AFL 2023 preseason news: Fyfe, De Goey set for big 2023

Aidan Cellini

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AFL 2023 preseason news: Fyfe, De Goey set for big 2023 image

With preseason well and truly underway, clubs and players are starting to ramp up their preparations for a big 2023 AFL season.

Coaches have planned heaps of running, ball drills and new game plans to implement over the next few months leading into the March start of the next campaign.

However, some players will have limited production during the summer due to recurring or new injuries.

Stay tuned to Sporting News to ensure you don't miss any of the latest preseason news.

Latest AFL preseason news

Gulden sends warning to competition

Friday Mar 3

Sydney's Errol Gulden has sent a massive warning to the competition, after he dominated the practice match against Carlton on Friday night.

Gulden - who's starting to assume more responsibility in the 2022 Grand Finalists lineup - collected 45 disposals and was everywhere during the match.

The youngster also slotted three goals and could've had four as his Supercoach score had him around 190 points.

Coach John Longmire would be happy with the response from the Swans following a dismal showing against Brisbane last week in the match simulation.

Fyfe, De Goey in fine form

Friday Mar 3

Fremantle and Collingwood fans will be excited by some of their star players output in the recent practice games.

Nathan Fyfe - who has been swung up forward to fill the void left by Rory Lobb - produced another impressive performance, slotting three goals against Port Adelaide on Thursday night.

Fyfe's known for his contested marking and aerial work, which will offer the Dockers some reprieve up forward as they head toward round one.

De Goey was just as influential against Hawthorn at Launceston, gathering 31 disposals and eight clearances as a genuine midfielder.

SEN personality Kane Cornes was enamoured with the Pies match winner's performance, stating he could "is as good as I've seen him".

“I want a challenge for Jordan De Goey, he hasn’t put together an elite season ever, he has been top five in the best and fairest once," Cornes said.

“Look at the resumes of players in his generation that his generation, his age group are starting to build.

“Put together an elite season that matches your ability. He looks fit, he looks hard, he looks ready to go.

“I hope it is one of those seasons for him where we’re really talking about him winning the Brownlow and making an All-Australian for the first time."

Despite the positive signs De Goey showed, he will have a nervous wait as the MRO are set to hand down a decision on a dump tackle on Hawks ruckman Lloyd Meek.

Lion quartet stake claims as best midfield group

Friday Mar 3

Lachie Neale. Josh Dunkley. Hugh McCluggage. Will Ashcroft.

Hard to believe Brisbane field all four of these players, despite Ashcroft being recently drafted as pick two last year.

The remaining three are well-established players of the AFL, with Neale also winning a Brownlow Medal in 2020 and coming close in 2022.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan would be licking his lips at how well the four gelled against Geelong in the practice match on Thursday, not too mention the rest of the team.

The midfielders (Neale, Dunkley, McCluggage, Ashcroft) combined for 114 disposals on the night and were dominant against the 2022 premiers in the last hit-out before the season opener.

The addition of Dunkley and Ashcroft have added more balance to the midfield group while also providing new looks that opposition clubs will fear.

Lipinski hurts shoulder

Thursday Mar 2

After an enthralling hit-out between Collingwood and Hawthorn, the Pies received some concerning news regarding Patrick Lipinski.

The former Western Bulldog dislocated his shoulder during the match and was shown to be in tremendous pain as he walked off the ground with trainers.

The Pies midfielder had previously had surgery last October on the same shoulder and could expect to be on the sideline for some time.

String of Swans to miss practice match, round one

Thursday Mar 2

Sydney have recently confirmed a host of key players that will be missing their upcoming practice match against Carlton on Friday.

Tom Hickey (calf), Robbie Fox (calf), Ryan Clarke (hamstring), Callum Mills (finger) and Tom Papley (ribs) will all miss the final hit-out before the season opener.

Unfortunately for Swans fans, the bad news doesn't end there, with Hickey, Fox and Clarke also ruled out of their round one clash against Gold Coast, according to AFL.com.au.

Viney, Tarrant to miss Dees, Tigers clash

Thursday Mar 2

Melbourne's Jack Viney and Richmond's Robbie Tarrant won't be participating in Saturday's practice match.

Viney injured his knee during training on Wednesday and left the field early.

Sent for scans, the 28-year-old showed no significant damage and is confident that he'll be available for round one.

Melbourne's Alan Richardson touched briefly on Viney's injury.

“We sent Jack for scans and pleasingly there isn’t any significant damage to his knee,” Richardson told the club's website.

"We will have a better idea of his rehabilitation progress over the next week. While he will miss this weekend's practice match against Richmond, we don't anticipate him to be further impacted ahead of the season."

Tigers' Tarrant will also not feature due to a hip issue and is in doubt for the season opener against Carlton.

The club confirmed that he will not feature in the line-up against the Demons on Saturday and is "unavailable" at the moment.

"Robbie is managing some hip symptoms and is unavailable in the short term,' said the Richmond website.

