What we learned about every club in AAMI Community Series games, Round 1 selection news, role changes, analysis

The 2026 AFL season is just days away, with the AAMI Community Series serving as every team’s final warm-up for the real stuff.

The Foxfooty.com.au team runs down what we learned about all 18 clubs in their official pre-season game.

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All times AEDT.

ADELAIDE CROWS

Result: Lost to Fremantle by 16 points

Match report:Fremantle vs Adelaide AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: The Crows attack end needs Riley Thilthorpe. The man dubbed Adelaide’s “beast” was a late withdrawal due to a back complaint and without him, there was only one goal kicked between fellow talls Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty. Yes, the conditions weren’t ideal for forwards with 50km/h winds – but Docker Josh Treacy managed to snag five down the other end in the same conditions. Walker finished with 0.3 for his efforts, while Fogarty’s goal came late in the first quarter – despite coming up against an undermanned Freo defence. Adelaide coaching director Murray Davis conceded it was an inexperienced Crows outfit that fronted the Dockers in Mandurah – but there was plenty he liked from Charlie Edwards and Toby Murray. Murray in particular looks set for an important role in 2026 as the Crows weigh up what to do with ruck Reilly O’Brien. O’Brien again missed the pre-season clash as he did last week against Port Adelaide. After being used as a back up ruck last week, Murray shifted over to cover the absence of Thilthorpe as a ruck/forward against Freo. “He’s ready to go,” teammate Alex Neal-Bullen said of Murray. “All of a sudden you see he’s got his opportunity and he looks like he’s at the level or above! He’s someone who has bided his time and is ready to deliver if needed or when he’s required.” Edwards meantime is pushing his case for an AFL debut after holding his own against a star-studded Freo midfield. “He hasn’t done his chances any harm,” Davis said of Edwards’ performance. Izak Rankine looms as an important cog to the Crows campaign when he returns from suspension. Without him, Adelaide didn’t have that spark through the middle when the match went on the line against Fremantle. Luke Pedlar kicked three goals in a strong showing. But for a side that finished 2025 with SIX players bagging 27 goals or more, Adelaide didn’t have that same depth in attack on Saturday.

First home and away game: vs Collingwood at the MCG, Saturday March 14 at 7:35pm

BRISBANE LIONS

Result: Defeated Gold Coast by 25 points

Match report:Brisbane vs Gold Coast AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Everything is in pretty good order. Outside of lingering injuries to Jack Payne and recruit Sam Draper, there isn’t a lot to complain about for the back-to-back reigning premiers, who have a tonne of depth talent to choose from for Opening Round, and whose superstars are playing as such. Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale looked in mid-season form against the Suns on Thursday night, gathering a game-high 31 disposals, 10 clearances and six score involvements in 83 per cent game time, while in-demand free agent Zac Bailey exploded for 11 score involvements and two goals from 25 possessions. While Oscar Allen didn’t play against the Suns due to being in concussion protocols, he’s gotten through his first Brisbane pre-season unscathed and is set to partner ominously with burgeoning spearhead Logan Morris, who capped his summer with four goals against Gold Coast. An Opening Round-relevant takeaway from the Community Series for the Lions is the ruck depth, if Chris Fagan opts for a second big man next to Darcy Fort with the fifth player on the interchange. Youngsters Zane Zakostelsky and Cody Curtin interchanged in the middle of the ground on Thursday night, and while both showed promising long-term signs, it was former third-round draft pick Zakostelsky who impressed early and often, showcasing his athleticism in the ruck but also his abilities around the ground. The 20-year-old’s follow-up work was also notable, looking to tackle and chase if his initial tap didn’t go to his intended target. “He might play (in Opening Round). Who’s going to be the second ruck? Fort will come in, we know Draper is not ready until probably Round 2,” Jack Riewoldt said in the fourth quarter. Cameron Mooney added: “Well, the extra player on the bench now, (it could) be a great role for him.” An alternative and just as likely option for Fagan would be going with tall forward Ty Gallop as the chop-out man, given Morris and Allen will be up forward. But Zakostelsky, who’s been on the list for two years now, and Curtin, certainly threw their hats in the ring. Elsewhere, Cam Rayner confirmed he’d play against the Bulldogs after being held out against the Suns as a precaution, while Ryan Lester is also getting over a bout of concussion.

