AFL Team Tips: Star recruit ‘jumping out of his skin’ as club debuts loom; Hawk learns injury fate

A makeshift Opening Round has come and gone, which means we’re finally set to get a look at all 18 teams in action this weekend.

And there’s already plenty of injury news and selection whispers to take into consideration ahead of a full slate of enticing matchups.

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Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 1 in AFL Team Tips!

ROUND 1 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

RICHMOND v CARLTON

Thursday March 13, 7:30pm at MCG

Richmond’s predicted Round 1 team

B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin

HB: T.Brown, J.Blight, J.Short

C: K.McIntosh, J.Hopper, S.Banks

HF: T.Sonsie, J.Bauer, S.Lalor

F: S.Campbell, T.Lynch, R.Mansell

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

I/C: T.Dow, L.Trainor, L.Fawcett, J.Trezise, M.Rioli

EMG: H.Armstrong, S.Ryan, K.McAuliffe

Team Tips: No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor is all but a certainty to make his league debut on Thursday night, having proven himself fit for selection after overcoming a concussion and broken jaw in a match simulation against West Coast a few weeks back. He will likely be one of multiple first-year Tigers to make their first AFL appearances against Carlton, with defender Luke Trainor well and truly in the frame alongside key forwards Harry Armstrong and Thomas Sims. Fellow top draftee Josh Smillie (hamstring), however, won’t be available to start the year, while veteran midfielder Dion Prestia (Achilles) is also sidelined. Second-year key forward Liam Fawcett seems poised for an early-season debut, and it could come as early as against the Blues, but fifth-year tall Samson Ryan will also put his hand up as the second ruckman to skipper Toby Nankervis. With Hugo Ralphsmith hamstrung, James Trezise could line up on a wing, with veteran Kamdyn McIntosh potentially set to be part of the inside midfield rotation.

Carlton’s predicted Round 1 team

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, J.Boyd

HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, O.Hollands

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps, S.Docherty

HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell

F: Z.Williams, B.Kemp, J.Motlop

FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, S.Walsh

I/C: G.Hewett, L.Cowan, J.Silvagni, C.Lord, L.Camporeale

EMG: L.Fogarty, J.Binns, H.Lemmey

Team Tips: Father-son prospect Lucas Camporeale will make his AFL debut on Thursday night after impressing on a wing against GWS in the Community Series. Swingman Brodie Kemp was another who turned heads in the pre-season and is expected to line up in the forward-line as a second fiddle to Harry McKay in Charlie Curnow’s absence. The Blues hope Curnow can return against Hawthorn on March 20. And speaking of swingmen, forward-turned-defender Jack Silvagni has earned a start behind the ball, alongside off-season recruit Nick Haynes. With Nic Newman and Alex Cincotta on the sidelines, Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan figure to slot into more prominent roles for the Blues. Tom De Koning will solo ruck to begin the year in the absence of the injured Marc Pittonet in what is an important campaign for the off-contract gun. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Cooper Lord, drafted mid-year in 2024, will be a name to watch after impressing throughout the summer.

HAWTHORN v ESSENDON

Friday March 14, 7:40pm at MCG

Hawthorn’s Opening Round team

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

HB: J.Weddle, J.Impey, J.Battle

C: J.Sicily – C, J.Newcombe, M.D’Ambrosio

HF: C.Nash, H.Morrison, N.Watson

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, W.Day

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Worpel, D.Moore

I/C: F.Maginness, C.Macdonald, S.Frost, C.Mackenzie, K.Amon

EMG: J.Gunston, J.Ward, W.McCabe

Team Tips: The lone sour note to come from the Hawks’ season-opening triumph over Sydney was the ankle injury suffered by James Worpel, which forced him out of the contest at half-time. The gun ball-getter has avoided surgery on a syndesmosis ankle injury and is slated for a three-to-four-week stint on the sidelines. Josh Ward, who was named an emergency for the clash, is the obvious corresponding inclusion. Star midfielder Will Day was assessed mid-game for a cramp, but there is no injury concern for the best-on-ground ball-winner. The weekly conundrum will revolve around where skipper James Sicily plays, with Sam Frost getting a nod as the substitute — he recorded three disposals in 44 per cent time on ground — in a move that swung Sicily forward last Friday. Otherwise, there aren’t many changes Sam Mitchell is likely to make after a purring start to Hawthorn’s campaign. Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis will spend the opening portion of the season on the sidelines, potentially opening the door to a Max Ramsden call-up at some stage. Elsewhere, exciting rebounder Changkuoth Jiath is available for selection after playing a good chunk of a VFL practice match at the weekend.

