JLT preview: Who to watch for and who’s missing at your club

The JLT Community Series is upon us and our reporters have the inside mail on how your club is travelling and which players could make a statement. ULTIMATE GUIDE.

JLT Series preview AFL 2019

The JLT Community Series is upon us and our reporters have the inside mail on how your club is travelling, and which players could make a statement.

TAKE OFF: DANIHER FINALLY READY TO RETURN

MIDFIELD STAR: TIGERS DRAFTEE SHINES, DUSTY FLYING

MIXED NEWS: FYFE TO HAVE SURGERY, HOGAN IMPRESSES

ADELAIDE

NEW FACES: Forward line recruits Shane McAdam and Tyson Stengle will get the chance, along with high draft picks Chayce Jones and Ned McHenry. But the player Crows fans will be most excited to see is Brad Crouch, who did not play an AFL game last season.

WHO’S MISSING: Unlike a year ago, Adelaide has a healthy pre-season list. Midfielder Hugh Greenwood (abdominal strain) is its biggest concern.

WATCH FOR: Reilly O’Brien has enjoyed a standout pre-season, trying to push incumbent Sam Jacobs in the ruck. Fans want to see whether Wayne Milera will play down back or in the midfield.

JLT GAMES: v Port Adelaide, Port Pirie, Saturday, 4.10pm. v GWS Giants, Canberra, March 8, 7.10pm

— Andrew Capel

SCHEDULE WEEK 1

2019 JLT COMMUNITY SERIES

WEEK 1

Thursday, February 28

Carlton v Essendon, Ikon Park 6.40pm

Friday, March 1

West Coast v Geelong, Leederville Oval 7.10pm

Saturday, March 2

North Melbourne v St Kilda, Avalon Airport Oval (Werribee) 1.10pm

Adelaide v Port Adelaide, The Memorial Oval (Port Pirie), 4.10pm

GWS Giants v Sydney, Blacktown 7.10pm

Sunday, March 3

Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex 1.10pm

Richmond v Melbourne, Deakin Reserve (Shepparton) 4.40pm

Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs, Great Barrier Reef Arena (Mackay) 7.10pm

Monday, March 4

Fremantle v Collingwood, HBF Arena (Joondalup) 6.40pm

BRISBANE

NEW FACES: The Lions intend to play as close to their Round 1 side as possible throughout the JLT Series. Recruits Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons will get plenty of minutes. Lincoln McCarthy will also play.

WHO’S MISSING: There are holes in the defence with mainstay Darcy Gardiner and recruit Marcus Adams carrying knee injuries. Allen Christensen (ankle) is another who is in a battle to regain fitness in time to play.

WATCH FOR: Brisbane want to transform Harris Andrews into a key forward and will give him exposure there throughout the series. Archie Smith is also pushing Stef Martin hard for a ruck role and will get a chance.

JLT GAMES: v Hawthorn, Moreton Bay, March 3, 12.40pm; v Melbourne, Casey Fields, March 9, 4.10pm.

— Andrew Hamilton

Carlton No.1 pick Sam Walsh will feature prominently during the JLT Series. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON

NEW FACES: Expect to see No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh alongside former GWS Giant Will Setterfield and VFL ball magnet Michael Gibbons in the middle at some stage, with Nic Newman running off half-back. Mitch McGovern will also play.

WHO’S MISSING: Co-captain Sam Docherty for the year and Jarrod Pickett is a long way off after rupturing a patella tendon. Caleb Marchbank (back) and Tom Williamson (back) are unlikely to see any JLT action.

WATCH FOR: Lochie O’Brien as an outside midfielder. Could Marc Murphy’s skills be employed more as a small forward?

JLT GAMES: v Essendon, Ikon Park, Thursday, 6.40pm. v Collingwood, Morwell, March 11, 2.10pm

— Jon Anderson

SCHEDULE WEEK 2

Thursday, March 6

Geelong v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium 7.10pm

Friday, March 8

GWS v Adelaide, UNSW Canberra Oval 7.10pm

Saturday, March 9

Port Adelaide v North Melbourne, Alberton Oval 1.10pm

Melbourne v Brisbane Lions, Casey Fields 4.10pm

Hawthorn v Richmond, UTAS Stadium (Launceston) 7.10pm

Sunday, March 10

Sydney v Gold Coast, Oakes Oval (Lismore), 1.10pm

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Mars Stadium (Ballarat) 4.10pm

Fremantle v West Coast, Rushton Park (Mandurah) 7.10pm

Monday, March 11

Collingwood v Carlton, Morwell Recreation Reserve 2.10pm

All times EST

COLLINGWOOD

NEW FACES: Dayne Beams has impressed, while Jordan Roughead will play a variety of roles. The Pies’ first-round draft pick Isaac Quaynor will get another chance to push for Round 1 selection after positive signs against the Demons.

