AFL 2022 practice match scouting report: All the latest from every club
A number of off-season additions impressed in their first hitout for their new club. See who will give your side an extra edge in 2022.
AFL clubs have put a summer of talk and track work into action in the first round of practice matches for 2022.
With new game plans, players in new positions and a host of new recruits on show, who caught the eye at your club?
See who starred, who struggled, who’s hurt and the inside word from every team as the clock ticks down to Round 1.
ADELAIDE
NEW RECRUITS
Jordan Dawson was unavailable through Covid-19 protocols, so apart from draftees the Crows didn’t have any new recruits in their heavy loss to Brisbane.
Mitch Hinge, who played just one game for the Crows in 2021 before dislocating his shoulder multiple times, played as a half-back against his former side.
He had some nice moments, including a big tackle on Joe Daniher, but found the going tough like the majority of Crows.
NEW POSITIONS
The Crows’ Covid-19 casualty list meant there weren’t too many positional changes at Metricon Stadium.
Sam Berry attended a significant amount of centre bounces, while Ben Keays didn’t crack double figures.
Ben Davis continued his time in defence while ruckmen Reilly O’Brien and Kieran Strachan were deployed together in a game for just the second time.
BACK FROM INJURY
In a positive sign for the Crows Matt Crouch got through his first game in 12 months and improved as the contest went on.
Hinge also played his first game since Round 1 last year.
DRAFT WATCH
The big positive for the Crows on a tough day would have been No.6 draft pick Josh Rachele.
The 18-year-old kicked three of their seven goals against the Lions, and showed poise and skill in possession as a small forward.
He’s firming for a Round 1 debut and will quickly be one of the most popular Crows players.
Jake Soligo (pick 36) also played against the Lions and had some decent passages around the ball, but was quiet for most of the day.
INJURY ISSUES
No injury worries out of the heavy loss and the cavalry will come back for Saturday’s Community Series match against Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval.
The Crows were missing senior players such as captain Rory Sloane, Brodie Smith, Dawson, Wayne Milera and Tom Doedee after their playing list was hit hard by Covid-19, close contacts and injuries over the past couple of weeks.
Paul Seedsman continues to recover from a concussion sustained prior to Christmas while Taylor Walker did not play against the Lions with the Crows keen to work on their forward structure as he continues to serve his suspension.
ONE MORE THING...
Harry Schoenberg showed why many are excited about his progress at West Lakes as he looked very comfortable as a mainstay in the Crows engine room.
– Simeon Thomas-Wilson
BRISBANE LIONS
NEW RECRUITS
Ex-Geelong big Darcy Fort split time with Oscar McInerney in the ruck and showed he can be a solid support for the Lions tall.
Fort had an influence in both the middle and attack.
NEW POSITIONS
Lions coach Chris Fagan has flagged more players getting a run in the middle and there were a couple to benefit from this.
Cam Rayner spent plenty time around the ball, as did Zac Bailey and even Nakia Cockatoo got involved at centre bounces.
Noah Answerth spent time on the wing and kicked two goals before going back to his usual position in the backline for the final quarter.
BACK FROM INJURY
Rayner, coming back from an ACL injury, got more involved as the match went on and was physical at the ball in a good sign for the Lions, who are keen for the former No.1 draft pick to provide his spark more in the midfield.
Answerth couldn’t even walk at one point over the past 12 months, so bad were his groins, but he provided plenty of hard running for the Lions on the wing.
DRAFT WATCH
No.16 pick Darcy Wilmot played at half-back for the Lions and looked composed with the ball in hand to show that he can contribute early on for Brisbane this year.
INJURY ISSUES
Captain Dayne Zorko sat out the match after he had a small procedure on his ankle but the Lions said this was just precautionary and are confident he will play in Round 1.
Eric Hipwood is unlikely to play until May at the earliest as he recovers from an ACL injury.
ONE MORE THING...
Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale looks set to be back to his best after injury impacted his 2021 campaign.
– Simeon Thomas-Wilson
CARLTON
NEW RECRUITS
He was the big off-season recruit for Carlton and former Docker Adam Cerra showed why the Blues were so eager to add him to their midfield in the practice match win over St Kilda last week.
Cerra kicked two third-quarter goals and was busy in the midfield, where he will add depth and polish. The 22-year-old former No.5 draft pick arrives at the Blues after 76 games across four seasons at Fremantle.
