Coach’s reveal in FOUR-star Cats dilemma; big Blues boost beckons — Opening Round Team Tips

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OPENING ROUND TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

SYDNEY SWANS v CARLTON

Thursday March 5, 7:30pm at the SCG

Swans’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: R.Bice, T.McCartin, D.Rampe
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, J.Serong
C: J.McInerney, Ch.Warner, M.Roberts
HF: Co.Warner, J. Rowbottom, M.Rosas
FF: L.McDonald, C.Curnow, S.Wicks
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, E.Gulden
I/C: L.Melican, J.Hamling, A.Sheldrick, C.Cleary, T.Papley, J.Amartey, P.Ladhams

EMG: B.Campbell, H.McLean, H.Kyle, W.Green

Team Tips: It’s full steam ahead for Dean Cox’s side heading into the 2026 season opener on Thursday night, with the Swans to officially unveil two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow as their star off-season recruit. It’ll make for a fiery clash against his old side, with former Hawk Jai Serong also firmly in the frame for his first game at AFL level since 2024. They will however be without Braeden Campbell, who will miss start of their campaign with a stress fracture in his shin. Veteran defender Harry Cunningham is also out for the first first few weeks with a quad injury, but there are no concerns over star Errol Gulden’s early exit from a pre-season fixture against GWS; resting his ankle as a pure precaution. Second ruck Peter Ladhams played just 37 per cent game time in the same match, which could suggest Cox may opt against playing two rucks to begin with. Slowly becoming a perennial pre-season gem, Angus Sheldrick starred against the Giants to put his best foot forward for a spot in the starting 23 — as foreshadowed by star teammate Chad Warner to foxfooty.com.au last month. Former Sun Malcolm Rosas may be forced to wait a little longer for a club debut, though did provide good forward pressure in his pre-season hit outs. After missing out on selection last Thursday evening, Hayden McLean looks to be the tall forward who will make way for Curnow’s arrival.

Blues’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: H.Dean, L.Young, A.Saad
HB: Z.Williams, W.Derksen, E.Hollands
C: O.Hollands, G.Hewett, O.Florent
HF: W.Hayward, A.Moir, B.Ainsworth
FF: B.Kemp, H.McKay, J.Smith
FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Cripps (c), S.Walsh
I/C: M.McGovern, C.Chesser, C.Lord, F.Evans, L.Reidy, L.Fogarty, T.Byrne, J.Boyd
EMG: L.Camporeale, B.Camporeale, F.Young, H.O’Keeffe

Team Tips: The Blues’ two hitouts last month against opposition clubs couldn’t have gone much better if they tried, defeating the two grand finallists from last year in Brisbane and Geelong. Michael Voss will certainly be without Nic Newman, who is serving a two-match suspension for striking in a VFL practice match against Geelong. Sidelined with injury too are Adam Cerra (hamstring), Nick Haynes (ankle) and Matt Cottrell (knee), with the latter duo undergoing arthroscopes at the start of this month that will see them sidelined until at least Round 3. The club is at this stage optimistic that Jacob Weitering will be OK to front up against the Swans as he recovers from a rib fracture, and Michael Voss told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night that the Blues will make a definitive call by Tuesday night — but the signs are good. “We’ll make a pretty firm decision, I would’ve thought, by the end of tomorrow about whether that’s possible or not, but he’s tracking along really well … at this point in time, we’re expecting him to take his position in the team. ” You could argue no player across the comeptition is more certain to make their AFL debut this week than Jagga Smith, who starred during both hit outs last month. Not far behind him looks to be first-year father-son Harry Dean, who also impressed down back with his aerial prowess. Small forward Talor Byrne has skyrocketed into calculations for an Opening Round debut after four goals across his two matches, despite limited time on ground against Geelong. Former Swans duo Will Hayward and Ollie Florent will make their club debuts against their old side, as will Ben Ainsworth after 158 games at Gold Coast. Fellow recuits Liam Reidy and Campbell Chesser are also in the frame, though aren’t as certain to start.

