Hawthorn were ruing their skill level after a nail-biting loss to Geelong,with midfielder Conor Nash likely to face the tribunal on Wednesday.
St Kilda star Max King will go under the knife yet again,while Noah Balta is likely to play in Richmond’s AFL side on Saturday just days before he is sentenced for assault.
Michael Voss’ Blues are finally on the board in season 2025,but they walked off Adelaide Oval with some serious injury concerns.
Carlton could welcome back Coleman medallist Harry McKay this round. Meanwhile,Ken Hinkley has spoken about his side’s rivalry with the Hawks and Brad Scott has a dire coaching warning.
Will Day is facing up to four months on the sidelines after suffering a stress fracture in his foot,while AFL Players Association chief Paul Marsh has resigned to return to his old job.
The forward duo have been ruled out of Friday night’s Gather Round match in Adelaide,while Dan Houston will also be absent after accepting his two-match suspension.
Rhyan Mansell’s three-match ban stands;Elijah Hollands is expected to return through the VFL this weekend;and the AFL is “comfortable” in allowing Noah Balta to play before he’s sentenced in court.
Carlton’s clash with Hawthorn was a contest in which neither side could shrug off the other,but the telling difference was in the quality of ball movement and ball use.
Ross Lyon made a statement at the selection table,while Collingwood also made some key calls.
Here are all the teams and expert tips for round one.