The top five players most under the pump in 2019

Who’s feeling the pressure this season?

Published by
Sebastian Clarke

AFL is a pressured-filled game. Whether it's coaches, players or board members, there is always going to be more pressure on some than others.

We take a look at the top five players who are feeling the heat heading into the 2019 season.

Jacob Townsend (Richmond)

The premiership-forward struggled to maintain a spot in the Tigers' lineup in 2018, playing just ten games for the minor premiers. The ex-Giant shopped himself around at the end of last year but had no luck, signing on with the Tigers rookie list for 2019. Townsend will need to have a big year to remain at Punt Road.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 6: Jacob Townsend of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the Richmond Tigers and the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Levi Casboult (Carlton)

The 198cm power forward had a disappointing 2018 season, kicking just 12 goals from ten games. Being out of favour with the Blues team selectors and sustaining a rib injury that caused him to miss a month, Casboult needs a big bounce back 2019 season. The 2017 season where he led the Blues in goalkicking now feels like an eternity ago. Is it time for the Blues to move on without the Tasmanian?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Levi Casboult of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium on April 27, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Cam McCarthy (Fremantle)

After being recruited by the Dockers in 2016, the ex-Giant has struggled to maintain the consistency he would of liked at his new club. He played all but three games in 2017 to lead the club's goalkicking an impressive debut season for the Dockers. The 23 year-old had a mediocre 2018, spending the middle part of the season in the WAFL. With the inclusions of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb, is there room for the 57-gamer?

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Cam McCarthy of the Dockers reacts after missing a set shot on goal during the round eight AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jack Watts (Port Adelaide)

The former number one pick has had a turbulent off-season, getting caught up in a sexting and drug scandal. The 172-gamer struggled to have an impact in his first season at Port and was sent back to the SANFL for the remainder of the season. Watts is out-of-contract at the end of the year and will need to perform both on and off the field to stay on coach Ken Hinkley's good side.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Jack Watts of Port Adelaide during the round 23 AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on August 24, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Harley Bennell (Fremantle)

Another Docker under the pump, Bennell signed a one-year deal at the end of last year that saw most of the public surprised. The former-Sun has not played a game for the Dockers since round 23, 2017 and ongoing calf issues continue to hamper his career. The 26 year-old has a make or break season ahead of him - will we ever see Bennell on an AFL field again?

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Harley Bennell of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round 22 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Richmond Tigers at Domain Stadium on August 20, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Published by
Sebastian Clarke
6 years ago