AFL AAMI Community Series results, practice matches scores and fixture, pre-season games, Supercoach tips

The start of the 2021 AFL Premiership season is fast approaching - but first the 19 teams have to prepare with a series of pre-season games.

Because of concerns around COVID-19 and the desire to limit team travel, the traditional competitive matches - this year known as the AAMI Community Series - has been shortened one match for each team.

However, each team will also play a practice match in their home state before the official pre-season games begin as coaches try to figure out their best 22 for round one .

Sporting News analyses everything you need to know about the AFL's pre-season plans.

AFL Practice Matches Schedule/Results

AFL practice match results - Winners, score, Supercoach tips, injuries

Western Bulldogs 12.10.82 lost to Hawthorn 15.7.97 - Whitten Oval

The Bulldogs jumped out of the blocks and led for much of the match but were overwhelmed as Hawthorn steamed home in the last quarter.

Hawks youngster Connor Downie was one of the best players afield - firming himself as a solid Supercoach rookie selection at $117,300.

Ethiopian-born defender Changkuoth Jiath also impressed, with his dash out of defence a highlight.

For the losers, Tim English looked dangerous in a forward role, with Stefan Martin in the ruck, while Laitham Vandermeer and Rhylee West look set for big seasons.

Neither team suffered any significant injuries in the hit out.

Carlton 14.11.95 defeated Essendon 11.8.74 - IKON Park

Paddy Dow was best-on-ground as Carlton defeated Essendon by 21 points in the practice match at IKON Park.

After a slow start to his career, the 2017 no.3 draft pick looks set for a big season - and his Supercoach price is $202,400, meaning he is in the rookie bracket.

There were injury concerns for both clubs with Blues forward Harry McKay rolling his ankle, while Essendon utility Aaron Francis had the same issue.

Adam Saad impressed with his dash off the backline, while as a train-on player, ex-Eagle Alec Waterman kicked four goals for the Bombers in a performance that will likely get him signed on their senior list.

North Melbourne 6.13.49 lost to St Kilda 22.8.140 - Arden Street

Mason Wood kicked four goals for St Kilda against former club North Melbourne as the Saints ran out convincing 91-point winners at Arden Street.

The Saints kicked the first seven goals unanswered to immediately establish their superiority, with new recruits Wood, Jack Higgins and James Frawley all among the best players.

Supercoach smoky Tom Highmore ($117,300) performed well after coming on in the second half but Frawley's excellent performance in defence means the defensive recruit might struggle to get a spot in the team.

For the Kangaroos, Jaidyn Stephenson impressed in a half forward/midfield role, while draftee Charlie Lazzaro kicked a nice goal and showed a few positive signs.

There were no significant injury concerns for either club, however Saints youngster Jack Bytel did dislocate a finger but ended up playing the match out.

Melbourne 14.9.93 defeated Richmond 12.10.82 - Casey Fields

Melbourne got their AFL pre-season off to a flying start with an 11-point win against AFL premiers Richmond.

Despite missing Ben Brown and Sam Weideman through injury, Kade Chandler impressed with three goals, while James Jordan impressed in midfield.

The yet-to-debut Jordan is priced at $123,900 in Supercoach, meaning he could be an excellent selection as a rookie/cash cow if he is picked for round one.

Without taking anything away from the Demons, the Tigers clearly put the cue in the rack during the second half, resting several big names.

Interestingly, Marlion Pickett was relegated to the Tigers 'B' team, with young midfielder Hugo Ralphsmith impressing on the wing.

Ralphsmith is a midfield/forward option in Supercoach and is priced at $123,900.

Geelong 11.8.74 defeated Collingwood 11.6.72 - GMHBA Stadium

Geelong fielded Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron together in the two-point victory against Collingwood.

The star trio only played half of the match, with ex-Giant Cameron kicking the first goal of the match in a centre-half forward role roaming up the field.