Former volleyballer Alex Mirkov, who was picked up by the Blues in last year’s mid-season rookie draft off Carlton’s VFL list, featured in the second half after taking over the ruck duties from Marc Pittonet. Standing at 210cm, he will be an interesting prospect to watch.
“He could be an important player for us in a year when there is going to be uncertainty. Developing these guys is critical,” Blues’ assistant coach Ash Hansen said.
Former Swan George Hewett looms as a crucial piece of the Blues midfield while Sam Walsh is on the sidelines. Hewett attended the equal second-most centre-bounces for the Blues and racked up 99 KFC SuperCoach points – third-highest for his side.
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NEW POSITIONS
Brodie Kemp broke into the Blues’ side late last year in defence but he looked at home as a high half-forward, kicking a third-quarter goal against the Saints. After having his first season in the AFL wiped out as he recovered from an ACL injury he suffered in his final junior year, Kemp, who has played just the two AFL games, is showing his versatility.
“Brodie has the capacity to play both ends … going into this year, we’re going to need players that can play multiple roles, and Brodie can be part of that,” Hansen said.
Our scout Lauren Wood also reported Mitch McGovern had a big presence in the backline after making the full-time move to defence during the off-season.
BACK FROM INJURY
While he played 20 games last season, the 2021 campaign wasn’t without its struggles for captain Patrick Cripps, who dealt with injuries including a fractured back.
But the Blues declared the skipper back to his “powerful” best after a “faultless” pre-season as he starred in the practice match against the Saints.
“He’s excited about the year ahead. We need to keep him healthy, because he’s an important part,” Hansen said.
INJURY ISSUES
Coleman medallist Harry McKay missed the practice game against St Kilda with joint soreness in his foot. While the Blues said he could be in the mix to face Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series match this week, the focus was for McKay to be fit for Round 1.
Midfield gun Sam Walsh is set to be sidelined for the first month of the AFL season after undergoing surgery for an ankle syndesmosis injury.
ONE MORE THING…
Former skipper Sam Docherty could be a chance to make an inspirational return against the Demons this week after making impressive progress in his comeback from treating a second bout of testicular cancer.
“We’re still really buoyed by the fact that he might be available (against the Demons) and certainly he’ll be putting his hand up for Round 1,” Hansen said.
– Rebecca Williams
COLLINGWOOD
NEW RECRUITS
He was one of the most low-key pick-ups in a quiet trade period but ex-Cat Nathan Kreuger could slot straight into a forward setup which has been crying out for another marking target. Brody Mihocek needs help and Kreuger, who kicked two goals against Hawthorn after getting the nod ahead of Darcy Cameron, has nice athleticism.
Patrick Lipinski looks a ready-made jet and will become a front-line weapon in Craig McRae’s new-look engine room.
NEW POSITIONS
Captain Scott Pendlebury has made the switch to half back, where his sublime ball use and direction will help steer the Pies. While he will still head into the engine room at times, the champion playmaker has settled in beautifully to the new role as the defensive rudder. McRae wants the ball in the skipper’s hands.
BACK FROM INJURY
Darcy Moore was missed in the back half of last year when he went down with a serious knee injury. The All-Australian is one of the best defenders in the competition and will shoulder a huge load alongside Brayden Maynard and Isaac Quaynor in 2022.
DRAFT WATCH
Nick Daicos has been dubbed one of the most impressive midfielders to come through the past few drafts. He’s turned heads all summer with his swift midfield moves and polished disposal and it was on show against the Hawks where he teamed up with his brother for an early goal. So clean in traffic and ready to go from the first bounce of the season. Enjoy, Collingwood fans.
INJURY ISSUES
There will be a close watch on Jordan De Goey all season and he missed the first clash against the Hawks with a rib issue. Jordan Roughead will miss the first month of the season at least after going down with knee surgery. Charlie Dean was a mature-age rookie pick-up who looms as straight-swap for Roughead in defence. Quaynor will miss the GWS game with concussion.
ONE MORE THING...
There’s going to be a distinct change in the Magpies’ game style. Under Nathan Buckley it was an uncontested brand which saw the team play a slower, controlled game. In 2022, the Pies will play a more contested, direct style. The Pies hope it is the way to kick more goals and sharpen their attack.
