Following the conclusion of another hectic, fast-finishing home and away season, it's time to prepare for finals football once again.
While eight teams' hopes of holding this year's premiership cup aloft remain alive, ten clubs' seasons are officially over after failing to qualify for September football.
Despite all the attention rightly being on the contenders, each bottom-ten side faces pertinent list management decisions that will shape its future.
Taking into account draft hands and off-contract commodities, we explore those impending decisions facing 2023's bottom ten.
Indicative draft hand: 10, 17, 36, 63, 66, 84
Missing the finals despite having one of the more talented lists in the competition wasn't a good look for the Bulldogs. After being in the top eight for most of the season, a slip-up towards the end of the year was not what was needed at all.
Although missing September action, the Dogs have a very solid draft hand with Picks 10 and 17 standing out. Whether they take action in the draft or look at moving their picks along is the question.
Off-contract players:
Dominic Bedendo, Hayden Crozier, Taylor Duryea, Mitch Hannan, Buku Khamis, Robbie McComb, Toby McLean, Lachlan McNeil, Tim O'Brien, Caleb Poulter, Cody Raak, Roarke Smith, Jordon Sweet, Bailey Williams
The Bulldogs have a plethora of unsigned talent that they need to sort through. Plenty of youngsters who have only made a handful of appearances remain without a contract but that's not to say that they won't be offered a new deal soon.
Caleb Poulter moved to the Bulldogs after being delisted by Collingwood at the end of 2022. A speedy winger, Poulter played nine games for the Bulldogs in 2023 from Rounds 16 through 24. A mainstay in the side, Poulter will most likely be offered another deal after proving his worth.
Roarke Smith and Buku Khamis remain without a deal. The former did not play a single game in 2023 whilst Khamis only managed one. Despite injuries to the Bulldogs side throughout the year, the pair simply couldn't get a game under Luke Beveridge and his coaching panel.
Veterans Taylor Duryea and Bailey Williams have been integral players in the Bulldogs side throughout 2023 whilst Hayden Crozier has not been able to break back into the side. Crozier doesn't seem to be a needed contributor for the Bulldogs whilst Duryea and Williams cemented their place in the team.
List decisions
On paper, the Bulldogs list is one of the best in the competition. With stars all over the field, it's remarkable that they aren't contending for the top four. Unfortunately for Luke Beveridge's side, they slipped out of the top eight.
The team really doesn't need much other than possibly bolstering their backline. A handful of injuries has plagued the Bulldogs in 2023, specifically their tall timber. New recruit Liam Jones was solid for the side along with veteran Alex Keath, however, both struggled with injury during the year. Additionally, Josh Bruce announced his retirement from the AFL after suffering another ACL injury.
A crafty small forward to pair with Cody Weightman could also be an option for the Dogs and with the strong draft hand that they have, a trade could be a viable option. Most of the youth in the side just needs more time whilst the abundance of genuine stars on the team have been doing all that they can throughout the year.
Bailey Smith is one Bulldog who has been linked with a move during the year. In July it was reported that Geelong had Smith on their radar to add some speed to their ageing side. More recently, the Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains publicly addressed the situation, pointing out Smith's contract that keeps him at the club until the end of 2024.
Indicative draft hand: 9, 20, 23, 47, 83
Whether it was the controversial non-goal call against the Swans in Round 23 or the plethora of close games the Crows lost due to inaccuracy, Adelaide missed the finals in 2023. With a talented young list, the Crows will be looking to bolster their youth through their draft hand.
Picks 9, 20 and 23 are all of significant value and could all be used as trade bait to target players that they need.
Off-contract players:
James Borlase, Tyler Brown, Matt Crouch, Tom Doedee, Jackson Hately, Shane McAdam, Andrew McPherson, Tariek Newchurch
Tom Doedee still remains without a contract despite his desire to remain at the club for the long term. The defender suffered a right ACL injury in June of 2023 whilst already rupturing his left ACL in 2019. It's unclear if the 26-year-old will be re-signed despite his genuine talent in the Crows backline.
