Despite current headlines, there’s promising indicators rising from the Kangaroos, whereas Richmond’s big-name recruits are turning heads.
Meanwhile there’s a couple of harm points at each Essendon and St Kilda.
Foxfooty.com.au broke down the summer time standouts, doable position modifications and newest harm news 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 has additionally hung out taking part in throughout half-back throughout summer time 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 appears to be like prone to pinch-hit within the midfield a bit extra in comparison with his stint on the Suns.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: There’s a lot 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 simply 5 video games – two as an unused medical sub – over the previous two years largely resulting from groin points. But teammate Sam Berry informed Sportsday SA this week Pedlar was trying “powerful and fit”, whereas Rory Laird informed reporters Pedlar had proven nice “X-factor” at coaching. As for Berry himself, the midfielder has appeared stronger on the monitor this summer time and appears primed to extend his common disposal depend. Elsewhere each Elliott Himmelberg and Wayne Milera have caught the attention, whereas prime 2022 draftee Max Michalanney is within the Round 1 choice combine after displaying off his clear kicking abilities and composed decision-making skill at coaching.
Injury watch: Defender Andrew McPherson stays unlikely for Round 1 as he continues to construct his masses after present process knee surgical procedure late final yr. His 2022 marketing campaign had already been hindered by a PCL subject. 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 Resources Park (Perth), Friday March 3, 7.40pm
BRISBANE LIONS
Positional modifications: Lions soccer boss Danny Daly final month steered there wouldn’t be too many positional shifts and position modifications this yr. Although Zac Bailey has declared he needs to spend extra sport time within the midfield — fairly 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 Rich. Keep a watch, too, on Cameron Rayner, who was noticed taking part in throughout half-back in at the very least one match simulation hit-out.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Young gun midfielder Will Ashcroft — extensively thought of by recruiters as one of the best participant in final yr’s draft class — has taken some large steps over the past couple of months, in accordance with Daly on SEN, with the Lions soccer boss including Ashcroft was “close to best on ground” within the Lions’ current match simulation. The midfielder is primed to have a direct affect on the membership. Daniel Rich 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.
Injury 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 wrestle with concussion-related points nearly six months after they surfaced. Zorko stated a bulked-up Adams was spending time within the Lions’ gymnasium, however each 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 Homes Arena, 8.10pm, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm
CARLTON
Positional modifications: Don’t be stunned if Sam Docherty racks up a couple of extra midfield minutes in 2023, significantly earlier within the season when Sam Walsh is prone to be unavailable for choice.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Track watchers have been thrilled with new recruit Blake Acres’ summer time. The former Docker is extensively anticipated to fill a wing chasm on the Blues, however he’s additionally been noticed coaching as an inside and outdoors midfielder all through the pre-season. Jesse Motlop has additionally placed on some dimension and been one of the spectacular trainers at Carlton, whereas Mitch McGovern, who was restricted to simply seven video games final season, has been a standout throughout the backline in match simulation.
Injury watch: Gun midfielder George Hewett not too long ago returned to the coaching monitor and is on monitor to play Round 1 after the back-end of his 2022 marketing campaign was derailed by a again harm. Superstar midfielder Sam Walsh is unlikely to function within the early a part of the season as he works his method 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 International Sports Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm
COLLINGWOOD
Positional modifications: The massive watch on the Pies is reigning Rising Star winner Nick Daicos, who’s been extensively tipped for extra midfield publicity this yr. The father-son recruit starred throughout half-back in his debut season, however his kicking abilities and excessive footy IQ are set to see him spend extra time on the ball in 2023. Trade 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 appears to be like set for a job throughout half-back this season.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: It’s been laborious to disregard Collingwood’s new-look midfield this summer time. 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 robust summer time 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.
