Predicted Round 1 teams, best 23s, latest injury updates and selection news, line-ups, teams, opinion, analysis

AFL clubs’ season opening line-ups are becoming clearer as the new campaign approaches.

Foxfooty.com.au predicts how all 18 teams could look for their first respective games of 2026 — and the reasons behind some line-ball calls.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

B: J.Worrell, J.Butts, M.Michalanney

HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, M.Hinge

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson, R.Laird

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen

F: J.Rachele, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: L.McAndrew, J.Peatling, J.Soligo

I/C: C.Ah Chee, L.Pedlar, S.Berry, C.Jones, T.Murray

EMG: R.O’Brien, L.Nankervis, H.Bond

WE SAY: Some key names missing from the Crows’ best 23 when they face Collingwood in Round 1 after a grim injury run in recent weeks. Izak Rankine (suspended) will be there Round 2, but Mark Keane’s broken leg leaves a big void in defence for multiple months. And Dan Curtin (knee), one of the handiest flex options for Matthew Nicks, will also miss significant time. There seems to be a changing of the ruck guard in Adelaide, with two-gamer Lachie McAndrew looking like the preferred option over incumbent Reilly O’Brien. In fact after recent match simulation against Port Adelaide, it looks like McAndrew could be paired with mid-season recruit Toby Murray due to his ability to swing forward, which will allow Riley Thilthorpe to play purely as a key forward. Ben Keays (hamstring) should be OK for Round 1, but you sense Sid Draper (groin) is now less likely after a disrupted pre-season. Callum Ah Chee’s arrival could force young forward Zac Taylor out of Matthew Nicks’ starting side — although whether Ah Chee will be fit for Round 1 after a low-grade hamstring injury picked up in the AFL Origin game remains to be seen — while Keane’s setback opens the door for Jordon Butts to force his way back in after a collapsed lung in the second half of 2025 halted his momentum in the senior side. The likes of Billy Dowling, Luke Nankervis and Brayden Cook are other young players who will be around the mark. Finnbar Maley was also surprisingly traded to the Crows and is some chance to start in the senior side.

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BRISBANE LIONS

B: N.Answerth, D.Gardiner, R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, D.Zorko

C: H.McCluggage, L.Neale, J.Berry

HF: C.Rayner, O.Allen, Z.Bailey

F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, K.Lohmann

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft

I/C: J.Fletcher, L.Ashcroft, T.Gallop, L.McCarthy, K.Coleman

EMG: D.Annable, S.Marshall, B.Reville

WE SAY: Ruck recruit Sam Draper hasn’t had an ideal start to life at the Lions, with his club debut delayed by a foot stress fracture. It makes veteran Darcy Fort all the more important in the early rounds. Meanwhile, Eric Hipwood is also set to miss the start of the season as a result of a slow recovery from his ACL injury sustained in August. But Oscar Allen got through his first unofficial Brisbane appearance, kicking a goal against the Blues in match simulation. Jack Payne (patella tendon) looks likely to miss the reigning back-to-back premiers’ start to the season amid a slower recovery, and while Noah Answerth (Achilles) is on track to play in Opening Round, he didn’t play against Carlton last Wednesday. Lincoln McCarthy is pushing to play his first game since 2024, and it could be in more of a back-half role after being deployed in defence in match simulation against Carlton. Keidean Coleman got through against the Blues and played a forward-half role instead of his familiar half-back duties, with that added flexibility set to be highly valuable for Chris Fagan.

