star teammate Chad Warner to foxfooty.com.au last month.<\/a> Former Sun Malcolm Rosas may be forced to wait a little longer for a club debut, though did provide good forward pressure in his pre-season hit outs. After missing out on selection last Thursday evening, Hayden McLean looks to be the tall forward who will make way for Curnow\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\nBlues\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: H.Dean, L.Young, A.Saad
HB: Z.Williams, W.Derksen, E.Hollands
C: O.Hollands, G.Hewett, O.Florent
HF: W.Hayward, A.Moir, B.Ainsworth
FF: B.Kemp, H.McKay, J.Smith
FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Cripps (c), S.Walsh
I\/C: M.McGovern, C.Chesser, C.Lord, F.Evans, L.Reidy, L.Fogarty, T.Byrne, J.Boyd
EMG: L.Camporeale, B.Camporeale, F.Young, H.O\u2019Keeffe<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The Blues\u2019 two hitouts last month against opposition clubs couldn\u2019t have gone much better if they tried, defeating the two grand finallists from last year in Brisbane and Geelong. Michael Voss will certainly be without Nic Newman, who is serving a two-match suspension for striking in a VFL practice match against Geelong. Sidelined with injury too are Adam Cerra (hamstring), Nick Haynes (ankle) and Matt Cottrell (knee), with the latter duo undergoing arthroscopes at the start of this month that will see them sidelined until at least Round 3. The club is at this stage optimistic that Jacob Weitering will be OK to front up against the Swans as he recovers from a rib fracture, and Michael Voss told Fox Footy\u2019s AFL 360 on Monday night that the Blues will make a definitive call by Tuesday night \u2014 but the signs are good. \u201cWe\u2019ll make a pretty firm decision, I would\u2019ve thought, by the end of tomorrow about whether that\u2019s possible or not, but he\u2019s tracking along really well … at this point in time, we\u2019re expecting him to take his position in the team. \u201d You could argue no player across the comeptition was more certain to make their AFL debut this week than Jagga Smith, who starred during both hit outs last month. That sentiment was confirmed on Tursday morning, when the club revealing both he and first-year father-son Harry Dean will take to the field on Thursday night. Small forward Talor Byrne has skyrocketed into calculations for an Opening Round debut after four goals across his two matches, despite limited time on ground against Geelong. Former Swans duo Will Hayward and Ollie Florent will make their club debuts against their old side, as will Ben Ainsworth after 158 games at Gold Coast. Fellow recuits Liam Reidy and Campbell Chesser are also in the frame, though aren\u2019t as certain to start.<\/p>\n
Jagga Smith praised after pre-season win | 07:06<\/p>\n
GOLD COAST SUNS v GEELONG CATS<\/p>\n
Friday March 6, 8:05pm at People First Stadium<\/p>\n
Suns\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: S.Collins, M.Andrew, O.Adams
HB: D.Rioli, B.Uwland, J.Noble
C: L.Weller, W.Powell, S.Clohesy
HF: L.Lombard, C.Petracca, B.Long
FF: B.King, B.Humphrey, J.Walter
FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), T.Miller
I\/C: A.Davies, J.Ugle-Hagan, N.Moyle, W.Graham, Z.Uwland, L.Gulbin, J.Jeffrey, J.Farrar<\/p>\n
EMG: A.Thomas, K.Coulson, B.Jepson, C.Graham<\/p>\n
Team Tips: A fascinating watch is coming this week on the Gold Coast, with a one-week suspension to young key forward Jed Walter opening the door for a Jamarra Ugle-Hagan club debut this Friday night. The former Bulldog hasn\u2019t played at any level since 2024 after missing all of last season as he dealt with personal troubles. The 23-year-old did kick two goals against reigning premiers Brisbane last week, but has \u2014 naturally \u2014 looked just a touch off the pace as he finds his feet again at the top level. Last year\u2019s Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell won\u2019t run up these first few weeks as he recovers from a