TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. McAsey is a lock for round one

It only took one Marsh Community Series game for key-position prospect Fischer McAsey to show why the Crows rated him so highly at last year's NAB AFL Draft. The sixth overall pick, McAsey's intercept marking and ability to read the play against Gold Coast will see him slot straight into the Crows backline for the season-opener against Sydney. McAsey has been a standout since arriving at West Lakes and he will get plenty of opportunities this year as the Crows inject youth into their side under new coach Matthew Nicks.

Fischer McAsey kicks his first in Crows colours.#MarshSeries pic.twitter.com/uX2aJ8jSsE — AFL (@AFL) March 6, 2020

2. Smith and Gibbs successfully change places

Brodie Smith's switch from rebounding half-back flanker to dynamic midfielder is almost complete after having 34 disposals in the second Marsh game against Gold Coast. Smith adds more leg speed to a Crows midfield that was too one-paced last year. His move has allowed veteran Bryce Gibbs to shift to defence. Gibbs has adapted well to his new role with his ball use out of the back half of the ground a feature of his play.

STILL A MYSTERY

Where are the goals coming from?

The Crows averaged 9.5 goals across their two pre-season losses, with recruit Ben Crocker and Ben Davis the leading goalkickers with three each. Having enough attacking potency to kick a winning score is a big concern for the Crows this year. A lot will fall on the shoulders of former skipper Taylor Walker, the experienced Tom Lynch and young key forward Darcy Fogarty, while small forwards Tyson Stengle and Lachlan Murphy have to be more dangerous. Elliott Himmelberg and Billy Frampton, who were both overlooked for the match with the Suns, will need to be considered to add another key target, while also giving Reilly O'Brien a chop-out in the ruck. – Lee Gaskin

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Crows fly coast to coast to stay in the hunt Ben Crocker finished off a great team goal for Adelaide

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. The 2017 draft class is ready to impact

Most teams hope their draftees start to have an influence by season three, and Brisbane's 2017 crop look right on cue. No.1 pick Cam Rayner is much fitter, and straight kicking against Carlton would have capped a strong pre-season. But it's his lesser-known first round offsiders – Zac Bailey and Brandon Starcevich – that look like making a jump. Bailey is more willing to use his lightning speed, and Starcevich should be given an extended run in the top team with his strength, versatility and ability to impact both inside and outside the contest.

2. Brisbane is most dangerous when it takes the game on

While everything starts with its stoppage success and defensive pressure without the ball, the pre-season showed for Brisbane to take the next step it must be aggressive with its ball use. Against Port Adelaide the Lions were slow and predictable – possibly because most of their forays started from deep in defence – while the final three quarters against Carlton was the exact opposite.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Zorko snaps into gear Dayne Zorko with a professional finish to some good Brisbane team work

STILL A MYSTERY

Who's going to miss out in the backline?

With the off-season acquisitions of Grant Birchall and Callum Ah Chee, there was always going to be a squeeze for backline spots – and the Marsh Community Series has done little to clear it up. Presuming the Lions select seven defenders for their opening round against Hawthorn, one of Birchall, Ah Chee, Alex Witherden or Noah Answerth will miss out. Chris Fagan has a lot to weigh up in the coming week, including his mix of ball users, speed and pure defence. - Michael Whiting

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Birchall back in business with trusty left New recruit Grant Birchall earns his first goal for the Lions with a solid strike from just inside the 50

PRE-SEASON LADDER Who's on top, who's got work to do

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. It's up to you, Gov

Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay will not play in round one, meaning the bulk of Carlton's threat near goal will be shouldered by Mitch McGovern. He might be slightly underdone after spending a fair portion of the summer away from the main group, but the time is now for McGovern to stamp his name as a consistent goalkicker in a developing Blues forward line. He'll lead the attack in the season-opener alongside a selection of fellow marking targets including Levi Casboult, Jack Silvagni and Matthew Kennedy.

