18 players who need a big pre-season

We've put a player from every club under the microscope that need to put in a big pre-season. Whether it's a young player that needs to break out or put on some size, a veteran that needs to rediscover a spark or a star returning form injury, the following names need a big summer. Adelaide Taylor Walker Following a tumultuous period in Adelaide, the Crows have overhauled their football operations, with new senior coach Matthew Nicks at the helm and Tex Walker stepping down as captain. Walker has endured a tough period since Adelaide's 2017 Grand Final loss, and will need a strong pre-season if he hopes to regain his form. With Darcy Fogarty emerging at the club, Walker should utilise the pre-season to move into more of a supportive role. The key forward has already reportedly shed four kilos and is eyeing a move onto the wing, following in the footsteps of former Tiger Matthew Richardson. [caption id="attachment_33616" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Taylor Walker of the Crows celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 AFL round 21 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on August 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane Oscar McInerney With Stefan Martin 32 and entering his 13th year of AFL footy, his time as the Lions' number one ruckman could be coming to a close. This opens the door for Oscar McInerney to stake his claim for the job. The young Lion has played 37 games in his two years at the club, playing as a back-up ruckman and rotating forward. Brisbane delisted Archie Smith, who was expected to be Martin's understudy, this offseason, meaning they could have their sight set on the "Big O" taking the role. At 204cm and 107kg, McInerney certainly has the size to fill Martin's shoes, and this pre-season could be spent further preparing the 25-year-old for the job. [caption id="attachment_28408" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Oscar McInerney of the Lions handballs during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Hawthorn Hawks at Moreton Bay Sports Complex on March 03, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Carlton Sam Docherty After missing the past two seasons with a recurring ACL injury in his left leg, the current co-captain will have a big pre-season ahead of him in preparation for the 2020 season. Should he emerge from the pre-season unscathed, he will be set to take the field for the first time since August 2017 and the Blues will be hoping he can recapture the form which earned him an All-Australian jacket that season. The 26-year-old will be reportedly training with caution to avoid re-injuring the troublesome ligament the third time. According to The Herald Sun, Docherty is fully fit but will be eased back into a full workload and contested training closer to Christmas. [caption id="attachment_28695" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Jack Silvagni of the Blues and Sam Docherty of the Blues look on during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Ikon Park on November 21, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Collingwood Dayne Beams Beams has had to negotiate both physical and mental issues throughout 2019 and will be facing an uphill battle this pre-season to get his body right ahead of next year. The 29-year-old has had multiple surgeries to fix issues with his hip and shoulder, and has also suffered a hospital scare following an adverse reaction to his pain medication. The former Lion also took an indefinite mental health leave after dealing with the loss of his father and online abuse. When he's fully fit and firing, Beams slots straight into Collingwood's best 22 and the Pies will be hoping he makes a full recovery and becomes a key piece of their 2020 campaign. [caption id="attachment_34331" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Dayne Beams of the Magpies in action during the round 11 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 01, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/Getty Images)[/caption] Essendon Sam Draper The Essendon ruckman was thrust into the headlines during the 2019 season after St Kilda were reportedly offering the uncapped 21-year-old with a deal worth $1.7 million. Draper turned his back on the deal to resign with the Bombers who see the talented youngster as the club's future number one ruckman. Draper will have plenty of work to do this pre-season as he looks to continue his recovery from a torn ACL suffered back in May and eventually challenge for an AFL debut. At 105kg, size isn't a problem for the South Adelaide product, but like Docherty, he will need to ensure his knee is strong enough before ramping up his workload. [caption id="attachment_31195" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Sam Draper of Essendon handballs from Gus Borthwick of of Collingwood during the VFL Qualifying Final match between Collingwood and Essendon at Stannards Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Fremantle Jesse Hogan The Dockers have already confirmed that star key forward Jesse Hogan will not return to full training before Christmas after undergoing surgery on his right foot. After initial fears over the future of Hogan's career, the 24-year-old has reportedly made good progress in his recovery, but the club has maintained a no-risk approach. Hogan kicked just 13 goals from 12 games in 2019, his first year at Fremantle, but will be a crucial component of Justin Longmuir's team if he can remain fit. The former Melbourne player will be hoping he can replicate the form which saw him kick 47 goals in the Demons' successful 2018 campaign. [caption id="attachment_32321" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Jesse Hogan of the Dockers looks upfield during the round 11 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 01, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Geelong Josh Jenkins After securing a deadline day move to