Who’s fit, hurt and impressing: How your club is shaping up for 2019
Richmond’s surprise move to sign delisted St Kilda forward Mav Weller could pay off as early as Round 1 against Carlton according the pre-season track watchers. Who’s fit, who’s hurt and who’s training the house down at your club?
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Chad Wingard’s calf injury could be more serious than first thought.
Hawthorn’s big off-season recruit has now been ruled out of AFLX and the Hawks’ own intra-club match as he continues to deal with the issue that has been lingering since mid-January.
It remains to be seen whether Wingard will be ready for the Hawks’ JLT Series opener against Brisbane on March 3.
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“He’s taking a little bit longer than what we would have expected (for) a really minor calf issue he had ... he won’t play in AFLX at this stage due to the injury,” football manager Graeme Wright told the club website.
Robbie Gray is also an AFLX casualty due to knee soreness with Port Adelaide taking a cautious approach to their match-winner.
Gray’s Power teammate Tom Rockliff has replaced him in Patrick Dangerfield’s Bolts team.
ADELAIDE
WHO’S FIT
After failing to play a game last year and having groin surgery, Brad Crouch is expected to be like a recruit this season as the Crows look to return to finals.
WHO’S HURT
Unlike last pre-season when the rehab ward at West Lakes was beginning to get busy, the Crows have enjoyed a largely injury-free pre-season. Key defender Daniel Talia is the exception having had left knee surgery in December but he still looks like being available for Round 1. The other minor scare was Brad Crouch who missed a week of running with a foot injury but he has otherwise enjoyed a flawless summer.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Emerging ruckman Reilly O’Brien, who is set to provide support for Sam Jacobs, and dashing half-back Wayne Milera who has been top-three in the time trials. Brodie Smith who missed most of last year while recovering from a knee reco is also flying and will slot straight back in to the half-back line.
— Reece Homfray
BRISBANE
WHO’S FIT
The Lions have enjoyed a largely uneventful pre-season and have close to a full list available for match simulation. The majority of the players look to be in good nick and picking a standout isn’t easy. Given Charlie Cameron missed the back end of last season and left a huge void when he went out of the team, the sight of him in full flight probably stands out the most. Second and third year players such as Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage, Alex Witherden and Cam Raynor all appear a little bigger and stronger.
WHO’S HURT
Darcy Gardiner’s knee injury suffered at their training camp in Hobart last week was the first major hiccup for the Lions over the off-season. Gardiner limped off the intra-club scratch match with a PCL injury and will be out of full training for between six and eight weeks. Brisbane hope to experiment with key defender Harris Andrews in attack but with new recruit Marcus Adams the other Lion to have a slow start to his pre-season, those plans will be temporarily shelved until he gets some depth back into his defensive stocks.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Ask Brisbane and they’ll say Lachie Neale, and there’s no doubt the former Docker is making a big impact at his new club. But every club says that when they spend big on a player and you’d expect someone of Neale’s standing in the game to hit the ground running. Brisbane’s hopes of climbing the ladder will rely on the continued development of the club’s under 22-year-olds and they are all making progress. But the standout would have to be Jarrod Berry. It seems he beats his personal bests every time he is tested but it is his maturity and emergence as a leader that is even more impressive.
— Andrew Hamilton
CARLTON
WHO’S FIT
Jack Silvagni has spent a summer of explicit explosive running as he attempts to spend more time on the ball. His younger brother Ben has impressed as a switch-hitting key position player in match simulation. While the club hasn’t committed to him yet, clearance king Michael Gibbons has been a standout at training, to the point where one casual observer made the assessment that if you didn’t know who he was, he would be playing against Richmond in Round 1.
