With the draft period over, our experts assess each club's playing stocks and forecast the impact in 2017.
The Western Bulldogs are well stocked but staying on top is a challenge in itself. Photo: Joe Armao
Adelaide − unchanged
In: Reilly O'Brien (rookie upgrade), Jordan Gallucci (pick 15), Myles Poholke (44), Elliot Himmelberg (51), Matthew Signorello (62), Ben Davis (75), Ben Jarman (rookie)
Out: Nathan van Berlo, Mitch Grigg, Ricky Henderson, Matthew Jaensch, Luke Lowden, Jarryd Lyons, Keenan Ramsay
WHAT THEY GOT: The Crows prioritised their midfield and got some power and pace in Gallucci and Poholke. Davis has some speed too, while Himmelberg will add key position depth at either end. Could be light on for key defenders if Talia and Lever happen to go down at the same time.
IMPACT: Having chased Bryce Gibbs and failed to get him whatever the Crows did off-season would look to have fallen short. Gibbs' star power could have truly elevated them into contention with another elite and versatile mid forward. As it is they didn't get him or anyone else likely to have an immediate impact (you can't assume a draftee will do so, though Cameron could play more midfield and Milera is on the up). So they go in next year with basically the same look, relying on improvement from within.
Brisbane ▲ Up
In: Jack Frost, Archie Smith (rookie upgrade), Matt Eagles (rookie, The Recruit), Hugh McCluggage (pick 3), Jarrod Berry (17), Alex Witherden (23), Cedric Cox (24), Jacob Allison (55), Corey Lyons (71), Mitch Hinge (rookie), Jake Barrett (rookie), Oscar McInerney (rookie), Blake Grewar (rookie)
Out: Hugh Beasley, Justin Clarke, Billy Evans, Josh Green, Pearce Hanley, Josh McGuinness, Daniel Merrett, Jackson Paine, Josh Watts, Trent West, Jaden McGrath.
WHAT THEY GOT: a top-quality midfielder in McCluggage, who should play plenty of games. Addressed a key need in adding Berry (courage), Witherden (foot skills) and Cox (speed, and tricks) to their backline. Not many mid-sized forwards on the list so will need to kick goals from the midfield.
IMPACT: More upheaval than the US government. Of the outs only Pearce Hanley will hurt. Tom Rockliff was retained but won't be captain, whether he is destabilising will have a say on their year. They brought in depth with Jack Frost but otherwise harvested the draft which means the impact will take time, notwithstanding the effect of a new coach. Well placed for, say, two years down the track if they get things right and develop their big clutch of talented youngsters well. Have quality developing talls and should take steps in 2017.
Carlton − unchanged
In: Ciaran Byrne (rookie upgrade), Caleb Marchbank, Rhys Palmer, Jarrod Pickett, Billie Smedts, Sam Petrevski-Seton (pick 6), Zac Fisher (27), Harrison Macreadie (47), Cameron Polson (59), Tom Williamson (61), Patrick Kerr (65), Kym LeBois (rookie), Alex Silvagni (rookie)
Out: Matthew Dick, Andrejs Everitt, Jayden Foster, Billy Gowers, Michael Jamison, Ciaran Sheehan, Clem Smith, Zach Tuohy, Jason Tutt, Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, Andrew Walker, Mark Whiley, Cameron Wood.
WHAT THEY GOT: a top-rated midfielder in Petrevski-Seton who is skilful, tough and ambitious. Fisher players there too, though they're still light on for midfield numbers. More running backs. A high potential key back in Marchbank who'll make them better. A couple of much needed crumbing options. A key forward in Kerr to develop alongside McKay and Curnow.
IMPACT: The Blues did a lot right off season. They refused to trade Gibbs for baubles which was right but now they have a senior player who wanted to leave. This is Bolton's team, looking at the outs. They have chased kids and a few depth top ups - Smedts, Palmer, Silvagni. Marchbank, if he gets on the ground more often, will be a big bonus teaming with Weitering one end with McKay and Curnow the other. That's a long term spine but only a developing one next year. Tuohy out hurts their run.
