The Coronavirus outbreak has clouded the upcoming AFL season with uncertainty and with the AFL acknowledging the current fixture is unlikely to remain the same, Nana’s looks set to face major ramifications.
But for now, with Round 1 destined to go ahead as planned – albeit without fans – enjoy a season preview of the second year in Nana’s history.
Head Coach: Tyson Manthorpe
Captain: Andrew Gaff
Finished 2019: 1st (11-6)
Arrivals: Rory Atkins, Anthony Miles
Departures: Bayley Fritsch, James Rowbottom
Drafted: Matt Taberner (23), David Swallow (32), Taylor Duryea (40), Brody Mihocek (48), Chayce Jones (56), Rhys Stanley (64), Michael Hibberd (72), Taylor Walker (80)
2019 MVP: Andrew Gaff (111.0 avg)
The stand out performer in the stand out team, Andrew Gaff finished 2019 with a career-high average of 111.0, leading NANA Winner to premiership glory in the first season of Nana’s.
With no score under 90, Gaff – who was surrounded with a talented line-up – never put a foot wrong for NANA Winner … after serving the remaining two games of his six-game suspension.
Break Out Star: Wayne Milera (B, C)
Tipped by many for a breakout 2020, Milera showed strong signs throughout 2019 but struggled to find consistency.
His defensive status allows for some ups and downs, but after only increasing his average by 1.5 last season, there’ll be plenty of interest in watching to find out whether or not he’s the real deal.
New Recruit: Rory Atkins (B, C)
Manthorpe headed into the draft hoping Atkins would fall to Pick 8, but when The Catholic Church snapped him up at 4, Manthorpe – who had only made one trade prior to the draft – was forced to face his fears if he wanted to get his man.
In order to do so, Manthorpe gave up the eventual rights to Fritsch and Rowbottom which will provide an interesting comparison as to who wins the trade.
Preview:
Last year’s premiers managed to go all the way without making a trade which, while impressive, has added a sense of doubt as to whether Tyson Manthorpe’s side will be able to do so again in 2020.
If everything goes to plan this season, as it did last year, then there’s no reason why NANA Winner can’t go back-to-back.
However, if cracks begin to appear in Manthorpe’s squad, is the coach – who only made two trades so far – prepared to make the necessary moves to keep his win-now premiership window alive?
2020 Prediction: 4th
Head Coach: Sam Carruthers Captain: Patrick Cripps
Finished 2019: 2nd (12-5)
Arrivals: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Hayden Crozier, Nat Fyfe, Andrew McGrath, Isaac Smith
Departures: Andrew Brayshaw, Will Brodie, Isaac Heeney, Jack Martin, Tom Phillips, Dion Prestia, Brad Sheppard, Steele Sidebottom
Drafted: Brandan Parfitt (7), Luke Dunstan (14), Ben Ainsworth (18), Oliver Florent (22), Callan Ward (31), Liam Shiels (37), Liam Duggan (66), Aiden Bonar (68), Sean Darcy (71), Charlie Curnow (74), Nathan Jones (78), Sam Gray (79)
2019 MVP: Travis Boak (105.7 avg)
Though he loses his forward status in 2020, Travis Boak was one of the most valuable players in 2019, arriving at BOO in a blockbuster trade one week from the season starting.
Boak raced out of the gates to start the season, averaging an incredible 127.25 throughout his first four games and while his scoring eventually slowed down, the veteran midfielder almost led his new side to premiership glory.
One to watch: Hugh Greenwood (C, F)
A solid 2019 saw Hugh Greenwood average 78.3 through 14 games for the Crows, however an offseason move to the Suns has many believing the 28-year-old will experience a scoring rise in 2020.
Greenwood notched up 114 points in the Suns’ first pre-season outing, doing no harm to his ever-growing hype, but after following it up with only 66 against his former side, there’s still plenty uncertainty as to what’s in store for Greenwood this season.
New Recruit: Nat Fyfe (C)
Nat Fyfe made his way to BOO as part of yet another blockbuster trade orchestrated by Sam Carruthers.
Both Isaac Heeney and Steele Sidebottom made way for the 2019 Brownlow Medallist, with some – Carruthers included – believing last year’s runners-up gave away too much for the Fremantle midfielder.
However, if Fyfe is the missing piece to the premiership puzzle in 2020, all questions will be quickly forgotten.
Preview:
With many predicting the demise of last year’s premiership, all eyes turn to the runners-up to see if they can make the most of their opportunities in 2020.
Sam Carruthers made a total of eight trades over the off-season, the second most of any team, with the coach happy to make drastic changes to get his side over the line this year.