Injury watch: New skipper Darcy Moore continues to be working his method again to full health after a bone an infection earlier than Christmas, however stays assured he’ll be match for Round 1. Moore moved nicely at coaching through the week, taking part in practically each drill. The newest concern surrounds ruckman Darcy Cameron, who suffered a recent 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 will likely be on lighter duties for the subsequent 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 persistently thrown into centre bounces over current seasons, is probably going spend extra time nearer to aim in 2023 below 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 an enormous purpose behind his membership change in October.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Star midfielder Zach Merrett, who’s been extensively tipped to be Essendon’s subsequent captain, has set the usual at coaching this summer time, main by his instance along with his depth and voice on the monitor. Young 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.
Injury watch: Essendon’s key-position shares have taken a minor hit through the low season. Reigning greatest and fairest winner Peter Wright despatched a scare by way of the camp late final month with a calf subject, however the Bombers are hopeful he’ll be superb 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 method again to full health. Top 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 “won’t be rushing his return to play”. Promising defender Zach Reid has had an interrupted pre-season too resulting from 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: Superstar Nat Fyfe appears to be like 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 occasions this summer time. Although coach Justin Longmuir stated this week he wouldn’t hesitate to swing Fyfe again into the midfield if wanted this yr. Dockers assistant coach Matthew Boyd additionally not too long ago 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 monitor: Freo’s prime draftees have been all the trend this low season. There’s a lot of hype round Hayden Young, who seems primed for an enormous yr after an superior summer time taking part in throughout half-back. Two 2021 draftees, Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus, must also push laborious for Round 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 displaying nice kind and health through the low season. And it seems big-name recruit Jaeger O’Meara has slotted into the Dockers’ on-ball brigade with aplomb.
Injury watch: The Dockers in the meanwhile boast one of many healthiest lists within the AFL this pre-season with no large harm news to report. Only a couple of rookies have stepped away from the principle group this summer time, 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 time. Trade acquisition Ollie Henry — who was a continuing menace up ahead at Collingwood — has been trailed in defence through the pre-season and impressed along with his marking skill. Top draftee Jhye Clark – among the best pure midfielders from final yr’s draft class – has performed just a little bit half-back in some drills, whereas second-year Cats Ollie Dempsey and Mitch Knevitt have hung out coaching as wingers. Esava Ratugolea’s shift into defence late final yr caught the attention of rival golf equipment — significantly Port Adelaide — and he’s been taking part in down again through the summer time.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Emerging Cat Max Holmes, who was the choice heartbreak story of final yr’s Grand Final, has been impressing. He’s been seen finishing centre bounce midfield drills at some periods this low season.
Injury watch: Superstar 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 received’t rush Hawkins again, so whether or not he’ll be proper for Round 1 stays unclear. Young ruck Toby Conway has additionally reportedly been coping with a foot subject.
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 Homes Arena, 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 grow to be a extra common on-ball contributor. New recruit Ben Long, who performed primarily within the ahead half throughout his closing one-and-a-half-seasons at St Kilda, appears to be like set to return to a half-back position on the Suns.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Young 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 greatest, has been working with the midfield group and impressed along with his management traits. Brandon Ellis has additionally had an enormous summer time, setting a membership document within the membership’s 2km time trial.
Injury watch: Big ahead Ben King is aiming for Round 1 after he missed the membership’s 2022 marketing campaign with an ACL harm. Defender Wil Powell was on monitor for a Round 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 “touch 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 International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm
GWS GIANTS
Positional modifications: Despite his spectacular 2022 marketing campaign in defence — which led to a top-five end within the membership’s greatest and fairest depend — Harry Himmelberg is prone to return to the ahead line this yr. Adam Kennedy, who performed a number of roles final yr, this week informed the membership’s web site he’d additionally been coaching so much with the forwards group over the summer time, though he was anticipating to drift between wing and half-back if wanted. Dual greatest and fairest Lachie Whitfield has been seen coaching throughout half-back once more.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: 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 one of the spectacular Giants trainers in current weeks, alongside current acquisition Toby Bedford. The former Demon will likely be hoping to make an affect as a small ahead. Brent Daniels, who didn’t play a sport in 2022 resulting from harm, has additionally seemed robust on the monitor.
