AFL Pre-Season Update: Round 1 Surprises, Position Changes, and Injuries

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Foxfooty.com.au examines everything you need to know about how your side is tracking in the lead-up to the season in the Mega Pre-Season State ofPlay.

ADELAIDE CROWS

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Adelaide is an intriguing watch heading into the 2025 season. It looks as though veteran Rory Laird might be headed to half-back, while new recruit James Peatling looks destined for an inside midfield role. Izak Rankine has been a standout in match simulation while playing notable midfield minutes, while Josh Rachele has had “the best off-season from a player I’ve seen in a long time”, according to coach Matthew Nicks. Youngster Dan Curtin has been training with the midfield group as he settles in a consistent role, while Alex Neal-Bullen has been a key figure around the club after crossing from Melbourne.

Injury latest: It hasn’t quite been a smooth-sailing start for recruit Isaac Cumming, who has had an interrupted beginning to his West Lakes tenure. But Cumming recently made a return to full training after being limited with a hamstring injury. Ruck Kieran Strachan will miss a chunk of the home-and-away season after suffering an acute navicular stress fracture. Wayne Milera, almost fully recovered from a ruptured patella tendon last year, expects to participate in the Crows’ slate of pre-season hitouts. Top draftee Sid Draper has made an excellent first impression, but will continue to be eased into full training as he manages a back issue.

Match simulation (live streaming via Kayo): vs. Port Adelaide at Mount Barker, Friday February 21, 5.30pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena, Thursday February 27, 8:10pm AEDT

BRISBANE LIONS

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: A selection squeeze is looming for the reigning premiers, with numerous players set to make their return from injury in 2025. Draftee Levi Ashcroft, who had off-season shoulder surgery, will likely slot into a role at half-forward to begin his AFL career, while Sam Marshall’s running ability might have him in the frame for an earlier-than-expected debut. Expect his brother, and fellow young gun, Will Ashcroft to take his game to another level after lighting up last year’s finals series, while their forward setup remains a point of intrigue after Joe Daniher’s retirement. Dayne Zorko looks likely to remain at half-back, despite the impending returns of Keidean Coleman and co.

Injury latest: There’s a bit here. Eric Hipwood remains on a load management program as he recovers from off-season groin surgery – but is expected to feature in this pre-season. Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee are all back running after their respective ACL injuries, with the club stating the quartet are “tracking strongly”. Coleman and McCarthy even participated in team drills this week. Boom recruit Levi Ashcroft remains in the minimal contact training group after his shoulder op undertaken before he was drafted, and he’s joined there by the likes of Oscar McInerney. The Lions are confident all three will be able to participate in upcoming practice matches. Another expected to feature is Brandon Starcevich despite being on a modified program. Co-captain Lachie Neale has also taken it easy this pre-season due to a foot problem.

Match simulation: vs. Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood at People First Stadium, Thursday February 20, 6pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Adelaide Crows at Brighton Homes Arena, Thursday February 27, 8:10pm AEDT

CARLTON

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Youngster Ollie Hollands has been training off half-back, while Sam Docherty has spent time on a wing throughout pre-season but may need to shift into defence. Jack Silvagni is on the comeback trail from injury and has been training as a defender, while swingman Brodie Kemp looks likely to start 2025 as a forward. Zac Williams has come back in great shape and will likely play as a small forward again, while youngsters Ashton Moir and Jaxon Binns have also been impressive. Top draftee Jagga Smith looks like he could have an immediate impact in Round 1, too, particularly with an injury cloud over a star teammate.

Injury latest: In a devastating blow so early into the year, reliable rebounder Nic Newman was ruled out of the entire 2025 season after rupturing his patella tendon. Midfielder Sam Walsh is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but is being put to the test in running sessions at training. While Carlton expects him to reintegrate into training sometime in February, there is no cemented return date at this stage. Charlie Curnow (ankle), Blake Acres (back), Jack Silvagni (knee), Corey Durdin (shoulder) and Matt Cottrell (shoulder) are among those who have also had disrupted pre-seasons. The Herald Sun’s Josh Barnes reportsTom de Koning picked up an ankle issue at training on Monday but added he wasn’t sent for scans nor were the Blues worried by it.