– Jay Clark
ESSENDON
NEW RECRUITS
There hasn’t been a lot of fanfare about Jake Kelly’s arrival at Tullamarine but the former Crow has made a superb start to his new chapter in red and black. Kelly is an excellent one-on-one defender and will help release Jordan Ridley (19 disposals against the Dogs) up the ground. Small forwards have cut Essendon up in recent years, but perhaps not any more.
NEW POSITIONS
Ben Rutten wants to experiment with rotating Andrew McGrath and Zach Merrett off a half-back flank. The duo will add another rebounding weapon to the defensive setup while others, such as Darcy Parish and Jye Caldwell, get a lick of the ice cream in the centre square. Aaron Francis will remain up forward as another marking target after finishing last season in the front half.
BACK FROM INJURY
Caldwell is the big one. He missed the bulk of last year with a serious hamstring injury but the Bombers are buzzing about the impact he can make in the middle, after moving across from the Giants. He is tough and clean and can become an A-Grader. Sam Draper also missed considerable time but he is primed to take another big step forward this year as one of the league’s most exciting ruckmen.
DRAFT WATCH
Ben Hobbs is the tough nut midfielder who has not missed a beat since landing at Essendon. It would be a remarkable effort to break into the red and black midfield in his first season, but based on his strong showing in the seconds’ side scratch match, it is only a matter of time. He is strong, tough and has a natural nose for the footy.
INJURY ISSUES
The forward line has a big question mark above it. Harry Jones is only beginning to ramp up his training loads after foot and ankle issues, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is months away from regaining top-flight fitness in his battle with personal issues and Jake Stringer (groin) is no certainty for Round 1. Dylan Shiel should play this week.
ONE MORE THING...
Nick Martin could play Round 1 against Geelong as a hard-running and clever forward. The Bombers will rely heavily on Devon Smith as a ground-level threat in attack and there is a big opportunity for Archie Perkins to hit the scoreboard, but Martin is the free hit and starred in the intra-club a fortnight ago.
- Jay Clark
FREMANTLE
NEW RECRUITS
Jordan Clark impressed with his speed for the Dockers after moving west from Geelong, while ex-Gold Coast Sun Will Brodie was prolific in an inside midfield role to push his case for Round 1.
NEW POSITIONS
Exciting forward Liam Henry was deployed on a wing and was composed with his entries inside 50.
Small forward Mitch Crowden also got an extended run in the middle.
BACK FROM INJURY
Exciting defender Heath Chapman played his first game since Round 7 last year, when he injured his shoulder, and was able to slide forward and kick a goal in a dominant win for the Dockers.
DRAFT WATCH
No draftees played for the Dockers but second-year midfielder Nathan O’Driscoll got a chance on a wing and had some nice moments.
INJURY ISSUES
The Dockers could have five big inclusions for their Community Series match this weekend.
Veteran David Mundy was a late withdrawal but is set to return along with Sean Darcy, Luke Ryan, Michael Walters and possibly captain Nat Fyfe.
Darcy Tucker and Joel Hamling still have work to do.
ONE MORE THING...
The Dockers will have a need for speed this season with blistering pace featuring heavily in their game plan against West Coast.
– Simeon Thomas-Wilson
GEELONG
NEW RECRUITS
The Cats have been singing the praises of former Adelaide and Richmond livewire Tyson Stengle and he could hardly have been more impressive against Richmond on Saturday. In a forward 50m already containing Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, Stengle slotted four goals to kickstart his third AFL chapter with a bang. Eddie Betts has worked closely with Stengle, who looks set to make an immediate impact with his ground level smarts around goal.
NEW POSITIONS
Champion onballer Joel Selwood will step outside the centre square at times to help ease the load on the veteran in 2022. He’ll be more forward and on the wing, with occasional bursts in the square. Lookout for Cameron to also work into the centre bounce at times as Chris Scott flips things around to help generate a more direct and aggressive game style. The Cats landed Jon Ceglar from the Hawks to boost the ruck stocks but a knee injury means Rhys Stanley is the No.1 man again to start the season.
