How your AFL team shapes up in 2014
Mark Duffield, Craig O’Donoghue, Dale Miller, Bridget Lacy and Nick Rynne run the rule over the 18 teams.
Adelaide
What you’ll see: Recruits Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly will get game time in early NAB Challenge games in a new-look forward line. Also expect to see teenager Matt Crouch, the brother of Brad, play his first matches in Crows colours.
What you won’t see: Nathan van Berlo faces a long
lay-off after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in January. Taylor Walker is still some weeks away from resuming after his knee reconstruction last year and is unlikely to play until into the home-and-away season.
Who’s flying: Crouch, Adelaide’s first pick in the national draft last year, has made big strides in his first pre-season and will get an early opportunity to press his claims.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Port Adelaide (Richmond Oval, February 16); Carlton (Etihad Stadium, February 24); practice match v Greater Western Sydney (Blacktown, March 7).
The final word: “We will play a couple of kids through the NAB Challenge but also just have a look at some of the adjustments we have made to the game plan to ensure those sort of systems and structures are where we want them for the start of the season.” — coach Brenton Sanderson
Brisbane
What you’ll see: The recruitment of Geelong premiership ruckman Trent West means Daniel Merrett
will be free to spend 2014 in his preferred position of
full-back after floating between defence and the forward line last year. No.7 draft pick James Aish will spend plenty of time running through the midfield in the No.4 jumper.
What you won’t see: Jonathan Brown won’t play in the NAB Challenge ahead of his 15th AFL season but should be right for round one. Victorian draftee Lewis Taylor is expected to return to the main group soon after recovering from a foot injury.
Who’s flying: Former Hawthorn forward Jordan Lisle starred with five goals in an intra-club match earlier this week and is in line for a breakout year. WA’s Nick Robertson stunned the club by winning its second 2km time trial and could see early action.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium, February 13); Gold Coast (Townsville, February 23); practice match v Sydney (Burpengary, Brisbane, March 8).
The final word: “It’s an opportunity to reward some players that have trained hard over the pre-season and look at some new faces. But we want to give a good account of ourselves.” — defensive coach Murray Davis
Carlton
What you’ll see: Former Sydney utility player Andrejs Everitt will be used as a swingman after a strong pre-season. Premiership midfielder Dale Thomas is fit and has been tipped to appear in both NAB Challenge matches. East Fremantle product Patrick Cripps is being fast-tracked into the midfield.
What you won’t see: Veteran Chris Judd will have surgery
to help with severe Achilles tendonitis and will not play until at least round three of the home-and-away season. Lachie Henderson (leg) had a pre-season operation and won’t be ready until at least the club’s final practice match against the Western Bulldogs.
Who’s flying: Fringe midfielders Ed Curnow and Tom Bell and veteran Brock McLean have completed improved running programs and are in better shape than ever. Michael Jamison and Bryce Gibbs are back in the club’s leadership group after setting high standards on the training track.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v North Melbourne (Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat, February 15); Adelaide (Etihad Stadium, February 24); practice match v Western Bulldogs (Visy Park, March 7).
The final word: “It doesn’t matter how much training you do, nothing substitutes for games. That’s at the forefront – to make sure they’re conditioned well enough.” — director of coaching Rob Wiley
Collingwood
What you’ll see: Ben Reid in attack again after kicking 29 goals last season. Brody Grundy should continue to improve after an impressive debut season and is now regarded as the club’s No.1 ruckman. Alan Toovey will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction.
What you won’t see: Top draft pick Matt Scharenberg has had foot surgery and could be out until May. Adam Oxley will miss the NAB Challenge because of an ankle injury.
Who’s flying: Reid has been outstanding all summer while Dayne Beams has also stood out after an injury-plagued 2013. WA teenager Jonathon Marsh has impressed with his athleticism.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Geelong (Simonds Stadium, February 12); Richmond (Wangaratta Showgrounds, February 22); practice match v Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium, March 2).
