Who’s ‘flying’, injury issues and role tweaks: Mega pre-season update on every AFL club

Despite recent headlines, there’s promising signs emerging from the Kangaroos, while Richmond’s big-name recruits are turning heads.

Meanwhile there’s a few injury issues at both Essendon and St Kilda.

Foxfooty.com.au breaks down the summer standouts, possible role changes and latest injury news at every club.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Positional changes:Luke Pedlar played primarily as a midfielder during his junior career, but could spend more time playing mainly as a forward in 2023. Brayden Cook has also spent time playing across half-back during summer after being used forward of centre in his limited AFL opportunities. New recruit Izak Rankine, who’s fitted in at the Crows with aplomb, also looks likely to pinch-hit in the midfield a bit more compared to his stint at the Suns.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: There’s lots of buzz coming out of West Lakes around the pre-season of 2020 first-round draftee Luke Pedlar, who appears primed for more AFL games in 2023 after being restricted to just five games – two as an unused medical sub – over the past two years largely due to groin issues. But teammate Sam Berry told Sportsday SA this week Pedlar was looking “powerful and fit”, while Rory Laird told reporters Pedlar had shown great “X-factor” at training. As for Berry himself, the midfielder has appeared stronger on the track this summer and looks primed to increase his average disposal count. Elsewhere both Elliott Himmelberg and Wayne Milera have caught the eye, while top 2022 draftee Max Michalanney is in the Round 1 selection mix after showing off his clean kicking skills and composed decision-making ability at training.

Injury watch: Defender Andrew McPherson remains unlikely for Round 1 as he continues to build his loads after undergoing knee surgery late last year. His 2022 campaign had already been hindered by a PCL issue. Star midfielder Rory Sloane is hopeful of being available for the Crows’ first match about playing in round one of the new season after an interrupted 2022.

Pre-season 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 practice match: West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Mineral Resources Park (Perth), Friday March 3, 7.40pm

BRISBANE LIONS

Positional changes: Lions football boss Danny Daly last month suggested there wouldn’t be too many positional shifts and role changes this year. Although Zac Bailey has declared he wants to spend more game time in the midfield — rather than just being a pinch-hitter — while there’s a watch on where Conor McKenna will play considering Brisbane already has two well-established rebounding defenders in Keidean Coleman and Daniel Rich. Keep an eye, too, on Cameron Rayner, who was spotted playing across half-back in at least one match simulation hit-out.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Young gun midfielder Will Ashcroft — widely considered by recruiters as the best player in last year’s draft class — has taken some massive steps over the last couple of months, according to Daly on SEN, with the Lions football boss adding Ashcroft was “close to best on ground” in the Lions’ recent match simulation. The midfielder is primed to have an immediate impact at the club. Daniel Rich reckons skipper Dayne Zorko is in career-best shape after shaking off an Achilles injury that’d been bugging him for years, while new recruit Josh Dunkley has slotted in with aplomb.

Injury watch:Joe Daniher has yet to resume full training, teammate Harris Andrews revealed. Daniher struggled with his shoulder and missed six weeks mid season, with Andrews stating Daniher had recent shoulder surgery. Fellow key-position player Marcus Adams is unlikely to play this season as he continues to struggle with concussion-related issues almost six months after they surfaced. Zorko said a bulked-up Adams was spending time in the Lions’ gym, but whenever he tried to build up his running, his condition spiralled down again. Kai Lohmann and Jarryd Lyons are both on the recovery trail from groin issues.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval (Moore Park), Friday February 24, 12pm (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, Brighton Homes Arena, 8.10pm, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm

CARLTON

Positional changes: Don’t be surprised if Sam Docherty racks up a few more midfield minutes in 2023, particularly earlier in the season when Sam Walsh is likely to be unavailable for selection.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Track watchers have been thrilled with new recruit Blake Acres’ summer. The former Docker is widely expected to fill a wing chasm at the Blues, but he’s also been spotted training as an inside and outside midfielder throughout the pre-season. Jesse Motlop has also put on some size and been one of the most impressive trainers at Carlton, while Mitch McGovern, who was restricted to just seven games last season, has been a standout across the backline in match simulation.

