SuperCoach, pre-season intel: Every centre bounce attendance, kick-in stats

Who’s set for more midfield time this season and who’s on kick-in duties? We break down every team’s centre bounces and the key pre-season intel every SuperCoach needs.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 22: Jaxon Binns of the Blues Hugo Garcia of the Saints compete for the ball during the 2025 AFL match simulation between the Carlton Blues and St Kilda Saints at Ikon Park on February 22, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The first round of practice matches are done and dusted, and all 18 clubs are edging closer to the real footy starting in less than two weeks’ time.

But while the unofficial scratch matches involved extended squads, custom match lengths and heavy player rotation and resting, it gives the fans a chance to see their teams against external opponents.

MIDFIELD MAESTROS

Tom Powell is set for a breakout season, starring at Arden Street against Melbourne on Sunday.

The young Roo enjoyed a strong campaign in 2024 but was on the periphery of the club’s first-choice midfield rotation, but with George Wardlaw set to miss the start of the season it looks like Powell is the major beneficiary.

He attended the most centre bounces (23) for the Kangaroos, tied with Melbourne’s Trent Rivers to lead the day.

Clayton Oliver (20) starred for the Demons and looks set to resume his dominance in the AFL after a down year in 2024.

Hugo Garcia was in the middle a lot for St Kilda against Carlton.

Ross Lyon chose to have a the same four midfielders rotating through the centre all day against Carlton, with Jack Steele (21), Jack Macrae (19), Hugo Garcia (14) and Hugh Boxhall (12) the only attendees for the 22 centre bounces.

Harry Boyd (18) took the lion's share of the ruck contests in Rowan Marshall’s absence, facing off against a rotating contingent of Carlton rucks.

Marc Pittonet (9) led the way for the most CBAs, however exited the game early in the third quarter and did not return.

Tom De Koning (8) also finished his day on the sidelines, but played three-and-a-half quarters, while Hudson O’Keefe (3) and Harry McKay (2) both had some time in the ruck.

Carlton fans would have left disappointed by the limited role for No. 3 draftee Jagga Smith (2), who only attended 9.1 per cent of the centre bounces.

Originally published as SuperCoach, pre-season intel: Every centre bounce attendance, kick-in stats