WHO’S MISSING: Lynden Dunn and Matthew Scharenberg are making steady progress from knee reconstructions, but there are a couple of others who will be touch and go.

WATCH FOR: Josh Daicos to push even harder for more regular senior selection this year after he played 10 games last year. Tyson Goldsack will have a new role this year, returning to the forwards’ group.

JLT GAMES: v Fremantle, Joondalup, March 4, 6.40pm; v Carlton, Morwell, March 11, 2.10pm.

— Glenn McFarlane

ESSENDON

NEW FACES: Insiders have been impressed by the impact midfield gun Dylan Shiel has made at the Bombers and they can’t want to see him in action.

WHO’S MISSING: Cale Hooker, who is recovering from a hamstring issue, will be touch and go, but coach John Worsfold is convinced he will be right for Round 1 against GWS Giants.

WATCH FOR: A very different Michael Hurley. The star defender waged a battle with his body last year, but has had an almost seamless pre-season. The Bombers expect him to regain his standing as one of the premier backmen in the competition. Keep an eye on Essendon’s ruck back-up strategy to Tom Bellchambers as it uses the JLT series to work on options.

JLT GAMES: v Carlton, Ikon Park, Thursday, 6.40pm; v Geelong, GMHBA Stadium, March 7, 7.10pm.

— Glenn McFarlane

The Bombers can’t wait to see Dylan Shiel in action. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

NEW FACES: Jesse Hogan has progressed strongly from a foot injury since Christmas, and Rory Lobb will give the Dockers a new look up forward, while Reece Conca (recovering from a knee infection) and Travis Colyer will be useful. First draft pick Luke Valente has been restricted by injury.

WHO’S MISSING: Fremantle will road test its patched-up midfield which has lost Lachie Neale to Brisbane and is without Connor Blakely (hamstring), Stephen Hill (quad) and Harley Bennell (calf).

WATCH FOR: The Dockers will unveil their new triple-threat attacking set-up of Hogan, Lobb and Matt Taberner. Sean Darcy will lead the ruck in Aaron Sandilands’ absence.

JLT GAMES: v Collingwood, Joondalup, March 4, 6.40pm. v West Coast, Mandurah, March 10, 7.10pm.

— Braden Quartermaine

GEELONG

NEW FACES: First-round draft pick from 2018 Jordan Clark hasn’t missed a beat in the pre-season and will play JLT. VFL tackling machine Tom Atkins will also get a crack in the midfield, as will high-possession winner Charlie Constable and ruckman Darcy Fort.

WHO’S MISSING: Nakia Cockatoo, so highly rated by the coaching staff, is treading a softly, softly path after sustaining adductor/hamstring tightness. Lachie Henderson needs to string some training blocks together, while Sam Menegola (knee) and Lachlan Fogarty (hip) are slightly behind.

WATCH FOR: Forward pressure from recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan, more midfield time for Brandan Parfitt and a strong start from Harry Taylor.

JLT GAMES: v West Coast, Leederville, Friday, 7.10pm. v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium, March 7, 7.10pm

— Jon Anderson

Cats recruit Luke Dahlhaus tackles Scott Selwood at training. Picture: Alison Wynd

GOLD COAST

NEW FACES: George Horlin-Smith, Anthony Miles and Jack Hombsch are certainties, while there is a spot in defence for the club’s No.6 draft pick Ben King. Izak Rankine and Jack Lukosius also get a chance.

WHO’S MISSING: Harrison Wigg had elevated himself over summer before rupturing an ACL in an intra-club hitout. Josh Corbett and Jack Leslie (knee) and Josh Schoenfeld (ankle).

WATCH FOR: The Suns’ most talented player Jack Martin will start to see more time in the midfield, as will Ben Ainsworth. Jack Bowes, entering his third season, will play on the ball, while flanker Callum Ah Chee will spend time up on the wing.

JLT GAMES: v Western Bulldogs, Mackay, March 3, 6.40pm; v Sydney, Lismore, March 10, 1.10pm.

