Every non-finalist's biggest off-season priority

At Zero Hanger, we're all about the positives and focusing on every team. Even those that won't be featuring in September. We've examined each of the bottom 10 sides and what their first priority should be heading into season 2020. Hawthorn One of the fastest rebuilds in recent memories, Alistair Clarkson had his team playing with fire again to finish strong. Interstate wins against West Coast and GWS will have fans eager for next season. For their growth to continue, a lot has been talked about moving on some of their older premiership heroes. Whether that be trading Isaac Smith, Paul Puopolo or Shaun Burgoyne - the Hawks have an opportunity to bring more young talent through their doors. The last time the Hawks had a pick inside the top 10 (currently hold No. 10) was back in 2006, and with success of recent picks Worpel (pick 45) and Lewis (pick 76) you just know they will draft accordingly. A healthy Tom Mitchell will only enhance their chances at returning to finals footy. [caption id="attachment_9078" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Isaac Smith's days at Hawthorn could be numbered.[/caption] Port Adelaide It's hard to predict Port Adelaide rising next season, but their season wasn't all doom and gloom. They managed big wins against Eagles (by 42 points), St Kilda (70), Crows (57), Essendon (59) and Swans (47). Those wins are greatly shadowed by disappointing losses, with an average losing margin of 27 points it seems Port are lacking something. For Hinkley to make the eight and receive an extra year, the Power must sort out their midfield depth. Travis Boak had a terrific season, so to Dan Houston who enjoyed extra time on-ball, but captain Ollie Wines at times looked somewhat out of place. More games into their youngsters is also key. [caption id="attachment_15747" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Power head coach Ken Hinkley looks on during the round 22 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Adelaide It's nearly panic stations down at West Lakes. Footy director Mark Riccituo apologised for telling fans to basically jump ship and they're heading into pre-season with the third-oldest list in the league. They don't need a huge list overhaul, but they do need to let some veterans go and head to the draft. All of Alex Keath, Hugh Greenwood, Sam Jacobs and Cam Ellis-Yolmen have garnered interest from rival clubs. Crows already hold pick No. 3 in the upcoming draft, it might be smart to offload some depth players and trade for additional draft spots, but the four mentioned above are all out-of-contract and could walk. Rumours of Bryce Gibbs, Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins all used as trade-bait, the Crows need a shift but don't want to remove their complete identity. [caption id="attachment_31972" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Hugh Greenwood of the Crows celebrates kicking a goal during the round 15 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium on June 28, 2019 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] North Melbourne In recent years it's been the big fish that has alluded North, last off-season they landed Power duo Jasper Pittard and Jared Polec - adding much needed run and dash from defence. It's important for coach Rhyce Shaw and co. to have a similar mindset this off-season. Targeting role players will enhance North's opportunities, they've already delisted a couple, and some fresh, experienced faces around Shaw might help his first season in charge. We want more of Tarryn Thomas and Nick Larkey too. [caption id="attachment_33707" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos marks the ball during the Round 15 AFL match between Collingwood v North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on June 29, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Fremantle A sacking for Ross Lyon and club CEO, followed by two players named in the All-Australian including a captaincy for Nat Fyfe. Stephen Hill signed, but Brad Hill and Ed Langdon are exploring options. Hard to get a gauge on the Dockers, as they were exceptional early on in the year. The obvious one is to find a coach and CEO, with Justin Longmuir strongly linked to the role, however he has his hands full helping Collingwood this finals series. It's time for Sean Darcy to make a real impact with Sandilands gone, wrap Jesse Hogan in cotton wool and prepare for another big year. [caption id="attachment_33691" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Justin Longmuir is the frontrunner to become Fremantle's next senior coach.[/caption] St Kilda Finishing par with Fremantle, the Saints managed to save their season with some late victories. First order of business - sign up Brett Ratten as the permanent coach. From there, the club needs to focus on the basic fundamentals and skills. Ratten thinks that most players aren't up to AFL standard skill wise. So this off-season, it'll be footballs in hand training all summer while the higher-ups try to bring some fresh recruits to the club. "If we can't improve in that space, players can't play here" Ratten said after the loss to Sydney last week. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="612"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Brett Ratten, Interim Senior Coach of the Saints addresses his players during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney A disappointing year was partly saved by a wonderful send-off for some club champions, and a big thank-you to Lance Franklin in game 300. Many projected the Swans demise in 2019, but you just get the feeling they're preparing for a huge trade and free agency period. Youngsters such as Jordan Dawson and Ollie Florent showed midfield capabilities, but heading to the draft with an plan to boost midfield depth would be ideal. They must continue to develop Nick Blakely and Tom McCartin, as 'Buddy' won't last forever. [caption id="attachment_29669" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Lance Franklin of the Swans looks on during a Sydney Swans AFL training session at Lakeside Oval on April 30, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)[/caption] Carlton A season salvaged by David Teague, the most unlikely of candidates. The positives are their for Carlton with plenty of youth growing into their own. Despite missing out on Stephen Coniglio, the Blues should attack free agency/trade in the same way as North. Fans are calling for role players in the form of midfield depth and a classy small forward. Following the trade period, if the Blue are serious about moving up the ladder they must own their identity, Teague provided fans with an attacking style of play that will make for good viewing next year. [caption id="attachment_33735" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 15: Newly appointed Carlton Blues senior coach David Teague poses for the media during a Carlton Blues AFL press conference at Ikon Park on August 15, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Still trying to work out what happened to Melbourne? So are we. The Dees copped a terrible run with injuries, despite derailing their season early on we didn't see enough growth from their core players. Scoring woes continued to play out, and they never had a set forward line at any stage. Melbourne are chasing speed, currently linked to Fremantle pair Brad Hill and Ed Langdon. In what was once touted the best young midfield in the game, their 2019 season quickly turned into poor disposal and lack of flare - it may be a long road back for Melbourne but they do have pick No. 2 to work with. [caption id="attachment_33248" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Jake Melksham, Michael Hibberd, Nathan Jones and Oskar Baker of the Demons look dejected after losing the round 21 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 10, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast The Suns' number one priority is not getting a priority pick, but experienced players, with links being made to Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts. Injuries to key players meant Gold Coast were never really a chance after starting the season 3-0, before losing their next 19 consecutively. With more youngsters eager to depart, it's time Gold Coast play hard ball and secure some talented, high-profile players. There's a 370 plus game players down at Hawthorn who would suit, but it shouldn't stop there. If the Suns want respect and recognition, they must go hard after players who can shape the club and guide its flurry of youngsters. [caption id="attachment_32237" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Shaun Burgoyne could be heading north to join the Suns in 2020.[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	FRE	23	19	4	76	137.2
2	SYD	23	18	5	72	136.1
3	BL	23	16	7	64	121.7
4	HAW	23	15	6	64	120.1
5	GEEL	23	15	8	60	122.3
6	ADEL	23	15	8	60	117.3
7	MELB	23	15	8	60	109.6
8	WB	23	13	9	54	95.4
9	COLL	23	12	9	52	102.4
10	CARL	23	12	10	50	101.5

Every non-finalist’s biggest off-season priority

We’ve examined each of the bottom 10 sides and outlined what their first priority should be heading into season 2020.

North Melbourne

1 COMMENT

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

Former Crow cops SANFL ban after dangerous tackle on ex-teammate

AFL Draft prospect nominates club of choice amid pursuit from pair...

Predicted ins, outs and lineups for the 2026 AFL semi-finals

Hawthorn, Adelaide defenders receive their dues, Docker plays a lone hand:...

AFL to introduce contact training limits from 2027 pre-season

FOLLOW US