GOLD COAST SUNS v GEELONG CATS

Friday March 6, 8:05pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: S.Collins, M.Andrew, O.Adams
HB: D.Rioli, B.Uwland, J.Noble
C: L.Weller, W.Powell, S.Clohesy
HF: L.Lombard, C.Petracca, B.Long
FF: B.King, B.Humphrey, J.Walter
FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), T.Miller
I/C: A.Davies, J.Ugle-Hagan, N.Moyle, W.Graham, Z.Uwland, L.Gulbin, J.Jeffrey, J.Farrar

EMG: A.Thomas, K.Coulson, B.Jepson, C.Graham

Team Tips: A fascinating watch is coming this week on the Gold Coast, with a one-week suspension to young key forward Jed Walter opening the door for a Jamarra Ugle-Hagan club debut this Friday night. The former Bulldog hasn’t played at any level since 2024 after missing all of last season as he dealt with personal troubles. The 23-year-old did kick two goals against reigning premiers Brisbane last week, but has — naturally — looked just a touch off the pace as he finds his feet again at the top level. Last year’s Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell won’t run up these first few weeks as he recovers from a badly broken finger, though thankfully, young key forward Ethan Read is expected to be available for Opening Round after missing the club’s pre-season fixture with concussion. It goes without saying that star recruit Christian Petracca will slot straight into the Suns’ midfield-forward plans, while top Academy draftee Zeke Uwland looks every chance of making his AFL debut alongisde big brother Bodhi. Fellow Academy product Dylan Patterson is less of a ‘certainty’, but is still very highly touted and will be ready whenever called upon. Foxfooty.com.au can confirm Charlie Ballard won’t play this weekend as he works back from an ACL injury, however is taking part in full training with the hope of a return early this year.

Cats’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: T.Stewart, J.Henry, C.O’Sullivan
HB: L.Humphries, T.Bruhn, O.Mullin
C: J.Clark, T.Atkins, O.Dempsey
HF: O.Henry, J.Worpel, B.Close
FF: J.Polkinghorne, S.Neale, M.Blicavs
FOLL: S.De Koning, M.Holmes, S.Mannagh
I/C: Z.Guthrie, M.O’Connor, M.Edwards, G.Stevens, M.Knevitt, J.Martin, P.Dangerfield (c), J.Bews
EMG: L.Hoffman, H.Holms, C.Burke, N.Driscoll

Team Tips: The biggest watch at the Cattery before their Opening Round trip up north has been on Geelong’s two key forwards Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale, but both should suit up against Gold Coast. The reigning Coleman Medallist withdrew from State of Origin duties last month as he continued to recover from his broken arm sustained in last year’s grand final loss to Brisbane, before a low-grade quad strain further halted his pre-season. As for his counterpart Neale, his pre-season hit out against Carlton finished early with a knock to the shin area, which the club is hopeful won’t rule him out of Friday night’s date with Gold Coast. Bailey Smith (calf) has also been under a cloud, but Chris Scott told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night that Smith and Cameron “will both play”, provided they get through training on Tuesday. Scott says Gryan Miers is “likely” to play against the Suns after having gone surgery on his thumb. After missing all of last season, Tanner Bruhn excelled off half-back against the Blues at Princes Park last Wednesday night, and looks set for a stellar 2026. If one of the Cats’ two big key forwards is unavailable against the Suns, Jay Polkinghorne is coming off an impressive summer and could be in the frame for an AFL debut in his second year. As the club’s sole acquisition during last year’s trade period, former Hawk James Worpel will be a nice addition to Chris Scott’s on-ball brigade.

GWS GIANTS v HAWTHORN

Saturday March 7, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: C.Idun, J.Buckley, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Laverde, L.Ash
C: R.Angwin, X.O’Halloran, H.Thomas
HF: J.Stringer, M.Gruzewski, T.Greene (c)
FF: J.Delana, J.Hogan, P.Gothard
FOLL: J.Riccardi, S.Coniglio, C.Oliver
I/C: N.Madden, O.Taylor, J.Ough, C.Stone, O.Hannaford, H.Rowston, J.Leake, H.Oliver

