We’re just two days out from Round 1 as footy returns on Thursday night.

A host of clubs will line up vastly different this season after an eventful off-season — plus plenty of fresh faces will also be unearthed.

Below Foxfooty.com.au predicts every club’s 23-man squad for the opening round, taking into account injuries and suspensions.

AFL ROUND 1 (All times AEDT)

RICHMOND V CARLTON

Thursday, March 16, 7:20pm at the MCG

Tigers’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Tylar Young

HB: Liam Baker, Nick Vlastuin, Daniel Rioli

C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Thomson Dow

HF: Dustin Martin, Shai Bolton, Trent Cotchin

F: Noah Cumberland, Jack Riewoldt, Tom Lynch

FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper

I/C: Marlion Pickett, Nathan Broad, Jayden Short, Ivan Soldo, Judson Clarke (sub)

We say: Richmond have a new-look engine room in 2023 thanks to the recruitment of ex-Giants duo Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. And that means a midfield reshuffle to account for the new duo. Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton will spend more minutes forward to assist the one-two attack combo of Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch. And that can only be a positive for coach Damien Hardwick given the trio’s knack for finding avenues to goal. Another positive for the Tigers is the pre-season form of young forward Samson Ryan. Ryan can also pinch-hit in the ruck too, providing a bench option instead of the two recognised ruck combo of Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo. Dion Prestia, Jayden Short and Marlion Pickett all still need to prove their fitness to take on Carlton on Thursday. But the likes of Steely Green, Maurice Rioli Jnr and Jack Graham are waiting for their chance should they be needed in Round 1.

Blues’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Mitch McGovern, Jacob Weitering, Adam Saad

HB: Sam Docherty, Lewis Young, Nic Newman

C: Blake Acres, Patrick Cripps, Lochie O’Brien

HF: Zac Fisher, Charlie Curnow, Jack Silvagni

F: Matt Owies, Harry McKay, Jesse Motlop

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, George Hewett, Matt Kennedy

I/C: Tom De Koning, Adam Cerra, Lachie Cowan, Ollie Hollands, Jack Martin

We say: Injuries to Sam Walsh and Zac Williams open up opportunities in the Blues’ best 22, with Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands getting the nod to make their debuts after impressing in the pre-season game against Sydney, the former seemingly edging out Alex Cincotta, who’s also in the frame. And while we’ve included Hollands, we still expect Lochie O’Brien to get first crack starting on the wing on the opposite end of recruit Blake Acres, although that could change in the first few weeks. Similarly, we sense the Blues will still start Marc Pittonet in the ruck over Tom De Koning, but it’ll remain a fluid situation pending on performance. Corey Durdin is on his way back from injury and could be made to ply his trade in the VFL to start the season.

GEELONG V COLLINGWOOD

Friday, March 17, 7:20pm at the MCG

Cats’ predicted Round 1 teams

B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Sam De Koning, Zach Guthrie

HB: Zach Tuohy, Tom Stewart, Jed Bews

C: Isaac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Max Holmes

HF: Gryan Miers, Jeremy Cameron, Brad Close

F: Tyson Stengle, Tom Hawkins, Gary Rohan

FOLL: Rhys Stanley, Cam Guthrie, Mark Blicavs

I/C: Tom Atkins, Mark O’Connor, Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Henry, Jack Bowes

We say: There’s probably not a more difficult 22 to put together than the reigning premiers’ – and understandably so after they added Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Henry and Jack Bowes. We couldn’t find a spot for Bowes for now, so too Esava Ratugolea despite him impressing over the pre-season in a defensive role. It comes as all signs point to Tom Hawkins putting his hand up for selection, but don’t be surprised if the Cats hold him out until Round 2. Mitch Duncan is also yet to be ruled out for Round 1, but he seems unlikely to play, while Jack Henry will also miss the first few rounds.

