List changes: Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson won't play on next season, but other changes haven't been announced with the Crows still in the finals.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Harry Dear, Kyle Hartigan, Alex Keath (rookie), Jake Lever, Andy Otten, Daniel Talia

General defenders: Luke Brown, Kyle Cheney, Tom Doedee, Jake Kelly, Rory Laird, Brodie Smith, Harrison Wigg

Summary: Keath looms as the logical replacement for Lever if he requests a trade. Otten and Cheney are without contracts for next season. Midfielders Mackay and Seedsman could provide cover across half-back for Smith, who will miss most of next year with a torn ACL.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Rory Atkins, Brad Crouch, Matt Crouch, Richard Douglas, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Jordan Gallucci, Dean Gore, Curtly Hampton, David Mackay, Paul Seedsman, Matt Signorello, Rory Sloane

Ruckmen: Paul Hunter (rookie), Sam Jacobs, Reilly O'Brien

Summary: The Crows might be tempted to ask Carlton the question about Bryce Gibbs again, but their midfield depth is pretty good. Ruckman Paul Hunter – behind Jacobs and O'Brien in the pecking order – will struggle to retain his spot on the list.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Hugh Greenwood (rookie), Riley Knight, Wayne Milera, Myles Poholke

General forwards: Jono Beech (rookie), Eddie Betts, Charlie Cameron, Ben Davis, Ben Jarman (rookie), Tom Lynch, Troy Menzel

Key forwards: Elliott Himmelberg, Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern, Taylor Walker

Summary: McGovern's re-signing leaves the Crows' forward stocks very settled. Menzel, Davis or Jarman could push up into the spot left by Cameron, if he requests a trade to Brisbane.

CONCLUSION

The Crows are pretty well stocked in all areas. The possible departures of Lever and Cameron would be a blow, but Keath looks solid in defence and small forwards Davis and Jarman have potential. Adding some more midfield depth in the draft to eventually replace Douglas, 30, and Mackay, 29, wouldn't be a bad thing. - Lee Gaskin

List changes: The club has cut five players, led by experienced half-back Ryan Harwood, and also including key forward Jono Freeman, midfielder Jarrad Jansen, utility Josh Clayton and rookie Blake Grewar.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Harris Andrews, Matt Eagles, Jack Frost, Dan McStay, Sam Skinner

General defenders: Claye Beams, Tom Cutler, Liam Dawson, Darcy Gardiner, Mitch Hinge, Sam Mayes, Marco Paparone, Daniel Rich, Nick Robertson, Reuben William, Alex Witherden

Summary: A strong part of the ground, the Lions look to have locked down the key posts with Andrews, McStay and hybrid Gardiner, although another young option to develop would be nice. They are well stocked for running defenders

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Jacob Allison, Ryan Bastinac, Dayne Beams, Jarrod Berry, Cedric Cox, Cian Hanley, Ben Keays, Corey Lyons, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh McCluggage, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Zorko

Ruckmen: Stefan Martin, Oscar McInerney, Archie Smith

Summary: One thing the Lions have done is develop versatility with many players able to play mid, wing and half-forward. They need to find ball-winners to help Rockliff (if he stays), Beams and Zorko, who will all be 28 or older when next season starts

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Tom Bell, Rohan Bewick, Allen Christensen, Ryan Lester, Mitch Robinson

General forwards: Jake Barrett, Lewy Taylor

Key forwards: Michael Close, Matthew Hammelmann, Eric Hipwood, Josh Schache, Josh Walker

Summary: Hipwood took a nice step and between Close, Schache and Walker, the Lions should be OK in the key posts for a while yet. They'd love another small forward and one (like Lester) that can mark over his head.

CONCLUSION

The biggest hole is in the midfield. The top-end talent is good, but now past the midpoint of their careers. The Lions need more versatility in the middle of the ground either through trade or draft and could also desperately do with a pressuring small forward. - Michael Whiting

The Lions need more small forwards like Ryan Lester who can take a mark. Picture: AFL Photos



List changes: Kristian Jaksch, Liam Sumner and Andrew Gallucci were delisted while Dennis Armfield, Daniel Gorringe and Matthew Korcheck have retired.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Jesse Glass-McCasker, Liam Jones, Caleb Marchbank, Sam Rowe, Alex Silvagni, Jacob Weitering

General defenders: Dylan Buckley, Ciaran Byrne, Sam Docherty, Harrison Macreadie, Lachie Plowman, Ciaran Sheehan, Kade Simpson, Simon White, Tom Williamson

Summary: Jones' emergence means the Blues are very well supplied for tall backmen, although Weitering is being developed to play at both ends of the ground. With Plowman, Macreadie and Docherty down there, defence looks to be the area Carlton can build a team upon.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow, Zac Fisher, Bryce Gibbs, Sam Kerridge, Marc Murphy, Billie Smedts, Dale Thomas