Essendon’s predicted Round 1 team

B: A.McGrath, B. McKay, J.Ridley

HB: M.Redman, Z. Reid, D.Shiel

C: X. Duursma, Z. Merrett, N.Martin

HF: J.Gresham, H.Jones, A.Perkins

F: I. Kako, N.Caddy, K.Langford

FOLL: S. Draper, J.Caldwell, S. Durham

I/C: N.Bryan, A.Roberts, E.Tsatas, B.Hobbs, J.Prior

EMG: S. El-Hawli, W.Setterfield, T.Edwards

Team Tips: After a false start to their 2025 campaign, the Bombers will finally get their year underway with a crunch prime-time clash with traditional rivals Hawthorn. Essendon has had several players endure interrupted pre-seasons, including Sam Durham (ribs), Jordan Ridley (hamstring), Jye Caldwell (hip) and Ben McKay (ankle), though all should be available to play the Hawks. Important midfielder Darcy Parish is integrating back into main training amid a troublesome back ailment, but he reportedly won’t be ready for a VFL return for another month. Crucially, Zach Reid — who has played one AFL game since the start of the 2023 season — has remained healthy as he prepares to put his best foot forward. Brad Scott’s Dons are expected to trot out a dual ruck set-up, with Sam Draper and Nick Bryan each impressing in the pre-season. Key forward Peter Wright will spend a stint on the sidelines after copping a high-grade ligament strain in his ankle in a VFL practice match at the weekend.

GEELONG v FREMANTLE

Saturday March 15, 1:20pm at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong’s predicted Round 1 team

B: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

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

C: G.Miers, B.Smith, O.Dempsey

HF: P.Dangerfield, J.Cameron, B.Close

F: T.Stengle, S.Neale, O.Henry

FOLL: S.De Koning, M.Knevitt, M.Holmes,

I/C: T.Atkins, S.Mannagh, M.Duncan, M.Blicavs, J.Bowes

EMG: J.Clark, J.Martin, R.Stanley

Team Tips: Tall utility Sam De Koning appears poised to assume the number-one ruck role after lining up in the middle throughout the pre-season, and with Connor O’Sullivan impressing his peers this pre-season behind the ball, the second-year stopper seems likely to slot in alongside Tom Stewart and Jack Henry. It leaves with the ever-versatile Mark Blicavs freed up to support, particularly against Fremantle’s key-position tall timber of Luke Jackson, Liam Reidy, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss, and veteran tapster Rhys Stanely likely overlooked. Marquee off-season addition Bailey Smith is “jumping out of his skin” to get his Geelong career officially underway after a promising pre-season teaser, says Stewart. “It’s been long and challenging for him individually but ever since he’s got to the club, I’ve been really proud of the way he’s applied himself to his craft and to his work,” Stewart said. “You can only speak so highly of the way that he’s embraced our culture and come in and put his head down and got to work.” Smith will line play his craved inside midfield role alongside the likes of Max Holmes, Tom Atkins, Patrick Dangerfield and improving ball-getter Mitch Knevitt, who appears ready to line up more at the coalface after spending time on a wing in recent years. Up forward, provided he stays healthy, Jack Martin figures to add another classy element to an already-lethal attacking unit — though he may be eased in to begin his tenure.

Fremantle’s predicted Round 1 team

B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce, B.Walker

HB: J.Clark, B.Cox, H.Chapman

C: J.Sharp, J.O’Meara, N.O’Driscoll

HF: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Frederick

F: S.Switkowski, J.Amiss, S.Sturt

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: M.Walters, M.Reid, J.Draper, L.Reidy, C.Wagner

EMG: N.Erasmus, N.Fyfe M.Johnson

Team Tips: This is going to be a tough side to break into this season, and all the evidence needed is the fact we’ve left Nat Fyfe out of the side — even after it was revealed midfielder Hayden Young (hamstring) would miss the start of the season. Jaegar O’Meara, Matt Johnson and Neil Erasmus will be leaned on for engine room depth. At this point, it would be a surprise if Murphy Reid wasn’t awarded a debut against the Cats after his eye-opening pre-season. Ruckman Sean Darcy just can’t take a trick with injury — set to miss a chunk of the start of the season following ankle surgery for a historical injury — but it allows two-gamer Liam Reidy a chance to prove himself as a senior-level talent next to x-factor tall Luke Jackson. James Aish, Will Brodie, Karl Worner and Bailey Banfield are a few names we expect to be unlucky omissions to start the season.