Magpies draftee Oliver Henry - the brother of Geelong defender Jack - impressed with his athleticism, kicking a goal in the second half.

The 18-year-old looks a real shot to play round one for Collingwood and is priced at $135,300 in Supercoach.

Neither team were struck by any significant injuries.

Sydney 7.12.54 drew with Greater Western Sydney 8.6.54 - Giants Stadium

Sydney and GWS have played out a 54-all draw in a wet and scrappy contest at Giants Stadium.

Leon Cameron will have liked what he saw from his midfield, with the likes of Josh Kelly, Tim Taranto and young gun Tom Green all impressing.

The Swans will be encouraged by the efforts of their first-rounders Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden in their first hit out, with both helping inspire a second-half fightback for the Bloods.

Sydney's Callum Mills was also imposing ahead of his permanent move into the midfield this season.

The Giants' 12th pick Tanner Bruhn didn't do his chances of a round one debut any harm either - the midfielder would be worth a look in Supercoach for $184,800.

Port Adelaide 18.17.125 defeated Adelaide 11.7.73 - Alberton Oval

Adelaide toiled early but have succumbed to Port Adelaide in a Showdown scratch match.

Charlie Dixon and Xavier Duursma both had three goals to their name in a clinical display from the pair of Power forwards.

In a devastating blow for the Crows, dashing defender Wayne Milera was taken off in the second term with a suspected season-ending knee injury.

Port Adelaide's Todd Marshall also didn't finish the second after going off with a cheek injury.

But the story of the day at Alberton was the performance of Crows' pick No. 2 Riley Tillthorpe in the earlier SANFL match.

The towering forward, who is priced at $202,800 on Supercoach, booted four goals and was imposing inside 50 as the SANFL Crows won 9.12 (66) to 6.16 (52). 

Fremantle 16.11.107 defeated West Coast 9.6.60 - Mineral Resources Park.

A promising 47-point win first-up for Justin Longmuir's men.

Nat Fyfe will look to spend more time in the midfield this season, but the Dockers' coach may have to reconsider after the Brownlow Medalist kicked three goals in two quarters.

Fellow All Australian Michael Walters also lead the Dockers with four goals. While first-rounder Hayden Young gave the Freo faithful plenty to look forward to with a commanding display at halfback.

The Eagles were without star ruckman Nic Naitanui, but All Australian midfielder Andrew Gaff and small forward Liam Ryan were the standouts in an otherwise shakey display for the 2018 premiers.

Brisbane 15.12.102 defeated Gold Coast 8.7.55 - Metricon Stadium

Star recruit Joe Daniher shone in his highly-anticipated Lions debut, kicking four goals as they easily accounted for the Suns.

All eyes were on Daniher, and the key forward connected beautifully with Lachie Neale and Cam Rayner in the opening play of the match to mark at the top of the 50m and kick a long-range goal.

At $233,300, Daniher is sure to be a cash cow for Supercoach players this season.

Daniher's forward line partner Eric Hipwood was also mightily impressive, kicking four majors himself. 

While the Suns had their moments in the second term, they'll be relieved to have seen Matt Rowell made it through the match.

The 2019 No. 1 pick and star mid David Swallow were rested after half-time to manage their minutes.

Why is there an AFL Practice Match series?

The AFL have organised a one-match AFL practice series to take place instead of two rounds of the AAMI Community Series.

Because of concerns around COVID-19 and the desire to limit travel, each team will play a single match in their own state across a four-day period.

There will be no crowd at each match, but select media will be allowed to attend

AAMI Community Series Fixture/Results

AFL AAMI Community Series results - Winners, score, Supercoach tips, injuries

Carlton 15.9.99 lost to St Kilda 19.11.125 - Marvel Stadium

The Saints survived a late charge from Carlton as they continued their impressive pre-season with a 26-point win on Thursday night.

Brett Ratten's side led for the whole match, and by as much as 32 points in the third quarter, before the Blues drew within a kick mid-way through the final term.

