Breakout game gives hint of youngster's potential

It was the last game of the season against the worst team in the competition, but Jordan Gallucci's career-best performance showed what the 20-year-old midfielder-forward is capable of. Gallucci booted four goals to go with 17 disposals and seven inside 50s in the Crows' 104-point thumping of Carlton in round 23. Gallucci's numbers – 11.6 disposals, 2.6 marks, 0.9 goals and 3.0 inside 50s per game – are almost identical to 235-game veteran Richard Douglas, who turns 32 in February, after their first 17 games. A first-round draft pick in 2016, Gallucci will continue to play mostly as a forward next year, but will likely be eased into the midfield in the next couple of seasons as his endurance develops.

Others to keep an eye on: Forward Darcy Fogarty will be better after having 10 games under his belt in his debut season this year. Richmond recruit Tyson Stengle could take a small forward role straight away and support veteran goalsneak Eddie Betts. Stengle will be competing with Lachlan Murphy and mature-age Sturt excitement machine Shane McAdam for a spot in the Crows' best 22. Midfielder-forward Myles Poholke should take another step up, while key forward prospect Elliott Himmelberg didn't look out of place when he made his debut in round 23. – Lee Gaskin

The Crows are banking on a big season from youngster Jordan Gallucci. Picture: AFL Photos





Who can give some run from the back half?

It's not so much a hole on the list but an area the Lions would like to develop, In Daniel Rich, Luke Hodge and Alex Witherden they have a trio of excellent distributors by foot, but no one who can break the game open with run. Zac Bailey might be just the man. In two games at the end of 2018, Bailey was given a chance at half-back and impressed with his willingness to be bold and take the game on. He can break the game open. He's just 19 and still prone to mistakes, but don't be surprised to see Bailey trialled there a little more often in 2019.

Others to keep an eye on: Entering his third season, Cedric Cox is another man with the speed and skill to fill the void. Like Bailey, he makes mistakes, but if he develops the way the Lions hope, might be ideal running from the defensive 50. Rookie Jacob Allison could also be an option. – Michael Whiting

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Who will provide the dash up forward?

Carlton has a need for speed in its forward 50m arc, putting extra importance on the development of Jarrod Pickett. While the club has a crop of promising young key position targets, finding a smaller option who can provide both pressure and goals has been harder to find. Pickett, a former No.4 pick, showed his potential throughout a blistering pre-season campaign last year. However, a broken wrist kept him out of the side for almost four months. He managed just seven games after that, struggling with his consistently, but has the talent and the upside to make a significant impact throughout the 2019 season.

Others to keep an eye on: Experienced forward Alex Fasolo arrived via free agency. While he can kick goals, he must develop a strong pressure game. Jarrod Garlett and Cam Polson both have speed on their side, but must hit the scoreboard more consistently to keep their place in the forward line. – Riley Beveridge

More of Moore

The Magpies' well-documented shortcoming is their lack of genuine key defenders, which was this year amplified by injuries to Lynden Dunn, Matt Scharenberg and Darcy Moore, forcing them to largely make do with undersized trio Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon and Tyson Goldsack. Dunn is aiming for a round one return but Scharenberg is a mid-season proposition, so the availability of Moore is critical. Set to turn 23 in January, the one-time forward must first overcome the hamstring issues that dogged him in his first season as a defender. Injury-free, he would be an enormous asset with his athleticism, anticipation, aerial work and kicking skills.

Others to keep an eye on: Second-year players in medium-sized defender Flynn Appleby, versatile runner Nathan Murphy and third tall backman Jack Madgen each gained AFL exposure in their debut seasons and should be better for the experience. Murphy, in particular, appears set to develop into a classy performer. – Ben Collins

Can Darcy Moore get his body right and make an impact in 2019? Picture: AFL Photos





Will Aaron arrive?

The Bombers used pick No.6 on Aaron Francis at the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, but have so far only gotten 10 games out of the high-marking defender in three years. However, the last five of those came to finish the 2018 season and he showed great promise with his smarts in the air, penetrating kicking and game-turning traits. He needs to make next season his breakout year, and the Bombers need him to as well. They moved Brendon Goddard out of the club knowing they could fill his role across half-back, and Francis has genuine star factor when up and going. If he can lift his consistency and have a strong pre-season anything's possible.

