The practice matches are done with the true pre-season games on the way, as AFL clubs gear up for what promises to be another thrilling season.
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Which gun recruits be there straight away? Which draftees can make an immediate impact?
Foxfooty.com.au examines how your side could to line up to start the 2025 season. Note: bold names indicates change from our initial predicted sides last December.
Macrae opens up on ‘tough’ Saints switch | 01:27
ADELAIDE CROWS
B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, M.Michalanney
HB: R.Laird, N.Murray, W.Milera
C: L.Sholl, J.Soligo, I.Cumming
HF: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays
F: R.Thilthorpe, T.Walker, J.Rachele
FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson, I.Rankine
I/C: M.Crouch, J.Peatling, S.Draper, D.Curtin, M.Hinge
EMG: S.Berry, J.Butts, L.Pedlar
As things stand right now in early February, West Lakes has nearly a completely clean bill of health, with only reserve ruck Kieran Strachan on their inactive list and unfortunately out for season 2025. Superstar Izak Rankine looks primed otherwise see more midfield time in 2025, leaving coach Matthew Nicks with a plethora of options to run through the midfield. New recruits Alex Neal-Bullen and James Peatling are both excellent options on-ball as a second rotation, as are the likes of Jake Soligo and Ben Keays. Meanwhile, a move to half-back for Rory Laird alongside former Giant Isaac Cumming will give Adelaide’s defence plenty of stability and experience. Sid Draper has hit the ground running very well since being drafted in November last year and is a great chance of debuting from the get-go, while second-year young gun Dan Curtin is also right on the cusp of playing at the senior level full-time, and looked good during match simulation against Port Adelaide on Friday. Riley Thilthorpe (three goals) and Peatling were the standouts in the middle and front half of the ground, as was Soligo (three goals), who looks to have taken his game to yet another level.
Crows dominate Power in SA showdown! | 01:08
BRISBANE LIONS
B: B. Starcevich, H. Andrews, R. Lester
HB: D. Zorko, J. Payne, D. Wilmot
C: J. Fletcher, W. Ashcroft, H. McCluggage
HF: C. Rayner, L. Morris, J. Berry
F: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, Z. Bailey
FOLL: O. McInerney, L. Neale, J. Dunkley
I/C: K. Lohmann, C. Ah Chee, N. Answerth, S. Day, L. Ashcroft
EMG: C. McKenna, T.Gallop, L. McCarthy
Outside of Joe Daniher’s retirement, the Lions are well placed to contend for a second consecutive flag. A quartet of players are set to return from ACL injuries — Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee — but will return at various stages. The Age’s Peter Ryan reports that captain Lachie Neale expects McCarthy to see limited minutes in this Thursday’s pre-season game against Adelaide —hopefully indicative the forward is in line to play Round 1 after last year’s ACL. The club hopes that Doedee will feature about a month into the season, while Coleman’s timeline is indefinite following an unfortunate setback in his recovery. Oscar McInerney will assume the number one ruck role again but how coach Chris Fagan covers the loss of Daniher is intriguing. He could opt to play Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris as the only tall forwards, but ex-Sun Sam Day, ruck Darcy Fort and youngster Henry Smith are also waiting in the wings. Father-son draftee Levi Ashcroft had off-season shoulder surgery but is firming for an Opening Round debut, while fellow Sandringham Dragons product Sam Marshall has also impressed teammates with his work ethic. The likes of Conor McKenna, Bruce Reville, Jimmy Tunstill and Deven Robertson are others competing for spots in the senior side.
