Regardless of current headlines, there’s promising indicators rising from the Kangaroos, whereas Richmond’s big-name recruits are turning heads.
In the meantime there’s a number of harm points at each Essendon and St Kilda.
Foxfooty.com.au broke down the summer season standouts, doable position modifications and newest harm information at each membership.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
Positional modifications: Luke Pedlar performed primarily as a midfielder throughout his junior profession, however may spend extra time taking part in primarily as a ahead in 2023. Brayden Cook dinner has additionally frolicked taking part in throughout half-back throughout summer season after getting used ahead of centre in his restricted AFL alternatives. New recruit Izak Rankine, who’s fitted in on the Crows with aplomb, additionally seems to be more likely to pinch-hit within the midfield a bit extra in comparison with his stint on the Suns.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: There’s plenty of buzz popping out of West Lakes across the pre-season of 2020 first-round draftee Luke Pedlar, who seems primed for extra AFL video games in 2023 after being restricted to only 5 video games – two as an unused medical sub – over the previous two years largely as a result of groin points. However teammate Sam Berry informed Sportsday SA this week Pedlar was trying “highly effective and match”, whereas Rory Laird informed reporters Pedlar had proven nice “X-factor” at coaching. As for Berry himself, the midfielder has appeared stronger on the observe this summer season and appears primed to extend his common disposal rely. Elsewhere each Elliott Himmelberg and Wayne Milera have caught the attention, whereas high 2022 draftee Max Michalanney is within the Spherical 1 choice combine after exhibiting off his clear kicking expertise and composed decision-making means at coaching.
Harm watch: Defender Andrew McPherson stays unlikely for Spherical 1 as he continues to construct his hundreds after present process knee surgical procedure late final 12 months. His 2022 marketing campaign had already been hindered by a PCL difficulty. Star midfielder Rory Sloane is hopeful of being obtainable for the Crows’ first match about taking part in in spherical one of many new season after an interrupted 2022.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Fremantle v Adelaide Crows, Victor George Kailis Oval (Cockburn), Friday February 24, 6.30pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Mineral Sources Park (Perth), Friday March 3, 7.40pm
BRISBANE LIONS
Positional modifications: Lions soccer boss Danny Daly final month recommended there wouldn’t be too many positional shifts and position modifications this 12 months. Though Zac Bailey has declared he desires to spend extra recreation time within the midfield — moderately than simply being a pinch-hitter — whereas there’s a watch on the place Conor McKenna will play contemplating Brisbane already has two well-established rebounding defenders in Keidean Coleman and Daniel Wealthy. Maintain an eye fixed, too, on Cameron Rayner, who was noticed taking part in throughout half-back in not less than one match simulation hit-out.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Younger gun midfielder Will Ashcroft — extensively thought of by recruiters as one of the best participant in final 12 months’s draft class — has taken some huge steps during the last couple of months, in response to Daly on SEN, with the Lions soccer boss including Ashcroft was “near finest on floor” within the Lions’ current match simulation. The midfielder is primed to have a direct influence on the membership. Daniel Wealthy reckons skipper Dayne Zorko is in career-best form after shaking off an Achilles harm that’d been bugging him for years, whereas new recruit Josh Dunkley has slotted in with aplomb.
Harm watch:Joe Daniher has but to renew full coaching, teammate Harris Andrews revealed. Daniher struggled along with his shoulder and missed six weeks mid season, with Andrews stating Daniher had current shoulder surgical procedure. Fellow key-position participant Marcus Adams is unlikely to play this season as he continues to battle with concussion-related points nearly six months after they surfaced. Zorko mentioned a bulked-up Adams was spending time within the Lions’ health club, however every time he tried to construct up his working, his situation spiralled down once more. Kai Lohmann and Jarryd Lyons are each on the restoration path from groin points.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval (Moore Park), Friday February 24, 12pm (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, Brighton Houses Area, 8.10pm, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm
CARLTON
Positional modifications: Don’t be stunned if Sam Docherty racks up a number of extra midfield minutes in 2023, significantly earlier within the season when Sam Walsh is more likely to be unavailable for choice.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Monitor watchers have been thrilled with new recruit Blake Acres’ summer season. The previous Docker is extensively anticipated to fill a wing chasm on the Blues, however he’s additionally been noticed coaching as an inside and out of doors midfielder all through the pre-season. Jesse Motlop has additionally placed on some measurement and been probably the most spectacular trainers at Carlton, whereas Mitch McGovern, who was restricted to only seven video games final season, has been a standout throughout the backline in match simulation.
