{"id":473317,"date":"2026-02-11T17:51:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T17:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/473317\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T17:51:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T17:51:23","slug":"predicted-round-1-teams-best-23s-latest-updates-before-pre-season-games-selection-news-line-ups-teams-opinion-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/473317\/","title":{"rendered":"Predicted Round 1 teams, best 23s, latest updates before pre-season games, selection news, line-ups, teams, opinion, analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With pre-season play finally on our doorstep, AFL clubs\u2019 line-ups are becoming clearer as the season proper nears. <\/p>\n<p>Foxfooty.com.au predicts how all 18 teams could look for their first respective games of 2026 \u2014 and the reasons behind some line-ball calls.<\/p>\n<p>Watch the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match LIVE on Kayo Sports | WA vs VIC Saturday 14 FEB from 7PM AEDT | <a href=\"https:\/\/kayosports.com.au?pg=default&amp;extcamp=fsaeditoriallinkafl-edt-fsp-lnk-awr-grc-afl-kyo&amp;channel=fsa&amp;campaign=fsacontra&amp;voucher=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img class=\"i-amphtml-fill-content i-amphtml-replaced-content\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poster-fallback.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>WHAT&#8217;S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n<p>ADELAIDE CROWS<\/p>\n<p>B: J.Worrell, J.Butts, M.Michalanney<\/p>\n<p>HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, M.Hinge<\/p>\n<p>C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson, R.Laird<\/p>\n<p>HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen<\/p>\n<p>F: J.Rachele, T.Walker, D.Fogarty<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: R.O\u2019Brien, J.Peatling, J.Soligo<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: C.Ah Chee, L.Pedlar, S.Berry, C.Jones, L.Nankervis<\/p>\n<p>EMG: Z.Taylor, B.Cook, H.Bond<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Some key names missing from the Crows&#8217; best 23 when they face Collingwood in Round 1 after a grim injury run in recent weeks. Izak Rankine (suspended) will be there Round 2, but Mark Keane\u2019s broken leg leaves a big void in defence for multiple months. And Dan Curtin (knee), one of the most handy flex options for Matthew Nicks, will also miss significant time. Ben Keays (hamstring) should be OK for Round 1, but you sense Sid Draper (groin) is now up against it after a disrupted pre-season. Callum Ah Chee\u2019s arrival could force young forward Zac Taylor out of Matthew Nicks\u2019 starting side, while Keane\u2019s setback opens the door for Jordon Butts to force his way back in after a collapsed lung in the second half of 2025 halted his momentum in the senior side. The likes of Billy Dowling and Brayden Cook are other young players who will be around the mark. Finnbar Maley was also surprisingly traded to the Crows and is some chance to start in the senior side.<\/p>\n<p>Key Crow sent for surgery after injury | 00:24<\/p>\n<p>BRISBANE LIONS<\/p>\n<p>B: N.Answerth, D.Gardiner\ufeff, R.Lester<\/p>\n<p>HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, D.Zorko<\/p>\n<p>C: H.McCluggage, L.Neale, J.Berry<\/p>\n<p>HF: C.Rayner, O.Allen, Z.Bailey<\/p>\n<p>F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, K.Lohmann<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: J.Fletcher, L.Ashcroft, T.Gallop, S.Marshall, K.Coleman<\/p>\n<p>EMG: D.Annable, L.McCarthy\ufeff, B.Reville<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Ruck recruit Sam Draper\u2019s Lions debut will be delayed by a foot stress fracture. Meanwhile Eric Hipwood (ACL) is also set to miss the start of the season in what the forward described as a \u2018slow\u2019 recovery from his ACL injury sustained in August. Jack Payne (patella tendon) also looks likely to miss the reigning back-to-back premiers\u2019 first few games. But Noah Answerth (Achilles) is on track to play Opening Round and help fill the void of Brandon Starcevich\u2019s departure. Tom Doedee (wrist) and Lincoln McCarthy (ACL) are both pushing to return, but McCarthy may be more likely to comeback mid-season. The Lions will gradually regain that injured crop throughout the season and also have the likes of Jarrod Berry, Keidean Coleman, Oscar Allen and Dan Annable as players to come into a premiership side to give Brisbane incredible depth as it eyes a third-straight flag and fourth-straight grand final.