First home and away game: vs Western Bulldogs at the Gabba, Saturday March 7 at 7:35pm

CARLTON

Result: Defeated Geelong by 15 points

Match report:Carlton vs Geelong AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Ahead of a season where there’s a fair bit of unknown with a new-look team, Blues fans would’ve loved what they saw last Wednesday night as they completed a perfect pre-season sweep over the two 2025 grand finalists. The Carlton faithful would’ve most notably loved what they saw from former No. 3 Jagga Smith, who looks every bit as good as advertised after his 2025 season was wiped by injury. Smith racked up a game-high 37 disposals. 15 contested, and a goal in a dazzling display. And not to put too much pressure on the kid, but there were shades of Nick Daicos in his performance. While Smith, 20, can’t be solely relied upon to turn his side’s fortunes around, he clearly adds a much-needed new dimension to Michael Voss’ midfield with his combination of speed, poise and ability to lower his eyes and hit targets. Smith’s game personified a new game style from Carlton, moving the ball quickly from marking situations but with precision. Given the Blues’ lack of polish has been such an issue, their much cleaner ball use is a big tick. Speaking of young guns, father-son draftee Harry Dean also looked right at home in defence and should slot straight into Carlton’s back six. He’s likely to be joined by pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) addition Wade Derksen, who also impressed in the backline just days after being officially signed. So while the Blues had a massive list overhaul including several trade additions, their draft and SSP signing were arguably their most impressive. Fellow SSP signing Elijah Hollands — though not a new player as such — looks ready to win back the trust of Carlton brass as another one of their best. Though it’s never been question of Hollands’ talent after his 2025 was disrupted by off-field issues. Elsewhere, Sam Walsh, fresh off signing a mega eight-year extension, looks ready to bounce back to his best form in a strong showing through the midfield after his last few seasons have been disrupted by injury. Cooper Lord was another to impress as the youngster looks to builds off a promising first season.

First home and away game: vs Sydney at the SCG, Thursday March 5 at 7:30pm

COLLINGWOOD

Result: Lost to North Melbourne by one point

Match report:North Melbourne vs Collingwood AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: The kids might be alright! Pies fans would’ve been left with impressed with their younger brigade after an undermanned, inexperienced side very nearly defeated a full strength Kangaroos in Ballarat. Collingwood’s youth had a real crack including Ed Allan, Ned Long and Beau McCreery impressing through the midfield. McCreery, in particular, looks like he can provide a real point of difference through there with his power and leg speed. Charlie West and Jack Buller, who could be competing for the one key forward spot following Brody Mihocek’s departure, also looked good with two goals each up forward. Meanwhile Joel Cochran looks set for an Opening Round debut with Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe both in doubt. Cochran, taken with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 National Draft, was solid behind the ball before being rested in the final term along with Lachie Schultz and Brayden Maynard in a sign he’s firmly in Craig McRae’s plans for this week. At the other end of the age spectrum, Dan McStay (three goals) and Dan Houston (25 touches) look ready to bounce back to their best after down 2025 seasons. Collingwood seemed to look to feed Houston the ball more off half back, which McRae flagged pre-game they’d planned to do. And getting that sort of production from McStay more consistently would be huge amid question marks on if the Pies have enough firepower in attack without Mihocek and uncertainty surrounding Bobby Hill. Josh Daicos (29 disposals) was Collingwood’s best across halfback — a role he appears set to stay in despite talk he could move to the midfield. Was the Pies resting several best 23 stars a concession they peaked too early last year and want to go into 2026 better rested with a deeper?

