Recruit fills Swans chasm \u2026 and it\u2019s not Curnow; dangerous new Blues duo<\/a><\/p>\nKey Crow sent for surgery after injury | 00:24<\/p>\n
BRISBANE LIONS<\/p>\n
B: N.Answerth, D.Gardiner\ufeff, R.Lester<\/p>\n
HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, D.Zorko<\/p>\n
C: H.McCluggage, L.Neale, J.Berry<\/p>\n
HF: C.Rayner, O.Allen, Z.Bailey<\/p>\n
F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, K.Lohmann<\/p>\n
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Fletcher, L.Ashcroft, T.Gallop, L.McCarthy, K.Coleman<\/p>\n
EMG: D.Annable, S.Marshall, B.Reville<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Ruck recruit Sam Draper hasn\u2019t had an ideal start to life at the Lions, with his club debut delayed by a foot stress fracture. It makes veteran Darcy Fort all the more important in the early rounds. Meanwhile, Eric Hipwood is also set to miss the start of the season as a result of a slow recovery from his ACL injury sustained in August. But Oscar Allen got through his first unofficial Brisbane appearance, kicking a goal against the Blues in match simulation. Jack Payne (patella tendon) looks likely to miss the reigning back-to-back premiers\u2019 start to the season amid a slower recovery, and while Noah Answerth (Achilles) is on track to play in Opening Round, he didn\u2019t play against Carlton last Wednesday. Lincoln McCarthy is pushing to play his first game since 2024, and it could be in more of a back-half role after being deployed in defence in match simulation against Carlton. Keidean Coleman got through against the Blues and played a forward-half role instead of his familiar half-back duties, with that added flexibility set to be highly valuable for Chris Fagan. <\/p>\n
Lions & Saints announce co-captains | 01:42<\/p>\n
CARLTON<\/p>\n
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, L.Young<\/p>\n
HB: N.Newman, H.Dean, O.Florent<\/p>\n
C: S.Walsh, P.Cripps, O.Hollands<\/p>\n
HF: L.Fogarty, A.Moir, W.Hayward<\/p>\n
F: B.Ainsworth, H.McKay, F.Evans<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Pittonet\ufeff G.Hewett, J.Smith<\/p>\n
I\/C: \ufeffB.Acres, Z.Williams, C.Lord, L.Cowan, L.Reidy<\/p>\n
EMG: B.Kemp, C.Chesser, T.Byrne<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Crucial key defender Jacob Weitering remains in the frame for Opening Round despite fracturing a rib during Origin, but midfielder Adam Cerra won\u2019t be there suffering yet another hamstring injury. The Blues have already ruled him out until after their Round 2 bye, when they\u2019ll confirm his timeline, which doesn\u2019t sound very positive. Meanwhile Wade Derksen, fresh of winning a list spot, is a \u201cgenuine chance\u201d to debut in Carlton\u2019s season opener against Sydney, according to Seven\u2019s Mitch Cleary. Derksen played as a third tall up forward alongside Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp in match simulation, while the ex-Giant could also fill a role in defence with Weitering in doubt and Nick Haynes (ankle) out. There\u2019s a watch on Lachie Cowan (calf), who didn\u2019t play against Brisbane in match simulation, but there were promising signs from Kemp on his way back from an Achilles injury. Nic Newman played in a reserves practice match as he continues on his path back to senior footy after a knee injury wiped his 2025 campaign, but Haynes (ankle) and Matt Cottrell (knee) 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, but he didn\u2019t play against Brisbane. Meanwhile, the club\u2019s past two No.3 draft picks, Harry Dean and Jagga Smith, appear set to play straight away against the Swans. Liam Reidy had been pressing his case to get first crack in the ruck after an impressive first pre-season at Ikon Park, but it appears Marc Pittonet is ahead despite an interrupted summer. Both rucks played minutes against the Lions, with coach Michael Voss open to the idea of playing two tapsters. <\/p>\n
Blues to unveil new forward line in 2026 | 01:09<\/p>\n
COLLINGWOOD<\/p>\n
B: I.Quaynor, B.Frampton, B.Maynard<\/p>\n
HB: D.Houston, R.McInnes, H.Perryman<\/p>\n
C: J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, P.Lipinski<\/p>\n
HF: J.De Goey, T.Membrey, J.Elliott<\/p>\n
F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, L.Schultz<\/p>\n
FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos<\/p>\n