Ruckmen: Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew Phillips

Summary: The midfield is seriously short on depth and was exposed when Cripps went down with a broken left leg in July. With Gorringe and Korcheck gone, at least one more back-up big man is needed.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Blaine Boekhorst, David Cuningham, Nick Graham, Jed Lamb, Rhys Palmer, Sam Petrevski-Seton

General forwards: Charlie Curnow, Kym LeBois, Jarrod Pickett, Cameron Polson, Jack Silvagni, Matthew Wright

Key forwards: Levi Casboult, Patrick Kerr, Harry McKay

Summary: Casboult and Curnow are both excellent in the air but the latter could soon move into the midfield, with much of his potential untapped. Petrevski-Seton, Silvagni and Pickett could all be stars but have plenty of development left in them.

CONCLUSION

If Gibbs goes to Adelaide and Carlton doesn't acquire a midfielder in return, that will become an even more glaring need. Some of the younger types will turn out to be serious players but that's a few years off yet. At 22, Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly would fit the age profile and the talent gap. - Dinny Navaratnam

List changes: At this stage, Jesse White is the only departing Pie, with the ex-Swan ending his AFL career on 127 games.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Lynden Dunn, Sam McLarty, Henry Schade*

General defenders: Tyson Goldsack, Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon, Liam Mackie*, Brayden Maynard, Adam Oxley, Jackson Ramsay, Matthew Scharenberg, Ben Sinclair, Josh Smith, Travis Varcoe



Summary: This is where the Pies look the most light-on, especially with swingman Ben Reid slated to become a more permanent forward in 2018. Schade was a revelation in the first half of the season and Scharenberg started to come good towards the end, but they could do with another key to bolster their stocks.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Taylor Adams, James Aish, Tim Broomhead, Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey, Levi Greenwood, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips, Steele Sidebottom, Brayden Sier, Josh Thomas*, Adam Treloar, Daniel Wells, Rupert Wills

Ruckmen: Mason Cox, Brodie Grundy, Max Lynch*

Summary: The midfield looks pretty good with a stack of talent recruited in recent years, and while increasing depth in this area with the best available talent is always an option, the Pies look likely to focus on strengthening their bookends this off-season as a priority.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Jarryd Blair, Josh Daicos

General forwards: Callum Brown, Ben Crocker, Jamie Elliott, Alex Fasolo, Kayle Kirby, Chris Mayne

Key forwards: Lachlan Keeffe, Mitch McCarthy*, Darcy Moore, Ben Reid, Jesse White

Summary: Definitely an area the Pies need to add depth to, although Cox re-signing for three years is handy. They could also use another crumbing option to boost their forward pressure.

CONCLUSION

Key-position players will be on the Magpies' wish list this year. They should have a crack at Gold Coast's Tom Lynch, who becomes a free agent at the end of next season but could be disgruntled at the state of the Suns and be keen on a move now. Adelaide backman Jake Lever is another they should attempt to lure, while a small forward to bring pressure into their attacking half is something else they could do with. - Jennifer Phelan

Key forward Darcy Moore could do with some more help. Picture: AFL Photos







List changes: The Bombers have already had three retirements – Jobe Watson, James Kelly and Brent Stanton – with more likely, while rookie Yestin Eades was delisted earlier in the year.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hartley, Michael Hurley

General defenders: Mark Baguley, Mitch Brown, Matt Dea, Aaron Francis, Martin Gleeson, Andrew McGrath, Conor McKenna, Ben McNiece, Alex Morgan, Jordan Ridley

Summary: The Bombers look good in the defensive stakes for depth, with three key defenders and Mitch Brown and Matt Dea able to play taller than they are, and Aaron Francis also able to slip into a third key defensive post. Their group of running half-backs are young, which bodes well.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Craig Bird, Dylan Clarke, Travis Colyer, Brendon Goddard, Heath Hocking, Dyson Heppell, Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett, Kobe Mutch, David Myers, Darcy Parish, David Zaharakis

Ruckmen: Tom Bellchambers, Sam Draper, Matthew Leuenberger, Shaun McKernan

Summary: Essendon was shown up for lacking inside midfielders in its elimination final loss to Sydney last week, and it doesn't have many coming through in that area. Most of their midfielders are slight-bodied. In the ruck stakes the club was been buoyed by the development of Sam Draper in his first year at the club.