First home and away game: vs St Kilda at the MCG, Sunday March 8 at 7:20pm

ESSENDON

Result: Lost to St Kilda by 43 points

Match report:St Kilda vs Essendon AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: While the Bombers were a little ragged late, the inclusion of Darcy Parish in the midfield will clearly be a bonus this year after an injury-hit two seasons. Touch wood, of course. But the 28-year-old is still to shake a little rustiness when in possession, with 10 of the Bombers’ 14 kicks rated either ineffective or clangers by Champion Data. His mature body still helped Essendon to stymie a St Kilda midfield that was driven by Marcus Windhager and Jack Sinclair, who had 80 possessions between them, for a half. After falling away badly in the second half of last year with a spate of injuries, Essendon has a largely healthy list heading into a Rd 1 clash against Hawthorn on Friday week. Jordan Ridley will miss after injuring a calf muscle at training late last month, but the Bombers expect players including Isaac Kako to push their claims in the next few weeks. What was pleasing was seeing Zach Reid compete strongly on the last line of defence after several injury riddled years. Reid and Nate Caddy present as the bookends and provide Essendon with something to look forward to, with assistant coach Ben Jacobs pleased with the deeds of the former. “He’s an elite talent. He hasn’t missed a beat. But I think even in his words, he also didn’t miss a beat last pre-season. So even though he didn’t play the back half last year, (he has) still had two full pre-seasons. So seeing him there working on some synergy there with Ben Mackay, even (Lachlan) Blakiston … a little bit has been great. He looks (to be) in good touch,” Jacobs said. Speaking of Blackiston, he competed admirably in the ruck against the St Kilda tandem act of Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall, with his versatility pleasing. Having played 11 games last year after being selected in the mid-season draft, he had 21 hit-outs, topped only by de Koning with 24, gathered 16 touches and laid six tackles.

First home and away game: vs Hawthorn at the MCG, Friday March 13 at 7:40pm

FREMANTLE

Result: Defeated Adelaide by 16 points

Match report:Fremantle vs Adelaide AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Three doesn’t go into two – Fremantle will have a tough call to make on which big men get the nod for Round 1 against the Cats. Recruit Mason Cox was impressive against the Crows as he carried on his 2025 form as the number one hitout to advantage ruck, while Luke Jackson continued to impress across the field as a ruck, mid and forward. But Sean Darcy is working his way back to full fitness after playing in a WAFL reserves clash. Coach Justin Longmuir conceded there isn’t room for all three in the same side. “Probably not,” he replied when asked if the trio could play together. “I wouldn’t have thought so. Especially not early in the year when the game asks for a lot of run and fatigue is more present earlier in the year.” But Longmuir did like what he saw from Cox on Saturday. “I thought he had real impact when he came on, real physical around the contests, I thought he really looked to own the opposition ruck; I thought his second efforts were strong.” Fox Footy’s David King and Will Schofield believe Darcy has a real fight on his hands. “That tap (from Cox to set up a Shai Bolton goal) there for me said, ‘I’m your man’. I’m not just talking round one, I’m talking long-term. I think Darcy has got a fight on his hands to get his position back and you need that. If you’re going anywhere as a footy club, you need some unlucky players outside looking in,” King said. Will Schofield then added: “I like the energy he (Cox) brings and I think the crowd does too. They’ve got a couple of cult figures already in Voss and Treacy but Cox could be the third one and he’s challenging Sean Darcy’s position, which is big given the contract he’s on.” We know Freo’s midfield is healthy and strong – and that’s without Jackson playing as an on-baller. Murphy Reid was arguably best on ground in the win over the Crows and continues to build in just his second year. Defensively, there is a fight for spots as skipper Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox come back from calf complaints while two-time All Australian Luke Ryan finds himself on the outer as he returns from shoulder surgery. Ryan got through a second straight reserves practice match in promising signs – but it’s no guarantee he’ll win back his spot given the form of Heath Chapman and Brandon Walker.