The final word: “We’ll expose a few youngsters. There’s no doubt about that. We’ve had some really good pre-seasons from the young kids that we drafted this year so we’ll get a look at most of those. We want most of our players to play two games.” — assistant coach Matthew Lappin
Essendon
What you’ll see: A new-look spine, with Jake Carlisle moving from defence to attack and Michael Hurley heading to the back line. Norm Smith medallist Paul Chapman will don the red and black jumper for the first time after three flags with Geelong. It will also be a new-look coaching team with Mark Thompson taking the reins while James Hird serves his 12-month suspension from last year’s supplements scandal.
What you won’t see: No.1 ruckman Tom Bellchambers is unavailable because of ankle surgery while doubts hang over Brendon Goddard (hamstring). The Bombers are confident back problems won’t stop Dyson Heppell from playing in the pre-season.
Who’s flying: Chapman has impressed everyone at Bomberland with his elite training standard, David Zaharakis and Jake Melksham have caught the eye, while Jackson Merrett has taken big steps as he pushes for a regular berth.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium, February 17); Port Adelaide (Etihad Stadium, February 25); practice match v Richmond (Punt Road, March 7).
The final word: “We can’t afford to look backwards. We’re purely just looking at today, tomorrow, this season.” — coach Mark Thompson
Fremantle
What you’ll see: Scott Gumbleton has barely missed a beat throughout pre-season and will get an early crack at a forward berth. He may also be asked to help out in the ruck. Tom Sheridan could be tried in defence and don’t be surprised if Kepler Bradley plays after making a very good recovery from his knee reconstruction.
What you won’t see: The Dockers expect two players to remain unavailable throughout the pre-season — Jon Griffin is unlikely to play before round four as his recovery from a reconstruction runs its course, while Alex Silvagni (ankle) will also be a late starter. Zac Clarke won’t play until late in the pre-season after a knee injury suffered during the Christmas lay-off. Anthony Morabito could get some game time later in the pre-season while Colin Sylvia, Tendai Mzungu, Stephen Hill and Chris Mayne have been backed off training regimes slightly in recent weeks after minor hiccups.
Who’s flying: Assistant coach Peter Sumich rates Matthew Pavlich’s pre-season the best one he has seen in his time with the Dockers. Gumbleton has also been impressive.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v West Coast (Arena Joondalup, February 18); Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium, February 26), Practice match v West Coast (Patersons Stadium, March 6).
Geelong
What you’ll see: A bulked-up Mark Blicavs has been training in attack, defence and the midfield, with Dawson Simpson and Hamish McIntosh expected to assume the main ruck duties this season. Tom Hawkins’ back issues have been declared resolved and the spearhead should have pep in his step again. Taylor Hunt is being recast as a small defender after excelling early last year as a run-with player.
What you won’t see: Steven Motlop had knee surgery late last month and will almost certainly miss the start of the season. Captain Joel Selwood had foot surgery recently and is unlikely to play in the club’s first NAB Challenge match against Collingwood next Wednesday, while Daniel Menzel isn’t expected to be risked until June as he recovers from his fourth knee reconstruction.
Who’s flying: McIntosh is finally fit and firing in his second season at the club and will be a certain starter against the Magpies. Star defender Corey Enright has shown no ill-effects from the knee injury which ended his finals campaign and has been burning up the track, while young East Fremantle product Jarrad Jansen has impressed in his first pre-season at the Cattery with his ready-made 193cm, 91kg frame.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Collingwood (Simonds Stadium, February 12); Melbourne (Alice Springs, February 28); practice match v North Melbourne (Simonds Stadium, March 7).
The final word: “The primary objective is not to be in front on the scoreboard at the end of the game, but we are hoping we are.” — general manager of football Neil Balme
Gold Coast
What you’ll see: The Suns won’t be making massive changes to the way they play, but expect their execution to be at another level as their young list enters its fourth season. Classy forward Tom Lynch will give their attack more structure after an injury-riddled 2013 and expect the midfield to find another gear with the inclusion of WA teenage sensation Jack Martin.
What you won’t see: Newly-appointed vice-captain Dion Prestia suffered a grade-one calf strain at training last week, while ruckmen Tom Nicholls and Zac Smith are slowly returning to full training after knee reconstructions.