CARLTON

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, L.Young

HB: N.Newman, H.Dean, O.Florent

C: S.Walsh, P.Cripps, O.Hollands

HF: L.Fogarty, A.Moir, W.Hayward

F: B.Ainsworth, H.McKay, F.Evans

FOLL: M.Pittonet G.Hewett, J.Smith

I/C: B.Acres, Z.Williams, C.Lord, L.Cowan, L.Reidy

EMG: B.Kemp, C.Chesser, T.Byrne

WE SAY: Crucial key defender Jacob Weitering remains in the frame for Opening Round despite fracturing a rib during Origin, but midfielder Adam Cerra won’t be there suffering yet another hamstring injury. The Blues have already ruled him out until after their Round 2 bye, when they’ll confirm his timeline, which doesn’t sound very positive. Meanwhile Wade Derksen, fresh of winning a list spot, is a “genuine chance” to debut in Carlton’s season opener against Sydney, according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary. Derksen played as a third tall up forward alongside Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp in match simulation, while the ex-Giant could also fill a role in defence with Weitering in doubt and Nick Haynes (ankle) out. There’s a watch on Lachie Cowan (calf), who didn’t play against Brisbane in match simulation, but there were promising signs from Kemp on his way back from an Achilles injury. Nic Newman played in a reserves practice match as he continues on his path back to senior footy after a knee injury wiped his 2025 campaign, but Haynes (ankle) and Matt Cottrell (knee) won’t be available until after the club’s Round 2 bye after the pair had arthroscopes to alleviate soreness that restricted them at training in recent weeks. Blake Acres should be right to go after dislocating his shoulder, but he didn’t play against Brisbane. Meanwhile, the club’s past two No.3 draft picks, Harry Dean and Jagga Smith, appear set to play straight away against the Swans. Liam Reidy had been pressing his case to get first crack in the ruck after an impressive first pre-season at Ikon Park, but it appears Marc Pittonet is ahead despite an interrupted summer. Both rucks played minutes against the Lions, with coach Michael Voss open to the idea of playing two tapsters.

COLLINGWOOD

B: I.Quaynor, B.Frampton, B.Maynard

HB: D.Houston, R.McInnes, H.Perryman

C: J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, P.Lipinski

HF: J.De Goey, T.Membrey, J.Elliott

F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, L.Schultz

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos

I/C: S.Sidebottom, J.Crisp, J.Buller, H.Harrison, W.Parker

EMG: C.West, E.Allan, L.Sullivan

WE SAY: Veteran defender Jeremy Howe is “touch and go” for Collingwood’s Opening Round clash, according to skipper Darcy Moore, with St Kilda after reaggravating his pre-season calf injury a couple of weeks back. Presuming Howe misses, Reef McInnes – if he’s able to tick off the final stages of his ACL rehab – looks set to fill Howe’s shoes in defence. Moore himself, meanwhile, continues to race the clock for the club’s season-opener. Moore has been sidelined from Collingwood main training in recent times with what he described as a calf “niggle.” Though the star defender was optimistic he’d be fit to face St Kilda next Sunday at the MCG. “Building up. But I had a really big last couple of weeks with training loads and stuff, so feeling really great and the body feels ready to go. Not sure (about playing Sunday’s practice match) yet, haven’t made plans for this week or next week, but it’s looking pretty good,” Moore said. Fellow premiership Magpie Beau McCreery looks likely to face the Saints as the speedy forward ramps up from foot surgery, looking spritely against the Giants in match simulation. Dan McStay (hamstring) kicked a goal in limited minutes against GWS. Isaac Quaynor (hamstring) is building back up to full fitness ahead of the start of the season. Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill remains on personal leave, and there’s suddenly question marks on when, or if, we’ll see the Norm Smith medallist in black and white stripes again. That list of casualties, along with Brody Mihocek’s departure, opens the door for a sprinkling of youth to come into Craig McRae’s side, including Charlie West, who’s likely competing with Jack Buller for the one forward spot, and Harvey Harrison.

ESSENDON

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, M.Redman

HB: J.Farrow, Z.Reid, A.Roberts

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett, B.Fiorini

HF: S.Durham, P.Wright, I.Kako

F: K.Langford, N.Caddy, A.May

FOLL: L.Blakiston, J.Caldwell, D.Parish

I/C: Z.Johnson, D.Sharp, M.Guelfi, H.El Achkar, A.Clarke

EMG: J.Gresham, J.Nguyen, E.Tsatas

WE SAY: The fresh faces in Essendon’s prospective Round 1 side include first-round draftees Dyson Sharp and Jacob Farrow — with the latter impressively settling in a defensive role across the summer and in match simulation against Richmond — as well as NGA graduate Hussien El Achkar. The crafty and elusive goalkicker exhibited his flair against the Tigers en route to two goals, but he also applied highly valuable forward-half pressure. The Bombers would love to also unleash fellow 2025 draftee Sullivan Robey, but he’s only just working back from a back issue that flared up just after arriving at the club. Key defender Jordan Ridley has suffered yet another setback, set to miss six weeks with a calf injury sustained last Friday, causing a reshuffle in the back half. Zak Johnson keeps pressing his case for a spot, having hit plenty of targets against Richmond. Lachie Blakiston is right in the Round 1 frame as Essendon’s first-choice ruck, looking spritely against the Tigers’ Toby Nankervis. He’s the preferred option to Vigo Visentini at this stage, and it’ll be interesting to see which direction Brad Scott goes once Nick Bryan (ACL) is back healthy. A rejuvenated Darcy Parish finally looks healthy and ready to make his mark, while Archie Perkins is overcoming his groin injury. Essendon will also be without versatile star Nic Martin for the entire 2026 season due to a knee injury, while Tom Edwards and Lewis Hayes (both ACL) remain sidelined for now. Nik Cox (concussion/calf) and Will Setterfield (foot) are showing good signs in their respective builds.