AFL confirms fourth field umpire

Wednesday Mar 1

After many years of trialling that began in 2015 the AFL has confirmed the introduction of a fourth field umpire following months of speculation.

Adding another umpire is in hope that there will be less fatigue from the game's adjudicators and therefore better decisions and more consistency throughout the season.

Head of umpiring Dan Richardson is confident that the extra umpire will be beneficial to the game.

"The fourth umpire will optimise decision making, allowing umpires to be in better positions to adjudicate a contest – whether they are stoppages through the midfield or marking contests at either end of the ground," Richardson said.

"Having two umpires at stoppages also acts as a strong deterrent to off-the-ball players from engaging in undisciplined play. Umpires will also be able to manage off-ball situations more effectively.

"We have conducted more than 600 club visits over the pre-season seeking significant feedback from club coaching staff and players around the positioning of the four umpires and their movement patterns.

"We thank the clubs for their input and feel we are well prepared as we head into the 2023 season."

Lions announce Zorko successor

Wednesday Mar 1

Brisbane have announced who will be replacing Dayne Zorko as captain of the football club in historical fashion.

Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews were revealed as co-captains, a feat that hasn't happened in their time.

Andrews spoke glowingly of his appointment and how he's honoured.

“To be identified as the co-captain of this football club is really exciting and something that probably hasn’t sunk in yet, I am extremely proud of it when I look down at the names of those that have gone before me,” Andrews said.

“To feel that I’ve got the trust of the playing group alongside Lachie and the coaching staff, just having that support there is really important.

“To me it gives me confidence to go out and play my game and also instruct the group and make sure we are going really well as a football club.”

Boak, Rioli to miss practice match with Dockers

Wednesday Mar 1

Port Adelaide pair Travis Boak and Junior Rioli have been ruled out of the upcoming practice match with Fremantle on Thursday night.

Rioli was reported missing from training on Tuesday after experiencing fever symptoms and was sent back to South Australia to recover and prepare for round one.

Boak - who'd been sent to hospital for bruised ribs - was keen to play against the Dockers but felt it was wise to miss the last hit-out before the 2023 season, according to the Herald Sun.

boak

The Power have cleared Darcy Byrne-Jones (back bruising), Zak Butters (shoulder) and Jason Horne-Francis (ribs).

Gaff back to old self, says coach

Wednesday Mar 1

West Coast coach Adam Simpson is excited by how midfielder Andrew Gaff is looking throughout the preseason.

The Eagles suffered their worst season in its history, finishing 17th and nearing the wooden spoon.

However, a new year comes a new attitude and an air of positivity, which the club is taking as literally as they come.

Simpson, who's looking for improvements across the whole board, noticed that Gaff has returned to his running-best and could be set for a big season in 2023.

"He's a tough bugger and he was limping around all year, and I think eventually we broke him down going into the last round," Simpson told AFL.com.au. 

"He's gone away and his running is the same as it was when he was 18, so he is fit. His biggest asset as we all know is his ability to cover the ground, and that's back. 

"Whether he's back to his best as a footballer or not, I hope so. But he's now had a really clean pre-season, which he hasn't had for three years. 

"That's the challenge with the criticism you get for your fitness or your standards. You get it because it's from the outside, but until you know what the player has gone through, you don't really know."

Aliir open to positional change

Wednesday Mar 1

Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir said he is open to a new role as the club looks to push for finals after a disappointing 2022 season.

Aliir - who's best known for his intercepting - is ready to lock down a key position in the backline.

"We were able to do that towards the back-end of last year where I was able to go on the No.1 forward and try and shut them down," Aliir said, according to AFL.com.au.

"When I did come back from injury, I told them (coaching staff) I am not just an intercept player because that is what everyone thought, I would just fly across.

"But I can play that one-on-one. I can play tall and small.

"So I have always told Ken, whatever you need me to do, I'm happy to do it.

"It's up to the match committee whether they explore me playing on their No.1 or (as) that intercept player. But as long as we're getting wins I don't really care where I play."

Aliir Aliir
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Dogs defender ruled out of round one

Tuesday Feb 28

Western Bulldogs defender Ryan Gardner has been ruled out of round one with an elbow injury.

Gardner - who has locked down a key position in the backline - is set for surgery on his elbow on Tuesday.

The club will find out more information post-operation.

Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell spoke on Gardner's injury.

"Ryan sustained a small crack to one of the bones in his elbow and we’ve decided that the best course of action to fix the injury is to undergo minor surgery," Bell said.

"This operation will repair the area of bone damage and be completed this afternoon."

Zorko on track but same can't be said for defender

Tuesday Feb 28

Former Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko is reportedly on track for round one despite hurting his hamstring a few weeks ago.

Zorko has been on light duties but coach Chris Fagan says he's confident that he'll put that behind him for the season opener against Port Adelaide.

"We were half hopeful he would be right for the Geelong game, but he won't be," Fagan said.

"We're very confident he'll be available for round one.

"With an older player like him, we're not actually that concerned that he hasn't had that match practice, he's a natural touch player, he's very, very fit at the moment, so I'm happy for him to come into the season to play straightaway without any background matches.