But St Kilda steadied with the last three goals of the game, with Jack Lonie kicking four in a best-on-ground performance, while Bradley Hill showed devastating run through the lines.

Blues recruit Zac Williams was his side's best player, kicking two goals and getting plenty of the ball - however he will come under MRO scrutiny for a late bump on Hunter Clark.

Unheralded forwards Zac Fisher and Jack Silvagni kicked five goals between each other, showing they could be set for big 2021 seasons.

Popular Supercoach selection Tom Highmore ($117,300) saw extra game time in St Kilda's defence after an early hamstring injury to James Frawley, boosting the rookie's chances for round one.

The Blues have injury issues with Harry McKay (ankle), Jack Newnes (ankle) and Jacob Weitering (hip).

Collingwood 11.8.74 lost to Richmond 11.14.80 - Marvel Stadium

The Tigers got their first win of the pre-season as they downed Collingwood by a kick on Friday night.

Richmond led for the entire contest but twice saw the Magpies draw within a goal in the last quarter - including with 30 seconds to go until the final siren.

Tigers rebounder Jayden Short was the match standout with 43 disposals, while Collingwood matchwinner Jordan De Goey kicked 2.2 and had 27 disposals.

The Magpies will be sweating on injuries to Steele Sidebottom (calf) and Brayden Maynard (shin) with their round one availability, while Will Kelly (broken collarbone) will definitely miss the season's start.

De Goey's midfield minutes and threat up forward make him an enticing Supercoach option at $435,200, while Jeremy Howe ($517,900) is shaping as a solid pick down back.

North Melbourne 12.9.81 lost to Hawthorn 17.18.120 - Arden Street

The Kangaroos worrying pre-season continued as they were belted to the tune of 39 points by Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon.

In their second big defeat at Arden Street in nine days, North Melbourne were blown away in the third quarter as the Hawks kicked seven goals to two.

Hawthorn rookie Jacob Koschitzke kicked six goals in a dominant performance, with the $123,900 priced Supercoach rookie firming for a round one debut.

Tyler Brockman ($117,300) snagged three goals and was among the best players in an encouraging performance for a team tipped to finish in the bottom half of the ladder.

Forgotten midfielder Dom Tyson returned from his injury nightmare to kick three goals and have 23 disposals as North's best player on the day.

Hawks tall Mitch Lewis was forced to pull out of the game with back spasms, allowing Koschitzke the chance to play as one of the team's main forwards.

Geelong 12.7.79 defeated Essendon 9.18.72 - GMHBA Stadium

Essendon defied expectation to take Geelong to the wire in a seven-point loss on Saturday night.

Only the Bombers' inaccuracy prevented then from winning the match, having eight more scoring shots than the Cats and also leading the game deep into the final quarter.

Zac Merrett was the game's standout player, gathering 37 disposals, while Cale Hooker kicked four goals for the visitors.

Cats tyro Jordan Clark showed he could be in for a breakout season as he gathered 29 disposals and kicked the goal that put his team in front during the final term.

Clark is priced at $241,800 in Supercoach and could be a solid mid-priced option in the game.

After a four-goal performance last week, Essendon rookie Alec Waterman ($102,400) could only manage two disposals in 25 per cent of match time.

GWS 18.6.114 defeated Sydney 12.14.86 - Giants Stadium

Despite a third-term charge, Sydney faded late in the match to go down to GWS by 28 points on Sunday afternoon.

The Giants led by as much as 38 points as half-time approached, but the Swans kicked six of the next seven goals to get the margin back to a solitary point.

GWS steadied in the last quarter - keeping Sydney goaless and kicking five of their own to run out comfortable winners.

Firs-round draft pick Tanner Bruhn - priced at $157,800 in Supercoach - kicked four goals for the Giants in a hugely encouraging display, while Toby Greene chipped in with three goals and Tim Taranto had 31 disposals.