Harm watch: Gun midfielder George Hewett just lately returned to the coaching observe and is on observe to play Spherical 1 after the back-end of his 2022 marketing campaign was derailed by a again harm. Famous person midfielder Sam Walsh is unlikely to function within the early a part of the season as he works his manner again from again surgical procedure.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, Friday February 24, 11am (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown Worldwide Sports activities Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm
COLLINGWOOD
Positional modifications: The large watch on the Pies is reigning Rising Star winner Nick Daicos, who’s been extensively tipped for extra midfield publicity this 12 months. The daddy-son recruit starred throughout half-back in his debut season, however his kicking expertise and excessive footy IQ are set to see him spend extra time on the ball in 2023. Commerce acquisition Billy Frampton has additionally slotted right into a key defensive position on the Pies after spending time as a tall ahead and within the ruck at his two earlier golf equipment. Goalkicker Will Hoskin-Elliott additionally seems to be set for a task throughout half-back this season.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: It’s been arduous to disregard Collingwood’s new-look midfield this summer season. Nick Daicos has sizzled in match simulation, along with his decision-making and execution ahead of centre a spotlight. Ball magnet recruit Tom Mitchell has additionally slotted into the Magpies’ on-ball unit with aplomb alongside Taylor Adams, who’s had a powerful summer season after an injury-interrupted finals marketing campaign. And after present process shoulder surgical procedure in December, Jordan De Goey has impressed in match simulation the place he performed primarily as an on-baller.
Harm watch: New skipper Darcy Moore continues to be working his manner again to full health after a bone an infection earlier than Christmas, however stays assured he’ll be match for Spherical 1. Moore moved effectively at coaching in the course of the week, collaborating in almost each drill. The most recent concern surrounds ruckman Darcy Cameron, who suffered a contemporary hamstring setback at coaching this week. He was despatched for scans after pulling up sore from Wednesday’s session, however was again working on Friday and might be on lighter duties for the following few weeks. Elsewhere Finlay Macrae (again) and Nathan Krueger (shoulder surgical procedure) stay within the rehab group.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, Friday February 24, 11am (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS Stadium, Thursday March 2, 5.10pm
ESSENDON
Positional modifications: Jake Stringer, who’s been constantly thrown into centre bounces over current seasons, is probably going spend extra time nearer to aim in 2023 beneath new coach Brad Scott, whereas Andy McGrath and Nik Cox have been coaching with the defenders this low season. New recruit Will Setterfield, who performed primarily as a winger throughout his final season on the Blues, can be excited to play extra as an inside midfielder on the Bombers, which was a giant cause behind his membership change in October.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Star midfielder Zach Merrett, who’s been extensively tipped to be Essendon’s subsequent captain, has set the usual at coaching this summer season, main by his instance along with his depth and voice on the observe. Younger gun Nic Martin has additionally been a standout, including 3kg to his body however not shedding his working energy as he took out the membership’s post-Christmas 2km time trial. Mid-season draftee Jye Menzie has additionally impressed in match simulation ahead of centre and will play AFL stage footy early.