WHO’S HURT
Unfortunately, there are too many in this bracket with co-captain Sam Docherty gone for the year (knee). Recruit Mitch McGovern is running laps after suffering a non-displaced fracture of his back, Darcy Lang is highly unlikely for Round 1 (foot), Alex Fasolo is six to eight weeks (broken arm), Caleb Marchbank is on light duties (back), Jarrod Pickett (knee) is a fair way off, Liam Jones (fractured hand) is running laps, Matthew Kreuzer (knee) is hopeful of being ready for Round 1 while Will Setterfield and Tom Williamson are making steady progress from long-term injuries.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
After a second year of stagnation, Sam Petrevski-Seton is flying as he prepares for more midfield time. And the Zac Fisher journey continues to grow. Number one draft pick Sam Walsh has had a stunning debut pre-season. Tom De Koning, Patrick Kerr and Harry McKay are a trio of young talls who appear ready to take the next step after improving their running during pre-season. Lochie O’Brien missed some early sessions but in the past two weeks has been blitzing on the track. Paddy Dow has increased his strength and is ready for a breakout second season.
— Jon Anderson
COLLINGWOOD
WHO’S FIT
Just imagine what a fit and firing Darcy Moore could do to the Collingwood defence that was stretched so thin throughout last season. He’s in good shape at the moment, starred in the match simulation last week and spent part of this week on one leg of the club’s community camp to Tennant Creek.
It is hoped that the hamstring issues that cost him so much time on the sidelines last year — and a Grand Final berth — are a thing of the past.
His likely return means that Tyson Goldsack looks set to resume as a forward after his finals defensive heroics last year. Goldsack had a few patella tendon issues on his good knee before Christmas, but has been making good progress ever since.
WHO’S HURT
Just when the news seemed to be all good came the Jordan De Goey bombshell on Friday morning. Scans will determine the severity of the ankle injury, with Magpie fans holding their breath.
Still some minor concerns with Brodie Grundy, whose toe injury has hampered his progress. The Magpies insist he will be fine for Round 1. Dayne Beams had been laid low with illness last week, but looks ready to increase his work loads.
Others making modest progress include Lynden Dunn and Matt Scharenberg (coming back from knee reconstructions), draftee Will Kelly (ankle surgery) and Tim Broomhead (coming back from serious broken leg).
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Trackwatchers have been very impressed with the gains Josh Daicos has made this summer. He played 10 games last year, but the 20-year-old couldn’t quite hold down his spot late in the season. Given the strength of the Pies’ list, it won’t be easy to break his way back in, but his performance in recent match simulation has been noted.
Isaac Quayner has looked very sharp and step up to play immediately.
Nathan Buckley has forecast a likely new role for Scott Pendlebury, saying the star midfielder could spent time at half-back, half-forward and even the wing. If Daniel Wells can regain his spot in the team, it might come in attack, where Buckley sees a new role for him.
— Glenn McFarlane
ESSENDON
WHO’S FIT
Forward Joe Daniher (osteitis pubis) has started to join in some work with the main training work and will start to build his volume and intensity. Orazio Fantasia’s injured finger has healed well, although he still has to wear a guard for a bit longer. He hasn’t missed out on running so his fitness base is strong. Ruckman Tom Bellchambers (shoulder) is progressing well after his off-season shoulder surgery and is edging closer to full contact work. Defender Martin Gleeson (ankle) is also on track after his injury-interrupted 2018 and is getting back into high volumes of training.
WHO’S HURT
Devon Smith suffered “partial disruption” to his bicep muscle in a collision with a teammates but the Bombers say the injury poses no threat to his season. Midfielder Zach Merrett suffered a setback when he injured his ankle last month, but his recovery is progressing better than expected and he has run strongly in an individual program with a return to the main group expected in the next week. Cale Hooker injured his hamstring last month and has started to resume some light running, but won’t be at top speed for a few weeks.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Bombers’ general manager of football Dan Richardson named a group including Andrew McGrath, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, David Zaharakis, Shaun McKernan and Aaron Francis as those who had enjoyed strong pre-seasons. Defender Michael Hurley had also been in strong summer form until a minor tweak of ankle last week, but he was only limited for one or two sessions. Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford have also impressed.
— Rebecca Williams
FREMANTLE
WHO’S FIT
Marquee signing Jesse Hogan (foot) has firmed for Round 1 selection after being nursed through the off-season. Forgotten Dockers midfielder Harley Bennell is also back running and participating in kicking drills following a latest calf setback.