Injury watch: The Giants seem like in fine condition, with solely Nick Madden (foot) and Max Gruzewski (knee) seemingly doubtful for Round 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 International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm
HAWTHORN
Positional modifications: Young gun Will Day, who’s established himself as a dangerous rebounding defender throughout his first three seasons with the Hawks, is ready to be uncovered within the midfield extra typically this season after spending loads of the summer time coaching with Hawthorn’s on-ballers. First-round draftee Josh Weddle impressed in defence throughout is draft yr, however Hawks coach Sam Mitchell post-draft stated 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, displaying off his cardio capability.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: After managing simply 11 video games final season resulting from 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 nicely positioned to re-establish himself as considered one of Hawthorn’s greatest 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 robust summer time on the monitor as he battles it out with Ned Reeves, Max Lynch and Max Ramsden for beginning ruck positions.
Injury watch: The massive blow on the Hawks was Mitch Lewis’ ACL sprain, which is ready to see him miss at the very least the beginning of the season. Further up the sector 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 notice, however the questions stays how coach Simon Goodwin splits up the ruck and ahead stability between Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy this yr. Both 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 stated in October Gawn was “probably more your stay-at-full-forward” participant that relieved Grundy within the ruck. Whether that every one involves fruition stays unsure.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Lots of hype round second-year ahead Jacob van Rooyen, who’s within the body for a Round 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 time, van Rooyen will likely be laborious to maintain out of Melbourne’s greatest 22. Elsewhere, Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca has sizzled on the monitor, whereas uncontracted star ahead Kysaiah Pickett has additionally impressed amid early commerce hypothesis.
Injury 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 depart coaching early final month after experiencing “hamstring awareness”, however scans revealed a low-grade hamstring harm that might solely hold 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 yr, whereas Ben Cunnington would possibly spend a while within the ahead line — though he informed reporters final month he nonetheless believes he has ample to present 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, often, a pinch-hit ruck on the Dockers.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Is this the yr Will Phillips broadcasts himself to North followers? After being restricted to 3 VFL video games in 2022 resulting from glandular fever, a match Phillips has had a wonderful summer time, to the purpose the place he’ll be proper within the Round 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.
Injury watch: The Roos are taking a sluggish and regular method with choose No. 4 George Wardlaw after a number of hamstring complaints. Another 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 the 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 notice at this stage, however there might be a little bit of wing and half-back shuffling as a result of 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’ll play a job down again. Riley Bonner, who was considered one of Port’s prime rebounders final yr, not too long ago informed The Advertiser he was “happy to play anywhere for the team”. The Power even have excessive hopes for first-round draftee Josh Sinn, who’s nonetheless working his method again from surgical procedure however looms as an choice to fill the Amon chasm on the wing.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Big 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 yr, 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 “looking pretty electric out there”. Elsewhere, massive males Brynn Teakle and Tom Scully have put their arms up for AFL video games early this yr after robust pre-seasons. Assistant coach Josh Carr stated Scully’s aerial skill for a participant of his dimension had caught the attention. Meanwhile, membership champion Travis Boak has proven no indicators of slowing down, taking out the Power’s most up-to-date time trial and setting the usual on the monitor.