Who’s flying: Last year’s Rising Star winner Jaeger O’Meara has bulked up significantly ahead of his second season and will test rival midfielders with his imposing physique. The Dongara product was outstanding in the Suns’ first competitive hit-out and looks set to take his game to even greater heights. Another West Australian, David Swallow, the No.1 draft pick in 2010, has also sizzled on the track.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Essendon (Metricon Stadium, February 17); Brisbane (Townsville, February 23); practice match v Collingwood (Metricon Stadium, March 2).
The final word: “Our game plan has been tweaked over the summer and we have been going through a lot of structure work behind the scenes and making sure our game plan is set right. As coaches it is really important to see it on the field and see if the boys can execute it under game pressure and game fatigue.” — assistant coach Dean Solomon
GWS
What you’ll see: A more experienced side than in previous seasons after a recruiting spree in the off-season. Premiership players Shane Mumford (Sydney), Heath Shaw (Collingwood) and Josh Hunt (Geelong) should get a run for the Giants in the NAB Challenge, with No.1 draft pick and young man mountain Tom Boyd also expected to play his first match in orange. Rhys Palmer’s experiment as a defensive forward is set to continue this season, and Lachie Whitfield’s midfield minutes should increase.
What you won’t see: Tim Mohr (foot) is the only player in doubt for round one, and 2011 No.1 draft pick Jon Patton (knee) is unlikely to play any pre-season games.
Who’s flying: Tom Scully topped the club’s 3km time trial
but the real upside for the Giants is the fact that almost 20 of their players recorded personal bests over the distance during pre-season. Third-year players Jeremy Cameron, Adam Tomlinson, Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar, Stephen Coniglio and Curtly Hampton have made significant gains. Shaw’s leadership has impressed the coaching staff after crossing from the Pies.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Sydney (Canberra, February 20); St Kilda (Wagga Wagga, March 1); practice match v Adelaide (Blacktown, March 7).
The final word: “We play to perform at our best every week. Winning is a habit and so is losing, so we’ll be looking to put our best foot forward every time we play.” — senior assistant coach Alan McConnell
Hawthorn
What you’ll see: Big-name recruit Ben McEvoy pinch-hit up forward when not being used in the ruck. Matt Suckling has been pencilled in to return from a knee reconstruction in the second week of the NAB Challenge series. Young midfielder Alex Woodward will be hoping for a change of luck when he gets a run in the pre-season matches, while first-round draft pick Billy Hartung has completed more training loads than expected and should be rewarded with game time.
What you won’t see: Defender Ryan Schoenmakers is behind some of his teammates in his injury recovery and will return with VFL affiliate Box Hill. Brendan Whitecross is back running but will spend most of the season in rehab after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in last year’s preliminary final against Geelong.
Who’s flying: West Australian Dayle Garlett’s silky skills on the training track have drawn high praise from senior teammates. Bradley Hill has not allowed complacency to set in after winning a premiership in his second season and is in the club’s top three pre-season performers.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Brisbane (Etihad Stadium, February 13); North Melbourne (Aurora Stadium, February 21); practice match v Melbourne (Casey Fields, March 8).
The final word: “Because of the fixturing it’s actually a pretty tricky business this year getting the right amount of game time into your players. We have to be a little bit smarter in the way we go about things.” — football manager Chris Fagan
Melbourne
What you’ll see: A totally different game plan under new coach Paul Roos, with a huge focus on defence. There’ll be several new faces with Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs), Bernie Vince (Adelaide), Dom Tyson (GWS) and Viv Michie (Fremantle) joining the club. There will also be plenty of hype about powerful West Australian key forward Jesse Hogan in the lead-up to his debut season.
What you won’t see: Defender Colin Garland is sidelined because of an ankle injury and former Adelaide Crow Aidan Riley is on the long-term injury list as he recovers from a broken leg. There’s doubts about when Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes will play but the Demons are confident they’ll be seen before round one.
Who’s flying: After spending years floating between the forward line and defence, former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts is set to be used in the midfield in 2014. Former co-captain Jack Trengove has relished a big pre-season and should be a big improver.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Richmond (Etihad Stadium, February 14); Geelong (Alice Springs, February 28); practice match v Hawthorn (Casey Fields, March 8).
