Some teams entered the 2022 AFL season with little or no expectations, while others had high hopes and fell short to become huge disappointments.
The 10 clubs who missed out on the final can at least take something away from the year, but it’s clear none of them are happy to be on holiday.
Here’s how they got here and what they need to do in the offseason to make sure it doesn’t happen next year.
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NEW FIRST CRACK PODCAST: Wrapping up R23: How the Blues did on dramatic final day
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Carlton Press Conference | 12:21 p.m
9. CARLTON (12-10, 108.3%)
Analysis of three words
Ruined Voss Resurrection.
what went well
So frustrating, especially at the beginning of the year. Michael Voss has proved to be an inspired choice as manager, bringing together a group of players with talent on paper and getting them to play a tough and brutal brand of football, particularly at the coalface where they finished second place for contested possession and clearance differential, as well as fourth for stoppage points. They showed fantastic maturity under Voss, who helped implement an effective defensive system. Charlie Curnow couldn’t have had a better return after missing two seasons and a bit with knee injuries, winning the Coleman Medal with 64 goals. Most importantly, he worked superbly alongside Harry McKay, who also scored 45 goals. Superstar duo Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh led from the front as they repaid the faith the Blues placed in them after signing bumper extensions, while moves to sign George Hewett and Lewis Young were astute. Adam Saad will be an All-Australian contender after the best season of his career, while the resurgence of Sam Docherty, primarily as a rebounding defender and then midfielder later in the season, was one of the best football stories of the season
What went wrong
the last month More specifically, the last two quarters of the last two games of the season. When the Blues twice had the chance to clinch a finals place and break a nine-year September drought, they conceded goals to Demon Kysaiah Pickett and Magpie Jamie Elliott, leading to back-to-back weeks of heartbreaking scenes. But the Blues will look back on that ugly 29-point loss to 15th-placed Adelaide in Round 20 and be angry. Win this game and the Blues would have been playing in the final. Instead, they had to find upset wins over top six sides Brisbane, Melbourne and Collingwood in the last three rounds, a task they were unable to complete. Injuries haven’t helped, with George Hewett, Matt Kennedy and Nic Newman all significant absentees in recent games. Harry McKay, Mitch McGovern, Marc Pittonet, Oscar McDonald, Zac Williams, Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank also missed time during the season. The Blues’ scoring also dipped following his departure, averaging 77.3 points, ranking 13th in the competition during that time. Overall, the fact that the Blues missed out on the final with 12 wins and a percentage of 108 showed how tough the competition was this season, but also how much of a chance it called for.
What they need
Luckily, not too much, which is why they should attack the draft – as has been reported throughout the year – and focus on re-signing players after years of being active on the trade table. However, the Blues have the cap space to add talent to their well-established roster, both through the free agency and trade periods, after this season. Some speed and class on the outside would be helpful. Seconds Champion dataall three of Carlton’s teammates—Jack Newnes, Lochie O’Brien and Will Setterfield—ended the season with “below average” ratings.
What is the time of the prime minister clock?
8 p.m.: There are a lot of “what ifs” surrounding Carlton’s 2022 season, so the natural reaction of Blues fans will be to lament another lost season. They should have played finals, but the Blues still made significant strides this year under Voss. If it hadn’t been for the season expectations they had built up and the dramatic drop off in the last month, you would have given the Blues a pass for this year without hesitation, given the disarray and confusion they were in. 12 months ago.
Season degree
B
—Ben Waterworth
St Kilda Press Conference | 08:33
10. ST KILDA (11-11, 99.3%)
Analysis of three words
A roller coaster ride
what went well
The start to their season was bright, with the Saints sitting at 8-3 heading into the midseason bye. Jack Sinclair had the best season of his career at half back, while Marcus Windhager developed into a holding midfielder as the season progressed. Max King kicked 57 goals despite some wayward shooting at times. Brad Crouch performed quite well in his second season at St Kilda, while Brad Hill came on well after fluctuating early form. Mitch Owens was one of the youngsters who showed promise, as was mature-age recruit Jack Hayes before injury struck. Wins over Fremantle, Richmond and Geelong were highlights.
