Snapshot: Coach Neil Craig is the first to admit his side’s pre-season has been less than perfect. A lengthy injury list and rain-soaked venues have denied Adelaide continuity and prevented players from exhibiting the ball movement patterns they spent all summer working on. The Crows edged out Melbourne in week three of the competition, after losing the opening two rounds but looked significantly sharper in their narrow win over Carlton last weekend. The question now is whether the unsettled side can re-group in time for round one.
Medical room: The Crows have endured a wretched run of injuries since losing young defender Andy Otten (knee) just a few weeks into the start of pre-season. Brett Burton, Jason Porplyzia, Brad Symes, Brad Moran and Nathan van Berlo have all missed chunks of training, while Scott Thompson, Andrew McLeod, Tyson Edwards, Bernie Vince, Ivan Maric and James Sellar have all missed at least one pre-season game. Brodie Martin has made good progress in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but won’t be available until after the mid-season break.
Who’s burning: Small forwards Richard Douglas and Jared Petrenko have capitalised on the club’s lengthy injury list and appear set to play against Fremantle. The Crows can elevate two rookies to replace Otten and Martin. Former Brisbane Lion Chris Schmidt and utility Ricky Henderson are leading the race.
Season opener: March 28 v Fremantle at Subiaco
BRISBANE LIONS
Snapshot: After losing a slog in soggy Canberra in round one of the NAB Cup, the Brisbane Lions have kept a low profile on the regional circuit. Brendan Fevola stole the headlines in a NAB Challenge clash against his former side, and while Carlton won that match an ankle injury to Jamie Charman was a bigger blow. Preparations for the season weren’t aided when a scheduled match against Geelong was washed out but Michael Voss’s team, with big names returning from a rest, downed Hawthorn to gain some confidence.
Medical room: Luke Power (groin) played against the Hawks and is on track for round one, while Charman is four to six weeks away from resuming with his ankle injury. Off-season additions Xavier Clarke and draftee Callum Bartlett, both on the comeback trail from knee reconstructions, are some way off playing.
Who’s burning: Former Sydney Swan Amon Buchanan looks like he’ll add great depth to the Lions’ midfield, with his crumbing and nous at the base of packs evident in pre-season matches. Youngsters Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff have both added bulk over the summer and should figure even more prominently in 2010.
Season opener: Saturday March 27 - Brisbane Lions v West Coast Eagles at the Gabba (N)
CARLTON
Snapshot: The Blues had the dubious honour of handing Paul Roos his first NAB Cup win in his ninth year in charge of the Sydney Swans when they departed the competition in the first round. Since then Carlton has played NAB Challenge matches against West Coast in Perth (loss), the Brisbane Lions at Visy Park (win) then hosted Adelaide (loss) to round out a mostly positive pre-season campaign. Brett Ratten has foreshadowed more considered, patient ball movement from his team this year which has been worked on during the pre-season and will naturally take a bit of time to catch on. Setanta O'hAilpin and Lachie Henderson will be the two primary targets up forward as the Blues embark on the post-Brendan Fevola era.
Medical room: Jarrad Waite and Marc Murphy returned from injury spells against the Eagles and played again the next week to put themselves right in the frame for round one. Dennis Armfield has been slowed by a hamstring injury but is also considered a good chance to play against Richmond. Brad Fisher underwent LARS surgery following the Swans game in which he ruptured an ACL and will miss as little as 12 weeks.
Who’s burning: Mitch Robinson, Eddie Betts and Chris Yarran have all had excellent preparations and loom as key players in 2010. Jeff Garlett has already been rewarded with a second nominated rookie berth.
Season opener: March 25 v Richmond at the MCG
COLLINGWOOD
Snapshot: Collingwood's pre-season formline reads as well as almost anyone's. Following their one-point loss to St Kilda in their NAB Cup opener, the Pies have carefully managed their players' game time across their remaining practice matches whilst achieving impressive results. Comfortable wins over Adelaide, Richmond and a recent belting of Port Adelaide showed the Pies are in good touch ahead of the season proper.Recruits Luke Ball, Darren Jolly and Simon Buckley have not only enjoyed valuable game time but also performed well in their new colours. Heath Shaw was trialled through the midfield at times in the pre-season but should return to defence for the home and away rounds. Alan Didak had a stint across half-back in his team's practice match win over the Crows but looks set to continue his role through the midfield and across half-forward.
Medical room: Collingwood enters the season in great shape with Cameron Wood (finger) and Brad Dick (shoulder) the only players on the sidelines likely to have fought for round-one selection. Youngster Josh Thomas (calf) faces at least another month out, but the good news is the seemingly injury-riddled Sean Rusling is back on the park.