Injury watch: Gun midfielder George Hewett recently returned to the training track and is on track to play Round 1 after the back-end of his 2022 campaign was derailed by a back injury. Superstar midfielder Sam Walsh is unlikely to feature in the early part of the season as he works his way back from back surgery.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, Friday February 24, 11am (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown International Sports Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm

COLLINGWOOD

Positional changes: The big watch at the Pies is reigning Rising Star winner Nick Daicos, who’s been widely tipped for more midfield exposure this year. The father-son recruit starred across half-back in his debut season, but his kicking skills and high footy IQ are set to see him spend more time on the ball in 2023. Trade acquisition Billy Frampton has also slotted into a key defensive role at the Pies after spending time as a tall forward and in the ruck at his two previous clubs. Goalkicker Will Hoskin-Elliott also looks set for a role across half-back this season.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: It’s been hard to ignore Collingwood’s new-look midfield this summer. Nick Daicos has sizzled in match simulation, with his decision-making and execution forward of centre a highlight. Ball magnet recruit Tom Mitchell has also slotted into the Magpies’ on-ball unit with aplomb alongside Taylor Adams, who’s had a strong summer after an injury-interrupted finals campaign. And after undergoing shoulder surgery in December, Jordan De Goey has impressed in match simulation where he played primarily as an on-baller.

Injury watch: New skipper Darcy Moore is still working his way back to full fitness after a bone infection before Christmas, but remains confident he’ll be fit for Round 1. Moore moved well at training during the week, participating in nearly every drill. The latest concern surrounds ruckman Darcy Cameron, who suffered a fresh hamstring setback at training this week. He was sent for scans after pulling up sore from Wednesday’s session, but was back running on Friday and will be on lighter duties for the next few weeks. Elsewhere Finlay Macrae (back) and Nathan Krueger (shoulder surgery) remain in the rehab group.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, Friday February 24, 11am (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS Stadium, Thursday March 2, 5.10pm

ESSENDON

Positional changes: Jake Stringer, who’s been consistently thrown into centre bounces over recent seasons, is likely spend more time closer to goal in 2023 under new coach Brad Scott, while Andy McGrath and Nik Cox have been training with the defenders this off-season. New recruit Will Setterfield, who played primarily as a winger during his last season at the Blues, is also excited to play more as an inside midfielder at the Bombers, which was a big reason behind his club switch in October.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Star midfielder Zach Merrett, who’s been widely tipped to be Essendon’s next captain, has set the standard at training this summer, leading by his example with his intensity and voice on the track. Young gun Nic Martin has also been a standout, adding 3kg to his frame but not losing his running power as he took out the club’s post-Christmas 2km time trial. Mid-season draftee Jye Menzie has also impressed in match simulation forward of centre and could play AFL level footy early.

Injury watch: Essendon’s key-position stocks have taken a minor hit during the off-season. Reigning best and fairest winner Peter Wright sent a scare through the camp late last month with a calf issue, but the Bombers are hopeful he’ll be fine to play in their pre-season games. It’s a relief for Essendon, which has already been hit by injuries to recruit Sam Weideman (quad), Nik Cox (ankle) Harry Jones (ankle) and James Stewart (foot). Jones and Weideman have been seen running laps in recent weeks as they continue to work their way back to full fitness. Top Bombers draftee Elijah Tsatas’ impressive start to his Essendon stint hit a hurdle last month, with the young midfielder sent for knee surgery and the club insisting it “won’t be rushing his return to play”. Promising defender Zach Reid has had an interrupted pre-season too due to a back injury.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, Austworld Oval (Carrara), Thursday February 23, 5pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, Friday March 3, 4.10pm

FREMANTLE

Positional changes: Superstar Nat Fyfe looks set for increased time in the attacking 50 after an injury-plagued 2022 campaign, with the dual Brownlow Medallist training with the forwards group at times this summer. Although coach Justin Longmuir said this week he wouldn’t hesitate to swing Fyfe back into the midfield if needed this year. Dockers assistant coach Matthew Boyd also recently flagged Liam Henry had been training as a winger in recent months following the departure of Blake Acres to the Blues. And the ruck-forward balance between Sean Darcy and big-name recruit Luke Jackson remains a mystery. 

