What every team needs this off-season

The AFL's free agency and trade period will begin soon and with player movement at an all time high, let's take a look at who your club should be targeting so they can feature in September in 2019. West Coast Need: Ruck depth The Eagles relied on two ruckmen in their premiership campaign with Scott Lycett playing the majority of time in the midfield and Nathan Vardy pushing forward. However, Lycett looks set to depart the club and with Nic Naitanui not expected to return until midway through next season the Eagles could use another ruckman to fill that void. Who?: Tom Hickey Hickey is expected to move away from St. Kilda this off-season and has proven to be a solid ruckman throughout his career and could be enough as the premiers wait for Naitanui to return. [caption id="attachment_23928" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Tom Hickey of the Saints leaves the field injured during the round 20 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on August 4, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Collingwood Need: Defenders The Pies will look to add to their defensive stocks in this year's trade and free agency periods as an undersized defence fought bravely throughout the finals series. An ageing Lynden Dunn will not be the Pies number one tall defender for long and needs to be replaced. Who?: Steven May With May expected to leave the Suns in a deal so the Gold Coast get something in return, the Magpies look to be the front-runner for his services, alongside Melbourne. A move for May could allow Darcy Moore to return forward, provided he is still at the club with Sydney coming hard for the youngster. [caption id="attachment_23372" align="alignnone" width="696"] GEELONG, VICTORIA - AUGUST 25: Steven May of the Suns looks on during the round 23 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Richmond Need: Tall forwards The Tigers play small and this year it caught up to them as Jack Riewoldt played a lone hand in their preliminary final loss to Collingwood, this however will be addressed very shortly. Who?: Tom Lynch The former Suns captain is basically a Tiger already and just needs to sign on the dotted line once free agency opens. The addition of Lynch will benefit all the Tiger forwards and especially Riewoldt who will have less attention paid to him. [caption id="attachment_23520" align="alignnone" width="696"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Tom Lynch of the Suns looks on during the round one AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Essendon Bombers at Metricon Stadium on March 26, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Need: Key defender The Demons seem set to lose star full forward Jesse Hogan to Fremantle however young forward Sam Weideman showed signs of being up to fill that void throughout this year's finals series. The deal that may send Hogan back to WA could provide the Demons with the assets to make a deal for one key defender. Who? Steven May Sam Frost and Oscar McDonald were monstered by the Eagles duo of Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy in their Dees' preliminary final loss and a bigger player like Steven May could help free up those two as well as a returning Jake Lever in 2019. [caption id="attachment_23124" align="alignnone" width="696"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Steven May of the Suns looks on during the round 19 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Carlton Blues at Metricon Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] GWS Need: Some luck The Giants have the best list in the AFL based on its pure level of talent but seem to be missing key players at important stages of every year. The team had zero continuity this year with stars like Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron missing for long periods for injury or suspension. They also lost Heath Shaw, Jon Patton and Dawson Simpson before the finals. Who? Their best 22 The Giants will lose two very good players at least in order to clear out cap space but still have the talent capable of being a serious challenger for the 2019 flag. [caption id="attachment_23836" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Giants players leave the field at half time during the 2018 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Hawthorn Need: With Jarryd Roughead seemingly at the end or close to of his wonderful career, the Hawks will need to replenish their stocks in the tall forward department if they want to challenge in 2019. Who? Mitch McGovern The Hawks appear to have lost out on Tom Lynch and could try to hijack Carlton's deal for Crow Mitch McGovern. Who better than Alastair Clarkson to steal him from the Blues? [caption id="attachment_23292" align="alignnone" width="696"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 5: Mitch McGovern of the Crows celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 5, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Geelong Need: The Cats are desperate for a player who can apply pressure around the ground but particularly in their forward half where they were extremely easy to rebound the ball against. Who? Luke Dahlhaus Dahlhaus has already told the Bulldogs he wants out and before moving into the midfield was a small forward at the Dogs renowned for his inside 50 pressure. [caption id="attachment_20303" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 1: Luke Dahlhaus of the Bulldogs looks dejected after a loss during the 2018 AFL round 02 match between the Western Bulldogs and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium on April 1, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Need: The Swans should be looking for someone who can partner superstar Buddy Franklin up forward as he was left with no tall support in their finals loss to GWS, this was also an issue that plagued the team throughout an inconsistent 2018. Who? Darcy Moore The Swans have been heavily linked with the young Pie this season and could have the pieces to trade for him as Nic Newman, Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan all seek a trade away from Sydney. Moore could be the answer to solving the problem of the Swans' over reliance on Buddy. [caption id="attachment_20562" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Darcy Moore of the Magpies runs with the ball during a Collingwood Magpies AFL media session at the Holden Centre on May 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] North Melbourne Need: After a successful season in which they surprised a lot of teams with their grit around the football, the Kangaroos desperately need a player or multiple with class on the outside to finish off the hard work off guys like Ben Cunnington. Another need will be a second forward to partner Ben Brown after the retirement of Jarrad Waite. Who?: Jared Polec or Andrew Gaff. Either would be a great fit for the Kangaroos, Gaff is more of an accumulator around the ground while Polec (who is as good as a Kangaroo already) gives great run from the wing going inside 50. [caption