JLT1: v Port Adelaide at Memorial Oval, Port Pirie (3.40pm ACDT, Saturday, March 2)

JLT2: v Greater Western Sydney at UNSW Canberra Oval (7.10pm AEDT, Friday, March 8)

Players to watch

Brad Crouch: The powerful midfielder is keen to make up for lost time after missing last season with groin soreness. Has impressed during the pre-season and in last week's under-23s trial.

Tyson Stengle: The former Richmond small forward made a strong first impression with four goals in last week's under-23 trial against the Power. Will need to show he can play alongside Crows veteran Eddie Betts.

Wayne Milera: Has been burning up the track during the pre-season after a breakthrough season across half-back. Will be interesting to see if he's used through the midfield with the return of defender Brodie Smith.

What's new

The Crows have shaken up their line coaches, with new additions Marty Mattner taking over the defence and Michael Godden looking after the midfield, while Australian Football Hall of Fame defender Ben Hart moves from defence to the forwards. Also, small forward Lachlan Murphy will be hard to miss with his mullet hairstyle.

Missing

Midfielder Hugh Greenwood (abdominal) and defender Andrew McPherson (groin) are the only confirmed outs for the entire JLT Series. Key backman Daniel Talia (knee) and small defender Luke Brown (Achilles/ankle) could play in game two against GWS in Canberra, while Kyle Hartigan (knees) could be available for both games. – Lee Gaskin

JLT1: v Hawthorn, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex (12.40pm AEST, Sunday, March 3)

JLT2: v Melbourne, Casey Fields (4.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 9)

Players to watch

Lachie Neale: The club's prized off-season recruit. Neale has had an outstanding first pre-season in Brisbane and gets his first taste with his new teammates. How much can he help improve the Lions midfield?

Zac Bailey: The second-year speedster will be trialled in the backline. Bailey will likely command a spot in the best 22 regardless, but his zip in the back half would add a new element to the Lions' arsenal if it comes off.

Archie Smith: An excellent pre-season has him pushing hard for a senior call-up. Stefan Martin rightfully has the inside running but a strong JLT Community Series from Smith could make round one a tight call.

What's new

Jarrod Berry – in so many ways. The newly appointed leadership group member has a new haircut, new boots and new physique. The mullet he sported in 2018 is long gone, shaved to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia. The 21-year-old is noticeably stronger, quicker and wearing a fluorescent yellow pair of boots. You won't miss him.

Missing

Defenders Darcy Gardiner and Marcus Adams (both with knee problems) are the most notable absentees and will be touch-and-go for round one. Allen Christensen is back training with the main squad again but might have to wait another week. – Michael Whiting

Sporting a new physique, Jarrod Berry is ready to step it up in 2019. Picture: AFL Photos





KICK-IN KINGS Who takes the responsibility at your club?

JLT1: v Essendon at Ikon Park (6.40pm AEDT, Thursday, February 28)

JLT2: v Collingwood at Morwell Recreation Reserve (2.10pm AEDT, Monday, March 11)

Players to watch

Sam Walsh: All eyes are on the No.1 pick after an electrifying display against Hawthorn in an unofficial practice match last week. Walsh used the ball effectively and worked hard throughout the game. He looks a certain starter for round one.

Sam Petrevski-Seton: Looks primed for more midfield time after a classy display against the Hawks last week. Won his own footy on the inside and used it cleanly when he found space. He'll be hopeful of building on a solid summer.

David Cuningham: The Blues have high hopes for the former first-round draft pick after an impressive pre-season. He kicked two nice goals in a practice match last week, before moving into the midfield where he won plenty of the footy.

What's new

The Blues trialled a series of experimental midfield combinations in an unofficial practice match against the Hawks last week, with Charlie Curnow and Jack Silvagni rotating through the centre for extended periods. There's not much different from a positional sense, though Jarrod Garlett is being trialled across half-back. Keep tabs on a new-look forward line that now features Mitch McGovern, Ed Curnow and Michael Gibbons.