WHO’S HURT
Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe will miss the revamped AFLX tournament on February 22 following a knock to the elbow at training. The Brownlow medallist landed heavily on his elbow which resulted in an inflamed bursa. The Dockers have been hit hard by injuries to key midfielders with Stephen Hill (quad) and Connor Blakely (hamstring) struck down.
WHO’S IMPRESSED
Veteran David Mundy looks set to be injected back into the midfield following the departure of Lachie Neale. Untried Docker Tom North has impressed in recent weeks, along with ex-Richmond utility Reece Conca and second-year draftees Adam Cerra and Andrew Brayshaw. North played 11 games for WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder last year, averaging 19 disposals. Mature-aged recruit Brett Bewley is also expected to be unleashed in Round 1.
— Gilbert Gardiner
GEELONG
WHO’S FIT
Esava Ratugolea has delighted the club with his recovery from a broken leg last year. Zac Guthrie has finally started to look like a mature-bodied AFL footballer. Gary Rohan has been spending far more time on the track than the injury room. Oscar Brownless has made a huge impression after being taken at Pick 74 in the 2018 National Draft. Likewise ruck prospect Darcy Fort.
WHO’S HURT
Nakia Cockatoo is making cautious progress from tonsillitis and a spider bite while in Bali. Ruckmen Ryan Abbott and Zac Smith have been on modified programs due to back injuries.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Youngster Charlie Constable is set for a big JLT Series with Cats assistant coach Matthew Knights forecasting a midfield role for the 2017 draftee. Luke Dahlhaus hasn’t missed a beat. At 26, he’s at a point in his career where he desperately requires a stellar season after two years of indifferent form. Brandan Parfitt re-signed for an extra year (2020) last week and has impressed coaching staff over summer. Irish-born Mark O’Connor continues to grow as he learns the game and his body adapts. Another Irishman Stefan Okunbor, who has Nigerian heritage, has made huge inroads in a short period.
— Jon Anderson
GOLD COAST
WHO’S FIT
Everyone. I’ve covered this club since their inception and have never seen them train like they have this pre-season. Foundation players such as David Swallow, Jarrod Harbrow and Michael Rischitelli would all tell you the same. When St Kilda fought back from a 31-point three-quarter time deficit at Metricon Stadium in Round 13 last season to record a two-point win, their coach Alan Richardson said he always had confidence his side could run games out. What he didn’t say, but the Suns know, is opponents always feel they can run over the top of them and that the Gold Coast has a tendency to freeze in close games. It is a perception they are desperate to change.
WHO’S HURT
Former Tiger Corey Ellis had groin surgery pre-Christmas and has been a late starter to the pre-season. Key defender Jack Leslie, who was cut then relisted as a rookie is battling knee soreness and is on a modified training program. Other than that, the Suns are looking pretty good.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
The Suns are talking up their mature-age recruits like George Horlin-Smith, Jack Hombsch and Anthony Miles but are working hard to keep expectations off gun draftees Izak Rankine, Jack Lukosius and Ben King. List manager Craig Cameron added some experience and depth during the off-season but it is the form and fitness of the club’s better players that will determine how well they go this season. Jack Bowes is entering his third season and is looking bigger and stronger than before. He is expected to spend all his time in the midfield this year. Pearce Hanley looms as a new recruit after two tough years battling injury and if the Irishman can recapture his best form and stay injury free, he will be a key weapon for the Suns.
— Andrew Hamilton
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
WHO’S FIT
The Giants have regularly had 40 players on the track over summer in a great sign.
Returning ruckman Shane Mumford suffered a low-grade hamstring strain in the final training session before Christmas but is back turning heads on the track, coach Leon Cameron saying earlier this month Mumford is as fit if not fitter than he was before his retirement in 2017.
WHO’S HURT
Lively forward Toby Greene is still recovering from ankle surgery in November in what is the main concern for the Giants.
Greene, 25, only played nine games last season due to a foot injury, coming after impressive campaigns which had seen him kick 45 and 44 goals the previous two years.
The Giants are taking a cautious approach and have vowed they will not rush their star back for Round 1 if he is not ready.
Key forward Jon Patton is continuing his recovery from a third-knee reconstruction last July and remains some way away from returning to full training.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
There is a lot of buzz around exciting new forward Ian “Bobby” Hill.