Harm watch: Essendon’s key-position shares have taken a minor hit in the course of the low season. Reigning finest and fairest winner Peter Wright despatched a scare by means of the camp late final month with a calf difficulty, however the Bombers are hopeful he’ll be tremendous to play of their pre-season video games. It’s a aid for Essendon, which has already been hit by accidents to recruit Sam Weideman (quad), Nik Cox (ankle) Harry Jones (ankle) and James Stewart (foot). Jones and Weideman have been seen working laps in current weeks as they proceed to work their manner again to full health. Prime Bombers draftee Elijah Tsatas’ spectacular begin to his Essendon stint hit a hurdle final month, with the younger midfielder despatched for knee surgical procedure and the membership insisting it “gained’t be dashing his return to play”. Promising defender Zach Reid has had an interrupted pre-season too as a result of a again harm.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, Austworld Oval (Carrara), Thursday February 23, 5pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, Friday March 3, 4.10pm
FREMANTLE
Positional modifications: Famous person Nat Fyfe seems to be set for elevated time within the attacking 50 after an injury-plagued 2022 marketing campaign, with the twin Brownlow Medallist coaching with the forwards group at instances this summer season. Though coach Justin Longmuir mentioned this week he wouldn’t hesitate to swing Fyfe again into the midfield if wanted this 12 months. Dockers assistant coach Matthew Boyd additionally just lately flagged Liam Henry had been coaching as a winger in current months following the departure of Blake Acres to the Blues. And the ruck-forward stability between Sean Darcy and big-name recruit Luke Jackson stays a thriller.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Freo’s high draftees have been all the fad this low season. There’s plenty of hype round Hayden Younger, who seems primed for a giant 12 months after an superior summer season taking part in throughout half-back. Two 2021 draftees, Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus, must also push arduous for Spherical 1 choice after standout pre-seasons. Coach Justin Longmuir additionally has excessive hopes for Josh Treacy, who’s proven he’s greater than able to stepping up in Rory Lobb’s absence after exhibiting nice kind and health in the course of the low season. And it seems big-name recruit Jaeger O’Meara has slotted into the Dockers’ on-ball brigade with aplomb.
Harm watch: The Dockers in the intervening time boast one of many healthiest lists within the AFL this pre-season with no huge harm information to report. Just a few rookies have stepped away from the principle group this summer season, with the competitors for spots hotter than ever at Freo.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Fremantle v Adelaide Crows, Victor George Kailis Oval (Cockburn), Friday February 24, 6.30pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm
GEELONG CATS
Positional modifications: The Cats have been spinning the magnets over the summer season. Commerce acquisition Ollie Henry — who was a continuing menace up ahead at Collingwood — has been trailed in defence in the course of the pre-season and impressed along with his marking means. Prime draftee Jhye Clark – among the best pure midfielders from final 12 months’s draft class – has performed a little bit bit half-back in some drills, whereas second-year Cats Ollie Dempsey and Mitch Knevitt have frolicked coaching as wingers. Esava Ratugolea’s shift into defence late final 12 months caught the attention of rival golf equipment — significantly Port Adelaide — and he’s been taking part in down again in the course of the summer season.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Rising Cat Max Holmes, who was the choice heartbreak story of final 12 months’s Grand Remaining, has been impressing. He’s been seen finishing centre bounce midfield drills at some classes this low season.
Harm watch: Famous person ahead Tom Hawkins is Geelong’s solely main harm concern. He had surgical procedure on his foot final October and was in a moonboot till December. The Cats gained’t rush Hawkins again, so whether or not he’ll be proper for Spherical 1 stays unclear. Younger ruck Toby Conway has additionally reportedly been coping with a foot difficulty.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, Thursday February 23, 4pm (4 x 20 minutes plus time on)
— Official follow match: Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, Brighton Houses Area, 8.10pm, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm
GOLD COAST SUNS
Positional modifications: Academy graduate Alex Davies (191cm) has labored on his endurance in current months as he goals to develop into a extra common on-ball contributor. New recruit Ben Lengthy, who performed primarily within the ahead half throughout his last one-and-a-half-seasons at St Kilda, seems to be set to return to a half-back position on the Suns.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Younger midfielder-forward Sam Flanders is in one of the best nick since he’s been in since touchdown on the Suns. He ran a time trial private finest, has been working with the midfield group and impressed along with his management traits. Brandon Ellis has additionally had a giant summer season, setting a membership report within the membership’s 2km time trial.