Missing

Defensive trio Caleb Marchbank, Harrison Macreadie and Tom Williamson all have back problems and will be unavailable throughout the JLT. Darcy Lang will also miss with a foot injury. Matthew Kreuzer is back in training, though is only a slight chance of featuring in the club's second practice match. Alex Fasolo is also an outside chance to feature against Collingwood in Morwell as he recovers from a broken arm. Sam Docherty and Jarrod Pickett will both miss with long-term knee injuries. - Riley Beveridge

Big things are expected from Carlton's No.1 pick Sam Walsh. Picture: AFL Photos





JLT1: v Fremantle, HBF Arena, Joondalup (3.40pm AWST, Monday, March 4)

JLT2: v Carlton, Morwell Recreation Reserve (2.10pm AEST, Monday, March 11)

Players to watch

Dayne Beams: The return of the champion goalkicking midfielder adds even more star power to a supremely talented and diverse Pies' running brigade. His performance in last week's scratch match against Melbourne suggested he will be a great asset.

Jamie Elliott: The luckless star forward, who has missed two of the past three seasons through injury, is fit and firing again and supplies additional weaponry to a dangerous attack.

Darcy Moore: Like Elliott, he endured hamstring issues last year but has been burning on the track this pre-season. If afforded an injury-free run, the key defender could become the Pies' most important inclusion, particularly given injuries to teammates.

What's new

In addition to Beams, two other newcomers have turned heads: former Western Bulldogs big man Jordan Roughead and gun draftee Isaac Quaynor. Roughead has been slated to play as key defender and provide ruck support for Brodie Grundy, which would enable Mason Cox to remain forward, while the impressive Quaynor is in the mix for an early-season debut.

Missing

There is some doubt over Grundy, who is back in full training but is still regaining fitness after missing a month with a broken little toe. Jeremy Howe (thigh) and Jack Crisp (back) are edging closer but are unlikely to be available for the first week, while Daniel Wells (foot) seems further away. Will Hoskin-Elliott (knee) and Jordan De Goey (foot), both of whom remain in doubt for the Pies' season-opener, won't make an appearance, and neither will knee victims Lynden Dunn and Matt Scharenberg, although Dunn is perhaps only a week away from full training. They will likely be joined on the sidelines by draftee Will Kelly (ankle) and Tim Broomhead (leg). – Ben Collins

BEST FORWARDS We rank every club's attack

JLT1: v Carlton at Ikon Park (6.40pm AEDT, Thursday, February 28)

JLT2: v Geelong, GMHBA Stadium (7.10pm AEDT, Thursday, March 7)

Players to watch

Dylan Shiel: Shiel's Bombers teammates have nicknamed him the 'Rolls Royce' and it's not hard to see why. The former Giant has been simply outstanding in match simulation at training and there's no reason why he can't carry that form into the JLT Community Series.

Andrew McGrath: In many eyes, McGrath has been the standout player at Essendon this pre-season. The 2016 No.1 pick has trained as a midfielder and his speed and evasiveness make for a damaging mix as he looks to produce a breakout season.

Zac Clarke/Sam Draper: With Tom Bellchambers to only play one JLT Series game, look for Clarke and Draper to battle it out for the No.2 ruck spot. The former Docker may have the upper hand at this stage, but Draper is not far behind.

What's new

After not having played since round seven last season, spearhead Joe Daniher will make his long-awaited return from injury in the JLT Community Series. Daniher's inclusion will be a big boost for Essendon's forward line.

Missing

Cale Hooker (hamstring) won't play in the first JLT game against Carlton, but will return for the second pre-season game against Geelong. Jake Stringer (groin) and Orazio Fantasia (corked quad) will face fitness tests. Josh Begley (ACL), Marty Gleeson (ankle), Mason Redman (ankle) and Matt Dea (knee) will all be unavailable. – Ben Guthrie

Joe Daniher is set to return from injury in the coming weeks. Picture: AFL Photos





JLT1: v Collingwood, HBF Arena, Joondalup (3.40pm AWST, Monday, March 4)

JLT2: v West Coast, Rushton Park, Mandurah (4.10pm AWST, Sunday, March 10)

Players to watch

Jesse Hogan: Used in midfield bursts in the intraclub but fans will want to see the boom recruit threatening inside 50 alongside Rory Lobb and Matt Taberner. His debut in purple is enough reason to head along for a look.