First home and away game: vs Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, Saturday March 14 at 4:15pm

GEELONG

Result: Lost to Carlton by 15 points

Match report:Carlton vs Geelong AAMI Community Series news and highlights

Sure, it’s only pre-season and Geelong was missing several stars, so we’re not overreacting to the result. But it wasn’t the most convincing performance from a club looking to back bounce from a grand final horror show to contend again. Though the Cats never really got out of first gear and only fell by 15 points in the end. Tanner Bruhn shone in a new role across half back as the 23-year old looks to put a tough 2025 behind him and re-emerge as a key player for Chris Scott’s side. Tick. Given Bruhn missed all of last season, he’s effectively a new recruit for the Cats. Tom Atkins impressed through the midfield, while Max Holmes also had some of his brilliant best moments switching between half back and midfield. George Stevens also had some good moments in limited game time. And with so many gun forwards out, Jack Martin stepped up with tree goals to surely solidify a spot in the senior side for Opening Round. With the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale under injury clouds, Jay Polkinghorne, though not as impressive as in his three goal display against Hawthorn a week earlier, showed he’s capable of filling a void. Mitch Edwards will also push for senior footy after shouldering the brunt of the ruckwork. Clearly a lot of experimenting from a Cats team exposing its second tier and simply rolling the legs over, which is all some teams set out for in these games.

First home and away game: vs Gold Coast at People First Stadium, Friday March 6 at 8:05pm

GOLD COAST SUNS

Result: Lost to Brisbane by 25 points

Match report:Brisbane vs Gold Coast AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Barring something unexpected, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is going to make his Suns debut in Opening Round. That’s not to say that his form has necessarily been scintillating, but given Jed Walter’s one-match ban for rough conduct against Brisbane and Ethan Read missing from the Community Series due to concussion, Ugle-Hagan is clearly in the box seat. The former No. 1 draft pick hasn’t blitzed the scoreboard over the pre-season, but his competitiveness in terms of crashing packs and following up with defensive pressure has been praised by teammates and pundits. Damien Hardwick fielded close to a full-strength line-up against the Lions last Thursday, sans the injured Matt Rowell, Charlie Ballard and Read. The Rowell-sized hole meant Christian Petracca played extended midfield minutes, and we learnt that he’s going to play a prominent centre-forward role from day dot, if his movements against the Lions are anything to go by. The ex-Demon lined up at plenty of centre ball-ups — a team-high 78 per cent of them, in fact — en route to 24 disposals with nine clearances and five score involvements, including a suite of sweet moves in tight confines. Brisbane champion Alastair Lynch said on Fox Footy: “(He’s a) massive upgrade. And we’ve spoken about this week in week out over the last couple of years — the first-stringers for the Suns have been really good in the midfield, but now that extra depth and enormous class and body strength makes a huge difference.” Elsewhere, former top-10 draft pick Leo Lombard appears primed to take the next step in year two. The 19-year-old four-gamer kicked three majors from his 16 disposals, and added eight score involvements as a lively forward-half option. In defence, though, Mac Andrew will be looking to find some form ahead of the Suns’ Opening Round clash with Geelong, giving away three glaring free kicks in defensive 50 and conceding four goals to Logan Morris last Thursday. But Cameron Mooney suggests the reintegration of Charlie Ballard — who’s still ticking off the final stages of his ACL rehab — could be a massive help for the mercurial Andrew once he returns. “On Charlie Ballard, I think he’s going to be huge for Mac Andrew,” Mooney said during the broadcast. “I think Mac’s more of a third defender who comes across, helps out in the air, takes intercept marks. When he’s got to be a lockdown defender, I don’t think that’s his pure game.”