Harm watch: Massive ahead Ben King is aiming for Spherical 1 after he missed the membership’s 2022 marketing campaign with an ACL harm. Defender Wil Powell was on observe for a Spherical 1 return after he suffered a horrific leg break again in June, but it surely’s understood he’s simply had a hamstring setback. Lachie Weller (knee) is taken into account “contact and go” for the beginning of the home-and-away season, whereas Connor Budarick is aiming for a mid-season return after struggling his second ACL rupture in simply 18 months.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, Austworld Oval (Carrara), Thursday February 23, 5pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown Worldwide Sports activities Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm
GWS GIANTS
Positional modifications: Regardless of his spectacular 2022 marketing campaign in defence — which led to a top-five end within the membership’s finest and fairest rely — Harry Himmelberg is more likely to return to the ahead line this 12 months. Adam Kennedy, who performed a number of roles final 12 months, this week informed the membership’s web site he’d additionally been coaching so much with the forwards group over the summer season, though he was anticipating to drift between wing and half-back if wanted. Twin finest and fairest Lachie Whitfield has been seen coaching throughout half-back once more.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: After his first AFL pre-season was curtailed by harm then present process foot surgical procedure in September, second-year midfielder Finn Callaghan has been probably the most spectacular Giants trainers in current weeks, alongside current acquisition Toby Bedford. The previous Demon might be hoping to make an influence as a small ahead. Brent Daniels, who didn’t play a recreation in 2022 as a result of harm, has additionally seemed robust on the observe.
Harm watch: The Giants look like in fine condition, with solely Nick Madden (foot) and Max Gruzewski (knee) seemingly doubtful for Spherical 1. Sam Taylor (wrist), Lachie Whitfield (ankle) and Phil Davis (hamstring) had been coping with points, however are transitioning again into full coaching.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Intra-club in Canberra, Saturday February 25
— Official follow match: GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown Worldwide Sports activities Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm
HAWTHORN
Positional modifications: Younger gun Will Day, who’s established himself as a harmful rebounding defender throughout his first three seasons with the Hawks, is about to be uncovered within the midfield extra usually this season after spending lots of the summer season coaching with Hawthorn’s on-ballers. First-round draftee Josh Weddle impressed in defence throughout is draft 12 months, however Hawks coach Sam Mitchell post-draft mentioned he may see Weddle growing into a versatile, Mark Blicavs-style position participant within the midfield. The Sandringham Dragons product took out the membership’s 2023 time trial, exhibiting off his cardio capability.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: After managing simply 11 video games final season as a result of patchy kind and harm, James Worpel has returned to full health and impressed on-lookers at Hawks coaching. With Tom Mitchell (Collingwood) and Jaeger O’Meara (Fremantle) traded to rivals golf equipment, Worpel seems effectively positioned to re-establish himself as one in every of Hawthorn’s finest on-ballers, if his spectacular match simulation is something to go by. New recruit Lloyd Meek, who was a part of the O’Meara commerce, has additionally had a powerful summer season on the observe as he battles it out with Ned Reeves, Max Lynch and Max Ramsden for beginning ruck positions.
Harm watch: The large blow on the Hawks was Mitch Lewis’ ACL sprain, which is about to see him miss not less than the beginning of the season. Additional up the sphere they’ll be with out Harry Morrison, whose hamstring harm will sideline him for a month. They’re hardly the blows Hawthorn may afford given the exit of so many skilled gamers over the low season.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, Thursday February 23, 4pm (4 x 20 minutes plus time on)
— Official follow match: Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS Stadium, Thursday March 2, 5.10pm
MELBOURNE
Positional modifications: Nothing majorly of observe, however the questions stays how coach Simon Goodwin splits up the ruck and ahead stability between Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy this 12 months. Each gamers have been the No. 1 ruck at Melbourne and Collingwood respectively in recent times earlier than Grundy’s bombshell transfer to the Demons final October. Gawn indicated on the time he was ready to spend extra taking part in nearer to aim – and Fox Footy’s Dermott Brereton mentioned in October Gawn was “most likely extra your stay-at-full-forward” participant that relieved Grundy within the ruck. Whether or not that every one involves fruition stays unsure.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: A number of hype round second-year ahead Jacob van Rooyen, who’s within the body for a Spherical 1 debut. After being drafted within the first spherical of the 2021 draft, van Rooyen didn’t function within the Demons’ star-studded AFL aspect — though he went mightily near a call-up late within the season amid a 36-goal VFL marketing campaign for Casey. Now after a standout summer season, van Rooyen might be arduous to maintain out of Melbourne’s finest 22. Elsewhere, Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca has sizzled on the observe, whereas uncontracted star ahead Kysaiah Pickett has additionally impressed amid early commerce hypothesis.