James Borlase impressed in 2023, playing the final four rounds of the season. After being selected as a Category B rookie prior to the 2021 season, the 21-year-old put in great performances as a key defender. It's almost a certainty that the Crows would re-sign the youngster.
Ex-Magpie Tyler Brown played one game for the Crows in 2023, his only appearance coming as the sub in Round 1. The 23-year-old has averaged just over 21 disposals in the SANFL but still has not managed to make his way into the Crows midfield. Medium forward Shane McAdam has only managed seven games in 2023 after playing 15 in both 2022 and 2021. He missed three games early in the season due to suspension before suffering a quad injury in May during a SANFL game.
Indicative draft hand: 8, 27, 46, 67, 82
The Bombers had an extremely disappointing end to 2023, however, the silver lining is their possession of Pick 8. With plenty of off-season targets, the number one seemingly being defender Ben McKay, the pick could be useful in acquiring their target.
With only one first-round pick, the club will be sure to bolster their draft hand to fill out the positions they so desperately need.
Off-contract players:
Kaine Baldwin, Nick Bryan, Massimo D'Ambrosio, Jaiden Hunter, Harrison Jones, Alastair Lord*, Cian McBride*, Jye Menzie, Rhett Montgomerie*, Anthony Munkara, Darcy Parish, Will Snelling, Patrick Voss, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
*Delisted
The big talking point for the Bombers has been midfielder Darcy Parish. Will he or won't he go? There's reportedly been an offer put on the table for the 26-year-old but no decision has been made of yet.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher could be on his way out in favour of Roo Ben McKay, but losing another key defender may not be something the Dons would be open to. Youngster Jye Menzie impressed in 2023 and would likely be signed on at the Bombers.
Harrison Jones played five games in 2023 before being ruled out for the season after undergoing ankle reconstruction surgery. The 24-year-old is yet to re-sign despite kicking 35 goals in his first 31 games. It's unclear if the young forward is in Brad Scott's plans but he has shown glimpses of genuine talent throughout his short career.
List decisions
The Bombers will be looking to the trade period to bolster their list. Defenders have been something they've struggled with, playing with an undersized backline for most of 2023.
With only one first-round selection, expect it to be packaged in a deal for a defender. Ben McKay is a restricted free agent meaning while Essendon may not have to hand over any trade capital, North Melbourne can match any deal offered. The Bombers would be able to pay a hefty sum but preferably not break the bank. With Darcy Parish possibly on the move, it frees up plenty of space for the Kangaroos defender. The Cats seem to be in the race for Parish's services, especially after the retirement of Isaac Smith and the injuries to their midfield throughout the year.
Along with a key defender, the Bombers are also lacking in the forward line. Peter Wright missed plenty of footy with an injury whilst Jake Stringer has struggled with both form and injuries all year. Another key forward target to take the weight off medium forward Kyle Langford would greatly aid the club. Whether that's using Pick 8 to trade for a player or taking someone via free agency is up for debate.
Indicative draft hand: 7, 81
Just the pair of selections for the Cats ahead of the National Draft, headlined by a top 10 selection they made sure to hold onto through last year's trade period.
After breaking their drought of high-end draft selections last year with the addition of local midfielder Jhye Clark, the Cats will be expected to hold onto their prized selection this year as well as they look toward the future.
Off-contract players:
Mitch Hardie, Tom Hawkins, Flynn Kroeger, Sam Menegola*, Oscar Murdoch, Esava Ratugolea, Osca Riccardi, Sam Simpson, Rhys Stanley, Zach Tuohy, Cooper Whyte
*Delisted
While no deal has been confirmed, Cats coach Chris Scott has revealed Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy will be at the club for 2024. Ruckman Rhys Stanley is also expected to go around for another year, while Geelong will delist Sam Menegola following his farewell game in Round 24.
The Cats have a number of inexperienced players facing uncertain futures, with uncapped quartet Mitch Hardie, Oscar Murdoch, Flynn Kroeger and Osca Riccardi all still unsigned, while Cooper Whyte has one game to his name across two seasons.
Defender Esava Ratugolea has a decision to make as to where he plans to play in 2024, with the Cats in a tug-of-war with Essendon, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn to land the high-flyer's signature.