Griffin Logue: Has enjoyed a flawless pre-season after his second year was ruined by a foot problem. Looks more confident with ball in hand and ready to cement a spot as third tall defender.

Cam McCarthy: It is now or never for the talented former Giant in 2019. McCarthy is out of contract and under the pump to show he deserves a spot in a remodeled attack.

What's new

The forward line is the obvious answer here. Hogan and Lobb will take a lot of pressure off Taberner, who looks ready to enjoy a breakout season without being the main man. Expect Fremantle to play quicker, direct football and hit the scoreboard more regularly.

Missing

Stephen Hill and Connor Blakely won't be seen during the JLT Community Series, and you can pretty much guarantee Aaron Sandilands and Harley Bennell (calf) will also be absent from both games. Nat Fyfe is hopeful of being right to face the Eagles after elbow surgery, although that seems doubtful, and recruit Reece Conca (knee) will also be aiming to play some part. – Travis King

JLT FULL FIXTURE Where your team's playing its warm-up games

JLT1: v West Coast, Leederville Oval (4.10pm AWST, Friday, March 1)

JLT2: v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium (7.10pm AEDT, Thursday, March 7)

Players to watch

Jordan Clark: Fresh off his first proper football pre-season after a number of years focusing on cricket, the Cats' first pick in last year's draft is set to be unleashed at half-back. Has the courage to fly for marks he's not entitled to, coupled with the dash to provide drive from defence.

Brandan Parfitt: Has the most buzz of any Cats youngster. Preparing for his third season, watch for more midfield time with his sidestep in traffic his biggest asset. Could become a centre-bounce specialist.

Gary Ablett: Missed the scratch match against North Melbourne and won't travel to Perth, instead will be cherry ripe in his new forward role against the Bombers.

What's new

With Zach Tuohy to miss, Tom Stewart will be the Cats' chief kick-in option. Gary Rohan has been flagged as a potential defensive option, while big man Wylie Buzza is being trialed as a defender. Recruit Luke Dahlhaus said goodbye to the dreadlocks a couple of years ago but look for small forward Gryan Miers to have an early impact and replicate the premiership Bulldog's old look.

Missing

Tuohy is racing the clock for round one with and isn't expected to be risked in pre-season action after a prolonged recovery from knee surgery. Nakia Cockatoo needs to build his fitness before game time, while Lachie Fogarty's hip surgery will rule him out. Sam Menegola (knee) may be an option for the Bombers clash. – Mitch Cleary

STRONGEST MIDFIELDS Every club's engine room ranked

JLT1: v Western Bulldogs, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (6.40pm AEST, Sunday, March 3)

JLT2: v Sydney, Oakes Oval, Lismore (1.10pm AEDT, Sunday, March 10)

Players to watch

Izak Rankine: The highly-touted No.3 draft pick was exceptional in a practice match against Brisbane and will be pushing hard for selection in round one. So evasive, so skillful and so fun to watch.

Peter Wright: The post-Tom Lynch era will begin with 'Two-Metre Peter' spearheading the forward line. Has had an uninterrupted pre-season and is ready to go.

Pearce Hanley: Has had a horror run with injury since joining Gold Coast, including a 2018 season decimated by recurring shoulder problems. Now 30, the Irishman has had his best pre-season in years and is ready to resume his half-back role.

What's new

About a third of the team. There are 13 new players and many of them will be pushing for a round-one berth. Look out for newly appointed vice-captain George Horlin-Smith, Anthony Miles, Jordan Murdoch, Jack Hombsch and Sam Collins, along with draftees Rankine, Jack Lukosius and Ben King.

