AFL 2023: The lowdown on every club’s pre-season preparation as the real deal appears on horizon
Has your club got a leg up on the competition heading into 2023? Who’s fit and firing? Who’s battling to be ready for the first round of the season? Find out here.
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Now deep into preparations for this season, we look at every club, their key injuries, their pre-season flyers and what sits on the horizon when it comes to match simulation and early opponents.
ADELAIDE
2023 LEADERS
Jordan Dawson has been named to take over from Rory Sloane for the 2023 season.
Sloane had previously been the captain during Matthew Nicks’ entire tenure as coach.
INJURY LIST
Paul Seedsman (concussion) – Aside from Seedsman on the inactive list there are no long term injuries at the Crows.
Andrew McPherson (knee) – Had surgery in November and is recovering from that this pre-season.
Rory Sloane (knee) – Has been involved in main training but is still recovering from his ACL injury that ended his 2022.
Josh Worrell (hamstring) – Has been working his way back from a hamstring injury.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Izak Rankine has seriously impressed with his skill and speed since arriving at West Lakes from Gold Coast.
Wayne Milera and Luke Pedlar have also had strong pre-seasons as they look to put some injury affected years behind them.
Elliott Himmelberg is another player to impress while father-son draftee Max Michalanney has put his hand up for a round 1 debut.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
The Crows are looking at deploying former No. 2 draft pick Riley Thilthorpe more around the ground in the ruck after his first two years in the system as a key forward.
Pedlar has played a lot as a small forward while Milera looks to be locked in at half-back.
Sloane has been deployed on a wing, as a half-forward, half-back and through the midfield as the Crows look to find a position for their captain.
Jake Soligo and Ben Keays have also spent time forward.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Internal trial at Richmond Oval, Friday February 17, 4.30pm (SA time).
Match simulation v Fremantle at Victor George Kailis Oval, Friday February 24, 6pm ACST.
Practice Match v West Coast at Mineral Resources Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm ACST.
Round 1
GWS v Adelaide Crows at Giants Stadium, March 19, 12.40pm ACST.
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BRISBANE LIONS
2023 LEADERS
TBC. Dayne Zorko has relinquished his role as captain after over 100 games. Defender Harris Andrews, last year’s vice-captain, and midfielder Hugh McCluggage are candidates.
INJURY LIST
Marcus Adams (concussion) — Not expected to play this season.
Dayne Zorko (hamstring) — Looks set to miss Brisbane’s two upcoming intra-club games.
Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) — Still in rehab and 2-3 weeks away from full training
Jarrod Berry (shoulder) — Still in rehab 1 week away from full training
Kai Lohmann (groin) — Two-three weeks away from full training
Noah Answerth (shoulder) — Still in the rehab group and one-two weeks from full training
Jarryd Lyons (groin) — One week from returning to full training
Carter Michael (shin) — Five weeks away from full training
Joe Daniher (shoulder) — Back in main training and played in Friday night’s match simulation last week.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Young gun midfielder Will Ashcroft has turned heads in his first pre-season with football boss Danny Daly rating him close to best on ground in match simulation last week when he swung forward to kick three goals. The father-son selection is poised to make an immediate impact in his debut season. Veteran Daniel Rich has also enjoyed strong pre-season after an injury free summer preparation. Zorko also impressed until his minor hamstring issue.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
Former St Kilda defender Darragh Joyce has joined the Lions on a one-year deal, signing on during the pre-season supplemental selection period. The Irishman joins fellow countryman Conor McKenna, who was another off-season acquisition for the Lions.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval, Friday, February 24, 12pm.
Practice match — Brisbane Lions v Geelong, Brighton Homes Arena, Thursday March 2, 8.10pm.
Round 1
Port Adelaide v Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Oval, March 18, 4.35pm (SA time).
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CARLTON
2023 LEADERS
Captain — Patrick Cripps
Vice-captains — Jacob Weitering and Sam Walsh
INJURY LIST
Zac Williams (knee) — Ruled out for the 2023 season after rupturing his ACL.
Sam Philp (foot) — No timeline yet placed on his return after undergoing surgery for a foot stress fracture.
Sam Walsh (back) — The midfield gun is likely to miss at least the first month of the season as he works his way back from back surgery.
