10. ESSENDON

Last year’s dramatic fall from form after a brilliant first half-season was due to sheer physical rigour. Their fatigue was visible. The brand of football they played until that time was impressive. They have instituted a training regime designed to manage soft tissues better, and Brendon Goddard was an enormously good get. Watch them.

11. ST KILDA

Goddard was a vital organ. They lost more than a star player. When all else failed, Goddard kicked in with more and imposed his expectations. Saints are being nicely coached now by Watters, but he inherits a group of stars in their climacteric. Riewoldt, Milne, Montagna, Koschitzke,

Dal Santo and Hayes are all still playing well, but the drop might be sudden

and the question is whether they have enough experienced youngsters to

smooth the transition. Mid-rangers like Gwilt and Fisher need to proceed to the next level immediately.

12. NORTH MELBOURNE

The Roos made the finals last year and were demolished by the Eagles. But they got there after a faltering start to the season. The indomitable Harvey had a good year, as did Swallow and Wells. Bastinac, Petrie, Goldstein and Thompson all gained steam. They have since lost McIntosh and Edwards, which hurt, as they don’t have a lot of depth. The most hyped rookie in history, Majak Daw, has finally been promoted, but they can’t rely on that. They still have punch and plenty of ringcraft.

13. MELBOURNE

I’d hate to see coach Mark Neeld cop it in the neck for this. However, if they can overcome a multitude of off-field issues, the Demons might do better after a horrendous 2012. Youngsters like Grimes and Watts are already being looked to as leaders. Neeld extracted the best from Watts after moving him up back, Nathan Jones had a great 2012 and lively forward Mitch Clark is back from injury. They’ve turned over some personnel, and will feel the loss of Jurrah, Bates and Green, but Dawes and Byrnes are very good, targeted acquisitions. David Rodan’s knee is, hopefully, not so shot that it will prevent him being of use.

The Demons are hoping Nathan Jones repeats his superb 2012. Image: Getty Images The Demons are hoping Nathan Jones repeats his superb 2012. Image: Getty Images

14. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Rebuilding. They were cannon fodder in 2012, and lucky GC and GWS were below them. They’ve lost one of their only true stars in Lake. Coach Brendan McCartney is on a long road.

15. BRISBANE

They unearthed some nice talent last year and ended up on ten wins, six more than 2011. Though they have a balance of youth and experience, they probably have a little too much weight at either end right now.