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Freo’s top draftees have been all the rage this off-season. There’s lots of hype around Hayden Young, who appears primed for a big year after an awesome summer playing across half-back. Two 2021 draftees, Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus, should also push hard for Round 1 selection after standout pre-seasons. Coach Justin Longmuir also has high hopes for Josh Treacy, who’s shown he’s more than capable of stepping up in Rory Lobb’s absence after showing great form and fitness during the off-season. And it appears big-name recruit Jaeger O’Meara has slotted into the Dockers’ on-ball brigade with aplomb.

Injury watch: The Dockers at the moment boast one of the healthiest lists in the AFL this pre-season with no massive injury news to report. Only a few rookies have stepped away from the main group this summer, with the competition for spots hotter than ever at Freo.

Pre-season 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 practice match: Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm

GEELONG CATS

Positional changes: The Cats have been spinning the magnets over the summer. Trade acquisition Ollie Henry — who was a constant threat up forward at Collingwood — has been trailed in defence during the pre-season and impressed with his marking ability. Top draftee Jhye Clark – one of the best pure midfielders from last year’s draft class – has played a little bit half-back in some drills, while second-year Cats Ollie Dempsey and Mitch Knevitt have spent time training as wingers. Esava Ratugolea’s shift into defence late last year caught the eye of rival clubs — particularly Port Adelaide — and he’s been playing down back during the summer.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Emerging Cat Max Holmes, who was the selection heartbreak story of last year’s Grand Final, has been impressing. He’s been seen completing centre bounce midfield drills at some sessions this off-season.

Injury watch: Superstar forward Tom Hawkins is Geelong’s only major injury concern. He had surgery on his foot last October and was in a moonboot until December. The Cats won’t rush Hawkins back, so whether he’ll be right for Round 1 remains unclear. Young ruck Toby Conway has also reportedly been dealing with a foot issue.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, Thursday February 23, 4pm (4 x 20 minutes plus time on)

— Official practice match: Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, Brighton Homes Arena, 8.10pm, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm

GOLD COAST SUNS

Positional changes: Academy graduate Alex Davies (191cm) has worked on his endurance in recent months as he aims to become a more regular on-ball contributor. New recruit Ben Long, who played primarily in the forward half during his final one-and-a-half-seasons at St Kilda, looks set to return to a half-back role at the Suns.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Young midfielder-forward Sam Flanders is in the best nick since he’s been in since landing at the Suns. He ran a time trial personal best, has been working with the midfield group and impressed with his leadership traits. Brandon Ellis has also had a big summer, setting a club record in the club’s 2km time trial.

Injury watch: Big forward Ben King is aiming for Round 1 after he missed the club’s 2022 campaign with an ACL injury. Defender Wil Powell was on track for a Round 1 return after he suffered a horrific leg break back in June, but it’s understood he’s just had a hamstring setback. Lachie Weller (knee) is considered “touch and go” for the start of the home-and-away season, while Connor Budarick is aiming for a mid-season return after suffering his second ACL rupture in just 18 months.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, Austworld Oval (Carrara), Thursday February 23, 5pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm

GWS GIANTS

Positional changes: Despite his impressive 2022 campaign in defence — which led to a top-five finish in the club’s best and fairest count — Harry Himmelberg is likely to return to the forward line this year. Adam Kennedy, who played multiple roles last year, this week told the club’s website he’d also been training a lot with the forwards group over the summer, although he was expecting to float between wing and half-back if needed. Dual best and fairest Lachie Whitfield has been seen training across half-back again.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: After his first AFL pre-season was curtailed by injury then undergoing foot surgery in September, second-year midfielder Finn Callaghan has been one of the most impressive Giants trainers in recent weeks, alongside recent acquisition Toby Bedford. The former Demon will be hoping to make an impact as a small forward. Brent Daniels, who didn’t play a game in 2022 due to injury, has also looked strong on the track.