I\/C: S.Sidebottom, J.Crisp, J.Buller, H.Harrison, W.Parker<\/p>\n
EMG: C.West, E.Allan, L.Sullivan<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Veteran defender Jeremy Howe is \u201ctouch and go\u201d for Collingwood\u2019s Opening Round clash, according to skipper Darcy Moore, with St Kilda after reaggravating his pre-season calf injury a couple of weeks back. Presuming Howe misses, Reef McInnes \u2013 if he\u2019s able to tick off the final stages of his ACL rehab \u2013 looks set to fill Howe\u2019s shoes in defence. Moore himself, meanwhile, continues to race the clock for the club\u2019s season-opener. Moore has been sidelined from Collingwood main training in recent times with what he described as a calf \u201cniggle.\u201d Though the star defender was optimistic he\u2019d be fit to face St Kilda next Sunday at the MCG. \u201cBuilding up. But I had a really big last couple of weeks with training loads and stuff, so feeling really great and the body feels ready to go. Not sure (about playing Sunday\u2019s practice match) yet, haven\u2019t made plans for this week or next week, but it\u2019s looking pretty good,\u201d Moore said. Fellow premiership Magpie Beau McCreery looks likely to face the Saints as the speedy forward ramps up from foot surgery, looking spritely against the Giants in match simulation. Dan McStay (hamstring) kicked a goal in limited minutes against GWS. 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\u2019s likely competing with Jack Buller for the one forward spot, and Harvey Harrison. <\/p>\n
ESSENDON<\/p>\n
B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, M.Redman<\/p>\n
HB: J.Farrow, Z.Reid, A.Roberts<\/p>\n
C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett, B.Fiorini<\/p>\n
HF: S.Durham, P.Wright, I.Kako<\/p>\n
F: K.Langford, N.Caddy, A.May<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.Blakiston, J.Caldwell, D.Parish<\/p>\n
I\/C: Z.Johnson, D.Sharp, M.Guelfi, H.El Achkar, A.Clarke<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Gresham, J.Nguyen, E.Tsatas<\/p>\n
WE SAY: The fresh faces in Essendon\u2019s prospective Round 1 side include first-round draftees Dyson Sharp and Jacob Farrow \u2014 with the latter impressively settling in a defensive role across the summer and in match simulation against Richmond \u2014 as well as NGA graduate Hussien El Achkar. The crafty and elusive goalkicker exhibited his flair against the Tigers en route to two goals, but he also applied highly valuable forward-half pressure. The Bombers would love to also 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 has suffered yet another setback, set to miss six weeks with a calf injury sustained last Friday, causing a reshuffle in the back half. Zak Johnson keeps pressing his case for a spot, having hit plenty of targets against Richmond. Lachie Blakiston is right in the Round 1 frame as Essendon\u2019s first-choice ruck, looking spritely against the Tigers\u2019 Toby Nankervis. He\u2019s the preferred option to Vigo Visentini at this stage, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see which direction Brad Scott goes once Nick Bryan (ACL) is back healthy. A rejuvenated Darcy Parish finally looks healthy and ready to make his mark, while Archie Perkins is overcoming 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. <\/p>\n
Moore racing clock to be fit for round 1 | 00:40<\/p>\n
FREMANTLE<\/p>\n
B: B.Walker, A.Pearce, J.McVee<\/p>\n
HB: K.Worner, B.Cox, J.Clark<\/p>\n
C: J.O\u2019Meara, H.Young, N.Erasmus<\/p>\n
HF: S.Bolton, P.Voss, M.Reid<\/p>\n
F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, M.Frederick<\/p>\n
FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.Jackson, H.Chapman, N.O\u2019Driscoll, S.Switkowski, C.Wagner\ufeff<\/p>\n