Magpies’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard

HB: Nick Daicos, Jeremy Howe, Scott Pendlebury

C: Josh Daicos, Jack Crisp, Steele Sidebottom

HF: Jamie Elliott, Dan McStay, Taylor Adams

F: Bobby Hill, Brody Mihocek, Beau McCreery

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Jordan De Goey, Tom Mitchell

I/C: Mason Cox, Billy Frampton, John Noble, Reef McInnes, Will Hoskin-Elliott

We say: Perhaps the biggest call for Craig McRae is whether he opts to remain with Nathan Murphy in defence or the recruit Billy Frampton, with all signs pointing to the latter to play more of a key post role and free up the Pies’ other backs. Along with Tom Mitchell, Dan McStay and Bobby Hill, it’d mean all four of Collingwood’s recruits would line up Round 1. Mason Cox also figures to be there to chop out Darcy Cameron given McRae deployed two rucks for the majority of last season. A shoulder setback to Patrick Lipinski has opened the door for likely either Will Hoskin-Elliott or Reef McInness, and we’re tipping the latter, while Jack Ginnivan remains suspended until at least Round 3.

NORTH MELBOURNE V WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday, March 18, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Jack Ziebell

HB: Luke McDonald, Aiden Bonar, Josh Goater

C: Bailey Scott, Will Phillips, Liam Shiels

HF: Tom Powell, Charlie Comben, Ben Cunnington

F: Harry Sheezel, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke

I/C: Todd Goldstein, Curtis Taylor, Kayne Turner, Flynn Perez, Jaidyn Stephenson

We say: The Roos are set to be without several members of their best 22 due to injury in key cogs Ben McKay and Cameron Zurhaar in addition to Tarryn Thomas. Callum Coleman-Jones is also still on the way back from a foot issue, with Charlie Comben to get first crack as the second tall forward. At the other end of the ground, recruit Griffin Logue will patrol the defence in McKay’s absence. Aidan Corr, Curtis Taylor and Aaron Hall all played in the VFL scratch match in their road back from their own injuries, and you sense Hall is the one who faces the biggest battle to walk back into the senior side. 

Eagles’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass, Liam Duggan

HB: Tom Cole, Jeremy McGovern, Brady Hough

C: Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly, Andrew Gaff

HF: Jamie Cripps, Jack Darling, Jayden Hunt

F: Liam Ryan, Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman

FOLL: Callum Jamieson, Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed

I/C: Reuben Ginbey, Xavier O’Neill, Campbell Chesser, Jack Petruccelle, Jamaine Jones

We say: The Eagles will be looking to get off to winning start in 2023 after their disastrous campaign last year. And their experienced backline trio of Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern are set to lead the way. West Coast are hopeful Jack Darling proves his fitness to take on the Kangaroos after battling an ankle issue. Given the loss of retired Josh Kennedy, there’s plenty of pressure on Darling to perform and lead the attack end that’s welcoming back Oscar Allen. Allen missed the entire 2022 season through injury and makes a timely return. Campbell Chesser may have done enough to edge fellow rookie Elijah Hewett for a Round 1 debut. Expect Adam Simpson to turn to the kids if his ageing midfield can’t get the job done early.

PORT ADELAIDE V BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday, March 18, 4:35pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s predicted Round 1 team

B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Jonas, Ryan Burton

HB: Dan Houston, Aliir Aliir, Jase Burgoyne

C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Miles Bergman

HF: Orazio Fantasia, Todd Marshall, Jason Horne-Francis

F: Junior Rioli, Charlie Dixon, Sam Powell-Pepper

FOLL: Scott Lycett, Zak Butters, Connor Rozee

I/C: Travis Boak, Willem Drew, Mitch Georgiades, Kane Farrell, Riley Bonner

We say: Off-season additions Jason Horne-Francis and Willie Rioli provide an instant boost for Ken Hinkley’s side, and although we’ve named the former up forward, expect him to play predominantly through the midfield alongside Connor Rozee, Ollie Wines and Zak Butters. Travis Boak missed the club’s practice match against Fremantle with a rib injury but is expected to be fit, while Jeremy Finlayson has returned to full training after an ankle setback but might open the season in the SANFL. Tom Clurey is recovering from ankle surgery, with Jase Burgoye seemingly ahead of Trent McKenzie and Riley Bonner for now. The Power are otherwise blessed with one of the smallest injury lists in the competition in ideal preparation for Round 1 from a personnel perspective.

