The Great AFL Strugglers: A Tale of Tigers, Blues, and Dons
It’s a peculiar sight to see three of the AFL’s most storied clubs—Richmond, Carlton, and Essendon—languishing at the bottom of the ladder. These are teams with rich histories, passionate fan bases, and a collective sense of entitlement to success. Yet here they are, mired in mediocrity. But which of these giants is best positioned to rise from the ashes? Personally, I think this question isn’t just about ladder positions or player rosters—it’s about culture, strategy, and the intangible grit that defines a club’s identity.
The Culture Conundrum
One thing that immediately stands out is the stark difference in how these clubs handle adversity. Richmond, for instance, has a recent premiership legacy that seems to be weighing them down. What many people don’t realize is that success can be a double-edged sword. The Tigers’ 2017–2020 dynasty set a standard that’s now haunting them. Players and fans alike are stuck in a ‘glory days’ mindset, making it hard to accept the reality of rebuilding. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a classic case of a club struggling to redefine its identity in the post-success era.
Carlton, on the other hand, has been the perennial ‘next year’ team. Their culture is one of perpetual optimism, which is both a blessing and a curse. From my perspective, the Blues’ inability to confront harsh realities has kept them in this cycle of underachievement. They’ve got the talent, but do they have the mental fortitude? What this really suggests is that Carlton needs a cultural reset—one that embraces accountability over hope.
Essendon, meanwhile, feels like a club stuck in limbo. Their culture is defined by a strange mix of pride and paranoia, thanks to years of off-field drama. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Dons’ identity has become so intertwined with their scandals. It’s as if they’re still trying to outrun their past instead of building a new future.
The Strategy Gap
When it comes to strategy, all three clubs are at different crossroads. Richmond’s approach seems to be a slow, methodical rebuild, but their fanbase’s impatience could derail this. In my opinion, the Tigers need to be bolder—either fully commit to youth or make a splash in the trade market. Half-measures won’t cut it.
Carlton’s strategy is more aggressive, with big-name recruits and a focus on immediate improvement. But here’s the thing: throwing money at the problem hasn’t worked for them before. What many people don’t realize is that the Blues’ issues run deeper than talent acquisition. They need a systemic overhaul, not just star power.
Essendon’s strategy feels the most disjointed. They’ve tried to balance youth development with win-now moves, but the results are underwhelming. A detail that I find especially interesting is their reluctance to fully embrace a rebuild. It’s as if they’re afraid to admit they’re not contenders. This raises a deeper question: Can the Dons ever truly move forward if they’re still clinging to a faded image of greatness?
The Youth Factor
Youth development is the elephant in the room for all three clubs. Richmond has some promising young talent, but their pathway to senior football feels cluttered. Carlton’s young guns are exciting, but they’re being thrown into the deep end without adequate support. Essendon’s youth strategy is the most puzzling—they seem to draft well but struggle to develop players consistently.
What this really suggests is that none of these clubs have cracked the code on nurturing the next generation. From my perspective, this is where the real battle for the future will be won or lost.
The Fan Factor
Let’s not forget the fans. Richmond’s supporters are spoiled by recent success, Carlton’s are perpetually hopeful, and Essendon’s are just plain exhausted. Fan sentiment plays a huge role in a club’s trajectory. Personally, I think the club that can manage fan expectations while staying true to a long-term vision will come out on top.
The Verdict
If I had to pick who’s best placed for the future, I’d reluctantly go with Carlton. Their talent base and aggressive strategy give them a slight edge, but it’s a thin margin. Richmond has the legacy, but they’re stuck in the past. Essendon has the potential, but they’re lost in the present.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that none of these clubs are a safe bet. They’re all flawed, all struggling, and all searching for an identity in a rapidly changing AFL landscape. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a story about three clubs—it’s a reflection of the broader challenges facing traditional powerhouses in modern sport.
In the end, the real question isn’t who’s better placed, but who’s willing to change. Because in this game, standing still is the same as moving backward.