EMG: M.Johnson, \ufeffB.Banfield, I.Dudley<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 which doesn\u2019t appear as though it will cost him Round 1. Although Bailey Banfield has been dealing with a recent quad issue and there\u2019s a watch on defender Brennan Cox, who had ice on his calf after the Eagles match sim clash but the Dockers insisted it was precautionary for a knock. 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, who\u2019ll likely be right for Round 1, pending any setbacks. But Luke Ryan \u2014 who had shoulder stabilisation surgery in the off-season \u2014 could be overlooked for Round 1 if match simulation is anything to go by. He played in the reserves practice match at the weekend; overlooked for the AFL scrimmage. Brandon Walker is one of the \u201cothers ahead of him\u201d, according to Justin Longmuir. \u201cOthers have had a bigger and better pre-season than him, through no real fault of Luke. He\u2019s come back from that shoulder reconstruction, so he\u2019s only had a couple of intraclubs,\u201d Longmuir said after the Dockers\u2019 practice match against West Coast. Regarding Walker, Longmuir said: \u201cHe can break the first line of defence just because he bounces up with the ball. His leg speed breaks that first layer of defence, which opens the game up. (He) demanded a spot today. He\u2019s been able to force himself into (the best side).\u201d 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 \u2013 there\u2019s a world where he\u2019s receiving Darcy\u2019s taps as a rover \u2013 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
GEELONG<\/p>\n
B: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, J.Henry<\/p>\n
HB: T.Stewart, C.O\u2019Sullivan, L.Humphries<\/p>\n
C: O.Dempsey, M.Holmes, B.Smith<\/p>\n
HF: B.Close, S.Neale, P.Dangerfield<\/p>\n
F: S.Mannagh, J.Cameron, O.Henry<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Blicavs, J.Worpel, T.Atkins<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Bowes, O.Mullin, R.Stanley, T.Bruhn, J.Polkinghorne<\/p>\n
EMG: M.O\u2019Connor, \ufeffJ.Clark, M.Edwards<\/p>\n
WE SAY: The Cats have suffered another blow to their forward line on the eve of the Community Series, with the dynamic Gryan Miers set to miss Opening Round with a thumb injury, as reported by Seven\u2019s Mitch Cleary. But in a win for the 2025 grand finalists, Jeremy Cameron is \u201con track\u201d to play in the club\u2019s season opener against Gold Coast, according to Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield, after the reigning Coleman medallist hurt his quad at training earlier this month. \u201cHe would have played in that game (on Wednesday) if it wasn\u2019t for the quad. But all signs at the moment, he\u2019s full training today, point towards there being no issue around Opening Round. So he\u2019ll be ready to go,\u201d Dangerfield said. The Geelong captain also confirmed Tanner Bruhn would be available for the club\u2019s final pre-season game against Carlton on Wednesday and in Opening Round after being a late scratch from last week\u2019s practice match against Hawthorn. Tyson Stengle, however, remains some time off in a \u201cprogressive build up\u201d after taking personal leave in the off-season. \u201cTyson\u2019s going well … we want to make sure by the time he\u2019s ready to play, it\u2019s sustainable. We\u2019re really mindful of the challenges that he\u2019s had over the pre-season. We\u2019ll slowly work towards reintegration and playing and that sort of thing. But it\u2019s a work in progress,\u201d Dangerfield said. The uncertainty in the forward half means the untried Jay Polkinghorne is right in the frame after his standout match simulation display against Hawthorn, marking strongly and kicking three goals. Alternatively, Chris Scott could opt for Jack Martin if the veteran is right to go after a rolled ankle stunted his progress. 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, but Mitch Edwards is right in the mix too.<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Gryan Miers is in doubt for Opening Round.Source: Herald Sun<\/p>\n
Toby Conway is slowly building after a few injury-interrupted seasons, but fellow young 208cm ruck Mitch Edwards has been a summer standout at the Cats \u2013 and showed promise in the Cats\u2019 match simulation against Hawthorn with his agility and hunt for the ball. Cats assistant coach James Rahilly indicated Stanley, who didn\u2019t play against Hawthorn due to loading, was \u201ctrying to come back, but he might be a little bit behind\u201d and that Edwards was \u201cdefinitely a chance\u201d to play. 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 Ollie Henry over Jack Martin \u2014 the latter suffered a minor ankle setback recently \u2014 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. There\u2019s a watch on Jack Bowes, who came off the ground with calf tightness during Geelong\u2019s match simulation against Hawthorn \u2014 a hitout which saw Jay Polkinghorne kick three goals in an eye-catching display. 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 Suns but feels like a matchup play. 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
