For half of the competition, the 2025 AFL season is over. And the harsh reality is their seasons were failures.

Of course, some will be happier with how their seasons went, but they all failed to make the finals. And that means changes must be made for 2026.

Here’s how they all got here, and what they need to do in the off-season to ensure there’s no sad repeat next year in Fox Footy’s Brutal Reviews!

Watch the best coverage of the 2025 AFL finals series, including every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

10. SYDNEY SWANS (12-11, 97%)

Three word analysis

Early dive costly

What went right

The last three months. While they ultimately left their run too late, the Swans finished their 2025 campaign with an impressive surge, winning eight of their final 10 games to finish with a positive win-loss ratio (12-11). Overall, the Swans revived their coalface identity, ranking fifth for clearances and sixth for both points from clearances and first possessions. Ruck Brodie Grundy played a major role in that, rediscovering his best form to put himself right in the mix for a third All-Australian blazer. Isaac Heeney was, at times, unstoppable, starring as a genuine forward-mid in one of his best seasons yet. Elsewhere, Sam Wicks thrived in a new defensive role, Angus Sheldrick and Jack Buller emerged as strong options late in the season and Nick Blakey found his rhythm with some explosive performances off halfback. Chad Warner shunned big rival club interest to re-sign with Sydney in one of the big contract coups of the season – and seemed to play better after the burden had been lifted.

Gulden reflects on ‘disappointing’ 2025 | 02:07

What went wrong

The first three months. Sydney’s 2025 campaign essentially ended in Round 12 when it suffered a horror 90-point loss to Adelaide at the SCG, which saw Dean Cox’s side sink to 4-8. At that point, they looked like a shadow of the side that claimed the 2024 minor premiership and made the Grand Final, particularly from a defensive perspective. In a year where the top nine teams quickly separated themselves from the bottom-half of the ladder, it was always going to be hard for the Swans to recover quickly and effectively enough to make the top eight. Some would argue the Swans’ slow start were either scarred by the horror Grand Final loss to Brisbane, or the late-year coaching handover from John Longmire to Cox threw them. Another excuse that’s probably easier to grasp was their early-season injury toll, with the likes of Callum Mills, Errol Gulden, Tom Papley and Harry Cunningham all missing half a season, while Joel Amartey managed just eight games and Logan McDonald didn’t get on the park at all. Also, the experiment to send Tom McCartin forward early in the season backfired big time, while Ollie Florent’s form dipped to the point where he was on the outer of the best 23 late in the year. Overall, Sydney was nowhere near the offensive threat it was compared to 2024. The Swans last year were the AFL’s No.1 team for points for, scores per inside 50 and points from turnovers – yet they sunk to rankings of 12th, 13th and 12th in those three respective categories.

What they need

The Swans have been tipped to be big, busy players in the trade space come October, yet it feels like they only need to top up in the arcs to truly complete their list. They’re clearly in the market for a key forward, with both Charlie Curnow and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan both strongly linked to the club throughout the season, with Curnow now seen as the club’s No.1 priority despite being linked to Carlton until the end of the 2029 season. While it remains unlikely, landing Curnow would be an almighty coup for the Swans and would mirror their past success of luring the likes of Tony Lockett, Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin to the club. At the other end of the field, the Swans could do with another intercept defender, considering Dane Rampe is in the twilight of his career and the Swans averaged the fifth-fewest intercept marks of any side this season.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(10pm): Every year, there’s a team that jumps from the bottom 10 to the four. For many pundits, the Swans will be the team most likely to make that jump in 2026. With an extra month of pre-season, a full summer under Cox and a young – and hopefully healthy – list to work with, the Swans appear primed for a rise up the ladder. Landing a player like Curnow would only boost those chances. Although a lot can change between now and Round 1 next year…

