With preseason all wrapped up and eyes locked on Round 1, it's time for ESPN's AFL Draft expert Chris Doerre to assess each club's draftees, breakout contenders and returning stars for 2021.
Crows | Lions | Blues | Magpies | Bombers | Dockers | Cats | Suns | Giants | Hawks | Demons | Roos | Power | Tigers | Saints | Swans | Eagles | Bulldogs
Adelaide
Most impactful draftee: Looking likely to earn Round 1 selection and have an immediate impact as a crumbing forward, James Rowe was the SANFL's leading goal kicker in 2020. He failed to kick a goal against Port Adelaide but did register three behinds and looked lively enough at ground level to suggest he could play in the first round of the season.
Breakout contender: Jordon Butts performed strongly as a key defender against Port Adelaide. An effective ball reader and intercept marker, expect a push from Butts to establish himself as a part of Adelaide's best 22.
Rebound season: After a disappointing 2020, Taylor Walker appeared to move a lot better during his preseason clash against Port Adelaide. Walker kicked three goals and was clearly Adelaide's best forward 50m target. Expect him to play a better brand of football this season.
Brisbane
Most impactful draftee: Blake Coleman, the younger brother of Keidean, is Brisbane's most likely first year player to contend for senior games this year. Just like his brother, Blake plays the same style, with his forward pressure and ground level craft major strengths.
Breakout contender: Pressing his claims for a Round 1 spot, Tom Fullarton impressed with two goals against Gold Coast. Fullarton looks like an ideal complement to Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood in the forward line, due to his work at ground level and hands in close for someone with ruck height. With Fullarton signed as a Category B out of the Brisbane Bullets basketball team in 2018, he has developed rapidly since joining the Lions and with regular senior games has the scope to become a staple of the Lions side.
Rebound season: Playing just 15 games over the past three seasons, Joe Daniher will be hoping to return to playing his best football in 2021 and get through a full season. Preseason signs have been promising and suggest Daniher can get back to his best, kicking three goals against Gold Coast in their AAMI Community Series match, while scoring four the week before in their scratch match.
Carlton
Most impactful draftee: Likely to earn senior opportunities this season in Carlton's front half, Corey Durdin, who has played senior SANFL football in each of the past two seasons, is a ready-made small forward who fills a pressing need in the Blues' front half. As a ground level player, he can complement the club's taller forwards.
Breakout contender: Attending 24 centre bounces against St Kilda, the second most on the field, Sam Walsh is set to take on a more prominent role in 2021 and become a centre bounce midfielder. With 21 contested possessions in his Round 18 performance against Brisbane last year, expect Walsh to build upon that and join the competition's elite this season.
Rebound season: His 2020 season was plagued by shoulder issues, but Patrick Cripps has recovered from a full reconstruction and looks visibly stronger around the ball. Cripps did show considerable rust against St Kilda, and it may take him time to work his way into the season, but health permitting, he looks likely to re-establish himself as one of the competition's premier stoppage players.
Collingwood
Most impactful draftee: One year out from getting drafted, Finlay Macrae was more advanced at the same age than older brother Jack. Finlay, who is shorter than Jack, plays a similar style of football, possessing the same evasion and ball winning capabilities. His edge over Jack comes in the skills department, with Finlay's ball use on both feet of a higher quality. While we didn't see Finlay appear against Richmond, expect him to earn senior opportunities this season through the midfield.
Breakout contender: Collingwood's most influential in their performance against Richmond, Jordan De Goey, looks set to transition from forward to midfielder. De Goey attended an equal team-high 19 centre bounce attendances. The move appears a sound one and can result in De Goey progressing from infrequent gamechanger, who often goes missing, into a consistent four quarter player. The key to maximising De Goey's performance as a midfielder is ensuring he pushes forward in general play to provide Collingwood with an additional forward 50m target.
Rebound season: Looking like a shell of his former self in 2020, Brodie Grundy will be looking to return to his best after struggling with hub life. Through the ruck, Grundy was dominant against Richmond, giving his midfielders first use and looking re-energised.
Essendon
Most impactful draftee: While Alec Waterman came on late against Geelong and was unable to have an impact, he starred in Essendon's practice match against Carlton, earning a list position during the preseason supplemental period on the back of a four-goal performance. Leading the WAFL for goals kicked and scoring 20 goals from his final six games of 2020, Waterman, who was last AFL listed in 2016 by West Coast, will be looking to provide the Bombers another strong-bodied goalkicking threat inside-50m.