Harm watch: The Demons are in fairly fine condition, with a minor hamstring setback for captain Max Gawn the one current scare. Gawn was compelled to go away coaching early final month after experiencing “hamstring consciousness”, however scans revealed a low-grade hamstring harm that might solely maintain him away from the principle group for a fortnight. Elsewhere, Ben Brown stays on a modified coaching program after present process minor surgical procedure on his knee once more earlier than Christmas, however stays optimistic he’ll nonetheless be capable of contribute robust for the Demons this season.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, Friday February 24, 4pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, Saturday March 4, 4.10pm
NORTH MELBOURNE
Positional modifications: Don’t be stunned if Cam Zurhaar has occasional stints on the ball this 12 months, whereas Ben Cunnington may spend a while within the ahead line — though he informed reporters final month he nonetheless believes he has ample to offer within the midfield. New recruit Griffin Logue ought to return to the backline after spending the back-half of final season taking part in as a key ahead and, sometimes, a pinch-hit ruck on the Dockers.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Is that this the 12 months Will Phillips publicizes himself to North followers? After being restricted to a few VFL video games in 2022 as a result of glandular fever, a match Phillips has had a superb summer season, to the purpose the place he’ll be proper within the Spherical 1 combine. So too will fellow top-10 draftee Harry Sheezel, who’s already impressed along with his ahead craft in his first pre-season. Elsewhere veteran Jack Ziebell has trimmed down after handing over the captaincy, whereas Ben McKay’s management has impressed.
Harm watch: The Roos are taking a gradual and regular strategy with choose No. 4 George Wardlaw after a number of hamstring complaints. One other addition to the line-up is Darcy Tucker, with the Fremantle recruit racing the clock to be match for the opening spherical after knee surgical procedure. Griffin Logue, recruited together with Tucker, handled osteitis pubis within the back-end of 2022, however is working in direction of a return to full coaching. Aidan Corr can be set for a return to full coaching this month.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: North Melbourne v Richmond, Arden St, Friday February 24, 10am (4 x 25 minutes, 2 x 20 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Saturday March 4, 1.10pm
PORT ADELAIDE
Positional modifications: Nothing of observe at this stage, however there could possibly be a little bit of wing and half-back shuffling because of the dearth of choices at Ken Hinkley’s disposal and the emptiness left by Karl Amon. Jase Burgoyne and Kane Farrell each seemed good behind the ball late within the 2022 season, whereas Miles Bergman and Xavier Duursma have additionally proven they will play a task down again. Riley Bonner, who was one in every of Port’s high rebounders final 12 months, just lately informed The Advertiser he was “completely satisfied to play wherever for the workforce”. The Energy even have excessive hopes for first-round draftee Josh Sinn, who’s nonetheless working his manner again from surgical procedure however looms as an choice to fill the Amon chasm on the wing.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Massive commerce acquisition Jason Horne-Francis has obtained glowing reward from teammates since his bombshell transfer from North Melbourne. After present process knee surgical procedure late final 12 months, Horne-Francis has impressed along with his competitiveness and ball use when given midfield minutes. Teammate Xavier Duursma informed reporters final month Horne-Francis was “trying fairly electrical on the market”. Elsewhere, massive males Brynn Teakle and Tom Scully have put their palms up for AFL video games early this 12 months after robust pre-seasons. Assistant coach Josh Carr mentioned Scully’s aerial means for a participant of his measurement had caught the attention. In the meantime, membership champion Travis Boak has proven no indicators of slowing down, taking out the Energy’s most up-to-date time trial and setting the usual on the observe.