EMG: K.Briggs, C.Brown, J.Fonti, A.Cadman

Team Tips: It’s unfortunately been injury carnage in western Sydney this last month, with an ACL rupture to Tom Green the most severe of them all. Throw in a high-grade hamstring strain to Sam Taylor, and lesser hamstring strain to Toby Bedford, and the Giants are up against it early. Star Josh Kelly had hip surgery over the off-season, and won’t be sighted for at least the first half of 2026 — with small forward Darcy Jones highly likely to miss the entire year. Fellow small forward Brent Daniels can’t seem to stay on the park, set to miss the opening month of the season, reports AFL Media. Nineteen-year-old Cody Angove also exited their match simulation game against Collingwood in the second quarter, with foxfooty.com.au understanding he is at this stage unlikely to be available for selection. As of Monday, the club is still hopeful Finn Callaghan can overcome a hip flexor niggle to face Hawthorn on Saturday evening. On the other side of the coin, the absence of several key figures allows for opportunity to others to step up; perhaps none more so than skipper Toby Greene, who looks primed for a notable jump in midfield minutes this season. Taylor’s absence could provide delisted free agent Jayden Laverde a club debut straight away, while expectations on the shoulders of Clayton Oliver will no doubt be amplified if the injury crisis deepens. Harry Rowston has continued to improve in leaps and bounds this summer, and is another who could benefit from extra midfield time. The Giants spared the emergency quartet above from playing in the final tune-up, though all are expected to face the Hawks.

Hawks’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: N.Mraz, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw
HB: J.Impey, J.Battle, B.Hardwick
C: S.Butler, J.Newcombe, J.Ward
HF: C.Macdonald, D.Moore, J.Gunston
FF: M.Lewis, M.Chol, N.Watson
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Ginnivan, C.Mackenzie
I/C: H.Morrison, J.Weddle, A.Schubert, M.D’Ambrosio, C.Nash, F.Maginness, B.Macdonald, M.Hill
EMG: B.Ryan, N.Reeves, H.Hustwaite, C.Dear

Team Tips: A few question marks for Hawthorn going into this week’s clash, with some key names missing. Jai Newcombe’s suspension could leave Hawthorn’s already undermanned midfield even more depleted, particularly with Cam Mackenzie set to miss with concussion. That would thrust the likes of Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward and possibly Josh Weddle into even greater midfield roles. Meanwhile, despite talk the Hawks could run with two rucks, Ned Reeves missing selection in their pre-season loss to the Bulldogs suggests they’re going to go the other way and use Mabior Chol and Weddle as support for Lloyd Meek. In another intriguing development, draftee Aiden Schubert appears to have overtaken Calsher Dear in the key forward pecking order, with Sam Mitchell even admitting on SEN radio last week that Dear has been down on his best form on the training track. However, Schubert will likely be made to bide his time for a debut.

BRISBANE LIONS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday March 7, 7:35pm at the Gabba

Lions’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: S.Brain, D.Joyce, D.Gardiner
HB: L.McCarthy, Z.Zakostelsky, D.Wilmot
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage (c), J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, L.Lloyd, Z.Bailey
FF: K.Lohmann, T.Gallop, L.Morris
FOLL: C.Curtin, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, K.Coleman, S.Marshall, C.McKenna, W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill, B.Reville

EMG: D.Annable, L.Beecken, R.Torrent, T.Hayes

Team Tips: Should be relatively close to full strength. The reigning back-to-back premiers are set to welcome back several stars from the team that defeated Gold Coast, including Oscar Allen, Dayne Zorko, Cam Rayner and Harris Andrews, in a scary prospect for the rest of the competition. Ruck recruit Sam Draper won’t be there, 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 (ACL) and Jack Payne (patella tendon) are also set to miss the start of the season, while Noah Answerth (Achilles) didn’t play in either of the clubs’ pre-season games, so you wouldn’t imagine he’ll be there Saturday night. Lincoln McCarthy and Keidean Coleman will both return to the field, and Chris Fagan looks set to mix the pair’s roles up between half back and forward in a handy ace up the sleeve. Top draftee Daniel Annable will likely be made to wait for his debut.

Bulldogs’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: L.Jaques, B.Khamis, R.Lobb
HB: C.Budarick, J.O’Donnell, L.Bramble
C: O.Baker, M.Bontempelli (c), R.Sanders
HF: S.Davidson, J.Croft, J.Freijah
FF: C.Hynes, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore
FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards
I/C: L.Cleary, L.Emmett, A.Jones, L.Kennedy, L.McNeil, M.Sellwood, R.West, B.Williams
EMG: H.Gallagher, L.Smith, N.Coffield, J.Busslinger

Team Tips: Face some big calls after a strong pre-season win over Hawthorn and Luke Beveridge never shy to be bold at the selection table. Ryley Sanders won’t be available this week after suffering a concussion against the Hawks. Bailey Dale is also in doubt after exiting their match simulation against Sydney with knee soreness, while Adam Treloar (calf) remains sidelined. The biggest watch is on Sam Darcy with what the club is simply calling soreness, so it might depend on how the star forward pulls up over the next couple of days. The likes of Artie Jones and Jordan Croft have surely consolidated spots up forward after impressive pre-seasons, and Lachie Jaques and Michael Sellwood are good chances to get a gig in defence. Recruit Connor Budarick has also slotted into that back six, while Cooper Hynes’ eye-catching pre-season should put him right in the Opening Round mix.