Breakout contender: Limited in his opportunities through the Giant's midfield, Jye Caldwell now has greater responsibility at Essendon and looks set to take the next step in 2021. In both his practice match and in his AAMI Series match against Geelong, Caldwell appeared as a regular at centre bounces and performed strongly through there. His contested ball winning, acceleration and composure with ball in hand against Geelong were all highlights.
Rebound season: Only able to put three senior games together in 2020, Dyson Heppell will be looking to play a full season in 2021. With several departures in defence, Heppell will add much needed class, experience and leadership to the backline and through the midfield.
Fremantle
Most impactful draftee: A ready-to-go tall defender, Heath Chapman, as a junior, played similar to Grant Birchall, with his intercepting and rebound from defence. Selected for Fremantle's clash with West Coast during the AAMI Community Series, Chapman entered the game late and appears outside the club's best 22 at this stage, but don't be surprised if he earns his way into the senior team for regular opportunities. Chapman has already been touted as an eventual David Mundy successor through the midfield.
Breakout contender: Playing only five games at AFL level due to an ankle injury in 2020, expect Hayden Young to become an important part of Fremantle's best 22 this season. Young is good enough to establish himself as one of the competition's best kicks from defence this year, and is a genuine two-way player who takes pride in beating his direct opponent each week. Signs against West Coast were positive, and it wouldn't be surprising if he were to continue taking the kickouts, even when Luke Ryan returns.
Rebound season: Playing no games in 2020 due to ankle injury, Joel Hamling will be looking to re-assert himself as part of Fremantle's best side. His intercept marking has long been a strength and will be a welcome addition to Fremantle's defence this season.
Geelong
Most impactful draftee: Unlikely to receive senior games in 2021 but likely to have a strong year in the VFL is Nick Stevens, a tall rebounding defender who possesses a promising mix of speed, endurance, a penetrating kick and strong ball-winning capabilities.
Breakout contender: Transitioning from the front half, Tom Atkins looks like a new man in defence and appears to have found a new position in the Cats' side. Strong in one-on-one contests, winning ground balls and providing drive from defence, Atkins looks like he can not only establish himself in defence but become one of the club's best this year if his clash against Essendon is any indication.
Rebound season: Dropping out of the senior side in 2020, Jordan Clark will be looking to re-establish himself as a part of Geelong's best 22. With Geelong needing more in the way of drive, both from defence and on the outside, Clark can add value and a dynamic that was lacking in 2020. Taking many of the kickouts for Geelong against Essendon, and leading the Cats for metres gained, Clark showed a high work rate, provided meaningful run and drive from defence, and played with real power.
Gold Coast
Most impactful draftee: Gold Coast's pick No. 7, Elijah Hollands, who ruptured his ACL at the start of 2020, is a player to watch out for during the second half of the season. Gold Coast are sensibly taking a long-term approach with Hollands, and will not rush the damaging forward and midfielder back. Once he is introduced into the senior team, expect Hollands to impact games forward of centre by foot and with his run.
Breakout contender: Providing meaningful outside run against Brisbane, Wil Powell starred for the Suns against Brisbane. Powell showed natural instincts with when to peel off his direct opponent and provide support to teammates.
Rebound season: Returning from shoulder surgery, Matt Rowell performed strongly in the Suns' AAMI Series game against Brisbane, with team highs of 17 contested possessions and seven clearances. With only five games played in 2020, expect Rowell to be looking to put together a full season and put forward a strong case for this year's Rising Star award. The only caution with Rowell is he didn't cover the ground or show the work rate we're accustomed to seeing, which will hopefully lift over the course of the season.
GWS
Most impactful draftee: A goalkicking midfielder with good skills and contested ball winning capabilities, Tanner Bruhn performed strongly against Sydney, kicking four goals and looking comfortable across half-forward and pushing up through the midfield. On the back of the performance, he should be in calculations for Round 1 selection.
Breakout contender: With a breakout game in Round 17 last year against Melbourne, which included 21 contested possessions, Tom Green is an inside beast who should become a prominent part of the Giants midfield this season. Signs against Sydney in the AAMI Series were positive, with 11 contested possessions and one goal. With high midfield minutes, Green can become one of the competition's very best first possession winners at stoppages.