FREMANTLE

B: B.Walker, A.Pearce, J.McVee

HB: K.Worner, B.Cox, J.Clark

C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, N.Erasmus

HF: S.Bolton, P.Voss, M.Reid

F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, M.Frederick

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: L.Jackson, H.Chapman, N.O’Driscoll, S.Switkowski, C.Wagner

EMG: M.Johnson, B.Banfield, I.Dudley

WE SAY: It’s a reasonably clean bill of health for the Dockers, bar Sam Sturt’s lengthy knee rehabilitation and a minor calf issue for Sean Darcy – which doesn’t appear as though it will cost him Round 1. Although Bailey Banfield has been dealing with a recent quad issue and there’s a watch on defender Brennan Cox, who had ice on his calf after the Eagles match sim clash but the Dockers insisted it was precautionary for a knock. Integral midfielder Hayden Young hasn’t missed a beat this summer after consulting with specialists in Doha. Recruit Judd McVee slots in alongside Alex Pearce, who’ll likely be right for Round 1, pending any setbacks. But Luke Ryan — who had shoulder stabilisation surgery in the off-season — could be overlooked for Round 1 if match simulation is anything to go by. He played in the reserves practice match at the weekend; overlooked for the AFL scrimmage. Brandon Walker is one of the “others ahead of him”, according to Justin Longmuir. “Others have had a bigger and better pre-season than him, through no real fault of Luke. He’s come back from that shoulder reconstruction, so he’s only had a couple of intraclubs,” Longmuir said after the Dockers’ practice match against West Coast. Regarding Walker, Longmuir said: “He can break the first line of defence just because he bounces up with the ball. His leg speed breaks that first layer of defence, which opens the game up. (He) demanded a spot today. He’s been able to force himself into (the best side).” McVee and Jordan Clark are set to join forces as good decision-makers coming out of defence. Luke Jackson is set to spend more time as a pure midfielder this year – there’s a world where he’s receiving Darcy’s taps as a rover – but whether that’s a blueprint from the get-go remains to be seen. And speaking of tall timber, eyes will be on Pat Voss’ next steps after breaking out last year, while supporters will be hoping the fledgling Jye Amiss can take some steps. Expect reigning Rising Star winner Murphy Reid to push up more around the ball in stints and watch for a Karl Worner breakout campaign in defence. Fremantle’s depth is such that young wingman Matthew Johnson and defender Corey Wagner find themselves on the outside looking in.

GEELONG

B: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, J.Henry

HB: T.Stewart, C.O’Sullivan, L.Humphries

C: O.Dempsey, M.Holmes, B.Smith

HF: B.Close, S.Neale, P.Dangerfield

F: S.Mannagh, J.Cameron, O.Henry

FOLL: M.Blicavs, J.Worpel, T.Atkins

I/C: J.Bowes, O.Mullin, R.Stanley, T.Bruhn, J.Polkinghorne

EMG: M.O’Connor, J.Clark, M.Edwards

WE SAY: The Cats have suffered another blow to their forward line on the eve of the Community Series, with the dynamic Gryan Miers set to miss Opening Round with a thumb injury, as reported by Seven’s Mitch Cleary. But in a win for the 2025 grand finalists, Jeremy Cameron is “on track” to play in the club’s season opener against Gold Coast, according to Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield, after the reigning Coleman medallist hurt his quad at training earlier this month. “He would have played in that game (on Wednesday) if it wasn’t for the quad. But all signs at the moment, he’s full training today, point towards there being no issue around Opening Round. So he’ll be ready to go,” Dangerfield said. The Geelong captain also confirmed Tanner Bruhn would be available for the club’s final pre-season game against Carlton on Wednesday and in Opening Round after being a late scratch from last week’s practice match against Hawthorn. Tyson Stengle, however, remains some time off in a “progressive build up” after taking personal leave in the off-season. “Tyson’s going well … we want to make sure by the time he’s ready to play, it’s sustainable. We’re really mindful of the challenges that he’s had over the pre-season. We’ll slowly work towards reintegration and playing and that sort of thing. But it’s a work in progress,” Dangerfield said. The uncertainty in the forward half means the untried Jay Polkinghorne is right in the frame after his standout match simulation display against Hawthorn, marking strongly and kicking three goals. Alternatively, Chris Scott could opt for Jack Martin if the veteran is right to go after a rolled ankle stunted his progress. After missing out on Rowan Marshall, Geelong’s ruck set-up remains the biggest conundrum. Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs (both 35) remain their leading ruck options at the start of the season, but Shannon Neale and Sam De Koning can pinch-hit if needed. The extra player on the bench – and Blicavs’ insane versatility – probably allows the Cats to play both Stanley and Blicavs, but Mitch Edwards is right in the mix too.