"We're just using the time we've got rather than trying to rush."

Dayne Zorko - Brisbane
Getty Images

However, not so positive news for defender Darcy Gardiner, who's suffered another setback following shoulder surgery over the offseason.

Gardiner is now dealing with issues in his foot, with AFL.com.au reporting he was struggling with his ankle and achilles during drills.

"We're just being patient with that, and he may not be available for round one … there's no point in rushing him, we've got other guys going well in those positions," Fagan said.

"We'll just get him back into the team when he's ready."

Jackson to miss pre-season match; Walters in doubt for round 

Tuesday Feb 28

Fremantle recruit Luke Jackson has been ruled out of the club's upcoming preseason match against Port Adelaide due to a head knock.

The 2021 Rising Star suffered a collision against Adelaide last week and the Dockers are taking a precaution to ensure he is right to go come round one, says coach Justin Longmuir.

"Luke Jackson got a knock in a contest and had a bit of delayed headaches from that, so we'll rule him out this week," Longmuir said on Monday.

"It's a no-risk policy around head knocks so we'll not play him this week but he should be right come round one."

Small forwards Michael Frederick and Michael Walters are also under an injury cloud and will miss the clash with the Power.

The pair are racing against the clock to make it for the season opener but will need to prove their fitness.

"He's tracking really well, and we're still fingers crossed he'll be right for round one. But we're not going to rush him," Longmuir said.

"We need to make sure that once he comes back, he's ready to play out the whole season."

Henry set for time on sideline

Tuesday Feb 28

Geelong's Jack Henry is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines with scans unveiling a fracture in his foot.

Henry rushed off the ground during the match simulation against Hawthorn last week and fears have been realised as the defender re-injured the same foot that limited him in 2022.

“I think we’ll know a little bit more in the next 48 hours. Our club is really forthright with these things once we know. We tend to be guarded when there is a range of possibilities,” Scott said, according to SEN.

“He’s clearly not playing in the next couple of weeks. I think I’ve tried to say we shouldn’t read the tea leaves, but if you can detect the tone in my voice, I’m not that positive.”

Heppell to miss season opener

Tuesday Feb 28

Recently stepped-down Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has been ruled out of round one following a low-grade foot sprain.

The club said an MRI revealed the injury and will be on a modified training program in the lead up to season 2023.

Heppell will be in a moon boot, according to the club's website.

#dyson heppell

Tom Green signs contract extension with GWS Giants

Friday Feb 24

The Giants have secured the signature of exciting young midfielder Tom Green.

Viewed as a potential future captain, the 22-year-old has inked a four-year extension detail with Greater Western Sydney.

He will now remain with the club until at least 2027.

Green averaged 21.38 disposals in his three seasons at the Giants, kicking 18 goals in 21 appearances last year.

Unlucky Blue facing more time on sideline

Thursday Feb 23

Unlucky Carlton midfielder David Cunningham could be facing more time on the sideline.

SEN's Sam Edmund revealed that Cunningham had suffered a shoulder injury after he was returning from an ACL that has derailed the last 18 months of his career.

The 25-year-old has returned to full training but this new injury scare has people at the club worried he may be out for an extended period.

“There are some really nervous people at Carlton after David Cuningham went down with what could prove to be a nasty shoulder injury,” Edmund told SEN.

“The injury prone speedster dislocated his shoulder yesterday and there is at the moment some chance he could need surgery.

“The worst case scenario would be a reconstruction which would effectively be season over, now that’s a six-month layoff. Of course the same situation that was confronted by Max King and St Kilda before Christmas.

“Cuningham was wrestling with teammates towards the end of training yesterday, something of a muck around, nothing unusual, and the shoulder has just popped up. He had just got himself back into match simulation and full practice.

“He hasn’t played since tearing his ACL back in 2021 and has dealt with complications and setbacks and a serious shoulder injury.

“Carlton have got a few issues. Sam Walsh and Zac Williams we know, Mitch McGovern with the back problem, Corey Durdin the calf at the moment.”

Hawkins to miss round one

Thursday Feb 23

Geelong forward Tom Hawkins has officially ruled himself out of the club's round one clash against Collingwood.

Hawkins has been tending to a foot injury since well into last season, playing through their premiership in plenty of pain.

The veteran spoke to 7News that he'll miss the upcoming practice matches (and round one) and is eyeing off a comeback through the VFL.

Carlton cautious with superstar

Thursday Feb 23

Carlton is taking the cautious approach with superstar Sam Walsh, who has already been ruled out of their round one clash with Richmond.

Walsh - who missed round 23 against Collingwood with a back injury - is still recovering from surgery that was supposed to rectify the issue.

However, the 22-year-old has been on a strict a modified program that could see him return after the first month of the AFL season.

Coach Michael Voss believes that Walsh will join in on full training around round one but won't rush the recovery process.

"I would have thought it (full training) would be close to round one," Voss told AFL.com.au.