Expect the Cats to re-sign Sam Simpson in a show of faith in the midfield-forward.
List decisions
The Cats have at least three list spots open following the retirements of Jonathon Ceglar and Isaac Smith, along with the departure of Sam Menegola. With more list calls to come and with just a pair of draft selections, the Kardinia Park club could be busy in looking to add to their list.
If Ratugolea is to seek a trade move, the Cats will be asking for a decent package in return for the man they rate so highly.
Essendon free agent Darcy Parish has been flagged as a player of interest for the Cats and wouldn't cost them any draft capital, while any move for contracted Bulldog Bailey Smith will come at a significant cost.
An experienced ruckman may also be on Geelong's wish list, with Chris Scott potentially keen on finding a player to bridge Stanley and recent debutant Toby Conway given the latter's need for further development.
Indicative draft hand: 25, 44, 62, 80.
The Tigers are strapped for draft picks this year, having traded away multiple selections to snare ex-GWS midfield duo Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper in 2022.
Richmond's hard cap doesn't figure to be as burdened next season after offloading the modest contracts of Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, and Robbie Tarrant, meaning the club's list committee might entertain the possibility of making a 'salary dump' deal in a similar mould to that of Geelong's agreement with Gold Coast for utility Jack Bowes last year.
Alternative to a 'dump' deal, the Tigers may ponder a pick-swap trade with a team such as the Suns, who need to accumulate the requisite amount of draft points in order to match contending bids for their trio of Academy stars; Jed Walter, Ethan Read, and Jake Rogers.
Facilitating such an arrangement could land the Punt Road club with Gold Coast's No. 4 selection, for example; representing a pragmatic way to re-enter the first round and nab a talented prospect to set up the Tigers' future.
Off-contract players:
Jacob Bauer, Kaelan Bradtke, Mate Colina, Thomson Dow, Rhyan Mansell, Bigoa Nyuon, Hugo Ralphsmith.
Bauer, a Mid-Season Draft pick from 2022, is a near-certainty to remain on Richmond's list next season via a new contract, having produced plenty of promising glimpses as a leading and marking forward at senior and reserves levels.
The same might go for inside midfielder Dow, who arguably played his best game in Tigers colours against Port Adelaide at the weekend, registering 27 disposals and 13 contested possessions in an eye-opening effort.
Mansell and Bradtke appear to be line-ball calls for new contracts, though they may have done enough to secure new deals at Tigerland beyond this year.
Colina and Nyuon, on the other side of the ledger, may be facing nervous waits for their exit interviews, having proven little during their time at Punt Road, while Ralphsmith could represent trade bait for a team such as St Kilda, due to the outside runner's Bayside ties.
List decisions
The Richmond future of enigmatic ruckman Ivan Soldo shapes as one of the Tigers' most intriguing upcoming list decisions. The 27-year-old has flashed unexpected glimpses as a leading forward, however, his best work is done in the ruck, hitting to the advantage of Richmond's midfield beneficiaries.
Despite Soldo's contracted status next season, Toby Nankervis' solidified presence, coupled with the expected imminent emergence of ruck-forward Samson Ryan, the mulleted tall may ultimately end up calling another club home in 2024.
The Tigers could also toy with the prospect of dealing Ralphsmith, or contracted midfielder Jack Graham, who may again explore alternative options a year on from entertaining Port Adelaide's overtures, while a Dustin Martin-to-Gold Coast deal is highly unlikely to eventuate, in spite of conjecture.
Indicative draft hand: 21, 40, 52, 58, 79
After failing to back up their rather successful 2022 campaign, the Dockers slumped to 14th on the ladder this season. Unfortunately for them, their draft hand isn't going to help them in the off-season.
The Dockers gave up a plethora of draft picks at the end of 2022 to acquire ex-Demon Luke Jackson. Whilst Jackson has shown his talent mainly in the back end of the season, the club still has ways to go until they're back up there with the best.
Off-contract players:
Eric Benning, Travis Colyer, Joel Hamling, Liam Henry, Nathan Wilson
There's not much to do for the Dockers regarding their contract situations, with only five without a new deal. Out of those five, only Liam Henry has played over 10 games this season. Benning is yet to make his debut for Fremantle.