Missing

There are few fringe players working their way back, but nothing like the volume of injured personnel from previous years. Richmond recruit Corey Ellis (groin) and VFL recruit Josh Corbett (knee) are a while off yet, while Jack Leslie (knee) and Nick Holman (back) might be an outside chance for the second match. – Michael Whiting

Izak Rankine was a standout performer for the Suns in a practice match against Brisbane. Picture: AFL Photos





JLT1: v Sydney, Blacktown (7.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 2)

JLT2: v Adelaide at UNSW Canberra Oval (7.10pm AEDT, Friday, March 8)

Players to watch

Tim Taranto: The 21-year-old prodigy is earmarked as one of the players who can help cover the midfield hole left by Dylan Shiel's departure to Essendon. His form in the Giants' intraclub game last week suggests he is ready to step up.

Jye Caldwell: The Giants' first selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft at No.11 overall, Caldwell has enjoyed an impressive first pre-season after missing much of his final junior season through injury. Tough and skillful, the 184cm midfielder appears the most likely of GWS's 2018 draftees to debut early.

Matthew Flynn: With Shane Mumford unlikely to play in either JLT game, Flynn will share the Giants' ruck duties with Dawson Simpson. The 21-year-old has shown promising signs in the NEAFL in recent seasons, including an ability to hit the scoreboard when resting in attack.

What's new

At the end of last season, the Giants lured highly regarded senior assistant coach Matthew Nicks from Port Adelaide. The former Swans player's chief responsibility this summer has been GWS's ball movement, while he will take control in the coach's box for both JLT games as senior coach Leon Cameron looks on from the interchange bench.

Missing

Nick Haynes (back) remains lineball for round one, Zac Langdon will be sidelined for the next six to seven weeks after injuring his foot at training last week, while Jonathon Patton (ACL) is still aiming at a mid-May comeback. Star forward Toby Greene (ankle) and Adam Tomlinson (calf) are expected to return for JLT2. – Nick Bowen

CASE FOR THE DEFENCE We rank every club's backline

JLT1: v Brisbane, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex (12.40pm AEST, Sunday, March 3)

JLT2: v Richmond, UTAS Stadium (7.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 9)

Players to watch

James Cousins: Cousins was quickly touted as Tom Mitchell's replacement when the Brownlow medallist broke his leg in mid-January. The inside midfielder's excellent performance in last week's practice match against Carlton showed he was on track to play in round one.

Harry Jones: The midfield bolter. Jones is entering only his second season, is yet to play an AFL game and remains slight, but has earned his teammates' and coaches' respect with a strong summer.

Mitch Lewis: Looms as a long-term key forward for the Hawks after an impressive VFL season last year but struggled in Hawthorn's intraclub and practice matches in the past fortnight. Needs to make every post a winner to be any chance of round one selection.

What's new

Sam Mitchell's return after two years as a player then assistant coach at West Coast has received the lion's share of attention at Waverley Park over the pre-season. Mitchell is overseeing the Hawks' midfield. On a light-hearted note, Ben Stratton's and Blake Hardwick's much talked-about mullets are gone, replaced by more closely cropped dos.

Missing

Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell (broken leg), ex-Giant Tom Scully (ankle) and four-time premiership star Grant Birchall (knee) won't be sighted in the JLT Community Series. Scully and Birchall hope to join the main training group in the coming weeks. Draftee Jacob Koschitzke (finger) will be touch and go, too. Jack Gunston (ITB friction) is likely to be held out of Hawthorn's JLT opener, but is a chance to play against Richmond on March 9. – Marc McGowan

Mitchell Lewis looms as a potential long-term forward for the Hawks. Picture: AFL Photos





JLT1: v Richmond, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton (4.40pm AEDT, Sunday, March 3)

JLT2: v Brisbane, Casey Fields (4.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 9)

Players to watch

Braydon Preuss: The former North big man was impressive in a scratch match against Collingwood alongside Max Gawn and will be given every chance to prove the dual ruck policy works. The JLT Community Series will be pivotal in determining Melbourne's philosophy when it comes to playing two ruckmen.