FORWARDS

Midfielders/forwards: Orazio Fantasia, Jackson Merrett, Jayden Laverde, Ben Howlett

General forwards: Josh Begley, Josh Green, Mason Redman, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Jake Long

Key forwards: Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker, James Stewart

Summary: As one of the highest scoring sides in the competition this year, Essendon has no problems in attack. Their three key forwards worked well together this year, and there's a bunch of smaller options as well.

CONCLUSION

Essendon's pressing need for midfielders was obvious against the Swans, and they should be on the lookout for adding some ready-to-go players during the trade and free agency period. If they keep their first draft pick (currently No.12), a midfielder like Charlie Constable or Andrew Brayshaw could fit the bill to build the engine room stocks. - Callum Twomey

List changes: Garrick Ibbotson has announced his retirement while Ross Lyon revealed that Zac Dawson won't be at the club next season. Shane Yarran retired last December.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Sam Collins, Joel Hamling, Michael Johnson, Alex Pearce, Matthew Uebergang

General defenders: Taylin Duman, Ethan Hughes, Griffin Logue, Ryan Nyhuis, Luke Ryan, Lee Spurr, Lachie Weller

Summary: Johnson looks set for another year with the Dockers hoping that Pearce can get up and running as the long-term replacement at centre half-back. There's a handy group of developing mid-sized players, but Freo needs more quality ball users.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Harley Balic, Connor Blakely, Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill, Stephen Hill, David Mundy, Lachie Neale, Danyle Pearce, Nick Suban, Cameron Sutcliffe

Ruckmen: Zac Clarke, Sean Darcy, Jonathon Griffin, Aaron Sandilands, Luke Strnadica

Summary: Darcy's standout debut campaign was a huge bonus but ruck depth is an issue and veteran Griffin could be retained for 2018, while Balic looks headed back to Victoria. If Bennell can move into midfield then Freo's engine room would be as good as any.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Harley Bennell, Ed Langdon, Tommy Sheridan, Darcy Tucker, Michael Walters

General forwards: Shane Kersten, Hayden Ballantyne, Hayden Crozier, Josh Deluca, Brady Grey

Key forwards: Michael Apeness, Brennan Cox, Cam McCarthy, Matt Taberner

Summary: Filling the gaping hole left by Matthew Pavlich is still Freo's No.1 issue. McCarthy, Kersten and Taberner are more suited leading up the ground while Cox's goalkicking lets him down and Apeness can't get on the park.

CONCLUSION

Adding quality tall timber and firepower are the Dockers' most pressing needs. Another back-up ruckman in his 20s would be handy, and they're crying out for a strong-marking target inside 50 but they don't grow on trees. A goalkicking small forward to help release Walters into midfield wouldn't go astray. - Travis King

Sean Darcy showed the Dockers have some depth in the ruck position. Picture: AFL Photos



List changes: The Cats are still going, but could farewell retiring defenders Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie on Friday night.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Ryan Gardner, Lachie Henderson, Timm House, Tom Lonergan,

General defenders: Jed Bews, Zach Guthrie, Matthew Hayball, Jake Kolodjashnij, Andrew Mackie, Tom Ruggles, Tom Stewart, Zach Tuohy

Summary: They'll lose Lonergan and Mackie, which will rob their backline of plenty of experience. The easy fix would be to shift Taylor back to defence on a permanent basis, but reality suggests they need to bolster their stocks of tall backmen.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Mark Blicavs, Josh Cowan, Jordan Cunico, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith, Jordan Murdoch, Quinton Narkle, Mark O'Connor, Joel Selwood, Scott Selwood, Jackson Thurlow

Ruckmen: Ryan Abbott, Zac Smith, Rhys Stanley

Summary: A midfield featuring two Selwoods, Dangerfield, Duncan, Menegola and Gary Ablett would pack a punch, with the former Cat and current Sun keen to reacquaint himself with the hoops. There's some depth there though with Parsons impressing in his first year, Cockatoo and Parfitt to spend more time in the middle down the track, and the likes of Cowan and Gregson (as a high half-forward) hoping to make an impact after full pre-seasons.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Nakia Cockatoo, Darcy Lang, Sam Menegola, Steven Motlop, Brandan Parfitt, James Parsons, Sam Simpson

General forwards: Aaron Black, Cory Gregson, Jack Henry, Lincoln McCarthy, Daniel Menzel, Jamaine Jones

Key forwards: Wylie Buzza, Tom Hawkins, Esava Ratugolea, Harry Taylor

Summary: Menzel and Motlop are no certainties to stay and Taylor has returned to defence at times this year and could again next season with the retirements of Lonergan and Mackie, so forwards could be on the shopping list. Jake Stringer, anyone?

