1. Lipinski: return to 2022 form. Get an injury free run at it with hopefully more scoreboard pressure. Important season with depth challenging his spot and last year of a three year deal.
2. DeGoey: What a Preliminary Final and clutch goals in te Grand Final. However, individually, love to see him avoid that annual 4-6 week mid-season suspension, injury or form malaise etc... thus giving him the best chance to win an All-Australian and Best and Fairest placing.
3. Quaynor: more rebounding from defence, more kick ins after points hence going from 16-20+ possessions per game with an All-Oz beckoning.
4. Maynard: somewhat surprised by his 2nd in Copeland truthfully told however his one percenters must be acknowledged. Hopefully his shoulder won't be hanging by a thread and his renowned consistency of output continues.
5. Elliott: coming off 39 goals, does Jamie have another year of elite performance to threaten the 40+ in 2024. Schultz shall likely cut into his goal output. I hope they manage Jamie's loads so that we can get 18-20 home & away matches from him with fresher legs in the Finals of 2024 than he had in 2023.
6. Mitchell: how good was Tom in the GF. Repeat viewing highlights how prolific but effective he was. Similar to Jamie, hopefully his body is managed a tad better than 2023 wit certain rest games invoked.
7. J.Daicos: our latest Copeland Trophy winner would likely have been disappointed with his Finals performances overall, particularly when compared with the high standards of his his home and away results.
8. Schultz: has to be an upgrade on Ginnivan insofar as both forward/defensive craft is concerned. with last two seasons yielding 30+ goals, we should hope that 35+ is a benchmark given the supply should be superior to Freos.
9. Noble: the unlucky story along with Adams in 2023 finals series. That aside, he probably needs 5-6 kg of upper body muscle and injuries to secure regular game time. 3 years left on contract.
10. Pendles: what a last quarter in the GF. We cannot be greedy and ask for too much given the results he has delivered over the years. Jeff Browne has said privately that he hopes through to get 2 more years, but needs managing.
11. McStay: cannot catch a break. We can only hope that his recovery is ahead of target and he can potentially make a comeback by September, otherwise its 2025 for him.
13. Demattia: 6-8 games would be more than generous but seems to be impressing all at the club with his leadership and professionalism.
14. D.Cameron: early season knee injury curtailed his season. His GF was a tad underwhelming when compared to Cox's. With McStay out of action, he needs to rest forward and be a goal a game type player.
15. Kreuger: stay fit, stay fit and stay fit. Simple.
16. Allan: Adams loss maybe Allan's gain. Given the hype, 10-12 matches would be a fantastic result.
17. Frampton: with a full list, Billy's unlikely to see consistent senior action but as evidenced in 2023, one's loss was Billy's gain.
18. Macrae: Make or break year for him. Does he have the pace or skills to make it? Interesting watch.
19. Jiath: work in progress year with much needed bulk/muscle required before making the shift to Senior footy. Expect a Jakob Ryan type year.
22. Steele: Jeff Browne similarly wants to see him get two more seasons out of his ageing body. Bit like Scotty, managing his game loads is key.
23. B Hill: 33 goals and a Norm Smith Medal with still so much upside. Love to see him get to 40+ goals and be the match-winner more regularly. An All Aus spot is there for the taking.
24. Ryan: hopefully that debut game concussion has subsided and he can secure 7-10 Senior matches operating between half back and the wing. A big pre-season is critical.
25. Crisp: what a big time player this bionic man has been. A regular top 10 Copeland performer, it would be great if an All Aus spot comes his way after years of consistency.
26. McInnes: McStay's injury open up a forward spot for Reef. Time to stake your claim Reef and use that breakaway "Sean Rusling" pace to huge effect.
28. Murphy: Avoid concussion, avoid concussion and avoid concussion. Simple.
29. Richards: hamstring injuries etc.. curtailed his 2023 impact but believe he has genuine talent and upside. Ginnivan's departure may open up opportunity. The first 6 Reserves games are critical for his reputation amongst the selectors.
30. Moore: another All Aus guernsey beckons for the Captain and hopefully the two post season surgeries allow him to get back to his best.
31. McCreery: more goals, more mid field time and don't be afraid to do ore "Phil Manassa's" as they'll never catch you Beau!
32. WHE: His move to the back flank against the Dees in the Qualifying Final highlighted his versatility even more. My not be a first selection player but more than handy backup.
35. Nick Daicos: Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith, Copeland and All Aus. No pressure
36. Harrison: 10 matches would be progress but may rely on injuries to secure this.
37. Markov: a recruiting masterstoke. We probably have seen the best of him in terms of capacity, but no reason why he cannot repeat 2023.
38. Howe: less impact injuries please. Came back remarkably well after that trainwreck of an injury in Round 1. Some are writing him off but in my opinion, his agility and movement have lost nothing. Manage his workload.
39. Begg: make or break year for him. His athletic profile has me wondering whether a tall, running wing position should be trialed particularly for life post Steele.
40. Johnson: has to pay better in the BIG GAMES when it matters most. Again, McStay's absence may be Johnson's gain.
41. Mihocek: coming off his best goalkicking season of 47 goals, Brody needs to avoid his 2023 slump when he kicked less than 10 goals in 8 games. 50+ is a distinct possibility.
43. Dean: no injuries, no recurrences. Huge upside.
44. Steene: to keep the pressure on Cameron. 4-5 matches would be a great result for a player they have great hopes for.
45. Carmichael: too good for the VFL and starved of Senior opportunities, he has to work on his handballing to advantage which was below par in 2023. Shall require injuries.
46. Cox: Again, after repeated GF replay watches, his ruckwork and tapouts against the Big O from Brisbane were staggering particularly in the last quarter. His height, bulk and USA self-belief have him as our number one ruck starter. Would one goal a game be too greedy?
So there you have it. Improvement in every player isn't linear but when you break it down, there is so much upside within our squad, notwithstanding our SSP top up players that shall be upgraded soon.
Thoughts?
