The AFL is on the verge of returning to something like normality after the coronavirus-ravaged season of 2020. The new season will bring with it many familiar sounds, but there are some things that simply will not be heard.
‘I really miss Sydney’
Jeremy Cameron no doubt gave his all for Greater western Sydney, but Larry could not have been happier than the key forward when Geelong was confirmed as his next club. Cameron’s signing is proof that the Cats will rebuild when hell freezes over. He might well be the missing piece in the puzzle for a team that came within one victory of the 2020 premiership. Best of all, as well as linking up on the field with Patrick Dangerfield, the two will be able to go fishing loads. And that’s surely the main thing.
‘I was wrong about the man on the mark rule’
The season’s most contentious new rule has sparked more head shakes and sniggers than Brendan Fevola on Brownlow medal night. Naysayers are convinced that disallowing the man on the mark more than minimal lateral movement is a bit crap, but on the evidence of pre-season games it actually works pretty well. There weren’t many infringements, and it may even have had a positive effect on scoring opportunities. But nobody likes admitting they’re wrong. As soon as the new rule has a material impact on a match, expect the boos and hisses to reach maximum volume.
‘Awesome kicking for goal by the Lions’
Brisbane’s kicking for goal in 2019 wasn’t great but last year it descended to the wrong side of dodgy. Inaccuracy was one area that would have demanded attention in the Lions’ post-season audit, but it wouldn’t have been the only one. Brisbane, to their credit, addressed personnel concerns and landed a very big fish by the name of Joe Daniher from Essendon. The tall forward will add a dimension to the Lions’ attacking set-up. But straight kicking isn’t exactly his thing and he might also compound the team’s biggest flaw. In tandem up forward with serial offender Eric Hipwood, anything could happen this season when Brisbane line up for goal. Except, probably, something that results in six points.
‘I just love going to work’
Nathan Buckley is on the doorstep of his most challenging year yet. The same goes for the entire Collingwood club. The Magpies limped out of last year’s finals and their list in 2021 is decidedly weaker after the club’s fire sale to relieve salary cap pressures. On top of that, the club must regain the trust and affection of the AFL community over the racism scandal that cost Eddie McGuire his job. Buckley is as resilient as the day is long, but he has a huge job on his hands in 2021. It could well be a very long year for him.
‘Patrick Cripps? Nothing to see here’
There is no bigger name in this year’s crop of restricted free agents than Patrick Cripps. The man is a beast, he will be just turning 26 when the season begins and any club in the land would welcome him with open arms. He’s also yet to make a solitary finals appearance in his seven years at Carlton. The Blues may be on the improve, but Cripps will know this is a gilt-edged chance to improve his lot both personally and professionally. Carlton will want to tie up their co-captain yesterday, but these things have a habit of dragging out. Cripps’ future will be an ongoing hot topic in 2021.
‘Port Adelaide aren’t much chop’
Yes, Richmond were unbelievably good in the grand final but let’s not forget they almost didn’t get there. The Tigers were given an almighty scare in the preliminary final by Port, who enter 2021 as the team most likely to dethrone Dustin Martin and his colleagues. Power coach Ken Hinkley has made no secret of the fact his men want it bad. They want it real bad. The Power have recruited astutely, and judging by pre-season games look ready to start the season running. A good mixture of experience and youth, with class on every line, Port will be there at the pointy end. They may not necessarily be better than Richmond on paper, but they will be hungrier. And hunger counts for plenty.
‘He’s still got it, has Buddy’
Few players in the AFL are capable of impacting a game, or sending fans into raptures, like Lance Franklin. That’s why the Swans signed the star forward to a contract with more years and more zeroes than most players will know in their entire careers. By and large, Buddy has been a success in Sydney. But the honeymoon is over. Franklin played 19 games in 2018, 10 games in 2019 and drew a complete blank in 2020. Knee problems, hamstring issues, groin soreness, calf tightness, you name it – if it’s below the belt, Buddy has got it. Although Franklin is coming to the end of his unnaturally long term, the Swans will still be wanting some good footy from him. But he won’t be playing in round one and it is anyone’s guess how many appearances his reluctant body will allow in 2021. It may just be that the bang has gone out of Buddy’s buck.
‘That’s special, don’t you think?’
Bruce McAvaney has been calling the footy as long as the AFL has been in existence, but his familiar tones won’t be heard in 2021 following the veteran commentator’s decision to concentrate on other things. McAvaney’s obvious attributes notwithstanding, no caller in the game can convey their love of the sport through their commentary like he can. Watching AFL football without him will be a bit like eating a Vegemite sandwich without the Vegemite. Or the bread. Or both.
