The first week of AFL pre-season hitouts confirmed precisely what followers needed to see – spectacular new faces, together with these in new locations, and lots of adjustments.
Some recruits shined even brighter than others whereas just a few golf equipment clearly nonetheless have work to do earlier than Round 1.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
Adelaide’s ahead line combine regarded imposing with the addition of Izak Rankine and he proved simply how harmful it could possibly be amid the Crows’ sensible turnaround towards Fremantle.
Quiet within the first quarter, Rankine got here to life together with the Crows within the second time period, starting to hit the scoreboard and searching harmful just about each time the ball went close to him.
He mixed brilliantly with Darcy Fogarty, who picked up the place he left off on the finish of final season.
The 23-year-old kicked two targets however was a fierce presence within the air and minimize an imposing determine.
That the Crows scored with such frequency was made much more spectacular by the actual fact their most damaging ahead in Taylor Walker wasn’t taking part in within the match.
Rory Sloane’s return added one other dimension to the facet additional up the sphere.
Sloane performed some spectacular soccer on the wing in his first aggressive match since an ACL damage, providing assist for a midfield brigade now led by Rory Laird.
It was that midfield that turned the tables after the sluggish begin, outwrestling the likes of Andrew Brayshaw, Jaeger O’Meara and Caleb Serong.
While a really small pattern measurement, there have been sufficient glimpses on Friday evening to recommend that Matthew Nicks’ facet could make real strides up the ladder in 2023.
BRISBANE LIONS
It’s arduous to not assume final 12 months’s preliminary finalists can be even higher in 2023, particularly after their gun recruits confirmed promising indicators of their first televised hitout.
It’s arduous to assume what Chris Fagan would’ve been sad with within the 45-point drubbing of Sydney, with veteran additions Jack Gunston (three targets) and Josh Dunkley (two) each key contributors.
But much more spectacular was how prepared for the extent high draft choose Will Ashcroft regarded – similar to the draft gurus mentioned he would.
Ashcroft appeared proper at dwelling in a Lions midfield that was one of many staff’s flaws final season, Lachie Neale excepted, with commentator Chris Coleman declaring “he is a definite star of this game in the making”.
Premiership-winning Swan Jared Crouch added: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. He’s a quality youngster. I know it’s early days, pre-season. He’s winning lots of one-on-one contests.”
Not solely will including the standard of Dunkley and Ashcroft to the Lions midfield make it extra harmful, it’ll assist the defence, which is the opposite actual weak level.
Much in the identical approach the Bulldogs made it to the 2021 Grand Final by merely dominating stoppages and making certain their porous defence didn’t have to really defend fairly often, Brisbane can be hoping to brutalise opponents from the heart this 12 months.
“It’s what the footy world’s been waiting to see,” Crouch mentioned.
“These inclusions, the Gunston’s, the Dunkley’s, the Ashcroft’s, what are they gonna bring [to the team],” Crouch mentioned.
“It’s February, it’s very early but it’s always the challenge when you bring new players in, just getting that synergy amongst the team and from a very early perspective that’s exciting to see for Brisbane Lions fans.”
CARLTON
There’s a way there received’t be many personnel adjustments to Carlton’s first-choice staff in 2023 after its 2022 line-up took the membership to inside one level of a finals berth.
But the acquisition of Blake Acres looms as one of the crucial essential — and shrewd — strikes of the low season, for he price the membership little or no on the commerce desk and is ready to fill arguably Carlton’s largest chasm.
Acres performed all 4 quarters of the Blues’ match simulation towards Collingwood on Friday, patrolling the wing at Ikon Park. His excellent cardio capability allowed him to cowl ample territory, dropping again into defence to supply rebound and pushing arduous ahead of centre to ship the ball inside 50.
The former Docker additionally hit the scoreboard, kicking a objective for Carlton simply earlier than halftime.
The most important gap within the Blues’ listing final 12 months was a scarcity of velocity and outdoors class on. According to Champion Data, all three of Carlton’s wingmen — Jack Newnes, Lochie O’Brien and Will Setterfield — completed the season rated ‘below average’, with Newnes finally delisted and Setterfield traded to the Bombers.