SYDNEY v BRISBANE

Saturday March 15, 4:15pm at SCG

Sydney’s Opening Round team

B: N.Blakey, L.Melican, S.Wicks

HB: M.Roberts, D.Rampe, B.Paton

C: J.Lloyd, I.Heeney – C, J.McInerney

HF: B.Campbell, T.McCartin, T.Papley

F: W.Hayward, J.Amartey, J.Jordon

FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom

I/C: O.Florent, T.Adams, A.Sheldrick, Co.Warner, T.Hanily

Team Tips: Veteran forward-midfielder Taylor Adams was the main injury concern to come out of Friday’s season-opening defeat at the hands of Hawthorn, with the initial fear that he will miss an extended period with what appeared the ‘mechanism’ of a syndesmosis injury. Syndesmosis injuries typically take between six and eight weeks to recover from but can sometimes stretch out to 12 weeks, depending on the stability of the ligament. Two-gamer Caleb Mitchell was an emergency for last Friday’s bout and could be considered as Adams’ replacement. Peter Ladhams and Aaron Francis were also emergencies in Opening Round. Another point of contention for the Swans’ selection is how long coach Dean Cox persists with swingman Tom McCartin in the forward-line, with Logan McDonald injured — and not expected to return until at least after the Round 3 bye — and fellow key forward Hayden McLean overlooked by the match committee. McCartin kicked 1.1 from seven disposals and seven marks against the Hawks, while Joel Amartey top-scored for the Swans with three majors. Errol Gulden (ankle) won’t have a return date approximated for another five weeks, while skipper Callum Mills (foot) is still looking at a four-week return timeline.

Brisbane’s predicted Round 1 team

B: N.Answerth, H.Andrews, R.Lester

HB: D.Zorko, J.Payne, D.Wilmot

C: J.Fletcher, W.Ashcroft, H.McCluggage

HF: C.Rayner, L.Morris, J.Berry

F: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey

FOLL: O.McInerney, L.Neale, J.Dunkley

I/C: K.Lohmann, C.Ah Chee, C.McKenna, S.Day, L.Ashcroft

EMG: L.McCarthy, T.Gallop, B.Reville

Team Tips: While it was disappointing from a footy perspective to have last Thursday’s Brisbane-Geelong fixture postponed, Brandon Starcevich would have seen the silver lining. Starcevich had been concussed in the Lions’ Community Series tune-up match, ruling him out of their season opener due to the nature of the 12-day protocols, but with no game played last Thursday, the premiership defender won’t miss a beat as he is set to exit protocols and line up against Sydney in the grand final rematch on Saturday. Veteran Sam Day could make his club debut after Brisbane signed him to help fill the significant forward-line void left by the retired Joe Daniher, but mid-sized types Cam Rayner, Kai Lohmann and Zac Bailey will also be leant on for goalscoring influence. And speaking of debuts, prodigious father-son midfielder Levi Ashcroft is set to earn his maiden senior call-up alongside older brother and now-Norm Smith medallist, Will. Rebounder Keidean Coleman faces a four-to-six-week return timeline after suffering swelling in the knee he is rehabilitating from last year’s ACL tear, as does fellow ACL victim and defender Tom Doedee, who is yet to make his Lions debut after joining the club in late 2023.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday March 15, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ predicted Round 1 team

B: T.Duryea, R. Lobb, L.Bramble

HB: J.Freijah, B.Khamis, B.Dale

C: R.Sanders, T.Liberatore, B.Williams

HF: L.Vandermeer, A.Naughton, L.McNeil

F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West

FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: J.O’Donnell, J.Harmes, H.Gallagher, S.Davidson, L.Cleary