BACK FROM INJURY
The Cats took a pounding in the medical room last year with Patrick Dangerfield (ankle and hand), Tom Stewart (foot), Mitch Duncan (knee) and Cameron (hamstring) all missing decent chunks of the season. Stewart was a huge loss at finals time considering the Cats looked like the best team in it until Melbourne’s fourth-quarter comeback in Round 23 swung things considerably. If the Cats can get Cameron’s hamstring right this year, look out. He’s had an excellent summer.
DRAFT WATCH
The Cats nabbed a highly-rated local ruckman Toby Conway with their first pick at the draft and then loaded up on some midfielders as part of the next generation planning. Mitchell Knevitt is an exciting midfield prospect who got a look inside the centre square against the Tigers, but it is hard-running wingman Max Holmes who can play a key role this season after 12 games last year, alongside untried 188cm midfielder Cooper Stephens.
ONE MORE THING...
It is going to be a lot harder for Luke Dahlhaus and Shaun Higgins to get a senior game this season. While there are plenty of pundits tipping the Cats to slide this year, the team remains strong across the board and will be hard to beat, as usual, at home. Stengle should play every game and the Cats love Brad Close and his defensive pressure and ability to play up the ground. The forward combination looks potent, again.
– Jay Clark
GOLD COAST
NEW RECRUITS
Mabior Chol did his best to show he could be the one to step up with Ben King (ACL) out for the year after the ex-Richmond player kicked three goals against Port Adelaide.
Levi Casboult joined the Suns from Carlton and showed his versatility as he helped pinch-hit in the ruck after starting forward.
NEW POSITIONS
Lachie Weller was moved to defence and impressed with his run-and-carry and penetrating kicking. Could he be the Aaron Hall of 2022?
Noah Anderson spent a lot more time on the inside and won plenty of ball.
DRAFT WATCH
No.5 pick Mac Andrew wasn’t named in the squad but mid-season draftee Ned Moyle got a go in the ruck for the Suns and held his own for most of the day to be in contention for Round 1 if co-captain Jarrod Witts – recovering from an ACL injury – isn’t fit enough.
Alex Davies made his debut in the final game of the home-and-away season in 2021 and will surely get another game in Round 1 after a super-impressive outing.
INJURY ISSUES
King and Jack Bowes (shoulder) face long layoffs but the Suns should get some big names back soon.
Witts was being managed and should be right for Round 1, while Jack Lukosius was rested with an achilles complaint but should return soon.
ONE MORE THING...
Could Matt Rowell return to the form he showed when he took the competition by storm in 2020?
Noticeably bulked up, Rowell was a contested beast against the Power and looked a lot more comfortable after his past two seasons were impacted by injury.
GWS GIANTS
NEW RECRUITS
First-round draftee Leek Aleer (pick 15) stood out for the Giants in their practice match win over Sydney at Albury last week, showing his athleticism and defence.
Fellow draftees Finn Callaghan (pick 3), Josh Fahey (42) and rookie Cooper Hamilton played the last two quarters of the match.
Former Eagle Jarrod Brander came on in the third quarter and finished with a game-high five goals.
BACK FROM INJURY
It has been a frustrating two seasons for co-captain Stephen Coniglio due to form and injury. Coniglio was restricted to just seven matches last year after surgery on his toe and ankle. But the former No.2 draft pick will be hoping to put those setbacks behind him after making an encouraging start to his 2022 campaign. Coniglio was influential in the middle, especially early in the match.
INJURY ISSUES
GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs was forced from the field late in the game after a heavy collision with Sydney’s Callum Sinclair. The big man has been diagnosed with concussion and has entered the AFL’s 12-day concussion protocols and will miss this week’s match against Collingwood. Jacob Hopper (knee), Sam Taylor (facial injury) and Tanner Bruhn (hip) all missed Friday’s game. They are all expected to be available for the Giants’ AAMI Community series match against Collingwood at Giants Stadium on Sunday.
ONE MORE THING …
The Giants will need players to stand up in the absence of co-captain Toby Greene early in the season as he sits out the first five games through suspension. But they showed several avenues to goal against the Swans with multiple goalkickers, including three to Jake Riccardi.
– Rebecca Williams
HAWTHORN
NEW RECRUITS
Former Magpie Max Lynch will help replace veteran ruckman Jon Ceglar, who left for the Cats. Ned Reeves is also in the mix and has nice skills for a big man but Lynch is the one who is ready to establish himself as a No.1 ruckman after serving his apprenticeship behind Brodie Grundy.