"It'll be a couple of weeks' time. He'll slowly integrate over the next couple of weeks, so we'll start to see him integrate back into skills. But until he gets session after session and he can back it up, that'll give us a better idea on approximately where he's going to be.

"I think he's three quarters of the way through it or thereabouts.

"We still are at that stage where while he's progressing quite well, we still think that the timeline hasn't really changed for us. We'll just wait to see where he's at come round one, then we can make some better decisions there.

"The reason why we're a little bit more hesitant is because until he starts joining in with the footy program and being a bit more consistent, that tells you a little bit about where he's got to go. That gives you much better feedback than just guessing. We have been a bit slower to make a call on that, but it's for a very good reason why we have."

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Lynch likely in; Graham, Castagna out

Thursday Feb 23

Richmond has provided an update on their rehab group ahead of it upcoming practice match against Melbourne.

Tom Lynch is likely to line up as he recovers from a plantar fasciitis issue.

The former Sun has been on a modified program most of the summer, working toward full health as round one approaches.

However, Jack Graham (toe) and Jason Castagna (hamstring) have been ruled out of its match with the Demons, according to AFL.com.au.

The pair will be racing against the clock for the season opener against Carlton on March 16.

Youngster Josh Gibcus (hamstring) has returned running but is at least a month away.

Stringer injury rears its ugly head, again

Tuesday Feb 21

Essendon's Jake Stringer has been put under another injury cloud after he left training early on Tuesday.

The Bombers face Gold Coast on Thursday and Stringer's availability has come into question.

According to the Herald Sun, the club is taken a precautionary approach with the match winner and is hopeful he'll be good to go for the following practice match.

Walker to miss clash with Dockers

Tuesday Feb 21

Taylor Walker has reportedly been left behind for Adelaide's clash with Fremantle in an attempt too manage their former captain.

The Crows will head to Western Australia to take on the Dockers and West Coast in the upcoming trial games over the next few weeks.

Walker said that he'll miss the first match but will be ready to go against the Eagles.

“I’m not going for the first game, I’ll stay home and then head over on the Monday for the West Coast game,” he said on Triple M.

“As you get a little bit older you get looked after a bit more.”

The absence of Walker could work as a blessing in disguise for Adelaide coaches, who are still trying to figure out the best structure up forward.

At times in 2022, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe were both in the side alongside the 32-year-old.

However, due to form and injury, some missed which opened the door for Elliot Himmelberg.

Coach Matthew Nicks is yet to secure the tall forward setup of yet but the match against the Dockers will give a good indication of where his youngsters are at.

Taylor Walker

Merrett named captain of Essendon

Tuesday Feb 21

Zach Merrett has recently been announced as captain of Essendon in 2023.

With Dyson Heppell standing down late last week, speculation grew over who'd take the reins going forward, with Merrett along with Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath flagged as candidates.

However, on Monday, the Bombers revealed their 41st skipper of the club and the 27-year-old felt privileged to be in the role.

“It is a huge honour to be selected as the next Captain of Essendon,” Merrett said.

“Some of the finest names in Australian football have been captains of Essendon. From Reynolds to Clarke, Daniher, Hird and Heppell, it’s humbling to join this list of champions of Essendon.

“This is a great club with a great future, and I look forward to playing my role as an on-field and off-field leader. I feel very humble to have been given this opportunity, and I thank Brad Scott, the coaching staff, football department and my team-mates for their confidence.

“This is a privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to. There’s great energy around the group. With Andy and I as captains, supported by a group of emerging leaders, we are all united and aligned in our vision to take us back to being a successful football club.

“This is a journey for all Essendon people – we’re bringing everyone along for the ride and we are working really hard to make our members and supporters proud of this team again.

“I also thank Dyson Heppell who is a great mate, and who has led the Bombers with such distinction over six seasons. He has worked hard behind the scenes to get us to where we are today, and I hope we can reward his commitment with some great wins in 2023.”

Suns skipper in doubt for round one

Tuesday Feb 21

Gold Coast co-captain Touk Miller is now in doubt for round one after being ruled out of the upcoming practice matches over the next couple of weeks.

Miller injured himself last week during some match simulation but thought the issue would be minor.

However, the 26-year-old is reportedly still in some discomfort and Suns physiotherapist Lindsay Bull shared some light on Miller.

“Touk felt some discomfort in his hamstring on Friday and on assessment, has a mild hamstring injury,” Bull said in a club statement.

“Touk will reintegrate into full training over the next couple of weeks leading into the start of the season.”

The club is hopeful their captain will be available for round one.

Rankine dominates intra-club

Tuesday Feb 21

High-prized Adelaide recruit Izak Rankine has reportedly dominated the intra-club match last Friday night as he was unveiled into the midfield.

Former Crows captain Mark Bickley labelled Rankine as a "headline act", slotting five goals as he impressed in his new colours.

“What people want to hear about is that the headline act was Izak Rankine,” Bickley said on SEN.

“Everyone went down to see how he was going to go, he kicked five goals and probably split his time 60/40 between forward and midfield.

“He attended a lot of centre bounces … Izak and Josh Rachele were flicking between forward and centre bounce.

