Almanac Footy: Mid-season footy reviews – Part 2

 

In Part 2, we will look at another four teams alphabetically – Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, and Gold Coast.

 

Essendon:

 

Mid-season:
A look at the key indicators for the Essendon team stats show that there has been a general lack of performance in all areas of the list, with one exception, Nate Caddy. Its defence’s best interceptor stats were well below that of other teams. It’s midfield led by Merrett, Parish, Caldwell, and the defender/midfielder McGrath, all now in their mature phases, should be at the height of their careers. Yet, all have been declining in performance for two seasons now. The only shining light is Caddy, who now averages over 2 goals a game as a high half forward (CHF).

When looking in the ‘magoos’ for enough players to make the 23 , we struggled, as its non-listed VFL players dominated.

 

Essendon’s mid-season pick: Really could have used a talented young key defender (Annand) but chose a back flanker, Artemis, instead.

 

 

Fremantle:

Mid-season:
Freo are sitting on top of the ladder because all parts of their list are working well. Even Young, an almost absent player from last season, is now driving their midfield. The loss this season of Darcy has largely gone unnoticed because Jackson went straight into the first ruck, with some support from Mason Cox. When Darcy is fit, he will return into the team.

Amiss has arrived, with a goal average of just over a goal a game (2025) to over 2.3 goals per game (2026). Also, that 3rd tall defender position has been locked in by the developing Chapman.

Their only obstacles are the MCG in September, and late injuries.

Freo’s mid-season pick: Nah, wait for the National draft.

 

 

Geelong:

Mid-season:
Subtle changes have taken place down at the cattery. In the first ruck, the junior, Mitch Edwards, has done pretty well, and should expect to do better as he develops further. No sign of Conway in 2026 as yet, disappointing for all! Otherwise, Geelong keeps rocking along.

Geelong’s mid-season pick: Could do with a couple of genuine junior goalkicking rovers, but that won’t happen mid-season.

 

 

Gold Coast:

 

Mid-season:
Gold Coast are doing okay, but still lack a bit of pace around the edges. Jai Murray is showing super-form for a first-year junior in the ‘magoos’ and could be in the seniors before season’s end. Good to see Ballard back in defense, recovering well. Juniors Coulson and Paterson still look as if they need some extra time. Maybe next season.
The interesting area is their rucks. Yes, Witts is coming to the end but is still their best ruckman. Moyle, the apparent successor, maybe slowly being overtaken by Ethan Read. But, there’s also Max Knobel, another junior, who is doing very well in their ‘magoos’. Can they keep all of them?

The Coasters’ mid-season pick: Nah, not really. But I would give the in-form Jepson a run in the seniors.

 

Further details, including you club’s best-performed mid-season team, can be found at: https://www.ozfootylistmanager.com/2026-lists-new.html

 

Any questions, please ask.

 

Next: Part 3 – GWS, Hawthorn, Melbourne, and North.

 

Cheers

 

Read Part 1 and other pieces by Micky McTigger Here.

 

 

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