BY KAT CHRISOULIS 

Another COVID-plagued AFL season has come and gone, and while the focus is on the eight teams fighting for a premiership cup, 10 clubs fell short and have been sent on an unwanted holiday. 

If a week is a long time in footy, there shouldn't be much a club can't do in five months.

Here we take a deep dive into each of the bottom 10's 2021 campaigns, and the impending tough calls they'll need to make if they want to turn it around in the break.

9th: West Coast Eagles (10 wins, 12 losses, 93.2%)

After losing nine of their last 13 games, the Eagles missed out on the eight for the first time in Adam Simpson’s coaching tenure. Surpassing St Kilda and Fremantle based on percentage, West Coast’s season would be best described as underwhelming. Despite failing to pull a string of wins together until Round 8, Simpson’s side looked in good shape for the finals, positioned seventh on the table in round nine. 

There were promising signs up forward as Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling combined for 83 goals, while Tim Kelly established himself as the backbone of the Eagles’ midfield. Nic Naitanui continued his All-Australian form as his centre-clearance work dominated that of other ruckmen. However, star power failed to get them across the line as the Eagles recorded their lowest ever score at Optus Stadium (43), lost their first derby since 2015, and got clawed 97 points by the Cats in Round 6. 

Pivotal players were plagued by injuries early on with Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Jeremy McGovern, Tim Kelly, Shannon Hurn and Liam Ryan all missing games. But the Eagle’s star-studded list is on the brink of being out-dated with eight players over 30, boasting the third oldest list in the league. Whether West Coast stick with their guns, or surrender to natural evolution and run some experience in their youth next season - time will tell.

10th: St Kilda (10 wins, 12 losses, 91.5%)

The Saints did anything but live up to expectations. Losing four of their first six matches, Brett Ratten’s men allowed their opposition to march effortlessly into their forwardline, giving up multiple leads when they shouldn’t have. That being said, their four losses were to Melbourne (18 points), Essendon (75 points), Richmond (86 points) and Port Adelaide (54 points). The Saints struggled to contend against quality sides, succumbing by 111 points to the Dogs in what was an appalling display of professional football. 

The Saints managed to improve their form, displaying some promising signs for next season. Undeniably their strongest player, Jack Steele proved himself as one of the most bullish midfielders in the competition, averaging 29.2 disposals, 8.4 tackles and 6.3 clearances. Among other positive signs, Max King continued to improve his form, booting 38 majors in his second AFL season.

The Saints went without Paddy Ryder, 33, and Rowan Marshall, 25, who struggled to maintain their health. 

Similarly to West Coast, the Saints seem to have an ageing issue, averaging 25.4 years old which is just over Geelong’s list of an average player age of 25.3. The Saints would be looking to push for a spot in finals before it’s too late. The delisting of Luke Dunstan, 26, and Jake Lonie, 25, hints at Ratten’s plan to push youth through their midfield, as Jack Bytel is a chance to get a consistent run under his belt.

With the likes of Jack Steele, Max King, Jack Sinclair, Cooper Sharman, Brad Crouch and Brad Hill, St Kilda should be in contention next season. 

11th: Fremantle (10 wins, 12 losses, 86.5%)

While injuries left Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters and Rory Lobb sidelined for the majority of their seasons, the Dockers managed to push for finals despite being ranked as the worst pressure team in the competition. 

Andrew Brayshaw emerged as the key piece in Fremantle’s midfield, tallying 28.4 disposals on average. Around Brayshaw, the Dockers have built an auspicious group in the centre, as Sean Darcy, Adam Cera, and Caleb Serong all ooze talent. 

However, with Cera requesting a trade back home in Melbourne, there’s room for the Dockers to recruit a young midfielder in his place - could Sam Petreveski Seton be the right fit? 

Docker’s resumé boasts some impressive wins over Sydney, Richmond and West Coast with Luke Ryan fortifying their defensive game. However, on the other end of the ground, the Dockers were severely inaccurate, only exceeding 100 points once this season. A lack of scoring combined with low pressure ranking are deemed worrying signs for Fremantle.

12th: Richmond (9 wins, 12 losses, 1 draw, 97.9%)

The long break is well-needed for these over-tired Tigers. 

Richmond started the season as you’d expect, and all was right with the world. A round one win against Carlton, defeated a rampant Bulldogs side, made a late comeback against Essendon, the Tiger dynasty was alive and well. But an injury-riddled list dismantled Damien Hardwick’s four-peat hopes. 