First home and away game: vs Geelong at People First Stadium, Friday March 6 at 8:05pm

GWS GIANTS

Result: Lost to Sydney by 38 points

Match report: Sydney vs GWS AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Toby Greene can play as a pure midfielder. Even if it wasn’t a great outing for his side, the GWS skipper wound back the clock to play a starring role alongside new recruit Clayton Oliver in the absence of injured onballer Tom Green. Greene finished with 26 touches and an equal game-high six clearances and eight tackles. Harry Rowston is also set for more on-ball opportunities with the fifth-most centre bounce attended of any Giant behind Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Clayton Oliver and Nick madden. Madden fought hard against Sydney’s dynamic ruck duo but struggled in worrying signs should Kieren Briggs not recover from his shin injury in time for Round 1. Could it prove costly at a time where the ruck role is changing under the new rules? Jayden Laverde has slotted in to the GWS backline, and racked up 20 touches and six marks to compliment his seven intercepts. His form will be important for a Giants outfit without injured defender Sam Taylor. Jake Stringer also looks in great nick going into 2026. He booted 3.3 after a strong performance against Collingwood in the match simulation. While the Giants are grappling with a plethora of injuries, a fit and firing Stringer, who played 15 games in his first season at the club, will be a big boost. Speaking of injuries, GWS will hope an ankle complaint Jesse Hogan played through doesn’t linger.

First home and away game: vs Hawthorn at ENGIE Stadium, Saturday March 7 at 4:15pm

HAWTHORN

Result: Lost to Western Bulldogs by 44 points.

Match report:Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: We got our first look at Hawthorn’s new-look, younger midfield without Will Day and James Worpel. Connor Macdonald was the main beneficiary with extra midfield minutes and some bright moments in there. Josh Weddle also spent time in the engine room including supporting Lloyd Meek in the ruck. But the Bulldogs’ star-studded midfield overpowered Hawthorn’s in a potential concern for Sam Mitchell’s side in the one area it doesn’t appear to quite stack up against other contenders. The Hawks’ on-ball group is set to be even more undermanned, too, with Cam Mackenzie suffering a concussion and Jai Newcombe in hot water for a dangerous tackle on Ed Richards. Nick Watson got bursts in the middle, but it was the ‘Wizard’s work up forward that really impressed. Watson — now donning his coach’s old No. 5 on his guernsey — kicked two goals and took a highlight hanger. Demons great Garry Lyon noted the gun small forward was in “absolutely cherry ripe nick” and “going to create all sorts of headaches this year. Forward draftee Aidan Schubert only played limited minutes, he’s clearly ahead of Calsher Dear, who didn’t play at all, in the pecking order. At the other end of the age spectrum, Jack Gunston looks ready to back up his career-best 2025 by booting a team-high three goals.

First home and away game: vs GWS at ENGIE Stadium, Saturday March 7 at 4:15pm

MELBOURNE

Result: Defeated Richmond by 35 points (game incomplete)

Match report:Melbourne vs Richmond AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Expect Melbourne to be exciting to watch this season, even if Kysaiah Pickett is not dominating through the middle, with a number of younger stars flourishing on Friday. Former Demons captain Nathan Jones said he was excited by what he had seen from a new-look midfield blending emerging talents with an experienced off-season recruit. With Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver heading north, the Demons picked up ex-Saints skipper Jack Steele to provide some maturity around the ball. He looked the part, not surprisingly. With Trent Rivers leading the way alongside Caleb Windsor, who was prolific in the middle in the first term in Ballarat, and Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay looking good, the Demons once again moved the ball swiftly from defence to attack in a clash with the Tigers. It was not always pretty, in part because the treacherous weather in the Rat was not just the lightning strikes that ultimately caused the match to be abandoned, but also a gusting gale that swept across Mars Stadium. But their lively movement created plenty of opportunities, with the Demons kicking 12 goals from 39 entries into the forward arc in just over a half of footy. Their goal kickers were a mix of small and tall. Jacob van Rooyen had a testing third season in 2025, but he looked good in the second term when kicking three goals into the breeze. And midfielders including Windsor and Langford were able to push forward for goals as well. The Demons have been potent under first-season coach Steven King in their two pre-season hit-outs against the Kangaroos and the Tigers. But this will be put to the test in Round 1. Ross Lyon-coached teams are renowned for their defensive grit and can be extremely difficult to score against, though in 2025 the Saints conceded more than 100 points nine times. It will be interesting to see whether Melbourne can move the ball as swiftly, and score as frequently, when they clash at the MCG on Sunday week.