Rebound season: Dropping away after a strong 2019 season, Tim Taranto will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2020 season where he struggled with hub life. With a game-high 31 disposals against the Swans, he looks likely to return to his best this year. While Taranto will continue to play heavy midfield minutes, expect to see him receive greater opportunity in the forward line, with his craft around goals a component he should be developing, particularly given his junior success in the area.
Hawthorn
Most impactful draftee: Likely to receive regular games in 2021 following the retirement of Tom Scully and the departure of Isaac Smith, Connor Downie looks good enough to slot onto a wing. With his penetrating kick and the way he takes on the game, he'll be a damaging player for a long time.
Breakout contender: Attacking the ball aerially and providing a dangerous target on the lead inside 50m, Jacob Koschitzke played the game of his life against a weakened North Melbourne, kicking six goals from nine scoring shots. There is no doubt after that performance Koschitzke lines up for the Hawks in Round 1.
Rebound season: Struggling for Collingwood in 2020 across half-forward, Tom Phillips looks set to take on a prominent midfield role for Hawthorn. Phillips, who is an endurance running beast and high-volume accumulator, has enjoyed previous success on a wing and will be looking to spend time playing both inside and outside through the midfield in 2021.
Melbourne
Most impactful draftee: Bailey Laurie, as a forward who can push up the field, is a classy, evasive small who provides strong forward pressure. While he may not be a Round 1 starter, he is a natural complement to Melbourne's best 22 and is good enough to earn senior games this season.
Breakout contender: Performing strongly with three goals in the practice match against Richmond before backing up with a solid performance against the Western Bulldogs during the AAMI Community Series, Kade Chandler looks likely to add to his one senior game. Chandler, who has worked hard on his running over the offseason, in preparation for a big 2021 campaign, will be looking to establish himself in the side as a small pressure forward.
Rebound season: Looking lost playing in defence in 2020, James Harmes will be hoping to reassert himself through the midfield and across half-forward. Against the Western Bulldogs, his play through the midfield was solid enough to suggest he can produce a more consistent season.
North Melbourne
Most impactful draftee: Holding his own for North Melbourne through the midfield against Hawthorn, Tom Powell finished with an impressive 16 disposals from 67% game time. Averaging 35 disposals per game in the SANFL Under-18s, expect an immediate impact from Powell at AFL level.
Breakout contender: Stepping up in season 2020, and becoming an AFL calibre midfielder, Luke Davies-Uniacke looks set to establish himself as a star midfielder. Davies-Uniacke led North Melbourne in contested possessions and clearances, with his power allowing him to break tackles and evade would-be tacklers with ease.
Rebound season: After a disappointing 2020, Jaidyn Stephenson is looking fit and motivated. Appearing to enjoy his role further up the field, through the midfield and up on a wing, Stephenson looks set to add greater consistency to his game.
Port Adelaide
Most impactful draftee: A ready-to-go defender, Lachlan Jones went from strength to strength in the SANFL in 2020, elevating his standard of play last year during the finals. Entering the game in the second half in Port Adelaide's clash against Adelaide, Jones threw his body around and played an aggressive brand of football, laying several strong tackles. Opportunities in defence will be difficult to earn, but expect Jones to be introduced into the senior team and quickly make a position his own.
Breakout contender: Showing he is good enough to be component in defence, former first round selection Miles Bergman intercepted effectively and provided some run and long kicking out of defence. Expect Bergman to be in mix for Round 1.
Rebound season: Playing five games in 2020 for Essendon, Orazio Fantasia should be refreshed by the move back to his home state. The key with Fantasia is staying healthy. The signs demonstrated in the first half against the Crows, kicking three goals and three behinds before being subbed out of the game, suggest he will provide Port Adelaide's front half with a significant boost.
Richmond
Most impactful draftee: Picked during the pre-season supplemental period, Rhyan Mansell is a ready-made mature age defender good enough to slot into defence as soon as an opportunity presents. Mansell was not chosen for Richmond's clash against Collingwood, but if there are absences in defence, Mansell poses a possible injury replacement.
Breakout contender: With reports during the 2020 off-season that Riley Collier-Dawkins was pushing Trent Cotchin around at stoppages, his natural improvement seems to have continued and he is looking ready for AFL play. Collier-Dawkins is a potent stoppage player but brings with it class and athleticism. Against Collingwood, he looked lively and like he would make something happen every time he got his hands on the football. It's unclear whether he starts in Round 1, but once introduced into the senior team, he is talented enough to hold his spot.