Expect BOO to be up the top of the table for the entirety of the season, but when it comes to finals, do they have what it takes to right the wrongs of 2019?
2020 Prediction: 2nd
Head Coach: Gabe Fienemann Captain: Josh Dunkley
Finished 2019: 3rd (11-6)
Arrivals: Isaac Heeney, Steele Sidebottom, Devon Smith
Departures: Nat Fyfe, Jason Johannisen
Drafted: Sam Powell-Pepper (6), Darcy Tucker (21), Dylan Roberton (26), Jack Redden (30), Sam Lloyd (45), Jack Darling (46), Bailey Dale (54), Peter Ladhams (62), Shane Edwards (70)
2019 MVP: Josh Dunkley (111.1 avg)
It wasn’t until Round 7 when Josh Dunkley finally managed to click into gear.
After averaging only 77.5 through the first 6 games, Dunkley exploded for 145 and from then the rest is history.
145 was only Dunkley’s fourth-highest total last season with the young gun, who held forward status in 2019, averaging a mammoth 123.7 from Round 7 onwards.
While he loses his forward positioning in 2020, Dunkley looks set to become one of the most influential midfielders in the league ... if he isn’t already.
One to watch: Sam Docherty (B)
Sam Docherty hasn’t played football since 2017, when the Carlton defender averaged an incredible 116.8 across 22 games.
He’s missed two seasons, but the 26-year-old is tipped to pick up right where he left off in 2020, potentially providing Gabe’s Team – who boast the strongest defence in the league – with an X-factor to get them over the line in 2020.
New Recruit: Devon Smith (C, F)
Devon Smith is another member of Gabe’s Team entering 2020 off the back of a season-ending injury, with the star Bomber only managing the seven matches in 2019.
But while an average of just 79.4 currently sits next to Smith’s name, it’s the 106.6 average from 2018 which all coaches will be expecting Smith to return in 2020, and an average that Gabe Fienemann will be desperately hoping does make a return.
Preview:
With Sam Docherty, Devon Smith and Dylan Roberton all returning after extended time on the sidelines, Gabe’s Team could take a while to click into gear in 2020, but if these three stars can provide Fienemann with what they produced pre-injury, then look out.
Gabe’s Team were unlucky to miss out on a place in last year’s Grand Final but there’s every possibility they’ll find themselves there this season.
Those three returning from injury will play a pivotal role in helping this team build on 2019, with a supporting cast of proven performers almost guaranteeing Gabe’s Team a place in the top four.
2020 Prediction: 3rd
Head Coach: Jesse Fienemann Captain: Max Gawn
Finished 2019: 4th (11-6)
Arrivals: Jack Billings, Jason Johannisen, Tom Papley
Departures: Nic Newman, Devon Smith
Drafted: Chris Mayne (5), Lance Franklin (20), Will Hoskin-Elliott (25), Stefan Martin (29), Paul Seedsman (38), James Aish (49), Patrick Ryder (57), Marlion Pickett (61), Isaac Cumming (69), Adam Kennedy (77)
2019 MVP: Max Gawn (111.3 avg)
Max Gawn finished the year averaging 117.4 from his final five games and while it wasn’t enough to land The UUFFT in the Grand Final, a ruckman consistently reaching triple figures provides a sense of stability that some other clubs failed to replicate.
With fellow ruckman Braydon Preuss out for at least a month, the new captain of Melbourne still has plenty of scoring ahead of him in 2020 but will need his teammates to step up if they are to play finals again.
One to watch: Darcy MacPherson (C, F)
Is Darcy MacPherson the real deal?
The 22-year-old Sun who experienced a break-out 2019, where he averaged 87.3, looks set to step it up another level in 2020 after finishing his Marsh campaign with stand-out scores of 131 and 117.
While with every Gold Coast player comes a dose of uncertainty, it seems as though MacPherson is in fact the real deal, much to Jesse Fienemann’s enjoyment.
New Recruit: Jack Billings (C)
Jack Billings has long been known as a rollercoaster in fantasy with his forward status usually making the rollercoaster worth it; though in 2020 Billings finds himself as a pure midfielder, suddenly battling for a place in The UUFFT’s best 19.
After arriving via trade from The Catholic Church, Billings can’t afford to rely on his forward status to keep him in the team.
If he’s not able to reach the level of scoring and consistency needed, then he could find himself spending extended times on the bench in 2020.
Preview:
The UUFFT’s offseason was filled with bold moves, with Jesse Fienemann shipping off strong talent and betting on his new recruits to take that next step.