Jordan Boyd (foot) — Will also miss at least the early part of the season after surgery to repair a foot fracture.
Matthew Cottrell (foot) — Still nursing his navicular stress fracture in a moon boot with no timeline yet on his return.
Jack Martin (calf) — Should be back in full training by next week.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
The key forward pairing of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow has benefited from a full and uninterrupted pre-season training together. After his first season at the Blues, track watchers have been impressed with Adam Cerra’s pre-season, while small forward Jesse Motlop has also been one of the standouts over summer. The competition among the wings — Lochie O’Brien, Blake Acres and first-round draft pick Ollie Hollands — has also been hot.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
The Blues were considering former Richmond and Gold Coast defender Oleg Markov as a possible cover for Williams after he was placed on the long-term injury list however he chose Collingwood.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, Friday, February 24, 11am.
Practice match — Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown International Sports Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm.
Round 1
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, March 16, 7.20pm.
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COLLINGWOOD
2023 LEADERS
Captain — Darcy Moore
Vice-captains — Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard
INJURY LIST
Darcy Moore (bone infection) — Targeting a round 1 return after recovering from a bone infection.
Nathan Kreuger (shoulder) — Set to miss the early part of the season after a shoulder reconstruction.
Darcy Cameron (hamstring) — Was set to miss a couple of weeks of training after suffering a minor hamstring strain at training last week.
Finlay Macrae (back) — Remains on a modified training load after experiencing stress-related back issue in December.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
New recruit Tom Mitchell looks set to slot seamlessly into the Magpies’ midfield brigade, looking fit and racking up plenty of the ball at training. Another key midfielder, Adams has shaken off any signs of the groin injury that ended his finals campaign last year and looks in top condition. At the club’s pre-season camp, skipper Moore said Rising Star Nick Daicos and Isaac Quaynor had enjoyed great pre-seasons and were both “flying”.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
The Magpies signed 19-year-old Oscar Steene as a rookie to complete the club’s list for 2023. The 201cm West Adelaide ruckman had been training with the Magpies since last November during the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period. They also secured former Sun and Tiger, Oleg Markov. Off-field, the Magpies appointed premiership player and former leading player agent Craig Kelly as its new chief executive, replacing Mark Anderson.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, Friday, February 24, 11am.
Practice match — Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS, Thursday, March 2, 5.10pm.
Round 1
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, March 17, 7.40pm.
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ESSENDON
2023 LEADERS
TBC. Captain since 2017, Dyson Heppell said in December he was “not tied to the role” and was prepared to stand aside if the club wanted to take a new direction. Zach Merrett, Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath are among the other contenders.
INJURY LIST
Matt Guelfi (calf) — Will miss a few weeks of training after suffering a calf strain at training last week.
Elijah Tsatas (knee) — The No. 5 draft pick faces an indefinite period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear.
Jake Stringer (back soreness) — The Bombers have been cautious and he should be back in full work next week.
Peter Wright (calf) — Back running after a calf scare and expected to take part in the first pre-season hitout.
Sam Weideman (quad) — Resumed running and should also be fit to play in the opening pre-season test.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Midfield star Zach Merrett has enjoyed a standout summer, according to track watchers, who have noted how vocal he has been during sessions. Defender Mason Redman has looked sharp building momentum after his brilliant season last year. There is also been some buzz around Archie Perkins and Nic Martin spending more time in the midfield.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
West Australian teenager Jake Cleaver has been trialling with the Bombers ahead of the pre-season supplemental selection period deadline on February 15. The Bombers still have one vacant list spot after moving father-son draftee Jayden Davey to the inactive list as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Essendon will trial star tall Nik Cox in more of a defensive role along with McGrath, who looks set to play half back.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, Austworld Centre Oval, Thursday February 23, 4pm.
Practice match — St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, Friday March 3, 4.10pm.
Round 1
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, March 19, 3.20pm.
******************
FREMANTLE
2023 LEADERS
Captain — TBC
Vice-captain — TBC
INJURY LIST
Corey Wagner (hamstring) — Injured himself during match simulation last month but has been able to run in rehab since.
Brennan Cox (knee) — Still on light duties after falling off his skateboard and picking up a knee minor infection but the Dockers caught it early and he’ll be back in full training soon.