2. Jack will add to the attack

It might have taken him longer than he thought to get to Ikon Park, but there's no doubt Jack Martin will add a new element to Carlton's side. Highly talented with the ball and a constant physical presence without it, Martin has split his time evenly through midfield and the forward line during pre-season. The Blues don't have an abundance of quality around the ball, nor do they have many players with his skillset forward of centre, making him a valuable point-of-difference in the club's attacking unit.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Jack Martin kicks his first for the Navy Blues Jack Martin marks and goals for his first goal for Carlton.

STILL A MYSTERY

Who is part of the next-gen Carlton midfield?

There's no doubt the addition of veterans Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow to Carlton's youthful midfield group aided superstar Patrick Cripps in the back-end of last year. However, finding the next wave of young talent is still a priority. Sam Walsh is a gem and will continue his impressive development this season, but a number of other youngsters haven't yet been handed permanent midfield roles under David Teague. Fellow first-round pick Sam Petrevski-Seton has been shifted into the backline, David Cuningham and Matthew Kennedy have gone forward, while Paddy Dow has found himself on the fringes of the club's best team. Will they make the move back into the engine room this year? – Riley Beveridge

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. De Goey is a midfield wrecking ball

The Magpies matchwinner will divide his time between his usual forward role and the midfield, possibly building towards a 50/50 split. There are benefits aplenty from this arrangement. De Goey is a stoppage beast who can hit backs at full tilt and break clear with explosive speed, and he can also provide another marking presence around the ground while always being a goalscoring threat with his long-range kicking and natural attacking instincts. Crucially, the Pies boast enough mid-sized forward options to ensure there isn't too great a drop-off when De Goey's on the ball. Jamie Elliott is another forward who will be given on-ball minutes.

2. Josh Daicos looks ready to establish himself

In his three completed seasons, which have netted 17 AFL appearances, the son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos looked likely without ever fully grabbing his opportunities. That appears set to change after the classy 21-year-old produced an eye-catching Marsh Community Series in which he averaged 19.5 touches and 1.5 goals as a wingman. What made his slick efforts even more praiseworthy was the fact he endured a delayed start to pre-season due to ankle surgery. Adds another dangerous element to the Pies forward of centre.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Daicos dobs one from 60 Josh Daicos receives a handball and notches a beautiful goal from long range

STILL A MYSTERY

Will coach Nathan Buckley finally get a decent run with injury?

It hasn't happened in his eight completed seasons to date so it's probably unlikely to change this year. The signs are ominous, too, given Adam Treloar (hamstring) will miss round one and midfield mate Taylor Adams (hip) could potentially join him. There are also concerns over the likes of Ben Reid (ankle), Travis Varcoe (shoulder) and long-term knee victims Tom Langdon, Levi Greenwood and Lynden Dunn. Then, of course, there's Dayne Beams (mental health). In the past two seasons the Pies have coped well in the face of adversity but sometimes the casualty list becomes too heavy to carry. - Ben Collins

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Hamstring scare for star mid Adam Treloar leaves the field with a possible hamstring injury

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Raz is back

If you needed any evidence that Orazio Fantasia is back to full fitness, you only had to see his long goal against Geelong on Monday. The important forward gathered the ball in the centre square against the Cats, took a few quick steps, steadied and slammed home the goal from outside 50. Last year Fantasia, hit hard by injuries, struggled to hit top pace and to impact games. But after returning to full fitness over summer, the speedy and classy Bomber looks back at his damaging best. Essendon needs him to stay at this level.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Bow down to this goal, Bomber fans Orazio Fantasia caps off some silky ball movement from Essendon

2. McGrath and Parish are ready to step up

If Essendon is to return to the top eight – and then break its long finals drought – the likes of Andrew McGrath and Darcy Parish will need to step up to the next level. The signs are that the highly rated pair are ready for that jump. McGrath continued his excellent pre-season with 32 disposals against the Cats on Monday, while Parish was also important with three goals and 22 disposals. McGrath, who is the Bombers' only ever No.1 pick, adds pace and class to the Bombers' midfield while Parish is best when ball-hunting in the middle.