Match simulation (live streaming via Kayo): vs. St Kilda at Ikon Park, Saturday February 22, 11am AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Greater Western Sydney at Manuka Oval, Friday February 28, 5:20pm AEDT

COLLINGWOOD

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Developing Western Australian midfielder Ed Allan, by all accounts, is impressing observers at pre-season training, with premiership defender Brayden Maynard telling Foxfooty.com.au in December that Allan, as well as fellow fringe midfielder Fin Macrae, would play important roles in filling the boots of the injured Tom Mitchell. He said: “Ed and Fin … in the whole pre-season leading up to Christmas, have been up there as two of our best trainers … because they’ve played a lot together as a duo in the midfield, they’re playing together as a duo (now) in the midfield at training, and they’re absolutely tearing training down.” Prized recruit Dan Houston will assume a role across half-back, while Josh Daicos has trained mainly as a defender this season, according to the Herald Sun’s Josh Barnes. Untried 19-year-old Harry DeMattia has impressed on a wing and across half-back throughout summer. Maynard also sang the praises of forward-turned-defender Reef McInnes, saying: “Seeing Reef cemented in the backline and not being moved around in positions, he’s really training the house down. His physicality, his want to compete, his aerial (ability) — he has so many strengths … maybe he was someone that needed to be behind the ball to be able to have the game in front of him.”

Injury latest:Tom Mitchell suffered a mild second metatarsal bone stress injury in December, requiring two weeks in a moon boot. Superstar Nick Daicos is dealing with a foot problem, while Jordan De Goey’s is still limited with soft-tissue issues, with the powerful midfielder sent for precautionary scans on his calf on February 29. While excitement bubbles about what Houston will bring, the former Power backman still has one remaining match to serve of his suspension from late last year. Developing small forward Harvey Harrison will miss a substantial period of the season recovering from his ACL tear last season.

Match simulation: vs. Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions at People First Stadium, Thursday February 20, 6pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Richmond at Ikon Park, Wednesday February 26, 7:20pm AEDT

ESSENDON

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: It looks like there won’t be too much change positionally for the Bombers in 2025. Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish will be their go-to guys in the midfield again, although the former has spent some time off half-back throughout the pre-season as the Dons look to maximise his precise ball use. Youngster Elijah Tsatas has had a promising summer, while draftee Isaac Kako looks likely to slot straight into the best 23. Archie Roberts appears to be slightly ahead of Saad El-Hawli for a spot on a wing or across half-back, although both have had solid summers.

Injury latest:Jye Caldwell (hip), Ben McKay (ankle) and Matt Guelfi (hamstring) have had limited pre-seasons, but Zach Reid is giving himself every chance to play and play regularly in 2025.

Match simulation (live streaming via Kayo): vs. Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval, Saturday February 15, 2pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, Tuesday February 25, 7:10pm AEDT

FREMANTLE

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: New recruit Shai Bolton has played predominantly as a forward during match simulations but it’s Sean Darcy who has caught the eye in the early parts of 2025 with his slimmer physique. Youngster Neil Erasmus could be set for a bigger midfield role in 2025, while Nathan O’Driscoll has also had a strong summer. Hayden Young spent some time forward during a January match simulation, but that could be as he works his way back from a leg injury. Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters have also spent time in the rehab room over the break. Keep an eye on Cooper Simpson too, who continues to push for more senior opportunities.

Injury latest: The big question for Freo is will Sean Darcy miss Round 1? The star ruckman flew to Qatar on January 24 to spend a week at the renowned Aspetar Sports Medical Clinic. While the plan is to ease Darcy back into action in practice matches, the club stopped short of guaranteeing the ruckman would be ready for Round 1. Veterans Walters and Fyfe both had knee surgery in recent weeks and are facing a delayed pre-season start. Defender Luke Ryan was spotted in the ‘no contact’ group last week after he was crunched by teammate Jye Amiss earlier this month at training. But the club doesn’t expect Ryan to face any delays to 2025 as a result. Youngster Odin Jones won’t feature in 2025 after suffering a shock back injury that required surgery. The rookie has been spotted at the club in a brace as he begins his rehabilitation.

Indigenous All Stars game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Indigenous All Stars at Optus Stadium, Saturday February 15, 7.30pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Melbourne at Rushton Park (Mandurah), Sunday March 2, 6:10pm AEDT

GEELONG

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Boom recruit Bailey Smith looks destined for a big role as an inside midfielder at his new club and has hit the ground running, while youngster Connor O’Sullivan is one to watch in 2025. O’Sullivan is a really good athlete who can play a variety of roles and has impressed his teammates on the training track this year. Max Holmes has been a standout on the track too after a breakout season in 2024. Mitch Knevitt could see more opportunities this year, while Jhye Clark has spent some time in defence across the summer, according to the Herald Sun’s Dan Batten. Sam De Koning is a fascinating watch this year too. He can play a variety of roles for Chris Scott, and he’s put on plenty of muscle over the off-season.

