The 10 players that need to bounce back in 2021

The 2021 season is fast approaching, with all 18 clubs already underway with their pre-season programs, and fans will be keeping an eye out on who is taking major steps to start their next campaign. With the 2020 season throwing in plenty of twists and turns to players league-wide, there are set to be some big names looking to put last season in the past and bounce back to their very best for the next 12 months and beyond. We've selected the 10 players who need to rekindle their best this season and could be primed to prove their doubters wrong. Josh Bruce A let down for the Doggies' 2020 campaign, the former Saints spearhead was brought to the kennel to complement Aaron Naughton and with his partner's absence due to injury, the pressure was mounted onto Bruce's shoulders. Bruce booted 14 goals from his 17 matches for the Bulldogs, going goalless in nine of those games and only managing multiple majors on two occasions. With Naughton hopefully undergoing an uninterrupted pre-season and the arrival of No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Bruce could be set to thrive in Luke Beveridge's new three-piece attack. [player_widget player_id='josh-bruce' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Marks,Goals' position="Forward"] Rory Sloane It was a disappointing season for the Crows and their star midfielder, with Sloane entering 2020 as the club's stand-alone captain for the first time in his career, with Adelaide failing to register their first win of the season until Round 15. Injuries played their part in what was a backwards step for the onballer, but with a younger group now surrounding him and a void left by Brad Crouch in the Crows' engine room, Sloane is poised for a return to his best. [player_widget player_id='rory-sloane' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Tackles,Clearances' position="Midfielder"] Connor Rozee Second years blues are a common occurrence in the league, and it was no different for the Port Adelaide young gun. After booting 29 goals in his debut season, Rozee was limited to just the nine majors and managed to collect more than 20 touches on just the one occasion, which came in the opening round of the year. With Port Adelaide well inside the premiership hunt, fans will be asking for plenty from Rozee in 2021 and we're expecting him to deliver for his club. [player_widget player_id='connor-rozee' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Marks,Goals' position="Forward"] Patrick Cripps The Blues skipper certainly didn't have a poor season last year, but for a player of his calibre and the direction his club is heading, many will expect the contested ball winner to make major strides in 2021. The passing mark for Carlton will be to make finals, and with Cripps now gaining the supporting cast he has longed for, there aren't many excuses for why the Blues won't be playing September football. Out of contract at the end of the season, Cripps' upcoming campaign will have large ramifications for his future and he'll be sure to put the league on alert once again. [player_widget player_id='patrick-cripps' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Tackles,Clearances' position="Midfielder"] Brad Hill The St Kilda speedster failed to impress in his first year at Moorabbin, with his midfield numbers seeing a steep plummet in 2020 regardless of the shortened quarters. The three-time premiership onballer had a near All-Australian calibre season in 2019 and will be hoping to return to his best in line with the Saints' rise up the ladder. A return to form will add a much needed touch of pace to the Saints' engine room and would go a long way in pushing them into premiership contention. [player_widget player_id='bradley-hill' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Tackles,Clearances' position="Midfielder"] Jeremy Cameron The Cats' newest big name recruit had a fall in form last season, averaging 1.4 goals per game, his lowest season figure across his nine year career. With a new start at Kardinia Park and a new price tag to go with it, many will expect the superstar spearhead to re-ignite his career in a powerfully scary partnership with Tom Hawkins. The pair have claimed the past two Coleman Medals and will be a focal point for the Cats' premiership hopes, with Cameron tipped to return to his best and deliver for the city of Geelong. [player_widget player_id='jeremy-cameron' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Marks,Goals' position="Forward"] Jaidyn Stephenson The exciting forward has failed to have the same impact he once did in his debut season, with his 2020 campaign a season to forget. Stephenson averaged less than 10 disposals per match last year and with a new home for the upcoming season, the 21-year-old will be hoping to thrive away from the constant noise that surrounds the Holden Centre. A fresh start will be exactly what Stephenson needs to return to his best, and with a chip on his shoulder, we're tipping him to show the Magpies why they shouldn't have let his services go. [player_widget player_id='jaidyn-stephenson' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Marks,Goals' position="Forward"] Orazio Fantasia Fantasia was limited to just five games in 2020 after falling out of favour in the Bombers squad and sustaining a number of injuries throughout the year. The goal-sneak was even trialed in John Worsfold's back-line as the Bombers were desperate to find a catalyst to their derailing campaign, but Fantasia was soon on the outer once again. Another player that has found a new home ahead of the 2021 season, Port Adelaide fans will be expecting a strong influence from the once mercurial forward. [player_widget player_id='orazio-fantasia' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Marks,Goals' position="Forward"] Stephen Coniglio The Giants midfielder became the first club captain to be dropped in 21 years, with Leon Cameron sending his star onballer a clear message in regards to his workrate and leadership demands. The GWS onballer still managed to collect 21 touches per game in 2020, but after being reassured of his place as captain of the club, he'll be looking to put last year behind him and bounce back in a major way. With a new-look side entering 2021, plenty will rest on the shoulders of the Giants incumbents, particularly in the midfield, with Coniglio required to lead by example. [player_widget player_id='stephen-coniglio' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Tackles,Clearances' position="Midfielder"] Joe Daniher Despite spending a majority of his past three seasons on the sidelines, there will be plenty of pressure on the Lions' new star forward. A flashy new contract and the expectations of a top two finish will mean Daniher will be required to play at his absolute best when on the track. If Daniher is serious to prove the doubters wrong, there will be no better place to start than in his first season in Queensland. [player_widget player_id='joe-daniher' season='2020' stats='Disposals,Marks,Goals' position="Forward"]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	1	1	0	4	191.3
2	GC	1	1	0	4	181.2
3	GWS	1	1	0	4	128.4
4	WB	1	1	0	4	104.7
5	BL	1	0	1	0	95.5
6	HAW	1	0	1	0	77.9
7	GEEL	1	0	1	0	55.2
8	CARL	1	0	1	0	52.3
9	ESS	0	0	0	0	0
10	ADEL	0	0	0	0	0

The 10 players that need to bounce back in 2021

Which player is primed for a return to their best football this season?

10. Joe Daniher

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