Harm watch:The Energy stay hopeful Jeremy Finlayson might be match for Spherical 1 regardless of struggling an ankle harm at coaching this week. Finlayson obtained his left ankle caught beneath a teammate in a deal with and limped from the sphere. The membership has confirmed he’ll have surgical procedure on the syndesmosis harm this week within the hope of being again in time for his or her March 18 conflict with Brisbane – in six weeks’ time. Orazio Fantasia had been one of many membership’s most spectacular trainers earlier than being hampered by calf tightness, which restricted him to gentle duties earlier this week. Trent Dumont can be coping with a calf harm, however Josh Sinn (groin) is hopeful of becoming a member of foremost coaching this month, whereas Tom Clurey’s coaching hundreds proceed to be managed as a result of a knee difficulty.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide, Mineral Sources Park (Perth), Friday February 24, 7.40pm (4 x 28 minutes, 2 x 20 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm
RICHMOND
Positional modifications: Maurice Rioli Jr had been a standout on the coaching observe over the pre-season and was more likely to spend extra time up the sphere because the Richmond coaches work with him to extend his scoreboard influence. After a slight lower in midfield minutes final 12 months, it appears famous person Dustin Martin will spend much more time ahead in 2023 following Richmond’s current acquisitions of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto, in addition to the emergence of Shai Bolton and Jayden Brief final 12 months.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto have made good first impressions at Punt Highway, each catching the attention in current match simulation in on-ball roles. Taranto additionally gained the membership’s 2km time trials both aspect of Christmas, whereas Hopper has banked a powerful pre-season after an injury-interrupted 2022 season restricted him to seven video games. Richmond recruit Jacob Hopper is near full health after a 2022 season that was ruined by a persistent knee harm. Elsewhere, Bigoa Nyuon had additionally impressed in coaching and will contend for a spot within the again six with Josh Gibcus sidelined with a hamstring harm
Harm watch: Star ahead Tom Lynch has been coaching away from the principle group, however is anticipated to return full coaching later within the pre-season as he continues to recuperate kind foot surgical procedure earlier than Christmas. Younger defender Josh Gibcus is about to overlook the primary month of the season not less than after present process surgical procedure on his hamstring harm.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: North Melbourne v Richmond, Arden St, Friday February 24, 10am (4 x 25 minutes, 2 x 20 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, Saturday March 4, 4.10pm
ST KILDA
Positional modifications: Prime-10 draftee Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has skilled at half-back for many of the pre-season after spending a lot of 2022 on the wing. Which means Bradley Hill is about to spend extra time on the wing “simply (to) free him up a little bit bit to run”, in response to coach Ross Lyon. Additionally, accidents to key-position gamers Max King and Jack Hayes are more likely to see Cooper Sharman return to the ahead line after spending time within the Saints’ defensive 50 final 12 months.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Saints followers obtained a glimpse of Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager’s potential of their first AFL seasons final 12 months, however the duo are effectively positioned for giant second seasons after robust summers. Owens has impressed ahead of centre, whereas Windhager has been among the many membership’s finest runners. Ruck Rowan Marshall has additionally turned heads on the observe as he prepares for a season with out Paddy Ryder. Matt Allison was additionally flying on the observe earlier than a nasty harm setback.
Harm watch: There’s nonetheless no time-frame on a return for key ahead Max King after he had shoulder surgical procedure in mid-December, however he’s anticipated to overlook the early a part of the season. Jack Hayes can be set to overlook the beginning of the season after cracking a metatarsal in his left foot at coaching, whereas Matt Allison additionally injured his left foot and is out for 5 months. There was additionally dangerous information for draftee Olli Hotton, who is about to overlook the primary half of 2023 after he developed a stress fracture in his again.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, Friday February 24, 4pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, Friday March 3, 4.10pm
SYDNEY SWANS
Positional modifications: His alternatives have been restricted, however when Aaron Francis obtained a gig in Essendon’s workforce throughout his last season-and-a-half on the Bombers, he performed as a key ahead. However the 25-year-old, who was traded to Sydney late final 12 months, has been coaching as an intercept defender over current months and fitted into the backline with aplomb.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: After establishing himself within the membership’s finest 22 final 12 months, Dylan Stephens has been one of many Swans’ summer season standouts, highlighted by his 2km time trial win when the membership returned from the Christmas break. Second-year midfielder Matt Roberts could possibly be set for extra AFL video games this 12 months after impressing teammates along with his health over current months. Elsewhere, current draftee Jacob Konstantey has proven indicators he may make a direct influence at AFL stage, whereas star Isaac Heeney has once more caught the attention.
