AFL releases updated summer train-on list, first scratch matches

Delisted Magpie Flynn Appleby is training at North Melbourne and he’s one of 25 players hoping to earn one of the remaining list spots for 2021.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Luke Davies-Uniacke of the Kangaroos handballs during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL training session at Arden Street Ground on January 18, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

They’re the AFL’s version of The Replacements.

Twenty-five players remain in the running across 10 clubs to either earn their AFL shot or revive a career on life support.

They’re bidding to fill vacant list spots, whether left open, or created by long-term injuries or retirements, as in Hawthorn’s case with Tom Scully.

The Hawks are in an interesting position, given Scully’s decision, Jon Patton being stood down indefinitely during an ongoing investigation into alleged lewd social media behaviour, and James Sicily’s ACL injury.

Eighteen-year-old swingman Jackson Callow is the newest train-on addition at Waverley Park, joining Dandenong Stingrays speedster Will Bravo.

Clubs with an opening have the option of signing a footballer before the March 9 pre-season supplemental selection period deadline, or wait until the mid-season draft.

So which unlisted players are training at your club?

AFL TRAIN-ON LIST

Adelaide: Nick Murray (Williamstown), Ayce Taylor (Adelaide)

Carlton: Oscar McDonald (Melbourne), Callum Moore (Carlton), Zavier Maher (Murray Bushrangers)

Collingwood: Jack Briskey (Sherwood Magpies)

Essendon: Angus Baker (Canberra), Charlie Byrne (Murray Bushrangers), Alec Waterman (Claremont)

Hawthorn: Will Bravo (Dandenong Stingrays), Jackson Callow (North Launceston/Norwood)

Melbourne: Kobe Farmer (Peel Thunder), Deakyn Smith (Dandenong Stingrays)

North Melbourne: Flynn Appleby (Collingwood), Sam Skinner (Brisbane)

Richmond: Nic Couroupis (West Adelaide), Josh Green (Marist), Rhyan Mansell (Woodville West Torrens), Derek Smith (Richmond)

W est Coast: Will Collins (Swan Districts), Cedric Cox (Brisbane/West Coast WAFL), Nick Martin (Subiaco)

Western Bulldogs: Ewan MacPherson (Northern Knights), Corey Preston (Eastern Ranges), Anthony Scott (Footscray)

Flynn Appleby kicked a goal against North Melbourne in his only AFL game in 2020. Now he is training with the Kangaroos after being delisted by Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

FIRST AFL SCRATCH MATCH-UPS REVEALED

- Jay Clark

New Carlton recruit Adam Saad will have the chance to face-off against his former Essendon teammates when the two clubs meet in their informal scratch match later this month.

The Blues are slated to take on the Bombers in the first unofficial hit out of the pre-season, potentially pitting Saad against his old club four months after he was traded to Ikon Park.

Reigning premier Richmond will take on a Melbourne side which will be missing new key forward Ben Brown (knee).

Adam Saad is now in navy blue.

Brown faces at least one month on the sidelines after surgery to fix a fresh cartilage issue, opening up the chance for Tom McDonald to impress in a key forward role.

McDonald has trimmed down considerably in a bid to add some more running power to his game after losing his senior spot last year.

And Collingwood will travel down to Geelong for their first hit-out against another team on Friday, February 26.

Magpies’ superstar midfielder Jordan De Goey (adductor) and Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) remain under a cloud as the pair race to recover from minor injury setbacks.

Tom McDonald will get his first chance to impress.

De Goey had returned in top shape after completing regular personal training sessions in his off-season but is on light duties for a fortnight after straining his adductor.

The star ballwinner is eyeing more regular midfield time in 2021 to help replace departed midfielder Adam Treloar, while youngster Josh Daicos will lock down a full-time wing role in place of new Hawk Tom Phillips.

Cats’ spearhead Cameron strained his hamstring last month and will be treated cautiously in the lead-up to the formal pre-season game on March 6 against Essendon.

New Bulldogs’ midfielder Treloar could run out for his first game in the red, white and blue against Hawthorn.

Jordan De Goey is under an injury cloud for Collingwood’s first hit-out.

Forward Josh Bruce will also unveil a slimmer figure after a challenging first year at the kennel.

North Melbourne will meet St Kilda in their scratch match.

All eyes will be on young North midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke after a sparkling pre-season while No. 3 draft pick Will Phillips could also get some game time.

St Kilda will be looking to give former Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch a chance to build some chemistry and understanding with his new midfield teammates.

Clubs will be allowed to determine their own player and time requirements for the informal scratch match.

The clubs will play an official pre-season game in the AAMI Community Series between March 4 -8 before the regular season kicks off on March 18.