NEW POSITIONS
Sam Mitchell faces an interesting proposition in the midfield, where he can either keep whacking away with Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell and Liam Shiels, or inject the next wave of talent to help fast-track the rebuild. The future is Josh Ward, Finn Maginness and Connor MacDonald, and there were some nice glimpses from them against Collingwood in what was otherwise an ugly first half. It may mean Mitchell tries to flip O’Meara and Mitchell forward more at times this year, to give more exposure to the youngsters as the season progresses. Balancing act.
BACK FROM INJURY
James Sicily hasn’t played since 2020 and will be a welcome addition to the backline as one of the best intercepting defenders in the competition. All summer he has looked good in the air after his knee reconstruction wiped out last season. Mitch Lewis took some strong marks in the second half against the Magpies and Jacob Koshitzke also looks set for a big season. Can Emerson Jeka also take his chances as an athletic key forward target?
DRAFT WATCH
Ward is ready to step straight into the engine room and Mitchell loves his cleanness and work ethic. MacDonald is an 184cm inside midfielder who could also surprise after he was taken with pick No.26 last year. He is a super decision maker and a prolific ballwinner who has made an impression on his teammates early.
ONE MORE THING…
Will Day has the midfield class the Hawks need and while he played only five games last year due to injury, there are high hopes the silky playmaker could become a star of the competition. Pick 13 looks a steal in hindsight and perhaps Hawthorn can count itself lucky Adelaide didn’t snap up the South Australian at pick 6. Denver Grainger-Barras also looks like he can develop into an elite defender. If it’s a tough year, the growth of these two will be a big silver lining.
– Jay Clark
MELBOURNE
NEW RECRUITS
They are not exactly new, but the Demons are being driven by those unlucky players who missed out on the premiership success last year, including defender Adam Tomlinson and Jayden Hunt.
Key forward Ben Brown said it was the Demons who were not in the premiership side who were providing extra fuel for the group this pre-season.
“There is (Adam Tomlinson) and Jayden and Hunt as well and a few others, the younger boys, that are pushing up and want to be a part of it,” Brown said.
“There is enough for the rest of us that played in the flag to keep going but when you have got those guys that have got the fire in the belly it definitely helps, too.”
NEW POSITIONS
It’s hard to change a winning formula, especially when it’s a mix that delivers a long-awaited premiership. It’s not surprising if Demons coach Simon Goodwin steers away from any major magnet moves.
But our scout at Casey Fields last week, Glenn McFarlane, reported Kysaiah Pickett could be set for some more midfield cameos after looking good when he was injected into the Demons’ already talent-laden midfield.
BACK FROM INJURY
The return of key defender Tomlinson was a welcome pre-season inclusion for the reigning premiers in the practice match against North Melbourne. It was Tomlinson’s first competitive hitout since injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in Round 7 last year, which left him as a premiership spectator. The 28-year-old slotted back comfortably into his backline role in the absence of Harrison Petty.
INJURY ISSUES
Premiership midfielder Clayton Oliver gave the Demons a brief scare when he dislocated his finger in the opening quarter of the practice match. But he was able to return to the field in the second term after receiving treatment to dominate in the middle. Petty faces up to six weeks on the sidelines – and faces a race against time to be fit for the Demons’ Grand Final rematch against the Western Bulldogs in Round 1 after having surgery on a calf injury in mid-February. The remaining premiership Demons who missed the practice match – Jake Lever (ankle), Jack Viney (health and safety protocols) and Bayley Fritsch (calf) – are all expected to be available for Thursday night’s AAMI Community Series match against Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
ONE MORE THING …
Forget about premiership hangovers, the Demons look to have lost none of their edge after igniting their 2022 campaign with an 88-point practice match win with 19 of the Demons’ premiership 23 playing in the pre-season hitout.
– Rebecca Williams
NORTH MELBOURNE
NEW RECRUITS
All eyes were on the No.1 draft pick from last season, Jason Horne-Francis.
The 18-year-old showed signs of what fans can expect from the South Adelaide young gun with a solid performance through the midfield and in attack.
Horne-Francis, who had 17 disposals, worked his way into the game and lifted his output in the second half to pencil in his name for a Round 1 debut.