Acres, who was rated ‘elite’ by Champion Data final 12 months for metres gained, kicks and kicking effectivity, looms as a super reply. And he price the Blues little, with Fremantle accepting a future third-round choose as compensation for dropping Acres.
“He’s a genuine winger with a bit more of a mature body than (Lochie) O’Brien and (Matt) Cotrell,” former Docker and Sun Michael Barlow informed Kayo Sports.
“A bit of leadership and organisation on the wing is an important acquisition.”
And in a promising improvement, O’Brien and high 2022 draftee Ollie Hollands each moved properly all through Friday’s unofficial observe match on the other wing to Acres.
COLLINGWOOD
Dan McStay at Brisbane turned famend for his potential to push up the bottom and arrange scores for his teammates.
But at Collingwood, McStay looms as the primary man near objective — and it’s a task that ought to go well with him completely, in response to twin premiership Kangaroo David King.
After ample hypothesis, McStay switched from Brisbane to Collingwood throughout final 12 months’s trade interval, signing a large five-year, $3 million deal as a free agent.
Many questioned Collingwood’s important funding within the 27-year-old, contemplating he has not beforehand kicked over 30 targets in a season.
And, sure, the house and away season is simply over a fortnight away.
But McStay’s efficiency towards Carlton on Friday — and the best way wherein he was utilized by the Magpies — was promising.
King mentioned McStay must be a “perfect fit” for coach Craig McRae’s gameplan.
“The Dan McStay haters or questioners are going to eat their words,” King wrote on Twitter.
“The role asked of him suits perfectly but the forgotten asset is his one-on-one marking. Absolutely elite.”
As detailed by twin All-Australian Ruby Schleicher throughout Kayo Sports’ broadcast of the match, the Pies are attempting to maintain McStay as near objective as doable. Specifically, they see him having a huge impact inside a 30m radius of the massive sticks.
It paid dividends on Friday as McStay booted three targets towards the Blues and took a number of towering marks because the Magpies’ No. 1 goal in assault. He nonetheless pushed up the bottom through the recreation, however his aerial potential and one-on-one power near objective was the important thing function of his outing.
“He’s really good at that between the arcs (play), but he’s sort of had to relearn his game at the Pies,” Schleicher mentioned.
“They want to hold him a little bit deeper and create that deeper entry so their smaller forwards can get busy. Rather than those pack marks he’d usually get exposed to, they want him in more one-on-one contests because he’s so strong aerially.
“At training he’s been seeing a lot of inside 30m marks and shots at goal.”
Fellow ahead Brody Mihocek didn’t play on Friday as he offers with again stiffness. But as soon as match, the prospect of him working alongside McStay — and doubtlessly Reef McInnes, who impressed inside 50 towards Carlton — ought to excited Pies followers.
King added he a 30-goal season for McStay was about proper — and that Mihocek would kick extra targets — however mentioned his success must be decided by the scores he’s concerned in creating.
ESSENDON
The Bombers took a while to heat into the sport and shake off pre-season rust, and in equity, progressively introduced extra of their skilled gamers onto the sphere as the competition went on.
But their greatest footy was electrical together with a 5 objective to nothing third interval to utterly flip the tables on the Suns in promising indicators below new coach Brad Scott.
It’s created some choice dilemmas for Scott forward of the season correct as a lot of gamers put their arms as much as play Round 1 in a comparatively unsettled facet.
Midfield recruit Will Setterfield labored arduous within the midfield all recreation and kids Alwyn Davey, Tex Wanganeen and Patrick Voss confirmed promising flashes.
It’s the ahead line the place Scott arguably has essentially the most to ponder – an space of the bottom with query marks over Essendon in 2023 – with Jye Menzie dazzling with three targets and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti returning along with his ordinary thrilling play.
Sam Weideman additionally made his first unofficial look for the membership after crossing from the Demons, and whereas he wasn’t overly prolific, gave Essendon a special trying construction within the ahead half in a tandem with Peter Wright.
“They didn’t play their strongest early, they slowly loaded their team up and got the fruits of it,” former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon mentioned on Fox Footy.
“You can see Brad Scott already has his finger prints all over this because they had some great structure around the ball and they did move the ball nice and fast.
“I was really rapt Sam Weideman started the game so well, he kicked the first goal and got his hands on it. He worked really well with Peter Wright. Wright is going to play that deep role and Weideman and is going to play that hybrid role through 30 and 60 metres from goal to try and connect what’s going to be pretty impressive ball movement from Essendon.
