Can the Crows avoid finishing in the bottom four?
The Crows had a major cleanout at the end of last season, resulting in young players getting opportunities this year. It's been a tough start under new senior coach Matthew Nicks. They lost both Marsh Community Series games and have a lack of depth outside of their best 22. Nicks will do a great job if he can have the Crows in the reach of the finals for the majority of the season.
Where will the scoring come from?
The Crows kicked a combined 19 goals in their two pre-season games, with Ben Crocker and Ben Davis the leading goalkickers with three each. A lot up forward rests on Taylor Walker and youngster Darcy Fogarty, who showed he's capable with a five-goal haul against West Coast late in the season last year. The Crows need to get more production out of their small forwards if they're going to consistently kick winning scores this year.
Will Brad Crouch remain at the club next year?
The reigning best and fairest is chasing a long-term deal with the Crows, but the two parties haven't been able to come to an agreement. Crouch was heavily linked to Gold Coast during last year's Telstra AFL Trade Period. The inside midfielder will attract plenty of interest from rival clubs the longer he remains without a deal for next season. Watch this space. - Lee Gaskin
IT’S ON AFL confirms round one will go ahead
Who misses out in the backline?
The Lions have such a settled team, and no injuries, but the arrival of Callum Ah Chee and Grant Birchall has congested the half-back line. Chris Fagan and his match committee need to decide on the mix of speed, ball use, defensive prowess, and leadership. That means one of Ah Chee, Birchall, Noah Answerth or Alex Witherden will be an unlucky omission.
Can the Lions win at the 'G?
It's been six years and eight matches since Brisbane has won at the 'home of football' (its last victory coming against Collingwood in round 21, 2014). Last year they were absolutely mauled by Essendon in round four before putting up a strong fight against eventual premier Richmond in round 23. On both occasions they faced partisan opposition crowds, which won't be an issue against the Hawks on Sunday.
How will they set up defensively?
In 2019 they pressured fiercely around the contest and 'squeezed' the ground to force turnovers. Against Port Adelaide in the Marsh Community Series, the Lions tinkered with that set-up, dropping one man back from the contest to play with the back six. It didn't really work. They reverted to last season's model against Carlton, with more success, but was that because of pressure at the contest or the structure? - Michael Whiting
Is this the year for McGovern?
Without key attacking trio Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Eddie Betts for the start of the season, Carlton's threat forward of centre will fall largely on the shoulders of McGovern. The high-marking target has shown he can kick goals in bunches, but not consistently. In fact, only once in his 64-game career has he kicked three or more goals in successive weeks. He needs to improve his outlet if the Blues are to post winning scores early in the year.
Can the kids crack back into the midfield?
Carlton's midfield improved drastically when veterans Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow were reintroduced last year alongside co-captain Patrick Cripps. But it did so at the expense of the young talent. Sam Petrevski-Seton was moved back, Zac Fisher and David Cuningham were shifted forward, while Paddy Dow spent periods out of the team. All, with the exception of Fisher, are first-round draft picks. Meanwhile, all will have ambitions to move back into the onball brigade. Whether they join Sam Walsh there this season is another question.
Is the first month make-or-break?
Carlton has been buoyed by a healthy dose of pre-season optimism, but the first month of the season still presents a rather daunting task. The reigning premiers, Richmond, is awaiting David Teague's men in the traditional season-opener. Perhaps one of its main challengers, the Western Bulldogs, is then next on the agenda in round two. Arch rivals Essendon on a Thursday night will present a tricky encounter in round three, before the first month is rounded out with an interstate trip to Sydney. The Blues won't want to be chasing their tail, so finding at least two wins is essential if they are to challenge in 2020. - Riley Beveridge
‘IT’S A POSSIBILITY’ Entire season could be locked out to fans
How will the Pies' walking wounded midfield handle the Bulldogs' brilliant runners?