badly broken finger, though thankfully, young key forward Ethan Read is expected to be available for Opening Round after missing the club\u2019s pre-season fixture with concussion. It goes without saying that star recruit Christian Petracca will slot straight into the Suns\u2019 midfield-forward plans, while top Academy draftee Zeke Uwland looks every chance of making his AFL debut alongisde big brother Bodhi. Fellow Academy product Dylan Patterson is less of a \u2018certainty\u2019, but is still very highly touted and will be ready whenever called upon. Foxfooty.com.au can confirm Charlie Ballard won\u2019t play this weekend as he works back from an ACL injury, however is taking part in full training with the hope of a return early this year. <\/p>\n
Cats\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: T.Stewart, J.Henry, C.O\u2019Sullivan
HB: L.Humphries, T.Bruhn, O.Mullin
C: J.Clark, T.Atkins, O.Dempsey
HF: O.Henry, J.Worpel, B.Close
FF: J.Polkinghorne, S.Neale, M.Blicavs
FOLL: S.De Koning, M.Holmes, S.Mannagh
I\/C: Z.Guthrie, M.O\u2019Connor, M.Edwards, G.Stevens, M.Knevitt, J.Martin, P.Dangerfield (c), J.Bews
EMG: L.Hoffman, H.Holms, C.Burke, N.Driscoll<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The biggest watch at the Cattery before their Opening Round trip up north has been on Geelong\u2019s two key forwards Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale, but both should suit up against Gold Coast. The reigning Coleman Medallist withdrew from State of Origin duties last month as he continued to recover from his broken arm sustained in last year\u2019s grand final loss to Brisbane, before a low-grade quad strain further halted his pre-season. As for his counterpart Neale, his pre-season hit out against Carlton finished early with a knock to the shin area, which the club is hopeful won\u2019t rule him out of Friday night\u2019s date with Gold Coast. Bailey Smith (calf) has also been under a cloud, but Chris Scott told Fox Footy\u2019s AFL 360 on Monday night that Smith and Cameron \u201cwill both play\u201d, provided they get through training on Tuesday. Scott says Gryan Miers is \u201clikely\u201d to play against the Suns after having gone surgery on his thumb. After missing all of last season, Tanner Bruhn excelled off half-back against the Blues at Princes Park last Wednesday night, and looks set for a stellar 2026. If one of the Cats\u2019 two big key forwards is unavailable against the Suns, Jay Polkinghorne is coming off an impressive summer and could be in the frame for an AFL debut in his second year. As the club\u2019s sole acquisition during last year\u2019s trade period, former Hawk James Worpel will be a nice addition to Chris Scott\u2019s on-ball brigade. <\/p>\n
Walter suspended for opening round | 00:26<\/p>\n
GWS GIANTS v HAWTHORN<\/p>\n
Saturday March 7, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium<\/p>\n
Giants\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: C.Idun, J.Buckley, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Laverde, L.Ash
C: R.Angwin, X.O\u2019Halloran, H.Thomas
HF: J.Stringer, M.Gruzewski, T.Greene (c)
FF: J.Delana, J.Hogan, P.Gothard
FOLL: J.Riccardi, S.Coniglio, C.Oliver
I\/C: N.Madden, O.Taylor, J.Ough, C.Stone, O.Hannaford, H.Rowston, J.Leake, H.Oliver<\/p>\n
EMG: K.Briggs, C.Brown, J.Fonti, A.Cadman<\/p>\n
Team Tips: It\u2019s unfortunately been injury carnage in western Sydney this last month, with an ACL rupture to Tom Green the most severe of them all. Throw in a high-grade hamstring strain to Sam Taylor, and lesser hamstring strain to Toby Bedford, and the Giants are up against it early. Star Josh Kelly had hip surgery over the off-season, and won\u2019t be sighted for at least the first half of 2026 \u2014 with small forward Darcy Jones highly likely to miss the entire year. Fellow small forward Brent Daniels can\u2019t seem to stay on the park, set to miss the opening month of the season, reports AFL Media. Nineteen-year-old Cody