effective Disposals Per Game, Kicks Per Game and Rebound 50s Per Game and is now the raging favourite for the award.
Sheezel has been deployed at half back, a role he is not even hugely familiar with, and he would likely be in the All-Australian team after five weeks.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Alastair Clarkson
When you spend big to land the defining coach of the 21st century, you would hope to see immediate change and the Roos would be happy with things so far.
Club great David King summed it up best, praising Clarkson for “uniting the football club”.
While the Roos haven’t necessarily seen it translate to on-field success, despite some early wins, Clarkson is clearly reinvigorating North Melbourne and building a blueprint for future success.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
The Tarryn Thomas situation
The drama surrounding Tarryn Thomas has gone from bad to worse this year, with the former first round draft pick unable to stay out of the headlines.
The Kangaroos have stood firmly behind the talented forward in no uncertain terms, even to the detriment of the senior coach, who stepped over the line earlier in the season when dealing with a journalist.
It’s hard to see Thomas’ AFL career resuming any time soon given his clear reluctance to accept help from the club.
Nic Negrepontis
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Ken Hinkley
The Port Adelaide coach could hardly have had a more impressive start to the season.
He shook off the immediate from the pre-season entering the last year of his contract with a domination of the Lions, faltered across the next fortnight, but had underlined Port Adelaide’s top eight credentials with two wins over contenders in Sydney and the Western Bulldogs.
Despite facing the most difficult opening five rounds, Hinkley is under less pressure than he was to start the year. A remarkable turnaround.
His staunch defence of Jason Horne-Francis last weekend and the now iconic footage of the two’s aggravated conversation in the rain were also great optics.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Connor Rozee
Rozee has picked right up from where he left off last year after establishing a permanent position in the Power midfield.
The 23-year-old has attended the most centre bounces of any of his teammates and is averaging similar figures to what he put up last year.
He’s still developing and has stood up on numerous big occasions for Port this season, and has also been tipped to succeed Tom Jonas for the captaincy next year by club legend Kane Cornes.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Ollie Wines
The Brownlow Medallist is battling a calf injury, Hinkey has revealed, but is a shadow of the player he was when proving the best player in the league in 2021.
He hasn’t dropped below 19 disposals this year but it’s Wines’ impact that has dropped off. The 28-year-old is averaging more clangers than any other season he’s had at the top level and his kicking efficiency has also never been this low.
It’s unlikely those issues are caused solely by a calf issue.
It’s a new-look midfield for Port Adelaide with Rozee, Jason Horne-Francis, Zak Butters and more taking over. But aside from his side’s Round 1 win, Wines hasn’t had an influence on the season.
Seb Mottram
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Liam Baker
Richmond fans have long loved Liam Baker.
The diminutive and versatile Baker constantly gives his all in a variety of roles, and more often than not gets the job done.
It could be seen as tricky for a player who has finished equal fourth and equal second in the past two best and fairest counts to exceed expectations, but he certainly has in 2023.
Baker has gone to another level in defence this year, averaging a career-high 26 disposals, six rebound 50s and five marks.
He has been a shining light for the Tigers, particularly in the last three defeats.
Defender Tylar Young has also exceeded expectations.
Not many would have heard of the 24-year-old earlier this year, but he’s come from obscurity to play four accomplished games in a difficult position.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Taranto and Hopper
While the Tigers have largely underperformed to date, new midfield pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have met expectations.
Taranto is averaging 30 disposals, more than seven tackles, over five clearances and four inside 50s per game.
While his disposal efficiency has been down, his effort and intent have been exactly what you’d expect from such a player.
His former Giants mate Hopper has also been solid.
He had his best game in yellow and black against Sydney last week and is now averaging 24 touches, over five inside 50s, four tackles and more than three clearances.
The seven-year duo have certainly met expectations. They just need the rest of the Richmond midfield to tack on.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Clearance game and discipline
The Tigers addressed their midfield issues in the off-season by recruiting Taranto and Hopper.
While both of the former Giants have been decent so far, sitting one and three at the club respectively for clearances, the Tigers continue to struggle in that area.
The recruitment of the pair hasn’t quite worked from a clearance viewpoint just yet. Richmond sits 14th in that stat category which isn’t good enough.
They need the likes of Dion Prestia, Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton to really come to the party now.
Additionally, Richmond’s discipline has also been an issue.
At times they are playing like a frustrated team, lashing out stupidly and giving away dumb free kicks.
That is a part of their game that must be cleaned up if their season is to turn.
Andrew Slevison
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Practically the whole club
After a catastrophic pre-season on the injury front, the Saints have exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations this year.
Missing arguably their three best players in Max King, Jack Steele and Tim Membrey for most of the year so far, Ross Lyon’s side have done seriously well in managing a 4-1 start to the year.
Considering the injuries they’ve dealt with, St Kilda’s start to the year has been the biggest surprise packet sand with upcoming fixtures against Carlton, Port Adelaide and North Melbourne, they should bank at least two of those wins and remain in the top four after eight rounds.
Special mention to Brad Crouch who has had a huge start to the year.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Ross Lyon’s strong defence
St Kilda is the number one defence in the competition by some margin.
It’s what everyone expected with Ross Lyon returning prior to the season and it’s certainly delivered.