“I was actually really impressed and Bombers fans should be in their first look at their team with a new coach. It’s onwards and upwards.”
FREMANTLE
It’s been an important thought in concept for a few years, however we haven’t really been in a position to get genuinely enthusiastic about Nat Fyfe as a full-time ahead given the twin Brownlow medallist’s damage woes.
This 12 months, nevertheless, Fremantle’s luck might lastly flip, with the 31-year-old trying in nice contact regardless of his facet’s observe match loss to Adelaide in Perth.
Fyfe booted three targets, together with an important set shot from 50 metres out late within the match, arrange others and will’ve completed with a much bigger haul if not for some set-shot inaccuracy, which stays a query mark.
He regarded imposing bodily and posed a mighty headache for the Adelaide Crows defence.
“Nathan Fyfe is a real x-factor for them,” former teammate Lee Spurr mentioned on Fox Footy.
“He will get opportunities, he‘ll get looks. I think he’s still adjusting. I think he’s led really hard and straight, which has been great, he’s got his hands to it.
“All the things Nathan Fyfe does really well, he‘s done well. He can add some set shot routine .. that’s something he’ll need to continue to work at.
“I think he‘ll get more opportunity the more players get used to him leading hard and fast.”
By the tip of the match, Spurr mentioned the match was a “big tick” for Fyfe.
His efficiency instructions respect from the opposition and the actual fact he’ll draw a key defender can be invaluable to his different teammates within the attacking 50.
Even extra spectacular for the Dockers was the truth that Fyfe nonetheless confirmed he was as much as the duty across the ball when required, along with his stints up the bottom leading to scoring chains at instances.
Be it by way of kicking them himself or setting them up, a match and firing Fyfe provides a complete new dimension to Fremantle’s entrance half.
GEELONG CATS
If there have been any doubts over whether or not the Cats had been able to going again to again – or nonetheless among the many greatest sides among the many competitors – they had been rapidly put apart.
Geelong was at its scintillating greatest for a lot of the recreation in a dominant efficiency and ominous signal to the remainder of the league.
And in a scary actuality for his or her rivals, the reigning premiers might have certainly improved over the low season after including Jack Bowes, Ollie Henry and Tanner Bruhn, the previous two who had been among the many staff’s greatest towards the Hawks.
Bruhn performed closely minutes within the midfield alongside Max Holmes in a glimpse on the staff’s future on-ball brigade.
The solely actual draw back was a Jack Henry struggling a foot damage – the identical damage that precipitated him to overlook eight video games final 12 months – in a new-look ahead position.
It may go away the Cats undermanned in assault to begin the 12 months with Tom Hawkins additionally sidelined. However the remainder of the star-studded ahead line seems to be greater than able to protecting, with Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle additionally shining towards Hawthorn alongside Henry and Gary Rohan nonetheless to come back into the combo.
Chris Scott at all times has the choice to maneuver Esava Ratugolea up ahead, too, regardless of a robust efficiency in a brand new intercept defending position – together with three intercept marks within the first interval alone.
“They only became stronger. Their mix today was potentially even a bit better with some fresh faces in there in some new positions, which will make Cats fans salivate,” Michael Barlow informed Fox Footy.
“The big takeaways will be the recruits. Ollie Henry kicked four; Jack Bowes only played the first two periods but was really clean and productive and found a lot of it as that high half forward.
“Having spent a couple of seasons with Jack Bowes, he’s as impressive a draftee as I saw come through. Really humble, hardworking, clean player. Just hasn’t really been able to click it together consistently but in the environment of Geelong where that responsibility to do to much is taken away from him, he could explode, Jack Bowes.”
But it was Bruhn, moved into the midfield after spending time in several roles together with half-forward on the Giants, who impressed Barlow essentially the most.
“Tanner Bruhn, he was playing like it was a home and away game. He was throwing himself around and emphatically involving himself in team defence,” he mentioned.
“(High half forward) is a very hard position to go and play when you’re a natural ball-winning midfielder. That’s why we do see a lot of these players take time to get their opportunity – Will Brodie was one of those at Gold Coast, couldn’t get an opportunity, goes to Fremantle and becomes a pure midfielder, and then becomes a really good AFL midfielder.
