Ahead of the JLT series and the up and coming season we've analysed each club and highlighted who is feeling a little pressure going into the season.
Adelaide: Tex Walker
His reaction to the Jake Lever trade and the Grand Final loss raised many eyebrows around the footy world and with recent calls to make Rory Sloane the captain, 2018 shapes as a big year for Tex. He is a two-time AFLPA captain of the year, but it has still had many people questioning his leadership after last years Grand Final loss.
Brisbane: Allen Christensen
He performed well in the recently trialled AFLX, Christensen faces a big year in 2018. He’s been injury plagued since his arrival at the Lions in 2015, having only played 33 games in three seasons. If he can get over his collarbone injury, that has sidelined him for 18 months, he could start to repay the faith that saw him traded for pick 21 in the draft in 2015.
Carlton: Levi Casboult
His goal kicking worries continue to haunt him, but we did see an improved effort in 2017. He'll again shoulder the load in the forward line this season, but at 27, he's in his prime, so he needs to deliver in front of the big sticks.
Collingwood: Jordan De Goey
Do we need to explain this any further after last week’s indiscretions? De Goey knows he made a mistake and he desperately needs to prove himself to his coaches and players.
Essendon: Jake Stringer
His speed and eye for goal was at his mercurial best in 2016, but 2017 was a year to forget on and off the field for the ex-Bulldog. He found himself at a new club and with word that he’s set for more midfield minutes after a solid preseason, he's in desperate need to repay the faith shown by Essendon.
Fremantle: Harley Bennell
His constant indiscretions off field and persistent calf issues may mean we might not see the best of Bennell again. If he can get fit and stay out of trouble the sky is limit with his talent. Many experts are writing him off putting more pressure on Bennell to perform and play some games this year.
Geelong: Daniel Menzel
Although Ablett will be under a lot of pressure due to the expectation placed on his return to Geelong, Daniel Menzel is also under a lot of pressure to perform after he tested free agency after he failed to get a multi-year deal at the Cats. He accepted a one-year contract at the Cats in the end, and he needs to perform to justify that he's worth a lot more.
Gold Coast: Tom Lynch
He’s the captain of the club, he’s the clubs leading goal kicker and he’s out of contract! If that doesn't scream under pressure I don't know what does. He'll be heavily relied upon this year in the forward half, whilst also battling with the media pressure about his contract all year, after he delayed contract negotiations earlier on in the year.
GWS: Brett Deledio and Ryan Griffen
We couldn't split the two, Griffen has only played 18 times in two years at the Giants after his high profile move and Deledio only played the seven games last year. Yet to justify to the Giants as to why they recruited them, both Griffen and Deledio have become so important to the club this season considering who has departed the club last year.