“Rankine and Rachele both looked good going through the midfield, there was a bit of zip around the centre bounce.”

Rankine has teased fans with his super talent since being drafted with pick three in 2018 and hasn't reached his full potential as of yet.

However, the move back to his home state has seemingly breathed a new air of life into the former Gold Coast player.

Pies ruck on track for round one

Monday Feb 20

Collingwood ruckman Darcy Cameron is reportedly on track for the upcoming practice matches and round one, despite tending to a minor hamstring problem.

Cameron missed the intra-club on Friday afternoon as his availability came more into question.

However, according to the Herald Sun, the former Sydney player trained strongly on Monday and has seemingly put his hamstring woe behind him.

The Pies face Carlton on Friday morning (Feb 24) at IKON Park as an opener for the upcoming 2023 AFL season.

The club will also take on Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium on Thursday, March 2 before awaiting a test against 2022 premiers Geelong in round one.

Bedford suffers cruel injury blow; Giants update

Monday Feb 20

GWS recruit Toby Bedford will likely miss the first month of the AFL season after suffering a hamstring injury last Friday.

The former Demon has been impressive at his new club, hitting personal bests in the time trial and proving to be dangerous up forward.

However, Bedford will unfortunately miss a fair chunk of the early part of the year despite not needing surgery.

New coach Adam Kingsley spoke on the small forward and where to next.

“Toby has really hurt his hamstring,” Kingsley said, according to the Herald Sun.

“So he’s going to be out for probably a month at the start of the season. Brent’s hamstring is a really minor one and a different area to the issues he had last year. He is pushing for round 1, so we will just assess that.”

Fellow forward Brent Daniels (hamstring) is reportedly on track to be available for round one as will sole skipper Toby Greene (calf), who will miss the club's next match simulation.

Winger Lachie Whitfield (ankle) has been recovering well and moved freely in last week's intra-club as is Nick Haynes.

Toby Greene
Phil Hillyard

Young, Allan firm as round one debutants

Monday Feb 20

Richmond rookie Tylar Young and Collingwood draft slider Ed Allan have impressed over the summer months that they've been put into the mix for round one.

Young - who played 14 VFL games last year - has been lively during match simulations and training sessions and could replace the injured Josh Gibcus.

Assistant coach Xavier Clarke hasn't ruled out the possibility of the 196cm playing early in the year and admitted that defensive coach Ben Rutten has some work to do.

“He’s shown some great things in training so if he continues to go on the path he’s going, he probably will play senior footy at some point throughout this year,” Clarke said.

“Truck’s got a bit of a headache to select his best side down there.”

The Pies on the other hand will be excited by the potential Allan has shown, was has resulted in him landing a two-year contract extension last week.

The wingman was impressive in the intra-club match and is rivalling for a spot in the midfield group.

Injury scare for Suns skipper; King, Flanders dominate

Friday Feb 17

An injury scare has gone through the Gold Coast camp as captain Touk Miller left Friday's intra-club match early with hamstring tightness.

Miller played the first quarter of the match but pulled up short and wasn't seen for the rest of the game.

The Suns as well as their skipper didn't look too worried about the injury, which appears to be more of a precaution, according to AFL.com.au.

In good news, key forward Ben King looks to be playing and training at full flight.

The top-10 pick was out for all of 2022 with an ACL injury but looks to have put that behind him, slotting two majors during the match.

Forward-mid Sam Flanders was also impressive, kicking three goals as he continues to make selection headaches for the coaching staff heading into round one.

Joel Jeffrey also hit the scoreboard in Friday, putting five through the big sticks.

Heppell stands down as Essendon captain

Friday Feb 17

Dyson Heppell has officially stood down as captain of Essendon after plenty of speculation he'd give up the role.

New coach Brad Scott was a supporter of Heppell continuing as leader of the club but have him the space to make the decision on his own.

However, the 30-year-old felt it was the right time to step aside and allow the next wave of players to take control of the club as the Bombers enter a new era.

“As a little tacker, playing AFL footy was a dream, let alone playing for the club I supported and then further to that, becoming the captain of that club,” Heppell said in a club statement.

“Over the past six years, I had enormous pride and respect for my role as captain. Leadership can be a tough caper at times, but it has given me so much joy and has played a big part in my growth as a person, player and teammate.

“I owe an enormous amount of gratitude and thanks to the various players and playing groups, coaches, staff and Board members for backing me in over the years as well as our loyal fans and members.”

Saints hit with another key forward injury

Friday Feb 17

St Kilda has been hit with yet another injury to its key forwards, with Tim Membrey having surgery on his knee.

Membrey suffered the minor injury at training last week and had surgery yesterday to correct the issue, ruling him out of the preseason practice matches.

The believe the 28-year-old is still in line to be available for round one and assistant coach Robert Harvey is confident of that fact.

“He had minor surgery on his knee yesterday. The reports are all good so we are expecting him to be all good for round one,” Harvey said.

