Footy fans over a one-week period are getting their first genuine look at how all 18 clubs are shaping up for the 2025 season.
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Seventeen clubs are taking part in match simulations — which all have varying formats — while the Dockers have the opportunity to play against the Indigenous All-Stars team.
After every game, foxfooty.com.au will analyse what we learned about all 18 teams.
ADELAIDE CROWS
Match simulation details: Play Port Adelaide on Friday February 21 at 5.30pm (AEDT), Mt Barker Summit Sport and Recreation Park (4×28-minute quarters with no time on).
BRISBANE LIONS
Match simulation details: Play Collingwood and Gold Coast Suns on Thursday February 20 at 6pm (AEDT), People First Stadium (Three matches of 2×25-minute periods: Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns, Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood).
CARLTON
Match simulation details: Play St Kilda on Saturday February 22 at 11am (AEDT), IKON Park (4×20-minute quarters with time on).
Hill stars for AFL Indigenous All Stars | 02:15
COLLINGWOOD
Match simulation details: Play Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns on Thursday February 20 at 6pm (AEDT), People First Stadium (Three matches of 2×25-minute periods: Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns, Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood).
ESSENDON
Result: 19-point win over Western Bulldogs (77-58)
Match Report: Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon match simulation
What we learned: The Dogs and Dons were the first two teams across the league to face off in a match simulation format this summer, with Brad Scott’s men coming up trumps by just over three goals. The story of the Bombers’ afternoon at Whitten Oval was undoubtedly the unearthing of SPP train-on Tom Edwards, who snagged four goals in the second half to prime himself for a spot on their AFL list. Outside of Edwards, Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako were both a constant threat close to goal. Kako kicked a brilliant goal and showed glimpses of his electric pressure in the front half, while mobile forward Caddy has significantly improved his aerobic capacity to compliment his breathtaking ability in the air. Kako at last year’s draft combine told foxfooty.com.au about his tight bond with fellow Parade College graduate Caddy, saying: “We were a dynamic duo back in high school kicking bags of goals together.” Now they’re sharing the same forward line at Essendon. Assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa told reporters post-game: “They’re good mates, those two, and I think they’re going to look for each other over the years to come.” Giansiracusa added Kako “makes the opposition worry about him and we want a forward line where we’ve got multiple guys like that”. Elsewhere, Archie Perkins and ruck Sam Draper each kicked two goals in the victory. Perkins told the club’s website that his side’s “contest and pressure” was a highlight, adding: “Probably in the past few years teams have been able to work the ball through us with handball far too often. Today I don’t think they (the Dogs) had too many clean looks in transition because I think our heat around the ball was good. Chase, pressure, tackling was all at a really high level for a practice match. If we can maintain that, that’d be great.” Jordan Ridley, Ben McKay, Darcy Parish and Sam Durham were among the names to miss the match through injury.
Longmuir on keeping up with All Stars | 08:07
FREMANTLE
Result: 43-point loss to Indigenous All-Stars (108-65)
Match Report: Fremantle vs. Indigenous All-Stars game
What we learned: Most of the chatter surrounding the Dockers post-game centred on Justin Longmuir’s comments where he admitted his side intentionally played a “vanilla” brand as they wanted to keep some tactical powder dry ahead of the AAMI Community Series and Round 1. Whether that was an overreaction by the Dockers and a wasted opportunity has divided opinion. Nonetheless, there were still some concerns from pundits regarding Freo’s ball movement at times during the game. Club legend Matthew Pavlich told Fox Footy the Dockers “at times have been a little too cautious, particularly between the arcs”. The Dockers, however, were far from full strength, Alex Pearce (ankle), Sean Darcy (ankle), Nat Fyfe (knee) and Hayden Young (hamstring) all sidelined through injury and Shai Bolton and Michael Walters representing the All-Stars. While star midfielder Caleb Serong was brilliant with 1.2 from 30 disposals, 18 contested possessions and 10 clearances, the Dockers had strong contributions from a few unheralded players. Corey Wagner proved he could be a valuable asset for his team this season, finishing with 24 disposals, eight rebound 50s and 586m gained, while Michael Frederick showed signs he’s elevated his game with a strong summer, kicking three goals from eight disposals.
