HAMPDEN league lists are taking shape as the 2017 season fast approaches.
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But what would be atop the coaches’ Christmas wish lists? We cast an eye over what clubs most need to make a significant improvement next season.
CAMPERDOWN:
A crumbing forward.
The return of athletic key forward Jordan Bain from a serious knee injury will give the Magpies a much-needed target in their attacking 50 but crumbers at his feet will go a long way to securing back-to-back finals campaigns. A creative small forward with tackling prowess would provide another avenue to goal and help complement Bain, who averaged more than four goals a game in his five matches before injury struck.
COBDEN:
A forward target.
Cobden is stacked with talent and would be firmly focused on making finals under first-year coach Levi Dare. The Bombers’ youth – think Jack Hutt in defence and Christian Koroneos as a dangerous swingman – has already shown it can be a force and their pace makes them a tricky opponent. But their forward line is still a work in progress, with Jesse Williamson topping their goalkicking list with 19 last season and Dom Dare (18) and his brother Lincoln (17) showing glimpses. A forward Cobden can build an attack around and who can hit the scoreboard regularly would bolster the Bombers’ chances.
HAMILTON KANGAROOS:
A back line general and midfield strength.
An experienced defender who could patrol the Kangaroos’ back line would give the youth-laden side direction. The Roos conceded the most points in 2016, leaking an average of 121 points a game, on their way to the wooden spoon. An experienced key defender who could provide a steadying influence would help eradicate that problem. The Kangaroos are a fleet-footed outfit boasting talented up-and-comers who would benefit from the addition of in-and-under clearance specialists around the midfield contests too.
KOROIT:
A fit Tim McIntyre.
Koroit boasts one of the strongest lists in the competition, best illustrated by its three straight flags. Chris McLaren, who is unlikely to add to his decorated playing career, inherits a squad hungry to add more history. His assistant coach, former AFL-listed small forward Tim McIntyre, was restricted to four matches in 2016 after overcoming a knee reconstruction. A full season out of him, either in attack or through the midfield, will add a different and fresh dynamic to a settled line-up.
NORTH WARRNAMBOOL:
A second ruckman.
The Eagles will enter 2017 with high expectations after falling short in their maiden grand final appearance. They had the best attack, averaging 111 points a game, and second stingiest defence, conceding 62 points per outing, in a club-best campaign. Strong across the park, a second specialist ruckman would ease the burden on number one tall Jordan Dillon and pinch-hitter Ben Mugavin. It would also allow the forward-savvy Dillon to spend more time in attack and prove a threat in the air.
PORT FAIRY:
A big-bodied midfielder.
The Seagulls have built a list capable of challenging for a breakthrough premiership but would benefit from an injection of midfield depth. They boast one of the best players in the competition in Daniel Nicholson and have a host of small ball winners, such as club best and fairest winner Isaac Martin, but lack a strong-bodied midfielder in the Nat Fyfe-mould. A player who could be equally damaging on the ground and in the air would complement the Seagulls’ already dangerous list.
PORTLAND:
A class midfielder.
The Tigers have one of the competition’s best talls in Ben Malcolm at their disposal in the ruck. They have a hard-working onball unit, led by skipper Rhys Egan. Portland, a finals darkhorse last season, would benefit from an injection of class around the midfield, particularly with coach Luke Crane recuperating from serious knee surgery. A smooth-mover with elite skills, by hand and foot, would have a positive impact up the field too and help with the Tigers’ forward entries.
SOUTH WARRNAMBOOL:
A strong key position forward.
The addition of an experienced tall forward would cap off a fruitful off-season for the Roosters. Their midfield stocks will receive a major boost next season in the form of former St Kilda player Josh Saunders – fresh out of the AFL system – and the return of VFL-calibre duo James Hussey and Liam Youl to Friendly Societies’ Park. Throw in tough ball winner Sam Thompson and the Roosters’ onball brigade suddenly boasts enviable depth. What they need is a strong target in the forward 50 to make the most of their work up their field. The Roosters averaged a meagre 66.3 points a game in 2016 – a stat which will have to improve if they’re to return to the finals fold.
TERANG MORTLAKE:
On-field leaders.
Terang Mortlake’s poor win-loss record might have looked drastically different had it found a way to win close games in 2016. The Bloods struggled when matches went down-to-the-wire, losing six by three goals or less. But their tough season unearthed talented players, particularly strong-marking forward Lachie Wareham.
WARRNAMBOOL:
Forward line presence.
The Blues’ once-vaunted forward line will take on a new-look next season following the departures of mainstays Jason Rowan and Travis Graham. Strong-marking forward Sam Cowling’s return from a serious foot injury will help alleviate some pain but a partner-in-crime to complement him, in the form of a leading target, would ease the pressure significantly. Midfield pace would also help the Blues regain their mantle as a powerhouse.