Season grade

C-

— Ben Waterworth

Cox “confident” ahead of 2026 | 09:13

11. CARLTON (9-14, 96.7%)

Three word analysis

Deja Blue letdown

What went right

For all the doom and gloom around Carlton’s disappointing drop off in 2025, one part of its game that was really sound — and has been an issue previously — was the defence. Particularly in the first half of the season, with the Blues ranked No. 4 in the competition in points against, No. 5 in score per inside 50 and No. 2 in chain to score against over the opening 14 rounds. So long as Jacob Weitering is anchoring that back six, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to reproduce that again next year in a key component of any contender. Nick Haynes was one of the more underrated pickups too in adding another interceptor and shoring up that defence. It was the other end of the ground that didn’t click for Michael Voss’ side, though that was largely a by-product of their poor ball use. While the rest of Carlton’s midfield was up and down, George Hewett produced a career-best season as the club’s likely best and fairest winner. Meanwhile, Tom De Koning, who, despite appearing set for a move to St Kilda, was playing to the level of a genuine A-grade ruckman in the first half of the season. The Blues got a good look at their list late in the season once they’d packed it in, with Ashton Moir and Cooper Lord among their young crop to show promising signs.

Blues end season on high against Bombers | 01:41

What went wrong

It felt like everything after half-time of their Round 1 loss to Richmond in a fadeout that set the tone for their season. But even before that, Carlton had a less than ideal pre-season after Nic Newman and prized Pick 3 draftee Jagga Smith were both struck down with season-ending injuries. Player availability — or a lack thereof — was another unfortunate theme in Carlton’s season as the likes of Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra, Jack Silvagni, Elijah Hollands all missed key stretches and a lack of continuity made it hard to build cohesion. The Blues’ ball movement and lack of punish, which is so vital in the modern game, was among the worst sides in the competition, with the club ranked No. 14 in the league in intercept to score, No. 15 in halfback to score and No. 15 in score per inside 50. That just won’t cut it for a team that had high ambitions to go deep in September. It’s both a question on the personnel and coaching, with the club’s contest heavy, bash and crash style outdated. Carlton’s lacklustre form led to intense pressure coming on Voss in what turned into a distraction, though the club committed to its senior coach for 2026 and axed footy boss Brad Lloyd in the first major change to the footy department. While Francis Evans had a great end to the season, none of their other small forwards stood up. Plus most of their star core — and even their middle tier — had down seasons even when they were on the park.

Which Blues players are on the way out? | 02:55

What they need

Continuing on the small forward theme, it’s probably the one position where the club doesn’t have elite, reliable talent who can create goals out of nothing. In fact, the Blues didn’t have a single player rated inside the top 45 general forwards to qualify this season. They’ve been linked to Liam Ryan, but he seems more likely to join St Kilda. A player like Bobby Hill, if he were to be available, would be perfect. Someone who can kick goals but also has leg speed to help with their ball movement. More outside speed and polished ball users should also be a priority, but that doesn’t necessarily have to come externally, with the smooth moving Jagga Smith to be a welcome return. It’s worth noting that while the club doesn’t have its first-round pick, it will get free agency compensation selections if Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni depart, to potentially use as trade capital. However their biggest priorities with those picks are likely to be father-son related, with Harry Dean (the son of Peter) arguably the top key defender in the 2025 class, Cody Walker (the son of Andrew) a No.1 pick contender for 2026. They need points to match early bids for both and perhaps an injection of youth would help freshen the side up as much as adding players from rival clubs. The club doesn’t necessarily need to explore moves for any more senior players beyond De Koning and Silvagni, unless it wants to get real bold in reshaping the list.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(7:30pm): The Blues took a step backwards this year, that can’t be denied. But there’s still enough high-end talent on the list and the core of a side that made a preliminary final 24 months ago, so you can see a world where they bounce back next year — in some shape or form. Still, a list that once looked bound for success clearly has holes. So it’s hard to get a good read on where the Blues are at given they were supposed to be contending for flags right now but were a ways off that in 2025. Voss will likely go into 2026 as the coach most under pressure, so we’ll find out just how much this group is invested in the Brisbane Lions champion as their leader. New chief executive Graham Wright has a proven track record in helping cultivate successful environments, so the club is in good hands there.

Season grade

D

— Ben Cotton

‘We could’ve given the season away’ | 14:57

12. ST KILDA (9-14, 88.5%)

Three word analysis

Biggest win? Nas!