EMG: A.Jones, C.Poulter, J.Croft

Team Tips: The Bulldogs have had a grim pre-season from an injury perspective, preparing to head into their campaign proper with a plethora of star names absent, headlined by superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli, who will miss the opening block of the year with a ‘complex’ calf injury. All-Australian Adam Treloar is also sidelined with a calf issue, while Ed Richards has also battled a calf issue but should be fit to take his place against the Kangaroos. Subsequently, ex-Blues recruit Matthew Kennedy and exciting second-year ball-winner Ryley Sanders are expected to be leant on to step up in the engine room. Meanwhile, with Liam Jones hamstrung, Buku Khamis appears likely to take his spot, and Jedd Busslinger is also likely to put his hand up for senior selection at some stage. Veteran flag-winner Jason Johannisen is also hamstrung, while fellow rebounder Bailey Dale has overcome injury to be ready for the start of the season. Forward Cody Weightman (knee) will miss at least 10 weeks, while there remains no firm timeline on a senior return for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

North’s predicted Round 1 team

B: J.Archer, G. Logue, A.Corr

HB: C.Daniel, C.Comben, D.Tucker

C: C.McKercher, J.Simpkin, B.Scott

HF: L.Parker, N.Larkey, R.Hansen Jr

F: P.Curtis, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar

FOLL: T. Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel

I/C: W.Phillips, Z.Fisher, J.Konstanty, T.Powell, F.O’Sullivan

EMG: L.McDonald, Z.Duursma, E.Ford

Team Tips: Gun midfielder George Wardlaw and rebounding defender Josh Goater are each nursing hamstring injuries, while Zac Fisher is almost recovered from one of his own. Otherwise, this is a reasonably healthy Roos list on the eve of the season. With Wardlaw on the sidelines, Tom Powell and Will Phillips are likely to be beneficiaries in the engine room. Off-season recruits Caleb Daniel, Luke Parker and Jack Darling have acclimated promisingly as Alastair Clarkson looks to strike a harmonious balance of youth and experience. And speaking of youth, expect prized draftee Finn O’Sullivan to spend plenty of time on a wing after plying his trade there throughout the pre-season. Meanwhile, Kallan Dawson, Robert Hansen Jr., Dylan Stephens, Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Miller Bergman and Jacob Konstanty are other younger names pressing their cases. Hansen Jr. and Konstanty played against the Eagles in their Community Series tune-up, meaning we’re predicting Zane Duursma and Eddie Ford to miss out against the Bulldogs.

COLLINGWOOD v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday March 15, 7:35pm at MCG

Collingwood’s Opening Round team

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, R.McInnes

HB: I.Quaynor, J.Howe, J.Daicos

C: H.Perryman, S.Pendlebury, P.Lipinski

HF: Bo.Hill, B.Mihocek, B.McCreery

F: D.McStay, W.Hoskin-Elliott, L.Schultz

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, N.Daicos

I/C: N.Long, S.Sidebottom, J.Elliott, T.Membrey, E.Allan

EMG: L.Sullivan, W.Parker, B.Frampton

Team Tips: How do the Pies respond to an underwhelming 52-point loss to the Giants? You wouldn’t think Craig McRae and the match committee team does anything drastic, with this ageing group largely the one that will dictate the club’s 2025 fortunes. The Pies will get a handy addition in Dan Houston set to return from suspension for his first game in black and white against his old side. That could come at the expense of Will Hoskin-Elliott or Ed Allan, who showed poise and general good signs without truly imposing himself. Jordan De Goey will also be in the mix to return from a knee issue but could be given an extra week off. Dan McStay and Tim Membrey both struggled against the Giants, but the Pies should persevere with a new-look forward that hasn’t had continuity in some time. There could also be a watch on Nick Daicos after he struggled to get through the GWS game due to severe cramping, though it’d be a surprise if the fourth-year superstar doesn’t get up this week.

Port Adelaide’s predicted Round 1 team

B: M.Bergman, J.Finlayson, L.Evans

HB: J.Burgoyne, A.Aliir, J.Sinn

C: T.Boak, W.Drew, K.Farrell

HF: J.Horne-Francis, J.Lukosius, D.Byrne-Jones

F: W.Rioli, M.Georgiades, J.Richards

FOLL: J.Sweet, O.Wines, C.Rozee

I/C: O.Lord, S.Powell-Pepper, J.Mead, J.Berry, L.Jones

EMG: R.Burton, W.Lorenz, D.Williams

Team Tips: It was a nervous watch for Port fans when Connor Rozee left training on Friday after appearing to hurt his toe in match simulation. But the club has downplayed concerns around its star skipper, saying he’ll be right to go for the club’s season-opening clash. They’ll of course be without Zak Butters for the start of the season in a blow to the midfield, putting a greater responsibility on the likes of Rozee, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Wines and Willem Drew. Elsewhere, Jeremy Finlayson looks set to fill the key defensive void left by Esava Ratugolea and his knee injury, while Port could have up to three club debutants — with recruits Jack Lukosius and Joe Richards plus draftee Joe Berry all firming to play. One of the key watches for fans will be who steps up into the Dan Houston distributor role in the void of the dual All-Australian, with the likes of Miles Bergman, Josh Sinn and Logan Evans among the names putting their hands up.