The Pies will be without their quickest and most prolific ball winner, Adam Treloar, while hard nut Taylor Adams is getting over a jarred hip and veteran skipper Scott Pendlebury has just recovered from a cold that, thankfully, proved not to be coronavirus. Not the ideal preparation, to say the least. The Pies' emerging superstar Jordan De Goey will need to produce some stoppage-breaking energy around the ball, as he did in the pre-season, while fellow forward Jamie Elliott could also provide some explosiveness. Unheralded battering ram Rupert Wills could be tasked with man-on-man duties at stoppages.
What does Mason Cox need to do to keep Darcy Cameron at bay?
Cameron – the one-game, 204cm former Swan – has put some pressure on Magpie giant Cox to hold his place with his improving forward play, aerial capabilities and impressive ruckwork. The 'American Pie' should get the nod but he'll be keen to reassert himself as the chief aerial threat in attack after his 2019 season ended prematurely with an eye injury. Despite the unrealistic expectations that came following his phenomenal performance in the 2018 preliminary final win over Richmond, Cox doesn't need to do anything special other than provide a contest, ensure he isn't outmarked, snare the odd grab and goal himself and support superstar ruckman Brodie Grundy.
Will Jaidyn Stephenson get a game?
The very thought of it sounds ridiculous given Stephenson is a potential matchwinner with his speed, elusiveness, goalkicking prowess and ability to play as the deepest forward in an unconventional attack. The Pies also sorely missed the blond rocket during his betting suspension for the last 10 rounds last season. However, following a bout of glandular fever he was limited to just one pre-season appearance, and a quiet one at that against Richmond, before missing the second game against St Kilda for personal reasons. Also nursing a bruised left hand from a VFL practice match on Saturday so could be set for more conditioning before he returns. - Ben Collins
Who kicks their goals?
Joe Daniher is out indefinitely, so the Bombers won't be banking on him for their goals. They also delisted goalkicker Mitch Brown last year, while James Stewart is fit now but has missed a lot of action with groin troubles. From a talls perspective, Shaun McKernan will lead the way, while plenty will be left to Jake Stringer again. Small forwards Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will also be important in attack, but will it be enough for the Bombers to compete with the best?
How will the coaching succession plan play out?
Things seem to be playing out smoothly, with suggestions the handover of the Bombers from current coach John Worsfold to senior assistant Ben Rutten already accelerated. Rutten, alongside new assistant Blake Caracella, has added a Richmond edge to the Bombers' game plan this off-season, with both coming from Punt Road. Essendon has been inconsistent for a long time, so perhaps this could be the year a definitive style comes through.
Will Andy McGrath take the next step?
A lot relies on McGrath and co. lifting a gear this season for the Bombers to rise up the ladder. McGrath looks well-placed to take his game to another level after a strong pre-season. He's a ball-winner, leader, speedy mover and someone who gets things going. Essendon players trust him to do the right thing when he has the ball, and if the No.1 pick can take a leap with his performances – he has had three strong seasons already – then the team might jump with him. – Callum Twomey
How much have the Dockers' skills improved?
There were signs against Carlton in the Marsh Community Series that Justin Longmuir's summer skills sessions had made an impact. Training has been slicker all pre-season, too. But the real test will come under the heat of round one and we will soon know whether the Dockers' biggest weakness under Ross Lyon will eventually become a strength. The Dockers have trained their skills under pressure all summer and will need to hit their targets to make Longmuir's game style a success.
How much time can Fyfe and Walters afford to spend in attack?
Longmuir has flagged his plans to rotate Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters heavily through the forward line, with the pair changing with each other through early intraclub games. But the plan relies on Darcy Tucker continuing his development, and young midfielders Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra stepping up. Longmuir appears committed to developing his young midfielders in the roles they were drafted to play, but the temptation will be there to throw his All-Australian pair in the middle when the pressure is on. If that happens, youngsters will have their centre square time cut.
Can the Dockers' key talls stand up at both ends of the ground?