Toby Conway is slowly building after a few injury-interrupted seasons, but fellow young 208cm ruck Mitch Edwards has been a summer standout at the Cats – and showed promise in the Cats’ match simulation against Hawthorn with his agility and hunt for the ball. Cats assistant coach James Rahilly indicated Stanley, who didn’t play against Hawthorn due to loading, was “trying to come back, but he might be a little bit behind” and that Edwards was “definitely a chance” to play. Skipper Patrick Dangerfield recently indicated premiership forward Tyson Stengle is unlikely to be selected for Opening Round after missing a portion of pre-season training due to personal reasons. We’ve gone for Ollie Henry over Jack Martin — the latter suffered a minor ankle setback recently — while the inclusions of recruit James Worpel and the returning Tanner Bruhn — who was sidelined by the AFL for the entire 2025 season — hinders Jhye Clark’s chances. There’s a watch on Jack Bowes, who came off the ground with calf tightness during Geelong’s match simulation against Hawthorn — a hitout which saw Jay Polkinghorne kick three goals in an eye-catching display. Mark O’Connor, who spent the Australian summer in Ireland helping his local county win three GAA titles, could easily be in the starting line-up against the Suns but feels like a matchup play. Elsewhere, premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij is recovering well after undergoing surgery on both hips in September, while top 2025 draftee Harley Barker will spend most of 2026 on the sidelines as he was drafted just months after rupturing his ACL.

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: J.Noble, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: L.Weller, M.Andrew, D.Rioli

C: Z.Uwland, W.Powell, E.Read

HF: T.Miller, J.Ugle-Hagan, L.Lombard

F: B.Long, B.King, B.Humphrey

FOLL: J.Witts, C.Petracca, N.Anderson

I/C: A.Davies, J.Jeffrey, W.Graham, N.Moyle, S.Clohesy

EMG: J.Walter, D.Patterson, C.Graham

WE SAY: A big blow for the Suns, with Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell to be sidelined for the beginning of the 2026 AFL season. Rowell will undergo surgery on the finger he hurt during AFL Origin, with “a time frame around his return to play to be determined following the operation,” according to head Suns physio Andrew Weller. We’ve brought Wil Powell into the starting midfield amid his impressive transition from the backline. It’s no certainty — especially after a quiet match sim outing against St Kilda — but Jamarra Ugle-Hagan continues to press his case for an Opening Round debut for Damien Hardwick’s Suns. Bodhi Uwland told foxfooty.com.au this pre-season of Ugle-Hagan: “His attitude and intent in training has really stood out. His defensive pressure is something that he’s really worked on over the off-season, he’s tackling really well — because we all know he can bring his offensive game.” The forward-line puzzle will be a conversation all season, with Ugle-Hagan and Jed Walter – who could be set for a statement season in his own right – trying to force their way into a side that already boasts Ben King and Ethan Read. But if Read has been earmarked for a wing, having been recently sighted there in training and possessing the tank to play the position, that could open the door to a spot. Elsewhere, this might be the year ruck Ned Moyle finally plays regular senior footy, with an extended bench and new ruck rules putting him in a great spot to partner Jarrod Witts. Key stopper Charlie Ballard has made great progress in his ACL rehab, but isn’t expected to be ready for Opening Round. How he fits back into the backline puzzle, once ready to return, after a year away will be intriguing, with Sam Collins, Mac Andrew, Bodhi Uwland and maybe Caleb Graham proving a tough code to crack last season. Eyes will also be on Leo Lombard’s development, while Dylan Patterson will look to join fellow top draftee Zeke Uwland in Damien Hardwick’s best side early on. Although Uwland looks to be ahead at this stage, playing the majority of the match sim against St Kilda on the wing, while Patterson only played a half.