Cats to be patient with Stengle in 2026 | 01:32<\/p>\n
GOLD COAST SUNS<\/p>\n
B: \ufeffJ.Noble, S.Collins, B.Uwland<\/p>\n
HB: \ufeffL.Weller, M.Andrew, D.Rioli<\/p>\n
C: \ufeffZ.Uwland, W.Powell\ufeff, \ufeffE.Read<\/p>\n
HF: T.Miller, J.Ugle-Hagan, L.Lombard\ufeff<\/p>\n
F: B.Long, B.King, B.Humphrey\ufeff<\/p>\n
FOLL: J.Witts, C.Petracca, N.Anderson<\/p>\n
I\/C: A.Davies, J.Jeffrey, \ufeffW.Graham\ufeff, N.Moyle\ufeff\ufeff, S.Clohesy<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Walter, D.Patterson\ufeff, C.Graham<\/p>\n
WE SAY: A big blow for the Suns, with Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell to be sidelined for the beginning of the 2026 AFL season. Rowell will undergo surgery on the finger he hurt during AFL Origin, with \u201ca time frame around his return to play to be determined following the operation,\u201d according to head Suns physio Andrew Weller. We\u2019ve brought Wil Powell into the starting midfield amid his impressive transition from the backline. It\u2019s no certainty \u2014 especially after a quiet match sim outing against St Kilda \u2014 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 Ugle-Hagan: \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 has been earmarked for 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, this might be the year ruck Ned Moyle finally plays regular senior footy, with an extended bench and new ruck rules putting him in a great spot to partner Jarrod Witts. Key stopper Charlie Ballard has made great progress in his ACL rehab, but isn\u2019t expected to be ready for Opening Round. How he fits back into the backline puzzle, once ready to return, after a year away will be intriguing, with Sam Collins, Mac Andrew, Bodhi Uwland and maybe Caleb Graham proving a tough code to crack last season. Eyes will also be on Leo Lombard\u2019s development, while Dylan Patterson will look to join fellow top draftee Zeke Uwland in Damien Hardwick\u2019s best side early on. Although Uwland looks to be ahead at this stage, playing the majority of the match sim against St Kilda on the wing, while Patterson only played a half.<\/p>\n
Petracca slams comments on Suns move | 00:56<\/p>\n
GWS GIANTS<\/p>\n
B: C.Idun, J.Laverde, H.Himmelberg<\/p>\n
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash<\/p>\n
C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, X.O\u2019Halloran\ufeff<\/p>\n
HF: O.Hannaford, A.Cadman, H.Thomas <\/p>\n
F: T.Greene, J.Hogan, J.Stringer<\/p>\n
FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, S.Coniglio\ufeff<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Riccardi, \ufeffJ.Fonti, H.Rowston, J.Ough, H.Oliver<\/p>\n
EMG: C.Brown, \ufeffT.McMullin, N.Madden<\/p>\n
WE SAY: A brutal start to 2026 for the Giants keeps getting worse. Tom Green was confirmed to have ruptured his ACL, costing him the season, while Sam Taylor\u2019s high-grade hamstring strain representing WA in Origin will sideline him for the opening rounds of the Giants\u2019 season. Given that Toby Bedford has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a moderate hamstring, we\u2019d suggest Taylor could miss multiple months. But while Leek Aleer shapes as the obvious like-for-like replacement, he doesn\u2019t yet have a return timeline following off-season surgery to resolve osteitis pubis. It means veteran ex-Bombers recruit Jayden Laverde suddenly becomes very important to the Giants\u2019 cause early in the year. Making matters worse, in the club\u2019s match simulation hithout against Collingwood last Friday, Brent Daniels and Cody Angove suffered hamstring injuries. In the midfield, Finn Callaghan will miss both pre-season games with a hip flexor strain, but he\u2019s hoping to be back for Opening Round. There\u2019s never a good time for superstars to be injured but the Giants open against the Hawks, Bulldogs, Saints and Magpies – four tough early tests. Clayton Oliver now becomes incredibly important while emerging ball-winner Harry Rowston and Harvey Thomas likely shift into bigger roles, and we\u2019ve also brought Ollie Hannaford into the Opening Round side for added depth. Expect star skipper Toby Greene to play more midfield minutes this season. \u201cHe has (trained with the midfielders) in pre-season. Whether we go like that, we\u2019ll just see how it unfolds,\u201d Adam Kingsley told AFL Media of Greene\u2019s move. 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. The likes of 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. 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