Michael Johnson (2013) and Luke McPharlin (2012) were the last key position Dockers to win All-Australian selection, and the club will start this season with its two best defenders and big-name forward sidelined. But all is not lost. Rory Lobb started pre-season day one and has clearly benefited, looking dangerous in attack and taking 13 marks against Carlton. Griffin Logue, meanwhile, has been given the big jobs in defence with Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling sidelined and looks primed for a big fourth season. The tall pair are now among the most important players on the list and should enhance their reputations significantly this season. - Nathan Schmook
WAGE SLASH Players facing significant pay cuts in shortened season
Can the middle tier of players take the next step to support the guns?
Skipper Joel Selwood identified it as the Cats' biggest window for growth when speaking on the eve of the season. Can the likes of Cam Guthrie, Brandan Parfitt, Jack Henry, Quinton Narkle and Sam Menegola stand up and become genuine guns? Selwood joins Hawkins in turning 32 this year, while Gary Ablett and Harry Taylor have one season left. If the next wave behind them can become consistent performers in big games, the Cats will be able to contend again. And for seasons to come.
Do they have the depth to deal with the condensed season?
The microscope will come out when the list depth requires 30-32 players to be used on occasions to deal with the upcoming period of condensed games. Experts have long questioned Geelong's least important six players in finals compared to their opponents. They need to find players to fill roles similar in the mould of Jason Castagna, Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Nathan Broad that Richmond had in last year's premiership.
Will the ruck mystery last the entire season once again?
Still only two days out from their season-opener against Greater Western Sydney, the Cats are yet to settle on their ideal ruck set-up for 2020. It feels like September last year all over again when full-back Mark Blicavs replaced Rhys Stanley for the qualifying final. While Blicavs will start back – for now – the Cats are agonising over Stanley or Darcy Fort to tackle Sam Jacobs. They'd love to get more ruck minutes into 21-year-old Esava Ratugolea but it would only sacrifice his much-needed firepower in attack. – Mitch Cleary
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Will 2018's No.3 make his debut?
One of the most-hyped players from the 2018 draft, pick Rankine was frustrated by hamstring injuries last year that restricted him to two pre-season games, two NEAFL games, and, unfortunately for the No.3 draft pick, no AFL games. However, after a strong pre-season he looked a round one lock until a shoulder injury in a practice game against Brisbane put things on hold. Without a game for a month, will the Suns be bold and pick their electric small forward?
How does Bowes cope in defence?
Following the off-season departure of Callum Ah Chee and disrupted pre-seasons for Pearce Hanley and Jarrod Harbrow (the latter should play in round one), Stuart Dew had to find another half-back solution. That man was gun fourth-year midfielder Jack Bowes. The 22-year-old took Gary Ablett right out of the game in Gold Coast's win over Geelong. He is smart and an excellent ball user, but just how he fares against Port's litany of quick forwards will be a big first-up challenge.
Will the Suns continue to be aggressive with ball movement?
In Stuart Dew's first two seasons in charge, the Suns played a low-risk, high-stoppage, defensive style of game, partly to educate and partly due to personnel. During the Marsh Community Series, though, there was a noticeable change in tact, with bold ball movement and willingness to take the game on with a host of new faces and developed players that have speed to burn and skills to match. Will they be as aggressive when there's four points up for grabs? - Michael Whiting
Will Matt de Boer tag Patrick Dangerfield?
He took down some of the game's best midfielders last season, but the tough Giant is no guarantee to reprise his role on the superstar Cat. With Tim Taranto injured and Stephen Coniglio set to take more midfield time as a result, de Boer might be used as a defensive forward to provide leadership inside 50, or on a wing, with the option of moving onto Dangerfield if he gets away early.
Do the Giants play Zac Williams?
The star defender's training was scaled back after he experienced some soreness in the Achilles he had surgically repaired in 2018 and missed the Marsh Community Series. The Giants aren't worried about Williams but is there any need to risk such an important player? With youngsters Isaac Cumming and Lachie Ash ready for an opportunity, it seems like the perfect time to give Williams more time to get himself right.
How will Jeremy Finlayson respond to his horror Grand Final day?