Others to keep an eye on: Last year Andy McGrath had his first real taste of the midfield at AFL level so will be better for that experience in 2019, while Jayden Laverde looms as a wildcard. If he can piece together a full season without injury, then there's a spot for him as a big-bodied half-forward and midfield option who can make an impact. – Callum Twomey

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Who will step up as Nat Fyfe's sidekick?

Over the past three seasons, Connor Blakely has shown he has all the tools to become a star of the competition and in 2019 the 22-year-old is likely to be thrust onto centre stage as Fremantle attempts to plug the sizeable midfield gap left by dual Doig medallist Lachie Neale. Blakely has played plenty of football across half-back in recent times, with coach Ross Lyon valuing his decision-making and ball use coming out of defence, but his future is as a big-bodied onballer who can win the footy around stoppages and get damaging forward of centre. Replacing Neale's 30-odd composed touches a game won't be easy, but Blakely has had seven games with at least 30 disposals in the past two seasons and looks in good nick after a knee injury cut his 2018 short.

Others to keep an eye on: It seems inevitable that Sean Darcy will step into the No.1 ruck role next season. The only question is when and how Freo juggles the hulking youngster and Aaron Sandilands, if he stays fit, will be intriguing. The Dockers will hope Griffin Logue nails down a spot in defence in 2019 after missing this year through injury, although they're relatively settled down back and have cover. – Travis King

Injury-plagued forward ready to spread his wings

Nakia Cockatoo's promising career has been decimated by injury, but at just 22 the former top-10 pick still has the potential to become one of the most dynamic and explosive players in Geelong's team and in the entire AFL. Cockatoo has a kamikaze-like approach with his attack on the ball and he thrives on winning contested ball and breaking away from the contest. Through his speed and hunting ability, his forward pressure is a major strength and he looks well-suited to a position through the midfield and across half-forward. With Daniel Menzel, Lincoln McCarthy and Cory Gregson departing, a spot is there for Cockatoo to grab if his body can hold up. If he does get continuity into his body, Geelong will benefit greatly from his presence and high-end talent.

Others to keep an eye on: Second-year midfielder Charlie Constable was close to making his debut on several occasions last season and looks in a good position to do so in 2019. Esava Ratugolea should establish himself back in the line-up after a horrific leg injury cut his season short, while Jordan Cunico, Zach Guthrie, James Parsons and Quinton Narkle will push for regular senior games. – Ben Guthrie

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Who can help the Suns kick a winning score?

Last season Gold Coast averaged a paltry 59 points per game – the lowest in the AFL. With former skipper and four-time leading goalkicking Tom Lynch heading to Richmond, someone needs to stand up. Peter Wright should be that man. In his first four seasons Wright has teased with his contested marking, strong running and long kicking. Now, with precious few key targets on the list, the 22-year-old must make the forward line his own. Standing 203cm and weighing 100kg he doesn't have to kick big bags of goals, but must be a focal point the Suns can rely on.

Others to keep an eye on: A man who could make an impact in his first season is mature-aged recruit Josh Corbett. The spring-heeled forward from Werribee proved a great contested mark in the VFL last season and could be a nice complement to Wright and Sam Day. – Michael Whiting

Can 'two-metre Peter' lift the Suns out of the doldrums? Picture: AFL Photos





Tough backman ready to become a regular

GWS academy product Harry Perryman shapes as the player most likely to emerge from the club's long list of talented youngsters next year. Perryman has played 17 games in his first two seasons across half-back, where he's shown plenty of promise with his foot skills and competitiveness. If he can keep his body healthy Perryman will produce some consistent footy.

Others to keep an eye on: Forward Aiden Bonar took time to adjust to life at the highest level after missing plenty of footy over the past few years, so he's sure to be prepared to increase his impact next year and spend more time in the midfield. Running defender Isaac Cumming is highly rated at the Giants and is another who should come on next season. – Adam Curley

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Who can spark a misfiring forward line?