Angove also exited their match simulation game against Collingwood in the second quarter, with foxfooty.com.au understanding he is at this stage unlikely to be available for selection. As of Monday, the club is still hopeful Finn Callaghan can overcome a hip flexor niggle to face Hawthorn on Saturday evening. On the other side of the coin, the absence of several key figures allows for opportunity to others to step up; perhaps none more so than skipper Toby Greene, who looks primed for a notable jump in midfield minutes this season. Taylor\u2019s absence could provide delisted free agent Jayden Laverde a club debut straight away, while expectations on the shoulders of Clayton Oliver will no doubt be amplified if the injury crisis deepens. Harry Rowston has continued to improve in leaps and bounds this summer, and is another who could benefit from extra midfield time. The Giants spared the emergency quartet above from playing in the final tune-up, though all are expected to face the Hawks. <\/p>\n
Hawks\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: N.Mraz, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw
HB: J.Impey, J.Battle, B.Hardwick
C: S.Butler, J.Newcombe, J.Ward
HF: C.Macdonald, D.Moore, J.Gunston
FF: M.Lewis, M.Chol, N.Watson
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Ginnivan, C.Mackenzie
I\/C: H.Morrison, J.Weddle, A.Schubert, M.D\u2019Ambrosio, C.Nash, F.Maginness, B.Macdonald, M.Hill
EMG: B.Ryan, N.Reeves, H.Hustwaite, C.Dear<\/p>\n
Team Tips: A few question marks for Hawthorn going into this week\u2019s clash, with some key names missing. Jai Newcombe\u2019s suspension could leave Hawthorn\u2019s already undermanned midfield even more depleted, particularly with Cam Mackenzie set to miss with concussion. That would thrust the likes of Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward and possibly Josh Weddle into even greater midfield roles. Meanwhile, despite talk the Hawks could run with two rucks, Ned Reeves missing selection in their pre-season loss to the Bulldogs suggests they\u2019re going to go the other way and use Mabior Chol and Weddle as support for Lloyd Meek. In another intriguing development, draftee Aiden Schubert appears to have overtaken Calsher Dear in the key forward pecking order, with Sam Mitchell even admitting on SEN radio last week that Dear has been down on his best form on the training track. However, Schubert will likely be made to bide his time for a debut. <\/p>\n
Lions provide update on injured stars | 03:26<\/p>\n
BRISBANE LIONS v WESTERN BULLDOGS<\/p>\n
Saturday March 7, 7:35pm at the Gabba<\/p>\n
Lions\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: S.Brain, D.Joyce, D.Gardiner
HB: L.McCarthy, Z.Zakostelsky, D.Wilmot
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage (c), J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, L.Lloyd, Z.Bailey
FF: K.Lohmann, T.Gallop, L.Morris
FOLL: C.Curtin, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I\/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, K.Coleman, S.Marshall, C.McKenna, W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill, B.Reville<\/p>\n
EMG: D.Annable, L.Beecken, R.Torrent, T.Hayes<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Should be relatively close to full strength. The reigning back-to-back premiers are set to welcome back several stars from the team that defeated Gold Coast, including Oscar Allen, Dayne Zorko, Cam Rayner and Harris Andrews, in a scary prospect for the rest of the competition. Ruck recruit Sam Draper won\u2019t be there, 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 (ACL) and Jack Payne (patella tendon) are also set to miss the start of the season, while Noah Answerth (Achilles) didn\u2019t play in either of the clubs\u2019 pre-season games, so you wouldn\u2019t imagine he\u2019ll be there Saturday night. Lincoln McCarthy and Keidean Coleman will both return to the field, and Chris Fagan looks set to mix the pair\u2019s roles up between half back and forward in a handy ace up the sleeve. Top draftee Daniel Annable will likely be made to wait for his debut.<\/p>\n
