Adelaide
The Crows seemed to have survived the Tippet scandal that saw them punished for salary cap cheating. The club has secured ruckman Sam Jacobs on a new three-year contract.
Brisbane
Michael Voss is a Lions icon, but he will need to draw consistent positive effort and results from his side if the senior coach is to survive the season.
Carlton
Apart from the Malthouse appointment, the Blues have gone rather quietly about their off-season. Games up in Sydney last week revealed that the club’s depth runs deeper than presumed.
Collingwood
The Pies have a number of senior players returning from injury. Ball, Thomas and Didak will only add to a balanced mix of youngsters, rookies and reliable re-treads.
Essendon
The Bombers have been at the centre of serious drug allegations. The investigation into systematic doping of players at
Essendon has already tarnished the name of the club, but whether the negativity weighs as heavily on the playing group remains to be seen.
Fremantle
The Dockers are difficult to gauge. They played some inspired football last year and will be better for the disciplines coach Ross Lyon has been able to instil. A serious injury to integral ruckman Aaron Sandilands is terrible news.
Geelong
It has been a magnificent modern era for Geelong and the club hasn’t considered any lull is necessary in order to challenge again. Recruits Caddy and Rivers have impressed.
Gold Coast
Suns’ chairman John Witheriff’s claim that the Gold Coast will win a premiership within three years could be considered ambitious or ridiculous, but their list suggests that the club has an enviable spread of genuine talent.
Greater Western Sydney
With Sheedy at the helm for another year until Leon Cameron takes over, GWS will be looking to get experience and solidarity into their playing group.
Hawthorn
The Hawks are early flag favourites after a topsy-turvy grand final performance. They were not as determined as the Swans in the end, a fact that will drive the club in 2013.
Melbourne
Anxiety over a tanking investigation now settled, Melbourne must now concentrate on uniting as a club and a playing group. They have approached the AFL with a request for underage recruit Jesse Hogan to be allowed to play senior football.
North Melbourne
Coach Brad Scott secured a long-term contract while big man Majak Daw has shown signs he is ready to be a contributor rather than another exciting prospect.
Port Adelaide
The Power have a new coach in Ken Hinkley and unearthed some raw candidates for a competitive future in first round draft pick Ollie Wines and rookie Kane Mitchell.
Richmond
Senior Coach Damien Hardwick has announced, “It’s time.” Brave words for a club that has been in football purgatory for 30 years.
St Kilda
The Saints played some great football last season, but with No. 1 draft pick Brendon Goddard now traded to Essendon, they will need to stabilise.
Sydney
Last year’s grand final winners haven’t been celebrated in the manner they deserve. Started back on the track late, but will be ready come round one.
West Coast
Bar recruit Sharrod Wellingham’s strange trampoline injury, the Eagles have prepared well. The return of star forward Mark LeCras will make them an even stronger finals challenger.
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs are in rebuild mode on the field. They are also in survival mode off the field, proposing further equalisation policies to secure their long-term future.