With Jarryd Roughead's stellar career coming towards the end, it is vital Hawthorn finds a reliable key forward – and 20-year-old Mitch Lewis is just the man. The 198cm forward-ruck enjoyed a terrific VFL campaign, where he became a focal point inside 50 for Box Hill, kicking 38 goals. While a touch off the pace in his two outings at AFL level, Lewis showed enough to suggest he is capable of playing an important role for the Hawks. Hawthorn won the inside-50 count in 19 of its 24 games last year and averaged the fourth-most entries per game in the competition. That says a lot about the efficiency of Alastair Clarkson's game plan, led by a supposedly skinny midfield. The problem, though, was turning those inside 50s into scores. Chad Wingard should help the Hawks' scoring woes, but Lewis needs to become a marking target to ease the load on Roughead.

Others to keep an eye on: There was plenty to like in Hawthorn's VFL affiliate Box Hill charging to the state league premiership. But one of the big takes out of it was that Dylan Moore and Oli Hanrahan look primed to make an AFL impact in 2019. Hanrahan slotted eight goals in the four finals, while Moore kicked nine, including seven across the preliminary final and Grand Final. Moore boasts elite endurance and looms as a midfielder down the track, but might start as a small forward. They will duke it out with Saints discard and new Hawk Darren Minchington for any openings in attack.

The 'Weid' looking to sprout

After trading Jesse Hogan to Fremantle, Melbourne will be expecting big things out of Sam Weideman in his fourth season at AFL level. Weideman's commanding elimination finals performance against Geelong would give the Demons great hope that he has arrived as a player, but the challenge for the 195cm forward is producing that type of high-level football on a consistent basis. Weideman kicked 10 goals in 10 matches last season and he's got to the point of his career now, at 21, where he will be looking to play up to 20 games and doubling his 2018 output. Tom McDonald's role will also become increasingly important, especially given Weideman is still relatively inexperienced with just 20 games to his name.

Others to keep an eye on: The Demons have high hopes for key defender Harrison Petty, who managed one senior game in 2018. Joel Smith is another defender who should benefit from continuity after several injuries. Speedy midfielder Oskar Baker should push for senior selection next season and look for Jayden Hunt to bounce back after an injury-affected 2018 campaign. – Ben Guthrie

Sam Weideman will be one to watch for Demons fans. Picture: AFL Photos





Who can transform the midfield?

Much of the focus has been on recruit Jared Polec, who will add pace and dare to the midfield. However, it's last year's No.4 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke who holds the key. Davies-Uniacke – an inside-outside onball threat – was billed as someone who could make an instant impact, but instead played more VFL (11) than AFL (seven) games in his debut season. The decision to send 'LDU' back to the VFL after round 18 proved wise. His most prolific three performances followed: 23 disposals and six clearances, then 23 and eight clearances, and 28 and four tackles. North's most common centre bounce set-up in 2018 combined Todd Goldstein (who turns 31 next year), Ben Cunnington (28), Shaun Higgins (31) and Ben Jacobs (27). A splash of quality youth will be good for now and beyond.

Others to keep an eye on: Midfielder-forward Jy Simpkin developed nicely in several areas this year, while key-position prospects Ben McKay and Nick Larkey performed well, too, albeit in state league ranks. The path still isn't clear for McKay down back, but he has shown enough to suggest he is a long-term option for North. Larkey will view Jarrad Waite's retirement as his invitation to try and nail down an AFL spot up forward. – Marc McGowan

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Exciting prospect ready to fire after tough season

Power forward Todd Marshall had a difficult 2018, on and off the field. He took time away from the club after the tragic death of his father in April before a foot injury ended his season early. Marshall has shown in the space of 10 games that he's a special talent. For a 196cm tall forward, he's got great agility, is strong overhead and reacts quickly when the ball hits the ground. Marshall will form a dangerous triple-threat in the Power's attack alongside Charlie Dixon and either resting ruckman, Paddy Ryder or Scott Lycett.

Others to keep an eye on: Mature-age defender Jarrod Lienert was impressive in the final six games of last season and will be knocking down the door for a regular spot in the side. Opportunist forward Kane Farrell also made a huge impact during his late-season cameo, including kicking three first-quarter goals in the round 20 Showdown. – Lee Gaskin

Who will be the 'next player picked'?