Nathan Wilson (finger) — Broke his finger in a boating accident but is back training with a red non-contact cap on.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Fremantle sold the house and farm to get him in purple but Luke Jackson looks set to justify his hefty price tag. Dockers are desperate to unleash his athleticism, versatility and potential. Second-year midfielders Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson are pushing for round-one berths. Erasmus played five games in his 2022 debut season, while a pre-season foot injury limited Johnson’s opportunities last year. Both are natural ball winners but are trialling for the Dockers’ vacant wing role to get a look in at selection. Caleb Serong’s skills appear to have gotten even better over summer as he looks to take yet another step forward.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
Fremantle are considering adding an extra dimension to their forward line after losing Rory Lobb to the Bulldogs. Gippsland Power tall Liam Serong, the younger brother of star Caleb, was overlooked in the draft after an injury-interrupted year but has shown promise as a marking key position player. Sam Stubbs, who won Perth’s goal kicking last year to catch Fremantle’s eye, is also vying for a spot on the list. Stubbs has been the pick of the two so far, kicking three goals in match simulation last month.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Fremantle v Adelaide, Victor George Kailis Oval, Friday, February 24, 6.30pm.
Practice match — Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, Thursday March 2, 7.10pm.
Round 1
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, March 19, 4.40pm.
******************
GEELONG
2023 LEADERS
TBC. Midfield star Patrick Dangerfield is considered the favourite to take over from premiership skipper Joel Selwood. Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs are among the other top candidates.
INJURY LIST
Tom Hawkins (foot) — Has resumed running and is doing some stationary skills and hopes to integrate into training in two weeks. Has not yet been ruled in or out for round 1.
Toby Conway (foot) — Won’t be rushed in his recovery from a foot stress fracture.
Shannon Neale (ankle) — Expected to make a return to training in coming weeks after an ankle sprain.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Youngsters Ollie Dempsey and Mitch Knevitt have impressed track watchers with their summer form on the track.
PRE-SEASON LIST GAINS/MOVES
Another standout on the track this pre-season, Cats’ recruit Ollie Henry could be set for a positional switch after being trialled in defence over summer. Henry joined the Cats in the off-season from the Magpies where he played as a forward.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Geelong v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, Thursday February 23, 4pm.
Practice match — Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, Brighton Homes Arena, Thursday March 2, 8.10pm.
Round 1
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, March 17, 7.40pm.
******************
GOLD COAST SUNS
2023 LEADERS
TBC. The Suns are expected to retain their 2022 leadership of co-captains Touk Miller and Jarrod Witts this season.
INJURY LIST
Wil Powell (hamstring) — Will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering a grade-three hamstring injury.
Ben King (knee) — Targeting a round 1 return from his ACL injury.
Lachie Weller (knee) — Expected to be available in the early rounds of the season from his ACL injury.
Connor Budarick (knee) — Aiming for a mid-season return from his ACL
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Club champion Miller has led from the front, while there has been plenty of buzz around the form of young midfielder-forward Sam Flanders on the track this summer. No. 1 draft pick Matt Rowell has been looking more explosive and ready to take another step this year. Track watchers noted he is running better and has been working on his outside game. Recruit Ben Long has been training well in a half-back role.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
The Suns last week signed 25-year-old Frankston forward Brodie McLaughlin to its rookie list as part of the pre-season supplemental period. McLaughlin, a 193cm forward, joined Jed Anderson as a SSP signing after the Suns recruited the former Hawthorn and North Melbourne midfielder late last year.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, Austworld Centre Oval, Thursday February 23, 4pm.
Practice matches — GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns, Blacktown International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm.
Round 1
Gold Coast Suns v Sydney Swans, Metricon Stadium, March 18, 8pm.
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GWS GIANTS
2023 LEADERS
TBC. The Giants had three co-captains Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene and Josh Kelly in 2022.
INJURY LIST
Nick Madden (foot) — Faces four months on the sidelines after surgery in December.
Max Gruzewski (knee) — Eight weeks away after knee surgery in December.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Last year’s trio of co-captains have all been setting the standard on the track over summer, while forward Brent Daniels has capitalised on a strong pre-season after injury wiped out his 2022 campaign. Recruit Toby Bedford has also made an immediate impact, winning both the club’s time trials. No. 1 draft pick Aaron Cadman has put his name forward for an early season debut, while youngster Finn Callaghan has also bounced back from an injury-hit season last year.