Gallop stars for Lions against Pies | 03:01
CARLTON
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, J.Boyd
HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, O.Hollands
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps, S.Docherty
HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell
F: Z.Williams, B.Kemp, J.Motlop
FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, S.Walsh
I/C: G.Hewett, L.Cowan, J.Silvagni, C.Lord, A.Moir
EMG: L.Fogarty, J.Binns, H.Lemmey
Carlton and injuries, name a more iconic pair? We’re expecting Sam Walsh and Jack Silvagni will be fit for Round 1, with Silvagni getting the nod in defence ahead of Lewis Young and Brodie Kemp, even though Kemp has been training as a forward this summer. He may instead be needed at that end with Charlie Curnow potentially to miss the opening rounds through knee surgery. We’ve chosen to not name Curnow on the assumption the club will be conservative. The team is also missing Nic Newman (knee – season) and Alex Cincotta (hip) due to injury, with Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan to take over as the rebounding half-backs, while veteran Sam Docherty could spend time behind the ball. Outside of that there’s a few tight calls – especially in the small/medium forwards department, despite Matt Owies’ departure. We’ve gone for Jesse Motlop, Matt Cottrell and Ashton Moir over the likes of Lachie Fogarty, Orazio Fantasia and Corey Durdin but that mix could be different come Round 1. And unfortunately for Durdin, the 22-year-old went down with an ankle injury just minutes into his side’s match simulation against St Kilda as he sweats on scans. In one final, cruel blow before Opening Round, top three pick from the 2024 AFL Draft Jagga Smith has been ruled out for the entire season, with the club confirming an innocuous incident during match simulation was in fact a torn ACL. After Carlton were permitted by the league to sign VFL product Will White as Smith’s SSP replacement, even further injury news came out of IKON Park with Seven’s Mitch Cleary reporting that ruck Marc Pittonet has gone down with a calf injury. The Blues are yet to confirm the expected length of his stint of the sidelines, but it will leave coach Michael Voss with effectively no choice but to play Tom De Koning as a sole ruck.
TDK remains tight-lipped on future | 03:42
COLLINGWOOD
B: B. Maynard, D. Moore, I. Quaynor
HB: H.Perryman, J. Howe, J. Daicos
C: S. Sidebottom, J. De Goey, J. Crisp
HF: L.Schultz, B. Mihocek, J. Elliott
F: B. Hill, D. McStay, B. McCreery
FOLL: D. Cameron, N. Daicos, S. Pendlebury
I/C: P. Lipinski, R. McInnes, E. Allan, W. Hoskin-Elliott, T. Membrey
EMG: M. Cox, F. Macrae, W. Hayes
We haven’t snubbed Dan Houston – he’ll just miss Opening Round due to suspension. Midfielder Tom Mitchell is also in doubt due to a foot issue and given his injury concerns in recent times, the club might take a conservative approach with the former Brownlow Medallist. Bone bruising just over a fortnight ago for superstar Jordan de Goey has put the 28-year-old in considerable doubt for Opening Round, but the club are still yet to put a line through him just yet. Former Giant Harry Perryman has had a strong summer and impressed teammates and coaches alike. Exciting youngster Harry DeMattia is pressing hard for a debut, while cricketer-turned-footballer Wil Parker has also shown he can play at the level. Former Saint Tim Membrey is another who is close to selection, especially after news dropped this this week that Mason Cox will only return to contract training from a finger injury in two to three weeks. It means Membrey looks like he’ll play as the third tall forward alongside Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay, with the latter to provide back-up ruck support for Darcy Cameron. Will Hayes has impressed over summer; Harvey Harrison is around the mark and Oleg Markov and Billy Frampton are fringe players who have been around a while. Former Hawk Ned Long is another name to keep in mind, likewise Finlay Macrae — but the latter will be unavailable for selection due to a shoulder issue. Reef McInnes looked comfortable in defence for the Pies during match simulation, and looks likely to play a part for Craig McRae’s side in the back half to start 2025.
Houston to remain Pies’ half-back | 01:27
ESSENDON
B: A.McGrath, B. McKay, J.Ridley
HB: M.Redman, Z. Reid, D.Shiel
C: X. Duursma, Z. Merrett, N.Martin
HF: J.Gresham, H.Jones, A.Perkins
F: I. Kako, N.Caddy, K.Langford
FOLL: S. Draper, J.Caldwell, S. Durham
I/C: N.Bryan, A.Roberts, E.Tsatas, B.Hobbs, J.Prior
EMG: S. El-Hawli, W.Setterfield, T.Edwards
The Bombers have had several players endure interrupted pre-seasons, including Darcy Parish (back), Sam Durham (ribs), Jordan Ridley (hamstring), Jye Caldwell (hip) and Ben McKay (ankle). Parish suffered a back injury in December and has not recovered as well as the Bombers had hoped he would. Bombers coach Brad Scott told AFL.com.au that Parish was “not completely ruled out” of Round 1, but said the club would take a cautious approach. He looks unlikely, so we’ve taken him out and put Jye Caldwell in the starting centre bounce brigade and brought Ben Hobbs — who had a lot of on-ball time in match simulation against the Bulldogs — into the team. Small forward Matt Guelfi will miss an extended period with a hamstring injury, while Alwyn Davey jnr went down with a knee injury. Draftee Isaac Kako has impressed over summer and will figure from the get-go in a new-look forward line headed by Nate Caddy.Nic Martin can literally play anywhere, while Archie Roberts appears marginally ahead of Saad El-Hawli for a wing/half-back spot. It looks as though the Bombers will feature a two-pronged ruck set-up, with Sam Draper and Nick Bryan ahead of veteran Todd Goldstein. Dylan Shiel has flourished in a new role at half-back over pre-season and midfielder Elijah Tsatas has had the best summer of his career — he was one of Essendon’s best against the Bulldogs — with a breakout season looming. Peter Wright seems to have been bumped down the pecking order a little bit as a result of the Bombers’ new-look, pressurised forward line, while Zach Reid has been selected over Jayden Laverde and Lewis Hayes in our side. Utility Nik Cox, midfielder and Will Setterfield and ex-Lion Jaxon Prior are others around the mark.