Lions’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Daniel Rich, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich

HB: Keidean Coleman, Jack Payne, Cam Rayner

C: Darcy Wilmot, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry

HF: Eric Hipwood, Jack Gunston, Zac Bailey

F: Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher, Lincoln McCarthy

FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley

I/C: Will Ashcroft, Deven Robertson, Connor McKena, Darragh Joyce, Jarryd Lyons

We say: Although bolstered by gun recruits Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft and Jack Gunston, the Lions could be without several members of their best 22 for Round 1, with Darcy Gardiner unlikely, Dayne Zorko ruled out and Noah Answerth, Jarrod Berry and Ryan Lester all racing the clock to be fit. It leaves Jack Payne and Harris Andrews to anchor the defence with Marcus Adams also sidelined and Brandon Starcevich forced to play taller, while Cam Rayner moves to the half back flank. Assuming Lester and Answerth don’t get up, Darragh Joyce edges out Jaxon Prior for the last spot on the bench given the team’s diminished defensive stocks.

MELBOURNE V WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday, March 18, 7:25pm at the MCG

Demons’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Steven May, Harrison Petty, Trent Rivers

HB: Angus Brayshaw, Jake Lever, Jake Bowey

C: Lachie Hunter, Clayton Oliver, Ed Langdon

HF: James Harmes, Ben Brown, Bailey Fritsch

F: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Kysaiah Pickett

FOLL: Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney

I/C: Brodie Grundy, Judd McVee, Charlie Spargo, Tom Sparrow, Michael Hibberd

We say: Melbourne will roll out its new-look ruck combo of All Australian duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy for Round 1. The two dominant big men are expected to rotate forward in a bid to share game time after the Demons’ remarkable off-season trade coup. Fellow new Demon Lachie Hunter walks straight into an outside mid role to help support the likes of stars Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Ed Langdon. But it’s up forward that Melbourne have its work cut out. A fit Tom McDonald will fill the role in Round 1 after he failed to play after Round 10 last season due to injury, but Bailey Fritsch is in doubt as well as Jack Viney.

Bulldogs’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Ed Richards, Liam Jones, Taylor Duryea

HB: Caleb Daniel, Alex Keath, Bailey Dale

C: Bailey Williams, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith

HF: Adam Treloar, Rory Lobb, Toby McLean

F: Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

FOLL: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae

I/C: Sam Darcy, Oskar Baker, Anthony Scott, Rhylee West, Josh Bruce

We say: Arguably one of the most versatile line ups in the AFL. Dogs coach Luke Beveridge has committed to going tall in season 2023, on the back of the recruitment of Rory Lobb and the continued development of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Sam Darcy will be on managed game time given his young age, but will prove a key swingman in 2023. But scoring hasn’t been the Bulldogs’ Achilles’ heel, with their backline conceding the most points of any of the top 11 teams last season. With Ryan Gardner to miss the start of the season through injury, Josh Bruce is the player to put his hand up for a position switch. His versatility will help cover a number of positions should the Dogs require, while Liam Jones slots straight in at fullback. Cody Weightman and Arthur Jones still are both unlikely to line up, but remain some chance.

GOLD COAST SUNS V SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday, March 18, 8:00pm at Heritage Bank Stadium

Suns’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Caleb Graham, Sam Collins, Ben Long

HB: Charlie Constable, Charlie Ballard, Jy Farrar

C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, Elijah Hollands

HF: Joel Jeffrey, Mabior Chol, Ben Ainsworth

F: Jack Lukosius, Ben King, Nick Holman

FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson

I/C: David Swallow, Sam Flanders, Darcy Macpherson, Alex Davies, Brayden Fiorini

We say: Ben King makes his long-awaited return from his ACL injury, forcing Levi Casboult out of the 22 despite playing a key role in the forward line last season. Charlie Constable is set to get his proper opportunity at the Suns in a new half back role with the likes of Lachie Weller, Connor Budarick, Wil Powell and Sean Lemmens on their way back from injury, while Brandon Ellis should play despite battling a calf issue. Bailey Humphrey pushed his case for a Round 1 debut after an impressive showing in the match simulation against Essendon, but a foot setback might’ve hurt his chances.

