The pre-season hit-outs are well and truly underway, with clubs putting the work over summer into practice.
Check out the best intel and analysis from our experts on every match and every team here.
BEST 23s: EVERY CLUB’S PREDICTED TEAM FOR SEASON OPENER
MATCH 1: HAWTHORN 16.15.111 def GEELONG 14.10.94
A forgotten goalsneak and an uncapped forward put their hand up for opening round selection for a depleted Cats side, while Nick Watson dazzled in the Hawks’ 17-point practice match win over Geelong in Dingley.
Hawthorn fans also got a glimpse into a revamped midfield mix after the departure of James Worpel — who took the field against his old side — and Will Day’s shoulder injury.
READ: HAWKS V CATS INTEL, STANDOUTS AND NEWS
MATCH 2: BRISBANE 13.10.88 def by CARLTON 15.13.103
A new-look Carlton attack has delivered the goods early, kicking a winning score against reigning premier Brisbane in a scratch match on Wednesday night.
The Lions suffered a double concussion blow in their defeat, while Adam Cerra damaged his hamstring in a blow for the Blues.
READ: LIONS V BLUES INTEL, STANDOUTS AND NEWS
MATCH 3: WESTERN BULLDOGS 9.12.66 def by SYDNEY 15.9.99
Charlie Curnow gave Swans fans a taste of what to expect over the next few years with four goals in their 33-point pre-season win over the Western Bulldogs, but it was returning key forward Logan McDonald who stole the show after a year on the sidelines.
Plus, the Dogs provide an update on Bailey Dale after the star defender was withdrawn at quarter-time.
READ: DOGS V SWANS INTEL, STANDOUTS AND NEWS
MATCH 4: GOLD COAST 4.12.36 def by ST KILDA 16.11.107
St Kilda flexed its new-found muscles with a seven-goal third quarter blitz in stifling humidity against Gold Coast on Thursday night.
The Saints’ quartet of high-profile recruits all had their moments in a crushing 71-point victory but Jack Silvagni was dealt a setback with a head knock leaving him in concussion protocols just 17 days before the opening round clash against Collingwood.
READ: SUNS V SAINTS INTEL, STANDOUTS AND NEWS
MATCH 5: ESSENDON 18.10. 118 def RICHMOND 10.6.68
Essendon overcame a slow start to smash Richmond by 50 points at the Hangar on Friday.
Nate Caddy booted four goals for the Bombers, while Mykelti Lefau snagged three for the Tigers and Sam Lalor put in a promising showing.
READ: BOMBERS VS TIGERS INTEL, STANDOUTS AND NEWS
MATCH 6: COLLINGWOOD 11.9.75 def by GWS 17.8.110
The injury-hit Giants suffered two more casualties when important small forward Brent Daniels and 2024 draftee Cody Angove sustained hamstring injuries during a 35-point win over Collingwood, as the Magpies monitor co vice-captain Brayden Maynard, who limped off late in the game.In a spirited encounter at LaTrobe University, in Bundoora, Greater Western Sydney finished the game stronger than the Magpies with new Giant Clayton Oliver impressing in his first game against an opposition team in his new club colours.
READ: MAGPIES VS GIANTS INTEL, STANDOUTS AND NEWS
MATCH 7: MELBOURNE VS NORTH MELBOURNE
Friday 4pm AEDT, Casey fields
MATCH 8: PORT ADELAIDE VS ADELAIDE
Friday 5.30pm ACDT, Alberton Oval
MATCH 9: FREMANTLE VS WEST COAST
Saturday 9am AWDT, Victor George Kailis Oval
Originally published as AFL practice matches: All the intel and analysis of every pre-season clash