<\/p>\n<p>Dillon keen on expanding AFL to India | 01:41<\/p>\n<p>CARLTON<\/p>\n<p>B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, L.Young<\/p>\n<p>HB: N.Newman, H.Dean, O.Florent<\/p>\n<p>C: S.Walsh, P.Cripps, O.Hollands<\/p>\n<p>HF: A.Cerra, A.Moir, W.Hayward<\/p>\n<p>F: B.Ainsworth, H.McKay, F.Evans<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: L.Reidy, G.Hewett, J.Smith<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: M.Pittonet, B.Acres, Z.Williams, C.Lord, L.Cowan<\/p>\n<p>EMG: B.Kemp, C.Chesser, L.Fogarty<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: A few missing for the new-look Blues ahead of their season opener against Charlie Curnow\u2019s Swans. Brodie Kemp looks to be in doubt as he works his way back from an Achilles injury, while Jesse Motlop (ACL) will miss the season. Meanwhile, Nick Haynes (ankle) and Matt Cottrell (knee) both won\u2019t be available until after the club\u2019s Round 2 bye after the pair had arthroscopes to alleviate soreness that restricted them at training in recent weeks. Blake Acres should be right to go after dislocating his shoulder. There\u2019s otherwise plenty of fresh faces at Carlton after a busy off-season. There\u2019s arguably no new Blues that fans will be more keen to see than first-round picks Harry Dean and Jagga Smith, with the latter\u2019s first season ruined by injury. Dean looks likely to start in Carlton\u2019s back six so it can begin building chemistry between the father-son star and Jacob Weitering as its key pillars. The returning Nic Newman will also bolster that back six in a welcome addition after a knee injury wiped his 2025 season. Liam Reidy is pressing his case to get first crack in the ruck after an impressive first pre-season at Ikon Park while Marc Pittonet has battled a throat issue. Fellow addition Campbell Chesser could easily be there too.<\/p>\n<p>Blues to unveil new forward line in 2026 | 01:09<\/p>\n<p>COLLINGWOOD<\/p>\n<p>B: R.McInnes, B.Frampton, B.Maynard<\/p>\n<p>HB: D.Houston, J.Howe, I.Quaynor<\/p>\n<p>C: J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, P.Lipinski<\/p>\n<p>HF: J.De Goey, T.Membrey, J.Elliott<\/p>\n<p>F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, L.Schultz<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: H.Perryman, S.Sidebottom, J.Crisp, C.West, H.Harrison<\/p>\n<p>EMG: J.Buller, E.Allan, W.Parker<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Skipper Darcy Moore is racing the clock for the club\u2019s season-opener against St Kilda. Moore has been sidelined from Collingwood main training in recent times due to a calf concern, with his return timeline putting his Opening Round chances in doubt. Fellow premiership Magpie Beau McCreery appears more likely to face the Saints as the speedy forward ramps up from foot surgery. Jeremy Howe (calf) and Dan McStay (hamstring) are also working their way back from soft tissue injuries but only McStay seems in doubt for Opening Round. Isaac Quaynor (hamstring) is building back up to full fitness ahead of the start of the season. Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill remains on personal leave, and there\u2019s suddenly question marks on when, or if, we\u2019ll see the Norm Smith medallist in black and white stripes again. That list of casualties, along with Brody Mihocek\u2019s departure, opens the door for a sprinkling of youth to come into Craig McRae\u2019s side, including Charlie West, who might be competing with Jack Buller for the one forward spot, and Harvey Harrison. <\/p>\n<p>ESSENDON<\/p>\n<p>B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley<\/p>\n<p>HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, A.Roberts<\/p>\n<p>C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett, B.Fiorini<\/p>\n<p>HF: S.Durham, P.Wright, I.Kako<\/p>\n<p>F: K.Langford, N.Caddy, A.May<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: L.Blakiston, J.Caldwell, D.Parish<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: J.Farrow, D.Sharp, M.Guelfi, H.El Achkar, A.Clarke<\/p>\n<p>EMG: J.Gresham, J.Nguyen, E.Tsatas<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: A very different-looking Bombers line-up to the one that ran out to face the Suns late last year &#8211; 11 changes in total. The fresh faces include first-round draftees Dyson Sharp and Jacob Farrow, with the latter impressively settling in a defensive role across the summer. There\u2019s also a chance NGA graduate Hussien El Achkar \u2013 a crafty and elusive goalkicker \u2013 is a Round 1 bolter. The Bombers, too, would love to unleash fellow 2025 draftee Sullivan Robey, but he\u2019s only just working back from a back issue that flared up just after arriving at the club. Key defender Jordan Ridley is expected to be right for Round 1 after hamstring issues throughout the pre-season, but Archie Perkins is less likely after an off-season dealing with his groin injury. Essendon will also be without versatile star Nic Martin for the entire 2026 season due to a knee injury, while Tom Edwards and Lewis Hayes (both ACL) remain sidelined for now. Nik Cox (concussion\/calf) and Will Setterfield (foot) are showing good signs in their respective builds. There\u2019s still some uncertainty around the ruck situation after Sam Draper\u2019s departure and Nick Bryan\u2019s ACL rehab, but Lachie Blakiston has been tipped to get the nod over Vigo Visentini. <\/p>\n<p>Moore racing clock to be fit for round 1 | 00:40<\/p>\n<p>FREMANTLE<\/p>\n<p>B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce, J.McVee<\/p>\n<p>HB: K.Worner, B.Cox, J.Clark<\/p>\n<p>C: J.O\u2019Meara, H.Young, N.Erasmus<\/p>\n<p>HF: S.Bolton, P.Voss, M.Reid<\/p>\n<p>F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, M.Frederick<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: L.Jackson, H.Chapman, N.O\u2019Driscoll, S.Switkowski, B.Banfield<\/p>\n<p>EMG: M.Johnson, C.Wagner, I.Dudley<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: It\u2019s a reasonably clean bill of health for the Dockers, bar Sam Sturt\u2019s lengthy knee rehabilitation and a minor calf issue for Sean Darcy &#8211; which doesn\u2019t appear as though it will cost him Round 1. Integral midfielder Hayden Young hasn\u2019t missed a beat this summer after consulting with specialists in Doha. Recruit Judd McVee slots in alongside Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan \u2014 both of whom have had respective issues but are likely to be right for Round 1, pending any setbacks. McVee and Jordan Clark are set to join forces as good decision-makers coming out of defence. Luke Jackson is set to spend more time as a pure midfielder this year &#8211; there\u2019s a world where he\u2019s receiving Darcy\u2019s taps as a rover &#8211; but whether that\u2019s a blueprint from the get-go remains to be seen. And speaking of tall timber, eyes will be on Pat Voss\u2019 next steps after breaking out last year, while supporters will be hoping the fledgling Jye Amiss can take some steps. Expect reigning Rising Star winner Murphy Reid to push up more around the ball in stints and watch for a Karl Worner breakout campaign in defence. Fremantle\u2019s depth is such that young wingman Matthew Johnson and defender Corey Wagner find themselves on the outside looking in. <\/p>\n<p>GEELONG<\/p>\n<p>B: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, J.Henry<\/p>\n<p>HB: T.Stewart, C.O\u2019Sullivan, L.Humphries<\/p>\n<p>C: O.Dempsey, M.Holmes, B.Smith<\/p>\n<p>HF: B.Close, S.Neale, G.Miers<\/p>\n<p>F: S.Mannagh, J.Cameron, P.Dangerfield<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: M.Blicavs, J.Worpel, T.Atkins<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: J.Bowes, O.Mullin, R.Stanley, J.Martin, T.Bruhn<\/p>\n<p>EMG: M.O\u2019Connor, O.Henry, M.Edwards<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: After missing out on Rowan Marshall, Geelong\u2019s ruck set-up remains the biggest conundrum. Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs (both 35) remain their leading ruck options at the start of the season, but Shannon Neale and Sam De Koning can pinch-hit if needed. The extra player on the bench \u2013 and Blicavs\u2019 insane versatility \u2013 probably allows the Cats to play both Stanley and Blicavs. Toby Conway is slowly building after a few injury-interrupted seasons, but fellow young ruck Mitch Edwards has been a summer standout at the Cats \u2013 although it\u2019s unlikely they\u2019d unleash him so early in the season. Skipper Patrick Dangerfield recently indicated premiership forward Tyson Stengle is unlikely to be selected for Opening Round after missing a portion of pre-season training due to personal reasons. We\u2019ve gone for Jack Martin over Ollie Henry, while the inclusions of recruit James Worpel and the returning Tanner Bruhn \u2014 who was sidelined by the AFL for the entire 2025 season \u2014 hinders Jhye Clark\u2019s chances. Mark O\u2019Connor, who spent the Australian summer in Ireland helping his local county win three GAA titles, could easily be in the starting line-up against the Lions. Elsewhere, premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij is recovering well after undergoing surgery on both hips in September, while top 2025 draftee Harley Barker will spend most of 2026 on the sidelines as he was drafted just months after rupturing his ACL. <\/p>\n<p>Cats to be patient with Stengle in 2026 | 01:32<\/p>\n<p>GOLD COAST SUNS<\/p>\n<p>B: C.Ballard, S.Collins, B.Uwland<\/p>\n<p>HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli<\/p>\n<p>C: S.Clohesy, M.Rowell, Z.Uwland<\/p>\n<p>HF: T.Miller, J.Ugle-Hagan, B.Humphrey<\/p>\n<p>F: B.Long, B.King, E.Read<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: J.Witts, C.Petracca, N.Anderson<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: A.Davies, J.Rogers, J.Jeffrey, L.Lombard, W.Graham<\/p>\n<p>EMG: J.Walter, N.Moyle, D.Patterson<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: It\u2019s no certainty, but Jamarra Ugle-Hagan continues to press his case for an Opening Round debut for Damien Hardwick\u2019s Suns. Bodhi Uwland told foxfooty.com.au this pre-season of Jamarra: \u201cHis attitude and intent in training has really stood out. His defensive pressure is something that he\u2019s really worked on over the off-season, he\u2019s tackling really well \u2014 because we all know he can bring his offensive game.\u201d The forward-line puzzle will be a conversation all season, with Ugle-Hagan and Jed Walter \u2013 who could be set for a statement season in his own right \u2013 trying to force their way into a side that already boasts Ben King and Ethan Read. But if Read spends time on a wing, having been recently sighted there in training and possessing the tank to play the position, that could open the door to a spot. Elsewhere, Wil Powell could be set for some midfield minutes, but expect him still to play plenty behind the ball. How key stopper Charlie Ballard fits back into the backline puzzle after a year away will be intriguing, with Sam Collins, Mac Andrew and Uwland proving a tough code to crack last season. Eyes will also be on Jake Rogers and Leo Lombard\u2019s development, while Dylan Patterson will look to join fellow top draftee Zeke Uwland in Damien Hardwick\u2019s best side early on. <\/p>\n<p>Ben King earns Victoria call up | 00:32<\/p>\n<p>GWS GIANTS<\/p>\n<p>B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg<\/p>\n<p>HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash<\/p>\n<p>C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, S.Coniglio<\/p>\n<p>HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Bedford<\/p>\n<p>F: T.Greene, J.Hogan, J.Stringer<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: J.Riccardi, H.Rowston, X.O\u2019Halloran, H.Thomas, J.Fonti<\/p>\n<p>EMG: C.Brown, C.Angove, N.Madden<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: The Giants\u2019 upcoming practice games will be absolutely crucial in helping finalise their Opening Round team \u2013 for they certainly aren\u2019t lacking depth. A strong summer puts Clayton Oliver into the starting midfield brigade alongside Tom Green and Finn Callaghan \u2013 although expect lots of on-ball minutes for veteran Stephen Coniglio, who\u2019s looking \u201cexplosive\u201d and \u201creally strong and confident in his body\u201d, according to