Bombers prepare to unleash fresh faces | 02:11
FREMANTLE
B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce, B.Walker
HB: J.Clark, B.Cox, H.Chapman
C: J.Sharp, H.Young, N.O’Driscoll
HF: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Frederick
F: S.Switkowski, J.Amiss, S.Sturt
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: N.Fyfe, M.Reid, J.Draper, L.Reidy, C.Wagner
EMG: N.Erasmus, J.O’Meara, M.Walters
Not that it’s unfamiliar to the Dockers after Sean Darcy’s 2024 campaign, but there’s a different feel about this Fremantle line-up now after it was confirmed the ruck would almost certainly miss Round 1 due to injury. Luke Jackson looks the obvious No. 1 ruck with pinch-hit support from Josh Treacy, but the Dockers continue to be impressed with the work of third-choice ruck Liam Reidy. Also included are top-10 pick Neil Erasmus, Sam Sturt and Michael Frederick, along with prized recruit Shai Bolton. The Dockers added Murphy Reid to a highly talented and super speedy small-forward-line, so the Sandringham Dragons ball-winner isn’t a certainty to feature straight away. Reid projects long-term as a midfielder but given Fremantle’s firepower between the arcs — and Nat Fyfe and Jaeger O’Meara already on the midfield fringes — if he gets a go in the seniors, it’d likely be forward of the ball. A strong performance in the A side during an intraclub on Sunday suggests he’s right in the mix for a Round 1 debut, especially since he was picked for the purple team ahead of the likes of Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus. In that same game, Liam Reidy played as the No.1 ruck with Luke Jackson forward. O’Meara, James Aish, Will Brodie, Karl Worner, Bailey Banfield and even veteran Michael Walters are among the unlucky names missing from the team. Walters this pre-season has been limited recovering from surgery anyway, so he might be in a race to be fit.
Longmuir on keeping up with All Stars | 08:07
GEELONG CATS
B: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij
HB: L.Humphries, C.O’Sullivan, T.Stewart
C: G.Miers, B.Smith, O.Dempsey
HF: P.Dangerfield, J.Cameron, B.Close
F: T.Stengle, S.Neale, O.Henry
FOLL: S.De Koning, T.Bruhn, M.Holmes,
I/C: T.Atkins, S.Mannagh, M.Knevitt, M.Blicavs, J.Bowes
EMG: M.Duncan, J.Clark, R.Stanley
Geelong looks primed to contend once more in 2025, thanks to some handy off-season additions. Former Bulldog Bailey Smith was a huge coup and will start Opening Round — possibly in the centre bounce — while ex-Blue Jack Martin will no doubt bolster Chris Scott’s front-half depth. Martin, however, might be eased into the season after an interrupted summer. Max Holmes is poised to spend more time on ball alongside Tanner Bruhn and Jack Bowes, which could mean we see Patrick Dangerfield spend more time inside 50 — something Cats fans got a glimpse of in match simulation against Hawthorn. The big conundrum surrounds Geelong’s ruck set-up. Toby Conway would be the Cats’ ideal No. 1 man, but he continues to be hampered by injury, while Mitch Edwards isn’t ready yet. Sam De Koning has been training as a ruck at different stages over summer and shared the duties. He shared the ruck duties with Mark Blicavs for the first half against Hawthorn. So we’ve gone for that set-up, meaning premiership ruck Rhys Stanley misses out and young defender Connor O’Sullivan gets a gig in defence. O’Sullivan was eye-catching against the Hawks with his aerial ability. Veteran Cam Guthrie has managed just 10 games in the past two years and will miss the start of the season after undergoing Achilles surgery. It gives Opening Round bolter Mitch Knevitt a chance to face Brisbane. He’s been a standout on the track as an on-baller and has plenty of fans inside the club. It means, somewhat controversially, we’ve also left dual premiership star Mitch Duncan out of the side. Duncan late last season played as a sub and, on Monday against Hawthorn, only came onto the ground at half-time.
