As far as football seasons go 2017 had it all: cliffhangers, big hangers, sex scandals and ultimately an underdog premier, but that's all in the past now.
MORE: The Rover's 2018 AFL predictions: Adelaide to Essendon
Our guy on the inside, the Rover, looks into his crystal ball and sees another year of surprises ahead, but it's not all written in the stars as teams and players hold their own destiny in their hands.
Fremantle
Which way are they heading: The Dockers won at the draft and have the potential of Harley Bennell ready to play his best, but there’s little else to suggest things are on the up. Slot Freo into the bottom six.
The key to success is: Aaron Sandilands standing up. Sandi’s importance at this club is hard to overestimate. If he’s there then Fyfe, Neale and Bennell could prove unstoppable, if he’s missing then so is the ball.
Time to step up to the plate: Cam McCarthy. Fremantle invested in McCarthy as the centerpiece of their forward line but he didn’t look like a number one target in 2017. However, the Dockers did little to find him a fellow key forward so he’s going to need to be more than an 11 possession and 1.3 goal-a-game player if things are to change out west.
The one to watch is: Harley Bennell. The stage is set, let’s see what he brings.
It’s now or never for: Matt Taberner. This is the guy who should be standing 25 metres in front of McCarthy but he’s failed to take the chances he’s been given. If it doesn’t happen next year then there’ll be no 2019.
The headline they want: Harley Bennell – ‘How I Turned It Around’
And the one they don’t: Harley Bennell – Exclusive Pictures
Geelong
Which way are they heading: There’s nothing to suggest the Cats are going backwards, at least not yet. The mid to long-term future could get cloudy, but in 2018 the top four is a virtual lock.
The key to success is: Gary Ablett. Simple as that. ‘Dangerwood’ and their supporting cast are very good yet ultimately limited, but chuck in the little master and the flag’s a formality … if he’s fit.
Time to step up to the plate: Tom Hawkins. While he managed 51 goals in 2017 ‘Tomahawk’ failed to impose himself on games. A guy his size should be smashing packs and packing backs’ dacks as he thunders in from behind. A scary image? Sure, but that’s what Geelong needs from its big full forward.
The one to watch is: Nakia Cockatoo. There have been moments from Cockatoo that have caused chairs to be wet in the commentary box, but they are few and far between. Heading into his fourth season he needs to become a top-level footballer, not a cult figure.
It’s now or never for: Rhys Stanley. Another with flashes of ability, Stanley is going into season 10 and still hasn’t earned a regular senior spot at either Geelong or St Kilda. There won’t be any chances after this.
The headline they want: ‘Dangerwoodlett’ Brings the Cup to Geelong
And the one they don’t: Dream Over as Gaz Says Jesus Told Him to Quit
Gold Coast
Which way are they heading: Surely the football gods will give the Suns a break in 2018. If they can get their injuries down to a ‘normal’ amount they’ll be tapping on the door of the eight, but then I said that last year. Safest bet is to put them somewhere between sixth and 16th.
The key to success is: Getting players on the field. The talent’s there, the problem is that it’s sitting in the shed.
Time to step up to the plate: David Swallow. The injuries are in the past, he put 18 games under his belt in 2017, now it’s time to show why he was a number one draft pick.
The one to watch is: Jack Martin. He’s been improving steadily through his career so far without tearing games apart. It feels like everything’s about to change.
It’s now or never for: Michael Rischitelli. It’s unlikely Rischitelli’s career will extend to 2019 no matter what he does next season, but the former Brisbane best and fairest will be keen to go out on a high.
The headline they want: Suns Get Their Dew With First Finals Series
And the one they don’t: Captain Lynch Heads Home to Victoria
Greater Western Sydney
Which way are they heading: A grand final is the only acceptable finish for the Giants in 2018, but for the first time in their short history their list looks weaker at the end of the trade/draft period than at the beginning, meaning the honeymoon is over and the window is closing ever so slightly. Still, you’d be mad not to pencil them into your top four.
The key to success is: Hardness. No one’s ever doubted the quality but the commitment has been questionable. Big forwards Jon Patton and Jeremy Cameron in particular need to stop poncing about and start hitting packs like they enjoy hurting people.
Time to step up to the plate: Rory Lobb. With Shane Mumford gone it’s up to Lobb to bring some menace to the midfield, which may seem unnatural for a guy who looks like Marty McFly’s dad.
The one to watch is: Tim Taranto. This kid has got the goods to grab a spot on the ball and he has plenty of grunt and guts to back it up.
It’s now or never for: Ryan Griffen. It’s the last year of the former Bulldogs captain’s contract and he’d want to make it a good one. Injuries have kept him from his best but he’s now on the fringe of the Giants’ best 22 and is going to find it hard to get back to being a guaranteed starter.
The headline they want: Hundreds, Maybe Even Thousands, Celebrate Giants’ Flag Win
And the one they don’t: Stephen Coniglio Caught Up In Kevin Spacey Court Case
