Ranking all 17 teams based on how much they need Liam Jones in 2023

A ready-made key defender who was at the peak of his strength prior to choosing not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the market for Liam Jones at the end of the season may be bigger than you’d expect.

Jones was coming off a career-best season with Carlton when he decided to retire, rather than receive vaccinations.

Now, with the mandate relaxed, Jones will be allowed into the AFL team in 2023 and there is no shortage of need for his services.

We’ve gone through all 17 teams (without Carlton, who has ruled out getting the 31-year-old back) and ranked them based on how much they would benefit from adding Jones for 2023.

The question that remains is whether the Blues deserve some sort of compensation, given the unique circumstances.

From 17 (least) to 1 (most), here are our rankings:

17. West Coast

The Eagles have Tom Barrass in his prime, they have veteran key defenders in Jeremy McGovern, and some younger options in Harry Edwards and Rhett Bazzo.

Given where they are and the composition of their roster, they don’t need Liam Jones.

16. Melbourne

Sure, if you’re in the premiership window, adding depth is always great. But Dees has needs at the other end of the ground and will also have to find fray support for Max Gawn, especially if Luke Jackson leaves.

Their back line is fine.

15. Fremantle

As above, really. Freo’s focus should be on acquiring Jackson and strengthening their main forward. They had a more important depth of defense than they knew what to do at the moment.

14. Golden Beach

The Suns already have a strong key defensive core with Sam Collins and Charlie Ballard. They have depth with Rory Thompson and Caleb Graham. Even Levi Casboult can swing back if needed.

13. North Melbourne

Similar to the West Coast, Roos likely has no desire to buy the 32-year-old key defender who is coming soon. The difference was that they could theoretically benefit from having someone to take the pressure off Ben McKay for a few years.

They won’t do it.

12. Sydney

Sydney has the McCartin brothers, a veteran already at Dane Rampe and some in-depth picks as well. Graduated.

11. Hawthorn

Given where the Hawks are, plus the fact that their back line is quite ready, they don’t need to think too much about Liam Jones.

10. Brisbane

The Lions, like the competitors above, have their main defensive stakes ranked with Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner and Marcus Adams. Injuries have exposed their depth and Adams has been injury-prone throughout his career, so they sit a little higher.

9. Richmond

The Tigers’ place on this list hinges a bit on Robbie Tarrant and whether he’ll be around again. If not, can the Tigers take other short-term options? Josh Gibcus looks to be a future star and their other back line is as solid as they have come.

8. GWS Giant

With Phil Davis seemingly at the end of his career, the Giants could use a ready-made short-term option to pair up with Sam Taylor. Lachie Keeffe is practical depth and the other options on their list are young and raw. But they’re not in the premiership hunt, so they probably won’t think short term.

7. Geelong

Can you win the flag when your key defender is as raw as Sam De Koning? The upside is obvious, but will Cat bite the bullet and add Jones to lend a helping hand to De Koning? Considering they have rarely used Mark Blicavs in defense this season, it makes sense (on paper).

6. St Kilda

Dougal Howard is a reliable key defender and Callum Wilkie has had a superb season against taller opponents, but the Saints would benefit from adding Jones and creating the defensive core of the trio. Josh Battle had a good season, but was also no match for big key attackers.

5. Adelaide

Adelaide is under construction, but unlike the Eagles and Roos, they can’t afford to sit around and let the likes of Jordon Butts and Nick Murray take all the bullets. They have to be better in 2023 or the pressure will increase. Jones can provide them with a reliable buffer in defence.

Fischer McAsey is yet to come, Billy Frampton has had a few shots in defense and we haven’t seen much of Josh Worrell.

4. Wood Colling

Collingwood without Darcy Moore versus North Melbourne is a bit of an eye opener. All of a sudden, Jeremy Howe and Nathan Murphy played major and too small key position slots. Jordan Roughead has retired and Charlie Dean and Will Kelly are not ready.

Jones would make a lot of sense for Pies.

3. Adelaide Harbor

Strength felt too small in defence, with 194cm Aliir Aliir their biggest defender. Adding Jones and removing the pressure from Aliir, Tom Clurey and Tom Jonas would make a lot of sense, especially if they still believe they can challenge in 2023-2024.

2. Essendon

Jayden Laverde has struggled valiantly in the last two years, but he is top of the list when it comes to conceding goals this year. Zach Reid is not ready, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is still young and they have moved on from James Stewart.

The bomber is reported to have met with Jones, and that makes a lot of sense.

1. Western Bulldog

The Bulldogs sent inconsistent key striker Liam Jones to the Blues for several defeats at the end of 2014. Now, into 2023, they must be desperate for a reliable key defender, Liam Jones.

Ryan Gardner, Tim O’Brien, Josh Schache, Zaine Cordy… it’s time for the Bulldogs to get serious and provide legitimate help for Alex Keath and close their biggest hole.

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