Bulldogs\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: L.Jaques, B.Khamis, R.Lobb
HB: C.Budarick, J.O\u2019Donnell, L.Bramble
C: O.Baker, M.Bontempelli (c), R.Sanders
HF: S.Davidson, J.Croft, J.Freijah
FF: C.Hynes, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore
FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards
I\/C: L.Cleary, L.Emmett, A.Jones, L.Kennedy, L.McNeil, M.Sellwood, R.West, B.Williams
EMG: H.Gallagher, L.Smith, N.Coffield, J.Busslinger<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Face some big calls after a strong pre-season win over Hawthorn and Luke Beveridge never shy to be bold at the selection table. Ryley Sanders won\u2019t be available this week after suffering a concussion against the Hawks. Bailey Dale is also in doubt after exiting their match simulation against Sydney with knee soreness, while Adam Treloar (calf) remains sidelined. The biggest watch is on Sam Darcy with what the club is simply calling soreness, so it might depend on how the star forward pulls up over the next couple of days. The likes of Artie Jones and Jordan Croft have surely consolidated spots up forward after impressive pre-seasons, and Lachie Jaques and Michael Sellwood are good chances to get a gig in defence. Recruit Connor Budarick has also slotted into that back six, while Cooper Hynes\u2019 eye-catching pre-season should put him right in the Opening Round mix. <\/p>\n
Saints downplay NWM reliance after win | 06:46<\/p>\n
ST KILDA v COLLINGWOOD<\/p>\n
Sunday March 8, 7:20pm at the MCG<\/p>\n
Saints\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: L.Stocker, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti
HB: A.Tauru, N.Wanganeen-Milera, R.Byrnes
C: M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, D.Wilson
HF: M.Phillipou, M.Owens, M.Hall
FF: C.Sharman, R.Marshall, J.Higgins
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair
I\/C: J.Macrae, B.Hill, I.Keeler, J.Carroll, L.Ryan, H.Garcia, C.Banfield
EMG: H.Clark, D.Butler, D.Howard, A.Dodson<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The Saints are confident that Callum Wilkie will be right to face Collingwood despite suffering a corked calf in their AAMI Community Series clash with Essendon. Brad Hill was a late out against the Bombers with illness, but there\u2019s no indication the veteran won\u2019t fine to face the Magpies. Saints assistant Corey Enright also confirmed Jack Silvagni was in the frame to play against Collingwood after suffering a concussion against the Suns in match sim. Silvagni is was one of several new faces in Ross Lyon\u2019s team. Arguably the most prized recruit, Tom De Koning is set to serve as No. 1 ruck with Rowan Marshall likely to spend more time more forward. 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. 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. Ross Lyon confirmed on SEN radio that King was eyeing a return \u201cabout Round 4.\u201d Elsewhere, Marcus Windhager and Jack Carroll have both looked good behind the ball in new roles.<\/p>\n
Magpies\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: B.Frampton, I.Quaynor, B.Maynard (c)
HB: H.Perryman, D.Houston, W.Parker
C: R.Steele, J.Daicos, H.DeMattia
HF: L.Sullivan, P.Lipinski, H.Harrison
FF: D.McStay, L.Schultz, J.Buller
FOLL: D.Cameron, B.McCreery, N.Long
I\/C: J.Cochran, E.Allan, O.Steene, W.Hayes, C.West, T.Prindable, S.Swadling, T.Jiath
EMG: J.Crisp, S.Pendlebury, S.Sidebottom, J.Elliott<\/p>\n