Who's burning: Jolly has dominated intra-club matches and looked good in the Pies' recent hit-outs, while Paul Medhurst looks over his ankle injury from 2009 and is moving well. Fans can also expect Harry O'Brien to step his game up a further notch this year.
Season opener: Sunday March 28 - Western Bulldogs v Collingwood at Etihad Stadium
ESSENDON
Snapshot: The Bombers were out of the NAB Cup early courtesy of a 35-point loss to West Coast. They went on to beat Melbourne by 40 points two weeks later before losing to the Sydney Swans by 28 points. Finally, they thrashed Richmond by 74 points with 14 individual goal-kickers sharing in the spoils. Most players got a rest throughout with only Ricky Dyson, Brent Prismall, Alwyn Davey and Kyle Reimers playing every game.
Medical room: David Hille played two games as he nears the end of his knee rehabilitation while Scott Gumbleton again fought back problems before getting involved in week three. Leroy Jetta (dislocated thumb - five weeks) and Tyson Slattery (wrist - TBA) will carry pre-season injuries in the home-and-away season.
Who's burning: Jobe Watson has been consistent, Brent Stanton stood out against Melbourne, Jason Winderlich has been moving well and Mark McVeigh is lighter and looking to play in round two after his suspension. Midfielder Ben Howlett has been put forward as the Bombers' nominated rookie.
Season opener: March 26 v Geelong at the MCG.
FREMANTLE
Snapshot: Fremantle stuck to a policy of resting six key players for the first three weeks of the pre-season and emerged with two wins and an educating NAB Cup semi-final loss to St Kilda. Mark Harvey’s men pushed the Cats for periods in their final NAB Challenge run. In line-up changes, Matthew Pavlich and Michael Johnson have propped up a revamped forward line with Luke McPharlin returning to defence. Stephen Hill has been tried on a back flank, but recruit Adam McPhee’s role is unclear. Dean Solomon has retired.
Medical room: Rhys Palmer (knee) is four weeks away from playing AFL football, but he is expected to take his first steps in the WAFL ahead of round one. Hayden Ballantyne (shin) is in doubt for round one, while rookie Matt de Boer’s chances of pre-season elevation were dashed by a six-week knee injury. Antoni Grover (knee), Scott Thornton (groin) and Tim Ruffles (knee) will all miss at least the first month of the season.
Who’s burning: Prolific ball-winning rookie Michael Barlow played all four pre-season games and impressed in the midfield, earning elevation onto Fremantle’s senior list. Chris Tarrant and Paul Duffield have been solid in defence, while forwards Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne were exciting in the early rounds.
Season opener: March 28 v Adelaide at Subiaco Oval
GEELONG
Snapshot: The Cats have enjoyed a low-key summer. Stars were allowed to resume training later and, perhaps as a result, pre-season form wasn’t to usual standards. With a full squad in however, the Cats did easily account for Fremantle in their final hit-out. Travis Varcoe will play more through the middle at times this year, while mature-age rookie James Podsiadly could form a three-pronged attack alongside Tom Hawkins and Cam Mooney. Other than that, it should be a similar, slick Geelong outfit in 2010.
Medical room: Joel Corey injured a knee in the Cats’ NAB Cup game against North Melbourne but now looks likely to play in round one. Cult figure Max Rooke (knee) and Travis Varcoe (broken thumb) seem to be the only premiership stars (other than the retired Tom Harley) certain set to miss the season-opener. Mitch Brown (leg) and Tom Allwright (knee) face longer-term stints on the sidelines.
Who’s burning: Varcoe’s injury is disappointing as his fitness had improved to the extent where a more prominent onball roll seemed a real possibility. Young defender Taylor Hunt also impressed over the summer, but Podsiadly was also a surprise packet on the track, the 28-year-old certain to be considered for his AFL debut at some stage this season.
Season opener: Friday March 26 - Geelong v Essendon at the MCG
HAWTHORN
Snapshot: An easy win over Richmond in week one of the NAB Cup was followed by a loss to eventual NAB Cup premier the Western Bulldogs. The Hawks lost to North Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions in the past two weeks in performances that have some concerned about their prospects. Luke Hodge spent some time in the midfield which could be a forecast of things to come for the season proper and Brent Renouf seems set for his role as the no. 1 ruckman.
Medical room: The Hawks have had a better summer than last year but they are not without their worries. Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne have played no part in the pre-season, while Brad Sewell will miss the first few weeks with a collar bone injury. But the biggest blow was Simon Taylor’s broken leg against North Melbourne. It will keep him out of action for four months. Potential back-up ruck Wayde Skipper will also be missing for two months with hamstring issues.