STILL A MYSTERY

How is the forward line shaping up?

The Bombers won both of their pre-season games (against West Coast and Geelong) with plenty still wondering how their forward half will front up in the regular season. Jake Stringer missed the pre-season, being a late withdrawal against the Cats for personal reasons, but will be back for round one, but the set up of their talls remains a work in progress. With Joe Daniher and James Stewart both out with groin injuries, much responsibility will fall to Shaun McKernan to be a marking target close to goal. - Cal Twomey

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Griffin Logue is ready to take his chance

With their two top-line key defenders sidelined, the Dockers have turned to Griffin Logue and Brennan Cox to tackle the oppositions key forwards. Logue has been the good news story for the Dockers, with the fourth-year defender bigger, stronger and ready to make his mark. He kept West Coast champion Josh Kennedy to one goal and has given new coach Justin Longmuir confidence he can hold together a new-look back six that thrived against the Eagles.

Griffin Logue held Josh Kennedy to one goal in the final Marsh Community Series game. Picture: AFL Photos

2. The Dockers have found the right balance under Justin Longmuir

There have been two planks to the Dockers' game style in 2020. The first is safe ball movement out of the backline, which has resulted in a significant lift in uncontested marks (106 and 104 in their two Marsh Community Series matches). Then there is the midfield rush when they take dangerous options and move the ball quickly to get deep and effective inside 50s. It's an exciting style that players say has allowed them to "express themselves". Whether it is a winning style, time will tell. But in an eight-minute, five-goal burst against West Coast it was fun to watch and effective.

STILL A MYSTERY

Who will play on the wings?

This seemed to be settled when Blake Acres and James Aish controlled the opening pre-season game against Carlton with a combined 55 possessions and 10 inside 50s, but Acres' serious hamstring injury has opened one slot. Cam McCarthy played the role well against West Coast, while Brett Bewley is in the mix after a massive pre-season. Draftee Michael Frederick has excited in training but was left out of the West Coast clash. McCarthy has the edge over Bewley on pre-season form. – Nathan Schmook

Cam McCarthy in action against West Coast in the Marsh Community Series. Picture: AFL Photos

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. The Cats will split Tim Kelly's vacant midfield role

Jack Steven showed glimpses of his explosive best in Colac on Monday in his first practice match for the pre-season. After just seven games for St Kilda last year, combined with a calf setback in February, the 29-year-old's performance was a major positive for the Cats. Quinton Narkle has increased his tank and will have more impact for longer as a midfielder, while Brandan Parfitt's work through traffic suggests he's ready for the jump.



2. Patrick Dangerfield is still Geelong's most important player

Geelong can't win the flag this year without Patrick Dangerfield. After putting the Cats on his shoulders during last year's finals series, the 29-year-old showed again in the second Marsh Community Series match that not much happens without his influence at the Cats. He collected a game-high 33 disposals (16 contested) playing predominantly as an onballer that went a long way to quelling a rampant Bombers midfield.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Danger goes 'bang' from 60m Patrick Dangerfield with a vintage goal from the centre clearance

STILL A MYSTERY

The ruck set-up

Here. We. Go. Again. Six months on from a September campaign dominated by ruck discussion, the Cats are still wavering on what their ideal set-up looks like for round one. Darcy Fort impressed in the first half against Essendon on Monday before he was replaced by Rhys Stanley. It would appear they're both fighting for one position, however, don't rule out a left-field approach to have Esava Ratugolea take the No.1 mantle. - Mitch Cleary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY The 20 biggest moments from 20 years at Docklands

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. The Suns have released the shackles

In Stuart Dew's first two seasons, he preached a stoppage game that relied on conservative ball movement around the boundary line (except from midfield turnovers). However, with the influx of off-season talent and confidence to add another layer to his gameplan, the shackles have been released, resulting in quicker decisions and more aggressive transfers of play by foot and hand. The result was 37 scoring shots against Geelong and 26 against Adelaide.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Touk takedown delivers Day delight A brilliant chase down tackle by Touk Miller inspires the Suns

2. Jack Bowes looks the goods in defence

With the departure of Callum Ah Chee to Brisbane and the pre-season absence of Pearce Hanley and Jarrod Harbrow to injury, there was a half-back hole that needed filling – and Jack Bowes grabbed it with both hands. The 22-year-old was strong defensively, totally blanketing Gary Ablett, and composed with ball in hand. Although it's unlikely to be his long-term position, Bowes' ability to adapt to the new role is a huge win for Gold Coast.