Smith makes bright start for Cats | 02:55
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland
HB: D.Rioli, C.Ballard, J.Noble
C: S.Clohesy, N.Anderson, L.Weller
HF: B.Ainsworth, E.Read, B.Humphrey
F: B.Long, B.King, J.Rogers
FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, T.Miller
I/C: W.Graham, T.Berry, C.Budarick, W.Powell, D.Swallow
EMG: E. Himmelberg, N.Moyle, A.Davies,
Developing key forward Jed Walter will serve a VFL suspension, meaning he will miss Opening Round, with four-gamer Ethan Read slotting into his place and pinch-hitting as a second ruck behind Jarrod Witts. Swingman Elliott Himmelberg provides key depth after crossing over from Adelaide. Midfielder Sam Flanders is managing a troublesome back issue and will enter a race against time to be fit for Opening Round. We say he just misses out. Daniel Rioli and John Noble make for a handy pairing across the half-back line, with Rioli fully recovered from an MCL injury late last year, while fellow rebounder Connor Budarick is thought to be pressing his case for a senior spot to begin the year. Big-bodied draftee Leo Lombard was close to a certainty to start his AFL career roaming the forward third, but a shoulder injury during match simulation against Brisbane has left him unavailable for the beginning of the 2025 season, with a return timeline to be determined by the Suns soon.
Rowell expected to sign on with Suns | 01:01
GWS GIANTS
B: H.Himmelberg, S.Taylor, C.Idun
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
C: T.Bedford, F.Callaghan, X.O’Halloran
HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene
F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, J.Stringer
FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly
I/C: C.Ward, J.Wehr, C.Stone, L.Aleer,J.Leake
EMG: C.Angove, L.Keeffe, P.Gothard
Stephen Coniglio is back from his shoulder injury across the summer, and will be named by the Giants for their pre-season match against Carlton on Friday. Star on-baller Tom Green, though, will miss the start of the season after straining his calf at training last week. Callum Brown (hamstring) and Ryan Angwin (ankle) will also be sidelined for the opening few rounds. A two-week suspension for his off-field indiscretions will cost Harvey Thomas the chance to compete for a spot early in the season, while Jake Riccardi will spend the opening fortnight on the sidelines too as a result of his ban. Other suspended players include Josh Fahey, Toby McMullin and Joe Fonti. New recruit Jake Stringer is set to play come Opening Round, however he won’t line up for the Giants until then after being ruled out of his club’s pre-season fixture with illness. Meanwhile, the losses of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming across the half-back line should open the door of opportunity to Jacob Wehr, Conor Stone — who fended off Essendon interest to re-sign with the Giants in the off-season — and James Leake. Leake has the versatility, size and skill to play almost anywhere on the ground. The further departures of James Peatling and Nick Haynes also mean added opportunity for Leek Aleer, with stalwart Lachie Keeffe also to remain in the selection frame. First-round draftees Ollie Hannaford, Harry Oliver and Cody Angove all look to be strong acquisitions, and will also be around the mark. Angove is a genuine Opening Round bolter after a strong first pre-season training on the wing, while fellow hopeful Phoenix Gothard will need to prove his case after his side’s pre-season game after being ruled out three days prior with an ankle sprain.