Injury latest: Veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie’s recovery is going well, and he is aiming to feature in some practice matches in February. Recruit Jack Martin has had more than his fair share of soft-tissue issues over the course of his career and will be eased into the new year by his new club.

Match simulation: vs. Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium, Monday February 17, 2pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Essendon at GMHBA Stadium, Tuesday February 25, 7:10pm AEDT

GOLD COAST SUNS

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: The Suns zeroed in on the half-backline in the off-season as a key improvement area, snagging rebounders John Noble and Daniel Rioli in the trade period — and both will be vital to the club’s aspirations to qualify for a maiden finals series in 2025. Sam Flanders is turning heads this pre-season, dominating drills and the 2km time trial. Leo Lombard has acquitted himself well over the summer, while Ben King is also looking in great touch. You’d imagine Lombard begins his AFL career in the forward half rather than through the midfield given the bevy of young ball-winners in place.

Injury latest: Star recruit Rioli remains on a modified training program after suffering an MCL injury in November. Since undergoing surgery, Rioli has missed a large chunk of the pre-season but was spotted running on a field adjacent to teammates at last week’s match sim. The club remains hopeful he’ll take part in upcoming practice matches.

Match simulation: vs. Brisbane and Collingwood at People First Stadium, Thursday February 20, 6pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Sydney Swans at People First Stadium, Friday February 28, 8:10pm AEDT

GWS GIANTS

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Exciting recruit Jake Stringer has put together a fantastic pre-season by all reports and looks set to resume his role primarily as a forward at his new club. Youngster James Leake will hunt for an AFL debut early in the season after his debut campaign was plagued by injury. Leake could slot into the role that Harry Perryman served last season; such is his versatility. Midfielder Finn Callaghan looks ready to take his game to another level, while Leek Aleer and Jacob Wehr are others to put their best foot forward this pre-season, according to the Herald Sun’s Lachlan McKirdy.

Injury latest:Stephen Coniglio has had a disrupted pre-season due to shoulder and facial injuries suffered in the semi final loss to Brisbane last year. But coach Adam Kingsley is confident his squad is “healthy” heading into the 2025 pre-season. He confirmed new recruit Stringer is “still managed” this pre-season. Star Josh Kelly has shrugged off his limited minutes in recent training sessions as simply load management.

Match simulation: vs. Sydney Swans at Tramway Oval, Friday February 21, 10am AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Carlton at Manuka Oval, Friday February 28, 5:20pm AEDT

HAWTHORN

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Position swaps are on the cards for captain James Sicily and hard nut Blake Hardwick, with both looking likely of playing as forwards in 2025, according to Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary. The additions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass into the back half have freed the duo up and with Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear both on the sidelines, Sicily and Hardwick’s services might be better used in the front half. Jai Newcombe and Changkuoth Jiath have put together impressive summers so far, and keep an eye out for a potential breakout season from third-year midfielder Cam Mackenzie. The 21-year-old has been “stuck behind some very good players for a few years”, according to his teammates. Dylan Moore told Foxfooty.com.au Mackenzie’s lateral movements reminded him of their coach, Sam Mitchell, which is obviously extraordinarily high praise. “I don’t think he’s shown everyone what he’s capable of (yet) … He’s got silky foot skills. He’s a little bit like Sam Mitchell, in ways, where he’s able to get out of traffic and out of congestion pretty easily. He’s one to look out for,” Moore said. Connor Macdonald is also anticipative of what Mackenzie can bring in 2025, telling Foxfooty.com.au: “His side-to-side movement and agility (are) pretty special … He’s one that can definitely break out, given the right opportunity. I think he’s been stuck behind some very good players for a few years … I think he can do some special things.” The Herald Sun’s Matthew Forrest believes ruck Ned Reeves could be another option to fill that key forward void. Draftee Cody Anderson has trained as a forward but appears a while off an AFL debut. Max Ramsden is pushing his case for a senior call-up early in the season amid an eye-opening summer, reports AFL Media. Ramsden, who has managed five career games since arriving as a mid-season draftee in 2022, appeared at AFL level three times last season.