The final word: “We look good at training. But we haven’t played against anyone yet. That’s going to be the test. I think the players are ready for the test and they’re pretty keen to get out and play.” — coach Paul Roos
North Melbourne
What you’ll see: The Kangaroos are considering taking a leaf out of Hawthorn’s book and the use of Sam Mitchell by playing Nick Dal Santo across half-back. Expect to see him trialled in the role during the pre-season. Fellow recruit Robin Nahas will be used up forward. Jack Ziebell will be backed as a ball winner to take the heat off Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey.
What you won’t see: Captain Andrew Swallow is recovering from a torn Achilles and won’t be ready for round one, let alone the NAB Challenge. Majak Daw rejoined main training for the first time only on Monday and is unlikely to feature much in pre-season matches. Ankle surgery will keep Kieran Harper off the training track for at least six weeks.
Who’s flying: Scott McMahon has pushed hard to reclaim his spot in defence after being dropped to the VFL towards the end of last season. The pre-seasons of Ben Cunnington and Shaun Atley have been labelled elite, with club officials banking on the pair graduating into consistent performers this season.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Carlton (Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat, February 15); Hawthorn (Aurora Stadium, February 21); practice match v Geelong (Simonds Stadium, March 7).
The final word: “We’re still looking to play a real up-tempo style of football because it has been really successful and we’ve really put the best sides in the competition under pressure.” — coach Brad Scott
Port Adelaide
What you’ll see: Key forward John Butcher has been able to do more of the pre-season than ever before and will feature strongly during the NAB Challenge, and defender Tom Clurey has bulked up and will get an opportunity to show his worth in a key post. Recruits Matt White (Richmond) and Jared Polec (Brisbane) may need to start up the ground before establishing themselves in a talented midfield group.
What you won’t see: Jackson Trengove is recovering from a jarred knee that will sideline him from the NAB Challenge and has him in a race against time to be fit for round one, and Jarrad Redden is out for up to 10 weeks because of knee surgery.
Who’s flying: Kane Cornes has again been the benchmark in Port’s pre-season running, while top draftee Jarman Impey has impressed in his first summer at the club with his speed and strength. Young leaders Travis Boak and Brad Ebert have continued to set the standard on the track.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Adelaide (Richmond Oval, February 16); Essendon (Etihad Stadium, February 25); practice match v St Kilda (Alberton Oval, March 8).
The final word: “We’ll manage the players through the NAB Challenge, but we do want to win every game that we play and we think that’s important to developing individuals, as well as the team.” — assistant coach Josh Carr
Richmond
What you’ll see: Young gun Brandon Ellis spend more time around the stoppages in a bid to boost the Tigers’ clearance counts. Dustin Martin has spent time training with the defensive unit and will be trialled as a weapon coming out of the back line. The addition of former Carlton big man Shaun Hampson will allow ruck partner Ivan Maric to rotate forward and Ty Vickery to play as a permanent goal kicker.
What you won’t see: Jack Riewoldt (knee and hip), Reece Conca (hamstring) and Chris Knights (knee) are coming back from surgery and their game time will be limited. Injury-plagued defender Dylan Grimes has complained of hamstring tightness and is being backed off, meaning any role in the NAB Challenge will be restricted.
Who’s flying: David Astbury has completed his first injury-free pre-season and appears set to bolster the team’s defensive stocks. Veteran defender Troy Chaplin has been labelled “miles ahead” of the same time last year and should build on a strong first season after switching from Port Adelaide.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Melbourne (Etihad Stadium, February 14); Collingwood (Wangaratta Showgrounds, February 22); practice match v Essendon (Punt Road, March 7).
The final word: “Hopefully we can go into the NAB (Challenge) and lead into the first few games with pretty much a full list, touch wood.” — football manager Dan Richardson
St Kilda
What you’ll see: There’s plenty of new faces. Coach Alan Richardson is the most significant change but there’ll also be Shane Savage (from Hawthorn), Luke Delaney (North Melbourne), Billy Longer (Brisbane) and Josh Bruce (Greater Western Sydney). Spencer White, who was drafted in 2012, will wear Justin Koschitzke’s old number 23.