CONCLUSION

Key-position players will be on the shopping list. The Cats don't get involved in the draft until the second round, having spent up big last year on Tuohy, so if they want a ready-made key for either end, they'll have to find something to trade. The Ablett saga will linger on and could deliver a killer midfield if they pull it off, but they've got midfield depth anyway with a couple of players to return from long-term injuries. They could do with another small forward, too. - Jennifer Phelan

List changes: The Suns have made five delistings, with Mitch Hallahan and Jarrad Grant the only senior-listed players cut. Rookies Ryan Davis, Keegan Brooksby and Cameron Loersch have also been moved on.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Jack Leslie, Steven May, Max Spencer, Rory Thompson

General defenders: Jack Bowes, Jarrod Harbrow, Jesse Joyce, Kade Kolodjashnij, Sean Lemmens, Trent McKenzie, Adam Saad, Jack Scrimshaw, Mackenzie Willis

Summary: Still light on for key defenders, the Suns are yet to recommit to Thompson. May is in his prime and Leslie is developing, but they desperately need help here.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Gary Ablett, Michael Barlow, Will Brodie, Brayden Fiorini, Aaron Hall, Pearce Hanley, Jesse Lonergan, Jarryd Lyons, Michael Rischitelli, Matt Rosa, Brad Scheer, Josh Schoenfeld, Alex Sexton, Matt Shaw, David Swallow

Ruckmen: Dan Currie, Tom Nicholls, Jarrod Witts

Summary: Not as much depth or talent here as many may think. Ablett's future is up in the air, Rosa, Rischitelli, Barlow and Hanley are all ageing, and the Suns need to find some more ball winners to complement Swallow and Lyons.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Jack Martin, Touk Miller

General forwards: Callum Ah Chee, Ben Ainsworth, Darcy Macpherson, Brandon Matera

Key forwards: Sam Day, Tom Lynch, Peter Wright

Summary: A good part of the ground for the Suns with excellent tall options and some class with Martin, Ainsworth and Ah Chee. Another hybrid marking option would be handy.

CONCLUSION

The key-position stocks are strong, but Gold Coast really needs help with its midfield. There's not enough quality and when the older players are filtered out in the next year or two, the depth looks very thin. There are not enough 'hard' midfielders in the current crop, which will either need to be developed or brought in from the outside. - Michael Whiting

Jarryd Lyons stood up for the Suns but needs some help in the midfield. Picture: AFL Photos



List changes: Steve Johnson has announced he's done once the Giants bow out of this year's finals, while ruckman Tom Downie retired during the year after battling mental health issues.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Aidan Corr, Phil Davis, Tim Mohr, Adam Tomlinson

General defenders: Matt Buntine, Isaac Cumming, Jeremy Finlayson, Nick Haynes, Adam Kennedy, Harry Perryman, Heath Shaw, Jake Stein (rookie), Zac Williams, Nathan Wilson

Summary: The Giants have all areas covered in defence with Davis, Tomlinson and Corr performing well in the key posts, and Haynes, Shaw, Williams and Wilson versatile enough to cover talls or smalls.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Stephen Coniglio, Ryan Griffen, Jacob Hopper, Josh Kelly, Matthew Kennedy, Tendai Mzungu, Will Setterfield, Dylan Shiel, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield

Ruckmen: Matt Flynn, Rory Lobb, Shane Mumford, Dawson Simpson

Summary: Lobb and Simpson have provide some support for Mumford with Lobb the heir apparent when Mumford calls it quits, while the midfield stocks are also stacked. Kelly's post-season contract decision will be massive for GWS.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Matt de Boer, Brett Deledio, Sam Reid, Devon Smith, Tim Taranto, Lachie Tiziani

General forwards: Toby Greene, Harry Himmelberg, Daniel Lloyd (rookie),

Key forwards: Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton, Zach Sproule (rookie)

Summary: Cameron and Patton – along with Lobb – give the Giants mobile tall targets and Greene is an absolute star, but they could use a high-pressure small forward with genuine speed to help at ground level.

CONCLUSION

If they're fully fit the Giants have plenty of depth but unfortunately that hasn't been the case for the past couple of seasons. Mumford isn't getting any younger and while Lobb is next in line, he's yet to show he's No.1 ruckman material. With Johnson already on the way out and the likes of Mumford, Shaw, Griffen and Deledio all 30+, the next 2-3 years will test replacements like Taranto, Hopper, Matt Kennedy, Setterfield and Perryman. - Adam Curley

List changes: Club greats Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson are already enjoying retirement, while rookies Jack Fitzpatrick and Luke Surman also called it quits.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Kaiden Brand, James Frawley, Kurt Heatherley, Conor Nash, Ben Stratton

General defenders: Grant Birchall, Ryan Burton, Conor Glass, Blake Hardwick, Harry Morrison, James Sicily