Harm watch: Joel Amartey is questionable for Spherical 1, with the versatile utility persevering with to ease his manner again from a critical hamstring harm. Ahead Sam Reid is but to renew full coaching following the adductor harm that noticed him subbed out of final 12 months’s Grand Remaining.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval (Moore Park), Friday February 24, 12pm (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown Worldwide Sports activities Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm
WEST COAST EAGLES
Positional modifications: Don’t be stunned if Elliot Yeo and even Luke Shuey play throughout the backline this 12 months. Each gamers will not be solely match and firing after current injury-interrupted season, however have additionally break up their time between the midfield and defensive teams throughout pre-season coaching. Yeo, who’s impressed as a brutal inside midfielder in recent times, reminded the footy world final 12 months of his expertise as a half-back with massive video games towards Geelong and Essendon earlier than an harm setback. Shuey has additionally been noticed with Eagles defenders at half-back in full-ground drills.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: New recruit Jayden Hunt has accomplished a full pre-season and impressed along with his velocity and evasive means, whereas Greg Clark has been a standout runner over current months. Veteran defender Jeremy McGovern just lately mentioned he was in career-best form, whereas mid-season draftee Jai Culley has placed on important measurement throughout the pre-season to place himself within the Spherical 1 choice body.
Harm watch: Campbell Chesser is stepping issues up as he builds in direction of a full return from critical bone and ligament harm to his proper ankle. However he stays out of contact drills on the membership after lacking his complete debut season as a result of harm. Oscar Allen says he’s being “pulled again” after a stress-related foot difficulty worn out his complete 2022 marketing campaign. Tom Cole is again on observe after “tweaking” the identical ankle that sidelined him final season. Tom Barrass has had his forged faraway from his injured hand and is making loads of progress forward of Spherical 1. Rhett Bazzo stays on compassionate go away from the membership following the tragic demise of his mom final month.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide, Mineral Sources Park (Perth), Friday February 24, 7.40pm (4 x 28 minutes, 2 x 20 minutes, no time on)
— Official follow match: West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Mineral Sources Park (Perth), Friday March 3, 7.40pm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Positional modifications: Whereas all eyes are on the ahead line to see how Rory Lobb will slot in, there’s a critical choice squeeze growing in defence, particularly with coach Luke Beveridge trialling veteran Josh Bruce within the backline this summer season. Regardless of his good 2021 marketing campaign the place he kicked 48.21, Bruce seems set to return to the backline, which is the place he performed throughout his stint on the Giants. It additionally stays unclear which position 205cm younger gun Sam Darcy, who’s solely simply returned to full coaching, will play. He began his AFL profession in defence earlier than shifting ahead towards the Hawks and Dockers, whereas additionally pinch-hitting within the ruck. He’s been in defence for many match simulation this summer season, however the Canine are open to utilizing him ahead. Cody Weightman has additionally been seen within the midfield throughout current coaching classes.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the observe: Gun ruckman Tim English has been one of many Bulldogs’ most spectacular trainers this low season, though he has spent a number of days away from the principle group previously week. Elsewhere, key defender Alex Keath has trimmed down as he prepares to marshal the Canine’ backline, whereas Toby McLean was among the many high performers within the membership’s time trials.
Harm watch: Bailey Smith is again coaching with the principle group after decrease leg soreness noticed him on a modified program for many of January. A fastidiously managed build-up for Smith seems to be working, with a giant take a look at to come back within the JLT conflict with North Melbourne initially of March. Fellow midfielder Adam Treloar is much much less progressed in his return from ankle surgical procedure, remaining on a restricted program as he manages ongoing soreness. There have been niggles to cope with for the likes of Alex Keath and Tim English, however nothing that’s set to derail their pre-season extra dramatically.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: Intra-club in Ballarat, Saturday February 25
— Official follow match: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Saturday March 4, 1.10pm
Initially printed as ‘X-factor’ kids set to blow up; draftees prepared for Spherical 1