For the Swans, Luke Parker snagged three goals and had 22 disposals, while Chad Warner ($144,000) had 19 touches and kicked a major.

Adelaide 6.9.45 lost to Port Adelaide 17.14.116 - Flinders University Stadium

The Crows look set for another frustrating season after they were belted by local rivals Port Adelaide in a 71-point thrashing on Sunday.

The Power controlled the game in the back half with Dan Houston, Riley Bonner and Aliir Aliir taking an extrordinary 45 marks between each other.

New Port Adelaide recruit Orazio Fantasia kicked three goals, while Robbie Gray got two and had 26 disposals.

For Adelaide, Rory Laird battled hard with 25 touches and Taylor Walker picked up three majors.

Laird's continued midfield role makes him an attractive option in Supercoach at $564,800, while James Rowe ($117,300) also impressed in a small forward position.

West Coast 9.13.67 defeated Fremantle 8.9.57 - Optus Stadium

Fremantle showed they are set for another improved season but fell short against derby rivals West Coast on Sunday evening.

The Eagles held their cross-town opponent at arms length after wrestling the lead back just before half-time.

Both teams came ouf of the match with significant injury worried as the Eagles lost Brad Sheppard (head), Zac Langdon (concussion) and Luke Shue (ankle), while the Dockers have concerns with Michael Walters (hamstring), Rory Lobb (knee) and Bailey Banfield (leg).

Nathan Fyfe was best for the Dockers while Dom Sheed took the same honours for the Eagles.

Lloyd Meek ($123,900) continued his rise with a terrific performance in the ruck against Nic Naitanui, showing that he should be considered as a Supercoach option.

Western Bulldogs 15.16.116 defeated Melbourne 10.7.67 - Marvel Stadium

The Bulldogs look primed for a big 2021 after they thumped a depleted Demons side by 39 points on Monday afternoon.

Melbourne - missing onballers Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Angus Brayshaw - struggled to compete in the midfield as the Bulldogs brigade of Jack Macrae (39 disposals), Caleb Daniel (34), Marcus Bontempelli (32), Josh Dunkley (32) and Tom Liberatore (31) ran riot.

Bontempelli also kicked three goals in a masterful display as the Bulldogs shared the scoring around.

For the Demons, Steven May and Jake Lever performed solidly down back despite the thrashing, while clever forward Bailey Fritsch chipped in with three goals.

Young Melbourne midfielder James Jordon ($123,900) again showed his credentials as a Supercoach selection with 14 disposals and plenty of endeavour.

Gold Coast 13.11.89 lost to Brisbane 18.9.117 - Metricon Stadium

The Suns lost to their Queensland rivals for the second time in two weekends, but on this occasion, they led by 30 points nearing half time before capitulating.

Brisbane kicked 10 unanswered goals to run out comfortable 28-point winners, with recruit Joe Daniher snaring three majors and Charlie Cameron kicking four.

The victory was soured by what appeared to a season-ending knee injury to Cam Rayner, who went down on the field during the second quarter.

For Gold Coast, Alex Sexton kicked an impressive six goals in a losing side, while Matt Rowell got through the game unscathed in his return from injury.

Lions forward/ruck Tom Fullarton ($128,900) is shaping as a Supercoach rookie smoky with the absence of Daniel McStay in the opening rounds.

The 22-year-old kicked two goals and looked dangerous in the air and at ground level in a solid audition for the role.

How does the AAMI Community Series work?

The 'competitive' pre-season games - called the Marsh Community Series last year - usually see teams play two matches across two-to-three week period in front of crowds, with an emphasis on contests being scheduled in regional areas.

However, this season there will be only be one 'competitive' match - essentially a glorified practice game - with supporters leading into the start of the AFL season.

There is no official winner of the AFL pre-season competition with the governing body scrapping the knockout format after Brisbane won in 2013.

Supporters do keep an unofficial ladder of the series however, with GWS Giants topping it in 2020.