While there’s still one round of pre-season hit-outs to come, many AFL players pushed their cases for selection early in 2024 across match simulation week.
From recent draftees and recruits who seem ready to go, to luckless players who seem primed for a decent crack at AFL level this year.
ADELAIDE CROWS
Mass unavailability down back – and a quieter showing from top draftee Dan Curtin – means James Borlase is a good chance to line up for the Crows in Round 1. Nick Murray (knee) isn’t due back until the middle of the season and Tom Doedee is now at Brisbane, while Jordon Butts (hamstring) and Mark Keane (concussion) will be monitored closely ahead of the Crows’ first game. Should the latter two be unavailable, Borlase looms as the next man up to partner Max Michalanney down back for Adelaide. Borlase, who played in the final four games of Adelaide’s 2023 campaign, had a couple of promising moments against the Power in match simulation on Friday night. Although Curtin, who’s had an injury-interrupted yet eye-catching pre-season, can’t be ruled out either.
BRISBANE LIONS
James Tunstill, 20, impressed onlookers during the AFL portion of Brisbane’s hitout against Gold Coast, getting involved plenty through the middle of the ground. “Really liked Tunstill’s game,” said Brisbane-based journalist Michael Whiting. “Could he push for Opening Round?” The five-gamer appeared only twice at senior level for the Lions last year, but he’ll be aiming to make his presence felt among a star-studded midfield group in Springfield. In all likelihood, a forced outs for one of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley or Jarrod Berry presents as Tunstill’s most probable way into Chris Fagan’s side. Might he wind-up on the interchange or as Brisbane’s sub for its season-opener against Carlton?
CARLTON
Maybe Ashton Moir is closer to a senior debut than we thought? Especially after Jack Silvagni’s unfortunate ACL rupture. The exciting and versatile SA product was one of last year’s big draft sliders, despite still being taken at the end of the (lengthy) first round. But Moir impressed against Geelong in match simulation on Thursday, booting two goals and showing brief glimpses of brilliance. Blues assistant coach Aaron Hamill said post-game: “With these sorts of games, you get a couple of free hits — Ashton is one of them. He’s had a really good block as a first-year player. It stems a little bit from the injury to ‘SOS’ (injury)), how we can inject Ashton in there. There’ll be some good moments for him … He’s certainly got some work to do as a first-year player, of course, but for him to be picked today, we like what he has done and we saw little bits of improvement today which is what we’re after.”
And with Jacob Weitering sidelined for Opening Round, don’t rule Sam Durdin out of selection contention. Durdin, the former Kangaroos defender who was selected by the Blues in the 2022 mid-season draft, has played just one game for Carlton in the past one-and-a-half seasons. But he’s doing everything right to line up against the Lions, who possess a potent tall forward line.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood supporters have been infatuated with the burgeoning progress of onballer Finlay Macrae this pre-season, and he may well be slated for an appearance in the Magpies’ season-opener against the Giants. Macrae continued his stellar pre-season against North Melbourne, collecting crucial possessions through the middle of the ground early in the game and even hitting the scoreboard. Though he, like the Pies, faded as the game went on. The fourth-year midfielder has applied a body of work that is tough to overlook, increasing his chances of being a part of the reigning premiers’ Opening Round team – but it’s a hard team to crack into. The 21-year-old has managed just 12 senior games across three AFL seasons, but following the void left by departed midfielder Taylor Adams this off-season, the rising ball-winner appears to be in line for increased opportunity.
SSP recruit Lachlan Sullivan was another Pie who impressed those in attendance at AIA Vitality Centre, showcasing his contest work and nifty disposal by foot, but you sense his opportunity might come further down the line considering the Pies have a near full bill of health.
Meanwhile, medium-sized forwards Reef McInnes and Ash Johnson have seemingly been competing for the starting spot in Craig McRae’s side left by the injured Dan McStay. The duo each snagged three majors against the Roos and presented as formidable forward-50 marking threats with their leading patterns. The pair staked considerable claims to play against the Giants on March 9, but you sense only one gets the final nod from McRae’s match committee. McInnes might just be ahead for now after impressing over the pre-season.
ESSENDON
Slim pickings for the Bombers after a 66-point loss to St Kilda, but at the least, the injury-plagued Zach Reid not only got through a half unscathed, but had several standout moments playing as a key defender. Reid has managed just eight AFL games in three seasons – including none in 2023 – after being taken by Essendon with Pick 10 in 2020. But the 202cm key defender worked well alongside recruit Ben McKay in the first half, spoiling strongly and showing good athleticism below his knees. Assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa post-match said: “We’re excited. You probably temper it a little bit with his history, but he was a top pick for a reason. He’s had a really strong summer and been able to get out on the park and really connect with his teammates, which is important playing in that defensive six or seven.”