“Jason is going to have a lot of hype around him, (but) we are really pleased with how he has progressed and come into our footy club,” Roos’ assistant coach Heath Younie said.
“It will be interesting to see what he thought the jump up was to playing SANFL footy.”
Fellow North draftees Josh Goater (pick 22), Paul Curtis (35) and Miller Bergman (38) also all got exposure against the reigning premier. Free agency recruit Hugh Greenwood showed some good signs in the midfield.
UP FOR GRABS
After an 88-point pre-season belting from the Demons, the Kangaroos declared all spots would be “up for grabs” for the team’s Round 1 clash against Hawthorn.
Describing the loss as a “serious wake-up call”, the club said no positions had yet been settled on ahead of the start of the regular season after the practice match drubbing.
“All our spots are up for grabs,” Younie said.
“This is a real wake-up call about how much hard work we have ahead of us.
“We are not settled on our entire squad at the moment or our entire side for Round 1. When you play so disappointingly, every position is going to be up for grabs.”
INJURY ISSUES
North Melbourne recruit Callum Coleman-Jones was forced to sit out the second half of the practice match against the Demons after receiving a knock to his knee during the third term.
The Kangaroos said scans had shown no serious damage with the former Tiger suffering minor bruising. The club will assess the big man’s fitness throughout the week ahead of Sunday’s AAMI Community Series match against Sydney at Giants Stadium.
North will also make an assessment on the availability of best-and-fairest Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke (illness), Luke McDonald and Tristan Xerri (concussion) for the clash against the Swans. Running defender Aaron Hall is in doubt for Round 1 after injuring his hamstring in an intra-club match.
ONE MORE THING …
North Melbourne is working on a plan for Jed Anderson’s return to play. The vaccine-hesitant Anderson returned to Arden St last week after complying with the AFL’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols. The club said last week a date had not yet been set for Anderson’s return with the high-performance team set to map out a plan for the midfielder as he works on building up his fitness base.
– Rebecca Williams
PORT ADELAIDE
NEW RECRUITS
Former GWS forward Jeremy Finlayson was arguably the best of the Port Adelaide talls in the Power’s disappointing showing against Gold Coast.
The ex-Giant looked the most likely to make something happen for the Power, who were without spearhead Charlie Dixon, and showed his versatility to pinch-hit in the ruck.
Delisted free agent Sam Skinner, formerly of Brisbane, didn’t get much time on the field.
NEW POSITIONS
The Power rolled plenty through the midfield as they seek to built their on-ball stocks.
Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma were two to find themselves with more inside time in particular.
Dan Houston was deployed on a wing as well.
BACK FROM INJURY
Father-son Jackson Mead continues to push for a Round 1 debut after a lacerated spleen impacted his 2021.
He spent time on the ball and looked composed.
DRAFT WATCH
Port coaches were very pleased with how No.12 pick Josh Sinn fared after two years of not much footy due to Covid.
While he turned over the ball by foot on occasions, Sinn looked to make things happen for the Power whenever he got the ball and was able to kick a goal in his first outing.
INJURY ISSUES
Compounding a poor performance for the Power was injuries to Scott Lycett and Sam Powell-Pepper.
Lycett rolled his ankle in the third quarter while Powell-Pepper grabbed at an area high on his hamstring after being bumped by Alex Davies.
The Power is still waiting on how long both will be out.
Connor Rozee was withdrawn at halftime with a minor ankle complaint.
Charlie Dixon could be pushing for Round 1 after surgery, while Orazio Fantasia could be out for over two months after a procedureon his knee.
Trent Dumont (knee surgery), Kane Farrell (ACL), Miles Bergman (shoulder) and Hugh Jackson are the others on Port’s injury list.
ONE MORE THING …
He’s 33 and will soon turn 34, but Robbie Gray looks like he hasn’t missed a beat.
He kicked two goals for the Power and was one of the few players who was composed with the footy in hand.
– Simeon Thomas-Wilson
RICHMOND
NEW RECRUITS
Robbie Tarrant was a smart pick-up for the Tigers as he will slot straight into a team aiming to jump back into premiership contention. The Tigers lost Mabior Chol to Gold Coast, and Callum Coleman Jones in a big hit to the spine. But Tarrant will shore-up a backline that already has two of the best in the league in Nick Vlastuin and Dylan Grimes.