It'd be expected that Liam Henry would ink a new deal with the Dockers after proving his worth as a midfielder rather than a small forward. Struggling to find his feet in the forward pocket, the move to the middle of the ground along with the wing has revitalised both his confidence and his impact on the game. The Dockers are keen to retain their breakout youngster, but a wave of interest from the east coast could prevent them from re-signing Henry.
Veterans Travis Colyer, Joel Hamling and Nathan Wilson have struggled with either injury or form during the year. Without any new deals currently being presented to the trio, it could be time for either a move or a possible exit from the game.
Young ruckman Eric Benning has been relegated to a third-string ruckman thanks to the signing of Luke Jackson and could possibly be moved on in the off-season to a club needing or wanting a young developmental project.
List decisions
Fremantle's main struggles have come in the form of their makeshift forward line. Young tall Jye Amiss has cemented himself as a regular starter in the Dockers' forward line and a genuine threat in the competition. Veteran Michael Walters has struggled to reach his once-great 2019 All-Australian self with most of the goals coming from the youngsters.
The club still has a very young list, so a trade addition of possible veterans could aid the side in a quick turnaround. The midfield is classy with the duo of Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong whilst the backline has been passable.
Forward targets could be the move for the Dockers to aid Jye Amiss. Additionally bringing in a key defender to take some of the pressure off skipper Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox is an option. They have great ruck stocks with Jackson and Sean Darcy, a defender and forward could be all they need to turn things around.
Indicative draft hand: 4, 28, 31, 42, 56, 60, 65, 69, 78
The Suns' draft hand is set to look quite different, at least at their earlier end as they plan to part with Pick 4. That call will come as they look to stockpile a heap of later selections in order to have a wealth of draft points that will secure a trio of Academy kids destined for the first round of the draft.
They could move back into the draft on the night, but they'll be rapt with their trio of top prospects at the very least.
Off-contract players:
Jed Anderson, Connor Blakely, Sandy Brock, Levi Casboult, Charlie Constable, Sam Day, Jy Farrar, Oskar Faulkhead, Sam Flanders, Hewego Paul Oea, Alex Sexton, Jeremy Sharp, Jake Stein, James Tsitas, Bodhi Uwland
15 players are yet to have their future confirmed by the Suns, many of which have struggled to feature commonly in 2023, leaving incoming coach Damien Hardwick with a number of cut-throat calls to make.
Sam Flanders is said to have rival interest and would garner a decent package in return if he looked to depart, while Jeremy Sharp would be in a similar position.
Levi Casboult is likely to be retained for another year, while James Tsitas, Jy Farrar and Alex Sexton could each earn new deals.
Charlie Constable is in an intriguing position after dominating at VFL level all year but was unable to make more than two appearances in the AFL.
Sam Day could call time on his career, while mature-aged recruits Jed Anderson, Connor Blakely and Jake Stein have failed to have an impact in their first seasons at Carrara.
List decisions
The Suns will be busy through the trade period, however their primary focus will be on listening to offers for their opening draft pick and then splitting that selection into a suite of later picks.
That'll give Gold Coast a stronger chance of securing all three of their top Academy prospects who are in consideration for the top 10 on the draft board. A handful of second and third-round selections will be needed to match any early bids for Suns Academy stars Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers.
After being given an extended list size over recent seasons, the Suns will be forced to make more list cuts than most, with Hardwick's influence likely leading to a very busy off-season for the Suns.
It's unlikely 'Dimma' will bring any Tigers players north with him, but there seems to be some chance Dustin Martin gains some interest from the Queensland club.
Indicative draft hand: 3, 29, 48, 77
Despite finishing 16th on the ladder in 2023, there were plenty of positives for the Hawks during the year. From the young talent around the ground to the electric gameplan from coach Sam Mitchell, the Hawks look set for a big future.
With four draft picks, the main standout is clearly Pick 3. Whether they use that pick to move up the draft is yet to be known, however, expect them to draft someone rather than move it on in a trade.