Nate Caddy has been impressive since being drafted by the Bombers and remains in the mix.
FREMANTLE
As big a loss as Lachie Schultz was during last year’s trade period, the Dockers seem to have a role replacement from within through Tom Emmett. The mature-age draftee not only found the goals against the Eagles on Saturday but brought his teammates into the game forward of centre in a sign he could have an impact at AFL level early this season.
Yet Emmett could be competing with recent Dockers draftee Cooper Simpson for a small forward spot, although Emmett is more of a pure small forward compared to Simpson, who can play in the midfield or inside 50. Simpson played the second half against the Eagles and brought ample energy to the contest, including a late goal and some strong tackles.
SSP signing Jeremy Sharp is also considered in the mix to play Round 1, but he missed the club’s clash with West Coast due to illness.
GEELONG CATS
After seven games in two seasons, Ollie Dempsey seems destined for more AFL matches in 2024, if his performance against Carlton last week is anything to go by. Dempsey, named in the VFL team of the year last season, showed ample dash and excitement around the ball, while he also took a brilliant mark over Blue Blake Acres. Dempsey’s workrate forward of centre could add an exciting dimension to Geelong’s AFL side this year. Dempsey credited the return of assistant coach James Rahilly as a big reason behind his promising form, telling reporters post-match: “‘Rahills’ coming in has really helped me, I’ve really liked that having a new forwards coach. Not that ‘Nig’ (Lappin) was bad or anything but Rahills has been really good for me, he has confidence in me. I feel like I’m playing with more confidence this year. Just giving me licence, talking to me and reassurance and stuff like that. Giving me more of the opportunity I guess and I’m really enjoying it.”
Elsewhere, Rahilly said all of Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale could play in the same side. Neale looms as another key forward option that could catch a few opposition defences off-guard. He played with great presence inside forward 50 against Carlton and took several strong grabs as he added one goal himself. Rahilly said: “What is he, 203cm? Moves like a gazelle. He competed pretty well today.”
Top 2023 draft pick Connor O’Sullivan would be an outside Round 1 chance. He started the match on the wing, having trained there across summer, before pushing into defence, where he spent most of his draft year. He even lined up on dual Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow for periods.
GOLD COAST SUNS
The one to keep an eye on is mature-age rookie Sam Clohesy, who could be an outside chance to be named on the wing after an impressive showing against Brisbane. Clohesy returns to the Suns’ set-up after being part of the club’s academy program from the ages of 14 to 16 before relocating back to Melbourne with his family. The 20-year-old put his name back on the draft radar in 2023 with an awesome campaign with Werribee, winning the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal in 2023 as the best young talent in the VFL.
Of the academy products, the versatile Ethan Read is an outside Opening Round chance as a key defender. After impressing as a ruck and forward in 2023 at junior level, Read was thrown into defensive 50 following the second term against the Lions — and showed plenty for Suns fans to be excited about.
Returning defender Connor Budarick was among Gold Coast’s best players, showcasing the dangerous rebounding ability that was shelved following a pair of ACL ruptures. As a result, the former Academy graduate was limited to just two senior games last season, but if his pre-season body of work is any indicator, he’s set for a revitalising 2024 campaign. New back six running mate Alex Sexton was another Suns bright spot, as the 30-year-old ex-forward strutted his stuff as an offensive-minded flanker. The inaugural Sun’s career appeared to be coming to a close after having been continually overlooked as a forward by Gold Coast’s match committee. However, enter Damien Hardwick this pre-season and the 166-gamer has been reborn behind the ball.
GWS GIANTS
Aaron Cadman (four goals) lodged a promising display against the Swans on Thursday, registering 13 possessions and two marks in an all-round display. The second-year key-position player also notched a couple of hit-outs across five centre-bounce visits, teasing a capability to run through the midfield as a second ruck. The 19-year-old played 12 senior games in his maiden campaign for a modest return of six goals, but he appears to be putting his hand up for a bigger workload this year and seems poised for an Opening Round berth against the Magpies.