Green. Our bench includes Harry Rowston, Xavier O\u2019Halloran, Harvey Thomas and Joe Fonti, but the likes of Ollie Hannaford, Cody Angove, James Leake, Jack Ough, Harry Oliver and Toby McMullin have to be in the mix. There\u2019s also key-position depth, with Jake Riccardi getting the nod ahead of Callum Brown and Max Gruzewski, while Leek Aleer and recruit Jayden Laverde have also been left out. And while we\u2019ve opted for Kieren Briggs as the starting ruck, the hype around academy graduate Nick Madden this summer has been large, so expect him to get a gig early. <\/p>\n<p>Essendon teammates heap praise on Parish | 02:05<\/p>\n<p>HAWTHORN<\/p>\n<p>B: B.Hardwick, T.Barrass, J.Battle<\/p>\n<p>HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily, K.Amon <\/p>\n<p>C: M.D\u2019Ambrosio, J.Ward, J.Weddle<\/p>\n<p>HF: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, D.Moore<\/p>\n<p>F: N.Watson, C.Dear, J.Gunston<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, C. Macdonald<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: J.Scrimshaw, C.Nash, C.Mackenzie, N.Reeves, \ufeffS.Butler<\/p>\n<p>EMG: H.Morrison\ufeff, F.Maginness, M.Lewis<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: The big early blow for the Hawks is the absence of star midfielder Will Day, who\u2019s expected to miss the first few months of the season due to a shoulder injury. It means the likes of Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle, who\u2019ve spent ample time training with the on-ball group this off-season, will step up, while Cam Mackenzie\u2019s place in the Hawthorn side becomes crucial. Macdonald, who\u2019s been a half-forward type throughout four seasons at Hawthorn, was drafted as a midfielder and has spent most of the summer around the footy. As for Weddle, expect him still to spend plenty of time across half-back. The Hawks have been experimenting with the ruck-forward mix and could well play both Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek in the same team, which might mean one of Mitch Lewis or Calsher Dear misses out. We\u2019ve picked Dear, who\u2019s been a summer standout inside forward 50 alongside Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan. Watson is another who\u2019ll put his hand up for more midfield quick-hits this year. Sam Butler, who\u2019s shown good signs in match practice rotating between the wing and half-forward line, was just picked ahead of Harry Morrison. Skipper James Sicily should be OK for Opening Round despite and interrupted pre-season, while Finn Maginness will go close after a strong recovery from his lacerated kidney. <\/p>\n<p>MELBOURNE<\/p>\n<p>B: B.Howes, D.Turner, H.Petty<\/p>\n<p>HB: C.Jiath, J.Lever, C.Salem<\/p>\n<p>C: E.Langdon, H.Langford, X.Lindsay<\/p>\n<p>HF: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler<\/p>\n<p>F: J.Melksham, M.Jefferson, B.Mihocek<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: M.Gawn, J.Steele, K.Pickett <\/p>\n<p>I\/C: T.Rivers, C.Windsor, T.Sparrow, K.Tholstrup, X.Taylor<\/p>\n<p>EMG: S.May, M.Heath, T.McDonald<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY:\u00a0Premiership defender Steven May has off-field quandaries to resolve, but even if he is available come Round 1, there\u2019s every chance he\u2019s overlooked for a spot as Steven King and co. prioritise the development of youth. Swingman Harry Petty could slot in next to Jake Lever and developing tall Daniel Turner, with the Dees hoping the likes offorwards Matthew Jefferson and Luker Kentfield take steps in their development, with veteran recruit Brody Mihocek providing guidance as well as stability with his forward nous. Jai Culley was trending towards a Round 1 berth in the midfield after a strong pre-season, before suffering a fractured arm, while Jack Viney\u2019s horror summer has ended with surgery on his troublesome Achilles, and Jake Bowey remains out with a longer-term foot injury. Changkuoth Jiath told Foxfooty.com.au of Culley\u2019s pre-season prior to his injury: \u201cHe\u2019s one of the guys you kind of question why he hasn\u2019t been playing in previous years. He\u2019s just shown up this pre-season \u2026 he\u2019s a powerful beast, aerobically he\u2019s strong, he\u2019s got some speed as well.