ADELAIDE v ST KILDA

Sunday March 16, 12:35pm at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide’s predicted Round 1 team

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

HB: R.Laird, N.Murray, W.Milera

C: L.Sholl, J.Soligo, I.Cumming

HF: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays

F: R.Thilthorpe, T.Walker, J.Rachele

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson, I.Rankine

I/C: M.Crouch, J.Peatling, S.Draper, D.Curtin, M.Hinge

EMG: S.Berry, J.Butts, L.Pedlar

Team Tips: Adelaide’s trio of new recruits, Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling and Isaac Cumming, should all make their maiden Crows appearances against St Kilda on Sunday, while top draftee Sid Draper may be firming for the substitute role as the 23rd man. The Crows’ midfield and attacking depth should really challenge the undermanned Saints, with second-year talent Daniel Curtin set to line up forward of the ball as he tries to find a consistent position to call his own. In defence, Mark Keane will be a test to play after tweaking his hip in the club’s final pre-season tune-up against Brisbane, while Max Michalanney (thumb) is expected to be available for selection against the Saints. Matthew Nicks and Adelaide prepare to commence its season in good health, ready to rebound from a 2024 campaign marred by unfulfilled expectations.

St Kilda’s predicted Round 1 team

B: J.Webster, I.Keeler, A.Hastie

HB: J.Sinclair, C.Wilkie, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: D.Wilson, J.Steele, B.Hill

HF: M.Owens, A.Caminiti, H.Garcia

F: D.Butler, H.Boyd, J.Higgins

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Macrae, M.Windhager

I/C: L.O’Connell, M.Wood, H.Boxshall, T.Travaglia, R.Byrnes

EMG: M.Heath, M.Hall, A.Schoenmaker

Team Tips: Spearhead forward Max King won’t play against the Crows due to his knee injury, with the Saints set to feel the brunt of their pre-season injury pain. Mattaes Phillipou (leg), Dougal Howard (shoulder), Alix Tauru (back), Cooper Sharman (thumb), Liam Henry (knee) and Mitchito Owens (shoulder) are all absent to begin the campaign. But in a silver lining, the Saints could subsequently see the emergence of Hugo Garcia, Hugh Boxshall and Angus Hastie to begin the season, while top draftee Tobie Travaglia is also in the frame despite playing limited game-time during the club’s pre-season hit-outs. Developing key-position pillar Isaac Keeler might also be a preferred option in St Kilda’s season-opening trip to South Australia, given it will need to contend with imposing Adelaide key-position trio Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe. However, he also has the ability to swing forward — particularly in the absence of King. Another option in terms of swingmen is Anthony Caminiti, who has trained in defence this pre-season but could be deployed forward without King and Sharman. In any case, veteran senior coach Ross Lyon has preached youth this pre-season, and it looks like we won’t have to wait long to see it this season.

MELBOURNE v GWS GIANTS

Sunday March 16, 3:20pm at MCG

Melbourne’s predicted Round 1 team

B: H.Petty, S.May, J.Bowey

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

C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, T.Rivers

HF: T.Sparrow, D.Turner, H.Langford

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

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Petracca, C.Oliver

I/C: H.Sharp, T.McDonald, B.Howes, J.Billings, X.Lindsay

EMG: A.Johnson, J.Adams, T.Woewodin

Team Tips: The Demons have had their fair share of pre-season setbacks as they prepare for a challenging season-opener against GWS. Shane McAdam and Andy Moniz-Wakefield are sidelined for the season, while there are unknown timelines on Jake Melksham (hamstring) and Charlie Spargo (Achilles), Judd McVee (hamstring) will have another four-to-six weeks out of the game, and Koltyn Tholstrup (back) is six-to-eight weeks away. Further hampering the Dees’ forward stocks in particular, Kysaiah Pickett will serve his three-game suspension to start the year. However, in some positives, top draft picks Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay appear slated for early-season league debuts, while household stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver look poised to return to their best form.