Jacob Wehr also put his best foot forward, collecting 19 disposals (14 effective) and six marks – with 11 of those possessions coming in the final term. Wehr – who was in the wars last season after breaking his shoulder – is contending with the likes of Finn Callaghan and Harry Perryman for a spot on one of Adam Kingsley’s wings. Interestingly, both Callaghan (shoulder) and Perryman (hamstring) are battling injuries ahead of GWS’ meeting with Collingwood, leaving the 25-year-old Wehr with a serious case to play on March 9.
GWS Academy selection Harvey Thomas (14 effective disposals from 18 possessions) was buzzing around against the Swans as a high-half-forward. Last year’s Pick 59 is unlikely to feature much for the Giants in his debut season amid a talented crop of Giants small forwards, but he certainly put his name out into the atmosphere.
Darcy Jones, 2022 first-round draftee, didn’t play against the Swans after an impressive pre-season. The 19-year-old has elicited rave reviews after his maiden season was spent on the sidelines following an ACL rupture.
HAWTHORN
Even though all of Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Conor Nash faced the Western Bulldogs on Friday, it was Henry Hustwaite who attended more centre bounces than any other player. Not only that, he was one of the team’s better players in a losing cause. Hustwaite seems destined to quickly add to his two-game AFL career tally, showing excellent poise and clean disposal in congestion while also pushing forward to kick two goals against the Bulldogs. Assistant coach Kade Simpson said post-game: “Henry is just really eager to learn and not afraid to match it with the big guys. All summer he has been going up against guys like Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Conor Nash. He’s been challenging himself against them – and they’re quality midfielders – so now stepping out against guys like Tom Liberatore is not that much of a big step up for him because he’s been doing it all summer.”
And after being on the outer of Essendon’s best 22 last year, Massimo D’Ambrosio looms as a starting high half-back for the Hawks. He won plenty of the ball against the Dogs and had some eye-catching moments when disposing by foot.
As for Nick Watson, he’s probably not a ‘lock’ at this stage.
MELBOURNE
While he isn’t a ‘lock’, Caleb Windsor would consider himself pretty unlucky if he’s overlooked by Simon Goodwin’s match committee for Melbourne’s season-opening clash with Sydney. The 2023 No. 6 draft pick’s run and carry was pivotal to the Demons’ forward movement during their match simulation hitout against Richmond last Sunday. While his disposal was at times shaky, the 18-year-old’s effort was unquestioned, even in a warm-up game.
Elsewhere, recruit Jack Billings could make an immediate impact at the Dees. Teammate Tom Sparrow said Billings was “silky smooth on both feet”, which was on display against Richmond in match simulation.
Helping the aforementioned names is Melbourne’s midfield depth taking a hit over the off-season with the departures of James Harmes and James Jordon, plus Angus Brayshaw’s retirement and uncertainty around Clayton Oliver, who appears on track to play Opening Round.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Colby McKercher is close to a certainty to be included in Alastair Clarkson’s Round 1 North Melbourne side to face GWS.
The former Allies and Tasmania Devils standout notched 25 disposals and three marks against Collingwood on Wednesday, but it was his distribution and navigation with ball in hand that elicited the most positive reactions from onlookers.
McKercher’s relentless run and carry from defensive 50 through the corridor reminded of reigning Rising Star – and half-back flank teammate – Harry Sheezel. Those two, working in tandem, pose as a daunting proposition for opponents this year.
“I can’t remember North Melbourne having a player who kicks the ball as well as McKercher, if there has been I’m sorry, but it’s been a long time!” said King on Wednesday evening, taking to X to impress praise upon the young Apple Isle native.
“All the clubs in the bag, but his lob wedge that finds targets in among zoning oppo (opposition) players, unreal. Larkey (is going to) love him!”
Added teammate George Wardlaw: “Oh that (a Round 1 debut) is pretty safe to say, I think.”
Elsewhere, Charlie Lazzaro looks like he’ll play in Round 1 after a sizzling summer following years of being on the outer, while Kallan Dawson and Toby Pink could spearhead a new-look North Melbourne backline.
PORT ADELAIDE
After being on the fringe of Port Adelaide’s best 23 last season, father-son gun Jase Burgoyne is right in the mix to start on the wing for Round 1. The 20-year-old, who’s played 13 games in his two seasons on the Power’s list, began match simulation against Adelaide on the wing, with Miles Bergman on the other side of the centre square and veteran Travis Boak also rotating through the position off the bench. The wing spots at Port have appeared relatively up for grabs in the lead-up to the start of the season, although Bergman seems destined to move up the ground after impressing as a defender in 2024. Willem Drew, who was out with a shoulder injury on Friday, is another option, but Burgoyne looked composed and covered the ground well against the Crows to suggest he could get a crack.
