It’s that time of year again when the anticipation rises for another blockbuster AFL season.
Season 2023 feels different in comparison to the previous few years, with footy finally returning to a level of normality, much like fans had pre-COVID.
This season presents an intriguing set of storylines from Ross Lyon returning as St Kilda coach, Alastair Clarkson taking on the challenge of rebuilding a young North Melbourne outfit, Adam Kingsley getting his first coaching opportunity with GWS, and Brad Scott taking on the Essendon coaching role.
These aren’t the only ones to keep tabs on as teams with high aspirations such as Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs aim to strive for the ultimate prize.
And what about Carlton? After being in the top eight for 22 of the 23 rounds last year, the Blues fell at the final hurdle, ultimately missing finals for a ninth successive year. Can they get there in 2023?
Plenty has been said of last season’s surprise packet Collingwood in recent months. From 17th place in 2021 to narrowly missing out on the grand final, the Magpies will be there again in 2023 under senior coach Craig McRae.
Richmond shouldn’t be underestimated either, with the off-season signings of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper propelling the team into the premiership window.
The major talking points will be the permanent introduction of a fourth umpire in matches and the other being who replaces Gillon McLachlan as AFL CEO. With McLachlan set to depart at the end of the inaugural Gather Round mid-April, the league is yet to make a decision on who McLachlan’s successor will be.
If the 2022 home and away season is a staple as one of the best in recent memory, 2023 is sure to be even better with more teams than ever in contention for the premiership.
To help keep up with every player from every club for every match, the Zero Hanger Season Guide is the must-have handbook ahead of Round 1.
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