What went right

The Saints had maybe their biggest win last week since those deep finals runs under Ross Lyon all those years ago. Only it was off the field. Securing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s future, if only for two more years, was, realistically, the most important thing that could’ve happened to the club this year. That followed his superstar rise to becoming one of the best players in the competition, underlined by that heroic game-winning performance against Melbourne. A Saints future with/without ‘Nas’ largely dictates how you view their prospects moving forward, with the club now set to be aggressive in adding talent around their most talented player since Nick Riewoldt. Beyond Wanganeen-Milera, we’re starting to see a promising young core with the likes of Max Hall, who came from nowhere, Marcus Windhager, who might get squeezed out as rivals circle, Mitch Owens, Darcy Wilson, Mattaes Phillipou, Hugo Garcia, Hugh Boxshall, Alix Tauru and Toby Travaglia. For all the criticism of Ross Lyon’s game plan, the Saints after the bye ranked No. 4 in the AFL in intercept to score and No. 1 in halfback to score, which reflects a style in line with the modern game. It made for encouraging form on the run home as a danger team. Lyon’s men won four of their last five games and challenged multiple finals sides including nearly upsetting GWS on the road in their last game.

What went wrong

Having no Max King for the entire season was as disastrous as it gets due to ongoing issues with the forward’s knee. Fresh off signing a monster extension last year until 2032, the Saints will hope the 25-year old can get his body right in 2026 and get back to his best form as one of their most important players. Mattaes Phillipou, who started to really blossom last year, also had a shocking injury run, limiting the 20-year old to only seven games. St Kilda was simply too patchy across the season — capable of beating teams like Geelong, but also being the only side to lose to the Eagles — including a costly run where the Saints won just one game from Rounds 5 to 11. It was largely due to the Saints’ defence at times being as leaky as it ever has under the usually disciplined Lyon sides. That included the club conceding its most ever points for (89.7) and points against from clearance (35.2) under Lyon across both his Saints tenures as well as their third-worst return in score per inside against (47 per cent) under the veteran coach. There were rumblings late in the season of player unrest behind the scenes due to the club’s aggressive big-money plays for rival players. It didn’t impact performance, even though there could yet be fallout.

Is TDK a $1.7m a year player? | 03:31

What they need

Fair to say a bit of everything right now in a list that still needs some work. But adding another key defender should be the priority, and clearly is with the club set to land Leek Aleer. St Kilda conceded the fifth-most goals to opposition key forwards this season, so putting Aleer next to Callum Wilkie and Alix Tauru, should he stay in defence, will help straighten them up. According to the Saints, Tom De Koning is their biggest need, with the club tabling the Blues free agent a historic $1.7 million-a-season deal in a player they’ve long sought after and a move that seems a fait accompli. If the Saints can retain Rowan Marshall, the pair could prove to be a potent ruck-forward duo. But Marshall’s future appearances uncertain, despite being contracted, amid links to Geelong. The Saints are also firming to land Liam Ryan, which would give them another dangerous aerial threat inside 50 and creative forward. They could also use more speed, class and explosion through the midfield, but so could many clubs.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(5pm): A club that’s still building and feels at least another couple of years away from making any sort of meaningful run. Again, any team with a player of Wanganeen-Milera’s talent has hope and a bona fide match winner on any given day. That will count for a lot when this club returns to the September stage. And with the Saints set to be busy this off-season in bolstering their list through trade and free agency, the arrow seems to be pointing in the right direction as the club’s young core continues to develop.

Season grade

C

— Ben Cotton

Lyon proud of spirit but lots to work on | 06:40

13. PORT ADELAIDE (9-14, 79.8%)

Three word analysis

Painful Ken ending

What went right

For the fourth year running, the Power’s pressure rating finished the home-and-away season ranked inside the top six. It’s a metric that has been heavily invested in by outgoing coach Ken Hinkley particularly at the back end of his tenure. In other words, is a very accurate indicator as to how hard they’ve tried all year. The revelation that was Miles Bergman in the midfield has added a major string to the bow of incoming coach Josh Carr for 2026, and by extension, his new two-year deal at Alberton was a major coup as a player who was widely seen as a very good chance to move back home to Victoria. Unsurprisingly, Zak Butters and Connor Rozee were also at their very best for the vast majority of the season – as the latter flourished in a halfback role that began in Gather Round. As a result of all their injuries, the mid-season draft enabled the Power to enlist a number of young guns they wouldn’t have otherwise. Mani Liddy impressed in his nine games at AFL level this year, while Harrison Ramm and Ewan Mackinley – who both debuted in Round 24 – have been very good in the SANFL since being picked up by the club. And how could you forget Mitch Georgiades? The key forward kicked a career-best 58 goals to round out the top five of this year’s Coleman Medal in a breakout year.

