Selection, injury, SuperCoach intel from the AFL 2024 pre-season community series
The Pies’ premiership defence is days away, and while most of the premiership team will return there’s still spots to be had, have two of their young guns done enough to force their way in?
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Now the real stuff begins.
The season is only days away and after every club has now faced opposition twice, the picture is becoming clearer of how clubs will line up for their first match.
Here is a run down of every game of the community series and what it means for all 18 clubs ahead of the season start.
COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND
Collingwood 10.16 (76) def Richmond 5.16 (46) on Tuesday at Ikon Park
Despite a slow start, the Pies breezed past an inaccurate and wasteful Tigers. Richmond’s new forward-line set-up battled, with Jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos superb in the middle.
SELECTION INTEL
With Richmond skipper Toby Nankervis battling plantar fasciitis, comeback ruck Sam Naismith boosted his credentials for an opening round club debut. In the Collingwood forward line, Ash Johnson started deep with Reef McInnes only coming on after halftime, but Johnson kicked a solitary behind. Onballer Fin Macrae came on after halftime and had 10 disposals and appears line ball to start the season, as does Charlie Dean, who took eight marks in defence.
NEW FACES
Richmond summer signing Mykelti Lefau saw some minutes late, collecting two disposals. Collingwood recruit Lachie Schultz kicked one goal from 14 touches.
INJURY LATEST
Tiger Jack Graham pinged a quad in the final moments of the game and has been ruled out for up to five weeks. Pies Tom Mitchell (ankle) and Bobby Hill (hamstring) picked up minor injuries but should be fine, while Scott Pendlebury (knee) and Jeremy Howe (corked quad) are good to go for opening round.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Pat Lipinksi ($389,700 FWD) has had two brilliant hitouts and led the Pies with 126 points. De Goey ($539,900 MID) had 111 points, while John Noble ($446,900 DEF) is in zero per cent of teams but snagged 98 points. For Richmond, Jayden Short ($551,200 DEF) led the way with 120, youngster Thomson Dow ($254,800 MID) had 96 and popular bench ruck Naismith ($123,900 RUC) had 87 points.
CARLTON v MELBOURNE
Carlton 10.3 (63) def by Melbourne 15.11 (101) on Wednesday at Ikon Park
Melbourne’s attack sizzled on a steamy night as Carlton severely missed Jacob Weitering in defence, conceding 20 marks inside 50.
SELECTION INTEL
Journeyman Josh Schache looks likely to play as a tall forward and back-up ruck to Max Gawn in Melbourne’s opening round and Jack Billings did enough to be right in the mix. Clayton Oliver played in the VFL game but Melbourne is unsure whether it will play him in the seniors against Sydney. Carlton tall Marc Pittonet played a half as he builds up fitness but looked underdone. Orazio Fantasia did some nice things, while Brodie Kemp got better after halftime. Zac Williams got through a full game in the reserves.
DRAFTEE WATCH
No.7 pick Caleb Windsor is surely set to play in Melbourne’s first game after a superb performance on the wing. Fellow first-round pick Koltyn Tholstrup came on late, as did Kynan Brown. For Carlton, speedster Billy Wilson played some fourth-quarter minutes.
INJURY LATEST
Jesse Motlop jarred his toe in the first quarter and hit the bench but the Blues didn’t see it as serious. Demons recruit Tom Fullarton returned from a hamstring injury in the VFL. Sam Walsh (back) remained sidelined.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Go no further than Gawn ($583,700 RUC), who beasted the game with 185 points. Christian Salem ($420,800 DEF) played as a pure midfielder and starred, while Billings ($243,900 FWD) scored 91. Quiet night for most Blues, with Harry McKay ($398,000 FWD) top scoring on 107 as he played some ruck minutes.
SYDNEY v BRISBANE LIONS
Sydney 8.8 (56) def by Brisbane Lions 12.9 (81) on Thursday at Blacktown
There was a delay due to a snake and then a blackout at Blacktown. It got worse for Sydney with another injury in the midfield as Brisbane kicked clear thanks to a firing forward line.
SELECTION INTEL
Plenty of buzz from the Lions this summer about Kai Lohmann and he looked the goods early at half-forward to stake a claim for opening round. Darcy Gardiner was a bit quieter after some impressive work as a forward this summer. Recruit James Jordon will play for Sydney in opening round and Matt Roberts looks to be right in the ix.
NEW FACES
Joel Hamling saw some action for the first time in Sydney colours as he pushes to be part of John Longmire’s backline, but didn’t have a huge influence against the powerful Lions.
INJURY LATEST
Not good news for Swans recruit Taylor Adams, who copped a mild medial knee injury in a tackle and will miss up to four weeks. Luke Parker (broken arm) is also out for the next month. Deven Robertson (wrist) played in the VFL, while Lachie Neale (groin) played some minutes but felt for his shoulder at one point and Jarrod Berry (shoulder) also played. Tom Papley and Chad Warner were both rested by Sydney but should play in opening round.