id="attachment_22573" align="alignnone" width="696"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Jared Polec of the Power passes the ball during the round 17 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] Port Adelaide Need: With Paddy Ryder aging and no suitable replacement for when he goes down, the Power must acquire a backup ruckman to carry the load. Being the fact that Port don't need much else, it further makes them a disappointment this season. Who?: Scott Lycett or Braydon Preuss Lycett has done a serviceable job stepping in for Nic Naitanui since his injury and may look for a more regular opportunity elsewhere and with Ryder hitting the twilight of his career, Lycett may be the man to step in. Braydon Preuss has had limited chances to play with Todd Goldstein going solo in the ruck and has shown an ability to play at the highest level. [caption id="attachment_23715" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Braydon Preuss of the Kangaroos in action during a North Melbourne Kangaroos Training Session at Arden Street Ground on January 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Essendon Need: The Bombers showed why many picked them to be in the finals towards the end of the season and appear poised to challenge for finals in 2019. If anything, they could use with some explosiveness from the stoppages. Who? Dylan Shiel Shiel has been heavily linked with a move back to Victoria as the Giants look to clear space off their books. Shiel has electrifying speed throught the midfield and would compliment the likes of Zach Merrett and Dyson Heppell well. [caption id="attachment_23061" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Dylan Shiel of the Giants walks out during the round 18 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Adelaide Need: Another side to not meet expectations, the Crows' horror injury run this season probably shows they don't need too much. Another forward talent would be handy to partner Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker but should look in house first. Who?: Jack Lukosius If the Crows can swing a deal with Carlton to steal that number one pick for Mitch McGovern and a host of other picks they may be in line to land a local product. Adelaide could use a prestigious local talent like him, meaning he would not leave to return home which has crippled the club recently. [caption id="attachment_21717" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Jack Lukosius of South Australia poses for a portrait during the 2018 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships Press Conference at Etihad Stadium on July 2, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Western Bulldogs Need: The Dogs should be another to be looking in house to improve, with many of their key talls young and developing, right now however they are crying out for a ruckman, having swapped it around all year between Jordan Roughead, Tom Boyd and Tim English. Who?: Scott Lycett or Braydon Preuss The Bulldogs need to go hard for one of these two because the midfield talent is there, but needs first access to the ball in order to improve the side. [caption id="attachment_23347" align="alignnone" width="696"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Scott Lycett of the Eagles and Jordan Roughead of the Bulldogs contest the ruck during the round 18 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] Fremantle Need: The Dockers desperately need some midfield class and some pace to break the lines, Ross Lyon addressed it somewhat with getting Brad Hill but the Dockers need another with his ability. Who?: Tim Kelly This one seems pretty obvious, with it being reported Kelly could look to return home to be with his family and is the exact player the Dockers need in order to get better. [caption id="attachment_23154" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Tim Kelly of the Cats celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 3, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane Need: With an exciting group of youngsters, the Lions could use with an experienced player still in their prime to help bolster this up and coming team. Another area Brisbane can improve is its second forward next to Eric Hipwood. Who?: Lachie Neale The Fremantle star has been strongly linked to the Lions recently and should he make the journey cross-country, the Lions would have one of the best midfields in the competition, provided they keep Dayne Beams. [caption id="attachment_23259" align="alignnone" width="696"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Lachie Neale of the Dockers looks to handball during the round 21 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] St. Kilda Need: This season more than ever showed the Saints problems lie with their ball use, crippling the side both around the ground and in front of goal. The Saints should be targeting elite ball users or forwards with it becoming very clear that they are unsure of who their best key forward is. Who?: Andrew Gaff Another who is rumoured to be headed back to Melbourne, Gaff's ball winning ability combined with his use is something the Saints are crying out for. [caption id="attachment_23758" align="alignnone" width="696"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Andrew Gaff of the Eagles passes the ball during the round 20 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on August 5, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Need: The Suns need experience to guide their young side through this difficult time, similarly to how Luke Hodge has helped in Brisbane. That plus any mature age players they can get their hands on. Who?: Brendon Goddard Goddard has hinted that leaving Essendon will not be the end of his career and would be a perfect leader for the Suns. [caption id="attachment_23068" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Brendon Goddard of the Bombers in action during the 2018 AFL round 12 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Essendon Bombers at The Gabba on June 10, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Carlton Need: Besides anything and everything? The Blues should try and recruit some talent that has been in the system and not those who have been delisted. Their midfield stocks are deplorable however appear set to add to their forward line with Mitch McGovern almost a guarantee. Who?: Dylan Shiel Carlton are still in the Shiel race and would need to do something drastic to get him. The GWS gun would be a much needed addition to a young midfield. [caption id="attachment_24090" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Dylan Shiel of the Giants looks dejected after losing the AFL Semi Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption]

			P	W	L	PTS	%
1		CARL	0	0	0	0	0
2		ESS	0	0	0	0	0
3		WB	0	0	0	0	0
4		GEEL	0	0	0	0	0
5		ADEL	0	0	0	0	0
6		MELB	0	0	0	0	0
7		FRE	0	0	0	0	0
8		WCE	0	0	0	0	0
9		GWS	0	0	0	0	0
10		HAW	0	0	0	0	0

What every team needs this off-season

Who should your club be targeting to get better?

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