Injury watch: The Giants appear to be in good shape, with only Nick Madden (foot) and Max Gruzewski (knee) seemingly in doubt for Round 1. Sam Taylor (wrist), Lachie Whitfield (ankle) and Phil Davis (hamstring) had been dealing with issues, but are transitioning back into full training.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Intra-club in Canberra, Saturday February 25

— Official practice match: GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm

HAWTHORN

Positional changes: Young gun Will Day, who’s established himself as a damaging rebounding defender across his first three seasons with the Hawks, is set to be exposed in the midfield more often this season after spending a lot of the summer training with Hawthorn’s on-ballers. First-round draftee Josh Weddle impressed in defence during is draft year, but Hawks coach Sam Mitchell post-draft said he could see Weddle developing into a flexible, Mark Blicavs-style role player in the midfield. The Sandringham Dragons product took out the club’s 2023 time trial, showing off his aerobic capacity.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: After managing just 11 games last season due to patchy form and injury, James Worpel has returned to full fitness and impressed on-lookers at Hawks training. With Tom Mitchell (Collingwood) and Jaeger O’Meara (Fremantle) traded to rivals clubs, Worpel appears well positioned to re-establish himself as one of Hawthorn’s best on-ballers, if his impressive match simulation is anything to go by. New recruit Lloyd Meek, who was part of the O’Meara trade, has also had a strong summer on the track as he battles it out with Ned Reeves, Max Lynch and Max Ramsden for starting ruck positions.

Injury watch: The big blow at the Hawks was Mitch Lewis’ ACL sprain, which is set to see him miss at least the start of the season. Further up the field they’ll be without Harry Morrison, whose hamstring injury will sideline him for a month. They’re hardly the blows Hawthorn could afford given the exit of so many experienced players over the off-season.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, Thursday February 23, 4pm (4 x 20 minutes plus time on)

— Official practice match: Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS Stadium, Thursday March 2, 5.10pm

MELBOURNE

Positional changes: Nothing majorly of note, but the questions remains how coach Simon Goodwin splits up the ruck and forward balance between Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy this year. Both players have been the No. 1 ruck at Melbourne and Collingwood respectively in recent years before Grundy’s bombshell move to the Demons last October. Gawn indicated at the time he was prepared to spend more playing closer to goal – and Fox Footy’s Dermott Brereton said in October Gawn was “probably more your stay-at-full-forward” player that relieved Grundy in the ruck. Whether that all comes to fruition remains uncertain.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Lots of hype around second-year forward Jacob van Rooyen, who’s in the frame for a Round 1 debut. After being drafted in the first round of the 2021 draft, van Rooyen didn’t feature in the Demons’ star-studded AFL side — although he went mightily close to a call-up late in the season amid a 36-goal VFL campaign for Casey. Now after a standout summer, van Rooyen will be hard to keep out of Melbourne’s best 22. Elsewhere, Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca has sizzled on the track, while uncontracted star forward Kysaiah Pickett has also impressed amid early trade speculation.

Injury watch: The Demons are in pretty good shape, with a minor hamstring setback for captain Max Gawn the only recent scare. Gawn was forced to leave training early last month after experiencing “hamstring awareness”, but scans revealed a low-grade hamstring injury that would only keep him away from the main group for a fortnight. Elsewhere, Ben Brown remains on a modified training program after undergoing minor surgery on his knee again before Christmas, but remains optimistic he’ll still be able to contribute strong for the Demons this season.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, Friday February 24, 4pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, Saturday March 4, 4.10pm

NORTH MELBOURNE

Positional changes: Don’t be surprised if Cam Zurhaar has occasional stints on the ball this year, while Ben Cunnington might spend some time in the forward line — although he told reporters last month he still believes he has ample to give in the midfield. New recruit Griffin Logue should return to the backline after spending the back-half of last season playing as a key forward and, occasionally, a pinch-hit ruck at the Dockers.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Is this the year Will Phillips announces himself to North fans? After being limited to three VFL games in 2022 due to glandular fever, a fit Phillips has had an excellent summer, to the point where he’ll be right in the Round 1 mix. So too will fellow top-10 draftee Harry Sheezel, who’s already impressed with his forward craft in his first pre-season. Elsewhere veteran Jack Ziebell has trimmed down after handing over the captaincy, while Ben McKay’s leadership has impressed.

Injury watch: The Roos are taking a slow and steady approach with pick No. 4 George Wardlaw after several hamstring complaints. Another addition to the line-up is Darcy Tucker, with the Fremantle recruit racing the clock to be fit for the opening round after knee surgery. Griffin Logue, recruited along with Tucker, dealt with osteitis pubis in the back-end of 2022, but is working towards a return to full training. Aidan Corr is also set for a return to full training this month. 