SUPERCOACH STARS
An early season favourite, Matt Roberts ($156,800 MID) scored an even 100 and Jordon ($275,500 MID/FWD) had 115. Brodie Grundy will get first crack but Peter Ladhams ($389,400 RUC) had more points than any other ruck with 94. For Brisbane, Hugh McCluggage ($523,800 MID) had a huge 162 and Lohmann ($150,900 FWD) scored 99.
GWS GIANTS v GOLD COAST
GWS Giants 15.15 (105) def Gold Coast 9.7 (61) at Manuka Oval
No sweat for the orange tsunami in Canberra, with the Giants dominating around the ball and looking dangerous up forward. Plenty of work for Damien Hardwick to do.
SELECTION INTEL
Alex Sexton looks locked in at half-back after grabbing 31 disposals in the loss for the Suns. At the other end, Nick Haynes is right back in the mix after an interrupted 2023 and did enough with 17 disposals and eight marks. Xavier O’Halloran has jumped up the pecking order too.
DRAFTEE WATCH
Youngster Harvey Thomas continues to impress for GWS, having gathered 14 touches, including nine contested. No.26 draft pick Will Graham had six disposals for the Suns in limited minutes.
INJURY LATEST
Brandon Ellis (shin) got through the game and should be right for opening round, while Suns draftee Jake Rogers didn’t play despite being rested last week. The Giants will be sweating on Finn Callaghan (shoulder) before the season start.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Still listed as a forward, Sexton ($133,400 FWD) has been heavily watched by coaches and his 125 points was the most on the ground. Touk Miller ($545,500 MID) looks ready for a huge year after scoring 116. In Giants colours, keep an eye on Jake Riccardi ($293,700 FWD) as he looks set for more ruck minutes this year and scored 97.
GEELONG v ESSENDON
Geelong 11.17 (83) def Essendon 10.11 (71) at GMHBA Stadium
A run of five last-quarter goals from the Cats helped them kick clear as Jordan Ridley went down with injury.
SELECTION INTEL
The Cats played Rhys Stanley in the ruck with Toby Conway in the VFL, while Sam Draper played in the VFL for the Bombers and Todd Goldstein in the seniors. Nik Cox played in a key back role. The Cats handed plenty of game time to young tall Shannon Neale, who appears to be a likely round 1 starter.
DRAFTEE WATCH
Shaun Mannagh came on late for Geelong and kicked a nice goal, drawing praise from assistant coach Steven King.
INJURY LATEST
Ridley was the big worry out of the game, with the defender copping a quad injury. The Cats pulled Jake Kolodjashnij out at halftime after a knock to the back, but they see it as precautionary. Gary Rohan is unlikely to play in round 1 but Ollie Henry should be good to go after being rested following an ankle roll.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Cat Max Holmes ($446,000 MID) continues to thrive off half-back and Jhye Clark ($123,900 MID) scored 86 points in just 68 per cent of game time. Darcy Parish ($604,200 MID) racked up the points for the Dons, while backline cheapie Zach Reid ($123,900 DEF) snagged 80.
PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE
Port Adelaide 13.14 (92) def Fremantle 8.5 (53) at Alberton Oval
The Power kicked away after a back-and-forth first half, running out comfortable winners with Connor Rozee dominant.
SELECTION INTEL
Ken Hinkley gave a bit away, with Willem Drew and Miles Bergman on the wings, largely supported by Travis Boak. Ivan Soldo was the clear No.1 ruck but the door isn’t closed to play two big men. Jackson Mead has done everything right to come into the frame for a midfield berth and Francis Evans could be a Sam Powell-Pepper replacement. Jeremy Finlayson was overlooked. For the Dockers, Hayden Young had plenty of onball time. Jeremy Sharp didn’t have much of it but played a role on the wing.
DRAFTEE WATCH
Fremantle might have found one with No.35 pick Cooper Simpson, who kicked a beautiful running goal. Summer signing Patrick Voss also snagged a goal and played 86 per cent game time.
INJURY LATEST
Zak Butters went down with an ankle injury early but Hinkley was supremely confident the bull would play in round 1. Each of Luke Jackson (concussion), Jye Amiss (corked leg), Michael Frederick (hamstring) and Brennan Cox (leg) missed the game for Fremantle but are a good chance to play in the season opener.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Hinkley has promised a return to form for Ollie Wines ($463,600 MID) and he was the top performer on the ground with 130 points. For the Dockers, Young had 115 ($525,100 DEF), while Voss ($123,900 FWD) has to be an option after scoring 75. Nat Fyfe ($283,200 MID/FWD) is back in the midfield and back in SuperCoach calculations after scoring 72.
ADELAIDE v WEST COAST
Adelaide 17.15 (117) def West Coast 7.8 (50) at Richmond Oval
The Crows were far too strong, with Reilly O’Brien dominant, but an injury to Riley Thilthorpe was the big concern.