‘I didn’t think we had any chance!’ | 13:45

What went wrong

There were several tough losses at Alberton across the 2025 season, and one of them started before the season even began. Hinkley’s coaching handover with assistant coach Josh Carr has, in hindsight, been nothing short of a disaster. In February, the club will have been praying for one last premiership tilt under their coach of 13 years. Instead, it turned into a car crash season. It was the worst year under Hinkley since he began in 2013, as it was for stat lines such as points for and against, points from turnover differential, contested possession differential, clearance differential and inside 50 differential. It’s important to note that the ceiling on the Power was largely lowered due to their crippling injury list throughout the season, as the likes of star recruit Jack Lukosius, Sam Powell-Pepper and Jason Horne-Francis – just to name a few – sat out large parts of the season. Unfortunately, the gaping hole left by Dan Houston at the end of last year wasn’t filled anywhere near as well as some will have hoped. Ultimately, Kane Farrell assumed his role but didn’t give the Power as much run-and-dash as Houston had, while Josh Sinn’s expected rise as a rebounding defender didn’t quite come this year.

What they need

A second gun key defender would work wonders for the Power in 2026 and beyond. Aliir Aliir has been very good for a long time now, but at 31 next season, will be heading into the twilight years of his career. Esava Ratugolea was in red-hot form before his season-ending hamstring injury, and it remains to be seen if his output will become the norm or was just a flash-in-the-pan. Their midfield is star-studded, and their key tall stocks are solid and shows plenty of promise between Mitch Georgiades, Jack Lukosius and Ollie Lord – as well as the injured Todd Marshall who didn’t feature in 2025. Willie Rioli’s output as a small forward dropped off considerably this year, and was worryingly the only player besides Georgiades to kick 20 or more goals (27). The Power were ranked 17th for groundball gets inside forward 50 this season, often finding themselves tackling and chasing rather than getting to a loose ball before their opposition.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(6.30pm): It’s a very tricky time to read on the Alberton clock in something of a transitional period. For years, they’ve shot themselves to a preliminary final – but their drop-off in 2025 is well-documented, and makes it very hard to work out where they stand. Are they still contending, or rebuilding on the fly? The retention of Zak Butters next year could be key to their fortunes for the next half a decade, but if their list returns to a full bill of health, they should be back in finals contention at the least. It would take a lot to see them contend for the flag so soon, but their emerging, but seasoned, core group of players is as good as any in the competition.

Season grade

D

— Will Faulkner

Port farewell Hinkley with win over Suns | 00:54

14. MELBOURNE (7-16, 93.3%)

Three word analysis

Goodwin era over

What went right

The Demons improved their forward 50 connection after a dire first two months of the season. From Rounds 0-9, they ranked a lowly 16th for score-per-inside-50 rate. But after Round 10, the Dees promisingly climbed to third in the same metric, suggesting the mid-season changes made by Simon Goodwin were starting to pay dividends. Part of that rectified connection was their chain-to-score rate, which went from 14th to third in the competition in the same aforementioned periods. And since Round 10, Melbourne was one of the best punishment sides in the league, ranking third for intercept-to-score rate; exhibiting their ability to transition threateningly after forcing opposition turnovers. There are reasons to be optimistic about the trajectory of their game style, but it’s now a matter of which direction the new senior coach decides to take it. In terms of personnel, Harvey Langford has been a bright spot in his first season, playing 22 of a possible 23 games; plying his trade as an inside midfielder, an outside ball-getter and a scoreboard threat at times. Daniel Turner’s switch from attack to defence has paid dividends and provided hope for the long-term future of Melbourne’s defence, while the career resurgence of Jake Melksham up forward is one that most wouldn’t have seen coming. Locking down Kysaiah Pickett’s signature was massive after he seemed bound for a move west. And inspirational skipper Max Gawn continues to be the glue that holds these Demons together, no matter how much turmoil develops.