Summary: The Hawks' defence loses Hodge and Gibson and regains Frawley, Birchall and Stratton from injury. Brand will hope to remain a regular fixture and Sicily most likely remains down back, but don't rule out Hardwick spending some time up forward. Burton might be used elsewhere, too.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Shaun Burgoyne, James Cousins, Billy Hartung, Ricky Henderson, Daniel Howe, Kieran Lovell, Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O'Meara, Jonathan O'Rourke, Liam Shiels, Isaac Smith, Kade Stewart, Dallas Willsmore

Ruckmen: Jonathon Ceglar, Ben McEvoy, Marc Pittonet

Summary: Mitchell and Burgoyne represent the grunt and silk in the Hawthorn engine room, and everything will be crossed for a fit O'Meara in 2018. Smith and Hartung – if he stays – provide run and carry, while Lovell, O'Rourke and Stewart should get extended runs if they avoid injury. But ex-Giant O'Rourke will have a nervous time ahead of delistings. Ceglar and Pittonet will push for selection alongside McEvoy. Forwards Tim O'Brien and Ty Vickery were also used in the ruck with varying success.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Oliver Hanrahan, Will Langford, Teia Miles, Brendan Whitecross

General forwards: Luke Breust, Taylor Duryea, Paul Puopolo, Cyril Rioli

Key forwards: Jack Gunston, Mitchell Lewis, Tim O'Brien, Jarryd Roughead, Ryan Schoenmakers, Ty Vickery

Summary: Rioli's ability to recapture his best post-injury and Gunston's transition back to attack from defence will determine the Hawks' effectiveness up forward. Roughead ended the 2017 season in fine fettle. Miles has the potential to be a valuable piece, as does O'Brien after a breakout campaign. Duryea may go back to defence if Rioli and Puopolo play close to full seasons and Hardwick is tried forward.

CONCLUSION

Hawthorn is reportedly interested in 2012 No.1 pick Lachie Whitfield and free agent Tom Rockliff. The onball options waiting in the wings are injury prone, so swinging a trade for another reliable midfielder, like Whitfield or Rockliff, makes sense. The Hawks generally find ways to be big players in trade period and may use Hartung, Puopolo and even Vickery as bait, along with future draft assets. There is a long list of versatile players who can capably fill roles at either end, so that is less of a priority. - Marc McGowan

Cyril Rioli missed a large part of this season and the Hawks missed his brilliance. Picture: AFL Photos



List changes: The Demons chopped ex-captain Jack Trengove, along with Jake Spencer, Mitch White and Liam Hulett on Tuesday evening. Heritier Lumumba, who retired before the season began, will be officially scratched from the club's list at the end of this year.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Sam Frost, Declan Keilty, Oscar McDonald, Tom McDonald, Joel Smith

General defenders: Angus Brayshaw, Colin Garland, Michael Hibberd, Jayden Hunt, Neville Jetta, Christian Salem, Bernie Vince, Josh Wagner

Summary: Melbourne is regarded as having one of the most aggressive and pro-active defensive styles in the League. The Demons are in hot pursuit of out-of-contract Crow Jake Lever who would add some real quality to the club's back half.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Nathan Jones, Jordan Lewis, Corey Maynard, Pat McKenna, Jake Melksham, Clayton Oliver, Billy Stretch, Dom Tyson, Jack Viney

Ruckmen: Lachlan Filipovic, Max Gawn, Jake Spencer

Summary: Melbourne has made no secret of its desire to bring in A-grade midfield talent in recent years, with Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca appearing to be heading towards that status. Expect the Demons to prioritise the midfield area in the upcoming draft periods.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Tom Bugg, James Harmes, Dion Johnstone, Ben Kennedy, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian Petracca, Aaron vandenBerg

General forwards: Jeff Garlett, Mitch Hannan, Dean Kent, Jack Watts

Key forwards: Jesse Hogan, Cameron Pedersen, Tim Smith, Sam Weideman

Summary: Jesse Hogan's challenging year saw Melbourne shift Tom McDonald to the forward line with some success and uncover Cameron Pedersen's best football as a roaming tall forward. Sam Weideman should push for regular senior opportunities in 2018, but another quality small forward to assist Garlett will be high on the club's wish list.

