Three debutants were named ahead of Round 2, while Jaidyn Stephenson earned praise and there were positive words for Tom Powell’s job security and Josh Treacy’s availability got fast-tracked.

TEAM NEWS

Ins: Constable, Evans (debutant), Henry, Tuohy, T.Berry

Outs: Jenkins, Dangerfield (susp), Menegola (inj), Guthrie, Coleman

Geelong unearthed a debutant in Francis Evans (AF $170k SC $123k FWD), while Sam Menegola (AF $760k SC $579k MID) was ruled out and Mitch Duncan (AF $809k SC $556k MID) didn’t return as expected.

Jordan Clark (AF $421k SC $241k DEF/MID) holds, along with well-owned Brisbane pair Tom Fullarton (AF $170k SC $128k FWD/RUCK) and Harry Sharp (AF $197k SC $117k DEF), while Max Holmes (AF $232k SC $121k MID/FWD), Jaxon Prior (AF $170k SC $123k DEF) and Deven Robertson (AF $186k SC $176k MID/FWD) were interesting names on the emergency lists.

DEBUTANT ALERTS

Geelong debutant Francis Evans (AF $170k SC $123k FWD) was pick 41 in the 2019 AFL Draft and was a bit of a bolter. He's a medium forward.

Adelaide also confirmed 20-year-old key defender Nick Murray (AF $170k SC $102k DEF) will debut. He was signed in this year's supplementary selection period.

Fremantle confirmed late in the day that Heath Chapman (AF $244k SC $148k DEF) will make his debut on Sunday against the GWS Giants. He was pick 14 in the 2020 AFL Draft and is a versatile/key defender.

UPDATES

North Melbourne coach David Noble offered some kind words to Tom Powell (AF $269k SC $153k MID) which will encourage owners on his job security.

Noble said: "We saw what Tom Powell could do. We put him in the midfield in the last quarter and he was terrific. He got some clearances. He got bowled over too, we've got to put some kilos on him."

On Charlie Lazzaro (AF $190k SC $117k MID), Noble added: "(Our injury list) gives us some great opportunity to play our youth, to be able to give Lazzaro another look at it this week."

Aidan Corr (AF $469k SC $381k DEF) will be available despite being subbed off, while Luke McDonald (AF $692k SC $512k DEF) won't be rushed back and Ben Cunnington (AF $503k SC $439k MID) will likely miss again.

The Roos coach said: "Jed (Anderson) and Hally (Aaron Hall) are back in contention this week. Cunnington is probably one more week away."

Noble offered some praise to popular pick Jaidyn Stephenson (AF $512k SC $354k FWD), when he said: "Jaidyn adds a different element to our midfield. People forget how tall and how quick he is. He really excited us."

Essendon coach Ben Rutten explained Alec Waterman's (AF $170k SC $102k FWD) half-back role in the VFL.

Rutten said: "He spent a bit of time in the VFL down back. We want to increase his level of conditioning so he can play more gametime and give him a better opportunity to play AFL. We want to see what he can do down back."

He also strongly indicated Archie Perkins (AF $254k SC $171k M/F) won't debut in Round 2. Rutten said: "Archie will be close. He played really well last week in the VFL. I'm sure it won't be long before we see Archie, but not sure it'll be this week just yet."

Jake Stringer (AF $394k SC $282k FWD) is another who won't play in Round 2 which is probably good news for Harry Jones (AF $196k SC $123k FWD) owners.

Rutten said: "Jake won't play in the AFL this weekend. He'll play another game in the VFL... Jake needs to be coming in fit to perform not just for one week but for 22 weeks."

Fremantle had a win early in the day, with the rules around Josh Treacy's (AF $170k SC $102k RUCK/FWD) two-week WAFL ban adjusted meaning he'll be available to play AFL in Round 3 not Round 5 as previously determined given the leagues don't align in timing.

GWS have a selection squeeze up forward with Brent Daniels (AF $454k SC $356k FWD) available and Jake Riccardi (AF $479k SC $336k FWD) pressing to return from an ankle injury. This may impact Tanner Bruhn's (AF $246k SC $157k MID) selection.

TOMORROW

Ken Hinkley, Brett Ratten and Alastair Clarkson will speak to the media, while we'll get Saturday's teams and witness Friday's Geelong-Brisbane match.