Off-contract players:
Joshua Bennetts, Lachie Bramble, Tyler Brockman, Fergus Greene, Emerson Jeka, Jacob Koschitzke, Ned Long, Josh Morris, Fionn O'Hara, Brandon Ryan, Jai Serong, Chad Wingard
The big name here for the Hawks is veteran forward Chad Wingard. The ex-Power star had a solid campaign for Hawthorn in 2023 before suffering a ruptured Achilles in Round 22's loss to the Bulldogs.
At 30 years of age and after having an injury-riddled run since moving to the Hawks in 2019, Wingard could be on his way to a third club if his deal isn't renewed at Waverley. Additionally, key forwards Fergus Greene and Jacob Koschitzke remain without a contract. The pair of them haven't been able to play consistently at the Hawks but as they're both young, new deals could be headed their way.
Youngster Tyler Brockman and 25-year-old Lachie Bramble are another pair who have featured in and out of the side throughout the year. Brockman seems likely to head to another club whilst Bramble could find a position in the young Hawks midfield.
List decisions
Moving Chad Wingard on seems to be the right call for the Hawks. As the future of Hawthorn is in the youth at the club, moving on the 30-year-old would be the next step. As harsh as it is on Wingard, re-signing someone with his injury issues and lack of impact for most of his time at Hawthorn just doesn't make a lot of sense.
A key forward to help Mitch Lewis would really assist the Hawks. Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades still remains without a contract and could be a potential trade target for Hawthorn. With plenty to give and the opportunity to play senior AFL consistently, Georgiades may be a possible option.
Additionally, signing another defender to take some of the pressure off skipper James Sicily would be a good move. Whether it's out-of-contract Cat Esava Ratugolea, Roo Ben McKay, Don Brandon Zerk-Thatcher or making a trade, a defender would help. Whilst the Hawks would most likely draft a player with Pick 3 or use it to improve their draft hand, there's a potential option to target a player in the off-season.
The only part of the Hawks team that seems set is the midfield. The young stars are phenomenal and the future of Hawthorn is looking very bright.
Indicative draft hand: 2, 16, 39, 53, 59, 76.
After West Coast upset the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium in Round 23, the Kangaroos surely thought they'd snared unanimously projected No. 1 pick Harley Reid to run riot in Alastair Clarkson's midfield.
However, despite possessing a vice-like grip on the precious draft choice heading into the final round of the season, the Roos returned it to Lathlain after they put the Suns to the sword in Tasmania on Saturday.
Now, instead of sitting comfortably with the chance to select Reid outright at No. 1, North Melbourne will need to ponder packaging picks for the chance to swoop on Reid if they desire his services.
It's hardly the end of the world for the Roos, though, who continue to benefit from Port Adelaide's 2022 acquisition of Horne-Francis; holding the Power's first-round choice. North Melbourne also figures to gain 'band one' compensation for the likely departure of free agent commodity Ben McKay, who is understood to be sought after by numerous rival clubs. This is due to the likely highly remunerative package he'll receive, in addition to his youthful age (25).
That compensation is expected to come immediately after North's first selection, gifting them the No. 3 overall pick, and an enviable two top-three choices in total.
All of this without mentioning the potential for North Melbourne to also receive an AFL assistance package of sorts this year, which could gift the Arden Street club the ability to 'pre-list' promising Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders, who has ties to North's Next Generation Academy due to his Indigenous heritage.
Plenty of tantalising off-season options await the Roos this year.
Off-contract players:
Aiden Bonar, Kallan Dawson, Blake Drury, Jacob Edwards, Hamish Free, Todd Goldstein, Hugh Greenwood*, Daniel Howe, Jack Mahoney, Ben McKay, Flynn Perez, Liam Shiels, Phoenix Spicer, Kayne Turner, Lachie Young.
Greenwood's future at Arden Street is reportedly already secured due to him having hit a supposed games-played trigger as part of his previous contract.
The doubt surrounding McKay's future at North Melbourne has been well-documented, while a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over Arden Street stalwart Todd Goldstein, who is an unrestricted free agent this year, meaning he can sign at any club of his choosing.