“He’s had a full summer, he’s barely missed a session, so we’re really happy where he’s at. It’s a minor setback, so we’re totally expecting him to be right for round one.”

Tim Membrey

Rayner shock positional move gaining momentum

Friday Feb 17

Cam Rayner's shock positional move to the backline is gaining momentum with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan providing some insight.

Rayner has predominantly played as a forward-mid through his first five years with the thought that he'd turn into a midfielder as he gained more experience.

However, due to the inclusions of Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft in the offseason, the Lions have opted to trial new roles for the former number one pick, which includes off the half back.

"He's a great team man and at under-16s he was an All-Australian as a half-back flanker, so he's actually got experience playing down there," Fagan said, according to AFL.com.au.

"If you play down back, you learn a lot of things about being a forward. You learn as a backman what really challenges you, so it's a good lesson in reverse for Cam.

"He looks quite a natural down back at the moment.

"He's played all the practice matches there and we'll just weigh it up when we get to the season which way we go with him."

Essendon trio on track after injury scares

Thursday Feb 16

Essendon forward trifecta Sam Weideman, Jake Stringer and Peter Wright are all on track ahead of the 2023 despite some minor injury scares over the past few weeks.

The trio all featured during the club's match simulation on Thursday alongside smalls Alwyn Davey, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Jye Menzies.

Stringer was previously nursing a back complaint that reduced some of his workload in recent weeks while Wright (calf) and Weideman (quad) look to be in good health, according to the Herald Sun.

All SSP (Dec 5 - Feb 15) signings

Adelaide - Mark Keane, Tyler Brown

Brisbane - Conor McKenna, Darragh Joyce

Carlton - Alex Cincotta, Hudson O'Keefe

Collingwood - Oleg Markov, Oscar Steene

Gold Coast - Brodie McLaughlin, Jed Anderson

Melbourne - Kye Turner

North Melbourne - Liam Shiels

Richmond - Kaelan Bradtke

St Kilda - Liam Stocker, Anthony Caminiti

Western Bulldogs - Oskar Baker

Sicily "fine" despite ankle scare

Thursday Feb 16

Hawthorn's James Sicily has been declared "fine" despite an ankle scare that saw him miss the second half of the intra-club match on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Adrian Hickmott said there's little concern that the favourite for the Hawks captaincy won't get himself right for the upcoming practice matches and round one.

He’ll be fine,” Hickmott told SEN.

“It was really, really minor.

“We had some players we had to manage too, we were really aware that it’s a long season.

“To manage players and take them out on minutes was to get them through the next few weeks really.

“We play Geelong down there and then Collingwood in Tassie (in practice games).”"

Key forwards long-shot for round one

Thursday Feb 16

Journalist Mitch Cleary believes that key forward pair Tom Hawkins and Tom Lynch are unlikely to feature in their round one clashes against Collingwood and Carlton.

Lynch has been on light drills at Punt Road since his foot surgery in November and hasn't joined in the main training for some time.

“I’ve still got my doubts (on Lynch’s availability),” Cleary told SEN.

“I haven’t seen him as part of match play just yet and we’re getting pretty close now.

“He’s been on the outer wing at Punt Road for most of the pre-season after surgery in November, it was to relieve some plantar fasciitis pain he had."

Hawkins on the other hand is also tending to an ankle problem that he's been battling since the final series last season.

“The other one at Geelong is Tom Hawkins, I think it’s a long shot now that he plays,” Cleary said.

“They say he has been running, I haven’t seen it with my own eyes.

“They don’t really let us into training, but he has been away from the main group for most of pre-season.

“So, I think it’s a long shot that Tom Hawkins will be there for Round 1 against Collingwood.”

Brayshaw, Serong not done yet

Thursday Feb 16

Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong have received glowing endorsements from their coach Justin Longmuir, who believes the pair haven't stopped improving.

Longmuir admitted that Serong has consistently taken steps forward in his own game that will benefit the side.

“Caleb is looking like he’s taken a step forward in his game and is becoming a real leader and key performer in there,” Longmuir said.

“His contest work and his execution has gone to another level and that’s off the back of the purpose he brings to everything he does.”

Whereas Brayshaw on the other hand is adding leadership qualities to his 2022 MVP trophy and fourth place finish in the Brownlow.

“He’s set such a high bar for himself,” Longmuir said.

“His fitness has gone to another level. He’s been working on his hands and his creativity in tight, he’s been able to buy himself a lot of time with the ball.

“I definitely see elements of his game going to another level as well.”

Sloane "ready to go" says former teammate

Thursday Feb 16

Former Adelaide skipper Rory Sloane is reportedly "ready to go" for the upcoming trial and practice matches as he recovers an ACL injury he suffered early in 2022.

Assistant coach Nathan van Berlo has been keeping an eye on his ex-teammate and is excited by his progress since last year.

“It’s really exciting for Rory, he has put in a mountain of work throughout his rehab,” van Berlo said according to the club's website.

“He’s done everything to the letter and he is ready to go, which is surprising to some, but for us internally seeing the way he has gone about it is a credit to the work he has put in.