Team Tips: A plethora of experience to return from their narrow AAMI Community Series loss to North Melbourne, including Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jordan De Goey, Jamie Elliott and Jack Crisp. But with Jeremy Howe likely to miss and uncertainty around Darcy Moore, Joel Cochran is in the frame to make his AFL debut. Cochran looked poised behind the ball and more than comfortable at the level against the Kangaroos. The 19-year old was even managed in the fourth term along with Lachie Schultz and Brayden Maynard to suggest he\u2019s in Craig McRae\u2019s plans. So where does that leave Reef McIness? McIness missed both of the Magpies\u2019 pre-season games as he works his way back from an ACL injury last year, so a return via the VFL might be on the cards. The other interesting selection dilemma for the Pies is whether they go with Jack Buller or Charlie West to fill the Brody Mihocek void. Both key forwards impressed against North with two goals apiece. Buller might just be ahead for the moment. <\/p>\n
‘I’ve completely lost trust in him’ | 02:03<\/p>\n
AND A WATCH ON THE OTHER EIGHT CLUBS AHEAD OF ROUND 1…<\/p>\n
ADELAIDE<\/p>\n
Crows\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: J.Butts, J.Worrell, H.Bond
HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, R.Laird
C: L.Nankervis, J.Dawson (c), C.Jones
HF: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, L.Pedlar
FF: B.Keays, T.Walker, D.Fogarty
FOLL: L.McAndrew, C.Edwards, J.Rachele
I\/C: B.Cook, Z.Taylor, J.Borlase, B.Dowling, T.Murray, L.Sholl, M.Marsh, M.Michalanney
EMG: O.Ryan, A.Ludowyke, R.O\u2019Brien, F.Maley<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The big development out of West Lakes this pre-season has been two-gamer Lachie McAndrew\u2019s usurping of veteran Reilly O\u2019Brien as the club\u2019s number-one ruck. And fellow little-known tall Toby Murray is set to join McAndrew in the Crows\u2019 best side as the second rucking option, with trade recruit Finnbar Maley seemingly on the outer to start his Adelaide tenure. The likes of Zac Taylor, Billy Dowling and Brayden Cook will fight for fringe spots. Izak Rankine and James Peatling have been dealing with low-grade hamstring strains, while Sam Berry was rested against Fremantle, and Jake Soligo has been managing an irregular heartbeat. <\/p>\n
ESSENDON<\/p>\n
Bombers\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: B.McKay, Z.Reid, A.McGrath (c)
HB: J.Nguyen, Z.Johnson, M.Redman<\/p>\n
C: B.Fiorini, Z.Merrett, J.Prior
HF: D.Parish, P.Wright, A.Perkins
FF: K.Langford, N.Caddy, A.May
FOLL: L.Blakiston, J.Caldwell, S.Durham
I\/C: J.Farrow, D.Sharp, A.Roberts, X.Duursma, M.Kondogiannis, H.El Achkar, A.Clarke, S.El-Hawli
EMG: E.Tsatas, J.Gresham, V.Visentini, M.Guelfi<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Exciting forward Isaac Kako and pivotal defender Jordan Ridley are Essendon\u2019s main injury concerns. Kako (hamstring) will be looking to prove his fitness for Round 1, while Ridley (calf) won\u2019t be available in the opening weeks. Former top draft picks Elijah Tsatas and Nik Cox remain on the outside looking in, having played in the VFL Bombers\u2019 practice match at the weekend. Harry Jones is increasing his loads as he builds back to full fitness after his 2025 campaign was cruelled by an ankle injury. In a more positive light, Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp are going to be mighty hard to keep out of Brad Scott\u2019s side from the get-go, while Hussien El Achkar and Max Kondogiannis have hardly put a foot wrong in pre-season play. <\/p>\n
Neale wants to stay in Brisbane! | 01:32<\/p>\n
FREMANTLE<\/p>\n
Dockers\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: H.Chapman, O.McDonald, H.Davies
HB: J.Clark, K.Worner, J.McVee
C: J.O\u2019Meara, C.Serong, C.Wagner
HF: M.Frederick, M.Reid, S.Bolton
FF: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss
FOLL: L.Jackson, A.Brayshaw (c), H.Young
I\/C: T.Murray, M.Cox, N.Erasmus, N.O\u2019Driscoll, B.Walker, J.Draper, M.Johnson, I.Dudley
EMG: L.Ryan, J.Sharp, B.Banfield, C.Scerri<\/p>\n