ST KILDA v COLLINGWOOD

Sunday March 8, 7:20pm at the MCG

Saints’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: L.Stocker, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti
HB: A.Tauru, N.Wanganeen-Milera, R.Byrnes
C: M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, D.Wilson
HF: M.Phillipou, M.Owens, M.Hall
FF: C.Sharman, R.Marshall, J.Higgins
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair
I/C: J.Macrae, B.Hill, I.Keeler, J.Carroll, L.Ryan, H.Garcia, C.Banfield
EMG: H.Clark, D.Butler, D.Howard, A.Dodson

Team Tips: The Saints are confident that Callum Wilkie will be right to face Collingwood despite suffering a corked calf in their AAMI Community Series clash with Essendon. Brad Hill was a late out against the Bombers with illness, but there’s no indication the veteran won’t fine to face the Magpies. Saints assistant Corey Enright also confirmed Jack Silvagni was in the frame to play against Collingwood after suffering a concussion against the Suns in match sim. Silvagni is was one of several new faces in Ross Lyon’s team. Arguably the most prized recruit, Tom De Koning is set to serve as No. 1 ruck with Rowan Marshall likely to spend more time more forward. 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. 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. Ross Lyon confirmed on SEN radio that King was eyeing a return “about Round 4.” Elsewhere, Marcus Windhager and Jack Carroll have both looked good behind the ball in new roles.

Magpies’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: B.Frampton, I.Quaynor, B.Maynard (c)
HB: H.Perryman, D.Houston, W.Parker
C: R.Steele, J.Daicos, H.DeMattia
HF: L.Sullivan, P.Lipinski, H.Harrison
FF: D.McStay, L.Schultz, J.Buller
FOLL: D.Cameron, B.McCreery, N.Long
I/C: J.Cochran, E.Allan, O.Steene, W.Hayes, C.West, T.Prindable, S.Swadling, T.Jiath
EMG: J.Crisp, S.Pendlebury, S.Sidebottom, J.Elliott

Team Tips: A plethora of experience to return from their narrow AAMI Community Series loss to North Melbourne, including Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jordan De Goey, Jamie Elliott and Jack Crisp. But with Jeremy Howe likely to miss and uncertainty around Darcy Moore, Joel Cochran is in the frame to make his AFL debut. Cochran looked poised behind the ball and more than comfortable at the level against the Kangaroos. The 19-year old was even managed in the fourth term along with Lachie Schultz and Brayden Maynard to suggest he’s in Craig McRae’s plans. So where does that leave Reef McIness? McIness missed both of the Magpies’ pre-season games as he works his way back from an ACL injury last year, so a return via the VFL might be on the cards. The other interesting selection dilemma for the Pies is whether they go with Jack Buller or Charlie West to fill the Brody Mihocek void. Both key forwards impressed against North with two goals apiece. Buller might just be ahead for the moment.

AND A WATCH ON THE OTHER EIGHT CLUBS AHEAD OF ROUND 1…

ADELAIDE

Crows’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: J.Butts, J.Worrell, H.Bond
HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, R.Laird
C: L.Nankervis, J.Dawson (c), C.Jones
HF: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, L.Pedlar
FF: B.Keays, T.Walker, D.Fogarty
FOLL: L.McAndrew, C.Edwards, J.Rachele
I/C: B.Cook, Z.Taylor, J.Borlase, B.Dowling, T.Murray, L.Sholl, M.Marsh, M.Michalanney
EMG: O.Ryan, A.Ludowyke, R.O’Brien, F.Maley

Team Tips: The big development out of West Lakes this pre-season has been two-gamer Lachie McAndrew’s usurping of veteran Reilly O’Brien as the club’s number-one ruck. And fellow little-known tall Toby Murray is set to join McAndrew in the Crows’ best side as the second rucking option, with trade recruit Finnbar Maley seemingly on the outer to start his Adelaide tenure. The likes of Zac Taylor, Billy Dowling and Brayden Cook will fight for fringe spots. Izak Rankine and James Peatling have been dealing with low-grade hamstring strains, while Sam Berry was rested against Fremantle, and Jake Soligo has been managing an irregular heartbeat.

