RICHO’S TOP 10: Jake Stringer could play a vital role in GWS winning their first AFL flag over Hawthorn

1. We all get asked for our grand final predictions at this time of year.

So here are mine and they’re unlikely to be the same as many other pundits. Greater Western Sydney and Hawthorn will play in the grand final, which the Giants will win. Why the Hawks and Giants? If Jake Stringer stays fit he could be the X factor for GWS to take the next step ... and after round five last year I thought the Hawks played the best footy I saw in 2024. They are young and have plenty of growing to do still but have the makings of a champion team. And yhe Bont will finally win his first Brownlow Medal.

2. You got to love when a sportsmen can delay father time. Look at Kelly Slater at 53 having just competed in the Pipeline Pro and Gael Monfils winning an ATP tour event at age 38, becoming the oldest to do so since Aussie Ken Rosewell in 1977.

LeBron James is still going strong at 40 in the NBA. The two oldest players in the AFL this year are Scott Pendlebury , 37 and Travis Boak, 36. I can’t wait to watch them continue to compete in 2025.

3. I was lucky enough to be in the US for the Super Bowl.

It’s a great two weeks of build-up before the big game. We should follow suit and move our finals bye to the week after the preliminary finals. The AFL could use that weekend for a celebration of the year by holding the Brownlow and All-Australian awards nights. They could even hold all the State league grand finals that weekend as well.

4. It’s been a sad period for the AFL community with the passing of some much-loved figures in our industry after former Geelong player Michael Turner and Essendon assistant Dale Tapping coach lost their cancer battles.

And then Troy Selwood and Adam Hunter both died within a day of each other. There is no doubt that men at times ignore their mental and physical health. It’s time we had a men’s mental health round to help highlight the issue. The AFL and the clubs have a huge part to play and can help save lives. I have been an ambassador for a men’s health group called The Male Hug for several years. They are doing an amazing job helping men that are struggling. If any men out there are struggling, reach out and call their hotline on 1800 MY BUDDY – your call will be answered 24/7.

5. Often the focus of each team are their superstars but most AFL players are stars in their own right.

Here are the players that must stand up and play a crucial role in 2025: Izak Rankine, Eric Hipwood, Dan Houston, Jacob Weitering, Max Holmes, Josh Treacy, Sam Taylor, Sam Durham, Tom Lynch, Isaac Heeney, Will Day, Mitch Georgiades, Daniel Rioli, Aaron Naughton, Oscar Allen, Jake Lever, Rowan Marshall and Griffin Logue.

6. I’ve always been a big fan of Ken Hinkley as he is a player’s man to the end.

I really hope his last season goes well. Kenny deserves it. I’m also happy that they have anointed Josh Carr as Port’s next coach. He was always Hinkley’s natural successor in my opinion and recent succession plans have succeeded. Roos to Goodwin and Clarko to Mitchell. Dean Cox was always the next swans coach as well. We will watch with interest.

7. The mega Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis NBA trade is another reminder why the AFL needs a mid-season trade period.

A big trade mid-year could be the difference in plugging a hole in a team’s structure to help it go deep in September.

8. I love that Benny Gale has started his tenure as CEO for the Tassie Devils by holding forums all over the Apple isle.

The people in the different regions of Tasmania all hold different views and beliefs on how this team will succeed. These meetings will help to connect the state and shape the future for success. And surely Benny has called John Longmire by now. I believe they need an experienced coach and clearly Horse is the best one available at present to lead them in 2028.

9. There’s a lot of talk around long-term deals for star players in their 20s but what I don’t understand is why clubs offer guys in their 30s two-to-three-year deals.

One-year deals would safeguard teams against a player hitting the wall or getting injured like West Coast’s Elliot Yeo. I believe from personal experience that shorter contracts keep the player motivated and on edge to perform well so it’s a win for the club and player.

10. I provide a lot of tips in my column and am now putting my reputation where my mouth by signing up as an ambassador for The Game.

It’s a footy tipping competition that can pit you against your mates and you can earn bragging rights against myself and my fellow Seven commentator Abbey Holmes. It’s simple to join up just click here.