Snapshot of the AFL pre-season matches

SNAPSHOT OF THE AFL PRE-SEASON MATCHES

THEY SAID IT: “No major areas of concern. We got a good lesson around the footy by the Dogs and I don’t think we’re going to be the last team that gets a good lesson from them. They’re the benchmark when it comes to reactions to get out of the contest.” – North Melbourne have loads of work to do after back-to-back wood spoons however assistant coach Leigh Adams wasn’t spooked by the scoreboard in a heavy defeat to the Western Bulldogs.

PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Third-year Sydney midfielder Errol Gulden dominated with 45 disposals, 9 clearances and three objectives within the Swans’ 43-point crushing of Carlton. All have been game-high tallies for the rising star, who seems to be able to growing his affect after impressing in 43 senior video games thus far.

NEW RECRUITS: Brodie Grundy loved his begin to life as a Demon, forming a powerful ruck-forward partnership with Max Gawn, whereas Richmond acquired nice service out of former GWS midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Boom signing Josh Dunkley had 31 disposals for Brisbane whereas Conor McKenna was full of life, Jayden Hunt gave West Coast sprint off half-back, Blake Acres had loads of touches on a wing for Carlton and Ben Long excited Gold Coast with a hovering mark. Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis completed with 21 disposals and 10 inside-50s in a stable show, whereas Tom Mitchell was busy in Collingwood’s engine room and Daniel McStay kicked two objectives.

YOUNG GUNS: Will Ashcroft was excellent for Brisbane as he reaffirmed his AFL readiness in a powerful show towards Geelong. No.3 draft choose Harry Sheezel was a shining gentle for North Melbourne and injury-hit St Kilda may name upon Anthony Caminiti and Mattaes Phillipou to fill holes in assault after their spectacular showings towards Essendon. Reuben Ginbey regarded nice for West Coast with 17 disposals and 7 clearances in a loss to Adelaide, whereas Hawthorn draftee Cam Mackenzie had an attention grabbing efficiency with 24 disposals and a aim towards the Magpies.

KEY MOMENT: Key ahead Ben King kicked the primary aim in Gold Coast’s loss to GWS as he marked his return from a 12 months out with a knee damage. The tall goal was in any other case restricted by All-Australian Sam Taylor however acquired by means of unscathed in a optimistic outcome for the Suns as they chase a maiden finals berth this season.

TALKING POINT: Has the AFL lastly acquired the steadiness proper in pre-season? With official pre-season competitions now resigned to the historical past books, golf equipment are solely required to play one official observe match main into spherical one. They have been additionally allowed to organise their very own match simulation periods towards rival groups final month, with solely the Bulldogs and Giants opting towards doing so. Most golf equipment are pleased with the warm-up schedule.

KEY INJURIES: Eric Hipwood (Bris, corked thigh), Jack Payne (Bris, hamstring), Patrick Lipinski (Coll, dislocated shoulder), Jye Caldwell (Ess, ankle), Dion Prestia (Rich, pectoral muscle), Marcus Windhager (StOkay, damaged hand), Hayden Crozier (WB, disolated finger), Taylor Duryea (WB, neck),

WHAT’S NEXT: All golf equipment take pleasure in every week off earlier than the actual stuff begins on March 16 on the MCG, the place Richmond and Carlton are set to open the brand new season in entrance of about 90,000 followers. A blockbuster begin continues with a heavyweight Collingwood-Geelong conflict and with Port Adelaide internet hosting Brisbane on Saturday in what shapes as an intriguing contest. The Bulldogs-Melbourne contest is about up as one other spotlight and Ross Lyon returns as St Kilda coach towards his previous facet Fremantle within the Sunday twilight slot.