Injury latest: Key-position players Lewis and James Blanck, each recovering from ACL tears, have been sent to the United States as part of their rehabilitation process. The pair are at similar points in their recoveries despite the injuries occurring at different points last year, with Blanck having suffered ‘complications’ following the initial reconstruction. Young key forward Dear (back stress) is also on the shelves indefinitely following a hugely promising 2024 campaign. In December, the Hawks said: “Given Calsher’s age, we will ensure we are diligent and thorough throughout this rehab process.”

Match simulation: vs. Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, Monday February 17, 2pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Western Bulldogs at UTAS Stadium, Thursday February 27, 5:20pm AEDT

MELBOURNE

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: The big watch on Melbourne this pre-season is the form of star midfield duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. Despite cracking a rib earlier this month, Petracca has “blown away” coach Simon Goodwin with his efforts on the track. Similarly, Oliver has also impressed his coach and shown an “incredible” drive to get back to his best. Swingman Harrison Petty appears set for a return to defence after inconsistencies in attack, while Kysaiah Pickett has spent spurts in the midfield this pre-season. Second-year speedster Caleb Windsor has trained off half-back at stages and is anticipated to feature heavily again for Goodwin’s side, while draftees Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay — who football boss Alan Richardson said will both “be in the mix” come the Dees’ trial outings against the Roos and Dockets — have caught the eye with their intent. Fox Footy’s David King called the young pair ‘elite’ and claimed they — and in particular Langford — are ‘ready to roll’. An easy way in for one of the two could be Pickett’s looming suspension. Keep an eye on mature-aged draftee Aidan Johnson as well, with Richardson saying: “It would not surprise me at all if he’s in the mix early (for a debut).” And don’t forget forward Shane McAdam, who had a hard time getting on the park in year one in Dees colours.

Injury latest: Amid a continued recovery from a larynx injury, skipper Max Gawn is “really close” to a return to contact training, according to Richardson last week. Similar goes for Petracca, who has rebounded promisingly from his latest rib issue but remains on a non-contact program. Star intercept defender Jake Lever had post-season knee and shoulder surgeries but should be a full-go in the lead-in to the season proper. Pickett will miss Melbourne’s opening three games serving a suspension he copped at the end of last season, opening the door to early-season opportunity in the Demons’ forward half.

Match simulation: vs. North Melbourne at Arden St, Saturday February 22, time TBC

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Fremantle at Rushton Park (Mandurah), Sunday March 2, 6:10pm AEDT

NORTH MELBOURNE

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Burgeoning star Harry Sheezel has mixed between midfield and forward in the pre-season, as the Kangaroos integrate veteran ball-winner Luke Parker into their engine room rotation. Parker has seen plenty of centre-bounce looks with Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw, in addition to patches playing deep forward, as expected. Sole skipper Jy Simpkin is another who will see plenty of forward-half minutes. Second-year hybrid Colby McKercher, while seemingly poised for more run through the middle, is set to start across the half-backline, while developing key tall Charlie Comben looks very settled in the back half. Second-year ruckman Taylor Goad has impressed track-watchers, with the untried South Australian chomping at the bit to make a senior impression in 2025 despite sitting behind Tristan Xerri and Brynn Teakle in the pecking order. Nick Larkey has dominated in match simulation and will benefit from the support of veteran recruit Jack Darling.

Injury latest: In a concerning setback, Wardlaw may find himself in a race against the clock to be fit for Round 1 after suffering a hamstring setback on February 29. The 20-year-old, who has a history of hamstrings, has been sent for scans. Zane Duursma (shoulder), Jacob Konstanty (foot), Geordie Payne (shin) and Josh Goater (Achilles) all made late January training returns. Key backman Griffin Logue continues in his recovery from wrist surgery, and while he hasn’t taken part in match simulation to this point, he is expected to make a full return by the start of the season proper. Fellow key defender Aidan Corr, also sidelined after needing to undergo finger surgery, is nearing a full return of his own, likely by the start February. And speaking of key-position pillars, Callum Coleman-Jones is slated for a May-June return following an Achilles tear on Good Friday last year. Brayden George (knee), meanwhile, won’t see the field until as late as June.