First home and away game: vs St Kilda at the MCG, Sunday March 15 at 3:15pm

NORTH MELBOURNE

Result: Defeated Collingwood by one point

Match report:North Melbourne vs Collingwood AAMI Community Series news and highlights

North Melbourne has a selection quandary leading into their opening round clash against Port Adelaide after promising performances by younger Roos on Sunday. After a disappointing first half against Collingwood, who were missing eight to ten of their best players, the Roos found form after half-time and displayed some promising talent. Lachy Dovaston, who was drafted at pick 16 last year, demonstrated he has good smarts in the forward line, with the eventual match winner among his three goals in Ballarat. Cooper Trembath, who kicked nine goals in his first three games at the end of last year, did not start until after half-time against the Magpies but soon had an impact on the match. Taken with pick 10 in the mid-season draft in 2025, he kicked two goals from six disposals and presents as an option for coach Alastair Clarkson to consider in the first round. He replaced former West Coast premiership player Jack Darling, who kicked two goals in the first half, and could play against Port Adelade, development head Tom Lynch said. “The most pleasing thing is we’re starting to get some real competition for spots. Jack Darling Nick Larkey have both had terrific summers as well, so that is pleasing for us, that he’s been able to have a great summer. Obviously (Cooper) played a little bit of footy last year, but we’ve seen what he was able to do today … and he was terrific. So he puts himself right into calculations with a number of others,” the former Saint and Crow said. New recruit Tom Blamires also put his best foot forward to cap a big week when gathering 24 disposals and looks a potential debutant against Port Adelaide. The Kangaroos should welcome back Colby McKercher, whose dash and class will add to their movement of the footy, while former co-captain Luke McDonald will also press for selection. George Wardlaw, who injured a hamstring in a lower-tier hitout late last month, is more likely to be fit for selection later in March.

First home and away game: vs Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, Sunday March 15 at 1:10pm

PORT ADELAIDE

Result: Defeated West Coast by 73 points

Match report:West Coast vs Port Adelaide AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: The Josh Carr DNA is growing at Alberton. Port Adelaide are going to be a team to beat in 2026 if their pre-season form translate into the regular games. The Power were dominant against an “inept” Eagles outfit as they piled on the pain with a 20-goal outing in Perth. But it was the way the Power hunted and pressured the young Eagles into mistakes that really impressed two-time premiership Roo David King. “Their hunt after the Eagles … they are not giving any time or space for the Eagles to function,” he said. “Their preparedness to get after the loose ball before their opposition … They are all over them. The fact is every time they go forward they are scoring with ease.” King also liked what he saw from Port skipper Connor Rozee and urged the Power to make the shift for more front half action. “I don’t think they can use him this year at half back. I think he’s just bringing too much damage to the AFL game. This is what you need – forward half ball has twice the value of back half ball,” he said. But coach Josh Carr says team balance, particularly around the health of star Miles Bergman, will determine where they deploy their skipper in matches this season. Rozee’s partner in crime Zak Butters was also at his blistering best, doing his contract talks no harm with a best-on ground display. Mitch Georgiades looks set for a big year as he enjoyed a four-goal first half against the Eagles. He finished with six goals in a dominant display. Jason Horne-Francis was another player who continues to show his worth, with Fox Footy commentators likening him to a Patrick Dangerfield in the way he can be so damaging in attack. Despite his limited midfield minutes, he stayed busy in attack to have a hand in seven scores while landing two goals himself.