Jayden Hunt: By his own admission, Hunt had a down year in 2018. But after showing his considerable talent across 2016 and 2017, Hunt is a legitimate bounce-back candidate. The speedy defender has had a fine pre-season and may even ply his trade on a wing across the JLT Series.

Sam Weideman: With Jesse Hogan gone, Weideman is set to assume more responsibility in Melbourne's forward line. Tom McDonald has had a slightly interrupted pre-season following minor knee surgery, so the onus will be on Weideman to lead the Dees' forward line.

What's new

Midfielder Angus Brayshaw will likely continue to wear a helmet, but it could be a different style to the one he wore in 2018. Brayshaw wore a red and blue helmet in last week's practice match against Collingwood and appears certain to continue wearing it in the JLT Series and premiership season.

Missing

Jake Lever (knee) won't return until after round five as he continues his recovery. Kade Kolodjashnij (groin) is also racing the clock to be fit for round one. Clayton Oliver (shoulders) and Jack Viney (ankle) are chances to see some JLT Series action, but unlikely to play in the first game. Jake Melksham and Nathan Jones, who are dealing with hamstring injuries, are in a similar boat. – Ben Guthrie

FUTURE PICKS Who you should barrack against in 2019

JLT1: v St Kilda, Avalon Airport Oval, Chirnside Park (1.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 2)

JLT2: v Port Adelaide, Alberton Oval (12.40pm ACDT, Saturday, March 9)

Players to watch

Ben McKay: The key defender has played just one senior game in three seasons at Arden St but looks ready to cement a regular spot after bulking up noticeably this pre-season. A sound JLT campaign would guarantee him a round-one berth with Scott Thompson (suspension) and Majak Daw (pelvis/hips) already ruled out and Robbie Tarrant (AC joint) in serious doubt.

Nick Larkey: Jarrad Waite's retirement leaves a vacancy on North's forward line alongside Ben Brown that Larkey, 198cm, will be anxious to fill. The 20-year-old was the VFL's leading goalkicker in 2018 but needs to show he can have a similar impact in the AFL.

Tarryn Thomas: The Roos' first pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft at No.8 overall, Thomas has made solid progress in his first pre-season, showcasing his class and aggression in match simulation. The competition for places in North's first-round team will be fierce, but a strong JLT series could edge the Tasmanian into the senior 22.

What's new

The Kangaroos could field five freshly recycled players in their opening clash against Fremantle, with Jared Polec, Jasper Pittard (both Port Adelaide), Aaron Hall (Gold Coast), Dom Tyson (Melbourne) and Tom Campbell (Western Bulldogs) all ready to press their claims in the JLT series. Polec, Hall and Tyson appear almost certain round-one selections after impressive pre-seasons, but Pittard (calf) has ground to make up after only recently returning to full training and Campbell needs to show he can play effectively alongside North's No.1 ruckman Todd Goldstein.

Missing

Majak Daw (pelvis/hips), Ben Jacobs (sinusitis) and Will Walker (PCL) remain out indefinitely, while Sam Durdin (finger) faces up to another nine weeks on the sidelines. Vice-captain Robbie Tarrant (AC joint) is pulling out all stops to be fit for round one, but will have to make a speedy recovery from surgery two weeks ago. – Nick Bowen

Top draftee Tarryn Thomas will be one Kanga to keep an eye on. Picture: AFL Photos





JLT1: v Adelaide at Memorial Oval, Port Pirie (3.40pm ACDT, Saturday, March 2)

JLT2: v North Melbourne, Alberton Oval (12.40pm ACDT, Saturday, March 9)

Players to watch

Hamish Hartlett: The Power vice-captain has been back in full training for a number of weeks in his return from a torn ACL on April 26 last year. Hartlett is an important player off half-back and his raking boot could see him take more kick-ins.

Connor Rozee: One of a handful of young guns along with Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters who are pushing their cases for round one selection. Showed great signs already with his pace and evasiveness.

Jack Watts: The former No.1 overall draft pick is under pressure to retain his spot in the Power's best 22. Has been used mostly on the wing during pre-season and the intraclub trial.