Giant blow as preseason injuries pile up | 01:10
HAWTHORN
B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, J.Scrimshaw
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily, J.Weddle
C: K.Amon, W Day, M.D’Ambrosio
HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, N.Watson
F: B.Hardwick, J.Gunston, J.Ginnivan
FOLL: L.Meek, J. Newcombe, J.Worpel
I/C: C.Macdonald, C.Mackenzie, C.Nash, L.Breust, H.Morrison
EMG: F.Maginness, J.Ward, C.Jiath
This was a tough one. Josh Battle and Tom Barrass were the key additions over the off-season and will immediately bolster Hawthorn’s backline. That means veteran defender Sam Frost, who is on the comeback from a foot injury, misses out on this best 23, but there’s a good chance he plays should the Hawks start skipper James Sicily inside forward 50. Mitch Lewis (ACL) and Calsher Dear (back) will eventually return from injury in the forward half — Dear has been ruled out of the early stages of the 2025 season as he deals with a stress fracture in his lower back — so the Hawks might need Sicily up forward more considering the depth in the back six brigade. Max Ramsden could also get an opportunity to begin with in the absence of Lewis and Dear, but he came on late against Geelong. Tough nut Blake Hardwick looks set to spend more time forward in 2025, veteran Jack Gunston has had a strong summer and will be crucial in the absence of Lewis and Dear and small forward Luke Breust will also have a role to play at different stages of the season. There are some desperately unlucky players, namely Frost, Changkuoth Jiath, Josh Ward and Finn Maginness. Ward and Maginness both looked strong against the Cats in match simulation, while there’s a chance Jiath is eased into the year.
‘He’s a little bit like Sam Mitchell’ | 01:00
MELBOURNE
B: H.Petty, S.May, J.Bowey
HB: C.Windsor, J.Lever, C.Salem
C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, T.Rivers
HF: T.Sparrow, D.Turner, H.Langford
F: K.Chandler, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Petracca, C.Oliver
I/C: H.Sharp, T.McDonald, B.Howes, T.Woewodin, X.Lindsay
EMG: A.Johnson, M.Jefferson, J.Billings
Demons senior players have spoken glowingly of first-round draft picks Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay, who each appear a more-than-likely chance of earning Round 1 debuts. And while they project long-term as on-ball accumulators, it seems they will start their careers largely forward of the ball. But there’s a few injury issues. Second-year forward Koltyn Tholstrup — tipped to play a role in filling Alex Neal-Bullen’s void — will miss up to three months after falling victim to a bone-stress injury, Judd McVee will miss six to eight weeks with a high-grade hamstring concern and Shane McAdam, who’d promisingly strung weeks together this pre-season, will miss all of 2025 due to an Achilles rupture. Plus Kysaiah Pickett is out of action for the first three weeks due to suspension and Charlie Spargo, after an Achilles issue cruelled his 2024 campaign, has reportedly had an interrupted pre-season due to a calf issue. Could former first-round pick Matthew Jefferson, who impressed in the match sim against North Melbourne, get an early-season debut? Veteran Jake Melksham is likely to miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury. Mature-ager Aidan Johnson has his fans this pre-season and will act as necessary depth, while third-year key defender Jed Adams has impressed skipper Max Gawn but might not get a look-in until later in the year or if injury strikes. Young half-back Andy Moniz-Wakefield heartbreakingly went down with what looked to be a season-ending knee injury just minutes before the final siren of the Dees’ clash with North, and on Sunday evening the club confirmed he had torn his ACL, MCL and PCL, while Marty Hore will also need hand surgery. Winger Harry Sharp kicked four goals in the same game to make a genuine case for a Round 1 start at his new club.
Demons “run riot” in pre-season win | 01:45
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: J.Archer, G. Logue, A.Corr
HB: C.Daniel, C.Comben, D.Tucker
C: C.McKercher, J.Simpkin, B.Scott
HF: L.Parker, N.Larkey, R.Hansen Jr
F: P.Curtis, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar
FOLL: T. Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel
I/C: W.Phillips, Z.Fisher, J.Konstanty, T.Powell, F.O’Sullivan
EMG: L.McDonald, Z.Duursma, E.Ford
A hamstring injury to young midfielder George Wardlaw is a big blow as the practice matches approach, but Zac Fisher should be right for Round 1 despite a recent hamstring setback. Former Bulldog Caleb Daniel will slot straight in at half-back, while ex-Swan Luke Parker is likely to split his time between the midfield and forward line. Former Eagle Jack Darling wins a spot in the forward line, edging out Brynn Teakle and Toby Pink. With Wardlaw on the sidelines, Tom Powell and Will Phillips are likely to see more midfield minutes, too. Former captain Luke McDonald could be a victim of the youth movement, but keep an eye on prized draftee Finn O’Sullivan who has played on a wing throughout pre-season. Key defender Kallan Dawson is another unlucky omission, largely due to the emergence of Charlie Comben as a defender and the fitness of Griffin Logue and Aidan Corr. The likes of Robert Hansen Jr, Dylan Stephens, Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Miller Bergman and Jacob Konstanty are other names in the mix. In recent weeks, Hansen and Konstanty have played both in the intra-club ‘A’ team, while they also represented the Roos in match simulation. It means we have Zane Duursma and Eddie Ford missing out. We’ve given a gig to Hansen, who was a standout in a recent intraclub hit-out with two goals. Elsewhere, Brayden George (ACL) and Callum Coleman-Jones (Achilles) are on the comeback trail from injury, while defender Josh Goater has a hamstring concern that’ll sideline him for six weeks.