First home and away game: vs North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, Sunday March 15 at 1:10pm

RICHMOND

Result: Lost to Melbourne by 35 points (game incomplete)

Match report:Melbourne vs Richmond AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: The Tigers were outworked from the opening minutes by Melbourne and struggled to contain their rivals, which is a concern as they prepare for the Blues in Rd 1 on Thursday week. But that is not the only worry, with Richmond sweating the fitness of last year’s No. 7 draft pick Sam Cumming, who was forced out of their pre-season hitout in Ballarat early on. The South Australian had his right shoulder strapped for the hitout and hurt it when bumped in a contest, with the Tigers saying he would receive further assessment on the weekend. What is clear is that for Richmond to kick a winning score in 2026, veteran forward Tom Lynch will be critically important, and not just with his ability to hit the scoreboard. The dual-premiership star was injury-plagued in 2023 and 2024, but played 26 games last season in a year where the Tigers passed 100 points only once, that against West Coast. Kicking scores will be critical to their ability to clinch more than the five wins they snared in 2025 and Lynch was lively when kicking 2.3 while also bringing the ball to ground regularly. This enabled smaller forwards like Maurice Rioli, who kicked a first-term goal, a chance to have an impact in a match where Melbourne was completely in control until it was called off. An emerging Tiger who did impress against the Demons was Kane McAuliffe, who roamed around the midfield and was prolific in possession in the first term in particular. The 20-year-old, who played five games last year after featuring in nine games in his debut season, covered plenty of territory in the match. His spoil on the last line of defence was the blow that felled young Demon Luker Kentfield prior to the match being halted for a period, while he also contributed four inside 50m entries. The Tigers sprang a surprise on Carlton in the first round last season and will be aiming to the same on Thursday week, but would need to improve on their Ballarat performance.

First home and away game: vs Carlton at the MCG, Thursday March 12 at 7:30pm

ST KILDA

Result: Defeated Essendon by 43 points

Match report:St Kilda vs Essendon AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: It was scarcely a surprise given his profile, but the brilliant performance of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in Ballarat drew headlines in the clash against Essendon. The superstar Saint was superb, with his set-shot kicking for goal again magnificent, with the feature a third term snap around the corner from the boundary line. Speaking of snap shots, what was also evident at Mars Stadium is that sharpshooter Jack Higgins appears to benched the snap around the corner in the pre-season. The small forward, who kicked three goals as the Saints drew away from Essendon after half-time to win by 43 points, reverted to the traditional approach from set shots. He kicked accurately in slippery conditions in what appeals as a potent forward line with the addition of Liam Ryan, who combined brilliantly with Wanganeen-Milera. The clash on Saturday also demonstrated that the ruck double-act of Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall could well prove a weapon for St Kilda this season. The ability to Marshall, who had wanted out of the Saints given the recruitment of the ex-Blue on a big wage, to push forward and kick two goals was important. Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy said combating the combination will be a challenge for opposition coaches this year. “It looks damaging and it is going to get better and better. There is no question that if you have a dominant ruck with this rule, you are going to be pretty damaging,” he said. Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said both ruckmen had the capacity to push forward and present as marking threats, which was an ideal situation for the Saints. He also believes the Saints midfield, which includes Wanganeen-Milera, were already working to the strengths of de Koning. “He has the ability to hit the ball outside and a lot of St Kilda mids are going to be happy with his outside tap work, I reckon. And with Rowan Marshall, they can both go both spots on the field … and that is a real threat for the coach and a real weapon for the coach as well,” the Fox Footy pundit said.