What went wrong
They were far, far too inconsistent after the mid-season bye, sputtering to the finish line having won just three of their last 11 games. Their lack of pressure in some games was incredible, perhaps none more so than during the 51-point loss to Sydney in Round 15. They went from the fourth best pressing team in the first 11 rounds to 11th in 12-23 of the round, while they dropped from third to 12th on points against. Paddy Ryder couldn’t stay on the park long enough, which hurt given his impact when he did play. Max King imploded in front of goal in moments of pressure, something he will certainly work on in the offseason and preseason. Ultimately, the ups and downs were too far apart for the team to end up in finals contention.
What they need
Some roster rotation is required to bring in more young talent and that seems to be what is happening, with the likes of Dan Hannebery and Paddy Ryder hanging up their boots. They ranked 15th in the competition for points scored and 11th for marks per 50 inside, so they need to add to their first half combination. They will need a lot more consistency to play and compete in the finals, which may require a change in style of play as they can be all or nothing when it comes to offense at times. It is clear that there is an opinion that a change is needed given the review of football that is being carried out. If the Saints can get good returns on the trade table for players like Brad Hill, why not take it?
What is the time of the prime minister clock?
7 p.m.: The Saints in recent years negotiated with the aim of fighting for a flag, but it has not worked out. There’s enough talent there to make a good team, but they need to keep making games look good and hope their current crop of 27-30-year-olds continue to play well enough to contend once the group younger has been established.
Season degree
c
— David Zita
Port Adelaide Power Press Conference | 4:38 p.m
11. PORT ADELAIDE (10-12, 110.3%)
Analysis of three words
Well below par
what went well
They were strong without the foot, finishing fifth in points against and fourth in applied pressure. Connor Rozee was thrown into midfield more consistently in the second half of the season and thrived, while Zak Butters also showed plenty in the latter rounds. Both should be ready to take the next step in 2023. Jeremy Finlayson was fantastic when given the keys to the ruck. Brynn Teakle looks good, Aliir Aliir returned to Aussie form and Travis Boak was a rock. Robbie Gray’s farewell game was as good as could be expected, while Todd Marshall is developing very well as a key forward. Wins over Sydney and the Western Bulldogs were impressive. Sam Powell-Pepper had a very good season.
What went wrong
It all fell apart at the start line. Losing five games in a row was always going to make the finals a stretch. At the end of the day, they missed the final after appearing in back-to-back preliminary finals. It is a considerable failure. They also lost their shooting ability, going from the fourth-best team in 2021 in points from the defensive half to the fourth-worst this season. Injury hampered them for much of the season, with Scott Lycett missing for most of the year. Where Port Adelaide was so good in close games last year, it was bad this time. There were also some own goals at the end of the year through comments from chairman David Koch, which put pressure on Ken Hinkley and required rectification.
What they need
Some small forwards to replace outgoing players Robbie Gray and Steven Motlop. The Power ranked 17th in goals by small forwards this season. Getting the 2023 season off to a good start is imperative. If he doesn’t, there will be pressure on Hinkley, who is entering the final year of his contract and coming off a disappointing season. They also need a better run with injuries, with several of their stars and key players battling injuries and major injuries throughout the season. Xavier Duursma isn’t developing at the same rate as Rozee and Butters, so hopefully a reset will help him.
What is the time of the prime minister clock?
10 p.m.: Port Adelaide will be keen to see this season as a mulligan and return in 2023. The roster still looks half-decent and at their best they can match the best, as evidenced by their close finishes against Melbourne, Geelong, Fremantle and Collingwood later in the year. They need a good start to the season more than any other team because, make no mistake, it’s finals or 2023.
Season degree
D-
— David Zita
Gold Coast Suns Press Conference | 11:11 a.m
12. SUNS OF THE GOLD COAST (10-12, 102.8%)
Analysis of three words
The best season ever
what went well
The Suns recorded 10 wins in 2022 to finish 12th on the ladder, their best return in club history…