Cousin of Fremantle brothers Stephen and Bradley Hill, former Collingwood forward Leon Davis and West Coast forward Josh Hill, ‘Bobby’ is a speedy small forward with a great leap who can also pile on the forward pressure.
Emerging midfielders Tim Tarranto, Jacob Hopper and Harry Perryman have also shown signs they will take their games up a notch in 2019.
— Chris Cavanagh
HAWTHORN
WHO’S FIT
Darren Minchington, 25, wasn’t the biggest name to make a move in the trade period, but he could move straight into the best 22. The St Kilda hard nut was a big-time ballwinner in the VFL and could become a Paul Puopolo-style cog in the Hawthorn midfield-forward machine. Tim Mohr and first-year defender Jacob Koschitzke, 18, will also add key defensive depth.
WHO’S HURT
Chad Wingard’s calf injury continues to sideline the Hawks’ big off-season recruit and he will now miss the AFLX as well as the club’s scratch match. Grant Birchall (knee) and Tom Scully (ankle) are back running at training after long lay-offs but are still months away from playing senior footy. It will be a cautious approach with both as they look to build match fitness in the VFL first.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
James Worpel, 20, is the one to watch at Hawthorn. The former Geelong Falcon, who slipped to pick No. 45 in the 2017 national draft, is relishing his second preseason in preparation for an expanded midfield role. Tom Mitchell’s injury has created a significant void but the second-year hard-nut is ready to step up in the engine room, alongside fellow ready-to-go onball candidates James Cousins, 21, and Daniel Howe, 22. Rookie Harrison Jones, 19, also has ability in the clinches and could come from the clouds. Jaeger O’Meara has also been in sparkling form on the training track, eager to make up for lost time at Gold Coast.
— Jay Clark
MELBOURNE
WHO’S FIT
Clayton Oliver had post-season surgery on both shoulders but is coming along nicely. And hard nut co-captain Jack Viney has been on a modified program to make sure his troublesome foot is cherry ripe for the season. Nathan Jones and Jake Melksham have both been dealing with back/hamstring complaints. Oscar McDonald had a clean-up on his hip, while Christian Petracca had a knee arthroscope.
WHO’S HURT
Gun recruit Steven May suffered a hamstring injury at training this week that will keep him out of AFLX but the Demons are confident he will be right for Round 1. Kade Kolodjashnij has stepped away from the main group to help mend a fresh adductor complaint. The Dees want him fit to add some extra run to the midfield. Jake Lever is on track for a Round 10 or 12 return after his knee reconstruction last year.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Marty Hore could step straight into the Demons’ senior side this year. Coming off two Collingwood VFL best-and-fairest awards, the reliable utility has the kind of no-frills approach Simon Goodwin loves. And he’s hardly missed a beat over summer. First-year ballwinner Tom Sparrow has bulked up and could press for an early midfield or forward berth along with underrated tough nut Bailey Fritsch. Veteran Michael Hibberd, swingman Tom McDonald and superstar ruckman Max Gawn have also been stand outs on the track.
— Jay Clark
NORTH MELBOURNE
WHO’S FIT
Skipper Jack Ziebell is on track to play in both JLT 1 and JLT 2 after sitting out the intra-club following a calf strain just before Christmas.
Ben Brown (knee) is also back in action. Jasper Pittard and Ben Jacobs are on the comeback trail from respective calf setbacks.
WHO’S HURT
Robbie Tarrant broke down in the intra-club and has since undergone surgery to repair his AC shoulder joint. A blow for the Roos, who expect the key defender to still get back in time for Round 1. Sam Wright copped a knock to the leg also.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Aaron Hall and Jared Polec fired in the Kangaroos’ annual City v Country intra-club at Arden St. Trent Dumont and Luke McDonald also worked strongly on respective wings.
Second-year draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke showed signs he is ready to push hard for senior selection and father-son draftee Bailey Scott — son of Robert — will get the chance to showcase his wares in the JLT Series
.