Who’s burning: Rookie-listed player Garry Moss has been impressive throughout the pre-season, so much so that he won the nominated rookie spot ahead of Wayde Skipper despite Hawthorn’s need for a ruckman.
Season opener: March 27 v Melbourne at the MCG
MELBOURNE
Snapshot: The Demons were winless in an injury-marred pre-season. It bowed out of the NAB Cup with a 47-point loss over in the west to Fremantle. A 40-point defeat followed against Essendon, before the Demons narrowly went down to Adelaide by two points in Elizabeth. A 'home' game at Casey Fields saw the Dees fall by 38 points to the West Coast Eagles.
Medical room: Melbourne has had an unfortunate start to the season with injury. Cale Morton (knee), Liam Jurrah (shoulder) and Daniel Bell (shoulder) sustained injuries during the NAB Challenge and will be sidelined for much of the first half of the season or more. In week four, Colin Syliva (jaw) and Austin Wonaeamirri (hamstring) were added to the list. Matthew Bate (quadriceps) and Jack Watts (back) have had interrupted pre-seasons. Colin Garland (foot) and Sam Blease (ankle) are on target for the season proper, but youngster Luke Tapscott (hip) and rucks Paul Johnson (foot), John Meesen (ankle) and Max Gawn (knee) are out long-term.
Who’s burning: The two young Jacks - Grimes and Trengove - have been among the Melbourne standouts. Grimes amassed 32 disposals against Essendon in the first NAB Challenge. Trengove has also shown he is ready to go come round one. Ricky Petterd has been eye-catching in front of goal, booting eight goals, four in each of his NAB Challenge matches.
Season opener: March 27 v Hawthorn at the MCG
NORTH MELBOURNE
Snapshot: The Kangaroos provided one of the talking points of round one of the NAB Cup when they dispatched reigning premiers Geelong. They were narrowly defeated by Fremantle the next week and rounded out their pre-season campaign with a win over Hawthorn and a loss to the Sydney Swans. Brad Scott appears to be keen on getting quicker ball movement out of his side on the evidence so far. The new coach will get some extra match fitness into a selection of youngsters, including first-round draft pick Ben Cunnington, at a North Ballarat intra-club game on Friday evening.
Medical room: Ed Lower is the only long-term concern after he broke his leg against the Hawks. Daniel Wells made a pleasing return from a groin injury in the same match. Daniel Pratt has nursed a hamstring strain while Cunnington rested a sore foot for several weeks.
Who’s burning: The form of Wells in his two games back has been encouraging for Roos' fans while Ryan Bastinac has impressed in his short time at the club. Ben Speight's pre-season work has seen him rewarded with the club's nominated rookie spot.
Season opener: March 28 v Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
Snapshot: Port Adelaide was one of the surprise packets of the NAB Cup. The Power shocked opposition teams, including Adelaide and West Coast, with their new defensive edge and came within a kick of progressing through to the pre-season grand final. The club unearthed some genuine talent with the likes of Mitch Banner, Daniel Stewart and rookie Cameron Hitchcock, and also found some support for ruckman Dean Brogan in the form of lanky forward Justin Westhoff.
Medical room: Midfielder David Rodan looked set to miss the entire 2010 season when he injured his knee at training in December, but revolutionary LARS technology has him on track for an early-season return. Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) is the only other first-choice player in doubt for round one.
Who’s burning: The Power are likely to elevate Hitchcock for the round one clash with North Melbourne, but rookie Cameron Cloke’s immediate future on the senior list hinges on Rodan’s recovery. Former Brisbane Lion Scott Harding has also cemented his position in the side with an impressive pre-season.
Season opener: March 28 v North Melbourne at AAMI Stadium.
RICHMOND
Snapshot: The Tigers were quickly bundled out of the NAB Cup when Hawthorn spanked them by 73 points in Launceston. But they bounced back in the NAB Challenge with an impressive 51-point win over Geelong in Yea. A spiteful clash with Collingwood followed at Visy Park - the Tigers went down by 28 points - before Richmond finished with a 74-point loss to Essendon in Morwell. Jake King and Dean Polo have been tried up forward.
Medical room: Small forward Ben Nason, claimed at No.71 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, had mixed emotions when he debuted in the NAB Cup, only to suffer a hyper-extended knee. But he was back impressing by week four. Nathan Foley (ankle) and Ben Griffiths (shoulder) have had limited pre-seasons; Daniel Jackson and Troy Simmonds had minor hiccups earlier in the year, but are now fit. Ben Cousins missed the clash in Morwell due to abdominal pains.