GEELONG CATS
Result: 20-point point win over Hawthorn (106-86)
Match report: Geelong v Hawthorn match simulation
What we learned: The Cats are in really good hands. Their exciting young brigade, that will not only lead the club into the future, but also largely decide its fortunes in 2025, was very much a highlight in Monday’s clash at GMBA Stadium. Ollie Henry led a dynamic Cats forward with a game-high four goals, while Brad Close (three goals), Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale (both two goals) also put in impressive performances. Patrick Dangerfield was also used primarily forward and proved a tough matchup for the Hawks’ defence. Further up the field, Bailey Smith had some bright moments in limited game time in the recruit’s first competitive game since late 2023, while fellow addition Jack Martin didn’t play. Max Holmes was a prime mover in the Cats midfield and looks ready to go from strength to strength after his best and fairest 2024. Mitch Knevitt also looked good playing permantley on the ball after a strong pre-season. It seems the Cats still don’t know exactly where to play Sam De Koning, with the 23-year old playing in the ruck in the first half then switching into defence. Former Pick 11 Connor O’Sullivan looked right at home at AFL level and should pish for senior selection. If not for Geelong’s wayward kicking in the first half, the scoreboard could’ve looked even more in the home side’s favour.
GOLD COAST SUNS
Match simulation details: Play Brisbane Lions and Collingwood on Thursday February 20 at 6pm (AEDT), People First Stadium (Three matches with 2×25-minute periods: Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns, Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood).
Kayo Call Up puts contenders in hot seat | 03:11
GWS GIANTS
Match simulation details: Play Sydney Swans on Friday February 21 at 10.00am (AEDT), Tramway Oval (4×30-minute quarters with no time on).
HAWTHORN
Result: 20-point loss to Geelong (106-86)
Match report: Geelong v Hawthorn match simulation
What we learned: The scoreboard was largely irrelevant, with the Hawks taking plenty of positives away from Saturday’s meeting with Geelong including Sam Mitchell’s men getting better as the game went on. Their emerging midfield looks set to be a real weapon as Will Day, Jai Newcombe and James Worpel won plenty of ball inside the contest and controlled the clearance battle. Day was a clear standout in a slightly different role, spending more time forward and kicking two goals. Cam Mackenzie will look to push into that midfield mix after some promising moments on Monday. The Hawks in the first half struggled to convert their on-ballers’ dominance to scores, before their forward connection was better in the second half as their exciting ball movement and run went up a notch. Elsewhere, with Jack Ginnivan was quiet and Nick Watson unavailable, Finn Maginness stepped up in a forward role with two goals as he stakes a claim to start in Hawthorn’s stacked forward line. The Hawks missed recruit Tom Barrass in defence as Geelong’s dynamic forward line ran rampant, however fellow recruit Josh Battle was solid in his first hitout in new colours.
“He’s looked to really transition into the way Hawthorn like to move the footy and get involved in their fast plays,” AFLW Bulldogs star Ellie Blackburn said on Fox Footy.
“He’s strong overhead and can hold himself in a one-on-one contest, then be involved in the play and that run and carry. The ability to have that high level of fitness to get involved in those plays is something he thrives on. It’ll be exciting for Hawks fans to watch him go about it in this upcoming season.”
MELBOURNE
Match simulation details: Play North Melbourne on Saturday February 22 at 11am (AEDT), Arden Street Oval (4×25-minute quarters with time on for goals only, plus 2×3-minute scenario play at the end of the second and fourth quarters).
Simpkin emotional after tribute goal | 01:21
NORTH MELBOURNE
Match simulation details: Play Melbourne on Saturday February 22 at 11am (AEDT), Arden Street Oval (4×25-minute quarters with time on for goals only, plus 2×3-minute scenario play at the end of the second and fourth quarters).
PORT ADELAIDE
Match simulation details: Play Adelaide Crows on Friday February 21 at 5.30pm (AEDT), Mt Barker Summit Sport and Recreation Park (4×28-minute quarters with no time on).
RICHMOND
Result: 36-point loss to West Coast (26-62)
Match Report: West Coast vs. Richmond match simulation
What we learned: The Tigers’ unofficial start to 2025 could have gone better than a six-goal defeat to West Coast across three periods of play, and it certainly could have gone without a worrying head knock to number one draft pick Sam Lalor in the dying stages of their match at Mineral Resources Park. The emerging star has officially entered concussion protocols, after needing assistance to the field reporting a sore jaw. In the words of caller Adam Papalia on Kayo throughout the match, the 18-year-old had “done some impressive things, without dominating,” across the 75-minute match. “He just looks like him (Martin)! I reckon if he plays anything like Dusty, Richmond fans will be very, very happy,” premiership Eagle Will Schofield added. Lalor kicked two of Richmond’s four goals for the morning, evidently having a positive impact on the young group. Admittedly, the Tigers were missing a plethora of senior players, with the likes of Tim Taranto, Tom Lynch, Jacob Hopper, Toby Nankervis, and Nick Vlastuin all staying behind in Melbourne. Tigers fans will also be sweating on the fitness of young gun Hugo Ralphsmith, who left the field of play during the second period holding his hamstring. Beyond the injuries and absentees, Category B ruck Oliver Hayes-Brown made his presence felt with a goal, and looks to have improved notably since signing with the club in September of 2023. Additionally, Seth Campbell ran through the midfield at times in a potential indicator of more time on-ball in 2025. Next week’s clash with the Magpies will hopefully give further exposure to all the young talent at Punt Road after Monday’s hit out.