ESSENDON

Bombers’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: B.McKay, Z.Reid, A.McGrath (c)
HB: J.Nguyen, Z.Johnson, M.Redman

C: B.Fiorini, Z.Merrett, J.Prior
HF: D.Parish, P.Wright, A.Perkins
FF: K.Langford, N.Caddy, A.May
FOLL: L.Blakiston, J.Caldwell, S.Durham
I/C: J.Farrow, D.Sharp, A.Roberts, X.Duursma, M.Kondogiannis, H.El Achkar, A.Clarke, S.El-Hawli
EMG: E.Tsatas, J.Gresham, V.Visentini, M.Guelfi

Team Tips: Exciting forward Isaac Kako and pivotal defender Jordan Ridley are Essendon’s main injury concerns. Kako (hamstring) will be looking to prove his fitness for Round 1, while Ridley (calf) won’t be available in the opening weeks. Former top draft picks Elijah Tsatas and Nik Cox remain on the outside looking in, having played in the VFL Bombers’ practice match at the weekend. Harry Jones is increasing his loads as he builds back to full fitness after his 2025 campaign was cruelled by an ankle injury. In a more positive light, Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp are going to be mighty hard to keep out of Brad Scott’s side from the get-go, while Hussien El Achkar and Max Kondogiannis have hardly put a foot wrong in pre-season play.

FREMANTLE

Dockers’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: H.Chapman, O.McDonald, H.Davies
HB: J.Clark, K.Worner, J.McVee
C: J.O’Meara, C.Serong, C.Wagner
HF: M.Frederick, M.Reid, S.Bolton
FF: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss
FOLL: L.Jackson, A.Brayshaw (c), H.Young
I/C: T.Murray, M.Cox, N.Erasmus, N.O’Driscoll, B.Walker, J.Draper, M.Johnson, I.Dudley
EMG: L.Ryan, J.Sharp, B.Banfield, C.Scerri

Team Tips: First-choice ruckman Sean Darcy (calf) is racing the clock to prove his fitness for Round 1. Rising Star winner Murphy Reid is set to take his game to another level this year, thanks to more opportunities between the arcs as a pure ball-winner – having notched 30 disposals against Adelaide in the Community Series. Young defender Hugh Davies showed positive signs against Adelaide in the absence of Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox (both calf), while Luke Ryan was named in the emergencies for the Crows warm-up after building back up from off-season shoulder surgery. Tobyn Murray has pressed his case for an early-season opportunity.

MELBOURNE

Demons’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: B.Howes, J.Lever, D.Turner
HB: X.Lindsay, C.Salem, C.Jiath
C: H.Langford, J.Steele, T.Sparrow
HF: E.Langdon, L.Kentfield, K.Chandler
FF: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), C.Windsor, T.Rivers
I/C: H.Petty, T.McDonald, K.Tholstrup, L.Pickett, H.Sharp, B.Laurie, X.Taylor, T.Matthews
EMG: J.Melksham, J.Adams, M.Heath, R.Mentha

Team Tips: In a bizarre Monday night development, forward Bayley Fritsch is suddenly in danger of missing the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his hand after injuring it in — wait for it — a dogfight. SEN’s Sam Edmund reports Fritsch was attempting to break up a tussle between his dogs when things went wrong, and he got hurt. Exciting forward Latrelle Pickett has put himself in the frame for a Round 1 debut after an eye-catching summer, while the Dees’ off-season recruits have slotted in nicely and are set to all play straight away. Veteran forward Jake Melksham should return to Steven King’s side after he was managed against Richmond, while Brody Mihocek will be recalled after sustaining a concussion in match simulation against North Melbourne. Young forward Luker Kentfield, however, will miss the start of the season with a knee injury sustained against the Tigers. Jai Culley was on track for a senior appearance early in the season before fracturing his arm. Jack Viney and Jake Bowey are longer-term propositions in terms of returns. Steven May retired, opening up more opportunities in the back half.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Kangaroos’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: C.Comben, T.Pink, G.Logue
HB: F.O’Sullivan, H.Sheezel, C.Daniel
C: J.Simpkin, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens
HF: L.Dovaston, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar
FF: Z.Duursma, N.Larkey (c), P.Curtis
FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, L.Parker
I/C: B.Scott, L.Urquhart, C.Coleman-Jones, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty, R.Hansen Jr, C.Trembath, T.Blamires
EMG: W.Dawson, Z.Banch, M.Whitlock, Z.Fisher

Team Tips: Exciting draftee Lachy Dovaston is all but a shoo-in to make his AFL debut straight away, capping an impressive first pre-season with a three-goal display against Collingwood on Sunday. Luke Urquhart looked the part in the Kangaroos’ midfield rotation against the Magpies, while Cooper Trembath and SSP signing Tom Blamires are also putting their hands up for Round 1 selection against Port Adelaide. Robert Hansen looked solid in a new role at half-back. George Wardlaw (hamstring) will miss the opening weeks of the season, while Riley Hardeman (ankle) is still in the frame to play the Power.