Collingwood ▲ Up
In: Lynden Dunn, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Lachlan Keeffe, Chris Mayne, Josh Smith, Daniel Wells, Sam McLarty (pick 30), Callum Brown (35), Kayle Kirby (50), Josh Daicos (57), Mitch McCarthy (rookie), Henry Schade (rookie), Liam Mackie (rookie), Max Lynch (rookie)
Out: Nathan Brown, Travis Cloke, Jack Frost, Corey Gault, Tim Golds, Matthew Goodyear, Brent Macaffer, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey, Marley Williams, Jarrod Witts, Darrean Wyatt, Jonathon Marsh
WHAT THEY GOT: Replaced outgoing key backs with draftees McLarty and McCarthy and the more ready to play Dunn, Schade. Added a couple more small forwards in Daicos and Kirby (Brown will likely start there too) and will go in with largely the same midfield group, with the added class of Wells and pace of Hoskin-Elliott.
IMPACT: Wells' was a very good pick up. He's got run, class and (as long as he is fit) is a match winner. The midfield now looks deep and dangerous. Mayne would want to remember how he played two years ago, Hoskin-Elliott is very outside but is young, fast and good overhead. If Reid falls over they are vulnerable and they know it - Keeffe, Schade and Dunn brought in as immediate cover and they've traded in kids to play the position long term. With Elliott back they should bump next year - the coach needs them to.
Essendon ▲ Up
In: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (rookie upgrade), Connor McKenna (rookie upgrade), James Stewart, James Kelly, Matt Dea, Josh Green, Andrew McGrath (pick 1), Jordan Ridley (22), Josh Begley (31), Kobe Mutch (42), Dylan Clarke (63), Sam Draper (rookie)
Out: Jason Ashby, Adam Cooney, Ryan Crowley, Courtenay Dempsey, Shaun Edwards, Nathan Grima, Sam Grimley, James Gwilt, Will Hams, Michael Hibberd, Mark Jamar, Nick Kommer, Sam Michael, Gach Nyuon, Tayte Pears, James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Simpkin, Mathew Stokes, Tom Wallis
WHAT THEY GOT: Three new young midfielders, including No. 1 pick McGrath. More mid-sized options for the backline. An athletic key forward in Stewart who has some developing to still do and a crumber in Green who could make a difference if fit. Used the first pick in the rookie draft to add a developing ruckman.
IMPACT: Even the Bombers don't know what to expect. What impact the year out for so many players? What is the best 22? On paper they now look as strong as any top eight team. They found good players last year (Merrett, Fantasia, McDonald-Tipungwuti), have elite young midfielders out of the draft (McGrath and Parish) and Daniher and Hurley at each end.
Fremantle ▲ Up
In: Joel Hamling, Bradley Hill, Shane Kersten, Cameron McCarthy, Griffin Logue (pick 8), Sean Darcy (38), Brennan Cox (41), Luke Ryan (66), Taylin Duman (rookie), Luke Strnadica (rookie)
Out: Michael Barlow, Matt de Boer, Jack Hannath, Sean Hurley, Chris Mayne, Anthony Morabito, Tendai Mzungu, Matthew Pavlich, Clancee Pearce, Alex Silvagni, Tanner Smith.
WHAT THEY GOT: A ready to play key back in Hamling, a mature-age running back in Ryan, plus a couple of tall defenders to develop. Ready to go key forwards in Kersten and McCarthy. An instant addition for the midfield in Hill (with Bennell in the wings) and a raw ruck prospect (Darcy).
IMPACT: Forecasting Fremantle is the riskiest proposition in football. With Fyfe back they simply have to be better. Joel Hamling was great for the Dogs and while he's still young and raw he should be a good pick up. But Cam McCarthy? Who knows? After what he has gone through it's impossible to know. Hill will give them run and daring which they've lacked. They can't be worse.
Geelong − unchanged
In: Aaron Black, Tom Ruggles (rookie upgrade), Zach Tuohy, Brandan Parfitt (pick 26), Tom Stewart (40), Esava Ratugolea (43), Quinton Narkle (60), Timm House (68), Ryan Abbott (69), Jack Henry (rookie), Zach Guthrie (rookie), Jamaine Jones (rookie), Sam Simpson (rookie)
Out: Jimmy Bartel, Zac Bates, Josh Caddy, Mitch Clark, Jock Cornell, Cameron Delaney, Corey Enright, Shane Kersten, Padraig Lucey, Michael Luxford, Tom Read, Billie Smedts, Nathan Vardy.