Team Tips: First-choice ruckman Sean Darcy (calf) is racing the clock to prove his fitness for Round 1. Rising Star winner Murphy Reid is set to take his game to another level this year, thanks to more opportunities between the arcs as a pure ball-winner – having notched 30 disposals against Adelaide in the Community Series. Young defender Hugh Davies showed positive signs against Adelaide in the absence of Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox (both calf), while Luke Ryan was named in the emergencies for the Crows warm-up after building back up from off-season shoulder surgery. Tobyn Murray has pressed his case for an early-season opportunity. <\/p>\n
How will May be remembered at Melbourne | 01:58<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE<\/p>\n
Demons\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: B.Howes, J.Lever, D.Turner
HB: X.Lindsay, C.Salem, C.Jiath
C: H.Langford, J.Steele, T.Sparrow
HF: E.Langdon, L.Kentfield, K.Chandler
FF: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), C.Windsor, T.Rivers
I\/C: H.Petty, T.McDonald, K.Tholstrup, L.Pickett, H.Sharp, B.Laurie, X.Taylor, T.Matthews
EMG: J.Melksham, J.Adams, M.Heath, R.Mentha<\/p>\n
Team Tips: In a bizarre Monday night development, forward Bayley Fritsch is suddenly in danger of missing the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his hand after injuring it in \u2014 wait for it \u2014 a dogfight. SEN\u2019s Sam Edmund reports<\/a> Fritsch was attempting to break up a tussle between his dogs when things went wrong, and he got hurt. Edmund reported further details on Tuesday morning. \u201cWhat happened is his two dogs went at each other, and they wouldn\u2019t stop, so he went to intervene … He stuck his hand in to try to break it up and intervene, and he\u2019s been bitten, and there\u2019s a wound there. He thought he was fine \u2014 just a little dog bite \u2014 but the way it\u2019s been relayed to me is the wound then got infected, which can obviously lead to far more serious complications … it\u2019s unclear how much football he\u2019ll miss, if (any) at all,\u201d he said on SEN Breakfast. Exciting forward Latrelle Pickett has put himself in the frame for a Round 1 debut after an eye-catching summer, while the Dees\u2019 off-season recruits have slotted in nicely and are set to all play straight away. Veteran forward Jake Melksham should return to Steven King\u2019s side after he was managed against Richmond, while Brody Mihocek will be recalled after sustaining a concussion in match simulation against North Melbourne. Young forward Luker Kentfield, however, will miss the start of the season with a knee injury sustained against the Tigers. Jai Culley was on track for a senior appearance early in the season before fracturing his arm. Jack Viney and Jake Bowey are longer-term propositions in terms of returns. Steven May retired, opening up more opportunities in the back half. <\/p>\nScott refuses to dwell on, or review GF | 02:26<\/p>\n
NORTH MELBOURNE<\/p>\n
Kangaroos\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: C.Comben, T.Pink, G.Logue
HB: F.O\u2019Sullivan, H.Sheezel, C.Daniel
C: J.Simpkin, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens
HF: L.Dovaston, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar
FF: Z.Duursma, N.Larkey (c), P.Curtis
FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, L.Parker
I\/C: B.Scott, L.Urquhart, C.Coleman-Jones, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty, R.Hansen Jr, C.Trembath, T.Blamires
EMG: W.Dawson, Z.Banch, M.Whitlock, Z.Fisher<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Exciting draftee Lachy Dovaston is all but a shoo-in to make his AFL debut straight away, capping an impressive first pre-season with a three-goal display against Collingwood on Sunday. Luke Urquhart looked the part in the Kangaroos\u2019 midfield rotation against the Magpies, while Cooper Trembath and SSP signing Tom Blamires are also putting their hands up for Round 1 selection against Port Adelaide. Robert Hansen looked solid in a new role at half-back. George Wardlaw (hamstring) will miss the opening weeks of the season, while Riley Hardeman (ankle) is still in the frame to play the Power. <\/p>\n
Gut Punch crack down! | 01:25<\/p>\n