GWS GIANTS

B: C.Idun, J.Laverde, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash

C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, X.O’Halloran

HF: O.Hannaford, A.Cadman, H.Thomas

F: T.Greene, J.Hogan, J.Stringer

FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, S.Coniglio

I/C: J.Riccardi, J.Fonti, H.Rowston, J.Ough, H.Oliver

EMG: C.Brown, T.McMullin, N.Madden

WE SAY: A brutal start to 2026 for the Giants keeps getting worse. Tom Green was confirmed to have ruptured his ACL, costing him the season, while Sam Taylor’s high-grade hamstring strain representing WA in Origin will sideline him for the opening rounds of the Giants’ season. Given that Toby Bedford has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a moderate hamstring, we’d suggest Taylor could miss multiple months. But while Leek Aleer shapes as the obvious like-for-like replacement, he doesn’t yet have a return timeline following off-season surgery to resolve osteitis pubis. It means veteran ex-Bombers recruit Jayden Laverde suddenly becomes very important to the Giants’ cause early in the year. Making matters worse, in the club’s match simulation hithout against Collingwood last Friday, Brent Daniels and Cody Angove suffered hamstring injuries. In the midfield, Finn Callaghan will miss both pre-season games with a hip flexor strain, but he’s hoping to be back for Opening Round. There’s never a good time for superstars to be injured but the Giants open against the Hawks, Bulldogs, Saints and Magpies – four tough early tests. Clayton Oliver now becomes incredibly important while emerging ball-winner Harry Rowston and Harvey Thomas likely shift into bigger roles, and we’ve also brought Ollie Hannaford into the Opening Round side for added depth. Expect star skipper Toby Greene to play more midfield minutes this season. “He has (trained with the midfielders) in pre-season. Whether we go like that, we’ll just see how it unfolds,” Adam Kingsley told AFL Media of Greene’s move. The Giants’ upcoming practice games will be absolutely crucial in helping finalise their Opening Round team – for they certainly aren’t lacking depth. The likes of James Leake, Jack Ough, Harry Oliver and Toby McMullin have to be in the mix. There’s also key-position depth, with Jake Riccardi getting the nod ahead of Callum Brown and Max Gruzewski. And while we’ve opted for Kieren Briggs as the starting ruck, the hype around academy graduate Nick Madden this summer has been large, so expect him to get a gig early.

HAWTHORN

B: B.Hardwick, T.Barrass, J.Battle

HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily, K.Amon

C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Ward, J.Weddle

HF: J.Ginnivan, C.Dear, D.Moore

F: N.Watson, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, C. Macdonald

I/C: J.Scrimshaw, C.Nash, C.Mackenzie, N.Reeves, S.Butler

EMG: H.Morrison, F.Maginness, M.Chol

WE SAY: The big early blow for the Hawks is the absence of star midfielder Will Day, who’s expected to miss the first few months of the season due to a shoulder injury. It means the likes of Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle, who’ve spent ample time training with the on-ball group this off-season, will step up, while Cam Mackenzie’s place in the Hawthorn side becomes crucial. Macdonald, who’s been a half-forward type throughout four seasons at Hawthorn, was drafted as a midfielder and has spent most of the summer around the footy. As for Weddle, expect him still to spend plenty of time across half-back. The Hawks have been experimenting with the ruck-forward mix and could well play both Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek in the same team, which might mean one of Mitch Lewis or Calsher Dear misses out. We’ve picked Dear, who’s been a summer standout inside forward 50 alongside Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan. Watson is another who’ll put his hand up for more midfield quick-hits this year. Sam Butler, who’s shown good signs in match practice rotating between the wing and half-forward line, was just picked ahead of Harry Morrison. Skipper James Sicily should be OK for Opening Round despite and interrupted pre-season, while Finn Maginness will go close after a strong recovery from his lacerated kidney.

MELBOURNE

B: B.Howes, D.Turner, H.Petty

HB: C.Jiath, J.Lever, C.Salem

C: E.Langdon, H.Langford, X.Lindsay

HF: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler

F: J.Melksham, M.Jefferson, B.Mihocek

FOLL: M.Gawn, J.Steele, K.Pickett

I/C: T.Rivers, C.Windsor, T.Sparrow, L.Pickett, X.Taylor

EMG: M.Heath, K.Tholstrup, T.McDonald

WE SAY: Premiership defender Steven May has off-field quandaries to resolve, but even if he is available come Round 1, there’s every chance he’s overlooked for a spot as Steven King and co. prioritise the development of youth. Swingman Harry Petty could slot in next to Jake Lever and developing tall Daniel Turner, with the Dees hoping the likes offorwards Matthew Jefferson and Luker Kentfield take steps in their development, with veteran recruit Brody Mihocek providing guidance as well as stability with his forward nous. Mihocek was concussed against North Melbourne in match sim and entered 12-day protocols, so he’ll be monitored. Neither Jefferson or van Rooyen fired against North, while Kentfield and new ruck Max Heath showed their wares. Considering the new ruck rules and extended bench, could the Dees partner Heath with Max Gawn? Jai Culley was trending towards a Round 1 berth in the midfield after a strong pre-season, before suffering a fractured arm, while Jack Viney’s horror summer has ended with surgery on his troublesome Achilles, and Jake Bowey remains out with a longer-term foot injury. Changkuoth Jiath told Foxfooty.com.au of Culley’s pre-season prior to his injury: “He’s one of the guys you kind of question why he hasn’t been playing in previous years. He’s just shown up this pre-season … he’s a powerful beast, aerobically he’s strong, he’s got some speed as well.” Look for Harvey Langford, Trent Rivers and Caleb Windsor to step up in the engine room, Blake Howes is set to fill the void left by now-Docker Judd McVee and Xavier Lindsay takes ownership of a wing opposite Ed Langdon. And watch also for exciting first-year players Xavier Taylor and Latrelle Pickett to make an impact in year one, with both getting a Round 1 nod here.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: L.McDonald, T.Pink, G.Logue