— Gilbert Gardiner
PORT ADELAIDE
WHO’S FIT
Hamish Hartlett has made good progress after his knee reconstruction while No.5 draft pick Connor Rozee has not missed a session and will be right in contention for a Round 1 game. Rozee emerged as a dashing half-back in the SANFL but is eyeing a spot in Port’s forward line early in the season.
WHO’S HURT
Robbie Gray has been withdrawn from the AFLX with ongoing knee soreness after off-season surgery. The star forward will also miss the Power’s intra-club hit-out. It had been a tumultuous month for the Power where they’ve been dogged by off-field stories they would much rather avoid. From an on-field perspective the most significant was Ollie Wines who dislocated his shoulder in a waterskiing accident and had surgery that will sideline him for 8-10 weeks. The vice-captain is doubtful for Round 1 but the Power is hopeful he is right to play in the first month of the season.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Ryan Burton is another new face at Alberton to impress over summer and will add polish across half-back while the Power is set to play with two ruckmen after luring Scott Lycett from West Coast after the Eagles’ premiership.
— Reece Homfray
RICHMOND
WHO’S FIT
Small forward Dan Butler is ready to go and determined to make amends after missing the second half of last season with an ankle injury.
The Tigers say midfielder Dustin Martin is also fit and firing both physically and mentally after finishing last season “a little sore”.
Defender Brandon Ellis, who was dropped for last year’s finals series, is preparing for a new role in the midfield this season.
WHO’S HURT
All eyes remain on star recruit Tom Lynch, who is yet to join in full training after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament injury last June.
The Tigers say they will not rush Lynch back but believe he is on track to tackle Carlton in Round 1.
Midfielder Jack Graham is also expected to be ready for Round 1 after having post-season shoulder surgery.
Forward Jason Castagna is recovering from a high ankle sprain, while defender Ryan Garthwaite has been on limited duties with an Achilles complaint
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Richmond’s top draft pick last year at No.20, Riley Collier-Dawkins has made his presence felt on the track over pre-season, particularly at the club’s camp on the Gold Coast last month.
The Tigers expect the 19-year-old to play some senior football relatively early in the season.
Former Saint Maverick Weller is also pushing his case for an early-season debut in his new colours as he continues to train well with the forwards group.
Speedy young midfielder Sydney Stack has been added to the Tigers’ list through the pre-season supplemental selection period and could play significant senior football this year.
— Chris Cavanagh
ST KILDA
WHO’S FIT
Forward Paddy McCartin (foot) and ruckman Billy Longer (ankle) are back into full training and match simulation work after completing their rehabilitation from injury. The pair is expected to be available for JLT selection. Recruit and former Demon Dean Kent also returned to full training last month after recovering from his post-season shoulder operation.
WHO’S HURT
While the Saints downplayed it, Dan Hannebery’s hamstring is a setback for the off-season recruit and could keep him out of the JLT Series. Draftee Jack Bytel had surgery to repair a bulging disc in his lower back and is expected to undertake a three-month rehabilitation period. Defender Jake Carlisle remains on a modified program after experiencing back issues after Christmas and will be hoping to rejoin the main training group in a couple of weeks.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
St Kilda general manager of football Simon Lethlean said Hunter Clark and Ed Phillips had both impressed over the pre-season as Phillips set the standard after Christmas by taking out the team’s time trial. Jack Sinclair and Jack Billings have also enjoyed strong summers.
— Rebecca Williams
SYDNEY
WHO’S FIT
Josh Kennedy hasn’t missed a beat after a quieter 2018 season, leading the charge on the training track. Jarrad McVeigh and Heath Grundy are also in the thick of it after completing most sessions. Sam Reid played only a single game last year with injury but has led the charge with a flawless pre-season. Ex-Roo Ryan Clarke and ex-Cat Jackson Thurlow have slotted in seamlessly with Clarke’s running prowess a feature as usual. Draftee Nick Blakey is just ramping up his training as part of the Swans policy of managing the training programs of its first-year players.