Essendon teammates heap praise on Parish | 02:05<\/p>\n
HAWTHORN<\/p>\n
B: B.Hardwick, T.Barrass, J.Battle<\/p>\n
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily, K.Amon <\/p>\n
C: M.D\u2019Ambrosio, J.Ward, J.Weddle<\/p>\n
HF: J.Ginnivan, C.Dear\ufeff, D.Moore<\/p>\n
F: N.Watson, M.Lewis\ufeff, J.Gunston<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, C. Macdonald<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Scrimshaw, C.Nash, C.Mackenzie, N.Reeves, \ufeffS.Butler\ufeff<\/p>\n
EMG: H.Morrison\ufeff, F.Maginness, \ufeffM.Chol<\/p>\n
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
Hawks young gun left sore after contest | 00:30<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE<\/p>\n
B: B.Howes, D.Turner, H.Petty<\/p>\n
HB: C.Jiath, J.Lever, C.Salem<\/p>\n
C: E.Langdon, H.Langford, X.Lindsay<\/p>\n
HF: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler<\/p>\n
F: J.Melksham, M.Jefferson, B.Mihocek<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Gawn, J.Steele, K.Pickett <\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Rivers, C.Windsor, T.Sparrow, L.Pickett\ufeff, X.Taylor<\/p>\n
EMG: M.Heath, K.Tholstrup, T.McDonald<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Premiership 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. Mihocek was concussed against North Melbourne in match sim and entered 12-day protocols, so he\u2019ll be monitored. Neither Jefferson or van Rooyen fired against North, while Kentfield and new ruck Max Heath showed their wares. Considering the new ruck rules and extended bench, could the Dees partner Heath with Max Gawn? 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 Caleb Windsor to step up in the engine room, 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 both getting a Round 1 nod here. <\/p>\n
Victoria beat WA in epic Origin clash | 03:02<\/p>\n
NORTH MELBOURNE<\/p>\n
B: L.McDonald, T.Pink, G.Logue<\/p>\n
HB: C.Daniel, \ufeffC.Comben, C.McKercher<\/p>\n
C: F.O\u2019Sullivan, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens<\/p>\n
HF: L.Dovaston, J.Darling, J.Simpkin<\/p>\n
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey, P.Curtis<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.Parker, T.Powell, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty\ufeff, \ufeffC.Coleman-Jones<\/p>\n
EMG: C.Trembath, Z.Duursma\ufeff, W.Dawson<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Bullocking midfielder George Wardlaw\u2019s hamstring issues remain a concern after he failed to complete his managed minutes in a VFL practice match last week. A Round 1 berth is still a possibility, but the Roos could be cautious and hold him back considering his soft tissue history. They could be without key defender Charlie Comben, who\u2019s facing MRO scrutiny for a tackle on Demon Brody Mihocek. Any ban would bring Wil Dawson into the selection frame. Fellow defender Riley Hardeman could be in doubt too after an ankle injury against the Demons, opening the door for Cooper Harvey and Robert Hansen Jnr. 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 a spot too, but we\u2019ve sided with Callum Coleman-Jones as the forward\/ruck 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
PORT ADELAIDE<\/p>\n
B: K.Farrell, A.Aliir, T.Marshall<\/p>\n
HB: C.Rozee, E.Ratugolea, J.Burgoyne<\/p>\n
C: J.Wehr, M.Bergman, W.Drew<\/p>\n
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, J.Richards<\/p>\n
F: J.Whitlock, M.Georgiades, C.Durdin<\/p>\n
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, J.Horne-Francis<\/p>\n
I\/C: W.Brodie, J.Berry, J.Sinn, L.Jones, D.Visentini<\/p>\n
EMG: B.Zerk-Thatcher, C.Moraes, O.Lord<\/p>\n
WE SAY: There\u2019s a watch on Mitch Georgiades, who finished AFL Origin on the bench with hamstring awareness, while Jason Horne-Francis (shoulder) is no certainty either. Todd Marshall has swung 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
New Lion ruled out of opening AFL round | 00:29<\/p>\n