STILL A MYSTERY

What's going on with Peter Wright?

When Tom Lynch packed his bags and headed to Richmond 18 months ago, the hope was 'Two Metre' Peter Wright could grab the forward line by the scruff of the neck and dominate. He had a patchy 2019 that resulted in him being dropped late in the year, and 2020 hasn't started much better. Wright was solid against Geelong and a non-factor against Adelaide and faces an uphill battle to win a round one spot. The best version of the Suns has Wright in its forward line, but he needs to recapture the form of 2016-17 that shot him to prominence. - Michael Whiting

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh Highlights: Gold Coast v Geelong The Suns and Cats clash in the Marsh Community Series

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. There's not many better players to watch than fully fit Josh Kelly

The footy world has seen more than glimpses of quality, but for the majority of the past two years, the star Giant has been hobbled. Groin and hip issues made it tough for one of the smoothest movers in the game to follow up his 2017 season, a brilliant campaign that saw him win the best and fairest and earn his first All-Australian blazer. Kelly looks on top of his niggles and if his pre-season is anything to go by, he's ready to remind the competition of his talent.

2. Tom Green won't be just a support player in 2020

He came to the League with a massive reputation and the Academy product has done nothing to dampen the hype over summer. Green played plenty of midfield minutes against Sydney and Richmond and looked right at home mixing it with some of the game's best. The teenager has the build to play senior footy, but more importantly, he has the poise, confidence and smarts to show he might be the best draftee in his class this year.

Tom Green is tackled against the Swans. Picture: AFL Photos

STILL A MYSTERY

Where will Lachie Whitfield play in 2020?

The gifted playmaker can have an enormous impact on games for the Giants, and the best part about Whitfield's ability, is that he can do it all over the ground. He made his name as a wingman, won a best and fairest in defence, and is equally dangerous as a roaming half forward. Where the All-Australian, the game's best two-way runner, ends up this year will be fascinating. - Adam Curley

LIST RATINGS Roos' shock rise, Dogs tipped to shine

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. There will be teething pain with Tom Mitchell's return

A Hawthorn midfield with Tom Mitchell is always better than one without him but there will be an adjustment period after he sat all of last season out with his broken left leg. Mitchell's played a grand total of 11 games with reigning Peter Crimmins medallist James Worpel and none with Chad Wingard, so they need to develop chemistry with one another. That trio, plus Jaeger O'Meara and Liam Shiels, will rack up the vast majority of the Hawks' centre attendances this year and will be a major key to their bid to return to September action.

Hawthorn star Tom Mitchell in action against Melbourne in their Marsh opener. Picture: AFL Photos

2. Not everyone's a fan of Ben McEvoy, the defender

Some players and coaches were dubious about former No.1 ruckman McEvoy being deployed down back when the topic was first raised last year. The 30-year-old went on to win over many critics of the move with two pretty accomplished games as a defender to end the season. With Jon Ceglar rejecting Brisbane's advances to re-sign for the next three years, Hawthorn appears wedded to the idea of making the McEvoy experiment the norm. Sceptics remain, particularly with how tall the Hawks' backline looks on paper, but McEvoy has the tools to make his career change a memorable one.

