Practice matches are just around the corner and AFL clubs are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling season.
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But which gun recruits be there straight away? Which draftees can make an immediate impact?
Foxfooty.com.au examines how your side could to line up to start the 2025 season. Note: boldened names indicates change from our initial predicted sides last December.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
B: J.Butts, M.Keane, M.Michalanney
HB: R.Laird, N.Murray, W.Milera
C: L.Sholl, M.Crouch, I.Cumming
HF: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays
F: R.Thilthorpe, T.Walker, J.Rachele
FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson, I.Rankine
I/C: J.Soligo, J.Peatling, S.Draper, D.Curtin, M.Hinge
EMG: S.Berry, J.Worrell, L.Pedlar
As things stand right now in early February, West Lakes has nearly a completely clean bill of health. Only reserve ruck Kieran Strachan is at risk of being unavailable for their Round 1 clash with St Kilda. Superstar Izak Rankine looks primed otherwise see more midfield time in 2025, leaving coach Matthew Nicks with a plethora of options to run through the midfield. New recruits Alex Neal-Bullen and James Peatling are both excellent options on-ball as a second rotation, as are the likes of Jake Soligo and Ben Keays. Meanwhile, a move to half-back for Rory Laird alongside former Giant Isaac Cumming will give Adelaide’s defence plenty of stability and experience. Sid Draper has hit the ground running very well since being drafted in November last year and is a great chance of debuting from the get-go, while second-year young gun Dan Curtin is also right on the cusp of playing at the senior level full-time.
Crows confident of growth in 2025 | 01:03
BRISBANE LIONS
B: B. Starcevich, H. Andrews, R. Lester
HB: D. Zorko, J. Payne, D. Wilmot
C: J. Fletcher, W. Ashcroft, H. McCluggage
HF: C. Rayner, L. Morris, J. Berry
F: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, Z. Bailey
FOLL: O. McInerney, L. Neale, J. Dunkley
I/C: K. Lohmann, C. Ah Chee, N. Answerth, L. McCarthy, L. Ashcroft
EMG: C. McKenna, B. Reville, S. Day
Outside of Joe Daniher’s retirement, the Lions are well placed to contend for a second consecutive flag. A quartet of players are set to return from ACL injuries — Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee — but will return at various stages. McCarthy and Gardiner are likelier chances of being available for Opening Round, while Doedee is expected to feature about a month into the season, and Coleman’s timeline is indefinite following an unfortunate setback in his recovery. Oscar McInerney will assume the number one ruck role again but how coach Chris Fagan covers the loss of Daniher is intriguing. He could opt to play Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris as the only tall forwards, but ex-Sun Sam Day, ruck Darcy Fort and youngster Henry Smith are also waiting in the wings. Father-son draftee Levi Ashcroft had off-season shoulder surgery but is firming for an Opening Round debut, while fellow Sandringham Dragons product Sam Marshall has also impressed teammates with his work ethic. The likes of Conor McKenna, Bruce Reville, Jimmy Tunstill and Deven Robertson are others competing for spots in the senior side.
Lions not worried about being the hunted | 01:01
CARLTON
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, J.Silvagni
HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, O.Hollands
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps, S.Docherty
HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell
F: Z.Williams, C.Curnow, J.Motlop
FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, S.Walsh
I/C: G.Hewett, L.Cowan, J.Smith, C.Lord, A.Moir
EMG: J.Boyd, L.Fogarty, B.Kemp
This is with the expectation all of Sam Walsh, Charlie Curnow and Jack Silvagni will be fit for Round 1, with Silvagni getting the nod in defence ahead of Lewis Young and Brodie Kemp, even though Kemp has been training as a forward this summer. The team is missing Nic Newman (knee – season) and Alex Cincotta (hip) due to injury, with Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan to take over as the rebounding half-backs, while veteran Sam Docherty could spend time behind the ball. Outside of that there’s a few tight calls – especially in the small/medium forwards department, despite Matt Owies’ departure. We’ve gone for Jesse Motlop, Matt Cottrell and Ashton Moir over the likes of Lachie Fogarty, Corey Durdin and Orazio Fantasia, but that mix could be different come Round 1.