“For him to be out there playing I know it just reinvigorates him and the boys love having him out there as well.”

Acres slotting in perfectly at the Blues

Thursday Feb 16

Blake Acres has slotted in seamlessly at Carlton, his third AFL club.

The winger left Fremantle during the recent trade period and has ironically reunited with a former coach of his, Aaron Hamill, who was at St Kilda (Acres' first team).

Hamill spoke on how Acres is driving the standards at training and what he'll add to the Blues in 2023.

“I was involved with Blake’s career at the Saints and he always had the attributes with his power and his running capacity when I was down there,” Hamill said, according to the club's website.

“He has matured as a person and as a footballer. He has fit in really well, there was never going to be an issue with that.

“It was a great effort from our recruiting crew to get him over the line.

“He’s driving the group in terms of preparation and system quite strongly.

“Watching him from afar at Fremantle and how he cemented his spot there on the wing, he gives you a point of difference around stoppages.

“He comes from a good system in Freo’s defence, and his nous around the ground has improved 10 fold since I first met Blake.”

Demons update

Thursday Feb 16

The Herald Sun has provided an in-depth update on Melbourne as the club ramps up its preseason preparations ahead of the 2023 season.

Brodie Grundy was a no-show at training on Wednesday as the Demons are managing his load but is expected to be good to go on Friday.

Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch, Jake Melksham and Taj Woewodin are all on modified training programs and were seen scouting from the boundary.

Tom McDonald and youngster Jacob Van Rooyen - who's touted too debut in round one - have been gelling well together up forward throughout the summer and could be a combination coach Simon Goodwin goes with.

Melbourne signs Turner with last spot on list

Wednesday Feb 15

Melbourne have signed Kye Turner on the final day of the SSP with the last spot on their list.

Turner - who's been training with the Demons over the summer - beat out AFL-lifeline hopeful Trent Burgoyne for the last locker.

The 21-year-old has been overlooked on multiple drafts but now gets his chance to live out his lifelong dream.

Zorko stands down as captain, gives his tip for role

Wednesday Feb 15

Dayne Zorko has officially stood down as captain of Brisbane.

Since assuming the role in 2018 and 105 games in charge, Zorko has decided to move on from the role, saying how "privileged" he was to do so.

“It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to lead a Club with such incredible history and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be at its helm the past five years,” Zorko said in a club statement.

“Over my years as captain, I’m proud to have helped the Club be more respected again amongst the AFL world and to have helped lead the charge in the successes we’ve had on the field. I step down at a time when the Club is in really good hands and entering a new chapter."

Zorko, who spoke on SEN, announced that youngster and Victorian Hugh McCluggage as his successor.

McCluggage is only 24 years old and has established himself as an elite midfielder under coach Chris Fagan.

Zorko did say that Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale would also be strong candidates to replace him.

“More than likely (Andrews is the leading candidate). Harris has been the vice-captain for the last three years under myself. He’s a really well respected voice amongst the playing group and around the club, he does everything right, he’s a really vocal leader,” Zorko told SEN.

“The other candidates are someone like Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage.

“Hugh for me is the one that probably has the ability to do it, whether maybe he’s a little bit too raw at the moment or he wants to find his feet a little bit more, that’s a decision the club will have to make.

“For me, he would be the perfect fit.

“It’s a big process and I’m sure the club will make the best decision possible. Those are the three in my mind stick out as the clear candidates to take over the role.”

Suns trio pushing their case for round one; King on track

Wednesday Feb 15

Gold Coast trio Sam Flanders, Charlie Constable and draftee Bailey Humphrey are all putting their hand up for round one after impressing summers.

Flanders and Constable have generally found themselves on the outer under coach Stuart Dew but have rarely put a foot wrong in the offseason.

The former Cat has had a positional change from the midfield to the half back to give him more opportunity to play AFL football, which the club is excited about.

Humphrey has also impressed since joining the Suns in November as pick six and could be in line to debut mid-March.

But, what Gold Coast fans would most be excited about is Ben King's recovery as he is on track to feature in the upcoming practice matches.

Midfielder Matt Rowell spoke on King's comeback and how he'll slot right into the side.

“It’s been great to see him get out into training and into more drills,” Rowell said, according to the Herald Sun.

“I am just really excited to see him back out there.

“Since I have been on the Gold Coast I haven’t been able to play with him much because I was injured a bit and then he has got injured so I am really excited for him to get back.

“Coming out of stoppage and seeing him and kicking it to him will be pretty cool. I am good friends with him and he’s worked so hard since he’s done his knee. I am really looking forward to him getting back playing.”

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Darling avoids surgery

Wednesday 15 Feb

West Coast forward Jack Darling has reportedly avoided surgery and still remains to play in round one despite.

Darling left the track last week after teammate Jeremy McGovern landed on his foot and got caught underneath him.

The Eagle looked to be sidelined for months given his initial reaction to his injury but coach Adam Simpson is remaining positive about Darling's availability.

“I don’t think it’s too severe. He’ll be touch-and-go for round one, but knowing the way he is I think he’ll be OK,” Simpson said, according to The Age.