First home and away game: vs Collingwood at the MCG, Sunday March 8 at 7:20pm

SYDNEY SWANS

Result: Defeated Giants by 38 points

Match report:Sydney vs GWS AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: Charlie Curnow is clearly going to have a major impact. He showed glimpses before the rain really came down in more promising signs on what he can provide this group with genuine flag aspirations in 2026. Curnow was complimented in attack by Logan McDonald who is set to play his first game since 2024 — with the Curnow, McDonald and Joel Amartey kicking two goals apiece. The trio are set to be a serious handful for opposition teams. The Brodie Grundy-Peter Ladhams ruck partnership works – but will coach Dean Cox opt for the pairing in Round 1? Both ruckmen hit the scoreboard against GWS and both hit double digits for hit-outs. Together they had 10 clearances as well so can clearly work in tandem. But already with tall forwards Curnow, McDonald and Amartey set to face the Blues, there may only be room for Grundy. New recruits Malcolm Rosas Jnr and Jai Serong are also pushing hard for their club debuts with impressive outings against the Giants, with Rosas Jnr seemingly fighting for a spot with Academy product Caiden Cleary. Riley Bice also impressed again and he might be ahead of Matt Roberts, if there’s only space for one in Sydney’s backline. The Swans will also be hoping an ankle complaint to Errol Gulden isn’t serious after they pulled him from the game for precautionary reasons.

First home and away game: vs Carlton at the SCG, Thursday March 5 at 7:30pm

WEST COAST EAGLES

Result: Lost to Port Adelaide by 73 points

Match report:West Coast vs Port Adelaide AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: If West Coast produce that same pre-season form … it’s going to be another long year for Eagles fans. West Coast proved their own worst enemy at times in the 73-point drubbing by Port – and the errors were coming from players as experienced as skipper Liam Baker through to prized No. 1 pick Willem Duursma. But there were positives from the match – veteran Elliot Yeo got through another match; albeit looking banged up by the end of four quarters. Jacob Newton showed plenty in attack with two crucial goals in the second term as West Coast fought back. And with a small forward role spot up for grabs following the exit of Liam Ryan and the long-term injury to Noah Long, Newton certainly put his hand up. He was “wrapped up” in the final term by Eagles medical staff after a minor ankle tweak, with coach Andrew McQualter confident he’ll be ready come Round 1. McQualter will also be hoping the cavalry is coming for his under siege defence end who leaked 20 goals to Port in Sunday’s practice match. Tylar Young got taught a lesson after Harry Edwards was withdrawn with concussion, and that left just he and Sandy Brock as the tall defensive options. McQualter hopes to regain Reuben Ginbey and new recruit Brandon Starcevich for Round 1 while Bo Allan and Elijah Hewett are strongly pushing their case for a senior recall by performing in a reserves contest. Ex-Eagle Will Schofield believes No. 4 pick Cooper Duff-Tytler has done enough to warrant Rd 1 selection, as Willem Duursma and Josh Lindsay have all impressed at times this pre-season and look set for AFL debuts.

First home and away game: vs Gold Coast at People First Stadium, Sunday March 15 at 6:10pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Result: Defeated Hawthorn by 44 points

Match report:Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn AAMI Community Series news and highlights

What we learned: They look every bit the real deal. Tim English and the blistering Bulldogs made a pre-season statement with a dominant win over fellow contender Hawthorn in arguably the most impressive performance from the weekend. English (23 touches, 29 hit-outs, six marks, two goals) might be ready to go to another level and challenge for the mantle of the best rucks in the competition. The 28-year old seemed to manhandle any Hawthorn opponent that went near him in a showing former Port Adelaide coach Hinkley labelled “probably as good as any I’ve seen him play.” One who could really relish with the new ruck rules and other changes to the game that seem to favour more athletic rucks. English was well supported by the likes of Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli, Matt Kennedy and Ed Richards in a star-studded midfield that’s set to be a major asset yet again. While English was the Dogs’ best, there was plenty of other things to like about Luke Beveridge’s side. Most notably the emergence of several new-age Dogs that look like they’re ready to blossom. Jordan Croft kicked all three of his goals in the first quarter and a bit, while Arthur Jones added three majors too and was dangerous around goal all night. Ryley Sanders (26 disposals) was also busy through the midfield and across half back before his night came to a halt in the fourth quarter due to concussion and means the youngster will miss Opening Round. Michael Sellwood, Lachie Jaques, Buku Khamis and recruit Connor Budarick were all rock solid in a defence that’s set to come under the microscope in a key area the clubs needs to tighten up to help it get to another level. Now the biggest test in footy awaits.

First home and away game: vs Brisbane at the Gabba, Saturday March 7 at 7:35pm