Blues adopt new approach for 2025 season | 02:54
COLLINGWOOD
B: B. Maynard, D. Moore, I. Quaynor
HB: H. Perryman, J. Howe, J. Daicos
C: S. Sidebottom, J. De Goey, J. Crisp
HF: L. Schultz, B. Mihocek, J. Elliott
F: B. Hill, D. McStay, B. McCreery
FOLL: D. Cameron, N. Daicos, S. Pendlebury
I/C: P. Lipinski, R. McInnes, E. Allan, W. Hoskin-Elliott, M. Cox
EMG: T. Membrey, F. Macrae, W. Hayes
We haven’t snubbed Dan Houston – he’ll just miss Opening Round due to suspension. Midfielder Tom Mitchell is also in doubt due to a foot issue and given his injury concerns in recent times, the club might take a conservative approach with the former Brownlow Medallist. Former Giant Harry Perryman has had a strong summer and impressed teammates and coaches alike. Exciting youngster Harry DeMattia is pressing hard for a debut, while cricketer-turned-footballer Wil Parker has also shown he can play at the level. Former Saint Tim Membrey is another who is close to selection, with coach Craig McRae likely to select either Membrey or Mason Cox as the final forward tall alongside Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay. Will Hayes has impressed over summer; Harvey Harrison is around the mark and Oleg Markov and Billy Frampton are fringe players who have been around a while. Former Hawk Ned Long is another name to keep in mind, likewise Finlay Macrae, who hasn’t quite pieced it all together yet.
Houston to remain Pies’ half-back | 01:27
ESSENDON
B: A. McGrath, B. McKay, J. Ridley
HB: M. Redman, Z. Reid, N. Martin
C: X. Duursma, Z. Merrett, A. Roberts
HF: J. Caldwell, H. Jones, A. Perkins
F: I. Kako, N. Caddy, K. Langford
FOLL: S. Draper, D. Parish, S. Durham
I/C: N. Bryan, E. Tsatas, D. Shiel, J. Gresham, J. Menzie
EMG: J. Laverde, S. El-Hawli, P. Wright
The Bombers have had several players endure interrupted pre-seasons, including Darcy Parish (back), Sam Durham (ribs), Jordan Ridley (hamstring), Jye Caldwell (hip) and Ben McKay (ankle), but all should be ready to go for round one. Draftee Isaac Kako has impressed over summer and will figure from the get-go in a new-look forward line headed by Nate Caddy.Nic Martin can literally play anywhere, while Archie Roberts appears marginally ahead of Saad El-Hawli for a wing/half-back spot. It looks as though the Bombers will feature a two-pronged ruck set-up, with Sam Draper and Nick Bryan ahead of veteran Todd Goldstein. Dylan Shiel has flourished in a new role at half-back over pre-season and midfielder Elijah Tsatas has had the best summer of his career, with a breakout season looming. Peter Wright seems to have been bumped down the pecking order a little bit as a result of the Bombers’ new-look, pressurised forward line, while Zach Reid has been selected over Jayden Laverde in our side. Utility Nik Cox, midfielders Ben Hobbs and Will Setterfield and ex-Lion Jaxon Prior are others around the mark. Small forward Matt Guelfi will miss an extended period with a hamstring injury, while Alwyn Davey jnr went down with a knee injury. Jye Menzie could get the nod to begin with as their replacement.
Bombers prepare to unleash fresh faces | 02:11
FREMANTLE
B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce, B.Walker
HB: J.Clark, B.Cox, H.Chapman
C: J.Sharp, H.Young, N.O’Driscoll
HF: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Frederick
F: S.Switkowski, J.Amiss, S.Sturt
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: N.Fyfe, N.Erasmus, J.Draper, M.Johnson, C.Wagner
EMG: M.Reid, J.O’Meara, M.Walters
Not that it’s unfamiliar to the Dockers after Sean Darcy’s 2024 campaign, but there’s a different feel about this Fremantle line-up now after it was confirmed the ruck would almost certainly miss Round 1 due to injury. Luke Jackson looks the obvious No.1 ruck with pinch-hit support from Josh Treacy, but the Dockers continue to be impressed with the work of third-choice ruck Liam Reidy. Also included are top-10 pick Neil Erasmus, Sam Sturt and Michael Frederick, along with prized recruit Shai Bolton. The Dockers added Murphy Reid to a highly talented and super speedy small-forward-line, so the Sandringham Dragons ball-winner isn’t a certainty to feature straight away. Reid projects long-term as a midfielder but given Fremantle’s firepower between the arcs — and Nat Fyfe and Jaeger O’Meara already on the midfield fringes — if he gets a go in the seniors, it’d likely be forward of the ball. O’Meara, James Aish, Will Brodie, Karl Worner, Bailey Banfield and even veteran Michael Walters are among the unlucky names missing from the team. Walters this pre-season has been limited recovering from surgery anyway, so he might be in a race to be fit.
