MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrates a goal with Gary Ablett of the Cats during the 2019 AFL round 12 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)
We’re going through each side and predicting their best 22 for the 2020 season.
Today, we’ve looked at the potential best 22’s of Geelong, Gold Coast and GWS.
B: Tom Stewart, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij
HB: Jack Henry, Harry Taylor, Mark O'Connor
C: Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood, Jordan Clark
HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Hawkins, Gary Ablett
F: Gryan Myers, Josh Jenkins, Gary Rohan
FOLL: Rhys Stanley, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Steven
I/C: Brandon Parfitt, Zach Tuohy, Cam Guthrie, Esava Ratugolea
After knocking out the reigning premiers in a semi-final, the Cats were knocked out in a thrilling preliminary final against Richmond.
With the Tim Kelly saga behind them, Geelong stayed active during the trade period to secure both Josh Jenkins and Jack Steven - two players with plenty of experience who can slot nicely into the starting outfit.
With Jenkins up forward, there may not be room for all three of him Ratugolea and Stanley, but for now, they all fall into the best 22.
The natural progression of Jordan Clark will see him excel on whichever wing Mitch Duncan isn't on. Despite many predicting the Cats' demise next season, they still have a quality spine and versatile backline to trouble any attack.
With Kelly on the outer, there'll be more midfield opportunities for the likes of Dahlhaus, Ablett, Guthrie and Parfitt.
On the fringe, there's tackling machine Tom Atkins and speedster Quinton Narkle who could join in on the fun after another pre-season under their belt.
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Rory Thompson, Jack Hombsch
HB: Charlie Ballard, Sam Collins, Lachie Weller
C: Brandon Ellis, Hugh Greenwood, Touk Miller
HF: Izak Rankine, Ben King, Alex Sexton
F: Sam Day, Peter Wright, Ben Ainsworth
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, David Swallow, Brayden Fiorini
I/C: Darcy Macpherson, Jack Lukoscious, Matt Rowell*, Jack Bowes
*Provided the Suns select him
It's pretty safe to predict who the Suns will be selecting with the first overall pick, and it's even safer to say he's already in their best 22.
Rowell delivers added midfield depth, alongside new signings Greenwood and Ellis. Growth will come from players like Bowes, Fiorini, Macpherson and Lukoscious, while we may finally get to see the classy Rankine in action.
With Rory Thomspon back after a lengthy stint in the sheds, the Suns' backline is starting to form some stability; Lachie Weller is a terrific user and Charlie Ballard looks like a versatile defender to build around.
Veterans Pearce Hanley and Anthony Miles have been pushed out of the team, but their experience may be needed to carry out the season. This team is still very young, and have a long way to go but the potential is rising.
B: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes
HB: Zac Williams, Sam Taylor, Harry Perryman
C: Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Finlayson, Toby Greene
F: Brent Daniels, Jeremy Cameron, Harry Himmelberg
FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
I/C: Matt de Boer, Adam Kennedy, Jye Caldwell, Sam Reid
Life comes at you fast, and before too long Leon Cameron's men will get their shot at redemption.
There'd be a feeling of animosity about the way GWS approach next season, with several players entering their prime years - it's now time for them take over the competition.
Injuries have plagued their runs, but it happens for all teams, and seeing co-captain Callan Ward back in charcoal and orange will be a wonderful sight.
Jackson Hately is a player who looks ready to explode, he'll sit on the fringe with the likes of Bobby Hill as the Giants look to build their depth.
Losing Adam Tomlinson frees up a spot for either of Lachie Whitfield or Zac Williams to make the wing position their own.
Any of those six forwards could easily kick a bag on their best day, and finding the balance between solid defensive work and dominant attacking play will be a daring combination for the rest of the league.
Replacing Sam Jacobs with Shane Mumford seems suitable, given Mumford's declining ability.