STILL A MYSTERY

Jack Gunston's round one status

Many of Hawthorn's queries reside in its forward half, which too often failed to fire in 2019. Jon Patton's arrival should eventually help that but there may be some challenges ahead working out whether he, Mitch Lewis, Tim O'Brien and Gunston can fit in the same attack. O'Brien (eye) was absent last Friday night, while Gunston is racing the clock to be ready for round one after pre-Christmas ankle surgery. Gunston might step out in internal match simulation this week and would be a welcome addition after a winless pre-season. – Marc McGowan

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Darren Burgess could be the recruit of the year

The Demons got a lot wrong last summer with their program and management of injuries, but they've kicked off their 2020 campaign in great shape after bringing in the world-renowned fitness specialist. Burgess had the players running more kilometers in November than they did in any of their sessions last year, and given the way they cruised past Hawthorn in the Marsh Community Series, it looks to have already made a difference.

2. They've addressed some key deficiencies

Ed Langdon and Adam Tomlinson were recruited to complement their newfound running power and showed they'll do just that on opposing wings, while Kysaiah Pickett has shared glimpses of the electric spark he's been slated to bring to the forward line. Luke Jackson has shown he's capable of playing early, which is timely given Braydon Preuss' knee injury has hurt their ruck depth. And, a fit Steven May will make a big difference to their backline.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: High pick Pickett plucks his first highlight Young gun Kysaiah Pickett launches onto the scene with a fantastic goal for the Demons

STILL A MYSTERY

Is this the year for Sam Weideman?

The 22-year-old stalled last season after a promising 2018 finals campaign, although injuries played a large part. This summer, he's spent more time than he probably would have liked in the ruck with Max Gawn and Preuss injured, while Jackson has impressed in a variety of big man roles that could make competition for spots hot come round one. As a confidence player, he'll want to start well if he's to make a lasting impact up forward with the young draftee tipped for an early debut. - Jennifer Phelan

FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Robbie Tarrant, Josh Walker and Majak Daw are the first-choice key defenders

Sam Durdin's absence from the Roos' Marsh Community Series finale sent a strong message about Rhyce Shaw's defensive set-up for round one. That doesn't mean he's out of the running but it's a pretty strong indication. Tarrant played his second game back from a foot complaint against Sydney, while Walker was solid again and Daw illustrated his ability with one telling intercept mark. Marley Williams will miss the first two rounds because of suspension but some combination of Luke McDonald, Jasper Pittard, Shaun Atley and Jamie Macmillan will help compensate for his absence.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: That's using your head Jasper Pittard uses a different technique to effectively spoil the pack

2. Curtis Taylor is a certainty for round one

No one has improved more since last season than second-year forward Taylor. He showed some promise in North's first Marsh Community Series game against the Western Bulldogs, then broke out with an eye-catching effort against Sydney on Monday. Taylor is thriving in a high half-forward role, with his kicking skills sure to make him popular among his fellow forwards. The 19-year-old won't have 21 touches and two goals every week but he's in the box seat to replace the injured Kayne Turner in the Kangaroos' line-up.

STILL A MYSTERY

Will Ben Brown play?

The Coleman Medal contender is yet to appear in any pre-season games because of a calf injury but he received an encouraging result from an MRI scan on Tuesday. Brown hopes to be ready for round one but what will happen if North elects to play it cautiously with their gun spearhead? Will ruck-forward Tristan Xerri's impressive summer score him an AFL debut? Could Majak Daw return to his forward roots? Or could captain Jack Ziebell revert to being a stay-at-home forward in Brown's stead? - Marc McGowan

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Finals well within reach for resurgent Power

Ken Hinkley's "look out, we're coming" comment wasn't taken overly seriously a few weeks ago, but the Power's pre-season performances have given reason for optimism. An impressive showing against Brisbane was followed with a gritty win over the Western Bulldogs. Results in February and early March aren't always a great indicator of future success, but it was the manner of the victories that provide confidence. The Power's experienced players are in great nick while their young guns have shown plenty and are only going to get better.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh Highlights: Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs The Power and Bulldogs clash in the Marsh Community Series

2. Dual rucks out the window

The Power played two ruckmen for most of last year, but Scott Lycett is clearly the first-choice ruck at the club following the departure of Paddy Ryder. Youngster Peter Ladhams showed promise when he broke into the side last season. However, the Power showed their hand in their second Marsh game with Lycett playing as a lone ruck with Charlie Dixon and Justin Westhoff filling the role as the back-up ruck. Having played in the shadow of Nic Naitanui at West Coast, Lycett will relish the challenge of being the main man and the Power have enough tall targets in attack without needing to carry a second specialist ruckman.