WHO’S HURT
Lance Franklin has finally started jogging after a pre-season groin release and while he hasn’t been ruled out for Round 1, surely he would be well short of full fitness if he did play. Dan Menzel had a similar procedure several weeks later after his first training session at the Swans, but has responded strongly and started training. Sam Naismith is easing back after an ACL rupture and while he hasn’t been ruled out of Round 1, he is taking his time with rehab. Kieren Jack had a post-season knee arthroscope but is tracking well, while Zak Jones also had a minor knee procedure. Jake Lloyd had hip surgery post-season but is back into training and progressing strongly. A toe injury limited Matthew Ling to only six games last year and he is still coming on slowly.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Isaac Heeney is ready to get into Beast Mode after a big pre-season, dominating match practice along with Cal Mills, who moved into the midfield in recent game simulation. Tom Papley was banged up towards the end of last year but still managed 20 goals, and yet has gone to a new level this summer. Aliir Aliir, who played only three games in 2017 and just one before Round 13 last year, has been involved in the pre-season since the first session and done most of the fitness work.
— Jon Ralph
WEST COAST
WHO’S FIT
Willie Rioli wants to push for more game time in the midfield this season after being confined to attack throughout most of last season. He worked hard during his break in the Tiwi Islands, where he and his cousin, Richmond’s Daniel Rioli, used the heat to try and boost their fitness.
Club insiders are confident he can add to the Eagles’ varied midfield mix if he can build his tank.
Josh Kennedy was going well a few weeks back, but the club has had to “deload” after a heavy workload leading up to and after Christmas. Adam Simpson said it was reminder to all that Kennedy “isn’t 24 any more.”
Whenever he pulls up sore, the club pulls back on him, but the coach is confident his star forward will be right for Round 1 against Brisbane, along with Liam Duggan (knee).
WHO’S HURT
Jamie Cripps has been ruled out of Round 1 after having toe surgery. He is basically undergoing a new pre-season and may miss the first few games.
Jeremy McGovern won’t be pushed too early after having a plate inserted on the ribs he broke in the Grand Final. Elliot Yeo (toe) and Tom Barass (foot) have had limited pre-seasons, but are about to crank up their campaigns after overcoming niggles.
Others on the comeback from injury include Daniel Venables (knee) and Jake Waterman (ankle).
The Eagles will be ensuring Nic Naitanui doesn’t try to rush himself back too soon from what was second knee reconstruction. The big man is looking towards an AFL return by mid-season and he’s doing everything right to make sure that happens.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Adam Simpson has earmarked Jack Petruccelle as possible forward line contender early in the season given the retirement of Mark Le Cras and the interrupted pre-season of Jamie Cripps. Simpson said Petruccelle, 19, who played three games last year, had been having “a bit of a breakout preseason”.
— Glenn McFarlane
WESTERN BULLDOGS
WHO’S FIT
Matt Suckling’s persistent achilles injury has eased after a light pre-Christmas program, allowing him to slot into full match practice. Tom Liberatore is fit and motivated after another ACL injury, saying last week he hadn’t ruled out a return by Round 1. Caleb Daniel is back in full training after his own knee clean-up.
WHO’S HURT
Jason Johannisen is set for a stint on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in a training mishap. Tom Boyd is one of the chief concerns given a back injury that has failed to heal since late last season, when his season was curtailed. The Dogs are hopeful they can ramp up his training in February but he hasn’t responded to treatment so far. The club’s No.7 draft pick Bailey Smith battled achilles issues through all of his senior TAC Cup year but after being handled with kid gloves is finally ready to move into full sessions. Lukas Webb is finally out of a neck brace after a serious injury last season in the VFL and the club’s medicos are working on a graduated program for him to return to full training. Liam Picken still isn’t in
the full footy program but the club is still hopeful he can get back to senior football in 2019.
WHO’S IMPRESSING
Josh Dunkley is turning heads with his training form, while mature-aged recruits Ben Cavarra and Will Hayes have slotted into the club with impressive training form. Father-son Rhylee West has been another strong contributor, while the usual suspects Mitch Wallis, Lachie Hunter and Marcus Bontempelli have all been leading the charge on the training track. Second-year players Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton have built on last year’s gains while the club’s first rookie pick Lachie Young is another to set himself up for a strong season.
— Jon Ralph
Originally published as Who’s fit, hurt and impressing: How your club is shaping up for 2019
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