Match simulation: vs. Melbourne at Arden Street, Saturday February 22, time TBC

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. West Coast Eagles at Hands Oval (Bunbury), Saturday March 1, 6:10 AEDT

PORT ADELAIDE

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Jack Lukosius looks set to partner Mitch Georgiades as tall forwards, with a spot on the line between Jeremy Finlayson and Ollie Lord, who both have shown their ability to pinch-hit in the ruck. Draftee Joe Berry is firming for a half-forward role come Round 1, while Jase Burgoyne has trained predominantly on a wing. The Esava Ratugolea forward experiment looks to have been put on ice, with the former Cat playing alongside Aliir Aliir and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher in defence during match simulation. Who fills Dan Houston’s void in defence remains a point of intrigue and there is a plethora of candidates, while Connor Rozee and Zak Butters look primed for huge campaigns once more.

Injury latest: The powerful Sam Powell-Pepper returned to match simulation late in January as he looks to return from an ACL injury that curtailed his 2024 season. Powell-Pepper played largely on a wing according to the Herald Sun’s Simeon Thomas-Wilson, but after Todd Marshall’s Achilles injury, will he return to the forward half? Marshall was struck down in mid-January and will be sidelined for ‘an extended period’. Midfielder Willem Drew underwent minor foot surgery but is expected by the club to be available for its pre-season hitouts in the lead-up to Round 1.

Match simulation (live streaming via Kayo): vs. Port Adelaide at Mount Barker, Friday February 21, 5.30pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. St Kilda at RSEA Park, Saturday March 1, 3:10pm AEDT

RICHMOND

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’:Tom Lynch saidRhyan Mansell has “taken his training standards to another level” this pre-season, dubbing him someone to watch amid an impressive stint, and it was a similar situation last pre-season in terms of being tipped for big things. He played a career-best 21 games last season for 21 goals, but the best might be yet to come. In terms of position changes, Jacob Koschitzke failed to make a lasting impression as a forward in his debut Richmond season last year, and the Tigers’ coaching panel has since made the call to trial him in defence. The former Hawthorn key forward has played in the back half this pre-season during match simulation and given Noah Balta’s absence for the first four games due to suspension, and pending the short-term health of Josh Gibcus, Koschitzke will be in the frame for early-season senior action as a defender. Kaleb Smith and Sam Banks are among the possibilities to replace the departed Daniel Rioli across half-back.

Injury latest: Gibcus, having missed a decent amount of pre-season match practice after an early-season ACL tear last year, appears in a race against time to be fit for the Tigers’ Round 1 meeting with Carlton. Fellow ACL victims Judson Clarke, Mykelti Lefau and Taj Hotton remain on modified programs, per the Tigers. Meanwhile, after a significant hamstring injury hampered the latter portion of his draft campaign, No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor has been eased into AFL life yet appears in line for a Round 1 league debut against Carlton.

Match simulation: vs. West Coast Eagles at Mineral Resources Park, Monday February 17, time TBC

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Collingwood at Ikon Park, Wednesday February 26, 7:20pm AEDT

ST KILDA

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Promising hybrid Mattaes Phillipou had looked primed for a breakout campaign after a strong finish to the 2024 season, but an untimely injury setback will disrupt his start to 2025. The South Australian is poised for more midfield minutes alongside recruit Jack Macrae, who fell out of favour in the engine room under Luke Beveridge at the Bulldogs. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jack Sinclair can play as half-backs or midfielders, while draftee Tobie Travaglia could also enter that mix early on. The Bendigo Pioneers product has had a strong pre-season as he pushes for a round one debut. Second-year defender Arie Schoenmaker is pressing his case to help fill the void left by Josh Battle, while former SANFL ruckman Harry Boyd, signed in the SSP period, and youngster Max Heath are two players who could be called upon at some stage this year to assist star tall Rowan Marshall. Keep an eye on Box Hill Hawks product Max Hall, who impressed track-watchers during a recent match simulation.

Injury latest: For Phillipou, who didn’t train on Monday amid internal concerns, scans revealed a stress fracture in his right femur. St Kilda says he ‘will miss the start of the season’ in an unfortunate blow. The club also confirmed key defender Dougal Howard had suffered a dislocated shoulder at training, with a lack of clarity around his return timeframe. Instrumental ruckman Rowan Marshall is sidelined for the next 5-8 weeks with a pelvic injury. Exciting interceptor Alix Tauru has had a limited first AFL pre-season due to recovery from a back stress fracture, with the Saints in December estimating he would integrate back into main training in February. He is now back running. Midfielder Paddy Dow has an unclear timeline for return amid a lengthy recovery from a ‘traumatic’ knee issue. Marcus Windhager, Anthony Caminiti and Rowan Marshall underwent post-season surgeries for respective ailments but should be uninhibited in the lead-up to the season proper, while Liam Stocker ‘avoided major surgical intervention’ on a troublesome groin and has returned to main training. Speedy wingman Liam Henry had a less certain return timeline after off-season knee surgery, but the club says he is nearing a return to full training in the ‘coming weeks’. Hunter Clark was sidelined in mid-January by an abdominal injury, but the Saints say he is ‘making strides’.