Swans’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Tom McCartin, Paddy McCartin, Nick Blakey

HB: Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, Oliver Florent

C: Callum Mills, James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden

HF: Isaac Heeney, Logan McDonald, Will Hayward

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Dylan Stephens

FOLL: Peter Ladhams, Chad Warner, Luke Parker

I/C: Justin McInerney, Braeden Campbell, Hayden McLean, Harry Cunningham, Matt Roberts

We say: Last year’s grand finalists will head into Round 1 without ruckman Tom Hickey. That leaves a hefty load on the shoulders of Peter Ladhams, with Hayden McLean likely to edge out Sam Reid for the bench role given his ruck versatility. Veteran Lance Franklin still needs to prove his fitness after struggling with a calf complaint in the new year. But Reid looms as the like-for-like swap for coach John Longmire should Franklin need another week. Ultimately, don’t expect to see a new-look Swans line up in 2023 given the success they enjoyed last season.

GWS GIANTS V ADELAIDE CROWS

Sunday, March 19, 1:10pm at Giants Stadium

Giants’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Isaac Cumming, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun

HB: Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes, Lachie Ash

C: Finn Callaghan, Josh Kelly, Harry Perryman

HF: Brent Daniels, Harry Himmelberg, Daniel Lloyd

F: Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Jake Riccardi

FOLL: Braydon Preuss, Stephen Coniglio, Tom Green

I/C: Callan Ward, Jacob Wehr, Adam Kennedy, Leek Aleer, Xavier O’Halloran

We say: The new-look Giants go into 2023 under new coach Adam Kingsley in good health – a luxury the club hasn’t always had – outside of recruit Toby Bedford, while Brent Daniels is also working his way back from a hamstring issue. The back six is rock solid and will be boosted by Lachie Whitfield in his customary half back position, while moving further up the ground, Finn Callaghan’s emergence on the wing will be an exciting thing to watch for GWS fans. Despite the midfield losses of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, Kingsley still has ample star power in Josh Kelly, Tom Green and Stephen Coniglio in what looms as a tighter rotation. Harry Himmelberg has moved back into the forward line to round out a three-pronged attack with Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi.

Crows’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Patrick Parnell, Jordon Butts, Max Michalanney

HB: Brodie Smith, Tom Doedee, Nick Murray

C: Jordan Dawson, Rory Laird, Mitchell Hinge

HF: Izak Rankine, Darcy Fogarty, Ben Keays

F: Elliot Himmelberg, Taylor Walker, Shane McAdam

FOLL: Reilly O’Brien, Sam Berry, Josh Rachele

I/C: Rory Sloane, Jake Soligo, Harry Schoenberg, Luke Pedlar, Chayce Jones

 

We say: Elliot Himmelberg is set to play the key forward/backup ruck role, having gone ahead of Riley Thilthorpe in the pecking order after the latter didn’t feature in the final practice match. Draftee Max Michalanney is also right in the frame to make his debut as another key selection call for Matthew Nicks, effectively competing with Wayne Milera and Chayce Jones for the role with Andrew McPherson sidelined. Rory Laird and Sam Berry will be the two mainstays in the Crows’ midfield, with the likes of Jake Soligo, Josh Rachele, Izak Rankine and Ben Keays set to rotate through. Rory Sloane returns from his ACL injury, Matt Crouch is sidelined due to a minor leg fracture.