With Dustin Martin, Bachar Houli, Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Noah Balta, Trent Cotchin, Kane Lambert, and Nathan Broad all out at various points in the season, only four men played all 23 rounds. In Round 15, the Tigers stood with their tails between their legs as the Saints held them to their lowest score (22) at the MCG since 1927.

The rotation of 40 players through the starting 22 is a positive for Richmond’s fringe-players who got an opportunity to play on the big stage. Jack Riewoldt continued to be a steady force forward of the ball, kicking 51 goals, seven short of securing his fourth Coleman Medal. Signing on for another two years, young gun Shai Bolton continued to rise as a future superstar of the game.

With veterans Bachar Houli and David Astbury hanging up their boots, it will be interesting to see how Hardwick manages an evolving list. 

13th: Carlton (8 wins, 14 losses, 88.5%)

Another season Blues supporters are itching to forget. 

Carlton’s off-field turmoil translated to a series of woeful on-field performances. It was the Baggers’ eighth consecutive season finishing outside of the eight. Despite Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones being in All-Australian form, the Blues’ backline conceded the second-most points, allowing teams to get unanswered runs of five goals or more.

Co-captain Patrick Cripps announcing a monster six-year deal unfortunately coincided with a deplorable run-of-form which saw numbers on-par with his debut year. Carlton recruiters will undeniably be experiencing a serious case of buyer's guilt after $800,000 purchase Zac Williams failed time and again to prove himself as a midfielder. 

Carlton managed to consistently play just two players, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering, this season as injuries plagued their list. At just 20 years old, All-Australian midfielder Walsh was a beacon of light among a dark season for the Blues, racking up an average of 29.8 touches and 12 goals for his third season. Kicking 58 goals, Harry McKay was also selected for the All-Australian team in addition to taking out the Coleman Medal, in a losing side. 

The amalgamation of several key-position players, a solid midfield foundation, and the return of Charlie Curnow and Mitch McGovern should put the Blues in good stead for next year, pending their off-field crises are addressed. 

Time will tell whether the drawn-out review will galvanise the group outfit for 2022.

14th: Hawthorn (7 wins, 13 losses, 2 draws, 85.2%)

An un-Hawthorn-like season as Alastair Clarkson’s 16-year coaching tenure comes to an abrupt end. 

A failed handover plan didn't stop the Hawks from turning their season around. Of their final six games, Clarkson’s side managed three wins, one loss and two draws. Among these, include wins over the Brisbane, Western Bulldogs, and a tie against minor-premiers Melbourne. Even with a late surge, the Hawks were well off the pace throughout the season, ultimately finishing four wins out of contention. 

Down forward, the men of Waverley Park lacked a spark, ranking second-worst in the competition for marks inside 50. With further development in the off season, Jacob Koschitzke, who showed signs, could become the key forward that Hawthorn so desperately need. 

In spite of a 14th-placed finish, it wasn’t all doom-and-gloom for the rebuilding Hawks. The likes of Changkuoth Jiath (CJ), Jai Newcombe and Lachie Bramble are all signs of a promising future under Sam Mitchell. Prior to his PCL injury, CJ’s electrifying run off half-back showed a glimpse of the future for the Hawthorn faithful in his breakout year. 

15th: Adelaide Crows (7 wins, 15 losses, 82%)

If the Taylor Walker incident has left a sour taste in the mouths of footy fans across the country, imagine the threat it poses to the culture within the Adelaide Football Club.

The Crows came out of the gates swinging, embarrassing Geelong and Melbourne early in the season. But after heavy losses to GWS (67), Port Adelaide (49) and West Coast (30), Matthew Nicks and his men were brought back to reality. 

Despite a below-average season, Ned McHenry emerged as an exciting prospect, finishing the season with a handy 24 disposals, one goal and three minors. Riley Thilthorpe was also impressive, kicking five majors against Hawthorn (Round 6), and 18 for the season.

Taylor Walker returned to his strong form kicking bags of five, six, six and three in the first four rounds of the season. That being said, Walker’s racist comments in the SANFL should well and truly bury any hopes of him playing on next year.

The Crows are in a strong financial position, with plenty of room to spare under the salary cap thanks to a very patient rebuild, which should be exploited in this off season.

16th: Gold Coast (7 wins, 15 losses, 76.8%)

The Suns looked promising prior to the mid-season bye, but the week off saw history repeat itself as old habits came creeping back in. 