Match simulation (live streaming via Kayo): vs. Carlton at Ikon Park, Saturday February 22, 11am AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Port Adelaide at RSEA Park, Saturday March 1, 3:10pm AEDT

SYDNEY SWANS

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: “One thing we want to try and do is build flexibility in our team”. Those were the words of new coach Dean Cox back in early December, so there are plenty of question marks surrounding the Swans in 2025. One name who could see a positional shift is defender Tom McCartin. McCartin has thrived as a defender in recent years but could be set to spend some more time forward of the ball in 2025. The role of captain Callum Mills is also worth keeping an eye on. Mills played mainly as a defender when he came into the team late in the year but has flourished as a midfielder in previous seasons. He performed strongly in the pre-season running, as has young gun Errol Gulden, who is one of the game’s best players. According to the Daily Telegraph’s Lachlan McKirdy, the likes of Matt Roberts, Angus Sheldrick and Riley Bice have also caught the eye.

Injury latest: Swans draftee Jesse Dattoli will miss the start of the season after scans uncovered a lumbar stress reaction in his lower back in December. Dattoli is expected to miss a minimum four months.

Match simulation: vs. Greater Western Sydney at Tramway Oval, Friday February 21, 10am AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium, Friday February 28, 8:10pm AEDT

WEST COAST EAGLES

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: The No.1 mid-season pick-up from 2023, Ryan Maric has been trialled in defence this pre-season and looks to have found a role. Having spent time as a forward and as a winger throughout his career, the Gippsland Power product has shown his neat ball use off the half-back line to great effect. Reuben Ginbey will play primarily as a defender in 2025 as he looks to find some continuity in his footy, while Tyrell Dewar has trained as a wing/half-back as well. Code Sports’ Eliza Reilly believes Bailey Williams is slightly ahead of former Giant Matthew Flynn in the race to be the Eagles’ number one ruck. Ex-Tiger Liam Baker has already had a profound impact on the training track, setting standards and helping the younger brigade. The early signs are that he’ll begin his Eagles career off half-back, but he’s such a versatile player and can genuinely play anywhere. Draftee Bo Allan is pushing hard for a round one debut.

Injury latest: The biggest concern for the Eagles is the health of midfield bull Elliot Yeo. Yeo left the training track with a knee injury suffered during match simulation on February 24, with scans since revealing MCL and syndesmosis. He is in doubt for Round 1 pending a four-to-eight-week recovery. Backman Harry Edwards is reportedly on a modified program after missing recent match sim, while co-captain Liam Duggan is tipped to overcome the nasty cork that has seen his involvement limited in recent sessions.

Match simulation: vs. Richmond at Mineral Resources Park, Monday February 17, time TBC

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. North Melbourne at Hands Oval (Bunbury), Saturday March 1, 6:10pm AEDT

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Role changes and who’s ‘tearing up the track’: Marcus Bontempelli has come back all guns blazing, dominating the track this pre-season. Ed Richards will resume his role as an inside midfielder, with youngster Ryley Sanders pushing hard to join them in a regular midfield role. Joel Freijah is putting his hand up for more senior opportunities off half-back, while draftees Sam Davidson (wing) and Luke Kennedy (half-forward/midfield) have also impressed. Jordan Croft is another youngster aiming for a debut in 2025 and he’s been used on a wing at stages this pre-season.

Injury latest: All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar remains away from main training as he rehabilitates a calf issue, while key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is on an ‘alternated’ program in the lead-up to the season amid personal issues and might not be a guarantee to be available at the start of the season. Tim English is also on a modified program due to an abdominal injury, per Cleary.

Match simulation (live streaming via Kayo): vs. Essendon at Whitten Oval, Saturday February 15, 2pm AEDT

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy and streaming via Kayo): vs. Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium, Thursday February 27, 5:20pm AEDT