If they do take that next step then expect The UUFFT to be right back where they were in 2019, but if it doesn’t go to plan, Fienemann will have traded two proven stars to his closest rivals, meaning it could be a long season.
The race for the top four will be close, and unfortunately for The UUFFT, 2020 looks destined to be a step backwards after their finals appearance last season.
2020 Prediction: 6th
Head Coach: Max’s Team Captain: Scott Pendlebury
Finished 2019: 5th (8-9)
Arrivals: Jade Gresham, Dion Prestia, Brad Sheppard
Departures: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Elliot Yeo
Drafted: Tim Membrey (12), Tom McDonald (13), Connor McKenna (15), Will Snelling (19), Jarrod Lienert (34), Quinton Narkle (36), Adam Cerra (39), Ben Brown (42), Joel Selwood (47)
2019 MVP: Brodie Grundy (122.1 avg)
To no one’s surprise, the Nana’s League Medallist also happens to be Max’s Team’s MVP, with Brodie Grundy running away with the league medal after a record-breaking 2019.
Grundy averaged 122.1 across all 22 games including a highest score of 181.
Though while his side didn’t play finals, Grundy’s dominance potentially hid Max’s Team’s true value, with plenty of uncertainty around how Max’s Team will fare in 2020.
One to watch: Tom McDonald (F)
It was a 2019 to forget for Tom McDonald who – with a world of expectations on his shoulders – only managed to play 15 games and average an abysmal 63.8.
The Melbourne defender turned forward entered 2019 after kicking 53 goals in 20 games, averaging an impressive 90.1 for the year.
After being snapped up with the thirteenth pick in the draft, Max Read will be hoping the 27-year-old can perform the way he did in 2018, and last year was just a once-off.
New Recruit: Jade Gresham (C, F)
Jade Gresham arrived at his new side in strange fashion, unsure as to whether his new coach really wanted him or not.
It was rumoured that Read experienced some “cold feet” when originally agreeing to trade away Elliot Yeo in return for Gresham, but after further discussions, a trade was finalised, and the respective players found their new homes.
An unconvincing Marsh appearance only further added to Read’s uneasiness, with both Gresham and Read desperate to make this new situation work in 2020.
Preview:
With plenty of their stars around the 30-year-old mark, this could be the most threatening line-up Max’s Team field over the next couple of seasons.
A subtle focus on youth in the draft was overshadowed by some questionable win-now selections, but it shows that Max Read is well aware this could be his side’s make or break season.
Though the questions from last year remain, are his ageing stars at all good enough to compete with those from the top teams?
The win-now narrative might be coming to an end in 2020 at Max’s Team.
2020 Prediction: 7th
Head Coach: Harry Roberts Captain: Marcus Bontempelli
Finished 2019: 6th (8-9)
Arrivals: Matthew Kreuzer
Departures: N/A
Drafted: Nick Haynes (3), Blake Acres (17), Jonathan Patton (24), Charlie Cameron (27), Jamie Elliott (28), Kyle Langford (35), Caleb Serong (43), Luke Jackson (59), Jordan Ridley (67), Zac Fisher (75)
2019 MVP: Marcus Bontempelli (104.7 avg)
After an injury-riddled 2018, Marcus Bontempelli was back to his best in 2019, averaging a strong 104.7 and playing all 22 matches.
While “The Bont” wasn’t the leading average scorer for Beat Jesse, his consistency was vital under the limited attention of coach Harry Roberts.
One to watch: Tom Mitchell (C)
All eyes will be on the return of Tom Mitchell in season 2020 after the 2018 Brownlow Medallist missed the entirety of last year with a broken leg.
Prior to that, the 26-year-old pig averaged a stellar 128.2 across two seasons and it is safe to say the Hawthorn midfielder will be a welcome addition to Beat Jesse for 2020.
New Recruit: Jonathon Patton (F)
Tipped to be the Coleman Medallist by Roberts in 2020, Patton found his way to Beat Jesse with the 24th pick in the draft.
The key-forward, who was traded from GWS to Hawthorn over the offseason, has spent seasons hindered by injury but if he can find his form with the Hawks – let alone win the Coleman – he could provide a solid role in the forward line at Beat Jesse.
Preview:
For Beat Jesse, the talent has always been there, yet an uninterested coach has prohibited this youthful side from showing their true potential.
However, with many coaches – Roberts included – realising the strength of Beat Jesse over the offseason, suddenly they enter 2020 with expectations from uncharted territory.
If these expectations and realisations are enough to motivate Roberts into being more proactive with his players, then this side will suddenly go from 2019’s easy-beats to 2020’s premiership contenders.