“Bruhn looks like he’s going to be afforded that opportunity at the Cats to be a centre square bounce player and play around the ball, rather than play high half forward which he may not have the engine and the breakout speed and skill to actually make it a really effective role for him.”
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns took the other strategy to Essendon and began the sport with their greatest facet earlier than progressively pulling their extra established names all through the evening.
We noticed a sooner tempo from Gold Coast and crisp ball motion to create a number of alternatives for photographs at objective, with Mabior Chol, Sam Flanders and James Tsitas all capitalising with two targets apiece.
But on the similar time Stuart Dew’s facet was measured in a promising signal of maturity because the staff regarded extra mature as a collective.
Flanders particularly continued his encouraging pre-season type with a robust displaying to place his hand up for extra midfield alternatives with Touk Miller battling a hamstring concern.
Meanwhile Charlie Constable, who began the sport in his new-look half again position with the extra skilled facet, staked his declare for a Round 1 berth by racking up loads of footy.
“I loved the ball movement. We were very critical of how stagnant they were last year. So I was really impressed,” Dixon mentioned.
“James Tsitas I was really impressed with, he covered the ground quite well and kicked a couple of goals. We’re looking to all these young kids to come in and make an impact.”
GWS GIANTS
The GWS Giants had been in Canberra on the weekend as a part of their neighborhood camp, that means they took half in an intra-club hit-out reasonably than match simulation towards a rival membership.
And it was two top-10 draft picks that set the tone on the coalface, with Tom Green and Finn Callaghan carried out strongly as they proved why they are often key on-ball leaders for the Giants in 2023.
Fresh off signing a four-year contract extension, Green asserted his authority round stoppages and fed the ball effectively out to teammates. The Giants’ web site claimed Green had a whopping 50 disposals throughout the match.
“He was really strong around the contest and gave us really good first use a lot of the time,” Giants coach Adam Kingsley mentioned post-game.
With Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio not taking part in, Green was a part of a beginning on-ball brigade that included Callaghan and Harry Perryman, with Braydon Preuss within the ruck.
Callaghan, who was taken with Pick 3 within the 2021 draft, was notably influential across the ball within the first half of the match whereas he additionally pushed ahead to kick two targets.
“I thought all of the mids did a really good job in there,” Kingsley mentioned. “We got some good use out of the middle, competed hard and were able to minimise the damage when they lost the clearance, so I thought they did a really good job as a group.”
Harry Himmelberg, who starred for the Giants in a defensive position final season earlier than being swung ahead through the pre-season by Kingsley, completed with a game-high 5 targets, whereas Jake Riccardi booted 4. Kingsley was additionally complimentary of James Peatling’s efficiency, with the 2020 mid-season acquisition booting three targets in a brand new position up entrance.
Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield additionally stood out of their return to the backline.
“Their run and carry was really noticeable from behind the footy and their use is very strong, so hopefully we can see that improve and really become a real weapon for us,” Kingsley mentioned.
HAWTHORN
The huge query from the Hawks’ 85-point match sim drubbing towards the Cats is fairly easy: was that about Geelong being that good? Or about Hawthorn being that unhealthy?
Other than kicking the primary objective by way of some speedy midfield ball motion Sam Mitchell’s males had been utterly outclassed by the reigning premiers in an extremely discouraging method.
We knew after their daring calls final commerce interval this may be a rebuilding 12 months, but when that is how low the lows are going to look, it’s going to be a protracted season.
After all it wasn’t precisely sophisticated stuff the Hawks had been fighting.
“A lot of it has come down to the basics of the game,” Michael Barlow mentioned on Fox Footy.
“The missed tackles, the inability to compete one-on-one in the air. That’s a bit of physical development.”
He added: “Today it probably became evident they’ll have some moments this year where they do get blown away.
“It’ll very much be a year of trying to win quarters, and yeah win games and find opportunities to do that – but to build a brand, and build a connection within their group that they know the year following or the year following that, they start to compete again.
“They have a bit of work to do.”
MELBOURNE
On a day the place Melbourne proved why it has all of the attributes to problem for a second flag in three years, essentially the most ominous particular person efficiency got here from a participant who looms as arguably 2023’s most in-demand commerce goal.
