Practice games have begun for the 2023 season. We recap notable performances throughout the two games and look at players you may need to watch more closely or potentially remove from your radar.
PRACTICE GAMES
Geelong v Hawthorn
- Jack Bowes (AF $607k SC $277k DEF) was prolific, starting off half forward and attending some centre bounces during the 2nd term.
- Esava Ratugolea (AF $332k SC $174k R/F) provided a strong aerial presence, taking multiple intercept marks to start off the game. An injury scare for Jack Henry (foot) might open the door for Ratugolea to enter the senior side.
- Tom Stewart (AF $836k SC $604k DEF) and James Sicily (AF $854k SC $624k DEF) each played their usual roles, though kick-ins were shared in both sides. Sicily even attended a couple of centre bounces during the 2nd period, which might just be coach Sam Mitchell experimenting.
- James Worpel (AF $463k SC $309k MID) had lots of opportunity in the midfield, with a 56.7% CBA rate through four quarters, although his ball use could’ve been better. Will Day (AF $537k SC $362k DEF) also saw plenty of midfield exposure.
- Josh Weddle (AF $266k SC $130k DEF) was quiet, although Geelong’s dominance didn’t help.
- Fergus Greene (AF $200k SC $123k FWD) showed some nice flashes up forward, also hitting the scoreboard with a goal.
Gold Coast v Essendon
- Charlie Constable (AF $332k SC $123k D/M) found plenty of the footy off half back and is looking more and more likely to lock up a spot in the 22.
- Sam Flanders (AF $508k SC $256k M/F) spent most time playing half forward but was still a ball magnet, also impacting the scoreboard with two goals.
- Darcy Parish (AF $888k SC $610k MID) led the Essendon midfield and was at his ball-winning best.
- Jordan Ridley (AF $669k SC $504k DEF) intercepted well in the strong breeze, and took most of Essendon’s kick-ins when he was on.
- Sam Draper (AF $524k SC $398k RUCK) only came on at the start of the 3rd period, but made an impact from there onwards.
- Jye Menzie (AF $283k SC $154k FWD) was strong in attack, kicking three goals and providing great forward pressure. A rookie option to watch closely.
Read Friday’s practice games recap
UPDATES
Sam Walsh (AF $916k SC $610k MID) is expected to return to full training ahead of Carlton’s round 1 clash against Richmond.
“It’ll be a couple of weeks’ time. He’ll slowly integrate over the next couple of weeks, so we’ll start to see him integrate back into skills. But until he gets session after session and he can back it up, that’ll give us a better idea on approximately where he’s going to be,” coach Michael Voss said.
Sam Docherty (AF $977k SC $603k DEF) will see a mix of midfield and defence time before a decision is made on a role to settle with.
“Despite the chatter around where he will or won’t play, I just think we found something at the back-end of last year that was worthwhile to continue to pursue,” Voss said.
Conor McKenna (AF $373k SC $167k DEF) will be featured with the seniors in Brisbane’s practice match against Sydney, and whether he can hold a spot in the 22 will be something to closely monitor.
“He’s had a good impact since he arrived. I think he’s gonna be definitely thereabouts for the first team. He’s playing this week in the senior team against Sydney. It’ll be good to see how he goes,” coach Chris Fagan said.
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