What you won’t see: Sam Gilbert has suffered stress fractures in his feet and is in doubt for round one. There’s nothing wrong with Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes but the veteran pair won’t be risked. WA’s Tom Lee is recovering from shoulder surgery and is in cotton wool too.
Who’s flying: Savage and Seb Ross will be given plenty of time in the midfield after an impressive summer on the track while Jack Newnes and Nathan Wright have shown they could be a key part of the back line. The versatile Rhys Stanley is pushing to replace Ben McEvoy in the ruck.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v Western Bulldogs (Simonds Stadium, February 19); GWS (Wagga Wagga, March 1); practice match v Port Adelaide (Alberton Oval, March 8).
The final word: “I’m sure the coach, having not seen the players play as much as some of the assistants, will want to have a good look at everyone in a variety of positions. But we won’t be fiddling around too much. Blokes who have had good summer form and deserve to be in the team will get first crack at it.” — assistant coach Danny Sexton
Sydney
What you’ll see: Two prize catches from the past two seasons, Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett, leading a potent attack. Youngsters Harry Cunningham and Tom Mitchell will be keen to audition for more time in the midfield. Last year’s breakout rookie Dane Rampe has been handed Jude Bolton’s No.24 after the club champion’s retirement.
What you won’t see: Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes (knee) is expected to be right to go by round one but won’t be risked during the NAB Challenge. Rhyce Shaw and Alex Johnson are slowly returning to the main group after their knee reconstructions and should also be right in time for the regular season. Draftee George Hewett will have a delayed start after a groin issue.
Who’s flying: Margaret River product Harry Marsh posted a personal-best time in the 3km time trial and has already been talked up by teammate Josh Kennedy. Expect Marsh to be trialled as a tall midfielder this season. Rampe has caught the eye with his endurance work.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v GWS (Canberra, February 20); West Coast (Blacktown, February 27); practice match v Brisbane (Burpengary, March 8).
The final word: “We’d like to see a couple of our young kids, how they’ve improved, and we’ve had a few new guys enter the club as well. Probably by our last round we’d try to get our best side out there.” — defensive coach John Blakey
West Coast
What you’ll see: More flexibility. Coach Adam Simpson has been shuffling players around and exploring new roles. Mark LeCras will spend more time midfield, ditto Jack Darling, and Mitch Brown has been used in attack as well as defence. Top draft pick Dom Sheed should get a chance to press his claims for round one.
What you won’t see: Beau Waters is a doubtful starter after shoulder issues. Specialist opinions over the next week will determine whether he needs more surgery and an extended lay-off.
Who’s flying: New vice-captain Scott Selwood is eyeing a return to a tagging role and has been a standout on the track. Simon Tunbridge and Jamie Bennell have impressed and are desperate to press their claims.
The fixtures: NAB Challenge v Fremantle (Arena Joondalup, February 18); Sydney (Blacktown, February 27); practice match v Fremantle (Patersons Stadium, March 6).
Western Bulldogs
What you’ll see: A fit Tom Williams spend much of his time in attack this season, while boom recruit Stewart Crameri will be used primarily as a forward but will have stints in the midfield.
What you won’t see: Robert Murphy is out for eight weeks with an elbow injury, Jarrad Grant has a fractured left foot, Shaun Higgins, on the comeback trail from the foot injury which kept him out for most of last season, will be nursed through, and Clay Smith will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a knee reconstruction.
Who’s flying: Key defender Jordan Roughead has enjoyed his first full pre-season and has worked hard on his competitiveness under the guidance of former Geelong champion Matthew Scarlett. Pocket rocket Luke Dahlhaus has put on 2kg and has been training in tandem across half-forward with second-year player Jake Stringer, who has also added bulk to his 191cm frame.
Fixtures: NAB Challenge v St Kilda (Simonds Stadium, February 19); Fremantle (Etihad Stadium, February 26); practice match v Carlton (Visy Park, March 7).
The final word: “There have been key areas of our game that we have focused on throughout the summer, so we will certainly be looking at putting them to the test against opposition.” — assistant coach Shannon Grant