CONCLUSION

Despite failing to make the finals in 2017, the Demons' list is in good shape and appears ready to contend for a premiership in the next two to three years. Melbourne's investment and improved development of its talented young players appears set to pay off as the club aims for a period of sustained success. Bringing in an elite player such as Lever, and adding another highly-rated midfielder to the mix, could spark the Demons' premiership charge as early as next season or the year after. - Ben Guthrie

List changes: Veteran defender Lachie Hansen was the first significant delisting, with untried rookies Will Fordham and Matt Taylor the only other cuts so far.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson, Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson, Declan Watson

General defenders: Jamie Macmillan, Mitch Hibberd, Aaron Mullett, Ed Vickers-Willis, Corey Wagner, Marley Williams, Sam Wright

Summary: Tarrant is the only star, but Nielson and Durdin are developing. Thompson played well enough for another contract, but is no guarantee at 31. Only three AFL players averaged more than Mullett's 5.6 rebound 50s, while Wright is among those hoping for a better injury run.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Paul Ahern, Jed Anderson, Shaun Atley, Ryan Clarke, Ben Cunnington, Trent Dumont, Sam Gibson, Shaun Higgins, Ben Jacobs, Oscar Junker, Luke McDonald, Declan Mountford, Andrew Swallow, Josh Williams

Ruckmen: Majak Daw, Todd Goldstein, Braydon Preuss

Summary: Much will depend on the Josh Kelly pursuit, Ahern's and Jacobs' ability to return from injury, and Clarke's, Jy Simpkin's, Mountford's and Williams' development. Former Hawk Anderson will hope to be spared when the rest of the delistings are announced, while Swallow's role in 2018 will be fascinating after being on the fringes this season. The ruck department is in a state of flux and may not include Goldstein next year, although the Roos would need to find another big man in that case.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Nathan Hrovat, Jy Simpkin, Jack Ziebell

General forwards: Taylor Garner, Lindsay Thomas, Kayne Turner, Cameron Zurhaar

Key forwards: Ben Brown, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Jarrad Waite, Mason Wood

Summary: Brown was a revelation in 2017, but there are question marks elsewhere. Does Waite, at 34, go on? Can Wood finally get his body right? Is McKay a forward or defender? Can North improve its midfield depth to give Ziebell more time in attack? Garner and Turner had breakout seasons and remain important cogs into the future.

CONCLUSION

The Roos require a significant midfield upgrade, hence their big-money interest in Josh Kelly and Dustin Martin. Jacob Hopper, like Martin, is off the market now, so they may turn their attention to fellow Giant Devon Smith or free agent Tom Rockliff. Pick four will be used on an onballer unless they part with it in a trade. Big decisions loom on Goldstein, Swallow and Thomas, as well as out-of-contract trio Waite, Thompson and Gibson. It is highly unlikely all six of those players will be at Arden St next season. - Marc McGowan

Can the Roos keep Mason Wood on the field to bolster their forward line? Picture AFL Photos



List changes: The Power are yet to make any announcements about retirements and delistings having only been eliminated from the finals last weekend.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Logan Austin, Tom Clurey, Dougal Howard, Jack Hombsch, Tom Jonas, Jarrod Lienert

General defenders: Riley Bonner, Matthew Broadbent, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Hamish Hartlett, Dan Houston, Emmanuel Irra, Nathan Krakouer, Jasper Pittard, Jimmy Toumpas

Summary: The Power have a settled backline. They re-signed Pittard for three years and Howard looks like a quality prospect. Krakouer will struggle to hold his spot on the list, while Austin is unsigned and could be put on the trade table.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Karl Amon, Joe Atley, Willem Drew, Brad Ebert, Cameron Hewett, Jesse Palmer, Jared Polec, Sam Powell-Pepper, Will Snelling, Justin Westhoff, Matthew White, Ollie Wines

Ruckmen: Billy Frampton, Peter Ladhams, Matthew Lobbe, Paddy Ryder

Summary: The Power replenished their midfield at last year's draft with three picks. They would listen to offers for Lobbe, but his contract makes it difficult. White is likely to retire.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Brendon Ah Chee, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray, Chad Wingard, Aaron Young

General forwards: Sam Gray, Jarman Impey, Aidyn Johnson, Angus Monfries, Jake Neade

Key forwards: Charlie Dixon, Brett Eddy, Todd Marshall, Jackson Trengove

Summary: Ah Chee and Young are off-contract and could receive better offers to move elsewhere. Trengove is unlikely to stay, while Monfries is expected to retire.