HB: C.Daniel, C.Comben, C.McKercher

C: F.O’Sullivan, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens

HF: L.Dovaston, J.Darling, J.Simpkin

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey, P.Curtis

FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel

I/C: L.Parker, T.Powell, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty, C.Coleman-Jones

EMG: C.Trembath, Z.Duursma, W.Dawson

WE SAY: Bullocking midfielder George Wardlaw’s hamstring issues remain a concern after he failed to complete his managed minutes in a VFL practice match last week. A Round 1 berth is still a possibility, but the Roos could be cautious and hold him back considering his soft tissue history. They could be without key defender Charlie Comben, who’s facing MRO scrutiny for a tackle on Demon Brody Mihocek. Any ban would bring Wil Dawson into the selection frame. Fellow defender Riley Hardeman could be in doubt too after an ankle injury against the Demons, opening the door for Cooper Harvey and Robert Hansen Jnr. Exciting forward Paul Curtis also managed to avoid a serious shoulder injury, but second-round pick Blake Thredgold will miss months with a Lisfranc injury. Lachy Dovaston appears to be trending towards a Round 1 debut, having impressed immensely with his forward-half craft and willingness to disrupt without the footy. Cooper Trembath will push for a spot too, but we’ve sided with Callum Coleman-Jones as the forward/ruck to start the campaign. Harry Sheezel is set to take his game to another level in the midfield, and he’s big on Finn O’Sullivan as a breakout chance at Arden Street this year. O’Sullivan could move up around the ball more after playing mostly as a winger/half-backer in year one, while Colby McKercher should spend most of his time breaking lines across half-back. Meanwhile, eyes will be on the development of Zane Duursma after an inauspicious start to the former top draftee’s career that saw him in trade speculation last October. The Kangas will likely make an SSP signing after Jackson Archer’s long-term knee injury.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: K.Farrell, A.Aliir, T.Marshall

HB: C.Rozee, E.Ratugolea, J.Burgoyne

C: J.Wehr, M.Bergman, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, J.Richards

F: J.Whitlock, M.Georgiades, C.Durdin

FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, J.Horne-Francis

I/C: W.Brodie, J.Berry, J.Sinn, L.Jones, D.Visentini

EMG: B.Zerk-Thatcher, C.Moraes, O.Lord

WE SAY: There’s a watch on Mitch Georgiades, who finished AFL Origin on the bench with hamstring awareness, while Jason Horne-Francis (shoulder) is no certainty either. Todd Marshall has swung into defence in a new role to help support Esava Ratugolea and Aliir Aliir. At the other end of the ground, Jack Whitlock has impressed over the summer and appears ahead of Ollie Lord as Carr’s key attacking options alongside Jack Lukosius and Mitch Georgiades. Sam Powell-Pepper won’t be there to start the season after a slight setback to his cruel ACL injury, while Ollie Wines (suspended) will miss the first two games of 2026. Young tall Harrison Ramm continues to excite as a promising key defender for the future, less than nine months after being picked up as a mid-season draftee. Meanwhile, small forward Joe Berry has so far caught the eye with strong match simulation performances, and Jackson Mead has moved from the midfield to half-back over the summer – a move he instigated in the aftermath of the 2025 season. Ruckman Ivan Soldo, though likely third in line behind Jordon Sweet and Dante Visentini, won’t feature at all in 2026 after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.