Pre-season 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 practice match: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Saturday March 4, 1.10pm

PORT ADELAIDE

Positional changes: Nothing of note at this stage, but there could be a bit of wing and half-back shuffling due to the dearth of options at Ken Hinkley’s disposal and the vacancy left by Karl Amon. Jase Burgoyne and Kane Farrell both looked good behind the ball late in the 2022 season, while Miles Bergman and Xavier Duursma have also shown they can play a role down back. Riley Bonner, who was one of Port’s top rebounders last year, recently told The Advertiser he was “happy to play anywhere for the team”. The Power also have high hopes for first-round draftee Josh Sinn, who’s still working his way back from surgery but looms as an option to fill the Amon chasm on the wing.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Big trade acquisition Jason Horne-Francis has received glowing praise from teammates since his bombshell move from North Melbourne. After undergoing knee surgery late last year, Horne-Francis has impressed with his competitiveness and ball use when given midfield minutes. Teammate Xavier Duursma told reporters last month Horne-Francis was “looking pretty electric out there”. Elsewhere, big men Brynn Teakle and Tom Scully have put their hands up for AFL games early this year after strong pre-seasons. Assistant coach Josh Carr said Scully’s aerial ability for a player of his size had caught the eye. Meanwhile, club champion Travis Boak has shown no signs of slowing down, taking out the Power’s most recent time trial and setting the standard on the track.

Injury watch:The Power remain hopeful Jeremy Finlayson will be fit for Round 1 despite suffering an ankle injury at training this week. Finlayson got his left ankle caught under a teammate in a tackle and limped from the field. The club has confirmed he’ll have surgery on the syndesmosis injury this week in the hope of being back in time for their March 18 clash with Brisbane – in six weeks’ time. Orazio Fantasia had been one of the club’s most impressive trainers before being hampered by calf tightness, which restricted him to light duties earlier this week. Trent Dumont is also dealing with a calf injury, but Josh Sinn (groin) is hopeful of joining main training this month, while Tom Clurey’s training loads continue to be managed due to a knee issue.

Pre-season 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 practice match: Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm

RICHMOND

Positional changes: Maurice Rioli Jr had been a standout on the training track over the pre-season and was likely to spend more time up the field as the Richmond coaches work with him to increase his scoreboard impact. After a slight decrease in midfield minutes last year, it seems superstar Dustin Martin will spend even more time forward in 2023 following Richmond’s recent acquisitions of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto, as well as the emergence of Shai Bolton and Jayden Short last year.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto have made brilliant first impressions at Punt Road, both catching the eye in recent match simulation in on-ball roles. Taranto also won the club’s 2km time trials either side of Christmas, while Hopper has banked a strong pre-season after an injury-interrupted 2022 season restricted him to seven games. Richmond recruit Jacob Hopper is close to full fitness after a 2022 season that was ruined by a persistent knee injury. Elsewhere, Bigoa Nyuon had also impressed in training and could contend for a spot in the back six with Josh Gibcus sidelined with a hamstring injury

Injury watch: Star forward Tom Lynch has been training away from the main group, but is expected to return full training later in the pre-season as he continues to recover form foot surgery before Christmas. Young defender Josh Gibcus is set to miss the first month of the season at least after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury.

Pre-season 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 practice match: Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, Saturday March 4, 4.10pm

ST KILDA

Positional changes: Top-10 draftee Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has trained at half-back for most of the pre-season after spending much of 2022 on the wing. That means Bradley Hill is set to spend more time on the wing “just (to) free him up a little bit to run”, according to coach Ross Lyon. Also, injuries to key-position players Max King and Jack Hayes are likely to see Cooper Sharman return to the forward line after spending time in the Saints’ defensive 50 last year.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Saints fans got a glimpse of Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager’s potential in their first AFL seasons last year, but the duo are well positioned for big second seasons after strong summers. Owens has impressed forward of centre, while Windhager has been among the club’s best runners. Ruck Rowan Marshall has also turned heads on the track as he prepares for a season without Paddy Ryder. Matt Allison was also flying on the track before a bad injury setback.