WHAT THEY GOT: Some speed and excitement in Parfitt, Narkle and Jones, and for their forward line (Ratugolea). All are an investment in the future. Mature-age prospects for a few different parts of the ground (Stewart, Abbott and House), who they will be hoping can step in and play straight away if required. Replaced Kersten, who played plenty of games last year, with Black.
IMPACT: Lost Caddy but gained Tuohy. They need more run from defence than midfield depth so are better off. Enright was still playing good footy so he will be a loss. Time was right on Bartel. Deledio would have been ideal but curiously it didn't happen yet they still did a deal on Caddy. Black for Kersten is zero-sum.
Gold Coast − unchanged
In: Pearce Hanley, Jesse Joyce (rookie upgrade), Jarryd Lyons, Jarrod Witts, Michael Barlow, Ben Ainsworth (pick 4), Jack Scrimshaw (7), Will Brodie (9), Jack Bowes (10), Brad Scheer (67), Max Spencer (rookie)
Out: Clay Cameron, Tom Keough, Nick Malceski, Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia, Luke Russell, Henry Schade, Danny Stanley, Seb Tape.
WHAT THEY GOT: Four top 10 draftees, well chosen. Bowes and Brodie should contribute to the midfield almost straight away, and Ainsworth is ready to go as a small forward. Added to their mid-sized defensive stocks. Retained Brooksby and Loersch as developing ruck depth. Got everything but another key back.
IMPACT: The captain wanted a trade; that can't be good. It was for family reasons but still it proves he's unsettled. Hanley adds creativity and run and gave them something to offset O'Meara and Prestia. O'Meara was not playing so that won't hurt in one sense next year but losing a player of his calibre always hurts. Witts is 24 and has played enough games to be big improver with regular game time. Importantly the clutch of draftees they chose are competitive, and friends, which should help the go-home factor. Have given themselves a fresh chance for the medium to long term if they develop their kids well.
GWS − unchanged
In: Brett Deledio, Tim Taranto (pick 2), Will Setterfield (5), Harry Perryman (14), Isaac Cumming (20), Lachlan Tiziani (54), Matthew de Boer, Tendai Mzungu (rookie), Zach Sproule (rookie)
Out: Paul Ahern, Jake Barrett, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Cam McCarthy, Pat McKenna, Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Pickett, Jack Steele, James Stewart.
WHAT THEY GOT: Instant improvement via Deledio. Four top 20 draftees despite going in with just two top 20 picks, including three high quality midfield prospects in Setterfield, Taranto and Perryman. Another number for both their forward and backline groups. Break in case of emergency midfielders in delisted Fremantle pair Mzungu and de Boer.
IMPACT: Deledio was an excellent pick up. The versatility of the player was a problem for him at Richmond - they needed him everywhere. At Giants he complements perfectly either in the midfield, forward or run from defence … as long as achilles is OK, and makes them better. Have a massive amount of young, improving talent. Will be hard to dislodge from top 4.
Hawthorn ▼ Down
In: Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O'Meara, Kade Stewart, Ty Vickery, Ricky Henderson, Harry Morrison (pick 74), Mitchell Lewis (76), Oliver Hanrahan (rookie), James Cousins (rookie)
Out: Bradley Hill, Lachlan Langford, Jordan Lewis, Angus Litherland, Jermaine Miller-Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Matt Spangher, Shem Tatupu, Zac Webster, Alex Woodward.
WHAT THEY GOT: O'Meara and Mitchell, who cost a bomb but who they will see as their next long-term A-grade midfielders. There was no way they could cover the immediate loss of Hill, Mitchell and Lewis and they're light on for genuine on-ball numbers. Went for a developing tall forward and an athletic half-back at the draft.
IMPACT: Vickery in, and playing close to goal looks a good trade. Loss of run from Hill will hurt. Tom Mitchell is ready to go and if they get O'Meara up after long term injury their midfield should not get worse, even if they take a slight step backwards.
Melbourne − unchanged
In: Michael Hibberd, Jordan Lewis, Pat McKenna, Josh Wagner (rookie upgrade), Mitchell Hannan (pick 46), Dion Johnstone (64), Lachlan Filipovic (rookie), Tim Smith (rookie), Declan Keilty (rookie)
Out: Chris Dawes, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes, Matt Jones, Max King, Viv Michie, Ben Newton, Dean Terlich.