Star Demon Kysaiah Pickett had an electrical outing towards St Kilda on Friday, kicking two targets and, most notably, dazzling along with his on-ball stint.
While Pickett was quintessentially harmful inside 50, he was simply as influential when given an opportunity within the midfield, displaying terrific composure and contact in site visitors. He additionally used his velocity to burst away from stoppages and arrange attacking Melbourne forays.
“You’d love to have one of him on every line,” premiership Hawk Stephen Gilham mentioned with amusing on Kayo Sports.
Pickett’s transfer onto the ball comes after a scintillating summer season on the monitor, placing on muscle whereas additionally enhancing his cardio health.
Melbourne is hoping to safe the 21-year-old, who was linked to Port Adelaide final commerce interval, on an extension between three to 5 seasons. He’s believed to be joyful in Melbourne, however can be among the many most in-demand stars available in the market ought to an extension not be reached in coming months.
Pickett is coming off a career-best 41-goal marketing campaign after booting 40 majors in 2021. But his potential to search out the footy on Friday urged he may turn out to be a extra well-rounded AFL star within the coming years.
“Those running patterns are something he’s been working on a lot over summer,” Gilham mentioned.
“He looks exciting in the midfield – and very comfortable. He’s racked up possessions and created play and got involved in their scoring chains. But he’s been dangerous all over the ground. You can’t afford to take your eyes off him when he’s inside 50 because he doesn’t need much time and space to carve you up
“But on the ball he’s got more opportunity to have more touches, which creates a lot of excitement, brings him into the game more. Then he has the opportunity to rest forward or push forward and kick goals.”
NORTH MELBOURNE
All Kangaroos followers know the story at this level – it’s one other 12 months of improvement, development and hopefully inexperienced shoots within the first season below Alastair Clarkson.
Those leaving Arden Street on Friday morning would’ve felt they noticed loads of all three, particularly with No.3 choose Harry Sheezel including three targets with two coming in a lightning begin.
“He’s looking very exciting,” Fox Footy commentator Ellie Blackburn mentioned, earlier than including Sheezel could possibly be the Kangaroos’ “x-factor.”
Co-commentator Sam Hargreaves added Sheezel “seems very assured whenever he’s had the ball in his hands.”
It was a promising signal given the Roos’ current high draft picks have both not checked out their greatest early of their careers, or outright left the membership.
Meanwhile the footy world anticipated Clarkson to spin the magnets and his remodeling of the midfield delivered some good early promise too.
Blackburn marvelled at their “ability to run in numbers” in addition to “their work at the initial stoppage.”
“(Cam) Zurhaar is a bit of a bull in there,” she mentioned.
“Luke Davies-Uniacke was clean off the deck, he was clean whenever it kind of came near him.
“I think he’s (Clarkson) instilled probably a bit more confidence in them.
“I think they’re willing to take the game on in different ways. They’re looking to switch, use their hands, run in numbers and be a bit more exciting.”
We eagerly await the facet Clarkson names for subsequent week’s observe match, and certainly Round 1, to see how daring he’ll get on the choice desk.
PORT ADELAIDE
The huge outcome for the Power was the dearth of significant harm for veteran Travis Boak, with scans revealing no fracture however in depth bruising round his ribs and lungs after a collision with Eagle Jeremy McGovern.
That was essential as Port is approaching Round 1 with just a few damage considerations.
Charlie Dixon was dominated out of Friday’s match after he suffered bruised intercostal muscle groups in Port’s inside trial final week. He joined Zak Butters, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jeremy Finlayson, Trent Dumont and Josh Sinn on the sidelines — though Dixon, Butters and Byrne-Jones are all anticipated to participate in subsequent week’s official observe match towards Fremantle.
Despite the outcome, there have been a number of positives for Power followers to remove from Friday’s loss to West Coast.
Connor Rozee at instances performed a category above each different participant on the sphere, whereas recruit Junior Rioli and returning ahead Orazio Fantasia trying harmful inside 50. And big-name recruit Jason Horne-Francis put in an encouraging efficiency, having an affect each at centre bounces then inside 50 when resting ahead.
But Port assistant coach Nathan Bassett was notably impressed by veteran ruck Scott Lycett, who performed because the No. 1 ruck with assist from Brynn Teakle.