SELECTION INTEL
A nice bump off Tim Kelly and classy snap highlighted Crow Sam Berry’s case to start in round 1 after just four games last year. Down back, James Borlase could be under the pump from Mark Keane for round 1, while Will Hamill only came on to the field late. With Matt Flynn injured, Bailey Williams did the ruck duties for West Coast but was belted. Harry Barnett came on in the second half and might push Williams for selection.
DRAFTEE WATCH
After being scratchy last week, Harley Reid was much better and grabbed 20 disposals and five clearances, showing glimpses of that enormous potential. Small forward Loch Rawlinson also played some minutes for the Eagles.
INJURY LATEST
Tall CrowRiley Thilthorpe banged his left knee and injured his meniscus. He will miss the start of the season but a timeline on his return is yet to become clear. West Coast is hopeful Oscar Allen (knee), Tyler Brockman (knee) and Reuben Ginbey (concussion) are all available come round 1.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Eagle Jeremy McGovern ($470,700 DEF) is worth keeping an eye on after scoring 107 points. Reid ($207,300 MID/FWD) bagged 88. Reilly O’Brien ($535,300 RUC) dominated with 169 points, while Izak Rankine ($461,600 FWD) had 138 points and Berry ($226,900 MID) 115.
HAWTHORN v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Hawthorn 9.8 (62) def by Western Bulldogs 17.17 (119) at UTAS Stadium
After a wayward first half, the Dogs bagged eight goals in the third quarter and 15 in the second half to power away from the Hawks.
SELECTION INTEL
Ryley Sanders will play in round 1 for the Dogs, more on him later. Rory Lobb was quiet with one goal and just 10 hitouts but the forward line was on fire for the Dogs, with Aaron Naughtonand Jamarra Ugle-Hagan both kicking four majors. Sam Darcy kicked four goals in a VFL games to still be in the frame, while Caleb Daniel may miss round 1 after he only came on in the second half. Harvey Gallagher played plenty of time for the Dogs. For the Hawks, tall defender Ethan Phillips started the game in defence, while Massimo D’Ambrosio was impressive.
DRAFTEE WATCH
After a summer of hype, Sanders bagged 30 disposals and looks a budding star. Summer signing Phillips has to be in the running for Hawthorn’s season opener, while draftee Nick Watson may have kicked just three behinds but he combined with Jack Ginnivan on several occasions.
INJURY LATEST
Jack Macrae (hamstring) played some VFL minutes as he hopes to get fit in time for round 1, while James O’Donnell (ankle) and Bailey Dale (hamstring tightness) both missed the Hawks game. Each of Jack Gunston, Josh Weddle and Harry Morrison were rested by Hawthorn, while Dylan Moore (glandular fever) is hoping to be fit for round 1.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Three goals to Rhylee West ($320,000 MID) saw him perform strongly, while if you don’t have Sanders ($184,800 mid) in your team, what are you doing? Jai Newcombe ($549,200 MID) bagged a nice 37 touches and 125 points. Karl Amon ($483,300 MID) is a popular choice this year given he is expected to play some half-back time and he had 96 points.
ST KILDA v NORTH MELBOURNE
St Kilda 11.18 (84) def North Melbourne 10.5 (65) at RSEA Park
It took all game for the Saints to put the Roos away but the big story was Jimmy Webster’s crude bump on Jy Simpkin.
SELECTION INTEL
SaintJimmy Webster will surely not play for at least the first month of the season after a shocking high bump on Jy Simpkin. Power discard Riley Bonner is surely locked in for a round 1 berth for the Saints and Hugo Garcia again had plenty of game time, if his impact was lower than last week. For the Roos, Will Phillips got a chance when Simpkin went down and both Toby Pink and Bigoa Nyuon played heavy minutes down back.
DRAFTEE WATCH
Somewhat overlooked this summer given the hype on Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma kicked two early goals for the Roos and got into the right spots. Darcy Wilson again played solidly for the Saints and should feature in round 1, while Lance Collard had some action but was quiet.
INJURY LATEST
With defender Webster in trouble, big back Dougal Howard followed next, limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Mattaes Phillipou had a sore hip but was only sat due to precaution. Simpkin would clear a 12-day concussion protocol by a round 1 meeting with the GWS Giants if everything goes to plan, but the Roos will be cautious with the co-captain. Bailey Scott got through a full game after recent calf issues.
SUPERCOACH STARS
Get on board with Bonner ($284,500 MID) after his game-high score of 127. Youngster Wilson ($130,800 MID/FWD) has to be on your radar after he scored 106. Former Blue Zac Fisher ($378,600 FWD) racked up a score of 132 and cut-price defender Nyuon ($123,900 DEF) has to be worth a look.
More Coverage
Originally published as Selection, injury, SuperCoach intel from the AFL 2024 pre-season community series
‘Absolute blunder’: Essendon’s ‘staggering’ draft move smashed
The Bombers had a relatively quiet trade period by their standards, with their focus on Isaac Kako. Now after securing the small forward, their method has been whacked by a draft expert.
Tiger delight as North pays heavy price for final draft night pick
On a night where little caused a surprise, North Melbourne waited until the last moment to pull a stunner, paying a significant price and taking an even more significant risk.