Aaron Cadman during the GWS Giants pre-season training on January 18, 2023. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - ©Phil Hillyard )
Four club-vs-club match simulations were played on Wednesday and Thursday with some standout performances, important injury news and role changes noted.
Wednesday, February 21
North Melbourne v Collingwood, Arden St
Key notes
North toppled last year’s premiers in an update win, with rookie Colby McKercher impressing again, starring at half-back alongside Harry Sheezel and Zac Fisher. Recruit Dylan Stephens was impressive on the wing. Tristan Xerri was fit to play after his cheekbone injury and attended 29 of 33 CBs.
For Collingwood, Ash Johnson and Reef McInnes both booted 3 goals, as they seek a replacement for the injured Dan McStay. Fin Macrae had 25 of 33 CBAs in a sign of his growing importance. SSP signing Jack Bytel played across half-back, while Lachlan Sullivan (10 CBs) got midfield time and “was involved in several passages of play that resulted in goals”.
Injury news
North’s 2022 Draft pick 4 Zane Duursma didn’t play due to knee soreness. Fisher played on managed minutes after his recent hamstring issue. Jy Simpkin had a finger issue in the second period but played out the game.
Thursday, February 22
Sydney v Greater Western Sydney, Tramway Oval
Key notes
Brodie Grundy attended 24 of 31 CBs and impressed Sydney assistant coach Mark McVeigh along with fellow new recruit James Jordon who had 8 CBAs. He said: “Grundy did some really good things today, I think we’re all excited with what we’ve seen not only with his ruck work but also around the ground.
“Jordon on the wing and going inside at times was really good, we’re really pleased. They’re two players who have had the luxury of training really solidly every week, they’re fit and firing.” Errol Gulden played managed minutes in the second half.
Aaron Cadman was a major talking point, booting four goals and also chopping out in the ruck with 5 of 31 CBAs, alongside Kieran Briggs (20) and Jake Riccardi (6).
GWS rookie Harvey Thomas “looked right at home in his first official AFL hit-out” while Jacob Wehr won plaudits on the wing. Tom Green produced a “starring performance” too.
Injury news
Taylor Adams didn’t play for Sydney with McVeigh saying he was managed. He said: “Probably could’ve played today but we’ll launch him out next week. he’s been training exceptionally well so we’ve been really pleased with him. You’ve got to be careful about rolling them all out at times but he’s right to go next week.”
GWS young gun Darcy Jones sat out the game due to minor soreness but will be available next week.
View our match sim notes from the Richmond-Melbourne game
Carlton v Geelong, Ikon Park
Key notes
Geelong won by 17 points with Patrick Dangerfield impressing on the ball, along with Jhye Clark. Max Holmes was impressive off half-back, using his speed and carry.
On Holmes, Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly said: “He is probably that back half player and he has probably played a bit of wing and onball. We like to get the ball in his hands around that half back line.”
Geelong’s rucks were split between Toby Conway (9), Rhys Stanley (8) and Shannon Neale (2). On the ruck set-up, Cats Footy GM Andrew Mackie said: “Toby is training well but Rhys Stanley has done everything right too, 16th pre-season. Continues to be a solid contributor. I don’t think there’s a lean either way. Whether we play both, is a total different discussion but it’s also an option.”
Carlton youngster Ashton Moir was catapulted into the side, looming as a potential Jack Silvagni replacement, and kicked 2 goals. Oliver Hollands impressed, while Orazio Fantasia was crafty up forward and got through unscathed.
On Moir, Blues assistant coach Aaron Hamill said: “In these games you get a couple of free hits and Ashton is one of them. He’s had a good block as a first-year player. It stems a bit from Sos not in the side and how we can inject Ashton in there as that link type player.
“First-year player, he’s building his body, connection to the team and learning the game plan. Today was another bit of feedback for him. He’s certainly got some work to do, but for him to be picked today, we liked what he has done.”
Injury news
Zac Williams sat out the game as part of his recovery from a long-term ACL injury but isn’t far away. Hamill said: “He’s got to get through a couple more milestones physically with what he’s doing. He’s had an excellent couple of months. We won’t rush him. When he’s right, then we’ll inject him into the game. He’s not too far away. It’s on the table that he’ll maybe get some minutes next week.”
Brisbane v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena
Key notes
Brisbane won well, with Cam Rayner starring while Charlie Cameron booted 5 goals. Kai Lohmann and James Tunstill both got time on the wing for the Lions.
Touk Miller was among the Suns’ best, “busy throughout the first three terms and finished with a major to his name”. Sam Flanders attended 14 of 20 CBs and “the prolific ball winner showed all the signs he’s ready to take his game to another level in 2024”. Alex Sexton was deployed at half-back and “provided plenty of run and carry out of defensive 50”.
Injury news
Lachie Neale missed the game following groin surgery but he’ll likely be available next week in the AAMI Community Series. Suns young guns Jake Rogers and Jed Walter were unavailable due to injury.
View our match sim notes from the Richmond-Melbourne game
1 thought on “Match Sim Notes: Grundy & Cadman impress, Zac update & Blues rook on radar”