After being a revelation with 44 goals last season, the athletic forward managed just one kick in the Giants' massive loss to Richmond. Days like that can haunt some players and it will be interesting to see how Finlayson's 2020 season plays out. He's one of the most talented young players in the League so hopefully the 24-year-old can put it behind him and continue his career improvement. - Adam Curley
Will a three-pronged tall forward line work?
Tim O'Brien's eye injury meant we didn't get another look in the Hawks' second Marsh Community Series game at how he fits alongside recruit Jon Patton and rising star Mitch Lewis. They played together in Hawthorn's pre-season opener, with Patton targeted 10 times inside 50, Lewis seven and O'Brien five. That's a pretty decent spread – and probably better than most would have guessed, given Patton was such a popular target. Lewis and O'Brien thrived together in the second half of last year, yet Patton's arrival as, seemingly, the No.1 man will mean they have to adapt.
Can the Hawks cope without Blake Hardwick and Jarman Impey?
For all of Hawthorn's backline depth, Hardwick and Impey are blessed with assets not many of their defensive mates share. Both are set to miss the first half of the season through injury. Impey's mixture of athleticism, brute strength and breakneck speed made him a weapon in what was arguably his best season last year. Hardwick was drafted as a goalkicker but has blossomed into a defender who can lockdown on small forwards and be equally valuable with his laser-like right boot. He was top five in Peter Crimmins Medal voting the past two seasons.
What can we expect from Tom Mitchell in season 2020?
The 2018 Brownlow medallist missed all of last season recovering from his broken left leg. Mitchell gradually increased his playing time during the pre-season to a full game in the Hawks' Marsh Community Series finale. He racked up 45 disposals, 10 clearances and 11 tackles in 169 minutes across the two Marsh games, so he's wasted little time being effective in his return. However, it might be unrealistic to expect him to be amassing 35 possessions a game, like he did in his previous two completed seasons. Then again, this is Tom Mitchell. – Marc McGowan
FULL AFL INJURY LIST How many weeks will they miss?
Can Steven May and Jake Lever form the big-money defensive tandem the Demons hoped for?
It hasn't all been their fault – injuries have played a big part – but the reality is, the Dees shelled out big bucks to lure experienced defenders May and Lever from rival clubs. There are bigger question marks on May, given the physical state in which he arrived at the club in 2018, but the success of their partnership is going to go a long way to determining the Demons' fate this year.
How will Jack Viney respond to losing the captaincy?
The midfield bull was naturally disappointed when the player vote saw Gawn appointed as sole captain and Viney named as vice. Known for wearing his heart on his red and blue sleeve, Viney will now have to find a way to put aside his hurt and grow stronger from it if he's to forge the kind of leadership partnership with Gawn the club are hoping for.
Will Kozzy Pickett announce himself in round one as the competition's most exciting draftee?
There's plenty of talent in last year's draft crop, but could the young Demon – taken at No.12 overall – make the most prolific round one debut? The electric small forward doesn't look lost playing against men and has already wowed with some remarkable bursts of speed and displays of his undeniable skill, so he's certainly in the frame to make a memorable early entry into the competition. - Jennifer Phelan
Was last year's success under Rhyce Shaw a honeymoon period or a trend?
The Roos won their first two games with Shaw as coach, four of the first five and seven of 12 in total. They were more physical, kicked long more often, handballed less, used the boundary more, were better in contested situations, transformed their forward-half game and conceded 18 fewer points per game than the first 10 rounds. Even more obvious was the positivity that radiated out of Arden St from the time Shaw took over, after a stink of negativity consumed the place before that.
How will the Roos hold up without Scott Thompson?
Thompson retired at the end of last season, bringing a close to a 241-game career that included All-Australian selection and a Syd Barker Medal triumph in 2013. The 193cm defender was known for his terrier-like tactics and ability to play on both tall and small forwards. With him gone and Majak Daw returning from injury, North Melbourne's back six will look very different. Josh Walker arrives from Brisbane, and Sam Durdin looks likely to miss round one selection after playing the last nine games of 2019. Robbie Tarrant continues to lead the backline.