WHAT THEY GOT: Instant impact in backline and midfield via Hibberd and Lewis. A developing ruckman and some depth for their forward and backline. With decent numbers in all areas could afford to look a little left field and go for some mature-ager options who look capable of playing senior footy next year.
IMPACT: Poised to go to the next step and Lewis and Hibberd should help deliver that. Short term Lewis should be great for his impact on the young midfield but they also risk looking too similar with one-paced inside players. That said Hibberd and Melksham should add run. The new coach too should give them a spike.
N Melbourne ▼ Down
In: Paul Ahern, Nathan Hrovat, Majak Daw (rookie upgrade), Brayden Preuss (rookie upgrad), Marley Williams, Jy Simpkin (pick 12), Declan Watson (34), Josh Williams (36), Nick Larkey (73), Cameron Zurhaar (rookie), Oscar Junker (rookie), Matthew Taylor (rookie)
Out: Aaron Black, Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito, Brent Harvey, Robin Nahas, Brad McKenzie, Drew Petrie, Farren Ray, Joel Tippett, Daniel Wells.
WHAT THEY GOT: Some serious pace (in Simpkin, Williams and even Williams and Ahern, the latter of whom won't play for a while yet). A midfielder in Hrovat ready to take the next step. Got a bit more of what they had in terms of mid-sized forwards and backs, but some variety of type nonetheless.
IMPACT: Wow, the Roos weren't mucking around. Old players went out and they attacked the draft. They brought in Williams and Hrovat for immediate depth, while Ahern was an elite junior and could give them many good years once he overcomes his injury. Roos will probably go backwards before going forwards. The development of McKay, Durdin and a few others will be crucial for them long term.
Port Adelaide ▼ Down
In: Nathan Krakouer (rookie upgrade), Todd Marshall (pick 16), Sam Powell-Pepper (18), Joe Atley (32), Willem Drew (33), Peter Ladhams (rookie), Jarrod Lienert (rookie), Brett Eddy (rookie), Emmanuel Irra (rookie)
Out: John Butcher, Alipate Carlile, Sam Colquhoun, Kane Mitchell, Cam O'Shea, Jay Schulz, Paul Stewart
WHAT THEY GOT: The tall forward they really needed to get onto their list, though Marshall can't be expected to play straight up. Improved their midfield numbers with four hard and honest players in Atley, Drew and first pick Powell-Pepper. All could make some sort of impact next year.
IMPACT: With a lot on the line for Hinkley the Power still bravely attacked the draft not trades. Ryder back will help, he was a big loss this year. Monfries is in his 30s now but gives them some depth in the forward line. They were flaky last year but have good midfield depth and some talented youth. Senior players really need to deliver if they are going to improve after two ordinary years rather than get worse.
Richmond ▼ Down
In: Josh Caddy, Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Jayden Short (rookie upgrade), Shai Bolton (pick 29), Jack Graham (53), Ryan Garthwaite (72), Tyson Stengle (rookie)
Out: Troy Chaplin, Brett Deledio, Adam Marcon, Liam McBean, Reece McKenzie, Andrew Moore, Ty Vickery.
WHAT THEY GOT: A good shot of mature talent in the midfield via Prestia and Caddy. Drafted some class in Bolton and on-ball hardness in Graham as well as a developing tall back in Garthwaite. Weren't picking in a fantastic spot, and weren't able to find a tall forward prospect so they'll be light on there.
IMPACT: They have lost one of the best players they have ever had. Deledio's Achilles was questionable but his absence will hurt. They have lost Vickery and as maligned as he became there, they weren't able to replace him. They look thin in key back after Rance (and if he goes down what then?) Prestia and Caddy are solid, ready to go and will help offset the loss of Deledio for several years. They look a touch better, all up. How far that takes them next year we'll have to wait and see.
St Kilda ▲ Up
In: Nathan Brown, Jason Holmes (rookie upgrade), Jack Steele, Koby Stevens, Ben Long (pick 25), Josh Battle (39), Ed Phillips (56), Rowan Marshall (rookie)
Out: Tom Curren, Luke Delaney, Sam Fisher, Tom Lee, Brodie Murdoch, Brenton Payne, Josh Saunders, Cameron Shenton, Eli Templeton.
