Eight debutants have been officially named this round after the teams were announced on Thursday, while Nat Fyfe, Harley Bennell, Zac Merrett and Marlion Pickett are among the big inclusions.

KEY INS
Atu Bosenavulagi, Will Kelly, Jon Patton, Josh Morris, Will Day, Zak Jones, Blake Acres, Nat Fyfe, Andrew McPherson, Fischer McAsey, Harley Bennell, Izak Rankine, Zac Merrett, Callan Ward (26), Sam Jacobs (26), Marlion Pickett, Riley Collier-Dawkins (26), Chad Warner, Dylan Stephens, Callum Porter (26), Jordon Sweet (26), Callum Moore (26), Louis Butler (26)

Plenty of debutants have been named this weekend, offering downgrade value but it’s important to consider which has the best job security. See below for a background check on them all.

Freo’s Nat Fyfe (AF $755k SC $670k MID) has been named after one week out with a hamstring. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said: “We’re planning on Fyfe playing. The big test is if he gets through training. If he does that, he’ll play.”

Popular pick Marlion Pickett (AF $255k, SC $201k – MID) has also been named in the Tigers’ 22 after two weeks out and will play.

KEY OUTS
Jordan De Goey, Josh Daicos, Tyler Brown, Harrison Jones, Ben Crocker, Myles Poholke, Trent Rivers, Matthew Rowell, Tristan Xerri, Ben Cunnington

NOT PICKED
John Noble, Darcy Cameron, Jarrod Brander, Tim Taranto, Jack Silvagni

RETAINED
Tom Lynch, Bailey Smith, Laitham Vandermeer (26)

It looks like Dogs duo Bailey Smith (AF $569k SC $459k FWD) and Laitham Vandermeer (AF $297k SC $225k M/F) will be good to go after concussions. Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said about Smith: “He’s one of those who needs to get through training. He seems to be OK.

“Him and Laitham have recovered pretty well. If they’re available, they’ll be important inclusions.”

DEBUTANTS
Izak Rankine (AF $170k SC $123k FWD) is a former number three draft pick for the Suns, who is a dangerous forward talent who would’ve got his opportunity earlier if not for injuries.

Suns coach Stuart Dew said: “You’re in because you worked so hard. We’re not expecting a highlights reel, we’re expecting you to do the basics. We’re really excited to have you in the footy side.”

Adelaide’s Andrew McPherson (AF $170k SC $123k DEF) joined the Crows with pick number 40 in the 2017 AFL Draft and, according to the Crows, “has earned his opportunity after a series of consistent scratch match performances”.

Collingwood’s Will Kelly (AF $170k, SC $123k – FWD) is a 194cm key defender/forward, father-son pick 29 in 2018 AFL Draft.

Pies coach Nathan Buckley said: “His pre-season was super. Moving him forward late last year has been a good move. His form has been consistent to warrant an opportunity. He’s got good size and moves really well, agile, work-rate through the roof.”

Collingwood’s Atu Bosenavulagi (AF $170k SC $123k FWD) was born in Fiji and was pick 77 in the 2018 AFL Draft. He is 180cm medium forward and ex-Australian rugby sevens junior representative.

Hawthorn’s Will Day (AF $246k SC $153k – DEF) is a skillful 187cm rebounding defender who was pick 13 in 2019 AFL Draft.

Fellow Hawk Josh Morris (AF $170k SC $117k – FWD) is a dangerous 186cm forward. He was Pick 57 in 2019 AFL Draft and averaged eight disposals in the 2019 SANFL reserves.

Dylan Stephens (AF $262k, SC $189k – MID), who is a 183cm midfielder and pick 5 in last year’s National Draft, was named by Sydney earlier this week for his debut.

Teammate Oliver Florent said: “He’s lightning, he probably nearly overlapped us all (in the time trial). Same as Chad, they’ve both fit in super easy. Great character.”

Chad Warner (AF $194k, SC $117k – MID) was also named by the Swans earlier this week. He’s a 181cm 19-year-old who was pick 39 in last year’s National Draft.

Florent said: “He’s super. He’s really hard at the footy. He’s a great bubbly character around the club. I can’t wait to play with him cos you know what you’re going to get from him.”

TOMORROW
Busy day with Adam Simpson, Simon Goodwin, David Teague, Ken Hinkley, Matthew Nicks and Stuart Dew to front the press. Follow our Twitter for updates.