“‘Scooter’ (Lycett) was really impressive, he did a really good job for us in the ruck,” Bassett informed reporters.
“Brynn is a good learner and he is getting better. Scott gave us a great look and his contest was really good.
“He only played four games last year and he’s been building in pre-season so it’s good to see him back and playing good footy.”
RICHMOND
This continues to be a flawed facet, as we noticed final 12 months when regardless of all of their underlying numbers trying so spectacular, the Tigers misplaced to North Melbourne after which did not even win one last.
But their match simulation win at Arden Street additionally confirmed the potential new strengths of this Richmond group – and for as soon as, it’s within the midfield.
Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper had been focused additions to bolster a gaggle that has usually relied an excessive amount of on Trent Cotchin, or the injury-prone Dion Prestia, and Taranto particularly confirmed nice indicators in his first televised hitout in yellow and black.
“I think Taranto has been a really great addition to this outfit and the class and different looks that he’s providing has been really exciting for the Tigers,” Fox Footy commentator Ellie Blackburn mentioned.
“We’ve said it numerous times and we’ll probably keep saying it throughout the rest of this game but he has been outstanding and what he’s been able to provide is great excitement for the Tigers around the midfield.”
The flow-on impact of getting that extra midfield muscle is permitting Dustin Martin to play much more ahead time, the place he usually seems to be unstoppable – which was the case once more within the third interval towards North.
It’s arduous to not dream of what this Tigers group will be at its greatest. And, if the midfield actually is as much as scratch, that’ll assist defend the sometimes-flawed defence too.
ST KILDA
There wasn’t an excessive amount of for Saints followers to smile about on Friday evening as a slick Melbourne outfit despatched a robust message to the AFL competitors.
That’s particularly the case after it was revealed Jack Billings suffered a hairline fracture in his proper fibula which is able to pressure him out for eight weeks. But there have been glimpses.
The most enjoyable one got here from high draftee Mattaes Phillipou, who put his hand up for Round 1 choice with an attention grabbing effort towards the Demons.
The South Australian product, who was taken by the Saints with Pick 10 in final 12 months’s draft, was notably spectacular ahead of centre, taking three towering contested marks that resulted in 2.1, together with a long-range main from properly exterior 50m within the third time period.
The 18-year-old captured the hearts of the footy world late final 12 months along with his infectious enthusiasm at becoming a member of the Saints. On Friday he performed with ample ardour and vitality.
“He’s a great a size (190cm). He’s worked hard up the ground and pushed deep into the forward line,” Gilham mentioned.
“He’s been able to show those skills above his head as an aerial threat and when he gets an opportunity that left foot has kicked true.
“Exciting signs for their high draft pick early days.”
Gilham was additionally optimistic about what free agent acquisition Zaine Cordy – who icked the primary objective for St Kilda on Friday evening – may obtain on the Saints, particularly with Max King dealing with a delayed begin as a result of 2023 as a result of damage.
“He’s an aerial threat, but he’s agile enough that he’s dangerous on the ground, He’ll be a real handful there,” Gilham mentioned.
“He gives the Saints a real target in the absence of Max King. They’ll be looking for a strong aerial threat but also put some pressure on the ground.
“I think more and more clubs are searching for those hybrid players and he’s a perfect size to play key forward, key back and also pinch-hit in the ruck.:
Elsewhere Mitch Owens showed why there’s been so much hype around his pre-season covering the ground well and competing hard in the air. He played just seven games in his first season at the Saints, but expect that tally to be significantly higher by the end of 2023.
Gun on-ballers Jack Steele and Jade Gresham were prominent, while Bradley Hill returned to the wing where he provided ample run and carry.
SYDNEY SWANS
If there really is a Grand Final hangover, this is what it looks like – a team struggling a bit, not helped by some guys just not showing up at all.
While the Swans kept it close through the opening half against Brisbane they were blown off the park from there, with young guns Errol Gulden and Chad Warner holding their heads high through their performances.
But as has so often been the problem in the last few years for Sydney, they were troubled by their tall personnel.
With Tom Hickey, Peter Ladhams and Hayden McLean all unavailable through various maladies it was up to young rugby convert Lachlan McAndrew to take the ruck mantle.
