The first team news for Round 1 dropped with Carlton revealing Liam Reidy has been omitted, while there were press conferences offering a range of insights.
Lachlan McAndrew appears set to get first crack as Adelaide’s no.1 ruck this season, with Crows coach Matthew Nicks offering an insight into his thinking with Reilly O’Brien also in the mix.
Nicks said: “ROB (O’Brien) has been challenged this year with a rule change – and it’s a big one, it’s a huge rule change. Talking with ROB … he hadn’t practised the run and jump for a long time, for a number of years. As a lot of rucks had, they worked on a different craft.
“We’ve seen him transform that in a really short period of time … don’t write ROB off at all. But in the same breath, Lachie, he’s unique that he’s 210 (tall), he’s got a big jump on him, so from a centre-bounce point of view, he’s in a good position.”
Nicks also hinted Toby Murray could make his AFL debut. Nicks said: “He’s very similar to his brother (teammate Nick) in that there’s nothing left to chance, he’s a pro.
“(I’m not) surprised because of how hard he works, we saw something there, but really pleased with how fast he has developed … he’s done well to get to this point.”
Riley Thilthorpe should play following a back complaint that kept him out of their AAMI Series game. Nicks said: “He’s in a good space at the moment. We’ll train today and get a last look at, a feeling, on how he’s going.
“Digging down into that one a little more, it just wasn’t worth us risking Riley, it just didn’t make sense to play him in a practice match.”
Melbourne coach Steven King any fears that Kysaiah Pickett will miss their Round 1 game after travelling to Darwin for family reasons. King said: “We were pretty proactive with it.
“Kozzy needed to get back for family reasons and I fully support any father at our club to make sure they get to support their family. This was a no brainer for us. Kozzy will be back tomorrow, he’ll (train) and play.”
Geelong revealed James Worpel will miss their Round 1 game due to a finger infection, but is likely to be back after their bye for Round 3.
Richmond coach Adem Yze announced Sam Grlj will make his debut, discussing his attributes and likely role. He said: “He’ll bring a really competitive attitude, his will to win is next level.
“He wants the ball in his hands, and he wants to defend really hard, which is all we can ask of a half-back. He’s got some high talent and high speed when he’s on offence, but at the same time, his fight to death and the way that he defends is the reason why he’s in the team.”
Nick Vlastuin has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Yze said: “He just hasn’t done enough. He’s had his ankle, and he’s had a bit of a grumbly back. He’s too important to us to go risking in round one. He’ll get a really good block of training in now, because obviously we’ll have another three sessions before our next game, and he’ll be available for Round 2.”
North Melbourne also confirmed some debutants, with small Lachy Dovaston and SSP addition Tom Blamires announced.