While Stuart Dew’s side looked strong at their best, their worst was abysmal as they lost 10 of their last 13 matchups. The Suns’ last three losses saw them succumb by 98 points (Melbourne), 68 points (Essendon), and 87 points (Sydney). 

To worsen the blow, their star-studded injury list hurt them throughout the season with long-term setbacks for co-captain Jarrod Witts (ACL), Matt Rowell (PCL), Sam Day (knee and ankle), and Connor Budarick (ACL). The Suns’ form after the absence of Witts reinforced that the ruckman’s physical and vocal presence is integral to the young and inexperienced side.  

Without a doubt, a positive to come out of Gold Coast’s season was Touk Miller, who was in career-best form. Awarded a spot in the All-Australian side, Miller went 14 straight games of 30+ disposals, as he established career-high averages in disposals, tackles, clearances, and inside 50s.

The Suns would be hoping the likes of Ben King, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, Touk Miller, Alex Sexton and Jack Lukosius remain loyal to the club in what they’d anticipate to be a more prosperous era. 

17th: Collingwood (6 wins, 16 losses, 85.6%)

What can only be described as a turbulent season led to the Magpies’ worst ladder position in club history. Despite evading the wooden spoon, it appears Collingwood is the biggest loser of the season. But before it gets better, things are going to have to get a lot worse at Olympic Park.

The Pies’ cut-throat trade season, which saw four players off-loaded, evidently did not pay off as they lacked the dangerous half forward presence of Jaidyn Stephenson and Adam Treloar’s leg speed in the centre of the ground.

The Magpies are suffering a serious salary cap “hangover” that is probably the reason why Scott Pendlebury is yet to accept the tabled one-year contract. To make matters worse, Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey (both $800,000+ players), and Brayden Maynard are all out of contract at the end of 2022. 

The final blow remains the first-round pick, now the second overall draft selection, that Collingwood traded to GWS in exchange for picks 24, 30, and a fourth-round pick. 

With the captain yet to re-sign, an over-crowded list, and mediocre trade prospects, what could possibly go right for Collingwood in 2022?

Well, Jack Crisp established himself as an irreplaceable midfielder playing his career-best game against West Coast (Round 20) with 36 disposals. And if he stays, Darcy Moore should continue to be the key pillar in Robert Harvey’s backline as he racked up an average of 3.4 intercept marks and 17 disposals in his 13 games. 

Following the messy departure of Coach Nathan Buckley in Round 13, De Goey proved his worth late in the season after being out of form and injury-plagued for the better half of the past two years. Under Robert Harvey, De Goey averaged 30 disposals and became a pivotal connection between the Pies’ midfield and forward line.

Nick Daicos, son of Peter and brother of Josh, has officially nominated Olympic Park as his destination of choice next year. The father-son prospect’s game has been compared to that of Sam Walsh, averaging 36 disposals and two goals in the NAB League. Daicos’ steady head, contested ball and forward craft paint him as a light in what was a very dark year for the Collingwood Football Club. 

18th: North Melbourne (4 wins, 17 losses, 70.3%) 

The Kangaroos claimed their first wooden spoon since 1972 as David Noble’s coaching tenure kicked off with eight straight losses. 

Despite their tail position, the Roos’ season wasn’t all grim. A cut-throat delisting which saw 11 players depart, a very young crop of talent, and new head coach saw the Kangaroos’ relying heavily on inexperienced players who were simply out-bodied by opposing veterans.

The inexperience was clear, as poor decision-making led to costly turnovers through the corridor early in the season. However, Noble’s commitment to his youth paid off and their ball movement improved rapidly as the season progressed.

Even as the losses piled on, Luke Davies-Uniacke had a breakout season, averaging 22 disposals and 4.5 clearances. Meanwhile, Tarryn Thomas (24 goals) and Jy Simpkin (27 disposal average) joined to form North’s backbone.

Nick Larkey, 23, is one to watch, securing a bag of seven goals on Jacob Weitering, who appeared to be a shoe-in for the All-Australian backline. 

Noble’s focus on his side’s long-term progression is admirable, and the addition of ruckman Jacob Edwards in the pre-season draft, alongside Jaidyn Stephenson, are all positives for Roos' fans. 

Going forward, North Melbourne should seek out key position players to support Larkey and Aaron Hall on either end of the ground.