Did North make the right call persuading Todd Goldstein and Shaun Higgins to stay?
There won't be a black and white answer to this. They are among the better players at their respective positions in the AFL but will both be 32 years old by the start of July and have multiple seasons left on their contract. If the Kangaroos go backwards this season or fail to make the finals, there will undoubtedly be eyebrows raised – fairly or not – about extending them both. On the flipside, they could be the keys to North Melbourne surging up the ladder and/or mentoring the club's next generation. – Marc McGowan
Is this Ken Hinkley's final season as coach of the Power?
Hinkley is entering his eighth year in charge of Port Adelaide knowing that he needs to qualify for the finals for a clause in his contract to kick in for 2021. The Power have missed the finals in four of the past five years, and haven't won a final since 2014. However, they've started well with two pre-season victories and a belief they are primed for a rise up the ladder. Hinkley is embracing the pressure.
Can Dixon dominate in a contract year?
Off-contract at the end of the season, this is a big year for key forward Charlie Dixon. He's finally injury-free and has impressed in the Power's two pre-season wins. At his best, Dixon is a commanding presence in attack and gives the Power a genuine target that can bring the ball to ground for his small forwards. Has the potential to be in the Coleman Medal conversation.
Where will Wines be playing in 2021?
The Power vice-captain is contracted until 2023, but that didn't stop Dougal Howard from changing clubs during last year's Telstra AFL Trade Period. Demoted from the co-captaincy, Wines has refuted reports that linked him to Carlton at the end of last year. Regardless, the talk won't die down until Wines regains his best form on the field. He'll miss at least the first month of the season recovering from shoulder surgery. - Lee Gaskin
ROUND ONE TICKETS Fans to get refunds
Is 2020 the year for RCD?
Richmond fans were understandably excited when the Tigers used their first pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft to secure big-bodied midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins, but for a range of reasons, the youngster didn't crack the senior team last year and has admitted to dropping his bundle because of it. After a self-imposed diet and training regime over the off-season, RCD is physically more than ready to make a splash – but can he force his way into a premiership line-up?
Will Jack Higgins be the feelgood story of this season?
Everyone loves Higgins and wants to see him do well after his staggering 2019 where he underwent two bouts of brain surgery. He's back training and played in the pre-season, but what that revealed is that the 20-year-old is going to be made to earn his spot back. There would be plenty of sentiment attached to his return to the AFL stage, but it's going to have to be on merit.
How will Alex Rance's departure shape the team?
There's still plenty of talent in the Tigers' backline and they certainly managed last year without him, but do things change even more now Rance isn't – supposedly – coming back? His influence as a leader was talked about throughout last season even though he wasn't playing. Now he's not in the building at all – who steps up in leadership sense to fill the void? - Jennifer Phelan
How much will their targeted recruiting pay off?
They went big in the Trade Period and filled some major holes with experienced players. The pre-season showed Bradley Hill, Zak Jones, Dougal Howard, Paddy Ryder, Dan Butler and Ryan Abbott all have important roles to play in 2020, and with such additions they've been able to permanently release Ben Long to half-back. Can all this jostling change the club's fortunes after an eight-year finals hiatus?
How does the Rowan Marshall-Paddy Ryder combination work?
The Saints – and both players – have spruiked all summer that their partnership will be based on a horses-for-courses approach, with who rucks and who plays forward depending on opponents and form. Ryder has shed weight in anticipation of rucking more than he did at Port but Marshall stamped his authority as the Saints' No.1 big man last year. On paper, it sounds like it will work well. Will that be the reality?
Is this the year of the Max or the Membrey?
Anyone that follows the Saints – or footy in general – won't be immune to the pre-season hype surrounding Max King and his potential to blow the year apart as the team's No.1 goalkicker. But they've got another who could make a big splash, especially if King attracts the opposition's best defender. Tim Membrey booted 44 goals last season and topped the Saints' goal kicking, proving he has the tools to spearhead their attack as well. - Jennifer Phelan
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Can Sam Naismith turn back the clock?