Simpkin emotional after tribute goal | 01:21
PORT ADELAIDE
B: M.Bergman, J.Finlayson, L.Evans
HB: J.Burgoyne, A.Aliir, J.Sinn
C: T.Boak, W.Drew, K.Farrell
HF: J.Horne-Francis, J.Lukosius, D.Byrne-Jones
F: W.Rioli, M.Georgiades, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, C.Rozee
I/C: O.Wines, S.Powell-Pepper, J.Mead, J.Berry, L.Jones
EMG: R.Burton, O.Lord, D.Williams
Undoubtedly the biggest selection question at Alberton heading into Round 1, is who replaces Todd Marshall? And in addition, how many tall forwards will they play? Marshall will miss an extended period with a ruptured Achilles, which saw a pre-season battle between Esava Ratugolea, Jeremy Finlayson and Ollie Lord for a position at full forward. Gold Coast recruit Jack Lukosius and young gun Mitch Georgiades will start in Round 1, but how many more talls in the front half Ken Hinkley is prepared to deploy remains unclear. Up to four key forwards were played in the one side last year before Charlie Dixon’s retirement, but a slight change in set-up may be preferred this season. All that being said, a back injury to Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Ratugolea on the sidelines looks to have Jeremy Finlayson primed for a move back to defence. up forward, and force him back to a more familiar setting that is defence.But with Ratugolea in some doubt to play after picking up a knee injury in recent times. Last year’s first-round draft pick Joe Berry has impressed senior players since coming to the club, and is on the fringe of an instant debut all things staying equal. The naming of Sam Powell-Pepper in our best 23 is presumptuous of the gun completing his rehabilitation to its full extent before Round 1, but the signs are so far promising for him to slot straight back into the side.
Carr to replace Hinkley following 2025 | 03:09
RICHMOND
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin
HB: T.Brown, J.Blight, J.Short
C: K.McIntosh, J.Hopper, S.Banks
HF: R.Mansell, J.Bauer, S.Lalor
F: S.Campbell, T.Lynch, M.Rioli
FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, J.Ross
I/C: T.Dow, K.Smith, S.Ryan, J.Koschitzke, J.Smillie
EMG: S.Green, L.Fawcett, T.Sonsie
The fresh news is that triple premiership star Dion Prestia will likely “miss the early rounds of the season” due to an Achilles issue that flared up at training last week..Therefore we’ve moved Jack Ross from the bench into the starting midfield, with Thomson Dow getting a gig on the bench after an impressive match sim performance against the Eagles. With key defender Noah Balta suspended four games to open the season after pleading guilty to assault following an incident in December and the luckless Josh Gibcus still sidelined, Jacob Blight slots into defence next to Ben Miller, with swingman Jacob Koschitzke’s lively pre-season earning him a spot in the side to begin the season. Winger Hugo Ralphsmith has been ruled out of the early rounds of the 2025 AFL season after picking up a hamstring injury in Richmond’s match simulation, while Tom Brown also isn’t a certainty as he works his way back from a shoulder injury. Spearhead Tom Lynch should be right to go for Round 1 provided he checks all boxes in his return from a bout of concussion, and Jacob Bauer and Samson Ryan, when he rests forward, seem likeliest to join him in leading the attack. No. 1 pick Sam Lalor starred against the Eagles in match simulation with two goals before copping a nasty blow late. He was left with a hairline fracture of his jaw, but the Tigers remain hopeful he’ll be fit to face the Blues. If so, Lalor appears a near certainty to play in Round 1, but key forward duo Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims might be some time away from a debut. Josh Smillie, who “hadn’t missed a beat” pre-Christmas, is targeting the Collingwood pre-season clash after dealing with a minor hamstring problem. The ACL quintet of Judson Clarke, Mykelti Lefau, Tylar Young, Josh Gibcus and draftee Taj Hotton remain some way off, but Clarke is said to be the closest of the lot to a return.
