The countdown to the new season kicking off on March 16 continues, and with it comes theย latest instalment of our 2023 predictions.
We've covered grand final entertainment, start times and big contract calls set to dominate 2023 so far, as we continue to delve into the potential storylines of the upcoming season.
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Fearless Predictions 50-41
Fearless Predictions 40-31
Fearless Predictions 30-21
20. Carlton avoid repeat of 2022 calamityย
Round 23 was a heartbreaking one for Carlton fans, watching their team fall to Collingwood in the dying minutes to not only lose the four points, but their shot at contending in September. There's a subtle light amid that darkness for Blues fans though, thanks to their ninth-place finish and absence from finals football, Carlton will face a (relatively) easier draw this season, compared to their top-eight foes.
If their injury list doesn't spiral out of control and reigning Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps can maintain his stellar 2022 form, alongside their talented twin towers up forward, Carlton are firming as finals contenders.ย In a reversal of their 2022 fortunes, the Blues should cruise home in Round 23 knowing that their spot in September is guaranteed.
19. Age proves a barrier for the Cats
Heading into the season, Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane claim the top three spots on the age ladder. The reigning premiers hold the top spot, with an average age of 25.48 years, despite this number being less than their premiership-winning side in 2022, due to some veteran retirements, the Cats still head into the season as the oldest team. Though they proved in September that this was no barrier to the ultimate success, backing up that form two years in a row may prove too much for these ageing Cats.
18. Incoming AFL CEO puts head knocks on the agendaย
Though who will replace Gillon McLachlan in the top job is still unknown as the season countdown continues, it is fair to say they will be facing a busy induction into the role. With the Tasmanian team on the agenda, the looming shadow of the Hawthorn racism saga and a new CBA for both the AFL and AFLW due, the league has plenty of things on their plate. Despite that, the incoming CEO will have agendas of their own. With head knocks and the consequences of concussions becoming a topic dominating contact sports around the world, it is no stretch of the imagination to assume the league may start to crack down even further on head-high contact.
17. The ARC causes outrageย
There's no question that the AFL's score review system - the ARC - has divided opinions since its inception. In 2022, we saw several contentious score reviews that dominated headlines at the conclusion of matches, including a controversial decision in last year's elimination final between Brisbane and Richmond. Though many have urged the league to heed calls to improve their score review technology, there doesn't seem to be any major changes heading into the 2023 season. With 24 rounds of football ahead of us, there is, unfortunately, apt time for the ARC to overshadow what fans really should be paying attention to.
16. Fergus Greene emerges as off-season steal
Fergus Greene earned an AFL lifeline late last year after signing a deal with the Hawks, with the former Dog impressing after some strong VFL form. Greene was delisted by the Bulldogs at the end of 2020, earning a place in Box Hill's team throughout 2022. In his campaign, the 25-year-old kicked 53 goals.
15. Delisted free agency proves its worth
As touched on above with Greene's potential, former delisted free agents throughout the competition are continuing to prove their worth. A highlight of 2022 was the breakout season of Tyson Stengle, who went from being delisted by the Crows to a premiership Cat. The 24-year-old played every game in Geelong's premiership campaign, kicking 53 goals for the year and earning an All-Australian selection, paving the road for more clubs to revisit delisted players for a second shot at AFL level.
14. Matt Rowell finds his bestย
The 2019 number-one draft pick entered the AFL with plenty of expectations on his potential, but has dealt with numerous injury issues throughout his time at the Suns. Both shoulder and knee injuries have limited the 21-year-old to just 39 games since his debut 2020, but the young gun managed 22 last season, averaging 18.5 disposals and 6 clearances per game. Rowell's pre-season form and fitness has impressed so far in 2023, with teammates, and fans, ready to see him take his game to the next level.
13. Luke Jackson matches lofty price tagย
Premiership Demon Luke Jackson made the off-season move to Fremantle, attracting plenty of attention as he did so.ย The Dockers haven't hesitated in talking up their new recruit, with senior coach Justin Longmuir calling the 21-year-old "exceptional" during Fremantle's early match simulations. Despite there being debate about Jackson's role in the same team as Sean Darcy, the Dockers seemingly have no such concerns, ready to throw the duo at the rest of the competition. With his move having carried a hefty price tag, there's no doubt Freo will be waiting for Jackson to prove he is worth every cent.
12. 'Go home factor' produces the goodsย
It was a busy trade period in 2022, with plenty of big names dominating speculation about their club of choice for 2023. Some of the biggest speculation centred around young guns Jason Horne-Francis and Izak Rankine, both of whom made the move back to South Australia last year. Horne-Francis, North Melbourne's prized no.1 draft pick, managed 17 games in his debut season for the Kangaroos, earning the club's best young player award. Rankine meanwhile, departed the Suns after four years at the club to move to the Crows, eager to make more progress after a strong 2022 season saw him kick 29 goals.ย With both Rankine and Horne-Francis entering their first years at their new clubs, expect big things from the cross-town duo.
11. Thursday night footy is back, for good
With Gather Round on the agenda this season and the AFL toying with grand final start times, it is clear that the league is eager to change things up and see what works. Thursday night matches have been popular in the past, from a broadcast perspective at least, but don't feature consistently across the season. With a new CEO incoming and potential announcement on Tasmania set to shake up the league, the AFL may decide to try some new things with the fixture in 2024. A move to permanent Thursday night action across all rounds of the season would see the weekend of footy stretch from Thursday to Sunday, but only time will tell if that is a win for fans and the game.