NEW POSITIONS
Noah Balta is being trialled in a forward role as another marking target alongside Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch. Daniel Rioli has also shown he can be moved into a defensive running position in place of Bachar Houli. Trent Cotchin is also set to spend time outside the centre square.
BACK FROM INJURY
Dustin Martin missed the second half of last year and despite losing 10kg in his recovery from a serious kidney injury the Brownlow Medalist looks set to return to his best in 2022. Ivan Soldo is something of a forgotten man after his knee reconstruction but the ruckman wants to re-establish himself as a dangerous ruck-forward, and looked good against the Cats in the forward half.
DRAFT WATCH
The Tigers were hoping gun defender Josh Gibcus slipped past Gold Coast at pick 5 and they’ve loved his work over summer in yellow and black. An excellent interceptor, Gibcus spent time on Jeremy Cameron against Geelong and could come in for early selection consideration. Tyler Sonsie may also enter the frame and will add some class after landing at the Tigers at pick 28.
ONE MORE THING …
Richmond slipped down the ladder last year but track watchers have been impressed by what they have seen from the depth of talent at Punt Rd. Thomson Dow showed good signs in the midfield against the Cats and Shai Bolton looks set to blossom even further as a goalkicking playmaker. Doubt they will be missing this September.
– Jay Clark
ST KILDA
NEW RECRUITS
Former Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne big man Tom Campbell had the sole ruck duties in the absence of Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall against the Blues.
After signing with the Saints as a delisted free agent at the end of 2021, the 201cm Campbell can play a key supporting role for the two talls.
NEW POSITIONS
Utility Josh Battle is set to spend time in the backline this season after switching into a defensive role over the pre-season.
Battle impressed as he went head-to-head with Blues forward Charlie Curnow in the practice match last week.
“He’s had a really good, strong pre-season,” Saints backline coach Corey Enright said.
“He’s performed really well … it was nice for his continuing growth to play well and put his hand up for Round 1.”
BACK FROM INJURY
Ben Paton had his first competitive outing since he suffered a broken leg in an intra-club match last pre-season. The 23-year-old, entering his fifth season at St Kilda, staked his claim to push straight back into the Saints’ back six when the season resumes.
Paton has played 35 games for the Saints since making his debut in 2018.
Jade Gresham also completed a successful comeback after missing most of last season following an achilles injury in Round 3.
INJURY ISSUES
Defender Dougal Howard and ruckman Rowan Marshall (both managed) sat out last week’s practice match but should be available for Saturday’s AAMI Community Series clash against Essendon. Veteran Paddy Ryder and Dan Hannebery were also spectators as their pre-season load is managed as the club’s focus is to have them primed for the start of the season proper.
ONE MORE THING …
Train-on player Jack Hayes continues to press his claim to add more depth to St Kilda’s big man stocks with the ruck-forward looking to lock in a spot on the Saint’s list before the supplemental selection period deadline in March.
SYDNEY
NEW RECRUITS
Pre-season recruit and 2014 No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin impressed in his quest to reboot his AFL career with the Swans. McCartin, who last played an AFL game in 2018, delivered a strong performance in defence against the Giants.
“Paddy McCartin has fit in really well over the pre-season. He was able to take some set intercept marks and now it’s just a matter of him getting some flying hours in that role,” Swans coach John Longmire said.
“We know that with defenders, the more they are able to play the better they’ll get and we’re hopeful he can continue his improvement.”
Former Port Adelaide ruckman also made an impact with two goals in a forward-ruck role.
Sydney’s top draft pick from last year, Angus Sheldrick also kicked two majors.
NEW POSITIONS
Tom McCartin, who started his AFL playing days in attack before settling in defence, was pushed forward in the fourth term after Lance Franklin went off.
INJURY ISSUES
Sydney is sweating on Tom Papley’s fitness after the star forward left the field early in the practice match with a hamstring concern. Papley did not take any further part in the match.
The club said Papley, who kicked 43 goals for the Swans last season, would be further assessed on Monday. Callum Mills (achilles), Joel Amartey (groin) and Colin O-Riordan (head knock) also missed the practice match.
ONE MORE THING …
Franklin played the first three of six “quarters” and kicked one goal from a free kick as he builds towards a major goalkicking milestone. The champion forward will start the season five goals shy of 1000 for his career.