GWS’ Opening Round team

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg

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

C: J.Kelly, C.Ward, X.O’Halloran

HF: T.Bedford, T.Greene – C, B.Daniels

F: D.Jones, A.Cadman, L.Keeffe

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

I/C: C.Brown, M.Gruzewski, C.Stone, J.Leake, J.Wehr

EMG: O.Hannaford, C.Angove, L.Aleer

Team Tips: There isn’t a lot that needs changing from Sunday’s stirring season-opening win over Collingwood, with youngsters Max Gruzewski, James Leake and Conor Stone impressing among the Giants’ household names. But GWS will be forced into change after ruckman Kieren Briggssuffered a concussion after being pushed into oncoming traffic by Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron. The injury forced veteran Lachie Keeffe into the ruck, with Gruzewski chopping out as support. With Briggs set to miss at least this Sunday’s clash, Kingsley could ride Keeffe again, otherwise untried duo Logan Smith and Nicholas Madden are the Giants’ only other listed ruckmen. But going against Max Gawn and the Melbourne midfield, the Giants will need more than a rock-solid plan in the centre square. Could the versatile Harry Himmelberg be a nimble pinch-hitter — and pseudo fourth midfielder — if necessary? It could open the door to a spot in the side for Leek Aleer in defence.

WEST COAST v GOLD COAST

Sunday March 16, 6:10pm at Optus Stadium

West Coast’s predicted Round 1 team

B: R.Ginbey, H.Edwards, B.Hough

HB: B.Allan, J.McGovern, L.Baker

C: J.Hutchinson , L.Duggan, J.Hunt

HF: J.Graham, J.Waterman, L.Ryan

F: M.Owies, O.Allen, J.Cripps

FOLL: M.Flynn, T.Kelly, H.Reid

I/C: A.Reid , R.Maric, E.Hewett, N.Long, T.Dewar

EMG: B.Williams, T.Brockman, T.Cole

Team Tips: Bar the unfortunate outs of seasoned campaigners Dom Sheed (knee, season) and Elliot Yeo (ankle/knee, 6-8 weeks), the Eagles will have a pretty healthy list to pick from for their season opener. Ruck Matt Flynn is primed to take the reins as West Coast’s number one ruck, with a question mark over who will act as his support. Archer Reid has had a massive pre-season and looks like he could get the nod in the aforementioned role, which would likely leave Bailey Williams out of the side. Matt Owies, Liam Baker and Jack Graham will all make their debut for their new club, in what looms as a different-looking Eagles side to what we’ve seen in recent years. First-round draftee from last year Bo Allan is a good chance of making his debut on Sunday evening, potentially off a half-back flank alongside Baker. Former Hawk Tyler Brockman is jostling with Tyrell Dewar, and to a lesser extent Elijah Hewett, for the role of a zippy forward-midfielder.

Gold Coast’s predicted Round 1 team

B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: D.Rioli, C.Ballard, J.Noble

C: S.Clohesy, N.Anderson, L.Weller

HF: B.Ainsworth, E.Read, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, B.King, J.Rogers

FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, T.Miller

I/C: W.Graham, T.Berry, C.Budarick, W.Powell, J.Jeffrey

EMG: E. Himmelberg, N.Moyle, A.Davies

Team Tips: Developing key forward Jed Walter will miss against the Eagles as he serves a one-game VFL suspension, with four-gamer Ethan Read poised to slot into his place as a second ruck behind Jarrod Witts. Emerging midfielder Sam Flanders would have missed the Suns’ Opening Round clash had they played last Saturday as he continues to nurse a back injury, and he very likely won’t be available against West Coast either. Mac Andrew (chest), Charlie Ballard (ankle) and Lachie Weller (hamstring) were tests to play the Bombers, so they should all be OK this week pending any setbacks. First-year midfielder Leo Lombard remains a ways away with a shoulder injury suffered during pre-season match simulation, while veteran David Swallow is at least eight weeks after picking up a knee injury against the Swans in their Community Series tune-up. Half-back recruits Daniel Rioli and John Noble will slot in for their club debuts, while fellow rebounder Connor Budarick is also pushing for selection after a strong pre-season.