PRACTICE MATCHES
Practice matches — GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns, Blacktown International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm.
Round 1
GWS Giants v Adelaide, Giants Stadium, March 19, 1.10pm.
******************
HAWTHORN
2023 LEADERS
TBC. Defender James Sicily is the hot tip to succeed retired ruckman Ben McEvoy.
INJURY LIST
Mitch Lewis (knee) – Has started doing some light skills work and the Hawks are hopeful the key forward will be available in the early part of the season after spraining his ACL.
Harry Morrison (hamstring) – Set to be sidelined for another three weeks, but expected to be fit for round 1.
Jai Serong (ankle) – Got a knock to his ankle on Thursday and is being monitored, but believed to be minor.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Runner-up in last year’s best-and-fairest, Jai Newcombe looks set to go to another gear in 2023 on the back of a strong pre-season. Young gun Will Day has added size to his frame as he targets an increased midfield role, while James Worpel has also impressed after a frustrating 2022. Fresh off his new contract, forward Dylan Moore has also enjoyed a strong summer.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES/WATCH
Former Collingwood midfielder Callum Brown is training with the Hawks as he eyes a spot on the club’s list ahead of the deadline for the pre-season supplemental selection period.
PRACTICE MATCHES
Match simulation — Geelong v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, Thursday February 23, 4pm.
Practice match — Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS, Thursday, March 2, 5.10pm.
Round 1
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, March 19, 3.20pm.
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MELBOURNE
2023 LEADERS
Captain — Max Gawn
Vice-captain — Jack Viney
INJURY LIST
Christian Salem (thyroid) — The backman has been placed on a modified program and will reintegrate into training once his thyroid levels stabilise.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Highly-rated second-year forward Jacob Van Rooyen has put his name in the frame for an early-season debut after impressing with his form on the track over summer. Close to making an AFL debut late last season, the 19-year-old has caught the eye with his aerial skills and mobility. Ruck recruit Brodie Grundy has also been one of the Demons’ most impressive trainers over summer, slotting in seamlessly at his new club.
LIST GAINS/MOVES/WATCH
Livewire forward Kysaiah Pickett could be unleashed more in the midfield this season after impressing with his stints on the ball at training over summer. The Demons have had Trent Burgoyne and Kye Turner trialling for a spot on the club’s rookie list during the pre-season supplemental period ahead of next week’s deadline.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, Friday February 24, 4pm
Practice match — Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, Sunday March 4, 4.10pm
Round 1
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, March 18, 7.25pm
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NORTH MELBOURNE
2023 LEADERS
Co-captains — Jy Simpkin and Luke McDonald
Leadership group — Ben Cunnington, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Jack Ziebell
INJURY LIST
Jy Simpkin (hamstring) — Experienced some tightness at training this week and came off the track early as a precaution, but expected to be back in work next week.
Darcy Tucker (knee) — Still in rehab, building up his running intensity and agility. No timeline on return.
Curtis Taylor (calf) — Building up his training and expected to return to main training in two weeks.
Aidan Corr (calf) — Still building up his training loads and no set date on a return.
George Wardlaw (hamstring strain) — Remains on a modified training program.
Griffin Logue (finger) — Was on lighter duties this week after dislocating his little finger after overcoming his osteitis pubis issues.
Brayden George (knee) — Unlikely to feature this year as he recovers from ACL surgery last August.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
The Kangaroos’ top draft pick Harry Sheezel has made an impression in his first pre-season at the club. Track watchers are already mentioning the No. 3 draft pick in the calculations for a possible round 1 debut. Key defender Ben McKay has also been a standout on the track this summer, developing his voice and on-field leadership. Cam Zurhaar fired with five goals in a match simulation last week. Former skipper Ziebell has dropped several kilos as he has worked to get himself in strong shape for 2023.
PRE-SEASON LIST GAINS/MOVES
Three-time premiership Hawk Liam Shiels reunited with his former coach Alastair Clarkson after being lured out of retirement. After originally retiring in August last year after 255 games in 14 seasons at Hawthorn, Shiels landed at Arden St under the pre-season supplemental period rule in December to help Clarkson rebuild the Kangaroos and is already making an impact with his experience at the club.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — North Melbourne v Richmond, Arden St Oval, Friday February 24, 10am
Practice match — Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Saturday March
Round 1
North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, March 18, 1.45pm
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PORT ADELAIDE
2023 LEADERS
TBC. The Power are yet to confirm their leaders for 2023.