PORT ADELAIDE

Power’s AAMI Community Series side:

FB: A.Aliir, H.Ramm, T.Marshall
HB: L.Evans, L.Jones, K.Farrell
C: J.Wehr, W.Drew, E.Mackinlay
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Richards, J.Berry
FF: O.Lord, M.Georgiades, J.Whitlock
FOLL: D.Visentini, C.Rozee (c), Z.Butters
I/C: J.Burgoyne, C.Durdin, J.Mead, J.Watkins, J.Horne-Francis, W.Lorenz, M.Zadow, E.Ratugolea
EMG: W.Brodie, C.Moraes, J.Sweet, J.Sinn

Team Tips: Forward Jack Lukosius (groin) and midfielder Miles Bergman (foot) were kept out of Port’s Community Series side that played West Coast at the weekend. Young talls Harrison Ramm and Jack Whitlock have impressed over the course of the pre-season to put themselves right in the frame to play in Round 1, while fresh SSP signing Mitch Zadow got a crack straight away in the Power’s win over the Eagles. Joe Berry is looking to take the next step in year two, while Euan Mackinlay has also inserted himself in the selection picture. Ollie Wines (suspension) won’t be there in the opening two rounds.

RICHMOND

Tigers’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: J.Gibcus, B.Miller, N.Broad
HB: J.Short, S.Grlj, J.Trezise
C: K.McAuliffe, S.Lalor, T.Sonsie
HF: S.Green, M.Rioli, S.Campbell
FF: H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, R.Mansell
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Ross
I/C: T.Brown, H.Ralphsmith, J.Hopper, S.Cumming, C.Gray, S.Banks, L.Trainor, L.Fawcett
EMG: P.Retschko, K.Smith, J.Alger, Z.Peucker

Team Tips: Veterans Nick Vlastuin (ankle) and Dion Prestia (hamstring) are racing the clock to be fit to play Carlton, while Noah Balta (hamstring) also sat out against Melbourne and will look to prove his fitness before Round 1. Last year’s Pick 7 Sam Cumming is set to miss the opening month of the season due to a shoulder subluxation that may eventually require surgery, joining Taj Hotton (hip) on the sidelines for the next while. Jonty Faull should be right to play against Carlton after missing the Community Series clash with the Dees due to being in concussion protocols. Josh Smillie, Tom Sims and Judson Clarke are among the names still sidelined.

WEST COAST EAGLES

FB: T.Cole, H.Edwards, S.Brock
HB: J.Lindsay, T.Young, L.Baker
C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, D.Robertson
HF: J.Cripps, J.Shanahan, J.Newton
FF: H.Schoenberg, J.Waterman, A.Reid
FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, T.McCarthy
INT: R.Maric, F.Macrae, C.Duff-Tytler, M.Owies, H.Davis, L.Grego, H.Barnett, T.Williams
EMER: B.Allan, C.Hall, R.Bazzo, J.Williams

Team Tips: Putting aside the disenchanting fashion in which the Eagles lost to Port Adelaide last Sunday, the youngsters continue to be the silver lining, with top draftee Cooper Duff-Tytler lively while getting on the scoresheet as he presses for a first-up debut. Josh Lindsay was one of the side’s better contributors with 22 disposals, looking to lock up a spot in Andrew McQualter’s youthful outfit. Hamish Davis looks to have carved out a spot for himself on a wing, while Jacob Newton also keeps putting his hand up for Round 1 and at this point looks more likely than not. Key defender Harry Edwards sustained a concussion against Port Adelaide on Sunday, so he’ll be racing the clock to be fit for Round 1. Liam Duggan (head knock), Reuben Ginbey (toe), Brandon Starcevich (calf), Jack Graham (hamstring) and Tim Kelly (hamstring) missed the warm-up clash with Port.