What's new

The Power have vowed to drastically alter their game style after it became boring and predictable last season. There were signs in the last weekend's under-23 trial that they were more direct with their ball movement and took more risks. The addition of assistant coaches Brett Montgomery (defence) and Jarrad Schofield (midfield) has been pivotal in implementing these changes.

Missing

Co-captain Ollie Wines (shoulder) and key forward Charlie Dixon (leg) are aiming to return within the first month of the season. Star forward/midfielder Robbie Gray may be held back from the first JLT game with knee soreness but is expected to get a game under his belt before round one. – Lee Gaskin

JLT1: v Melbourne, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton (4.40pm AEDT, Sunday, March 3)

JLT2: v Hawthorn, UTAS Stadium (7.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 9)

Players to watch

Brandon Ellis: Coming into his eighth year at the club, Ellis will be playing a new(ish) role on the wing. Has spent a little bit of time there in the past but will be a more permanent fixture instead of his customary half-back flank.

Daniel Rioli: The recruiting of Tom Lynch means alterations will have to be made to the forward line. Rioli spent time running on the ball in the intraclub, but look for him to play a bit of time further up the ground in 2019.

Riley Collier-Dawkins: The Tigers' top draftee is pushing for a senior spot, but positions are hard to come by in the star-studded midfield. Showed a few promising signs in the intraclub and the club will be keen to expose him to AFL football during the JLT Series.

What's new

It's been a fairly straightforward summer on the track from a footy perspective, but from a lighter side, Dylan Grimes is still wearing a protective facial mask (think Batman-esque) during contact work after having surgery on a broken nose in mid-January. Alex Rance may not be arriving at AFL matches on a skateboard after his AFLX efforts, but is sporting a decent beard.

Missing

Star recruit Tom Lynch is out of JLT as he pushes for round one on his return from a right PCL injury and surgery. Shaun Grigg is another who will miss, a structural issue with his knee is affecting his kicking. Ryan Garthwaite (Achilles soreness) and Jacob Townsend (thigh) have had interrupted summers and are unlikely to feature. – Sarah Black

JLT1: v North Melbourne, Avalon Airport Oval, Chirnside Park (1.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 2)

JLT2: v Western Bulldogs, Mars Stadium, Ballarat (4.10pm AEDT, Sunday, March 10)

Players to watch

Matthew Parker: The draftee, taken at pick 47 last year, is set to add electricity to the Saints' forward line. He will push up the ground as a lead-up mark but can kick brilliant goals, and the 23-year-old attacks the contest hard.

Josh Battle: With Nathan Brown suspended for round one and Jake Carlisle unlikely to be available as he struggles with a back injury, Battle could be called upon as a replacement. Previously a forward, he's been training in defence. Has natural footy nous and is aggressive.

Lewis Pierce: Another missing for the season opener against Gold Coast will be ruckman Billy Longer (hamstring), leaving Pierce and Rowan Marshall to compete for one spot. Pierce is probably just ahead but will need to impress in the pre-season to cement his place.

What's new

Expect to see a few different names running through the midfield. Parker and Robbie Young are both forwards who will allow Jade Gresham, Jack Billings and Ben Long to spend more time up the ground. The Saints want to add speed to their onball unit and Gresham and Long particularly will add pace, hardness and class to that part of the ground.

Missing

Don't expect to see either of Dan Hannebery or Carlisle, who are struggling with back and hamstring issues respectively. Prized draftee Max King will miss at least another couple of months as he recovers from a right knee reconstruction. Young backman Oscar Clavarino is dealing with a right ankle syndesmosis issue. - Dinny Navaratnam

WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor

JLT1: v Greater Western Sydney, Blacktown (7.10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 2)

JLT2: v Gold Coast, Oakes Oval, Lismore (1.10pm AEDT, Sunday, March 10)

Players to watch

Nick Blakey: It normally takes a while for tall draftees to come good but this father-son selection is showing impressive signs. He booted three goals in a scratch match against Greater Western Sydney last week and could make an early impact.