Rebound season: Earning only eight senior games in 2020 and falling out of favour during the second half of the season, Josh Caddy looked lost last year and like a shadow of the player he was in 2018. But Caddy performed strongly against Collingwood and looks likely to re-establish himself, with his work rate standing out.
St Kilda
Most impactful draftee: Mature age defender Tom Highmore showed composure and looked at ease immediately upon entering the game in the second quarter. A high-level intercept mark with rebounding capabilities, Highmore is a ready-made defender who has improved each season in the NEAFL previously before joining the SANFL in 2020 and showing AFL qualities in defence. Selection in St Kilda's defence will be difficult to earn, given the club's depth of quality options, but once introduced into St Kilda's best 22, he may be good enough to hold his spot and become a regular.
Breakout contender: Looking set for greater midfield opportunity, Hunter Clark, who as a junior played his best football as a midfielder, looks set this year to make that transition. Clark led the Saints in contested possessions and clearances against Carlton and should slot in alongside Brad Crouch to take pressure off the shoulders of Jack Steele.
Rebound season: Unable to earn senior selection until Round 8 last year, Jack Sinclair doesn't just look set to re-establish himself as a regular part of St Kilda's best 22, but he looks set in a new role across half-back to become an even more influential player. Sinclair plays a complete game, and with his run and drive, he should become an asset in defence and allow for Clark to be released into the midfield.
Sydney
Most impactful draftee: While Sydney didn't utilise Braeden Campbell as heavily as expected in the absence of Jake Lloyd in their clash against the Giants, Campbell showed enough to suggest he can become one of the competition's premier rebounding defenders in the future. Campbell's low, quick through the air dart of a kick late in the second quarter against the Giants is what Swans fans will be seeing a lot more of in the future. His penetrating kick and the run he generates from defence should see him earn regular senior selection and be an influential player this year.
Breakout contender: A physical and aggressive midfielder, Chad Warner showed enough signs against the Giants to suggest he can earn a Round 1 midfield berth for Sydney and become a regular part of Sydney's best 22. Warner is a strong contested ball winner who does his best work on the inside. Against the Giants he spent time both through the midfield and up forward, kicking one goal and showing improvement from how he looked in 2020.
Rebound season: Missing the whole of 2020, Lance Franklin will be looking to re-establish himself as one of the competition's premier key forwards, and more importantly, return to regular AFL play. While Franklin made no preseason appearances, he will be aiming to return in the early part of the season.
West Coast
Most impactful draftee: Impressing in the WAFL Colts, and then carrying his strong play into the WAFL at League level, Isiah Winder entered the game in the third quarter against Fremantle. While he played limited game time against Fremantle, and as a result had little impact, he may later in the season provide the Eagles with an option at the selection table given his combination of contested ball winning, class, explosive run and versatility.
Breakout contender: A late bloomer who has been touted as a possible breakout player for the Eagles, Harry Edwards will be contending for a position as a third tall defender. The role would see Edwards play alongside Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass in defence, while playing some relief ruck minutes. Entering the game during the third quarter against Fremantle, Edwards competed well in both positions and put up his hand for possible early season selection.
Rebound season: Falling out of favour for Brisbane in 2020, playing just six senior games, Alex Witherden should suit West Coast's mark and kick game plan perfectly. Expect Witherden to not only hold his spot, but to return to his very best. Witherden's play against Fremantle was strong, using the ball at 100% efficiency in the first half and 93% for the match.
Western Bulldogs
Most impactful draftee: Taken during the pre-season supplemental period, Anthony Scott, a 25-year-old was drafted as an outside midfield who can hit the scoreboard. Kicking two goals and finding enough of the football against Melbourne, Scott covers the ground well, possesses a penetrating kick and can win his own ball. Expect Scott to be firmly in the discussion for Round 1 selection.
Breakout contender: Impressing both through the midfield and up forward, Patrick Lipinski looks set to continue his progress this season. Hitting the scoreboard for three goals and impressing around stoppages against Melbourne, Lipinski can become one of the Dogs' most influential in 2021.
Rebound season: Looking like a shadow of himself in 2020 and suffering a PCL tear which saw him miss a good portion of the middle of the season, Stefan Martin is looking fit, strong and ready to contribute. With Tim English routinely struggling at ruck contests, Martin can take a good portion of the load off English to allow the developing ruckman to spend more time focusing on his work around the ground and forward of centre.