Injury watch: There is still no time frame on a return for key forward Max King after he had shoulder surgery in mid-December, but he is expected to miss the early part of the season. Jack Hayes is also set to miss the start of the season after cracking a metatarsal in his left foot at training, while Matt Allison also injured his left foot and is out for five months. There was also bad news for draftee Olli Hotton, who is set to miss the first half of 2023 after he developed a stress fracture in his back.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, Friday February 24, 4pm (6 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, Friday March 3, 4.10pm

SYDNEY SWANS

Positional changes: His opportunities were limited, but when Aaron Francis got a gig in Essendon’s team across his final season-and-a-half at the Bombers, he played as a key forward. But the 25-year-old, who was traded to Sydney late last year, has been training as an intercept defender over recent months and fitted into the backline with aplomb.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: After establishing himself in the club’s best 22 last year, Dylan Stephens has been one of the Swans’ summer standouts, highlighted by his 2km time trial win when the club returned from the Christmas break. Second-year midfielder Matt Roberts could be set for more AFL games this year after impressing teammates with his fitness over recent months. Elsewhere, recent draftee Jacob Konstantey has shown signs he could make an immediate impact at AFL level, while star Isaac Heeney has again caught the eye.

Injury watch: Joel Amartey is questionable for Round 1, with the versatile utility continuing to ease his way back from a serious hamstring injury. Forward Sam Reid is yet to resume full training following the adductor injury that saw him subbed out of last year’s Grand Final.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval (Moore Park), Friday February 24, 12pm (4 x 25 minutes, no time on)

— Official practice match: Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown International Sports Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm

WEST COAST EAGLES

Positional changes: Don’t be surprised if Elliot Yeo and even Luke Shuey play across the backline this year. Both players are not only fit and firing after recent injury-interrupted season, but have also split their time between the midfield and defensive groups during pre-season training. Yeo, who’s impressed as a brutal inside midfielder in recent years, reminded the footy world last year of his talent as a half-back with big games against Geelong and Essendon before an injury setback. Shuey has also been spotted with Eagles defenders at half-back in full-ground drills.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: New recruit Jayden Hunt has completed a full pre-season and impressed with his speed and evasive ability, while Greg Clark has been a standout runner over recent months. Veteran defender Jeremy McGovern recently said he was in career-best shape, while mid-season draftee Jai Culley has put on significant size across the pre-season to put himself in the Round 1 selection frame.

Injury watch: Campbell Chesser is stepping things up as he builds towards a full return from serious bone and ligament damage to his right ankle. But he remains out of contact drills at the club after missing his entire debut season due to injury. Oscar Allen says he’s being “pulled back” after a stress-related foot issue wiped out his entire 2022 campaign. Tom Cole is back on track after “tweaking” the same ankle that sidelined him last season. Tom Barrass has had his cast removed from his injured hand and is making plenty of progress ahead of Round 1. Rhett Bazzo remains on compassionate leave from the club following the tragic death of his mother last month.

Pre-season 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 practice match: West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Mineral Resources Park (Perth), Friday March 3, 7.40pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Positional changes: While all eyes are on the forward line to see how Rory Lobb will fit in, there’s a serious selection squeeze developing in defence, especially with coach Luke Beveridge trialling veteran Josh Bruce in the backline this summer. Despite his brilliant 2021 campaign where he kicked 48.21, Bruce appears set to return to the backline, which is where he played during his stint at the Giants. It also remains unclear which role 205cm young gun Sam Darcy, who’s only just returned to full training, will play. He started his AFL career in defence before shifting forward against the Hawks and Dockers, while also pinch-hitting in the ruck. He’s been in defence for most match simulation this summer, but the Dogs are open to using him forward. Cody Weightman has also been seen in the midfield during recent training sessions.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: Gun ruckman Tim English has been one of the Bulldogs’ most impressive trainers this off-season, although he has spent a few days away from the main group in the past week. Elsewhere, key defender Alex Keath has trimmed down as he prepares to marshal the Dogs’ backline, while Toby McLean was among the top performers in the club’s time trials.

Injury watch: Bailey Smith is back training with the main group after lower leg soreness saw him on a modified program for most of January. A carefully managed build-up for Smith appears to be working, with a big test to come in the JLT clash with North Melbourne at the start of March. Fellow midfielder Adam Treloar is far less progressed in his return from ankle surgery, remaining on a limited program as he manages ongoing soreness. There have been niggles to deal with for the likes of Alex Keath and Tim English, but nothing that is set to derail their pre-season more dramatically. 

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Intra-club in Ballarat, Saturday February 25

— Official practice match: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Saturday March 4, 1.10pm