— Andrew Hamilton

GWS GIANTS

NEW FACES: Jackson Hately is seen as the most AFL-ready of last year’s draft crop. The No.14 pick played senior SANFL last year and has impressed over summer. Draftees Jye Caldwell and Kieran Briggs not far behind.

WHO’S MISSING: Only Jon Patton (knee) and Nick Haynes (back) are set to miss. Forward Toby Greene (ankle) and midfielder Adam Tomlinson (calf) are both pushing to be available.

WATCH FOR: Ruckman Shane Mumford is likely to feature in the JLT series despite being suspended for the first two rounds of the regular season. Will Lachie Whitfield be pushed into the midfield with Zac Williams returning to halfback?

JLT GAMES: v Sydney, Blacktown, Saturday, 7.10pm; v Adelaide, Canberra, March 8, 7.10pm

— Chris Cavanagh

HAWTHORN

NEW FACES: Can’t wait to see what Chad Wingard produces as a Hawk, despite a calf niggle over summer. Keep an eye on rookie Harry Jones who has emerged as a surprise option to replace injured star Tom Mitchell (broken leg). Former Saint, Darren Minchington, is also in the senior mix as a mid/forward.

WHO’S MISSING: Tom Scully (ankle) is at least a month or two away, while Grant Birchall is also on his way back from knee issues.

WATCH FOR: James Cousins and James Worpel to saddle up alongside Jaeger O’Meara in the Hawks’ centre square. Jon Ceglar can put some heat on Ben McEvoy as starting ruck.

JLT GAMES: v West Coast, Leederville, Friday, 7.10pm; v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium, March 7, 7.10pm.

— Jay Clark

The Hawks will be hoping James Cousins can stand up in the midfield in Tom Mitchell’s absence. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

NEW FACES: Braydon Preuss got a big tick for his opening hitout against the Magpies and another strong showing will lock in a Round 1 berth. Steven May will slot in at fullback over the next fortnight.

WHO’S MISSING: Nathan Jones is on track to return from a back/hamstring issue. Clayton Oliver (shoulders) and Jack Viney (foot) will also try for one JLT game.

WATCH FOR: Joel Smith to add to the Dees’ dynamic forward mix. Former Roo Corey Wagner has also turned heads over summer with his gut-running. Jordan Lewis has a serious fight on his hands to keep his senior spot, with Jayden Hunt breathing down his neck.

JLT GAMES: v Richmond, Shepparton, March 3, 4.40pm; v Brisbane Lions, Casey Fields, March 9, 4.10pm.

— Jay Clark

NORTH MELBOURNE

NEW FACES: Recruits Aaron Hall, Jared Polec, Jasper Pittard and Dom Tyson will audition for spots in Brad Scott’s best 22 in the JLT series, while draftees Tarryn Thomas, Bailey Scott, Tom Wilkinson and Curtis Taylor could also press for selection.

WHO’S MISSING: The defensive stocks have copped a battering with Robbie Tarrant (hip), Sam Durdin (finger) and Majak Daw (hip) in the rehabilitation group. Only Tarrant remains in line for Round 1. Scott Thompson

(suspension) will also sit out the season-opener.

WATCH FOR: Kangaroos captain Jack Ziebell to spend more time up forward, with Ben Brown potentially in a true centre half-forward position. Hall and Shaun Higgins to rotate through the middle and highly rated second-year draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke to stake his claim on season selection. How will Todd Goldstein handle the ruck duties one-out with the 6-6-6 formation?

JLT GAMES: v St Kilda, Werribee, Saturday, 1.10pm; v Port Adelaide, Alberton, March 9, 1.10pm

— Gilbert Gardiner

Jared Polec is one of several new faces at North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Klein

PORT ADELAIDE

NEW FACES: Ryan Burton and Scott Lycett are Port’s two big “ins’’, while first-round draft picks Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma have enjoyed standout summers.

WHO’S MISSING: New co-captain Ollie Wines (shoulder) and key forward Charlie Dixon (broken leg) are highly unlikely to be fit for Round 1. Robbie Gray (knee) should play some part while halfback Hamish Hartlett (knee) wants to play at least one JLT game.

WATCH FOR: Paddy Ryder will start forward early in Dixon’s absence, while veteran midfielder Brad Ebert is being trialled as a forward and Jack Watts has been used on a wing.