Injury watch:The Power stay hopeful Jeremy Finlayson will likely be match for Round 1 regardless of struggling an ankle harm at coaching this week. Finlayson bought his left ankle caught below a teammate in a deal with and limped from the sector. 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 primary coaching this month, whereas Tom Clurey’s coaching masses proceed to be managed resulting from a knee subject.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources 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 monitor over the pre-season and was prone to spend extra time up the sector because the Richmond coaches work with him to extend his scoreboard affect. After a slight lower in midfield minutes final yr, 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 Short final yr.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto have made good first impressions at Punt Road, each catching the attention in current match simulation in on-ball roles. Taranto additionally received the membership’s 2km time trials both aspect of Christmas, whereas Hopper has banked a robust 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
Injury 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 get better kind foot surgical procedure earlier than Christmas. Young defender Josh Gibcus is ready to overlook the primary month of the season at the very least 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: Top-10 draftee Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has skilled at half-back for a lot of the pre-season after spending a lot of 2022 on the wing. That means Bradley Hill is ready to spend extra time on the wing “just (to) free him up a little bit to run”, in accordance with coach Ross Lyon. Also, accidents to key-position gamers Max King and Jack Hayes are prone to see Cooper Sharman return to the ahead line after spending time within the Saints’ defensive 50 final yr.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Saints followers bought a glimpse of Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager’s potential of their first AFL seasons final yr, however the duo are nicely positioned for large second seasons after robust summers. Owens has impressed ahead of centre, whereas Windhager has been among the many membership’s greatest runners. Ruck Rowan Marshall has additionally turned heads on the monitor as he prepares for a season with out Paddy Ryder. Matt Allison was additionally flying on the monitor earlier than a foul harm setback.
Injury watch: There continues to be no timeframe 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 news for draftee Olli Hotton, who is ready 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 bought a gig in Essendon’s workforce throughout his closing season-and-a-half on the Bombers, he performed as a key ahead. But the 25-year-old, who was traded to Sydney late final yr, has been coaching as an intercept defender over current months and fitted into the backline with aplomb.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: After establishing himself within the membership’s greatest 22 final yr, Dylan Stephens has been one of many Swans’ summer time standouts, highlighted by his 2km time trial win when the membership returned from the Christmas break. Second-year midfielder Matt Roberts might be set for extra AFL video games this yr after impressing teammates along with his health over current months. Elsewhere, current draftee Jacob Konstantey has proven indicators he may make a direct affect at AFL stage, whereas star Isaac Heeney has once more caught the attention.
Injury watch: Joel Amartey is questionable for Round 1, with the versatile utility persevering with to ease his method again from a critical hamstring harm. Forward Sam Reid is but to renew full coaching following the adductor harm that noticed him subbed out of final yr’s Grand Final.
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 International Sports 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 yr. Both gamers aren’t 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 yr of his expertise as a half-back with massive video games in opposition to 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 monitor: New recruit Jayden Hunt has accomplished a full pre-season and impressed along with his velocity and evasive skill, whereas Greg Clark has been a standout runner over current months. Veteran defender Jeremy McGovern not too long ago stated he was in career-best form, whereas mid-season draftee Jai Culley has placed on important dimension throughout the pre-season to place himself within the Round 1 choice body.
Injury watch: Campbell Chesser is stepping issues up as he builds in the direction of a full return from critical bone and ligament injury to his proper ankle. But he stays out of contact drills on the membership after lacking his total debut season resulting from harm. Oscar Allen says he’s being “pulled back” after a stress-related foot subject worn out his total 2022 marketing campaign. Tom Cole is again on monitor 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 Round 1. Rhett Bazzo stays on compassionate go away from the membership following the tragic dying of his mom final month.
Pre-season video games
— Match simulation: West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources 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 Resources Park (Perth), Friday March 3, 7.40pm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Positional modifications: While 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 time. Despite 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 in opposition to the Hawks and Dockers, whereas additionally pinch-hitting within the ruck. He’s been in defence for many match simulation this summer time, however the Dogs are open to utilizing him ahead. Cody Weightman has additionally been seen within the midfield throughout current coaching periods.
Who’s ‘flying’ on the monitor: Gun ruckman Tim English has been one of many Bulldogs’ most spectacular trainers this low season, though he has spent a couple of days away from the principle group up to now week. Elsewhere, key defender Alex Keath has trimmed down as he prepares to marshal the Dogs’ backline, whereas Toby McLean was among the many prime performers within the membership’s time trials.
Injury 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 an enormous take a look at to come back within the JLT conflict with North Melbourne firstly of March. Fellow midfielder Adam Treloar is way 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
Originally printed as ‘X-factor’ kids set to blow up; draftees prepared for Round 1
Source: www.news.com.au