Geelong and linking up with good mate Patrick Dangerfield, Josh Jenkins will now spend his pre-season proving his worth to the Geelong coaching staff. Following a difficult period in Adelaide after the 2017 Grand Final loss, the 30-year-old was keen for a change of scenery and the Cats provided the answer. However, despite playing 147 games for the Crows and kicking 296 goals, the tall forward will have to battle with the likes of Esava Ratugolea and Darcy Fort to be Tom Hawkins' understudy and backup ruckman. After playing just 11 games last season, his lowest return since 2012, and spending time in Adelaide's SANFL reserve team, Jenkins will be determined to silence the critics and it all starts in pre-season. [caption id="attachment_35259" align="alignnone" width="1024"] DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Josh Jenkins of the Crows celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 11 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium on June 01, 2019 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Izak Rankine The 2018 number two pick was touted as the most exciting player in the draft, but after succumbing to injury, we are still yet to see the talented South Australian in AFL action. The 19-year-old played just two JLT games and three NEAFL games throughout 2019 after hip and hamstring complaints derailed his season. In order to overcome these niggling injuries it is imperative the youngster gets a full pre-season under his belt as the Suns look to finally turn a corner in 2020. Gold Coast fans should be excited to see how the tandem of Lukosius and Rankine performs in conjunction with the arrival of picks one and two. [caption id="attachment_29392" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 27: Izak Rankine handballs during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at Metricon Stadium on March 27, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Greater Western Sydney Harrison Himmelberg The 23-year-old forward made a big impact on the Giants' 2019 campaign which saw them reach their first Grand Final. Himmelberg became a valuable member of GWS' forward line last season, kicking 38 goals and finishing second in the league for goal assists per game with 1.1. Following the defection of Jon Patton to Hawthorn, Himmelberg is all but confirmed to begin the season as Jeremy Cameron's trusted sidekick. This pre-season will be all about perfecting his craft and capitalising on the opportunities presented if Cameron continues to draw the attention of opposing defences. [caption id="attachment_27395" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - SEPTEMBER 08: Harrison Himmelberg of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the GWS Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground on September 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Hawthorn Tom Mitchell The return of Tom Mitchell will feel like a new recruit for Alastair Clarkson and what a recruit to have. The 2018 Brownlow Medallist missed the entire 2019 season with a broken leg, but is in line to make his comeback early on in the season. The 26-year-old is still recovering from his tibia and fibula breaks suffered in January. Mitchell is still unsure if he'll be ready for round one and will require a strong pre-season to get himself up to speed. The talented accumulator's next step will be focusing on regaining his agility and skills with the football, before returning to full training. [caption id="attachment_23831" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Tom Mitchell of the Hawks celebrates the win on the final siren during the round 20 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 4, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Steven May With the Demons trading away backup defender Sam Frost this offseason, the blowtorch will be well and truly on Steven May as he looks to bounce back from a poor 2019 season. May will be intent on earning back Melbourne's trust after arriving at the club unfit, resulting in a delayed start to the year and soft tissue injuries which kept him to just eight games for the season. At his best, May is a skilled intercept defender who can set up attacks from the backline, but as seen last season, at his worst he is a liability to the team. The 27-year-old has already reportedly returned to training and has turned to pilates and yoga to improve his fitness ahead of the new season. [caption id="attachment_36757" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Steven May of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal during the round 15 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on June 30, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] North Melbourne Aaron Hall Hall arrived at Arden Street as one of North Melbourne's many big name recruits during the 2018 offseason. Unfortunately, Hall failed to make an impact in his first year as a Kangaroo dealing with mental health issues which limited him to just six games in 2019. As Hall displayed during his 103-game career with the Gold Coast Suns, especially 2017 where he averaged 28 disposals a game, the Tasmanian is a talented wingman who can add much needed speed to the North Melbourne side. However, his mental and physical health has been an issue throughout his career and this upcoming pre-season will be important in vindicating the club's efforts to recruit him. [caption id="attachment_31716" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Aaron Hall of the Kangaroos looks dejected after defeat during the round 5 AFL match between North Melbourne and Essendon at Marvel Stadium on April 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Port Adelaide Charlie Dixon Like his key forward counterpart at cross-town rivals Adelaide, Charlie Dixon has struggled for form in recent years. In his four years at the Power, Dixon has averaged just 1.7 goals per game and has led the club's goal-kicking only once (2017), despite being the