“He’ll be ready” – #1 pick goes down | 03:50
ST KILDA
B: J.Webster, A.Caminiti, A.Hastie
HB: J.Sinclair, C.Wilkie, N.Wanganeen-Milera
C: D.Wilson, J.Steele, B.Hill
HF: M.Owens, M.King, H.Garcia
F: D.Butler, C.Sharman, J.Higgins
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Macrae, M.Windhager
I/C: T.Travaglia, M.Wood, H.Boyd, M.Hall, R.Byrnes
EMG: A.Schoenmaker, L.O’Connell, H.Boxshall
It’s already been a tough pre-season for the Saints, who have lost several key players to injury, but it could scarily have been even worse. Gun trio Max King, Jack Sinclair and Mason Wood all went down at varying degrees during match simulation on Friday. While all three look likely to have avoided serious injury, any of them could miss their season opener, with Sinclair in most doubt with a hamstring injury. Liam Henry has integrated back into main training as he rehabilitates his knee, but he’s been listed as being six weeks away so he’ll likely miss Round 1. Of those that have already been ruled out though, Dougal Howard will miss three months due to a shoulder dislocation, Mattaes Phillipou will spend three to four months on the sidelines because of a stress fracture in his right leg and Paddy Dow will miss the start of the year due to a knee infection. Anthony Caminiti could assume Howard’s role in defence, while Arie Schoenmakeris also looking excellent on the training track, despite not being selected for his club’s match simulation against Carlton. If Schoenmaker is overlooked, it’ll likely be at the expense of Angus Hastie, who showed great intercept ability against Carlton. From their 11-point win over the Blues at IKON Park, young guns Hugo Garcia and Hugh Boxshall impressed through the midfield, while Irish Category B rookie Liam O’Connell now firms as a potential Round 1 botler after his hit out against the Blues. Former Bulldog Jack Macrae adds further experience to the midfield group, while draftee Tobie Travaglia and Box Hill product Max Hall are both eyeing round one debuts. Ruck Rowan Marshall will “definitely” play round one according to coach Ross Lyon but expect SANFL product Harry Boyd to also play in tandem with him. Gippsland Power product Alix Tauru is still dealing with a back problem, with former Blue Jack Carroll and veteran Zak Jones are other names in the mix.
Max King still on track for round 1 | 01:18
SYDNEY SWANS
B: D.Rampe, L.Melican, H.Cunningham
HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, O.Florent
C: E.Gulden, Ch.Warner, J.Jordon
HF: T.Papley, T.McCartin, A.Sheldrick
F: B. Campbell, J.Amartey, W.Hayward
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, C.Mills
I/C: J.Rowbottom, J.Lloyd, J.McInerney, S.Wicks, B.Paton
EMG: T.Adams, H.McLean, R.Fox
The Swans begin a new era under coach Dean Cox as they look to atone for last year’s grand final embarrassment. He’s really the only new face here – every member of our predicted Swans 23 was at the club in 2024 as well, and they’re only club where this is the case. That’s perhaps a surprise given they need to find something different after all of their recent Grand Final flops? The biggest positional switch is that Tom McCartin has spent time training as a forward over pre-season. A four-pronged forward line would be too tall however, so Hayden McLean is the unlucky omission. Having said that, Logan McDonald has had his progression “delayed” after post-season ankle surger and is in major doubt for Opening Round, so we’ve left him out, put McCartin at centre half-forward and slotted Braeden Campbell in a pocket fresh off his four-goal haul against the Giants. Matt Roberts has been flourishing at half-back and Jake Lloyd has spent more time on a wing. Angus Sheldrick has been a standout over summer, while ex-Saint Ben Paton and mature-aged recruit Riley Bice are both pushing hard to feature in Opening Round. Sam Wicks, Caiden Cleary, Caleb Mitchell and Corey Warner are others who will be pushing for senior selection. Wicks could start on the field should Harry Cunningham (foot) not get up for Opening Round. Draftees Jesse Dattoli (back) and Ned Bowman are unlikely to feature at the beginning of the campaign but could force their way in later down the track.