\u201d Look for Harvey Langford, Trent Rivers and possibly Caleb Windsor to step up in the engine room, while Blake Howes is set to fill the void left by now-Docker Judd McVee, and Xavier Lindsay takes ownership of a wing opposite Ed Langdon. And watch also for exciting first-year players Xavier Taylor and Latrelle Pickett to make an impact in year one, with the former getting a Round 1 nod here. <\/p>\n<p>WA &amp; Vic gearing up for Origin | 01:50<\/p>\n<p>NORTH MELBOURNE<\/p>\n<p>B: L.McDonald, T.Pink, G.Logue<\/p>\n<p>HB: C.Daniel, C.Comben, C.McKercher<\/p>\n<p>C: F.O\u2019Sullivan, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens<\/p>\n<p>HF: L.Dovaston, J.Darling, J.Simpkin<\/p>\n<p>F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey, P.Curtis<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: L.Parker, T.Powell, R.Hardeman, J.Konstanty\ufeff, Z.Duursma<\/p>\n<p>EMG: C.Trembath, W.Dawson, C.Spargo\ufeff<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Bullocking midfielder George Wardlaw has thankfully escaped serious injury after hurting his hamstring during match simulation last Friday, with a Round 1 berth still a decent possibility. Exciting forward Paul Curtis also managed to avoid a serious shoulder injury, but second-round pick Blake Thredgold will miss months with a Lisfranc injury. Lachy Dovaston appears to be trending towards a Round 1 debut, having impressed immensely with his forward-half craft and willingness to disrupt without the footy. Cooper Trembath will push for Jack Darling\u2019s spot, but we\u2019ve sided with the veteran to start the campaign. Harry Sheezel is set to take his game to another level in the midfield, and he\u2019s big on Finn O\u2019Sullivan as a breakout chance at Arden Street this year. O\u2019Sullivan could move up around the ball more after playing mostly as a winger\/half-backer in year one, while Colby McKercher should spend most of his time breaking lines across half-back. Meanwhile, eyes will be on the development of Zane Duursma after an inauspicious start to the former top draftee\u2019s career that saw him in trade speculation last October. The Kangas will likely make an SSP signing after Jackson Archer\u2019s long-term knee injury. <\/p>\n<p>PORT ADELAIDE<\/p>\n<p>B: K.Farrell, A.Aliir, T.Marshall<\/p>\n<p>HB: C.Rozee, E.Ratugolea, J.Burgoyne<\/p>\n<p>C: J.Wehr, M.Bergman, W.Drew<\/p>\n<p>HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, J.Richards<\/p>\n<p>F: J.Whitlock, M.Georgiades, C.Durdin<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, J.Horne-Francis<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: W.Brodie, J.Berry, J.Sinn, L.Jones, D.Visentini<\/p>\n<p>EMG: B.Zerk-Thatcher, C.Moraes, O.Lord<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Vastly different looking side under new coach Josh Carr compared to Port\u2019s banged up unit that finished 2025. Todd Marshall is set to swing into defence in a new role to help support Esava Ratugolea and Aliir Aliir. At the other end of the ground, Jack Whitlock has impressed over the summer and appears ahead of Ollie Lord as Carr\u2019s key attacking options alongside Jack Lukosius and Mitch Georgiades. Sam Powell-Pepper won\u2019t be there to start the season after a slight setback to his cruel ACL injury, while Ollie Wines (suspended) will miss the first two games of 2026. Young tall Harrison Ramm continues to excite as a promising key defender for the future, less than nine months after being picked up as a mid-season draftee. Meanwhile, small forward Joe Berry has so far caught the eye with strong match simulation performances and Jackson Mead has moved from the midfield to half-back over the summer \u2013 a move he instigated in the aftermath of the 2025 season. Ruckman Ivan Soldo, though likely third in line behind Jordon Sweet and Dante Visentini, won\u2019t feature at all in 2026 after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.