Which teams will be on the rise in 2019?

Updated February 14, 2020 17:50:54The AFL’s 2017 season is over and it’s time for the next phase of the AFL’s “super season”.

The biggest names are back in the spotlight with the AFL announcing the return of marquee marquee players like Mark Blicavs, Nathan Jones, Jack Watts, Luke Hodge, Liam Duggan, Jordan Lewis and Josh Kennedy to the team.

Here are some key players to watch this season:1.

Mark Blythe (captain)The veteran Blyth was once the greatest captain of his generation.

He was a big-game player who was a two-time premiership winner and one of the game’s best ball-winners, as well as a key member of the Blues’ great premiership side in the early 2000s.

Blythe will be a big asset to the club this season, but there’s still plenty of talent around the club.

Brydon Coverdale/Getty Images2.

Nathan JonesThe 2016 AFL Rising Star Award winner was one of Carlton’s most consistent defenders, but he is entering his twilight years.

He has played just 18 games this season and has been hampered by an Achilles injury.

He is also entering his second season with the Blues after he had a breakout year for Essendon last season.

He had seven goals and eight assists in his first season with Carlton and has since played just two games this year.

Jones is a big presence for the Blues and should have a huge impact this season.

3.

Liam DuggaJosh Kennedy is entering the twilight years of his career.

He played 17 games for Ess, and has struggled to find form.

He will be an important player for the Bombers in the future and is likely to return to the Blues as a free agent next season.4.

Jordan LewisThe former Swans and Melbourne midfielder will likely have his best season since 2012, when he won the best and fairest award.

Lewis will be looking to bounce back after his 2016 breakout season.

Lewis has been a key cog for the Swans this season with 13 goals and 12 assists.

He is also a key player in the Blues line-up.5.

Jack WattsJack Watts will be the most prominent player for Carlton in 2019.

The versatile forward will likely start his AFL career with Carlton but could also be offered to any club.

Watts will need to make the biggest impact for the Tigers this season as he is one of their most prolific scorers.

He can score goals from anywhere in the forward line and has proved to be an explosive player on the scoreboard.6.

Luke HinkleLuke Hodge has been an impact player for Geelong this season after playing only five games for the Cats this season but will likely get the call to start the 2019 season with Melbourne.

He started the year with Geelong but had to retire from AFL football due to a shoulder injury.

Hinkle has played 17 AFL games for Geos and is currently a free-agent.7.

Jack JoyceThe veteran midfielder has been linked with Carlton since 2016 and is an important cog in the Bomber midfield this season for the future.

He spent last season with Gold Coast and is set to be in the mix to be Carlton’s marquee player this season in 2018.

He will have to show he can still be a key component to the Tigers side this season if he is to be a regular part of the midfield for the club next season, as he was last season, when they won the Grand Final.8.

Jordan HodgeJordan Hodge will likely be a mainstay for the St Kilda midfield this year, with Josh Kennedy and Josh Schache both entering their twilight years in the AFL.

He could be a huge piece of the puzzle for St Kildas next season and will likely earn a contract extension for next season after making a number of key contributions for the Suns last season in the form of nine goals and 10 assists.9.

Liam JonesThe young forward is one half of the Bombery and Collingwood partnership and is one to watch for 2019.

Jones will likely need to take his game to another level this season given he has been sidelined by a calf injury this year and will need a big season to cement himself in the senior side next season if Carlton is to keep its place in the top four.10.

Jordan RougheadJordan Rougheads is another young player to watch as the St Johnstone star will likely play a pivotal role for the Bulldogs in 2019 and will be playing for a club that will want to keep him around for next year.

He had a career year for the Brisbane Lions last season and was a key part of that team’s premiership win last season as well.

He has had injury issues in the past but should be a very exciting player to keep an eye on in the coming years.11.

Josh KennedyJosh Kennedy’s last season was one where he scored seven goals, grabbed eight marks and kicked three goals in just