WHAT THEY GOT: An up and coming midfielder (Steele) and another who'll add depth (Stevens). They drafted some pace in Long, who has starred as a small forward at VFL level but can play other positions too. Another ruckman for the list, though Marshall may develop as a forward. Battle is a hard-running forward to be groomed for life after Riewoldt.
IMPACT: Jack Steele and Koby Stevens add immediate toughness and depth to the midfield, but not speed which is the only worry for the Saints, who finished 2016 with momentum. If they get Freeman right, problem solved. They have depth in most positions, and several players with big scope who are on the improve. McCartin going to the next level will help Saints make their anticipated next step.
Sydney − unchanged
In: Jordan Foote, Harry Marsh, Nick Newman, Tom Papley (rookie upgrades), Oliver Florent (11), Will Hayward (21), Jack Maibaum (45), Darcy Cameron (48), Ben Ronke (rookie), Robbie Fox (rookie), Shaun Edwards (rookie), Toby Pink (rookie), Sam Fisher (rookie)
Out: Tom Mitchell, Abe Davis, Tom Derickx, Kyle Galloway, Jack Hiscox, Ben McGlynn, Toby Nankervis, Ted Richards, Xavier Richards
WHAT THEY GOT: Some outside run and class in Florent and even third-chancer Edwards. A half-forward who could pave the way for Heeney to go into the midfield, in Hayward. Some depth in both their key defensive (Maibaum), key forward (Pink) and ruck (Cameron) stocks, and a couple of extra on-ball options including a mature-age recruit in Fox.
IMPACT: Tom Mitchell leaving will hurt the Swans but perhaps not as much as might be presumed given they have a clutch of players - Heeney, Mills for instance - keen to seize the chance to get more midfield time. Heeney should now be exclusively midfield. They were not far away from it and it is doubtful they will slide from there. Got the outside polish they needed (and have Dawson and Leonardis in the wings); whether they can utilise it quickly is the question, given the youth of their recruits.
West Coast ▼ Down
In: Sam Mitchell, Nathan Vardy, Daniel Venables (pick 13), Josh Rotham (37), Willie Rioli (52), Jake Waterman (77), Thomas Gorter (rookie), Drew Petrie (rookie), Fraser McInnes (rookie), Tarir Bayok (rookie)
Out: Corey Adamson, Jamie Bennell, Mitch Brown, Damien Cavka, Brant Colledge, Xavier Ellis, Fraser McInnes, Kane Lucas, Patrick McGinnity, Alec Waterman.
WHAT THEY GOT: A Brownlow Medal winning 34-year-old midfielder. Assistance in the forward line and ruck via Petrie. A first-picked draftee who fills a need as an aggressive mid/goalkicking forward and the young crumber they needed in Rioli. Added a decent bit of depth to most parts of the ground.
IMPACT: With Naitanui out for the year they rummaged around for a replacement ruck and plumped for one who has not quite made it (Vardy) and one (Petrie) who could be past it. Mitchell will be hoped will help ensure that even if they lose the ruck they win the clearances but there has got to be some doubt on the Eagles' ability to get back up the ladder next year.
W Bulldogs − unchanged
In: Travis Cloke, Tim English (19), Patrick Lipinski (28), Lewis Young (49), Fergus Greene (70), Nathan Mullenger-McHugh (rookie)
Out: Jed Adcock, Luke Goetz, Joel Hamling, Nathan Hrovat, Will Minson, Koby Stevens.
WHAT THEY GOT: The best ruck prospect in the draft, English, who'll take some time and so was the right player for the right pick at selection 19. They have the list to be able to give him time. Another versatile option in Lipinski, who is good enough to play next year. Some raw developing talls for their forward line. And, of course, Cloke.
IMPACT: They lost Hamling but expected Marcus Adams to reclaim his spot anyway. Cloke if he can rediscover his best would be an enormous benefit; if he doesn't, he plays VFL. Crameri likewise. He was adequately covered when out, now it's on him to reclaim his spot. Nothing in the changes suggest they go backwards, but when you are top staying there is challenging enough.