Indigenous All Stars squad announced | 01:00
GEELONG CATS
B: Z. Guthrie, J. Henry, J. Kolodjashnij
HB: L. Humphries, S. De Koning, T. Stewart
C: M. Knevitt, P. Dangerfield, O. Dempsey
HF: G. Miers, S. Neale, S. Mannagh
F: T. Stengle, J. Cameron, O. Henry
FOLL: R. Stanley, M. Holmes, B. Smith
I/C: T. Atkins, B. Close, T. Bruhn, M. Blicavs, M. Duncan
EMG: J. Bowes, J. Martin, C. O’Sullivan
Geelong looks primed to contend once more in 2025, thanks to some handy off-season additions. Former Bulldog Bailey Smith was a huge coup, while ex-Blue Jack Martin will no doubt bolster Chris Scott’s front-half depth. Max Holmes is poised to spend more time on ball, while Sam De Koning has been training as a ruck at different stages over summer. The Cats could use Rhys Stanley or De Koning there and youngster Toby Conway has also shown promise, although he’s struggled to get on the park this pre-season due to injury. Veteran Cam Guthrie has managed just 10 games in the past two years and remains restricted at training, placing him in doubt for Opening Round. Mitch Knevitt has been a standout on the track as an on-baller and young defender Connor O’Sullivan has also has plenty of fans inside the club. Jack Bowes is an extremely unlucky omission from this side as we expect elevated play from Knevitt, who should expect to play more inside than out.
Cats star ‘bullish’ after signings spree | 01:57
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland
HB: D.Rioli, C.Ballard, J.Noble
C: S.Clohesy, N.Anderson, L.Weller
HF: B.Ainsworth, E.Read, B.Humphrey
F: B.Long, B.King, J.Rogers
FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, T.Miller
I/C: W.Graham, L.Lombard, T.Berry, C.Budarick, W.Powell
EMG: E. Himmelberg, A.Davies, D.Swallow
Developing key forward Jed Walter will serve a VFL suspension, meaning he will miss Opening Round, with four-gamer Ethan Read slotting into his place and pinch-hitting as a second ruck behind Jarrod Witts. Swingman Elliott Himmelberg provides key depth after crossing over from Adelaide. Midfielder Sam Flanders is managing a troublesome back issue and will enter a race against time to be fit for Opening Round. We say he just misses out. Daniel Rioli and John Noble make for a handy pairing across the half-backline, with Rioli fully recovered from an MCL injury late last year, while fellow rebounder Connor Budarick is thought to be pressing his case for a senior spot to begin the year. Big-bodied draftee Leo Lombard is expected to start his AFL career roaming the forward third before progressively spending more time in the engine room.
Anderson named 2025 GCS captain | 00:50
GWS GIANTS
B: H.Himmelberg, S.Taylor, C.Idun
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
C: F.Callaghan, T.Green, X.O’Halloran
HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene
F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, J.Stringer
FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly
I/C: C.Ward, J.Wehr, T.Bedford, L.Aleer, J.Leake
EMG: C.Stone, L.Keeffe, O.Hannaford
Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) and Toby Bedford (quad) have had interrupted summers, but both should be right for Opening Round. A two-week suspension for his off-field indiscretions will cost Harvey Thomas the chance to compete for a spot early in the season, while Jake Riccardi will spend the opening fortnight on the sidelines too as a result of his ban. Other suspended players include Josh Fahey, Toby McMullin and Joe Fonti. Meanwhile, the losses of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming across the half-backline should open the door of opportunity to Jacob Wehr, Conor Stone — who fended off Essendon interest to re-sign with the Giants in the off-season — and James Leake, with Wehr and Leake getting the nod over Stone here. Leake has the versatility, size and skill to play almost anywhere on the ground. The further departures of James Peatling and Nick Haynes also mean added opportunity for Leek Aleer, with stalwart Lachie Keeffe also to remain in the selection frame. First-round draftees Ollie Hannaford and Harry Oliver both look to be strong acquisitions, and will also be around the mark.