St Kilda’s backline brigade have taken big steps this year and it centres around their three talls in Callum Wilkie, Dougal Howard and Josh Battle.
Their biggest test comes this week against the Blues with St Kilda’s trio lining up against Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow and to a certain extent Jack Silvagni.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Jade Gresham
In what is a massive year personally for Gresham considering he’s coming off contract, he’s performed well below par.
Averaging 16 disposals, 1.8 tackles, .8 clearances whilst only going at 52 per cent by foot, Gresham would want to lift with a lot of their injured players returning.
Not saying he’s on the chopping block, but you get the feeling Ross Lyon won’t keep Gresham in the side for too much longer if he keeps delivering those numbers.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
List depth
The Swans have been hit with a wave of injuries in recent weeks to key position players including both the McCartin brothers, Dane Rampe, Lance Franklin and the list goes on.
Despite not getting the wins against Melbourne and Port Adelaide, the Swans were able to beat up Richmond on Friday night during Gather Round in one of the youngest and most inexperienced lineups seen from the Swans in recent memory.
Further proof that the Swans development systems are one of the best in the AFL.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Ladder position
No one predicted the Swans to be 5-0 to start the season given their opponents to start the year.
Whilst they easily accounted for Gold Coast and Hawthorn in the first fortnight, dropping games to Port Adelaide and Melbourne in back-to-back weeks was disappointing but not of major concern.
An excellent win with key outs against Richmond gave them a positive win-loss record and they are now sitting in 5th spot which is where most experts expect them to be around for the majority of the season.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Lance Franklin
There is no denying that the now 36-year-old will be considered one of the greatest players to ever grace a football field once he hangs up the boots.
However, given his performance in the 2022 finals series and his start to this season, his decision to play on for another year may not have been the right one.
Ill-discipline and poor goal kicking let down his teammates in the heartbreaking loss against Port Adelaide and with the forward sidelined due to injury, it’s fair to say his start to the season has been underwhelming.
Charles Goodsir
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Reuben Ginbey
The fiery 18-year-old has had an excellent start to his career.
Taken ninth in the 2022 National Draft, the Eagles clearly saw Ginbey as a key piece for their future, but they mightn’t have expected that future to come so quickly.
Ginbey immediately inserted himself into West Coast’s best 22 and welcomed the spotlight of senior footy from day one.
An immensely hard worker, he has made an impact so far with his tackling pressure, having laid 35 through the first 5 games, the sixth most in the competition.
MET EXPECTATIONS
Oscar Allen
With Josh Kennedy calling time on his career, Oscar Allen was essentially handed the keys to be the next centrepiece of West Coast’s forward line for years to come.
Five games in, he has done exactly what was expected of him.
The 24-year-old has been consistent in a season of inconsistency for the Eagles, booting multiple goals in every game this season and looking every bit the star forward West Coast hoped he would be.
If Oscar Allen can provide this scoring punch for years going forward, that’s one less aspect for the Eagles to worry about when rebuilding their squad.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
Health
With how devastated West Coast’s list was by injury and illness last year, it seemed like things couldn’t possibly get worse in 2023.
And then things got worse.
The Eagles currently have a monstrous 1384 games of AFL experience sitting on their injury list, with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel.
With so many key players stuck on the sidelines for an extended period and West Coast starting out the year 1-4, any hopes for a competitive season have already gone out the window.
Jack Makeham
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
Tim English
What an enormous year Tim English has had so far.
With Max Gawn’s injury leaving the position of AFL’s top ruckman available, English has staked his claim for the vacant spot with a dominant showing early on.
Through the first few years of his career, he frequently struggled against some of the game’s bigger ruckmen yet made up for it with his excellent work around the ground.
However, this year English has been more than holding his own in the ruck contest, which – when combined with everything else he brings to the game – results in one of the game’s premier players.
The Bulldogs’ season may have been up and down so far, but English has been rock solid.
MET EXPECTATIONS
The midfield
You know what to expect from the Bulldogs’ midfield by now.
When you’ve got an engine room headlined by the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar, it’s hard not to have a potent unit.
While the Bulldogs are still working things out, their mids have been as effective as ever, with Bontempelli in particular delivering game-breaking moments week after week.
The only worry through the middle for the Dogs would be the form of Jack Macrae.
While he is still getting as much of the footy as ever, Macrae has been lacking some of his usual penetration this season, looking a step slow at times.
He has the talent to bounce back to his dominant ways, but for now he is certainly a watch.
BELOW EXPECTATIONS
The talls
The Bulldogs haven’t been particularly effective on either end of the ground this year.
Much was made of their super-sized forward unit heading into the year, with Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rory Lobb and Sam Darcy all lining up in Round 1.
After failing to have much of an impact out of the gates, this look was immediately shelved, with Sam Darcy being dropped as Luke Beveridge elected to play one less tall.
This move seemed to kick the Dogs’ attack into gear, yet they still haven’t been as potent as the club would have hoped.
Meanwhile the backline has also had its fair share of troubles, taking some time to mesh as they welcomed Liam Jones into the unit.
While the Dogs aren’t conceding too many big margins, their movement coming out of their defensive 50 leaves a lot to be desired.
If the Bulldogs are going to make a strong run this year, some creativity from Luke Beveridge may be required.
Jack Makeham