A new AFL season is on the horizon, the 129th rendition of it to be exact.
Over the offseason we’ve seen many trades and moves, whether it be for players or draft picks that each team will hope can either propel them further from last season, or give them a fresh reset with the cost a few places places for the long term future.
I’ve compiled who I think will benefit and suffer from these offseason moves the most, with five clubs most likely to rise or fall in 2025.
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FALL– Sydney Swans
The Swannies unfortunately had a few important outgoings this year, including gritty midfielder Luke Parker and coach John Longmire, replaced by assistant coach and former West Coast premiership player Dean Cox.
Swans coach Dean Cox. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
They still have a star-studded and young roster, with draft additions, especially Jesse Dattoli, a mid/forward with good football IQ and vision.
It will likely take a season to properly implement, and even see if Cox’s plans are right for this club moving forward.
RISE– Hawthorn Hawks
Hawthorn will look to improve on their seventh place finish last season with two studded new trade additions in Tom Barass and Josh Battle as well as two draft picks, Noah Mraz at pick 35 and Cody Anderson at pick 64.
With the continued work Sam Mitchell is consistently improving this side each year.
Last year they were able to make the semifinals for the first time since 2018.
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This would imply that they are well on their way to ensure a top-four finish.
FALL– Richmond Tigers
When you trade away four players who helped you win the premiership a few years ago, with a fairly young manager in Adam Yze, you know you’re in for a rough ride.
However, eight first-round picks inside the top 24, including top prospects like Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie, are certainly hope for the future.
They could definitely spring some surprises this year against unmotivated sides but I wouldn’t pick any high finishes for them.
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RISE– Adelaide Crows
The Crows have only added to their side, which was unlucky to miss the finals last year.
Alex Neal-Bullen, Isaac Cummings and James Peatling join the side from Melbourne and GWS respectively with experience in finals, which the Crows haven’t enjoyed since they were battered in the 2017 Grand Final.
They drafted local superstar, Sid Draper with the fourth pick, whose speed and clean catching ability will be a great addition in a midfield that has fantastic contest and clearance winners with the likes of Matt Crouch and Sam Berry.
With these additions, I believe they could finish well within the top eight and snap the seven-year streak of not appearing in the finals.
The Bombers look dejected. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
FALL– Essendon Bombers
Essendon, the famed club for not winning a finals game for the last 20 seasons might be on their way to making it a 21st season without.
Essendon did play well last year and looked to be improving under Brad Scott.
But a second half of the season collapse that saw them drop from second to finishing 12th place has raised questions about the short term future of the club.
Worse news came in the off season for bombers fan as they traded their top goalkicker Jake Stringer for Pick 53.
They did draft small forward Isaac Kako who will hopefully develop chemistry with Gresham and Langford.
I estimate another year without a finals win – and would be surprised with a finals appearance.