– Rebecca Williams
WEST COAST
NEW RECRUITS
Sam Petrevski-Seton did not play in the heavy loss to Fremantle after he hurt his knee in the Eagles intra-club hitout a week prior.
NEW POSITIONS
The Eagles did want to play Tom Barrass in attack but after being under siege in the backline for most of the day, the star defender only got forward in the final quarter.
Forward Jack Petruccelle started at the first three centre bounces, but then was forward until the final one of the game.
BACK FROM INJURY
Willie Rioli played his first game since the 2019 elimination final and kicked a goal.
DRAFT WATCH
No.14 pick Campbell Chesser injured his left ankle after taking his first mark of the game and played no further part while pick 31 Brady Hough played limited minutes towards the end of the game.
INJURY ISSUES
Where do you start with the Eagles.
Already with Luke Shuey (hamstring), Oscar Allen (foot stress reaction), Jamie Cripps (pectoral), Tom Cole (ankle) and Liam Ryan (Covid-19 protocols) missing, they lost Chesser and Dom Sheed to left ankle injuries in the first quarter and then star midfielder Elliot Yeo to a right ankle injury in the second term.
Chesser is set to miss at least three months.
Combined with Jack Darling’s uncertain future because of his Covid-19 vaccination stance, the Eagles have just 24 fit players on their list weeks before Round 1.
ONE MORE THING…
Could a delisted Docker be the answer to the Eagles forward woes?
Hugh Dixon, who played a game for Fremantle, was described by Adam Simpson as the Eagles’ best player against the Dockers as he impressed as a supplemental selection period train-on player.
The 196cm Tasmanian kicked two of West Coast’s six goals and spent time in the ruck.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
NEW RECRUITS
Tim O’Brien is an important acquisition for a defence, which can be exposed aerially at times, and could yet be one of the best pick-ups of the trade period. But the former Hawk is in doubt for the season-opener against the Demons after a hamstring setback. Alex Keath will help hold down the backline, but he also missed the clash against the Bombers with a back issue. The Dogs have an incredible midfield and will back their system, but rivals see the club’s back half as something that can be exposed.
NEW POSITIONS
All eyes are on the ruck where Tim English (13 disposals against Essendon) will try to unseat veteran Stefan Martin as the team’s No.1 ruckman. English, who is out of contract and will likely attract interest from West Coast, has been used in big chunks as a forward co-pilot for Aaron Naughton (two goals). It is generally thought English’s best position is in the ruck where he can use his neat skills around the ground, but is Luke Beveridge convinced? It’s an area they where have been well-beaten in recent years. Jordon Sweet is also on the way up after re-signing.
BACK FROM INJURY
Josh Bruce will aim to return from his knee reconstruction in about July, right as his team gears up or another finals campaign. His absence leaves a void that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan could step into, if he’s ready. But the second-year forward battled in the scratch match against the Bombers with only two touches, and expectations may have to be tempered. Cody Weightman is coming off foot surgery and had an interrupted summer, so could also take time to build. Martin missed a huge chunk last year but has had a big summer and is fit for Round 1.
DRAFT WATCH
Arthur Jones is the buzz youngster after a bright showing against the Bombers. The speedy wingman has a sidestep and some party tricks that can light up a game, and Luke Beveridge is never afraid to offer up an early opportunity. The Dogs’ midfield is already stacked but Jones is one to keep a close eye on after he was taken with pick No.43. Sam Darcy will remain sidelined for the first half of the season as he continues his recovery and rehabilitation from a lingering foot injury. Super cautious approach being taken.
INJURY ISSUES
Bailey Smith missed the clash against Essendon with some groin soreness but the club says it is only minor. He remains one of the most exciting, marketable and watchable players in the competition and his finals series was top-shelf. Watch him creep forward and be a constant scoreboard threat again in 2022.
ONE MORE THING…
Is this the year Josh Dunkley (35 possessions against Essendon) becomes an All-Australian midfielder? Perhaps the baton will be passed from Tom Liberatore to Dunkley this year as the king clearance winner beside Marcus Bontempelli It is a contract year for Dunkley and while he was unable to get to the Bombers two years ago, we suspect he will get paid nicely on this next deal.
– Jay Clark
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