Stringer set to be x-factor for Giants? | 02:29
HAWTHORN
B: J. Battle, T. Barrass, J. Scrimshaw
HB: J. Impey, J. Sicily, J. Weddle
C: K. Amon, W. Day, M. D’Ambrosio
HF: D. Moore, M. Chol, N. Watson
F: B. Hardwick, M. Ramsden, J. Ginnivan
FOLL: L. Meek, J. Newcombe, J. Worpel
I/C: C. Macdonald, C. Mackenzie, J. Gunston, C. Nash, C. Jiath
EMG: L. Breust, F. Maginness, H. Morrison
Josh Battle and Tom Barrass were the key additions over the off-season and will immediately bolster Hawthorn’s backline. That means veteran defender Sam Frost, who is on the comeback from a foot injury, misses out on this best 23. Mitch Lewis (ACL) and Calsher Dear (back) will eventually return from injury in the forward half, but Max Ramsden gets an opportunity to begin with in their absence. Tough nut Blake Hardwick looks set to spend more time forward in 2025, while the likes of Changkuoth Jiath and Conor Nash have been preferred to Josh Ward, Finn Maginness and Harry Morrison. Veteran Jack Gunston has had a strong summer and will be crucial in the absence of Lewis and Dear, while small forward Luke Breust will also have a role to play at different stages of the season. Captain James Sicily has shown he can be effective at either end of the ground and remains an intriguing watch all season.
‘He’s a little bit like Sam Mitchell’ | 01:00
MELBOURNE
B: J.Lever, T.McDonald, J.McVee
HB: T.Rivers, S.May, C.Salem
C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, C.Windsor
HF: K.Chandler, D.Turner, H.Langford
F: C.Spargo, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Petracca, C.Oliver
I/C: J.Bowey, T. Sparrow, H.Petty, X.Lindsay, S.McAdam
EMG: J.Billings, B.Laurie, B. Howes
Demons senior players have spoken glowingly of first-round draft picks Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay, who each appear a more-than-likely chance of earning Round 1 debuts. And while they project long-term as on-ball accumulators, it seems they will start their careers largely forward of the ball. Unfortunately, second-year forward Koltyn Tholstrup — tipped to play a role in filling Alex Neal-Bullen’s void — will miss up to three months after falling victim to a bone-stress injury. And with Kysaiah Pickett out of action for the first three weeks due to suspension, Charlie Spargo, after an Achilles issue cruelled his 2024 campaign, could be set for a revitalising 2025, while Shane McAdam has promisingly strung weeks together this pre-season after an injury-hampered beginning to his Melbourne career. Veteran Jake Melksham is likely to miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury. Mature-ager Aidan Johnson has his fans this pre-season and will act as necessary depth, while third-year key defender Jed Adams has impressed skipper Max Gawn but might not get a look-in until later in the year or if injury strikes.
Daniher wins Australian of the Year | 01:28
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: J. Archer, G. Logue, A. Corr
HB: C. Daniel, C. Comben, C. McKercher
C: F. O’Sullivan, T. Powell, B. Scott
HF: L. Parker, N. Larkey, J. Simpkin
F: P. Curtis, J. Darling, C. Zurhaar
FOLL: T. Xerri, L. Davies-Uniacke, H. Sheezel
I/C: W. Phillips, E. Ford, Z. Fisher, Z. Duursma, D. Tucker
EMG: L. McDonald, K. Dawson, R. Hansen jnr
A hamstring injury to young midfielder George Wardlaw is a big blow as the practice matches approach. Former Bulldog Caleb Daniel will slot straight in at half-back, while ex-Swan Luke Parker is likely to split his time between the midfield and forward line. Former Eagle Jack Darling wins a spot in the forward line, edging out Brynn Teakle and Toby Pink. With Wardlaw on the sidelines, Tom Powell and Will Phillips are likely to see more midfield minutes, too. Former captain Luke McDonald could be a victim of the youth movement, but keep an eye on prized draftee Finn O’Sullivan who has played on a wing throughout pre-season. Key defender Kallan Dawson is another unlucky omission, largely due to the emergence of Charlie Comben as a defender and the fitness of Griffin Logue and Aidan Corr. The likes of Robert Hansen jnr, Dylan Stephens, Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Miller Bergman and Jacob Konstanty are other names in the mix. Elsewhere, Brayden George (ACL) and Callum Coleman-Jones (Achilles) are on the comeback trail from injury, while defender Josh Goater has a possible hamstring concern.