What went wrong

Well, the coach was sacked, and the only coach axing in 2025. That certainly didn’t help the cause, particularly as it looked like Simon Goodwin had been able to flip the switch on the Dees’ game style. In any case, Goodwin’s dismissal signalled the end of an era and final domino to fall in what has now been numerous years of club tumult since it triumphed in the 2021 grand final. Now, all eyes are on list management and the fates of the likes of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. While Melbourne made strides offensively and in terms of its counterpunch ability in transition, it uncharacteristically had one of its poorest defensive campaigns in some time. The Dees’ 88.9 average points conceded was their worst output since 2019, while their score-per-inside-50 against rate was 49 per cent; their worst since 2016. And to cap it off, the club’s pressure rating of just 175 this year was their worst output in a season on record. It came in a sign-of-the-times campaign where long-time pillars Steven May and Jake Lever — who are edging closer to the end — combined for just 23 games played.

Chaplin positive despite loss to Pies | 03:40

What they need

First and foremost, a coach. The club is currently in the process of picking Simon Goodwin’s successor, with Nathan Buckley being touted as the frontrunner. Also a more established key forward. Desperately. And while it’s not as if they haven’t tried, the Dees haven’t been able to lure a big name to help turn the tide of this narrative. This season, to Round 23, the Demons scored a combined 72 goals from key forwards Melksham, Harrison Petty, Jacob van Rooyen, Matthew Jefferson and Aidan Johnson; the sixth-fewest of any side this year. That simply has to change next season. The Demons desperately need van Rooyen to take a significant step in 2026, after a meandering campaign in which he kicked a disappointing 15 goals from 15 games. If Melbourne could key a key forward like Harry McKay — a player the club has been linked to — that could really help straighten the Demons up ahead of the ball. But the Dees don’t have their 2025 first-round pick, so if they did want to hard on the trade market, they’d need to get creative.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(5pm): Melbourne was the sixth-most experienced team this year with an average of 73.3 games played, and the third-oldest at an average 25.2 years of age. The demographic suggests it is in a window where it should be competing near the top end — a sentiment that Goodwin preached multiple times following his official dismissal. Their profile and the quality of up-and-comers on the list suggests the Demons should be thereabouts in terms of finals contention and will be in the mix of clubs talked about as potential leapers in 2026.

Season grade

D

— Jack Jovanovski

15. ESSENDON (6-16, 71.8% with one game left)

Three word analysis

Injury list hell

What went right

The start of the season was decent, winning six of their first 10 games where they impressed with their contested ball and clearance. Amid big personnel adversity, the Bombers at least were able to explore the depth and talent of their list this year. They named a whopping 15 debutants – the most ever recorded by an AFL team, outside of the expansion clubs. Four of them came via the mid-season draft, with Lachie Blakiston, Liam McMahon and Archer May all showing promise at various stages. NGA graduate Isaac Kako was a strong contributor in tough circumstances, booting 14 goals from a full allotment of 22 games, while Angus Clarke provided a spark off the wing. One of Essendon’s big winners this year was Archie Roberts, who’s in the Rising Star conversation ahead of Brownlow night. Roberts has averaged more disposals than any eligible Rising Star player, impressing with his composure and intercept ability off halfback. Skipper Zach Merrett also had another cracking season, averaging 27.8 disposals to again put himself in the conversation.