“So no surgery, just an ankle. We’ll see how he recovers the next couple of weeks.

“Hopefully we’ve dodged a bullet.”

Richmond don't offer Narkle lifeline

Tuesday Feb 14

Richmond have decided not to offer Quinton Narkle a spot on their list as the preseason supplemental selection period is set to end tomorrow, February 15.

Narkle - who has been training with the Tigers over the summer - was reportedly told by the club that he won't get a contract for 2023, according to journalist Jordan McArdle.

The former Geelong midfielder was competing with Kaelan Bradtke and Luke Teal.

AFL.com.au reported that Bradtke was signed by the Tigers on Tuesday.

The key forward is the 14th player that has been snared during the SSP and will add depth to Richmond's list.

Eagles tall wheelchaired in scary training incident

Tuesday Feb 14

West Coast tall Jack Williams has reportedly put fear into the club after a sickening injury at training that has resulted in a suspected lung puncture.

Journalist Ryan Daniels broke the news, saying Williams had to be wheelchaired around.

The 19-year-old showed great signs during the summer months and the Eagles were excited by his progress.

However, this unfortunate setback will likely sideline Williams for at least a month but no timeline or estimation on his return has been given.

English sends injury scare through camp

Tuesday Feb 14

Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English has sent an injury scare through the club, after limping off the track.

English - who suffered some hamstring tightness - will be sent for scans to determine the injury.

The Bulldogs will be taking it cautiously with their number one ruckman.

Lewis out for at least the first month

Tuesday Feb 14

Hawthorn forward Mitchell Lewis will miss the first month of the AFL season his coach Sam Mitchell confirmed after sustaining an ACL sprain last month.

Lewis - who had a breakout season in 2022 - remains unclear as too when his return date will be.

"He's up and down, I would say. He's running a bit already but then he's had a little bit of swelling in it so then he has to back off," Mitchell told AFL.com.au.

"If things go really well, I think potentially he'll be available for round four or five as an absolute best case scenario. There's nothing that will speed it up. And any setbacks that he has, which is likely, will knock him back a week or two weeks or a month or two months. 

"At this stage he just goes day by day and tries to get as much improvement as he can and we're not going to rush him. He's an important player and if you get a knee wrong then it's 12 months out of the game so we'd like to avoid that."

Kelly of-old ready to turn leaf after disappointing 2022

Monday Feb 13

West Coast's Tim Kelly is training at his all-time best and is keen to put 2022 behind him.

Coming back in excellent condition, Kelly has taken his training levels to new heights, with the club internally seeing much improvement in his work.

Since crossing from Geelong as an All-Australian, the 28-year-old has failed to reach the stardom the Eagles expected of him when they gave away two first-round picks.

Building on last year's third-place finish in the best-and-fairest, Kelly is ready to go up a notch and he's bringing his teammates with him.

Young Bomber stung with injury

Monday Feb 13

Essendon midfielder Ben Hobbs is in a race against the clock for round one after sustaining a calf injury at training on Monday.

Set to miss the next few weeks, Hobbs is unlikely to play against Gold Coast in the practice game and depending on recovery, could be out even longer.

Bomber GM of performance Daniel McPherson gave some insight into the youngsters injury.

"Ben has completed a full pre-season up to this point, so we expect him to recover quickly," McPherson said, according to AFL.com.au.

"His calf has settled quickly and should only require a small de-load before he re-enters the program in the coming weeks."

Hobbs now joins Guelfi on the sidelines as the club ramps up its preparations for season 2023.

Crows name surprise Sloane successor

Monday Feb 13

Adelaide have named their new captain for 2023 and beyond, with Jordan Dawson taking over from Rory Sloane.

Dawson - who joined the Crows at the end of 2021 from Sydney - will become the club's ninth skipper and being added to the leadership group halfway through last season.

The 25-year-old came runner up in the best and fairest in 2022 and has been noted as a strong leader amongst his teammates, which is reflected by the fact he was appointed captain.

“I could not be more excited to captain the Club I barracked for growing up as a kid,” Dawson said in a club statement.

“It was surreal to pull on the guernsey last year, and now this is a huge honour.

“Everyone at this Club wants to win and have success and do it as quickly as we can, so I’m honoured to have the responsibility of driving that.

“It’s an incredible privilege and even better having the likes of Rory Sloane and Taylor Walker – both highly respected captains of the Club – and our leadership group here to help me on this journey.”

Out-of-favour Tiger injured at training

Monday Feb 13

Richmond forward Jason Castagna has hurt his hamstring at training over the weekend and is in some doubt for round one.

The club is yet to find out what the damage is, with scans on Monday to reveal the extent of the injury.

Castagna has struggled over the past couple seasons to cement his spot in the side.

Maurice Rioli and Noah Cumberland have come in as likely replacements in 2022 and the inclusion of GWS pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper could push Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton into more forward-dominant roles.

Castagna's position in the best 22 has become more difficult and the hamstring injury hasn't helped his cause.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.