Although, that is still a very big “if”.
2020 Prediction: 1st
Head Coach: Christopher Hedges Captain: Jack Macrae
Finished 2019: 7th (5-12)
Arrivals: Will Brodie, Bayley Fritsch, Jack Martin, Nick Newman, James Rowbottom, Elliot Yeo
Departures: Rory Atkins, Jack Billings, Jade Gresham, Andrew McGrath, Anthony Miles
Drafted: Jackson Hately (9), Jarrod Berry (10), Jonathan Ceglar (11), Tom Lynch (33), Jordan Clark (58), John Noble (60), Josh Battle (63)
2019 MVP: Jack Macrae (115.6 avg)
After averaging only 101.3 throughout the first 11 rounds of 2019, there were plenty of questions about what had happened to Jack Macrae; but the star midfielder managed to turn it around in stellar fashion.
Macrae finished the year averaging an incredible 129.9 over the remaining 11 rounds and though it wasn’t enough to squeeze The Catholic Church into finals, it was enough to be the stand out performer for his side in 2019.
One to watch: Dan Houston (B, C)
An average of 80.3 with defensive status is handy enough, but with Dan Houston expected to find time in Port Adelaide’s midfield this season, many believe the fourth-year player is ready to take his game to another level in 2020.
With limited minutes, Houston had a strong Marsh Series and looks to be one of the many young kids at The Catholic Church who’ll lead Hedges’ side to finals.
New Recruit: Will Brodie (C)
An interrupted season hidden on the Gold Coast meant Will Brodie’s true potential flew under the radar of most coaches, but not Christopher Hedges.
Hedges snapped up the 21-year-old midfielder via the pre-season trade period, and if Brodie is able to build on his 2019 season, which included a top score of 142, then The Catholic Church might have pulled off the steal of the summer.
Preview:
Everyone is preparing for the year the kids at The Catholic Church break free, but as the race for the top four seemingly only gets tighter, 2020 could be another year of waiting.
However, this list certainly has the potential to make some noise this season, and they won’t find themselves second to last at the end of 2020, their only roadblock is the sides around them also bolstered up.
There’s a reason coaches are scared of the day The Catholic Church become what many know they can be, when that day is however, remains to be seen.
2020 Prediction: 5th
Head Coach: Edward Holland Captain: Clayton Oliver
Finished 2019: 8th
Arrivals: Andrew Brayshaw, Touk Miller, Tom Phillips
Departures: Hayden Crozier, Matthew Kreuzer, Isaac Smith
Drafted: Matthew Rowell (1), Tom Green (2), Lachlan Ash (41), Noah Anderson (44), Deven Robertson (51), Dylan Stephens (52), Liam Stocker (53), Jye Caldwell (55), Sam Flanders (65), Hayden Young (73)
2019 MVP: Clayton Oliver (105.9 avg)
Despite leading the way for Heeney Some Milk, Clayton Oliver’s 105.9 average was actually a step backwards from his 109.1 in 2018, but with barely any other talent on Holland’s list, he was an underwhelming stand out in what was a rough season for the franchise.
However, with plenty of change at Melbourne over summer, hopefully Oliver is able to recapture his previous form throughout 2020.
One to watch: Matthew Rowell (C)
Matthew Rowell spent all of last year drawing comparisons to the 2019 Rising Star in Sam Walsh, and though they play different styles of football, if Rowell is able to come anywhere near Walsh’s 92.2 rookie year average, he will make a much-needed, immediate impact in Heeney Some Milk’s struggling midfield.
New Recruit: Andrew Brayshaw (C, F)
Acquired via trade at the end of last year, Andrew Brayshaw has been one of the talking points of the offseason with many expecting the 20-year-old to reach new heights in 2020.
With a rumoured move into Fremantle’s midfield, Brayshaw’s forward status could be of huge value, and it’s no wonder Holland was excited to land the Docker in the post-season trade period.
Preview:
After only winning two matches in 2019, there’s every possibility this youthful side finish 2020 without a win to their name.
Heeney Some Milk threw in the towel incredibly early last season and as a result, Edward Holland looks to lead his side through the first rebuild in Nana’s history.
With their starting 19 featuring an average age of just 22 years, including eight players from this year’s draft class, fellow coaches certainly won’t be shaking in fear when they see Heeney Some Milk pop up on their fixture.
Hopefully for the league’s sake this side will one day blossom, but for now they’re “two years away from being two years away … and then we’ll see”.
2020 Prediction: 8th (2-15)
2020 Predicted Ladder
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