Which Dons players are on the way out | 02:23

What went wrong

A season from hell for the Bombers’ strength and conditioning team. They were behind the eight-ball early, with the likes of Tom Edwards, Nick Bryan, Sam Draper, Harry Jones all going down with season-ending injuries in the opening few rounds. Then it got worse. Zach Reid wax put in cotton wool after a promising start to the season, before Ben McKay and Jordan Ridley joined him on the sidelines, so the Bombers’ backline always seemed undermanned. Amid the season-ending blows, the likes of Darcy Parish, Nate Caddy and Nic Martin also experienced interruptions. The injury disaster meant the Bombers, at times, looked like a VFL team, struggling in several key areas. They averaged just 67.7 points per game, while their points from turnover differential was -19.2 – both metrics the Bombers’ worst since 2016. Their ability to move the ball and defend ball movement was also an issue, with opposition teams producing an inside 50 from a rebound 50 29 per cent of the time – Essendon’s worst result since 2010. There was also frustration that the likes of Xavier Duursma, Jade Gresham, Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs struggled to step up this year.

What they need

A change of injury luck would help! From a list perspective, they desperately need more midfield depth – ideally another star player to compliment Zach Merrett. Harley Reid would be handy … but it sounds like other rival clubs might be in a stronger position to lure him, should he opt to leave West Coast. The Bombers could also do with some classy ball users. They were one of two clubs this season to not have a top-50 kick in the competition, according to Champion Data’s kick rating. But ultimately, the Bombers’ list has a strong foundation – they just need their best players to stay out on the park.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(3pm): If the Bombers had endured a better injury run this season, it’s unlikely they would’ve finished in the bottom four. But as coach Brad Scott eluded to on AFL 360 earlier in the season, the Bombers are essentially rebuilding on the run, evident by their decision to attack the draft hard this year with two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Scott declared at the time: “I was very strong when I came in that if we’re going to do this, we need to build it through the draft.” So if that’s Scott’s attitude and that’s the draft hand Essendon has this year, the Bombers are still a couple of years away from contending.

Season grade

F

— Ben Waterworth

Scott rues 12th consecutive defeat | 10:40

16. NORTH MELBOURNE (5-17-1, 76.3%)

Three word analysis

Rebuilding take longer

What went right

Whether or not supporters and pundits want to admit it, Alastair Clarkson has indeed forged progress with this side in his third year in charge. Five wins and a draw this year exceeded the three victories in each of his first two seasons at the helm, and in the games they’ve won or looked competitive, to the eye it’s clear this group is starting to play a brand of footy that’s conducive to winning games. In terms of method, stoppage continues to be a key strength for Clarkson’s brigade. This year, the Kangaroos ranked fourth in the competition for points from clearances and sixth for clearance differential. Natural progression should see Paul Curtis become an A-grade centre-forward next year and beyond, having virtually played at All-Australian level this year. Second-year speedster Colby McKercher, once he was thrown back to the half-backline, exhibited the line-breaking speed, dare and precision that was characteristic of his draft year — and prototypical of the sort of players that modern-day coaches crave. And you’d have to say that Luke Parker and Jack Darling have earned passes in their first years as Roos; lending helping hands to their youthful counterparts as Clarkson continues to try and instil a certain discipline in his squad. Charlie Comben is a long-term key pillar in defence, while Tristan Xerri will soon claim the mantle of best ruckman in the AFL and Harry Sheezel is a bona fide star. The building blocks are there.

Clarko on encouraging signs for 2026 | 13:21

What went wrong

Similar to how clearance continues to be a strong suit, defending the opposition remains a glaring flaw for this side. Throughout his four years in charge, Clarkson hasn’t managed to guide his squad to better than a 17th-place finish for points against — where the Roos again ranked this season. They were also 17th for score-per-inside-50 against, 16th for points against from turnover, and 15th for defending ball movement. It should be noted, though, that North Melbourne had ranked dead-last for defending ball movement in each of Clarkson’s first three seasons, so to improve to 15th is notable. It’s the area that’s really holding this team back and why this rebuild is taking longer than expected. If the club is serious about making a legitimate leap next year, it should ponder the names it trots out in defence alongside Comben and not make Griffin Logue, Toby Pink and Aidan Corr automatic walk ups. And George Wardlaw, who arguably has the most upside of any player on their list, continued to be hampered by injuries, with the former Pick 4 playing 13 games after 18 in 2024 and eight in 2023.

