As the 2024 AFL season approaches, all teams are gearing up for a fresh start, aiming to secure a strong position on the competition ladder. Here’s what each club is anticipating and hoping for in the coming year:
Collingwood: After an impressive 2023 season resulting in 18 wins and a premiership, Collingwood looks set to maintain its dominance. Despite the departure of Jack Ginnivan, the team remains formidable, with suitable replacements like Ash Johnson. The main challenge for Collingwood lies in avoiding self-sabotage or succumbing to injuries, but the expectation is that they will be contenders for the premiership once again.
Brisbane: Coming off a strong 2023 season, where they reached the grand final, Brisbane aims to continue their success in 2024. Fans hope for a repeat of their performance and possibly grand final redemption. The team’s resilience away from their home ground suggests they can remain a premiership force with their youthful and capable roster.
Port Adelaide: With a history of falling short despite a talented roster, Port Adelaide is determined to make a mark in 2024. The team has strengthened its lineup through trades and is expected to have no excuses for not contending for the premiership. The pressure is on coach Ken Hinkley and the players to deliver success.
Melbourne: Despite a top-four finish in 2023, Melbourne’s straight sets exit exposed vulnerabilities. The club, still in its premiership window, needs to address defensive issues and boost offensive potency for a genuine threat in 2024. Fans are counting on key players, especially Christian Petracca, to step up and deliver consistent performances.
Carlton: After a promising 2023 season that saw them reach the preliminary finals, Carlton faces high expectations in 2024. Fans demand an improvement and won’t settle for anything less than a successful campaign. Addressing a slow start and relying on key player Harry McKay’s accurate goal-kicking are crucial for the team’s success.
St Kilda: St Kilda exceeded expectations in 2023, finishing sixth on the ladder. The club’s aggressive moves in the trade and draft periods aim to bolster key positions. Fans hope for sustained midfield speed throughout the season to compete with top teams and secure another shot at finals under coach Ross Lyon.
GWS Giants: The Giants had a strong finish in 2023, reaching a preliminary final. Fans anticipate further improvement in 2024, especially from 2022 No.1 National Draft selection Aaron Cadman. If Cadman can emerge as a premiership force, the Giants have the potential to go even further in the upcoming season.
Sydney Swans: Having successfully transitioned beyond the Buddy Franklin era, Sydney Swans aim to return to the top four in 2024. Key signings, including Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams, provide depth to the roster. Fans hope Grundy, in particular, can boost stoppage and clearance power, contributing to a successful season.
Western Bulldogs: Despite a talented roster and a premiership-winning coach, the Bulldogs have struggled in recent seasons. Fans are eager for consistency and a return to finals footy in 2024. With a favorable start to the season, the team needs to capitalize on opportunities and avoid self-sabotage.
Adelaide: After narrowly missing finals in 2023, Adelaide aims to go a step further in 2024. Defensive challenges due to injuries require young players to step up quickly. Fans hope the club can overcome the setbacks of the previous season and build on the potential for success.
Essendon: Fans of Essendon, tired of waiting for playoff success, demand a top-eight finish in 2024. The club’s aggressive approach in adding experienced players like Ben McKay and young talent like Nate Caddy raises expectations for improvement under coach Brad Scott.
Geelong: Coming off a disappointing 2023 season, Geelong aims to return to premiership-winning form. The team has regenerated its roster with fresh faces from the National Draft, hoping these signings will fill gaps. Fans expect the new recruits to seamlessly integrate and contribute to a successful 2024 campaign.
Richmond: After a challenging 2023 season, Richmond enters 2024 with a new coach, Adem Yze. Fans hope for a resurgence, especially with the return of key player Tom Lynch. The team’s performance will be closely watched, and Yze’s coaching abilities will be put to the test.
Fremantle: Fremantle, after playing finals in 2022, seeks to bounce back from a disappointing 2023. Defensive strength remains a focal point, with coach Justin Longmuir relying on established players like Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan. Fans hope the team can replicate the successful defensive strategy from 2022.
Gold Coast: Despite consistent promises of a breakthrough to finals, Gold Coast has yet to deliver. The addition of former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick brings hope for a positive change. Fans are optimistic that Hardwick can turn the team into a premiership force, potentially with the addition of star player Dustin Martin.
Hawthorn: Surprising many in 2023 with seven wins, Hawthorn aims for further improvement in 2024. With Jack Ginnivan as a star signing, fans are cautiously optimistic about a potential push into the top eight. The team will be looking for luck and consistent output from Ginnivan.
North Melbourne: Having undergone significant changes, North Melbourne is in a rebuilding phase. Fans understand the short-term pain for potential long-term gain. The return of premiership-winning coach Alastair Clarkson is seen as crucial in orchestrating success with a roster featuring many new faces.
West Coast Eagles: Coming off a challenging 2023 season, West Coast Eagles aim for a significant improvement in 2024. Fans are especially hopeful that No.1 draft pick Harley Reid adapts to the club culture and doesn’t succumb to homesickness. The club needs a strong start to the season to restore its reputation.
In summary, each AFL club enters the 2024 season with specific hopes and expectations, ranging from contending for the premiership to rebuilding for future success. Fans eagerly await the unfolding of the season to see if their aspirations will be realized.
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