STILL A MYSTERY

Where does Wines fit into the Power midfield?

The Power's strong pre-season form was achieved while vice-captain Ollie Wines was sidelined recovering from shoulder surgery. Wines is expected to be out for at least the first month of the season, but how he is integrated back into the side once he is available will be interesting. The Power's midfield looked balanced with Travis Boak, Tom Rockliff and Dan Houston getting help from Connor Rozee, Steven Motlop, Brad Ebert, Sam Powell-Pepper, Zak Butters and Willem Drew. Wines is in the Power's best 22 when he's up and firing, but the challenge will be fitting him in without upsetting the synergy they have going. – Lee Gaskin

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Rozee snags a ripper Port Adelaide's Connor Rozee threads the goal with a high bending kick

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Callum Coleman-Jones is ready to mix it at AFL level

Impressed over the pre-season to the point where the 20-year-old could potentially be picked ahead of Toby Nankervis after he got the nod in Wagga Wagga against GWS on the weekend with the latter playing a VFL practice match instead. Showed his athleticism against Sam Jacobs and worked well with Ivan Soldo, giving Damien Hardwick food for thought on who to pick for the job against Matthew Kreuzer in round one.

2. The pre-season wasn't pretty, but selection looks hot for round one anyway

They had a few players out last month but it looks as though the tide is turning at the right time for the Tigers once again. Nankervis, Jack Graham and Kamdyn McIntosh didn't get Marsh minutes under their belts but they did play in the VFL on the weekend and are expected to be available, while Jack Higgins is back playing after brain surgery. Their only weekend injury – Kane Lambert (concussion) – should be OK too.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Stack's spectacular mark of the pre-season Sydney Stack stuns everybody with an absolutely outrageous hanger over Toby Greene

STILL A MYSTERY

Where does Jack Higgins fit into the side?

Everyone wants the loveable livewire to complete the feel-good story and get back after two operations to fix a brain bleed. He's collected some match minutes and is physically available, but where he sits in the pecking order of Richmond half-forwards remains to be seen. He last played in round 13 last year and faces competition from the likes of Dan Rioli, Shane Edwards, Jason Castagna, Shai Bolton, Kane Lambert and rotating forwards Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin to break back in. - Jennifer Phelan

FULL AFL INJURY LIST How many weeks will they miss?

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. The Saints are still winning the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period

It's been clear through match practice how much the new Saints will complement the way they want to play. A trim Paddy Ryder is moving well in the ruck and up forward, Bradley Hill has added speed and class to their midfield, Dougal Howard has been steady in defence, Dan Butler has added a forward line spark and Zak Jones has added some grunt to their on-ball brigade, which will be further emphasised if a fit Dan Hannebery can join him.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Lonie the beneficiary of Hill's odd assist Brad Hill provides the soccer assist to Jack Lonie, but was it necessary?

2. Ben Long looks at home in defence

The small speedster's move to half-back appeared to be an instant success when he was their best player in the first intraclub, as he used his pace and skill to break the lines out of defence while showing strength in one-on-one contests. With his housemate Hill further up the ground and playing a little more across half-forward, the pair is set to give the Saints some spark, zip and composure at either end of the ground.

STILL A MYSTERY

Where's Dan Hannebery at?