But there isn’t expected to be much change from the 2022 group of Tom Jonas as captain and Ollie Wines and Darcy Byrne-Jones as vice-captains.
A younger player such as Connor Rozee or Zak Butters could be in line for more leadership opportunities.
INJURY LIST
Jeremy Finlayson (ankle) — Faces a bit of a race against time to be fit for Round 1 after undergoing surgery on a syndesmosis injury.
Orazio Fantasia (calf) — Has been dealing with calf tightness with Power medical staff very cautious after he didn’t manage any AFL minutes in 2022.
Tom Clurey (knee) — Is on the return from knee surgery, as is Ollie Wines who has joined main training.
Jake Pasini (knee) — Is training as he recovers from an ACL injury.
PRE SEASON FLYERS
Travis Boak shows no sign of slowing down at 34.
He won the time trial in the absence of Karl Amon, now at Hawthorn, to continue his career resurgence.
Rozee has looked impressive in match-sim as has former No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis.
Junior Rioli is looking lean after his move from West Coast.
PRE-SEASON GAINS
Boak has been spending time at half-forward as the Power looks to get more younger players in the midfield.
Kane Farrell looks to be a full-time defender now with his classy kicking on his left foot set to be used off half-back.
Horne-Francis has spent an increasing amount of time on the ball, along with Rozee and Butters.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Internal trial at Alberton Oval, Friday February 17, 5pm ACST.
Match simulation v West Coast at Mineral Resources Park, February 24, 7.10pm ACST.
Practice Match v Fremantle at Fremantle Oval, Thursday March 2, 6.40pm ACST.
Round 1
v Brisbane at Adelaide Oval, March 18, 4.05pm ACST.
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RICHMOND
2023 LEADERS
TBC. The Tigers have not confirmed their leaders for this season, but it’s unlikely the club will move away from co-captains Dylan Grimes and Toby Nankervis.
INJURY LIST
Kaleb Smith (foot) — The first-year Tiger will be “off-legs” for six to eight weeks after experiencing some bone stress in his foot.
Josh Gibcus (hamstring) — The young defender is set to miss the first month of the season after undergoing surgery on his hamstring.
Tom Lynch (foot) — The Tigers’ spearhead is expected to be back training with the main group within the next two weeks and should have a run in the club’s pre-season hit-outs.
Jack Graham (toe) — Expected to resume main training in the next two weeks and take part in pre-season games.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Shai Bolton was a standout on the track during match simulation this week and is set to form a mouth-watering attacking combination alongside a fit and firing Dustin Martin in her more permanent forward role.
PRE-SEASON LIST GAINS/MOVES
There has been a bit of buzz around a potential forward move for former skipper Trent Cotchin this year, with his teammate Jack Riewoldt dubbing him “Trent Coleman”, but he was back in the thick of he midfield action in match play this week. While Dustin Martin looks to be embracing more of a permanent forward role. Former Cat Quinton Narkle and Corowa-Rutherglen forward Kaelan Bradtke are still training with the Tigers for a final list spot as the end of the pre-season supplemental selection period ends.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — North Melbourne v Richmond, Arden St Oval, Friday February 24, 10am.
Practice match — Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, Sunday March 4, 4.10pm.
Round 1
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, March 16, 7.20pm.
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ST KILDA
2023 LEADERS
TBC. The Saints are yet to announce their leadership group, but Jack Steele is expected to lead the club again.
INJURY LIST
Matthew Allison (foot) — Faces up to five months on the sidelines after surgery to correct a stress fracture.
Jack Hayes (foot) — Will be out for two months after surgery following a metatarsal break.
Max King (shoulder) — Yet to join in main training but targeting an early-season return.