Amartey party in Swans trashing of GWS | 02:35
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: R.Ginbey, H.Edwards, B.Hough
HB: B.Allan, J.McGovern, L.Baker
C: J.Hutchinson, L.Duggan, J.Hunt
HF: J.Graham, J.Waterman, L.Ryan
F: M.Owies, O.Allen, J.Cripps
FOLL: M.Flynn, T.Kelly, H.Reid
I/C: B.Williams, R.Maric, E.Hewett, N.Long, T.Dewar
EMG: T.Brockman, T.Cole, A.Reid
The Eagles will be without two veteran on-ballers early, with Elliot Yeo an unlikely Round 1 starter and Dom Sheed to miss the entire 2025 season. Emerging star Harley Reid is currently on a modified training program due to an ankle niggle. However, both he and Jake Waterman (back) are expected to be fit for their home-and-away season opener against Gold Coast. Overall, it’s somewhat of a fresh start for the Eagles under new coach Andrew McQualter. Liam Baker will be a superb addition given his leadership and versatility, while Jack Graham will add a seasoned body around the contest. Ex-Blue Matt Owies will be a handful for opposition defences, while young gun Bo Allan is likely to have an impact early in the season. Allan looked comfortably against AFL opposition in match simulation against Richmond and looks destined for a Round 1 debut. Reuben Ginbey and Ryan Maric have both been slated for defensive roles, as has, which means there could be a shuffling down back. In the battle for the No. 1 ruck spot, we initially had Bailey Williams over Matt Flynn, but we’ve flipped after Flynn’s strong work at stoppages against the Tigers in match simulation. But could Williams still play in the same side? It could be a call between Bailey Williams, Jack Williams and even Archer Reid for that second ruck-forward spot — and we’ve gone for Bailey Williams. There’s also a genuine battle for a wing spot between Tyrell Dewar and Jack Hutchinson. Dewar was exciting against the Tigers, but we’ve got Hutchinson ahead at this stage. Dewar, however, could still play if the Eagles opt for him over a small forward like Noah Long or Tyler Brockman, although the latter kicked three against Richmond. Tom Cole and Jack Petruccelle are players who have been around for a while now, but could be squeezed out if McQualter chooses to blood some kids, such as Tom Gross.
Kelly admits interest in footy has waned | 01:10
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: T.Duryea, R. Lobb, L.Bramble
HB: J.Freijah, B.Khamis, B.Dale
C: R.Sanders, T.Liberatore, B.Williams
HF: L.Vandermeer, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy
F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli, E.Richards
I/C: J.O’Donnell, J.Harmes, H.Gallagher, L.McNeil, S.Davidson
EMG: A.Jones, C.Poulter, J.Croft
It’s been a tumultuous pre-season for the Bulldogs, who are set to begin their 2025 campaign with a host of big-name players. Star midfielder Adam Treloar has succumbed to a calf injury, while defensive duo Liam Jones and Jason Johannisen have hamstring issues. There is uncertainty around key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan who continues to complete a “flexible” training program while he works through some personal issues. He won’t be there Round 1 — and neither will Cody Weightman, who’ll undergo knee surgery that’ll sideline him for three months. We’ve replaced Weightman with Riley Garcia, who on Saturday against Essendon looked like he’d taken his game to another level and would provide great defensive pressure in Weightman’s absence. Arty Jones would be the other option, but we’ve opted for Garcia. Buku Khamis and Jedd Busslinger appear the front runners to replace Jones — Khamis seems the preferred option after he started Saturday’s match simulation ahead of Busslinger — while Jordan Croft and Sam Davidson could both help to fill the void if Ugle-Hagan isn’t available. Both Davidson and Croft have also spent time on a wing throughout pre-season, so there’s a high chance that Beveridge could include both in his round one side. The Bulldogs lost a trio of key players in Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel over the off-season, but the likes of Ryley Sanders and ex-Blue Matthew Kennedy have impressed over summer and will help to fill those holes. Draftees including Cooper Hynes, Josh Dolan, Lachie Jaques and Luke Kennedy might have to earn their way to senior selection via the VFL.
Bont backs in Jamarra’s future at Dogs | 02:20