leading target in the forward line. With a 200cm and 108kg frame, Dixon should be one of the most imposing forwards in the competition, however, due to inconsistent form, injuries and poor delivery at times, the former Gold Coast Sun has failed to live up to expectations. Entering a contract year, this pre-season becomes a now or never situation for the 29-year-old and his coach Ken Hinkley, with both under pressure going into 2020. [caption id="attachment_27502" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Charlie Dixon of the Power celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 21 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on August 11, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)[/caption] Richmond Alex Rance Its hard to believe that the reigning premiers will get a whole lot better in 2020 without recruiting any high profile players, but that's exactly what will happen. Richmond lost their spiritual leader in Rance to an ACL injury in round one last season and many people wrote the Tigers off, but they proved their doubters wrong in won their second flag in three years. Now with a five-time All-Australian returning to the lineup, Richmond's defence, which ranked top four for least points allowed in 2019, has become even more impenetrable. However, as we've seen in the past it is easy to re-injure an ACL and this pre-season will be important for Rance to ensure that he makes a full recovery, even if it means missing the start of the season. [caption id="attachment_31512" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Alex Rance of the Tigers looks upfield during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Punt Road Oval on January 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] St Kilda Dan Hanneberry Hannebery's first season as a Saint was nothig short of a trainwreck. The former Swan was maligned by soft tissue injuries, poor fitness and eventually stepping down from the club's leadership group. The three-time All-Australian played just five games in 2019 and has suffered yet another setback, breaking his right foot in October. St Kilda paid a hefty price to bring Hannebery to the club, offering him a five-year deal and including two draft picks in the trade to Sydney. Should Hannebery fail to get his body right this pre-season and make a strong impact in the Saints' side, the trade will be looked back on as one of the worst in the club's history. [caption id="attachment_25019" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Dan Hannebery poses during a St Kilda Saints AFL Media Opportunity at Moorabbin Oval on November 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Ben Ronke The live-wire small forward burst onto the scene in 2018 with a seven-goal performance in just his third game. Ronke would go onto play another 15 games that season, kicking 24 goals and even polling five Brownlow votes, and was expected to be a future star of the competition. Fast forward to the end of 2019 and the 21-year-old has only played an additional 13 games and kicked just nine goals. With Sam Gray and former Rising Star winner Lewis Taylor joining the side, and Tom Papley staying put, the competition for spots in the Sydney forward line is immense and unless he makes a statement in pre-season, Ronke could be left in the dust. [caption id="attachment_21904" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Ben Ronke of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round15 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] West Coast Nic Naitanui After making his AFL return in 2019 following a knee reconstruction and ankle injury, Nic Naitanui is primed for a big 2020 season - if he can get through pre-season unscathed. The 29-year-old hasn't played more than 15 games in a season since 2015, but has reportedly turned to a meat-free diet this off-season to shed some weight and improve his durability. The athletic ruckman is crucial to the Eagles' chances of returning to September action next year and the road to avoiding another injury-riddled year begins in pre-season. With Tim Kelly joining West Coast's elite on-ballers, Naitanui's ability to deliver the ball on a platter will be an exciting prospect for fans to see. [caption id="attachment_32093" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Nic Naitanui of the Eagles enters the arena during the 2019 AFL round 16 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at the Optus Stadium on July 06, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Western Bulldogs Tim English English enjoyed a breakout year in 2019, playing 20 games and cementing himself as Luke Beveridge's number one ruckman. The 22-year-old matched up well against some of the game's top ruckman, including Ben McAvoy and Toby Nankervis, but his biggest disadvantage has been his slender build. At 93kg, English is undersized in comparison to the likes of Brodie Grundy and McEvoy, who both weight 100+. His biggest challenge this offseason will be to add more beef to his frame while maintaining his athletic ability. English signed a contract extension this year, keeping him at the club until 2022, with the Bulldogs viewing the Perth native as an integral piece of their bright future. [caption id="attachment_36780" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Tim English of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on August 04, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

18 players who need a big pre-season

Which player at your club needs to hit the ground running this off-season?

West Coast

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

“He wasn’t in very good physical condition”: Gold Coast Sun details...

The 16-game Magpie primed to step up in absence of Collingwood...

Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Melbourne Demons

AFL Pre-Season Fixture: Your team’s Community Series and match simulation opponents

The burning question facing YOUR AFL club in 2026

FOLLOW US