The other young Power father-son player to push his Round 1 case against Adelaide was Jackson Mead, who made the most of his on-ball time. After a strong intra-club showing the previous week, Mead impressed again against the Crows in his natural midfield position. Assistant coach Chad Cornes said: “He often gets pushed out because of the others we have in there, but he got a bit of exposure in there and did some great stuff so everyone would be really happy for Meady because he puts the work in and he’s a really good person.”
RICHMOND
Mykelti Lefau, while his SSP contract was well-deserved after a strong pre-season body of work, is unlikely to feature in Richmond’s Opening Round side to take on Gold Coast. However, the Tigers will be glad to be able to call upon the New Zealander’s physicality throughout an enduring campaign.
Thomson Dow impressed against the Dees, though Richmond was missing basically its entire midfield, with Tim Taranto, Dustin Marin, Liam Baker and Dion Prestia all absent.
ST KILDA
He might’ve slid slightly during last year’s draft, but Darcy Wilson has given himself every chance to line up for the Saints in Round 1. The versatile Murray Bushrangers running machine was smooth and slick, both with and without the footy, against Essendon last week, showing impressive connection with his forward line. Assistant coach Robert Harvey said post-match: “He’s fitted in really well, he’s got a great attitude and he gets out what he puts in.”
And pre-season draftee Riley Bonner looms as another Round 1 chance. After falling out of favour at Port Adelaide, Bonner was picked up for free by the Saints. On Friday, he showed great dash and clean disposal to suggest he could play an important role for St Kilda in 2024.
SYDNEY SWANS
Pencil in recruit James Jordon to make his Swans debuts against former club Melbourne on March 7. The ex-Demon has integrated into John Longmire’s side in seamless fashion since arriving last October. Jordon appeared more than comfortable on a wing, finding space for uncontested possessions before moving inside at contests later in the game.
Matt Roberts was a noticeable feature of Sydney’s half-backline, aiming to break into John Longmire’s starting side for the season after managing just seven senior games across his first pair of AFL campaigns.
Later, in the clubs’ reserves clash, midfielder Angus Sheldrick played strongly, booting two goals and exerting his influence as an onballer, while emerging tall forward Jack Buller booted five majors as he looks to press for senior opportunities this year. Sheldrick played seven promising games – a Rising Star nomination among them – for Sydney’s seniors last season. He figures to be in the Opening Round conversation with Callum Mills remaining sidelined for the opening portion of the 2024 campaign.
WEST COAST EAGLES
While Harley Reid’s first outing in Eagles colours against opposition didn’t go to plan, there was enough to suggest he’ll be a key member of the Eagles’ Round 1 side. The No. 1 draftee took a while to warm into the game then later gave away a 50m penalty and sent a scare through the camp when he reached for his leg after a marking attempt. But the fact he started in the centre circle alongside Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo before being asked to play across half-back suggested Adam Simpson has big plans for him. Reid did, however, have some standout moments. West Coast assistant Luke Webster said post-match: “I think he showed some good signs. I like the fact he’s trying to take the game on, and that’s what we want to see from him.”
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Ryley Sanders’ chances of facing Melbourne in Round 1 is now at ‘put your house on it’ status. Following an outstanding summer after being drafted with Pick 6 in last year’s draft, Sanders was a standout for the Bulldogs against Hawthorn last week. His quick hands in tight then ability to explode away from congestion — highlighted by an excellent long-range running goal in the first quarter — left Dogs fans mightily excited. Asked post-game if Sanders could handle the hype, Dogs assistant coach Brendon Lade said: “He will be fine, he’s a pretty level-headed kid who takes everything in his stride. The good thing about Ryley is that he works really hard on his game and if he continues to do that, the results will come.”
After two injury-interrupted seasons, father-son gun Sam Darcy is also firing after a strong pre-season with great continuity. The versatile 208cm young star against Hawthorn worked well in tandem with Rory Lobb and split his game time between the ruck and forward line and thrived in both positions. He kicked three goals from his inside 50 opportunities, while he was strong at ruck contests against the likes of Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek. He also showed off his excellent aerobic capacity and freakish skills, picking the ball up cleanly below his knees and using both feet to kick with aplomb. Can he and Lobb play in the same side considering the other Dogs talls to fit in? It’s a pleasant problem for the Bulldogs’ match committee to ponder.
More of an outside Round 1 chance, but also keep your eyes on 2022 draftee Harvey Gallagher, who got ample on-ball exposure in the main game on Friday and didn’t look out of place.