RICHMOND<\/p>\n
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, J.Gibcus<\/p>\n
HB: S.Banks, N.Balta, J.Short<\/p>\n
C: H.Ralphsmith, S.Lalor, L.Trainor<\/p>\n
HF: R.Mansell, J.Faull, T.Hotton<\/p>\n
F: S.Campbell, T.Lynch, H.Armstrong<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, J.Hopper<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Ross, M.Rioli, T.Brown, S.Cumming\ufeff, S.Grlj<\/p>\n
EMG: P.Retschko, C.Gray, K.McAuliffe\ufeff<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Veteran Dion Prestia is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 after a hamstring setback, while Nick Vlastuin has been slowly eased in this pre-season after a prolonged recovery from a broken ankle late last season. Amid a promising uninterrupted pre-season, Josh Gibcus remains well and truly in the frame for a Round 1 berth, having played against Essendon in match simulation last Friday. Meanwhile, it\u2019s going to be hard for Adem Yze\u2019s match committee to leave top-10 draftees Sam Grlj and Sam Cumming out of the Round 1 side, with the former already impressing fans with his counterpunch ability, and the latter already right on the precipice after impressing as a pure midfielder in the second half against the Bombers. Sam Banks\u2019 progress ahead of Round 1 is worth monitoring, with the club revealing earlier this month that he\u2019s been dealing with foot stress. Hugo Ralphsmith appears just ahead of Patrick Retschko in terms of a wing spot, though how the pair perform against Melbourne in the Community Series will be telling. Kane McAuliffe and Tyler Sonsie got wing minutes against Essendon. Swingman Noah Balta is expected to settle in defence alongside Gibcus and Ben Miller, though he was held out against Essendon. Tom Sims (foot) and Judson Clarke (knee) are the Tigers\u2019 main longer-term injury casualties. <\/p>\n
ST KILDA<\/p>\n
B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, L.Stocker<\/p>\n
HB: B.Hill, J.Silvagni, J.Sinclair<\/p>\n
C: D.Wilson, N.Wanganeen-Milera, M.Wood<\/p>\n
HF: M.Hall, C.Sharman, L.Ryan<\/p>\n
F: J.Higgins, R.Marshall, M.Owens<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.De Koning, M.Phillipou\ufeff, S.Flanders<\/p>\n
I\/C: M.Windhager\ufeff, A.Caminiti, H.Boxshall\ufeff, T.Travaglia, J.Macrae<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Carroll, \ufeffH.Garcia, H.Clark<\/p>\n
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 suffered a concussion against the Suns in match sim, but appears OK 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 this month. Sam Flanders is set to slot straight into a new-look midfield alongside Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Mattes Phillipou, who Saints fans will be praying has a better injury run in 2026. Marcus Windhager and Jack Carroll looked good behind the ball against the Suns.<\/p>\n
Curnow impresses in Intra-Club challenge | 03:09<\/p>\n
SYDNEY SWANS<\/p>\n
B: J.Serong, L.Melican, N.Blakey<\/p>\n
HB: C.Mills, T.McCartin, S.Wicks<\/p>\n
C: J.McInerney, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden<\/p>\n
HF: B.Campbell, J.Amartey, J.Jordon<\/p>\n
F: M.Rosas Jnr, C.Curnow, T.Papley<\/p>\n
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.McDonald, H.McLean, D.Rampe\ufeff, A.Sheldrick\ufeff, M.Roberts<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Dattoli\ufeff, R.Bice, H.Kyle<\/p>\n
WE SAY: First impressions of Charlie Curnow\u2019s fit next to Logan McDonald were highly promising, with the pair combining for eight goals against the Bulldogs in match simulation last Thursday. Meanwhile, Malcolm Rosas already looks like a great low-cost asset, set to wreak havoc with Tom Papley inside forward 50. Jesse Dattoli \u2013 who managed three games late in his debut AFL season that was curtailed by injury \u2013 is an Opening Round chance after an impressive summer, although he\u2019s been deloaded in recent weeks and didn\u2019t play against the Dogs. The bolter was thought to be Ned Bowman \u2014 who\u2019s developed into a strong half-back option after being drafted two years ago as a small forward \u2014 before suffering a hamstring injury that\u2019ll cost him about eight weeks on the sidelines. New recruit Jai Serong has also made a timely mark early this summer, after coming across from Hawthorn, slotting into defence alongside Dane Rampe against the Dogs. Despite Curnow\u2019s arrival, we\u2019ve kept all of Joel Amartey, 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 is incredibly stiff. <\/p>\n