CONCLUSION

The Power's list looks pretty solid. Another creative half-forward could be handy, which is why they've been linked to Daniel Menzel and Steven Motlop. A tall forward to complement Dixon would be ideal, but the Power are hopeful Marshall will continue to develop after he showed promising signs. - Lee Gaskin

List changes: Ruckman Ivan Maric and Chris Yarran, who remained listed for 2017, have retired.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: David Astbury, Mabior Chol, Ryan Garthwaite, Dylan Grimes, Alex Rance

General defenders: Jake Batchelor, Nathan Broad, Reece Conca, Brandon Ellis, Corey Ellis, Bachar Houli, Taylor Hunt, Oleg Markov, Steven Morris, Jayden Short, Nick Vlastuin

Summary: A weakness from 2016 has become a strength, with the Tigers well-stocked for half-backs and medium defenders following Brandon Ellis' move and the development of others. Their key defensive trio played every game, masking a lack of depth with the talls, although Chol has moved back this year.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Trent Cotchin, Jack Graham, Shaun Grigg, Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin, Kamdyn McIntosh, Connor Menadue, Anthony Miles, Dion Prestia

Ruckmen: Shaun Hampson, Toby Nankervis, Ivan Soldo

Summary: Midfield depth has forced Miles out of the team, with Lambert improving enormously and Graham finding a role as a hard-bodied tackling machine. Corey Ellis will eventually join the midfield. Hampson and Soldo give the Tigers ample back-up for Nankervis in the ruck, with Chol another who could play here if necessary.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Josh Caddy, Nathan Drummond, Shane Edwards

General forwards: Shai Bolton, Dan Butler, Jason Castagna, Ben Lennon, Sam Lloyd, Daniel Rioli, Tyson Stengle, Jacob Townsend

Key forwards: Todd Elton, Ben Griffiths, Callum Moore, Jack Riewoldt

Summary: A lack of tall forwards forced a change in game style that has worked wonders. Would still love a young key tall and will chase one. Rich in small forwards and defensive role players.

CONCLUSION

A key forward is the priority for the Tigers, who need support for Jack Riewoldt but also an eventual replacement for the vice-captain, who turns 29 before the start of next season. They will have two picks late in the first round, which won't land them one of the best young talls in the draft, so trading could be their only option. Their depth elsewhere is promising. - Nathan Schmook

List changes: Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna and Sean Dempster have retired while Nick Coughlan and Joe Baker-Thomas were delisted.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Nathan Brown, Jake Carlisle, Hugh Goddard, Darragh Joyce

General defenders: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Daniel McKenzie, Bailey Rice, Dylan Roberton, Shane Savage, Jimmy Webster, Brandon White

Summary: The Saints are short on key defensive depth. Goddard has barely played in the last couple of years after injuries while Irishman Joyce is a way off. They're stacked for mid-sized backmen though.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: David Armitage, Luke Dunstan, Nathan Freeman, Jack Newnes, Ed Phillips, Seb Ross, Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele, Jack Steven, Koby Stevens

Ruckmen: Tom Hickey, Jason Holmes, Billy Longer, Lewis Pierce

Summary: More class and speed is necessary to complement the grunt, of which there is plenty. Freeman would add pace if he can press into the senior side after his VFL form in 2017 showed promise.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Blake Acres, Jack Billings, Jade Gresham, Darren Minchington, Nick O'Kearney

General forwards: Ray Connellan, Ben Long, Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Mav Weller, Nathan Wright

Key forwards: Josh Battle, Josh Bruce, Rowan Marshall, Paddy McCartin

Summary: No Riewoldt means McCartin needs to be a consistent contributor next season. If Acres, Billings and Gresham spend more time in the midfield, the Saints would be a better side.

CONCLUSION

Targeting Greater Western Sydney gun Josh Kelly would fulfil the obvious need for silky foot skills. If Kelly doesn't go to St Kilda, picks No.7 and 8 in the NAB AFL Draft are available to fill that void. Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer looks like he could be traded and St Kilda would benefit with more talent in attack. - Dinny Navaratnam

Nathan Freeman has struggled with injury but would boost St Kilda's midfield. Picture: AFL Photos



List changes: Nil

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Aliir Aliir, Heath Grundy, Lewis Melican, Dane Rampe, Michael Talia

General defenders: Alex Johnson, Jeremy Laidler, Jake Lloyd, Harry Marsh, Jarrad McVeigh, Callum Mills, Colin O'Riordan, Nick

Smith, Jack Maibaum

Summary: The best defensive unit in the League this year has plenty of back-up options, with Aliir, Laidler and Marsh all playing senior footy in 2017. Talia is likely to be delisted.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Jordan Foote, Robbie Fox, Dan Hannebery, Brandon Jack, Zak Jones, Josh Kennedy, Nic Newman, Luke Parker, Daniel Robinson, Ben Ronke

Ruckmen: Darcy Cameron, Sam Naismith, Callum Sinclair, Kurt Tippett

Summary: Plenty of inside options led by Kennedy and Parker, with Heeney and Hewett both emerging. Jones and Cunningham have speed with Florent expected to add to his impressive debut season next year.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Harry Cunningham, Shaun Edwards, Oliver Florent, Isaac Heeney, George Hewett, Kieren Jack, Tyrone Leonardis, Sam Murray, Dean Towers

General forwards: Jordan Dawson, Sam Fisher, Will Hayward, Tom Papley, Toby Pink, Gary Rohan, James Rose

Key forwards: Lance Franklin, Sam Reid

Summary: Franklin and Reid give the Swans two great tall targets with Tippett and Sinclair adding support, particularly if Darcy Cameron improves in the ruck next year. Papley and Hayward have been great at ground level alongside Kieren Jack and Towers.

