The AFL’s bottom 10 teams are staring into a mirror that reflects not just their current struggles, but the deeper cultural and psychological fractures that have kept them trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. With less than two weeks left in the regular season, the pressure is mounting—not just to salvage pride, but to reengineer their entire approach to the game. What’s fascinating here isn’t just the list of problems, but the fact that many of these clubs are clinging to outdated philosophies while the league evolves around them. It’s as if they’re trying to fix a car while driving it off a cliff.
Take Essendon, for instance. They’ve got the first draft pick, a coach who’s supposedly elite, and a roster stacked with talent. But the real issue isn’t the players or the coach—it’s the culture. And that’s the most insidious problem of all. Culture isn’t something you can buy or trade for; it’s something you build through accountability, respect, and relentless effort. The Bombers’ leadership group has been complicit in a pattern of inconsistency, choosing to ‘have a crack’ in isolated moments rather than committing to sustained excellence. This isn’t just a football problem—it’s a leadership crisis. If they don’t address this, they’ll keep wasting resources on talent that never gets the chance to thrive.
Then there’s Richmond, where injuries have turned a rebuild into a delayed nightmare. The Tigers’ situation is a textbook case of how fragile progress can be. A single season of setbacks can erase years of work, and yet, their approach feels almost passive. They’re waiting for players to return, hoping that health will somehow magically solve everything. But what many people don’t realize is that the high-performance department is just as crucial as the on-field coaching staff. If they’re going to invest in young stars like Sam Lalor, they need to back that up with infrastructure that prevents the same injuries from recurring. Otherwise, they’re just setting themselves up for another cycle of disappointment.
West Coast’s situation is equally telling. After a dark chapter in their history, the Eagles have shown signs of growth, but they’re still haunted by the complacency that followed their premiership. The problem isn’t just that they’re too accepting of losses—it’s that they’ve allowed a toxic mindset to fester. When a club starts prioritizing comfort over competitiveness, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Andrew McQualter is fighting against a culture that’s resistant to change, and until they embrace ruthlessness, they’ll keep falling short of their potential. It’s a reminder that even the most storied franchises can’t afford to take their legacy for granted.
Port Adelaide’s focus on Mitch Georgiades is a smart move, but it raises a deeper question: Why are so many clubs still fixated on individual stars rather than building sustainable systems? Georgiades is a great player, but his success depends on a team structure that supports him. The Power’s reliance on him as a savior ignores the reality that no single player can carry a club forever. This is where the AFL’s obsession with ‘superstars’ becomes a trap. Clubs risk creating dependency rather than fostering collective growth.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast’s leadership has been drowning in its own rhetoric. The Suns’ recent losing streak isn’t just about poor performance—it’s about a lack of authenticity. When coaches and players start spouting vague platitudes instead of taking accountability, it erodes trust. The ‘we accept the scrutiny’ line from the coach is emblematic of a larger issue: the league’s tolerance for empty gestures. If the Suns want to turn things around, they need to stop talking about ‘honesty’ and start demonstrating it through actions that reflect real commitment.
The GWS Giants’ decision to prioritize youth is a refreshing contrast, but it also highlights a broader trend: the league’s increasing willingness to gamble on unproven talent. While it’s risky, it’s also necessary. The old guard—players like Max Gruzewski—hasn’t delivered a premiership, and clinging to them is a recipe for stagnation. The Giants’ approach could set a precedent for other clubs to embrace bold, youth-driven strategies. However, this requires a cultural shift that many organizations are still unwilling to make.
St Kilda’s situation is a microcosm of the league’s salary cap challenges. The Saints are caught in a tug-of-war between retaining Nas and securing Max King, both of whom are critical to their future. But the reality is that no amount of money can guarantee a player’s loyalty. The pressure on Nas to re-sign will be immense, and if the club fails to meet his expectations, it could trigger a domino effect. This isn’t just about contracts—it’s about the psychological weight of uncertainty that can derail an entire season.
Finally, Carlton’s position as the best-placed bottom-10 team is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference. Their return of key players like Cody Walker and Jacob Weitering isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about restoring confidence. But even they aren’t immune to the league’s broader issues. Josh Fraser’s arrival brings promise, but it also raises questions about whether the club’s long-term vision aligns with its immediate needs.
What this all suggests is that the AFL’s bottom teams aren’t just struggling with talent or tactics—they’re battling outdated mindsets. The league is at a crossroads, and the choices these clubs make now will define their futures. Will they cling to the status quo, or will they embrace the uncomfortable truths that come with reinvention? The answer will determine whether they remain stuck in the cellar or finally break free.