JLT GAMES: v Adelaide, Port Pirie, Saturday, 4.10pm; v North Melbourne, Alberton, March 9, 1.10pm

— Andrew Capel

RICHMOND

NEW FACES: The Tigers are planning to go in full-strength for their first game, but recruit Tom Lynch won’t play, still recovering from a PCL he suffered last June. Former Saint Maverick Weller could play, as could top draftees Riley Collier-Dawkins and Jack Ross.

WHO’S MISSING: Lynch and Shaun Grigg (knee) are both targeting Round 1. Josh Caddy (ankle) and Jason Castagna (ankle) are also unlikely to feature.

WATCH FOR: The Tigers’ ruck set-up. There is much intrigue as to whether Ivan Soldo will be played as a second ruckman alongside Toby Nankervis, or if Richmond will go down a different path altogether.

JLT GAMES: v Melbourne, Shepparton, March 3, 4.40pm; v Hawthorn, Launceston, March 9, 7.10pm.

— Chris Cavanagh

ST KILDA

NEW FACES: Ex-Demon Dean Kent and mature-age draftee Matt Parker are what the Saints need in attack — big-bodied utilities with tricks. Both should pinch hit through the middle and impact the scoreboard.

WHO’S MISSING: Dan Hannebery (hamstring) is back to running freely; Jake Carlisle (back), Billy Longer (hamstring), Ben Long (foot) and Max King (ACL).

WATCH FOR: A deeper midfield core with more tricks and bite. Forwards Josh Battle and Rowan Marshall to push for more game time and Dylan Roberton’s comeback from a heart scare.

JLT GAMES: v North Melbourne, Werribee, Saturday, 1.10pm. v Western Bulldogs, Mars Stadium, Ballarat, March 10, 4.10pm.

— Gilbert Gardiner

Lance Franklin faces a challenge to be ready for Round 1. Picture: Getty Images

SYDNEY

NEW FACES: Nick Blakey has been held back from some training like most new Swans draftees, but should be in the mix. Ryan Clarke can provide midfield run and Jackson Thurlow will release Callum Mills into the midfield.

WHO’S MISSING: Put a dollar on Lance Franklin and Daniel Menzel missing Round 1, let alone the JLT. Both have had groin surgery. Sam Naismith (knee reco) won’t be ready either.

WATCH FOR: Mills into the midfield is the obvious positional switch. Can he, Oliver Florent and Isaac Heeney rejuvenate the onball unit? Sam Reid could start forward given injuries to Franklin and Menzel.

JLT GAMES: v GWS Giants, Blacktown, March 2, 7.10pm. v Gold Coast, Lismore, March 10, 1.10pm.

— Jon Ralph

WEST COAST

NEW FACES: Tom Hickey will be keen to nail down a Round 1 berth, while Andrew Gaff is available, but must sit out the first two rounds of the season to complete his eight-game ban. Ex-Pie Josh Smith has impressed.

WHO’S MISSING: Josh Kennedy (foot), Elliot Yeo (toe), Tom Barrass (feet) and Jeremy McGovern (ribs) aim to play pre-season minutes. Luke Shuey has been restricted at training. Jamie Cripps (toe) will miss the start of the season. Nic Naitanui (knee) returns in the second half of the season.

WATCH FOR: The retirement of Mark LeCras gives opportunity to Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman and Jack Petruccelle.

JLT GAMES: v Geelong, Leederville, Friday, 7.10pm; v Fremantle, Mandurah, March 10, 7.10pm

— Braden Quartermaine

WESTERN BULLDOGS

NEW FACES: Ben Cavarra, taken at pick 45 in the draft, is the one to watch. Rhylee West has also impressed in the pre-season and Bailey Smith is coming with a wet sail after being managed early.

WHO’S MISSING: Tom Boyd (back), Jason Johannisen (foot), Liam Picken (concussion) and Lin Jong (hamstring) head the unavailables. Buku Khamis is out for two months with a PCL strain.

WATCH FOR: Will ex-Tiger Sam Lloyd get his shot early? Who plays as the second tall alongside Josh Schache? SuperCoach-wise, will Caleb Daniel play at half-back again as he did so successfully late last season?

JLT GAMES: v Gold Coast, Mackay, March 3, 7.40pm. v St Kilda, Mars Stadium, Ballarat, March 10, 4.10pm.

— Jon Ralph

Originally published as JLT preview: Who to watch for and who’s missing at your club