Simpkin appointed as sole Roos skipper | 00:18
PORT ADELAIDE
B: M.Bergman, E.Ratugolea, L.Jones
HB: J.Burgoyne, A.Aliir, J. Sinn
C: T.Boak, W.Drew, K.Farrell
HF: J.Horne-Francis, J.Lukosius, J.Richards
F: W.Rioli, J.Finlayson, M.Georgiades
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, C.Rozee
I/C: O.Wines, S.Powell-Pepper, D.Byrne-Jones, J.Mead, J.Berry
EMG: L.Evans, O.Lord, D.Williams
Undoubtedly the biggest selection question at Alberton heading into Round 1, is who replaces Todd Marshall? And in addition, how many tall forwards will they play? Marshall will miss an extended period with a ruptured Achilles, which saw a pre-season battle between Esava Ratugolea, Jeremy Finlayson and Ollie Lord for a position at full forward. Gold Coast recruit Jack Lukosius and young gun Mitch Georgiades will start in Round 1, but how many more talls in the front half Ken Hinkley is prepared to deploy remains unclear. Up to four key forwards were played in the one side last year before Charlie Dixon’s retirement, but a slight change in setup may be preferred this season. All that being said, a back injury to Brandon Zerk-Thatcher may derail plans to play Ratugolea up forward, and force him back to a more familiar setting that is defence.Last year’s first-round draft pick Joe Berry has impressed senior players since coming to the club, and is on the fringe of an instant debut all things staying equal. The naming of Sam Powell-Pepper in our best 23 is presumptuous of the gun completing his rehabilitation to its full extent before Round 1, but the signs are so far promising for him to slot straight back into the side.
Port “would like to hire from within” | 02:46
RICHMOND
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin
HB: T.Brown, J.Blight, J.Short
C: H.Ralphsmith, J.Hopper, S.Banks
HF: R.Mansell, J.Bauer, S.Lalor
F: S.Campbell, T.Lynch, M.Rioli
FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, D.Prestia
I/C: J.Ross, S.Green, S.Ryan, J.Koschitzke, K.McIntosh
EMG: K.Smith, T.Dow, L.Fawcett
With key defender Noah Balta suspended four games to open the season after pleading guilty to assault following an incident in December and the luckless Josh Gibcus still sidelined, Jacob Blight slots into defence next to Ben Miller, with swingman Jacob Koschitzke’s lively pre-season earning him a spot in the side to begin the season. Spearhead Tom Lynch should be right to go for Round 1 provided he checks all boxes in his return from a bout of concussion, and Jacob Bauer and Samson Ryan, when he rests forward, seem likeliest to join him in leading the attack. Draftees Josh Smillie and Jasper Alger are on modified programs and may miss the start of the season, but No.1 pick Sam Lalor is raring to go and appears a near certainty to earn a league debut straight away. The ACL quintet of Judson Clarke, Mykelti Lefau, Tylar Young, Josh Gibcus and draftee Taj Hotton remain some way off, but Clarke is said to be the closest of the lot to a return.
Lalor eyes call up for a round one spot | 00:56
ST KILDA
B: J. Webster, A. Caminiti, A. Schoenmaker
HB: J. Sinclair, C. Wilkie, N. Wanganeen-Milera
C: D. Wilson, J. Steele, B. Hill
HF: M. Owens, M. King, L. Henry
F: D. Butler, C. Sharman, J. Higgins
FOLL: R. Marshall, J. Macrae, M. Windhager
I/C: T. Travaglia, M. Wood, H. Boyd, M. Hall, R. Byrnes
EMG: H. Garcia, H. Clark, L. Stocker
It’s already been a tough pre-season for the Saints, who have lost several key players to injury, but it could scarily have ben even worse. Gun trio Max King, Jack Sinclair and Mason Wood all went down at varying degrees during match simulation on Friday. While all three look likely to have avoided serious injury, any of them could miss their season opener. Of those that have already been ruled out though, Dougal Howard will miss three months due to a shoulder dislocation, Mattaes Phillipou will spend three to four months on the sidelines because of a stress fracture in his right leg and Paddy Dow will miss the start of the year due to a knee infection. Anthony Caminiti could assume Howard’s role in defence, while Arie Schoenmaker is also primed for greater senior opportunities. Former Bulldog Jack Macrae adds further experience to the midfield group, while draftee Tobie Travaglia and Box Hill product Max Hall are both eyeing round one debuts. Ruck Rowan Marshall will “definitely” play round one according to coach Ross Lyon but expect SANFL product Harry Boyd to also play in tandem with him. Gippsland Power product Alix Tauru is still dealing with a back problem, with former Blue Jack Carroll, youngster Angus Hastie and veteran Zak Jones are other names in the mix.