Richmond's busy trade period saw Anthony Miles, Reece Conca, Corey Ellis, Sam Lloyd and Tyson Stengle exit the club, most of whom went searching for more opportunities. While Conca had established himself in the Tigers' 22, the others were in the pool of players called upon when needed (usually as injury cover, given the remarkably settled line-up). Connor Menadue now has a prime opportunity to establish himself as the "next player picked" and force his way into the team. A speedy versatile runner, Menadue can be on the wing or either flank and has played just 33 senior games.

Others to keep an eye on: Ivan Soldo's importance to the squad cannot be undersold given he is the only established ruckman on the list aside from Toby Nankervis. Flanker Oleg Markov's stocks have risen after Corey Ellis' move north, while the raw Noah Balta has excited keen VFL watchers in 2018. The key position player is athletic, aggressive and is developing nicely after 18 VFL games this year. – Sarah Black

How will the Saints make their forward line work?

In the club's first season without Nick Riewoldt, the club struggled in attack last year. Tim Membrey was forced to be the spearhead, a role he's not suited to at 188cm. Josh Bruce played just three games as he dealt with injury, but ultimately, he's not the man for that role. It's a job for Paddy McCartin. Despite concerns over his ability, the first overall pick from 2014 has great hands, hits bodies hard and his kicking mechanics are relatively sound. He's never managed more than seven games in a row but he needs to become a consistent contributor.

Others to keep an eye on: St Kilda wants to see Hunter Clark take the next step and move into the midfield next year, and with his class, poise, toughness and accurate delivery, it's not hard to see why. There is a lot of optimism around Josh Battle because of his aggression and running ability, and the forward would add another dimension to the Saints' side. Watch for Ben Long as well – he has star potential. - Dinny Navaratnam

The Saints need Paddy McCartin to become a consistent contributor. Picture: AFL Photos





Speedy top pick hoping for better second season

A toe injury ruined the debut season of the Swans' No.1 selection at the 2017 NAB AFL Draft. But if Matthew Ling can have a big summer he'll have an impact next year. Ling's speed and quality foot skills could see him slot in at half-back or on a wing and he shapes as a handy player in both areas with Dan Hannebery no longer at the club and Callum Mills a chance to play as a midfielder.

Others to keep an eye on: Young midfielder Ryley Stoddart showed glimpses of his talent in two games last year and should benefit from another pre-season at AFL level, while if he can remain injury-free, Jordan Dawson could break out as a lead-up forward. – Adam Curley

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Who takes over from 'The Frenchman'?

Veteran sharpshooter Mark LeCras rode into the sunset on a high after the Eagles' premiership triumph, picking the perfect time to hang up the boots. Replacing LeCras, the third-highest goalkicker in club history with 441 majors, will be challenging but in Oscar Allen and Jake Waterman the reigning premiers have a pair of budding, mobile young tall forwards who could play a similar role. Waterman showed plenty as a link-up forward in his debut season, booting 13 goals in 16 games, while Allen could be a star in the making.

Others to keep an eye on: Jarrod Brander has claims to fill the LeCras' void but appears better suited as a genuine key position, and the smooth-moving big man looks like being groomed for Josh Kennedy's role in years to come. Speedy half-forward Daniel Venables is already a premiership player at just 19, but the Eagles will hope to push him into the midfield more often as he builds his tank. – Travis King

How will the Dogs kick their wayward ways?

When it's come to hitting the target or the scoreboard over the past few seasons, the Bulldogs have been among the AFL's sloppiest. While the midfield has plenty of star power with Jack Macrae, Toby McLean and Lachie Hunter, only Marcus Bontempelli is capable of making the kick that sends shivers through defensive set-ups. After an impressive debut season, speedy playmaker Ed Richards should spend more time on the wing, utilising his sharp kicking skills. When it comes to splitting the big sticks, Josh Schache and Tory Dickson are the only ones you'd consider putting your house on within 30 metres of goal. The addition of former Tiger Sam Lloyd will help scoring as he has a nose for a goal and is a reliable set shot.



Others to keep an eye on: For an emerging ruckman, Tim English is one of the better ball users at Whitten Oval, so an expected greater contribution from him will help the Dogs retain the footy. Third-year forwards Paddy Lipinski and Fergus Greene should become more reliable scoring options after encouraging 2018 campaigns. – Ryan Davidson

Ed Richards could give the Dogs some bite next season. Picture: AFL Photos