Who’s burning: Dustin Martin shone with 26 disposals in his first appearance at senior level, emphasising why he was taken at No.3 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. Jack Riewoldt and Mitch Morton have impressed in attack with seven goals each from two matches, and reigning dual Jack Dyer Medallist Brett Deledio has again been prominent. Mature-age rookie Graham Polak continues to make strides from a serious head injury. Indigenous duo Relton Roberts and Troy Taylore have provided spark in the forward line.
Season opener: March 25 v Carlton at the MCG (N)
ST KILDA
Snapshot: Made it through to the NAB Cup grand final after a couple of close early games. The Saints looked quite convincing against Fremantle but struggled for a fair amount of the game against the Bulldogs in the final. Adam Schneider looked more than comfortable as a midfielder - a role he hasn’t played with any regularity since his days as a Sydney Swan.
Medical room: Michael Gardiner and Lenny Hayes are unlikely round- one starters. Hayes played just the one NAB Cup game and Gardiner did not appear at all. Jack Steven had a minor ankle injury in the win over Collingwood, while Sam Fisher could miss up to six weeks with an ankle injury sustained against the Dogs.
Who’s burning: All the buzz was around Rhys Stanley throughout the NAB Cup. His height, athleticism and goal sense did not go unnoticed and he could be in line for a game early in the home and away season. David Armitage and Clint Jones were excellent in the midfield while Nick Riewoldt did as Nick Riewoldt does.
Season opener: March 27 v Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium
SYDNEY SWANS
Snapshot: The club's longest pre-season in seven years paid dividends on the NAB Cup and Challenge circuit, with three wins and a one-point loss to St Kilda. The integration of a number of new faces has gone smoothly and coach Paul Roos faces several selection dilemmas for the season opener against St Kilda. The Swans' defence and midfield both look sound but their ideal forward trio of Daniel Bradshaw, Adam Goodes and Jesse White is yet to play a game together.
Medical room: Former Brisbane Lions forward Bradshaw remains touch-and -go for round one after undergoing a knee arthroscopy in February. Lewis Johnston (foot), Kristin Thornton (knee) and Craig Bird (foot) also face significantly delayed starts to 2010.
Who’s burning: A rejuvenated Nick Malceski and Tadhg Kennelly have been standouts in defence, while ex-Hawk Josh Kennedy has thrived in match conditions, along with fellow former Hawk Ben McGlynn and ex-Eagle Mark Seaby. Key defender Heath Grundy has been excellent and the strong early form of draftees Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan has surprised the football department.
Season opener: March 27 v St Kilda at ANZ Stadium
WEST COAST
Snapshot: Three wins from four games was a positive result for West Coast, but the true measure of its pre-season was an ability to manage its first-choice centre square combination while giving experience to key youngsters Chris Masten, Brad Ebert and Luke Shuey. In structural changes, Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox worked in tandem in two of the NAB Cup/Challenge fixtures, Mitch Brown was tried at both ends of the ground, Beau Waters and Mark Nicoski moved into attack and Quinten Lynch and Ash Hansen jockeyed for selection at full forward.
Medical room: Daniel Kerr (quad), Matt Priddis (knee) and Cox, whose groin rehab has been carefully managed, will enter round one on the back of two practice matches. Shannon Hurn and Ben McKinley missed the side’s last run against Melbourne with knocks, while Tim Houlihan has returned to running after lacerating his foot in the off-season.
Who’s burning: Naitanui was electrifying in the NAB Cup opener and proved a consistent performer thereafter, playing all four pre-season games. Composed young midfielder Luke Shuey was his side’s best against Port Adelaide and performed solidly against Essendon and Melbourne. Chris Masten has also been impressive in midfield. Third-year rookie ruckman Will Sullivan has been elevated as insurance.
Season opener: March 27 v Brisbane Lions at the Gabba
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Snapshot: You can't get a much better pre-season than winning the NAB Cup. The Dogs' elite level of fitness saw 16 players participate in every game. Daniel Giansiracusa, Jason Akermanis, Barry Hall, Nathan Eagleton, Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams and Ben Hudson were all rested at times, while Brad Johnson missed the all the pre-season games with a leg injury. Rookie Brodie Moles looked the goods in his NAB Cup campaign.
Medical room: Will Minson (poisoning) missed two early games, Eagleton (knee) started late and ended with a hamstring that will keep him from round one, Johnson is on track for round three, Mitch Hahn is likely to face the Magpies despite fracturing his eye socket and Callan Ward has a sore groin but should be OK.
Who’s burning: Giansiracusa and Akermanis have been excellent across three games while Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney have been consistent over four. The star of the pre-season has been Barry Hall with 17 goals in three weeks. Moles will be elevated for round one.
Season opener: March 28 v Collingwood at Etihad Stadium.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