Lively half-forwards Drury and Spicer seem likely to earn contracts based on what they've produced this year at the AFL and VFL levels. However, the likes of Bonar and Howe face nervous waits for their exit interviews, while veteran Shiels could move into a full-time coaching role under Clarkson.
List decisions
The Kangaroos appear to be assessing the possibility of tabling Carlton utility Zac Fisher a long-term contract as his place in the Blues' burgeoning lineup remains cloudy.
While key-position defender is one of the highest-valued positions, McKay seems destined to depart Arden Street this year, and North Melbourne appears plenty satisfied with the prospect of resultantly snagging lucrative draft compensation.
Aside from the potential respective comings and goings of Fisher and McKay, as well as a likely host of delistings, North's main off-season priorities regarding its list are likely to lie with November's National Draft, as Clarkson and Co. continue to add young talent.
Indicative draft hand: 1, 19, 35, 38, 54, 57, 75.
The Eagles have the unique opportunity to select a premier talent at November's festivities, holding the first selection at this year's National Draft after Round 24's favourable results.
Despite an inspired effort against Adelaide on Saturday night while farewelling stalwarts Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey, the Crows bested the Eagles at Optus Stadium to send the Lathlain club back to the ladder's cellar after the Roos upset Gold Coast in Hobart.
West Coast's ultimate decision regarding the No. 1 pick will shape the night's ensuing proceedings, with Harley Reid's overwhelming presence only slated to increase in prevalence as we approach the moment his AFL future is officially confirmed.
The Eagles are also armed with a pair of picks – currently 35 and 54 – courtesy of Port Adelaide, following the gargantuan 2022 trade deal that saw former Roos No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis depart Arden Street in favour of Alberton, as well as forward Willie Rioli, who swapped West Coast for Port.
As things currently stand, the Eagles have vast capital at their disposal, with the potential to add even more if their list committee decides to split the opening selection.
With the prodigious Reid expected to be courted by Victorian rivals and versatile West Australian Daniel Curtin also ready to embark on his AFL journey, there's a probable chance we see another change in the owner of the No. 1 pick before November 20.
Off-contract players:
Jordyn Baker, Greg Clark, Jai Culley, Tyrell Dewar, Luke Foley, Jamaine Jones, Xavier O'Neill, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Zane Trew, Jake Waterman, Connor West, Isiah Winder, Alex Witherden.
The Eagles avoided potentially difficult decisions regarding off-contract veteran pair Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey, with the duo deciding to call it a career in August.
Midfielder Jai Culley continues to firm as one of West Coast's foremost retention priorities, as the No. 1 2022 Mid-Season Draft pick remains unsigned at Lathlain to this late point in the year. As he continues to recover from an ACL rupture that prematurely ended his season, the Eagles are understood to be 'progressing' toward securing a new deal for Culley.
An intriguing off-contract situation is that of high-possession defender Alex Witherden. The ex-Lion has frequently bobbed up in West Coast's back half, gathering disposals as the ball has spent an inordinate amount of time in the Eagles' defensive sector this season. However, as he is largely an uncontested player, there remain questions about his true value going forward.
Jamaine Jones, Zane Trew, and Connor West appear likely to earn new short-term deals, while a significant cloud hangs over the playing future of Jake Waterman as he continues to battle a serious health concern.
List decisions
The majority of West Coast's list manoeuvres are likely to centre on the draft and the capital the club possesses heading into this year's busy November period.
The likeliest possibility revolves around the Eagles offloading their prime draft choice in order to secure multiple early selections littered across the first pair of rounds.
In addition to that scenario possibly unfolding, West Coast could be the beneficiary of exporting one or more of its current crop of players to contending clubs, in exchange for picks. The likes of key defender Tom Barrass and livewire forward Liam Ryan have reportedly been sought after by rival clubs, with the Swans thought to be targeting a key-position pillar and the Hawks potentially interested in acquiring Ryan to their burgeoning forward line.
In any case, the Eagles seem destined to be 'sellers' instead of 'buyers' at this year's trade period, whether it be offloading veterans or splitting picks.