Olli Hotton (back) — The draftee will miss the first half of the season as he recovers from a back stress fracture.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
The form of young midfielder Marcus Windhager and forward Mitch Owens has impressed teammates, while defender Callum Wilkie suggested Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera could be “dangerous” with his speed and silky skills out of defence after training across half-back over the summer.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
Former Carlton midfielder Liam Stocker found a new home at Moorabbin after joining the Saints via the pre-season supplemental selection period. Stocker was delisted by the Blues at the end of last season. Off-field, the Saints recruited Stephen Silvagni as their new list manager, while executive general manager of football Geoff Walsh has departed the club for family reasons.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation – St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, Friday February 24, 4pm.
Practice match – St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, Friday March 3, 4.10pm.
Round 1
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, March 19, 4.40pm.
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SYDNEY
2023 LEADERS
TBC. Sydney’s three co-captains last year Luke Parker, Callum Mills and Dane Rampe are all expected to be in the leadership frame again this year.
INJURY LIST
Ryan Clarke (hamstring) — Three weeks
Hayden McLean (quad) — Two weeks
Joel Amartey (hamstring) — Two weeks
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Two of the Swans’ draftees have made a strong impression over the pre-season since arriving at the club. Small forward Jacob Konstanty and midfielder Caleb Mitchell have caught the eye with Rampe declaring the duo had made an “immediate impact”.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation — Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval, Friday, February 24, 12pm.
Practice match — Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown International Sports Park, Friday March 3, 7.10pm.
Round 1
Gold Coast Suns v Sydney Swans, Metricon Stadium, March 18, 8pm.
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WESTERN BULLDOGS
2023 LEADERS
TBC. Marcus Bontempelli is expected to be the top dog again, but the club is yet to formally announce its leadership group for this season.
INJURY LIST
Adam Treloar (ankle) – Building his training loads and aiming to take part in the club’s practice game.
Tim O’Brien (hamstring tightness) – Likely to be back in main training in another two weeks.
Charlie Clarke (back) – Still recovering from back soreness and unlikely to be ready until start of the season.
Jedd Busslinger (shoulder) – Still another two months away as he recovers from a shoulder reconstruction.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
After a disrupted start to the pre-season due to a knee infection, young gun Sam Darcy has made an impact on the track, impressing in match simulation last week. Track watchers have also noted Tom Liberatore’s fitness and work in the midfield, while Cody Weightman has also caught the eye when he has been deployed for bursts in the midfield over summer.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
Former Demon Oskar Baker gets another chance to reboot his career at the Whitten Oval after the Bulldogs recruited him as a supplemental selection period signing in December. Baker played 15 games across his five years at the Demons. In positional moves, long-time forward Josh Bruce has made the switch to defence this summer.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Practice match – Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, Saturday March 4, 1.10pm.
Round 1
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, March 18, 7.25pm.
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WEST COAST
2023 LEADERS
Captain — Luke Shuey
Vice-captains — Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass
INJURY LIST
Luke Edwards (quad) – Training away from the main group again after a quad strain.
Jack Petruccelle (ankle) – Club is confident he will play pre-season games after jarring an ankle in match simulation last Friday.
Campbell Chesser (foot) – Not back in full training yet after missing all of last season, being eased back into drills.
Harry Barnett (ankle) – Had a pre-existing injury when drafted last year but progressing well and should join drills in coming weeks.
Rhett Bazzo (compassionate leave) – Back at the club this week after tragic death of mother Kylie but will be given as much time as he needs before joining full training.
PRE-SEASON FLYERS
Nic Naitanui dominated youngsters Bailey Williams and Callum Jamieson in match simulation last week, while Oscar Allen kicked three goals and is back from injury. There are plenty of West Coast players who look fitter: Jeremy McGovern, Tim Kelly, Liam Ryan and Elliot Yeo all look in better nick than they were last year. Sam Petrevski-Seton has also impressed the club playing as a forward.
PRE-SEASON GAINS/MOVES
Jayden Hunt has shown a lot of dash in pre-season on a wing and at half back after shifting from Melbourne. The Eagles will return Allen to attack and are trialling skipper Shuey at half-back. Petrevski-Seton has played at half-forward and Jamaine Jones may also return to the forward line. Draftees Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett and Noah Long have impressed and are in the mix for early opportunity.
PRE-SEASON MATCHES
Match simulation – West Coast v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park, Friday February 24, 7.40pm.
Practice match – West Coast v Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park, Friday March 3, 7.40pm.
Round 1
North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, March 18, 1.45pm.
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