RICHMOND

B: N.Broad, B.Miller, J.Gibcus

HB: S.Banks, N.Balta, J.Short

C: H.Ralphsmith, S.Lalor, L.Trainor

HF: R.Mansell, J.Faull, M.Rioli

F: S.Campbell, T.Lynch, H.Armstrong

FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, J.Hopper

I/C: J.Ross, P.Retschko, T.Brown, S.Cumming, S.Grlj

EMG: T.Sonsie, C.Gray, K.McAuliffe

WE SAY: The Tigers dropped a bomb just over a fortnight before their season-opener, confirming first-round draftee Taj Hotton would be sidelined for up to four months after bone stress was discovered in his hip. After a strong match sim outing against Essendon, Hotton reported hip soreness, leading to scans and the diagnosis. He’s not expected to be back running for another six to eight weeks, while it could be four months before he’s availabe for selection. It comes after Hotton’s delayed start to his debut AFL campaign in 2025 following an ACL rupture the previus year. Tigers high performance boss Ben Serpell said: “Taj has done some really strong conditioning over both the off-season and the pre-season, and we were really pleased with how he was placed for this season. We know his professionalism will continue across this rehabilitation phase, and we will support him through that.” Elsewhere, Veteran Dion Prestia is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 after a hamstring setback, while Nick Vlastuin has been slowly eased in this pre-season after a prolonged recovery from a broken ankle late last season. Amid a promising uninterrupted pre-season, Josh Gibcus remains well and truly in the frame for a Round 1 berth, having played against Essendon in match simulation last Friday. Meanwhile, it’s going to be hard for Adem Yze’s match committee to leave top-10 draftees Sam Grlj and Sam Cumming out of the Round 1 side, with the former already impressing fans with his counterpunch ability, and the latter already right on the precipice after impressing as a pure midfielder in the second half against the Bombers. Sam Banks’ progress ahead of Round 1 is worth monitoring, with the club revealing earlier this month that he’s been dealing with foot stress. Hugo Ralphsmith appears just ahead of Patrick Retschko in terms of a wing spot, though how the pair perform against Melbourne in the Community Series will be telling. Kane McAuliffe and Tyler Sonsie got wing minutes against Essendon. Swingman Noah Balta is expected to settle in defence alongside Gibcus and Ben Miller, though he was held out against Essendon. Tom Sims (foot) and Judson Clarke (knee) are the Tigers’ main longer-term injury casualties.

ST KILDA

B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, L.Stocker

HB: B.Hill, J.Silvagni, J.Sinclair

C: D.Wilson, N.Wanganeen-Milera, M.Wood

HF: M.Hall, C.Sharman, L.Ryan

F: J.Higgins, R.Marshall, M.Owens

FOLL: T.De Koning, M.Phillipou, S.Flanders

I/C: M.Windhager, A.Caminiti, H.Boxshall, T.Travaglia, J.Macrae

EMG: J.Carroll, H.Garcia, H.Clark

WE SAY: Plenty of new faces in Ross Lyon’s team. Arguably the most prized recruit, Tom De Koning, has predominantly been used as their first-choice ruck, with Rowan Marshall likely to spend more time more forward. Jack Silvagni (groin) has been limited over the pre-season and suffered a concussion against the Suns in match sim, but appears OK to face Collingwood in Opening Round. But the most concerning setback at Moorabbin is to Max King after the star forward underwent more surgery on his troublesome right knee, followed by a calf setback that should put him up against it to play in the season opener. Mason Wood (calf) has also been limited over the pre-season and Liam Henry (hamstring) suffered a fresh injury blow this month. Sam Flanders is set to slot straight into a new-look midfield alongside Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Mattes Phillipou, who Saints fans will be praying has a better injury run in 2026. Marcus Windhager and Jack Carroll looked good behind the ball against the Suns.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: J.Serong, L.Melican, N.Blakey

HB: C.Mills, T.McCartin, S.Wicks

C: J.McInerney, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden

HF: B.Campbell, J.Amartey, J.Jordon

F: M.Rosas Jnr, C.Curnow, T.Papley

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom

I/C: L.McDonald, H.McLean, D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, M.Roberts

EMG: J.Dattoli, R.Bice, H.Kyle

WE SAY: First impressions of Charlie Curnow’s fit next to Logan McDonald were highly promising, with the pair combining for eight goals against the Bulldogs in match simulation last Thursday. Meanwhile, Malcolm Rosas already looks like a great low-cost asset, set to wreak havoc with Tom Papley inside forward 50. Jesse Dattoli – who managed three games late in his debut AFL season that was curtailed by injury – is an Opening Round chance after an impressive summer, although he’s been deloaded in recent weeks and didn’t play against the Dogs. The bolter was thought to be Ned Bowman — who’s developed into a strong half-back option after being drafted two years ago as a small forward — before suffering a hamstring injury that’ll cost him about eight weeks on the sidelines. New recruit Jai Serong has also made a timely mark early this summer, after coming across from Hawthorn, slotting into defence alongside Dane Rampe against the Dogs. Despite Curnow’s arrival, we’ve kept all of Joel Amartey, McDonald and Hayden McLean in the Swans’ side, with the extra bench spot to allow McLean to give Brodie Grundy a chop out in the ruck. Riley Bice is incredibly stiff.