<\/p>\n<p>New Lion ruled out of opening AFL round | 00:29<\/p>\n<p>RICHMOND<\/p>\n<p>B: N.Broad, B.Miller, J.Gibcus<\/p>\n<p>HB: S.Banks, N.Balta, J.Short<\/p>\n<p>C: P.Retschko, D.Prestia, L.Trainor<\/p>\n<p>HF: R.Mansell, J.Faull, S.Lalor<\/p>\n<p>F: S.Campbell, T.Lynch, H.Armstrong<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, J.Hopper<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: J.Ross, T.Hotton, S.Green, T.Brown, S.Grlj<\/p>\n<p>EMG: K.McAuliffe, C.Gray, S.Cumming<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: A prolonged injury recovery means veteran defender Nick Vlastuin is battling to be fit for Round 1, having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/afl\/afl-2026-nick-vlastuin-injury-update-and-round-1-chances-broken-ankle-recovery-sam-grlj-sam-cumming-sam-lalor-exclusive-interview\/news-story\/59390aa0b84df3e8153793f19f9e9b0b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">told foxfooty.com.au in the pre-season<\/a> he\u2019s \u201cday-by-day\u201d as inactivity over the summer caused other niggles. Conservatively, we\u2019ve left him out for now. But backline buddy Josh Gibcus remains well and truly in the frame for a Round 1 berth amid an uninterrupted pre-season, while Patrick Retschko has made a good impression in his first Punt Road pre-season. Sam Lalor has had an uninterrupted pre-season after another hamstring cruelled his rookie year, with the former No.1 pick set to explode in year two. Top draftee Sam Grlj gets a Round 1 nod as of now and will quickly impress fans with his counter-punch ability, while fellow top-10 pick Sam Cumming is already right on the precipice after impressing as a midfielder in match simulation. Swingman Noah Balta is expected to settle in defence, while where second-year utility Luke Trainor plays the majority of his footy this year will be worth monitoring. Tom Sims (foot) and Judson Clarke (knee) are the Tigers\u2019 main longer-term injury casualties. <\/p>\n<p>ST KILDA<\/p>\n<p>B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, L.Stocker<\/p>\n<p>HB: B.Hill, J.Silvagni, J.Sinclair<\/p>\n<p>C: D.Wilson, N.Wanganeen-Milera, M.Wood<\/p>\n<p>HF: M.Hall, C.Sharman, L.Ryan<\/p>\n<p>F: J.Higgins, R.Marshall, M.Owens<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: T.De Koning, M.Windhager, S.Flanders<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: M.Phillipou, A.Caminiti, H.Garcia, T.Travaglia, J.Macrae<\/p>\n<p>EMG: D.Howard, H.Boxshall, H.Clark<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Plenty of new faces in Ross Lyon\u2019s team. Arguably the most prized recruit, Tom De Koning, has predominantly been used as their first-choice ruck, with Rowan Marshall likely to spend more time more forward. Jack Silvagni (groin) has been limited over the pre-season and he might be racing the clock to face Collingwood in Opening Round. But the most concerning setback at Moorabbin is to Max King after the star forward underwent more surgery on his troublesome right knee, followed by a calf setback that should put him up against it to play in the season opener. Mason Wood (calf) has also been limited over the pre-season and Liam Henry (hamstring) suffered a fresh injury blow last week. Sam Flanders is set to slot straight into a new-look midfield alongside Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager and Mattes Phillipou, who Saints fans will be praying has a better injury run in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Curnow impresses in Intra-Club challenge | 03:09<\/p>\n<p>SYDNEY SWANS<\/p>\n<p>B: J.Serong, L.Melican, N.Blakey<\/p>\n<p>HB: C.Mills, T.McCartin, S.Wicks<\/p>\n<p>C: J.McInerney, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden<\/p>\n<p>HF: B.Campbell, J.Amartey, J.Jordon<\/p>\n<p>F: M.Rosas Jnr, C.Curnow, T.Papley<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: L.McDonald, H.McLean, N.Bowman\ufeff, J.Dattoli, M.Roberts<\/p>\n<p>EMG: D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, R.Bice<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: There\u2019s a few familiar names not in this side. We couldn\u2019t find room for Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd or Harry Cunningham as a new breed of Swans emerge. Recruits Charlie Curnow and Malcolm Rosas slot straight into the forward line, while 2024 draftee Jesse Dattoli \u2013 who managed three games late in his debut AFL season that was curtailed by injury \u2013 is a strong Opening Round chance after an impressive summer. The bolter could be Ned