HAWTHORN V ESSENDON

Sunday, March 19, 3:20pm at the MCG

Hawks’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Blake Hardwick, James Blanck, Sam Frost

HB: Will Day, James Sicily, Changkuoth Jiath

C: Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward, Karl Amon

HF: Dylan Moore, Jacob Koschitzke, Connor Macdonald

F: Luke Breust, Lloyd Meek, Fergus Greene

FOLL: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel

I/C: Chad Wingard, Finn Maginness, Jarman Impey, Lachlan Bramble, Connor Nash

We say: The departures of several experienced players sees the Hawks line up very different in 2023. Mitch Lewis’ knee injury has opened the door for Fergus Greene to fill a void up forward, with the former Bulldog impressing in the practice match against Collingwood with three goals. Similarly, draftee Cam Mackenzie also shined against the Magpies and is all but certain to make his debut in Round 1. Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Josh Ward are set to lead a new-look midfield with support from Will Day and Finn Maginness, who’ll play some prolific shut down roles after effectively nullifying Nick Daicos in the practice match. Denver Grainger-Barras appears to have fallen down the key defensive players pecking order, but could easily come into senior calculations at some stage.

Bombers’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Jordan Ridley, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Jayden Laverde

HB: Andy McGrath, Jake Kelly, Mason Redman

C: Nic Martin, Dylan Shiel, Will Setterfield

HF: Archie Perkins, Sam Weideman, Jye Caldwell

F: Jye Menzie, Peter Wright, Matt Guelfi

FOLL: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish

I/C: Massimo D’Ambrosio, Harrison Jones, Sam Durham, Alwyn Davey jnr, Nick Hind

We say: Brad Scott goes into his first game back in the hot seat without Jake Stringer, while Jye Caldwell and Dyson Heppell are also in doubt, with Caldwell seemingly more likely to get up to face the Hawks. Alwyn Davey jnr appears set to be unleashed over the pre-season, with he and Jye Menzie winning the small forward roles over the returning Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. They join a new-look Bombers forward line straightened up by Sam Weideman, while Will Setterfield rounds out a deepened midfield. Ben Hobbs and Kyle Lanford have both has disrupted pre-seasons and we expect them to start the season in the twos.

ST KILDA V FREMANTLE DOCKERS

Sunday, March 19, 3:20pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Dougal Howard, Jimmy Webster, Callum Wilkie

HB: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jack Sinclair, Josh Battle

C: Ben Paton, Marcus Windhager, Mason Wood

HF: Mattaes Phillipou, Mitch Owens, Jade Gresham

F: Zaine Cordy, Anthony Caminiti, Jack Higgins

FOLL: Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Brad Crouch

I/C: Liam Stocker, Hunter Clark, Dan Butler, Brad Hill, Jack Bytel

We say: Ross Lyon has possibly the biggest challenge of all coaches in Round 1 as the club’s forward crisis hit a new low this week. With Max King already ruled out along with Jack Hayes and Matt Allison through injury, there was confirmation on Monday that Tim Membrey would also miss. It leaves Mitch Owens to lead the attack with rookie draftee Mattaes Phillipou and the untried Anthony Caminiti. Seb Ross (calf) will likely miss as well and has been left out of our predicted team, but is a walk up return when fit. Brad Hill is a must-watch in 2023 given his less than stellar last season. But a reunion with Ross Lyon could be the key to unlocking his known running game.

Dockers’ predicted Round 1 team

B: Luke Ryan, Brennan Cox, Heath Chapman

HB: Hayden Young, Alex Pearce, Jordan Clark

C: James Aish, Andrew Brayshaw, Ethan Hughes

HF: Nat Fyfe, Luke Jackson, Michael Frederick

F: Lachie Schultz, Matt Taberner, Sam Switkowski

FOLL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Jaeger O’Meara

I/C: Will Brodie, Brandon Walker, Sam Sturt, Nathan Wilson, Liam Henry

We say: The Dockers will line up very differently to how they finished last season including unveiling recruits Luke Jackson and Jaeger O’Meara, with the former expected to play primarily as a forward alongside Nat Fyfe to help cover the void left by Rory Lobb. Ethan Hughes takes Blake Acres’ spot on the wing, with Liam Henry the unlucky one left out and Nathan O’Driscoll and Michael Walters working their way back from injury. It’s created an opportunity for Sam Sturt to return to the side for his first game since 2021 after impressing with two goals in the club’s pre-season hitout against Port Adelaide.