PORT ADELAIDE<\/p>\n
Power\u2019s AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: A.Aliir, H.Ramm, T.Marshall
HB: L.Evans, L.Jones, K.Farrell
C: J.Wehr, W.Drew, E.Mackinlay
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Richards, J.Berry
FF: O.Lord, M.Georgiades, J.Whitlock
FOLL: D.Visentini, C.Rozee (c), Z.Butters
I\/C: J.Burgoyne, C.Durdin, J.Mead, J.Watkins, J.Horne-Francis, W.Lorenz, M.Zadow, E.Ratugolea
EMG: W.Brodie, C.Moraes, J.Sweet, J.Sinn<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Forward Jack Lukosius (groin) and midfielder Miles Bergman (foot) were kept out of Port\u2019s Community Series side that played West Coast at the weekend. Young talls Harrison Ramm and Jack Whitlock have impressed over the course of the pre-season to put themselves right in the frame to play in Round 1, while fresh SSP signing Mitch Zadow got a crack straight away in the Power\u2019s win over the Eagles. Joe Berry is looking to take the next step in year two, while Euan Mackinlay has also inserted himself in the selection picture. Ollie Wines (suspension) won\u2019t be there in the opening two rounds. <\/p>\n
How high are the stakes for Voss in 2026 | 02:34<\/p>\n
RICHMOND<\/p>\n
Tigers\u2019 AAMI Community Series side:<\/p>\n
FB: J.Gibcus, B.Miller, N.Broad
HB: J.Short, S.Grlj, J.Trezise
C: K.McAuliffe, S.Lalor, T.Sonsie
HF: S.Green, M.Rioli, S.Campbell
FF: H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, R.Mansell
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Ross
I\/C: T.Brown, H.Ralphsmith, J.Hopper, S.Cumming, C.Gray, S.Banks, L.Trainor, L.Fawcett
EMG: P.Retschko, K.Smith, J.Alger, Z.Peucker<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Veterans Nick Vlastuin (ankle) and Dion Prestia (hamstring) are racing the clock to be fit to play Carlton, while Noah Balta (hamstring) also sat out against Melbourne and will look to prove his fitness before Round 1. Last year\u2019s Pick 7 Sam Cumming is set to miss the opening month of the season due to a shoulder subluxation that may eventually require surgery, joining Taj Hotton (hip) on the sidelines for the next while. Jonty Faull should be right to play against Carlton after missing the Community Series clash with the Dees due to being in concussion protocols. Josh Smillie, Tom Sims and Judson Clarke are among the names still sidelined. <\/p>\n
How will Grundy’s “stooging” be ruled on | 01:14<\/p>\n
WEST COAST EAGLES<\/p>\n
FB: T.Cole, H.Edwards, S.Brock
HB: J.Lindsay, T.Young, L.Baker
C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, D.Robertson
HF: J.Cripps, J.Shanahan, J.Newton
FF: H.Schoenberg, J.Waterman, A.Reid
FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, T.McCarthy
INT: R.Maric, F.Macrae, C.Duff-Tytler, M.Owies, H.Davis, L.Grego, H.Barnett, T.Williams
EMER: B.Allan, C.Hall, R.Bazzo, J.Williams<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Putting aside the disenchanting fashion in which the Eagles lost to Port Adelaide last Sunday, the youngsters continue to be the silver lining, with top draftee Cooper Duff-Tytler lively while getting on the scoresheet as he presses for a first-up debut. Josh Lindsay was one of the side\u2019s better contributors with 22 disposals, looking to lock up a spot in Andrew McQualter\u2019s youthful outfit. Hamish Davis looks to have carved out a spot for himself on a wing, while Jacob Newton also keeps putting his hand up for Round 1 and at this point looks more likely than not. Key defender Harry Edwards sustained a concussion against Port Adelaide on Sunday, so he\u2019ll be racing the clock to be fit for Round 1. Liam Duggan (head knock), Reuben Ginbey (toe), Brandon Starcevich (calf), Jack Graham (hamstring) and Tim Kelly (hamstring) missed the warm-up clash with Port. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The premiership season is finally upon us, and there\u2019s no shortage of stars racing against the clock 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