Bowman, who\u2019s developed into a strong half-back option after being drafted two years ago as a small forward. New recruit Jai Serong has also made a timely mark early this summer, after coming across from Hawthorn. The Daily Telegraph reported last month that the 22-year-old looks to be closing in on a spot in Dean Cox\u2019s best 23 and has showcased some of his better intercept work down back at training. The other player pushing for an early debut is recent first-round draftee Harry Kyle \u2013 a hybrid 188cm who\u2019s stood out with his impressive speed and athleticism, as well as his size. Despite Curnow\u2019s arrival, we\u2019ve kept all of Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean in the Swans\u2019 side, with the extra bench spot to allow McLean to give Brodie Grundy a chop out in the ruck. Riley Bice and Angus Sheldrick are incredibly stiff. <\/p>\n<p>WEST COAST EAGLES<\/p>\n<p>B: B.Starcevich, H.Edwards, B.Allan<\/p>\n<p>HB: R.Ginbey, T.Young, L.Duggan<\/p>\n<p>C: W.Duursma, H.Reid, H.Davis<\/p>\n<p>HF: E.Hewett, J.Shanahan, M.Owies<\/p>\n<p>F: C.Duff-Tytler, J.Waterman, J.Cripps<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: M.Flynn, J.Graham, T.McCarthy<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: T.Kelly, D.Robertson, B.Hough, E.Yeo, A.Reid<\/p>\n<p>EMG: H.Schoenberg, C.Hall, J.Newton<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: Firstly, new co-captain Liam Baker will miss the Eagles\u2019 first hitout of 2026 after copping a one-match ban for rough conduct. Tom McCarthy is the exciting story coming out of West Coast\u2019s camp, with the former mid-season draftee set to break into the midfield group after bursting onto the scene late last year as a half-back rebounder. Harley Reid looks in terrific nick as he prepares for what should be a genuine breakout campaign. The Eagles actually have some engine room depth after a trying 2025 season, with ex-Crow Harry Schoenberg looking to crack the rotation, which should also feature a healthy Elliot Yeo and hopefully a more in-form Tim Kelly. Meanwhile, Eagles players say Hamish Davis has made an impression this summer as a hard-working wingman, while Jacob Newton has also received solid wraps. Reuben Ginbey\u2019s teammates are tipping him to take a big step this year. Brady Hough is battling an ankle injury but could still be right for the start of the season. <\/p>\n<p>Smith loses license in latest drama | 00:25<\/p>\n<p>WESTERN BULLDOGS<\/p>\n<p>B: L.Bramble, J.O\u2019Donnell, C.Budarick<\/p>\n<p>HB: B.Dale, R.Lobb, L.Jaques<\/p>\n<p>C: B.Williams, M.Bontempelli, S.Davidson<\/p>\n<p>HF: A.Treloar, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy<\/p>\n<p>F: C.Hynes, S.Darcy, R.West<\/p>\n<p>FOLL: T.English, J.Freijah, E.Richards<\/p>\n<p>I\/C: T.Liberatore, R.Sanders, L.McNeil, B.Khamis, L.Vandermeer<\/p>\n<p>EMG: L.Cleary, J.Busslinger, J.Dolan<\/p>\n<p>WE SAY: The Dogs have been hit hard by injury this off-season. Riley Garcia suffered a serious hamstring injury that\u2019s set to sideline him for the start of the season and Josh Dolan appears in doubt for Round 1, while draftee Lachie Carmichael is likely to miss the start of the season with a syndesmosis injury. Plus James Harmes has announced his retirement and Cody Weightman has only just started running again after a long-term knee issue. But there\u2019s several positive signs for Dogs fans to get excited about. Second-year Bulldog Lachie Jaques is a good chance of an early debut after a strong summer, which has included exposure in seemingly the Bulldogs\u2019 A-team in recent match sims. Recruit Connor Budarick seems destined to play a crucial role in defence, while Cooper Hynes\u2019 eye-catching pre-season should put him right in the Opening Round mix. Rory Lobb, James O\u2019Donnell and possibly Jedd Busslinger are the Dogs\u2019 main key backs, with Buku Khamis retained after a trade with Carlton fell through. We\u2019ve gone for Khamis over Busslinger for now, while Luke Cleary is another defensive option. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With pre-season play finally on our doorstep, AFL clubs\u2019 line-ups are becoming clearer as the season proper 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