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 | Fremantle to GWS
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.
Hawthorn
Which way are they heading: The Hawks did enough in the second half of 2017 to suggest there’s still some life left in the carcass, but then again it could have just been trapped gas escaping the dead body. It’s hard to think their list is finals bound: Tenth to 14th.
The key to success is: Finding gold in what is plainly a pan full of pebbles. Ryan Burton has more upside than Dolly Parton, and Jaeger O’Meara will be handy when he’s fit, but the rest of the playing stocks are pretty much at their limit.
Time to step up to the plate: Cyril Rioli. The 2015 Norm Smith medalist has had his ‘superstar’ status questioned for years, and as soon as the big names disappeared from around him so too did the magic. If he doesn’t get back to his best in 2018 Rioli could be remembered as the Ringo Starr of Hawthorn’s golden era.
The one to watch is: James Worpel. Getting the ready-to-rock midfielder at pick 45 was a gift and Alastair Clarkson could turn this kid into anything.
It’s now or never for: Jonathan O’Rourke. The Giants used the second overall pick in the 2012 draft for O’Rourke but injuries, form and confidence have kept him to 18 underwhelming games in five seasons. He’s contracted till the end of 2018 so he needs to impress now.
The headline they want: Reports of Hawthorn’s Death Exaggerated
And the one they don’t: O’Meara’s Knee and Hawks’ Hearts Break
Melbourne
Which way are they heading: If the Demons miss the finals heads will roll. The fans are angry, especially since global warming has melted the snowfields by September leaving families with nothing to do through three weeks of private school holidays. Surely they’ll be between fifth and eighth.
The key to success is: Attitude. Melbourne needs more Nathan Jones and less Tomas Bugg, but after their boot camp cancellation it may be (barely) fighting a losing battle
Time to step up to the plate: Christian Petracca. He’s already been anointed the next superstar of the game, but in reality Petracca hasn’t done much. Time to live up to the hype and win a few games off his own boot.
The one to watch is: Angus Brayshaw. As long as he can avoid head knocks then Brayshaw should be ready to bring more of what he showed in his first couple of seasons. He’s effectively an elite recruit … if he stays on the field.
It’s now or never for: Bernie Vince. The 32-year-old offers the attitude Melbourne needs more of, but has probably fallen behind the quality kids in the club’s best 22. This could be the former Crow’s last chance for grand final glory.
The headline they want: It’s a Grand Old Flag!
And the one they don’t: Bugg Goes Viral: “Dumbest Move Ever”
North Melbourne
Which way are they heading: That last-round win in 2017 made the Kangaroos finish three spots higher than they should have. This in turn gives us confidence to state they’ll be heading down, somewhere between 18th and 18th.
The key to success is: Time. There won’t be much success for North Melbourne in 2018, or 2019, or 2020. It’s time to build the list, develop youngsters and look for cheap office space in Hobart.
Time to step up to the plate: Luke McDonald. The son of former Roo Donald McDonald needs to get some of his father’s mongrel and start to impose himself on games. We know he can play, the problem is that he also knows he can play and thinks that’s good enough.
The one to watch is: Luke Davies-Uniacke. North tried everything they could to get a superstar to Arden Street in 2017 without success, but maybe one fell in their lap and saved them millions. Getting the gun midfielder with pick four was a gift, with many thinking he will prove the best player from this year’s draft.
It’s now or never for: Todd Goldstein. The Kangas couldn’t give away the former All-Australian ruckman at the end of the season, but he’s only 29 and contracted for two more years so they’ll be hoping Goldy can get back to his best. If not he’ll be back on the trade table come October.
The headline they want: Sloane Says ‘Yes’ to Roos’ Millions
And the one they don’t: “Too Many Teams in Victoria”: McLachlan
Port Adelaide
Which way are they heading: The Power have recruited for the now, throwing all their eggs into one basket, so if they don’t head upwards it could be costly. Expect another fifth to eighth finish.
The key to success is: Whether they got the recipe right. If the new names don’t mix well with the established players then it could get messy, but if everyone is ready to play their part this will be a hard side to stop.
Time to step up to the plate: Jack Watts. The burden of expectation has been lifted (until I just put it back on him) and he’ll be given a consistent role. The former number one draft pick is really just entering his prime and should be ready to play at his best.
The one to watch is: Sam Powell-Pepper. His debut season was impressive but inconsistent, and now the hard-at-it midfielder needs to bring toughness and good numbers every week. I think he’s up to the job.
It’s now or never for: Hamish Hartlett. His future was up in the air at the end of 2016 before signing a five-year contract, but despite playing 22 games, Hartlett’s season returned his worst figures since 2010 and he finished 15th in the club best and fairest. A similar performance will see calls being made.
The headline they want: Port Downs Crows in Grand Final Showdown
And the one they don’t: Shanghai Smackdown: Loss to Suns Brings Koch and Kenny to Blows