He's missed the past two years of footy and played just 28 games in seven seasons because of injuries, but the ruckman is set to be the Swans' No.1 man this year after finally getting some luck over summer. At his best in 2016/17, Naismith showed he's a quality AFL big man, and if he can get back to that kind of form and keep fit, it'll be a massive boost for Sydney's year.
Can the Swans cope without Lance Franklin and Sam Reid inside 50?
The club's best two tall targets will miss round one and possibly more, so the team will rely on Sinclair, Tom McCartin and to a lesser extent, Nick Blakey, to take grabs inside 50 against the Crows. All three are certainly capable of being dangerous, but their role now seems more about getting the footy to ground. Sydney's best hope of kicking a score will be gun little men Tom Papley, Will Hayward, Sam Grey and Isaac Heeney.
Should Sydney play draftee Dylan Stephens?
The No.5 draft selection struggled in his first Marsh Community Series clash against Greater Western Sydney but looked more comfortable second up against North Melbourne. Stephens might not be physically ready, but the Swans have put plenty of games in youth over the past five seasons and they trend will probably continue. - Adam Curley
How do the Eagles cover Willie Rioli?
It's been almost six months since Willie Rioli was suspended for an alleged urine substitution, but only one meaningful match has been played in that time. Round one will tell us how the Eagles plan to cover for their most dangerous small forward. Former Cat Jamaine Jones and WAFL player Nic Reid joined the club as SSP recruits, and mature-age rookie Anthony Treacy is a contender to play the small forward role. The other option is for West Coast's midfielders, particularly star recruit Tim Kelly, to rotate forward more in contrast to what the Eagles have typically done.
What management and support does a fit Nic Nat need?
Heading into a new season with their star ruckman fully fit is a massive positive for West Coast. Now they need to find the right balance with his minutes, matches and support to get him through a full season. It is likely Naitanui will continue to play just under 70 minutes a game, and the Eagles will rest him when his body tells them it needs it. So what about support? A solid No.2 ruckman is needed for Naitanui, rather than a forward who can pinch hit, and Bailey Williams has been the bolter this pre-season. If not in round one, expect the dynamic second-year Eagle to eventually fill that role.
Can the midfield click straight away?
The biggest change in the middle is the addition of star recruit Tim Kelly. But Jarrod Brander's move to a wing, replacing Chris Masten, is also significant. There will be flow-on effects, with other Eagles either rotating forward more or being squeezed out. Centre bounce clearances and contested ball were weaknesses for the Eagles in 2019, so strengthening the midfield with a player like Kelly is a big tick. It's just a matter now of how long it takes for the group to click. – Nathan Schmook
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Is Aaron Naughton ready to go?
The talented swingman missed the Marsh Community Series with minor knee surgery, but he has now re-joined the main training group. Naughton cruised through match simulation drills, but in the sessions open to public he never really tried to hit top speed. He's ticked the boxes and looks set for round one, but if there's any complications it might open the door for the next question.
What to do with Lewis Young?
The young key defender pushed Jackson Trengove out of the side at the end of 2019, but the arrival of Alex Keath has seemingly left both Young and Trengove outside the best 22 as defenders. Throughout the Marsh Community Series, Young was trialled as a forward with Naughton out. With four goals from the two pre-season games, it would be very tough to leave Young out if Naughton doesn't get up for round one.
Who gets that second wing role?
Lachie Hunter is a lock for one of the wings, but who gets to roam on the other side? Before injuring his hamstring, Lin Jong had trained really strongly and looked to be the most likely option. Following that, it was Will Hayes. A one-match suspension for Hayes costs him a spot, but it opens up a chance for Matt Suckling. Toby McLean and Ed Richards are other options there, while Roarke Smith and Billy Gowers are also in the running. - Jourdan Canil