ST KILDA
Match simulation details: Play Carlton on Saturday February 22 at 11am (AEDT), IKON Park (4×20-minute quarters with time on).
Swans youngster handed 2-game suspension | 00:36
SYDNEY SWANS
Match simulation details: Play GWS Giants on Friday February 21 at 10.00am (AEDT), Tramway Oval (4×30-minute quarters with no time on).
WEST COAST EAGLES
Result: 36-point win over Richmond (62-26)
Match Report: West Coast vs. Richmond match simulation
What we learned: They may have been up against an ultra-young and underdone Richmond squad, but the Eagles still impressed in their first-ever hit out under new coach Andrew McQualter. It was the small forwards who looked most at home of anyone at their training facility, with Tyler Brockman (three goals), Elijah Hewett and Tyrell Dewar (one goal each) all impressing with their goal sense and synergy. The latter in Dewar provided sparks of brilliance, including a near-screamer on the wing in the first period. “We know he can play at the level… it’s just consistency,” 2018 Eagles premiership player Will Schofield said. Three SSP player hopefuls took to the field for the Eagles in their clash with Richmond, as Sandy Brock, James Van Es and Ben Hutchinson battled for the club’s final two list spots. The former Sun in Brock was the most noticeable of the trio, with his intercept marking a clear highlight — as highlighted by Schofield. “Sandy Brock has been impressive, that’s another intercept mark … I like how he’s gone about it (today),” he said in the final period. Van Es and Hutchinson were sighted slightly less, however all three will still be hopeful of an AFL lifeline before the end of this week’s SSP deadline. First-round selection from last year’s draft Bo Allen looked clean when around the ball, with high expectations set for the left-footed young gun. 2024 mid-season draftee Jack Hutchinson was, as anticipated, brought higher up the ground and around the ball. Jack Graham and Liam Baker each played against their former club for the first time, and spent time around the ball throughout. Like their opponents Richmond, the Eagles were still missing several stars for the match with Harley Reid, Jeremy McGovern, and Jake Waterman three of their better players who will look to suit up in the coming weeks.
Ugle-Hagan’s future remains uncertain | 00:51
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Result: 19-point loss to Essendon (58-77)
Match Report: Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon match simulation
What we learned: It’s always dangerous to read too much into the result of match sims, but it’s especially the case for the Bulldogs, who opted not to play star duo Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore, while they were also without the likes of Jason Johannisen (hamstring), Liam Jones (hamstring), Anthony Scott (knee), Adam Treloar (calf) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal). Then they pulled 10 players out of the game at half-time, including Sam Darcy, Rory Lobb and Ed Richards, who all had several eye-catching moments across the first two quarters. Darcy took several contested marks, but missed out on a big day out, booting 1.2 in the first quarter. With several first-choice midfielders out, Riley Garcia was a standout for his team, thriving with the opportunity to attend more centre bounces and impact stoppages. But perhaps the most promising glimpses came from the Dogs’ young players who’ve been picked up across the past two drafts. Joel Freijah (Pick 45, 2023), to the eye, won more disposals than any other Bulldogs player, providing terrific drive and rebound off half-back for the entire four quarters. Ryley Sanders (Pick 6, 2023) looks super fit after a strong pre-season and seems destined for more consistent senior footy in 2025 after managing 15 games in his debut season. And 2024 draftees Cooper Hynes (Pick 20) and Josh Dolan (Pick 31) showed good promise when injected into the game at half-time, with Hynes bursting out of stoppage several times and Dolan showing great intensity, both with and without the footy, across half-forward. On a tough day for small forwards, gun forward Cody Weightman struggled to have an impact. Dual premiership Kangaroo David King posed on SEN Breakfast whether Weightman should be used more often in centre bounces, asking: “Are they wasting Weightman? He’s kicked 36 (goals), 34 and 27 in the last three years and he doesn’t go in for centre bounces. I think why wouldn’t you have this guy get as much ball as he can get? (He had) eight centre bounce opportunities last year — and guess what? They won six of the eight … This guy creates things. I would love to see him get more opportunity up the field. I know he’s had a semi-impacted pre-season, but he’s been in the system for long enough now to get through. I think you’ve got to explore this talent and find out what the ceiling is for this guy … Give him more opportunity and responsibility and challenge him to become the Shai Bolton-type that can start in the middle and get forward.”
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