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: B.Starcevich, H.Edwards, B.Hough

HB: R.Ginbey, T.Young, L.Duggan

C: W.Duursma, H.Reid, H.Davis

HF: E.Hewett, J.Shanahan, J.Graham

F: C.Duff-Tytler, J.Waterman, J.Cripps

FOLL: M.Flynn, D.Robertson, T.McCarthy

I/C: T.Kelly, J.Newton, J.Lindsay, E.Yeo, A.Reid

EMG: H.Schoenberg, B.Allan, M.Owies

WE SAY: Lots of mixed news here. Firstly, new co-captain Liam Baker will miss the Eagles’ first hitout of 2026 after copping a one-match ban for rough conduct. Recruit Brandon Starcevich has had an interrupted pre-season, firstly due to a partial ACL tear followed by a recent low-grade calf strain. Starcevich will be given every chance — club high performance manager Phil Merriman stressed “we’ll make sure we tick every box” — but if there’s any doubt surely they don’t risk him. Elijah Hewett (calf), Jack Graham (hamstring) and Tylar Young (shin) should be fine and there’s a watch on Brady Hough (ankle), but he has resumed full training and is set to play Port Adelaide in the AAMI Series. Baker’s absence could open the door for first-round draftee Josh Lindsay, who’s impressed in recent Eagles match play and then against Fremantle in a match sim. As did Pick 4 Cooper Duff-Tytler, with the 200cm young gun’s five-goal haul prompting ruck Matt Flynn to suggest “it’s a good sign that he (Duff-Tytler) is going to have a serious impact straight away”. Elsewhere, Tom McCarthy is the exciting story coming out of West Coast’s camp, with the former mid-season draftee set to break into the midfield group after bursting onto the scene late last year as a half-back rebounder. Harley Reid looks in terrific nick as he prepares for what should be a genuine breakout campaign. The Eagles actually have some engine room depth after a trying 2025 season, with ex-Crow Harry Schoenberg looking to crack the rotation, which should also feature a healthy Elliot Yeo and hopefully a more in-form Tim Kelly. Meanwhile, Eagles players say Hamish Davis has made an impression this summer as a hard-working wingman, while Jacob Newton has also received solid wraps. Reuben Ginbey’s teammates are tipping him to take a big step this year. Tyler Brockman (ITB), Tom Gross (hamstring), Bailey Williams (groin), Fred Rodriguez (foot), Jack Hutchinson (ankle) will be unavailable.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, C.Budarick

HB: B.Dale, R.Lobb, L.Jaques

C: B.Williams, M.Bontempelli, S.Davidson

HF: A.Treloar, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy

F: C.Hynes, S.Darcy, R.West

FOLL: T.English, J.Freijah, E.Richards

I/C: T.Liberatore, R.Sanders, A.Jones, B.Khamis, L.Vandermeer

EMG: L.Cleary, J.Busslinger, J.Dolan

WE SAY: The Bulldogs have a few injury issues to navigate in the lead-up to the season, but thankfully, most of their stars are all healthy. The most recent setback concerns Bailey Dale, who exited last Thursday’s match simulation against Sydney with knee soreness. Now, he’s in doubt for Opening Round after AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reported he’d suffered a low-grade MCL strain. If he misses, someone like Luke Cleary could see an early berth across half-back. Meanwhile, veteran Adam Treloar is sidelined with a calf issue. Given his extensive soft-tissue history, he’s likely up against it to play in Opening Round. Draftee Lachie Carmichael (syndesmosis) and forward Josh Dolan (foot) have been dealing with concerns, Laitham Vandermeer has had Achilles soreness, while Riley Garcia has been shelved by a serious hamstring injury that’ll keep him out for the start of the season. Add in James Harmes’ sudden retirement and the fact that Cody Weightman has only just started running again after a long-term knee issue, and there are roles to fill. But Artie Jones is a name that’s pressing his case for a starting spot in Luke Beveridge’s side up forward, having been arguably the club’s best performer in its match simulation hitout against Sydney. Meanwhile, second-year Bulldog Lachie Jaques is a good chance of an early debut after a strong summer, which included some nice moments against the Swans last Thursday. Recruit Connor Budarick slotted into defence, while Cooper Hynes’ eye-catching pre-season should put him right in the Opening Round mix. Rory Lobb, James O’Donnell and possibly Jedd Busslinger are the Dogs’ main key backs, with Buku Khamis retained after a trade with Carlton fell through. We’ve gone for Khamis over Busslinger for now, while Luke Cleary is another defensive option.