What they need

An experienced key defender. And ideally more than one. Only one Kangaroos backman — burgeoning stopper Charlie Comben — rated above average or better for intercept possessions this season, exhibiting the need for some help next to him. Someone tried and tested, such as Melbourne premiership player Jake Lever — who is contracted but could seek greener pastures — could be an option during the player movement period. And not only would that help Comben, but it would also fast-track the development of the likes of Wil Dawson and Matt Whitlock. Of course, North doesn’t have its first-round pick this year following last year’s trade with Richmond.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(3pm): The Roos have made slight progress, but most fans would have come into the season expecting a bigger leap than they’ve made. So, while they edge somewhat closer to contention, they don’t figure to be in or near the mix next season, unless we see substantial improvement defending their goals.

Season grade

C-

— Jack Jovanovski

17. RICHMOND (5-18, 66%)

Three word analysis

Better than expected

What went right

Some suggested Richmond wouldn’t win a game, or at least very few as one of the wooden spoon favourites. Yet the Tigers claimed five victories — four more than West Coast. Adem Yze sure blooded young talent in a youthful exuberance at Tigerland and reason for excitement. Richmond was the league’s least-experienced side based on average games played this year (52.7), while its average age was 23.9 years; the fourth-youngest in the competition behind only North Melbourne, West Coast and Essendon. Of Richmond’s eight draftees from last November, all but No.7 pick Josh Smillie got a taste of AFL this year. Luke Trainor played 21 games, Jonty Faull played 16, Sam Lalor and Tom Sims 11, Harry Armstrong 8, Taj Hotton 7, and Jasper Alger 4. Yze’s Punt Road tenure will be judged largely on how he’s able to develop and utilise last year’s draft class, and it’s clear that the likes of Lalor, Faull and Hotton in particular have bright AFL futures. And as it pertains to on-field progress, as much as the Tigers had to cope most weeks with barrages of forward entries, towards the end of their campaign, they actually stood up well behind the ball. Across the last six rounds, Richmond sat ninth for points against, seventh for score-per-inside-50 against, and eighth for points against from turnover, while Nick Vlaustin produced an All-Australian caliber season.

Yze proud of response to poor 1st half | 05:59

What went wrong

Richmond’s midfield combinations were problematic all season, as it sought to occasionally inject more pace into a core mix that is generally one-paced. Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Dion Prestia were the most frequent centre-bounce attendees, and while Hopper is capable of being explosive from stoppage, they all lack overall speed and have the tendency to slouch when it comes to charging back in defensive transition. This year, Richmond ranked 17th for clearance differential, 17th for points from clearance differential, and 16th for contested possession differential. Forward stability is another thing the Tigers will look to improve on next year, with leading spearhead Tom Lynch missing seven games. Meanwhile Noah Balta, who had a tumultuous season, continued to be swung between attack and defence — neither of which helped young talls Faull, Sims and Armstrong in getting comfortable at the top level. For all the excitement of the youth coming through, it’d be fair to say they still relied on their stalwarts for the most part.

What they need

The Tigers would benefit greatly from a two-way midfielder — one who runs both ways — after conceding the third-most goals to opposition midfielders this season. And while they haven’t been one of the teams recently reported as in pursuit of him, out-of-contract Saints midfielder Marcus Windhager is a player in that aforementioned mould. They need Sam Lalor to be free of soft-tissue injuries in year two after showing tantalising glimpses in his rookie season, and they need fellow top-10 pick Josh Smillie to get on the park after he failed to make his senior debut this year. As the playing group buys more into Yze’s style of play, it’d be fair to expect another jump in 2026 — 6-8 wins isn’t out of the realm of possibility if their veterans stay healthy and their up-and-comers continue to take strides.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(2pm): The Tigers took another step in year two under Yze, and it means they’re one step closer to returning to contention. Winning five games was something very few pundits expected of Richmond this year, and its crop of exciting 2024 draftees should continue to inspire hope in the club’s fans that another era of premiership contention isn’t as far away as some might think.