CONCLUSION

Recruiting guru Kinnear Beatson has built a well-rounded Sydney list but there's no doubt another key defender would help, with Grundy in the twilight of his career and Rampe, Melican and Aliir slightly undersized. Mills should slide into the midfield alongside Heeney to add even more grunt next year, while some more midfield pace could be addressed at the draft again. - Adam Curley

List changes: Matt Priddis, Sam Mitchell and Drew Petrie will retire at season's end, while Sam Butler has already finished up due to injury. Paddy Brophy has returned to Ireland.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Tom Barrass, Eric Mackenzie, Jeremy McGovern

General defenders: Tom Cole, Tom Gorter, Shannon Hurn, Jackson Nelson, Josh Rotham, Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard, Francis Watson, Sharrod Wellingham, Elliot Yeo

Summary: Built around McGovern, the Eagles' key defensive setup is among the League's best, while they are oversupplied with running half-back types. Yeo, Nelson and Cole could push more into midfield in coming years.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Liam Duggan, Andrew Gaff, Mark Hutchings, Lewis Jetta, Chris Masten, Kurt Mutimer, Jack Redden, Dom Sheed, Luke Shuey, Jordan Snadden

Ruckmen: Jonathan Giles, Scott Lycett, Nic Naitanui, Nathan Vardy

Summary: Champions Priddis and Mitchell can't be replaced, but the Eagles have a second-tier group of inside ball-winners, and Naitanui's return should restore West Coast's advantage around clearances. Recruiting some midfield pace and outside run is the priority.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Malcolm Karpany, Luke Partington, Daniel Venables

General forwards: Tarir Bayok, Jamie Cripps, Josh Hill, Tom Lamb, Mark LeCras, Willie Rioli, Simon Tunbridge, Jake Waterman

Key forwards: Matthew Allen, Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy, Fraser McInnes

Summary: Kennedy has at least a few good years left in him but the Eagles need to start planning for life without the dual Coleman medallist. First order of business is finding some more pressure small forwards who can hit the scoreboard.

CONCLUSION

Finding some line-breaking midfielders who can help address the terrible fadeouts that haunted West Coast's home-and-away campaign will be crucial. The Eagles have high hopes for Rioli as a crumbing forward but need more ground level goalkicking options. - Travis King

Whether he's back this year or next, Nic Naitaniu's return will gladden Eagle hearts. Picture: AFL Photos



List changes: Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd have retired, while rookie Josh Prudden and forward Declan Hamilton were the first delistings.

DEFENDERS

Key defenders: Marcus Adams, Kieran Collins, Zaine Cordy, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Fletcher Roberts, Lewis Young

General defenders: Shane Biggs, Jason Johannisen, Brad Lynch, Dale Morris, Roarke Smith, Matt Suckling, Bailey Williams, Easton Wood

Summary: With Murphy and Boyd retiring, the Dogs have the injury-prone rookies Smith and Lynch as possible replacements. Williams and Young have been impressive but more is needed from Roberts and Collins

MIDFIELDERS

Midfielders: Marcus Bontempelli, Caleb Daniel, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter, Lin Jong, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae, Toby McLean, Liam Picken, Mitch Wallis, Lukas Webb

Ruckmen: Tom Campbell, Tim English, Jordan Roughead

Summary: The Dogs desperately need more class in the midfield, as they're not overflowing with great kicks. The ruck division is solid but they could do with some reinforcement. Draftee Tim English looms at a future star.

FORWARDS

Midfielder/forwards: Luke Dahlhaus, Bailey Dale, Mitch Honeychurch, Patrick Lipinski

General forwards: Stewart Crameri, Tory Dickson, Fergus Greene, Clay Smith, Tristian Tweedie

Key forwards: Tom Boyd, Travis Cloke, Jack Redpath

Summary: Attack has been a major problem this season, with inefficiency costing the Dogs dearly. Dale has been impressive, and draftees Lipinski and Greene look promising. Boyd needs to lift, while Crameri is likely to be delisted. Honeychurch's future is likely to be elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

With Stringer and Crameri unlikely to be at the club next year, that will free up cap space to attract a key defender like Port's Jack Trengove and a ruckman in the mould of Lion Stefan Martin. A skilful midfielder and creative forward will also be on their wish list but they may come through the draft. - Ryan Davidson

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