He wasn’t bad, just clearly still raw; you suspect if McAndrew is forced into action at senior level this season he won’t be completely outclassed but he’s not yet ready.
“Lachlan McAndrew battled well,” assistant coach Dean Cox mentioned.
“When you’re playing against number one ruck it was a massive learning curve for him, he’s come a long way in a short period of time and today he got to test himself against quality opposition which was pleasing.
“This time of year you can throw people in and see how they go. You want excitement from the youth and give them that opportunity, they will learn from it.”
Cox added: “We let ourselves down in the second half against a quality team.
“It’s good to get that (a game against quality opposition) at this time of the year but Brisbane were too strong around the contests today.”
We wouldn’t be too involved if we had been a Swans fan.
WEST COAST EAGLES
The returning Oscar Allen was the participant who sparked a late West Coast resurgence on Friday evening because the Eagles completed sturdy towards Port Adelaide.
Allen ran out for the Eagles in his first outing in 18 months following a protracted street again from a stress-related foot damage.
While Allen post-game informed reporters he felt “rusty”, he undoubtedly had a huge impact on the competition, booting 2.2, plucking a number of sturdy marks and main up on the ball with authority within the Eagles’ victory.
With Josh Kennedy retiring, the Eagles will want Allen to be a giant presence inside 50 alongside Jack Darling.
“He holds the key to West Coast’s success this year,” premiership Eagle Will Schofield informed Kayo Sports. “People forget the trajectory he was on before he missed last year with injury.
“They missed him last year, but a good year for Oscar Allen will mean a good year for the West Coast Eagles.”
Just as importantly, Allen, in addition to Dom Sheed, Tom Cole, Elliot Yeo and Campbell Chesser all emerged from the sport unscathed after their respective injury-interrupted 2022 campaigns.
Chesser, particularly, caught the attention on the wing as he pushes for a Round 1 berth. He had some glittering moments, together with an superior collect and spin within the first quarter that arrange an Eagles scoring alternative.
“Campbell Chesser has been a real shining light for West Coast,” Schofield mentioned.
“I’ve seen enough to think he can make an impact as an AFL player in his second year on the list.”
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs on Saturday had an intra-club conflict in Ballarat, reasonably than took half in match simulation towards one other AFL membership, as a part of their pre-season neighborhood camp.
And onlookers would’ve been thrilled with the output of returning defender Liam Jones, who seems to be primed to have an instantaneous affect at AFL stage.
Jones late final 12 months was picked up by the Bulldogs – for a second time – as a free agent after his refusal to adjust to the AFL’s vaccination mandate noticed his tenure at Carlton minimize quick.
But the 32-year-old has put collectively an impressive pre-season, culminating in an attention grabbing efficiency lined up on Aaron Naughton in Saturday’s intra-club.
Jones was sturdy one-on-one and confirmed off his trademark confidence to assault the footy in defence – both through a spoil or intercept mark – as he labored carefully alongside fellow key defenders Ryan Gardner and Alex Keath.
“It’s probably why we put them altogether today to see how they worked,” Dogs assistant coach Brendan Lade informed reporters post-game.
“(Jones) working with ‘Gardy’ and’ Keathy’ was pretty seamless and they defended really well at times and at times the other guys (forwards) got them a little bit, but that was probably due to ball movement.”
It was a stacked 50m arc because the Bulldogs’ greatest forwards lined up on the perfect backs, with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rory Lobb and Sam Darcy all displaying promise at numerous levels all through the hit-out.
“Bevo’s pretty excited, I don’t think he’s had this many talls to play with ever,” Lade mentioned with amusing when describing the key-position conundrum for coach Luke Beveridge.
“It’s good for us to have that problem.”
Buku Khamis additionally bobbed up with three targets as he continued to work on his ahead craft.
Elsewhere, Tim English carried out strongly within the ruck as he faces the prospect of taking over new dynamic Dees duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy in Round 1.
And Dogs followers would’ve been happy with Adam Treloar and Bailey Smith, who discovered loads of the ball and moved freely after injury-interrupted pre-seasons. Lade mentioned Treloar and Smith had been “two of our better mids” on the bottom.
Originally printed as Breakdown of each membership from AFL’s opening pre-season weekend
Source: www.news.com.au