Lewis Melican: The defender was limited to three games last season after left hamstring injuries and will be a huge inclusion, considering the list of scalps he's taken is headlined by Nick Riewoldt.

Ryan Clarke: A spot on a wing for the former Roo is there if he can capitalise. Swans fans would be eager to see whether the 21-year-old can deliver after averaging 20 disposals in 19 matches last year.

What's new

Being without spearhead Lance Franklin, who is nursing a groin concern, means Sydney needs to figure out another way to kick goals. Sam Reid lined up just once in 2018 after quad, Achilles and calf problems, and coach John Longmire will want to see what his attack looks like with Reid alongside Blakey.

Missing

Franklin isn't the only one dealing with a groin setback – recruit Daniel Menzel is recovering from something similar. Yet another forward, Tom McCartin, is being plagued by concussion. Reliable defender Nick Smith (hamstring) won't be back for a while and ruckman Sam Naismith (right knee) is on a slightly longer timeline. Zak Jones and Kieren Jack both need to overcome knee issues. - Dinny Navaratnam

Nick Blakey's practice match form has been eye-catching. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos







JLT1: v Geelong, Leederville Oval (4.10pm AWST, Friday, March 1)

JLT2: v Fremantle, Rushton Park, Mandurah (4.10pm AWST, Sunday, March 10)

Players to watch

Jarrod Brander: Josh Kennedy's heir apparent who dominated the early going of last Friday's intraclub. The smooth-moving tall will get the chance to press his round one claims if Josh Kennedy isn't fit.

Tom Hickey: The No.2 ruck spot is Hickey's to lose and the former Sun and Saint needs to show why he should partner Nathan Vardy, and why the Eagles should continue playing two ruckman while Nic Naitanui is sidelined.

Jack Petruccelle: The pre-season surprise packet, Petruccelle looks ready to grab a vacant forward line spot in the absence of Mark LeCras (retired) and Jamie Cripps (toe). Has pace and goal nous.

What's new

It has been a long time since we've seen a West Coast attack without Kennedy, Jamie Cripps and Mark LeCras, so line coach Jaymie Graham will be keen to watch the next generation audition for spots around No.1 target Jack Darling and smalls Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan.

Missing

Kennedy (feet) and Cripps are aiming for the season proper, while Naitanui is out until mid-year. Don't expect to see draftees Xavier O'Neill, Luke Foley, Bailey Williams or Jarrod Cameron after interrupted summers either. – Travis King

FULL INJURY LIST Who's racing the clock for round one?

JLT1: v Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (6.40pm AEST, Sunday, March 3)

JLT2: v St Kilda, Mars Stadium, Ballarat (4.10pm AEDT, Sunday, March 10)

Players to watch

Sam Lloyd: Hungry with a point to prove after just 15 games in the past two seasons at Richmond. Every time a Dogs player has spoken this pre-season, they mention Lloyd's impact on the track. Look for it to translate in a dangerous role at half-forward.

Bailey Smith: Has overcome his Achilles complaint and back to full training, set to feature in at least one of the two matches. Impressive clearance player with explosive breakaway speed, will complement the inside grunt of Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.

Tim English: Ready to grab his spot as No.1 ruck by both hands. Tipped into triple figures on the scales and has enjoyed his first injury-free pre-season.

What’s new

First it was the Cadbury fruit and nut bar on his forearm, now Liberatore has added two characters from The Simpsons to his tattoo collection on his biceps. On-field, skipper Easton Wood is back to his permanent role in defence and will be joined by recruit Taylor Duryea – the pair both spending time as forwards in 2018.

Libba wins the tattoo game. pic.twitter.com/6GkuH7gQbT — Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) February 25, 2019

Missing

Tom Boyd (back) and Liam Picken (concussion symptoms) continue to work away from the main group and will be watching on from the sidelines. Jason Johannisen (ankle), Lin Jong (hamstring) and Buku Khamis (knee) have all sustained setbacks this month and won't take part. Lukas Webb (neck) and Bailey Dale (ankle) remain several weeks off full training. – Mitch Cleary