‘Having a crack!’: Curnow on Swans trade | 09:20<\/p>\n
WEST COAST EAGLES<\/p>\n
B: B.Starcevich, H.Edwards, B.Hough\ufeff<\/p>\n
HB: R.Ginbey, T.Young, L.Duggan<\/p>\n
C: W.Duursma, H.Reid, H.Davis<\/p>\n
HF: E.Hewett, J.Shanahan, J.Graham<\/p>\n
F: C.Duff-Tytler, J.Waterman, J.Cripps<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Flynn, D.Robertson\ufeff, T.McCarthy<\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Kelly, J.Newton\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff, J.Lindsay\ufeff\ufeff, E.Yeo, A.Reid<\/p>\n
EMG: H.Schoenberg, B.Allan\ufeff, \ufeff\ufeff\ufeffM.Owies<\/p>\n
WE SAY: Lots of mixed news here. Firstly, new co-captain Liam Baker will miss the Eagles\u2019 first hitout of 2026 after copping a one-match ban for rough conduct. Recruit Brandon Starcevich has had an interrupted pre-season, firstly due to a partial ACL tear followed by a recent low-grade calf strain. Starcevich will be given every chance \u2014 club high performance manager Phil Merriman stressed \u201cwe\u2019ll make sure we tick every box\u201d \u2014 but if there\u2019s any doubt surely they don\u2019t risk him. Elijah Hewett (calf), Jack Graham (hamstring) and Tylar Young (shin) should be fine and there\u2019s a watch on Brady Hough (ankle), but he has resumed full training and is set to play Port Adelaide in the AAMI Series. Baker\u2019s absence could open the door for first-round draftee Josh Lindsay, who\u2019s impressed in recent Eagles match play and then against Fremantle in a match sim. As did Pick 4 Cooper Duff-Tytler, with the 200cm young gun\u2019s five-goal haul prompting ruck Matt Flynn to suggest \u201cit\u2019s a good sign that he (Duff-Tytler) is going to have a serious impact straight away\u201d. Elsewhere, 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. Tyler Brockman (ITB), Tom Gross (hamstring), Bailey Williams (groin), Fred Rodriguez (foot), Jack Hutchinson (ankle) will be unavailable.<\/p>\n
Smith loses license in latest drama | 00:25<\/p>\n
WESTERN BULLDOGS<\/p>\n
B: L.Bramble, J.O\u2019Donnell, C.Budarick<\/p>\n
HB: B.Dale, R.Lobb, L.Jaques<\/p>\n
C: B.Williams, M.Bontempelli, S.Davidson<\/p>\n
HF: A.Treloar, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy<\/p>\n
F: C.Hynes, S.Darcy, R.West<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.English, J.Freijah, E.Richards<\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Liberatore, R.Sanders, A.Jones, B.Khamis, L.Vandermeer<\/p>\n
EMG: L.Cleary, J.Busslinger, J.Dolan<\/p>\n
WE SAY: The Bulldogs have a few injury issues to navigate in the lead-up to the season, but thankfully, most of their stars are all healthy. The most recent setback concerns Bailey Dale, who exited last Thursday\u2019s match simulation against Sydney with knee soreness. Now, he\u2019s in doubt for Opening Round after AFL Media\u2019s Josh Gabelich reported he\u2019d suffered a low-grade MCL strain. If he misses, someone like Luke Cleary could see an early berth across half-back. Meanwhile, veteran Adam Treloar is sidelined with a calf issue. Given his extensive soft-tissue history, he\u2019s likely up against it to play in Opening Round. Draftee Lachie Carmichael (syndesmosis) and forward Josh Dolan (foot) have been dealing with concerns, Laitham Vandermeer has had Achilles soreness, while Riley Garcia has been shelved by a serious hamstring injury that\u2019ll keep him out for the start of the season. Add in James Harmes\u2019 sudden retirement and the fact that Cody Weightman has only just started running again after a long-term knee issue, and there are roles to fill. But Artie Jones is a name that\u2019s pressing his case for a starting spot in Luke Beveridge\u2019s side up forward, having been arguably the club\u2019s best performer in its match simulation hitout against Sydney. Meanwhile, second-year Bulldog Lachie Jaques is a good chance of an early debut after a strong summer, which included some nice moments against the Swans last Thursday. Recruit Connor Budarick slotted into 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":"AFL clubs\u2019 season opening line-ups are becoming clearer as the new campaign approaches. 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