Season grade

B

— Jack Jovanovski

18. WEST COAST EAGLES (1-22, 60.1%)

Three word analysis

Pray for compo

What went right

In the worst season in West Coast’s history, the Eagles have found a genuine back in young gun Reuben Ginbey. While the 20-year-old was somehow denied a place in the AFL’s 22 under 22 squad, Ginbey has regularly given up height and size against the biggest forwards in the competition – and come up trumps, especially when you consider the sheer volume of ball coming his way. Mid-season recruit Tom McCarthy proved himself on the AFL stage – joining the likes of Nick Daicos, Sam Walsh, Toby Greene and Harry Sheezel in stats for the most disposals in their first eight games (since 1999). Young Jobe Shanahan looks the man to replace Oscar Allen – who is all but reportedly out the door at West Coast. Shanahan kicked seven goals in the final three games of the year to stand out in attack. Defender Harry Edwards also showed plenty of promise in the wake of Tom Barrass (Hawks) and Jeremy McGovern’s (AFL-forced retired) swift departures. It’s also worth noting that under coach Andrew McQualter, the Eagles were ranked 5th in the AFL for metres by hand in evidence of the type of game style the club is trying to implement. And there were signs of improvement with West Coast rising to 11th and 8th respectively in their final 11 games for defensive 50 to inside 50 and half back to inside 50 stats. The Eagles were so bad in 2025 that they are likely to receive AFL draft compensation in a much-needed boost for a club in the doldrums.

McQualter sums up tough 2025 season | 09:38

What went wrong

West Coast became the only team in AFL history to post a 22-loss season, and the first team since GWS back in 2013 to record a single-win campaign. Andrew McQualter’s first year in charge was a dismal one, with the club managing just 19 individual quarter wins – down from 26 when they finished third-last in 2024. Before he was shown the door, ex-coach Adam Simpson warned it would get worse before it got better at the Eagles. And that statement rang true in a 2025 campaign that featured 12 losses of more than 40 points. Only the nine-point Round 23 loss to ladder leaders Adelaide showed glimpses for the future against a top eight side. The Oscar Allen controversy derailed the club’s season early, with the club co-captain forced to front up to the media to issue an apology after he was caught meeting with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell. Allen would go on to play just nine more games before his 2025 season was cut short by injury. Jeremy McGovern’s concussion-forced retirement mid-season was a massive loss for the club, at a time they’d already been dealing with the exit of Tom Barrass. Statistics show the club is the AFL’s worst for intercept to score, clearance to score and scores per inside 50 while they were ranked second worst for halfback to score.

What they need

This list could take a while …. So we’ll go with a summary version. They need Elliot Yeo fit. Harley Reid can’t do it on his own. Reid threw his weight around, but while still a teen his body can only take so much as an inside mid. Tim Kelly found form at the end of the season, so they need him to replicate that going into 2026. There’s also the likes of big-bodied mid Dyson Sharp looming in the upcoming draft where the Eagles hold an impressive hand. A fit Jake Waterman would make a massive difference to an Eagles attack end that ranked only ahead of Richmond for points scored this season. Could West Coast put a call in to West Aussie Jack Buller at the Swans? With Oscar Allen all but out the door, the out-of-contract 24-year-old could be a handy pick up if Sydney can snare a big name forward for themselves. A key defender is also needed to bolster a leaky defence that’s been forced to rely heavily on 20-year-old Reuben Ginbey. And as always with West Coast, a big name ruck would solve plenty of headaches for Andrew McQualter. Bailey Williams and Matt Flynn ended up playing in the same side late in the season, but that’s not sustainable long-term. The last touch rule could ease the Eagles’ ruck headache – but not completely solve it. Given they’re likely to head to the draft armed with picks 1 and 2 (from an Oscar Allen compensation) and Hawthorn’s first rounder (from the deal for Barrass), the Eagles have quite the arsenal to play with this off-season.

What time is it on the premiership clock?

(1pm): Forget the premiership clock – the Eagles just need to get out of the bottom three for the first time in five seasons. Finishes in 17th, 18th, 16th and 18th have left this proud club “rusted to the bottom”, according to Fox Footy’s David King. Three-time Jack Riewoldt said it was “unacceptable” to have an Eagles outfit finishing the season with a percentage of just 60. “They can’t have these dead rubbers.” If West Coast can get back to their five-win mark of 2024, that should be considered a successful campaign.

Season grade

F

— Catherine Healey