Max King cleared of major injury | 00:26
SYDNEY SWANS
B: D. Rampe, L. Melican, H. Cunningham
HB: M. Roberts, N. Blakey, O. Florent
C: E. Gulden, Ch. Warner, J. Jordon
HF: T. Papley, L. McDonald, A. Sheldrick
F: T. McCartin, J. Amartey, W. Hayward
FOLL: B. Grundy, I. Heeney, C. Mills
I/C: J. Rowbottom, J. Lloyd, J. McInerney, R. Fox, B. Campbell
EMG: B. Paton, T. Adams, H. McLean
The Swans begin a new era under coach Dean Cox as they look to atone for last year’s grand final embarrassment. The biggest positional switch is that Tom McCartin has spent time training as a forward over pre-season. A four-pronged forward line would be too tall however, so Hayden McLean is the unlucky omission. Having said that, Logan McDonald has had his progression “delayed” after post-season ankle surgery and Joel Amartey isn’t necessarily a guaranteed starter. Matt Roberts has been flourishing at half-back and Jake Lloyd has spent more time on a wing. Angus Sheldrick has been a standout over summer, while ex-Saint Ben Paton and mature-aged recruit Riley Bice are both pushing hard to feature in Opening Round. Sam Wicks, Caiden Cleary, Caleb Mitchell and Corey Warner are others who will be pushing for senior selection. Draftees Jesse Dattoli (back) and Ned Bowman are unlikely to feature at the beginning of the campaign but could force their way in later down the track.
Cox set to use Grand Final loss as fuel | 03:29
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: R.Ginbey, H.Edwards, B.Hough
HB: R.Maric, J.McGovern, L.Baker
C: J.Graham, L.Duggan, J.Hunt
HF: J.Hutchinson, J.Waterman, L.Ryan
F: M.Owies, O.Allen, J.Cripps
FOLL: B.Williams, T.Kelly, H.Reid
I/C: J.Williams, B.Allan, E.Hewett, N.Long, T.Brockman
EMG: T.Gross, T.Cole, C.Chesser
The Eagles will be without two veteran on-ballers early, with Elliot Yeo an unlikely Round 1 starter and Dom Sheed to miss the entire 2025 season. Emerging star Harley Reid is currently on a modified training program due to an ankle niggle. However, both he and Jake Waterman (back) are expected to be fit for their home-and-away season opener against Gold Coast. Overall, it’s somewhat of a fresh start for the Eagles under new coach Andrew McQualter. Liam Baker will be a superb addition given his leadership and versatility, while Jack Graham will add a seasoned body around the contest. Ex-Blue Matt Owies will be a handful for opposition defences, while young gun Bo Allan is likely to have an impact early in the season. Reuben Ginbey and Ryan Maric have both been slated for defensive roles, as has, which means there could be a shuffling down back. In the battle for the No. 1 ruck spot, we’ve gone for Bailey Williams over Matt Flynn, but that really could go either way. Tom Cole and Jack Petruccelle are players who have been around for a while now, but could be squeezed out if McQualter chooses to blood some kids, such as Tom Gross.
Sheed likely out for 2025 with ACL tear | 00:32
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: T. Duryea, R. Lobb, J. O’Donnell
HB: L. Bramble, B. Khamis, B. Dale
C: S. Davidson, T. Liberatore, B. Williams
HF: J. Croft, A. Naughton, M. Kennedy
F: C. Weightman, S. Darcy, R. West
FOLL: T. English, M. Bontempelli, E. Richards
I/C: R. Sanders, J. Freijah, H. Gallagher, L. McNeil, L. Vandermeer
EMG: R. Garcia, J. Harmes, C. Poulter
It’s been a tumultuous pre-season for the Bulldogs, who are set to begin their 2025 campaign with a host of big-name players. Star midfielder Adam Treloar has succumbed to a calf injury, while defensive duo Liam Jones and Jason Johannisen have hamstring issues. There is uncertainty around key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan who continues to complete a “flexible” training program while he works through some personal issues. Buku Khamis and Jedd Busslinger appear the front runners to replace Jones, while Jordan Croft and Sam Davidson could both help to fill the void if Ugle-Hagan isn’t available. Both Davidson and Croft have also spent time on a wing throughout pre-season, so there’s a high chance that Beveridge could include both in his round one side. The Bulldogs lost a trio of key players in Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel over the off-season, but the likes of Ryley Sanders and ex-Blue Matthew Kennedy have impressed over summer and will help to fill those holes. Draftees including Cooper Hynes, Josh Dolan, Lachie Jaques and Luke Kennedy might have to earn their way to senior selection via the VFL.
Key Dog out for 8-10 weeks after injury | 00:27