A freak broken foot in October delayed the former Swan's return to training after a disappointing first year as a Saint. Then, he looked good in a February intraclub but sat out the first Marsh game a week later because of load management. When he didn't play the following week in a practice match, alarm bells started ringing. He managed to play the last game of the pre-season but the question remains – how durable will the 29-year-old be in 2020? - Jennifer Phelan

CAPTAINS SURVEY Four clubs snubbed for finals, Brownlow tips, more

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Sam Naismith could be the 'recruit' of the year

A knee reconstruction and complications on his return to training cost the ruckman his past two seasons, but after a solid summer and two decent pre-season matches, Naismith looks ready for round one. If the luckless 27-year-old can continue to build his match time and eventually take back the No.1 role from Callum Sinclair, the pair can be highly valuable for the Swans. Sinclair's ability to play forward provides another strong target inside 50 alongside Lance Franklin and Sam Reid and leave him energised for stints in the ruck. Coach John Longmire has always carried a good group of big men in his squads, and two physical ruckmen will be a huge boost this year.

2. The Swans need 110+ goals combined from Tom Papley, Will Hayward and Sam Gray this season to be successful

With Lance Franklin and Sam Reid missing through injury, the Swans kicked just three goals in a heavy defeat to the Giants, then managed just one multiple goalkicker – Papley with four – in another loss to North Melbourne. Papley has the ability to boot 50+ in a year, and Hayward and Gray at their best can certainly make up the rest and more, and they have too if Sydney is going to push for a return to the finals this season. If the small men can be a constant ground level threat, that will take the pressure of Franklin and Reid, and throw in some impact from Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin, Isaac Heeney and Luke Parker, and the Swans will be able to trouble sides.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Perfect finish from a perfect build-up Tom Papley gets on the end of some brilliant lead-up play to extend Sydney's lead

STILL A MYSTERY

Can Isaac Heeney take over as the Swans' most important midfielder?

Josh Kennedy provided a reminder of his quality in game two against the Kangaroos, and Luke Parker was his ever-consistent self in both fixtures, but if the Swans are to rebound from last year's finals miss, Heeney must make the club's midfield division his own. Injury worries, and illness haven't helped the 23-year-old, but given the hardness, talent and athleticism he possesses, Heeney should be a star of the competition. He's certainly showed glimpses in patches throughout his five seasons so far, and it's time for the Academy graduate to deliver a whole season of quality to help take his club into a new era. - Adam Curley

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. 'JK' has still got it

Dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy turns 33 this season, but he's looked younger, lighter and more mobile this summer than he did in 2019. Starting pre-season on day one has been a rare luxury for the champion forward and it paid off against Essendon, with Kennedy booting 6.0. He was held to one goal a week later against Fremantle during a strange game in which not much was learned. Even if he's playing second fiddle to All-Australian Jack Darling in 2020, it's clear Kennedy will be a weapon if he stays fit.

2. The midfield playbook is getting thicker

At different stages across the two matches we saw Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui combine at stoppages as only they can, Elliot Yeo dominate contested ball, Dom Sheed drift between midfield and half-forward and rack up possessions, and Andrew Gaff keep a cool head and link up through the middle. Then there was star recruit Tim Kelly, whose second half against Essendon was exactly what the Eagles would have wanted to see. It won't all happen together, but that's exactly the point. Shut down one midfielder, and another will fire. Look out when the real stuff starts.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh: Clean Kelly collects for the Eagles Tim Kelly kicks his first goal as an Eagle

STILL A MYSTERY

Who plays small forward and second ruck?

With Willie Rioli banned, Jarrod Cameron (pubic bone) likely to miss up to two months and Daniel Venables (concussion) out for the season, the Eagles need a small forward to step up. Mature-age rookie Anthony Treacy and SSP recruit Jamaine Jones are contenders but haven't demanded selection in pre-season games. Then there is the second ruck spot. Second-year tall Bailey Williams and premiership ruckman Nathan Vardy are contending to support Nic Naitanui, but the club hasn't separated them yet. Williams is the bolter with upside and athleticism, while Vardy is the safe option early. – Nathan Schmook

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Tim English is primed for a breakout year

The Bulldogs couldn't be more pleased with what they've seen from emerging ruckman Tim English over the pre-season. The West Australian is attacking contests with complete confidence in his body and now looks like a genuine contested marking threat. English has put plenty of work into his goalkicking and that paid off with two majors against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

2. Bailey Williams must play in round one

It's not easy to crack into the half-back rotations for the Bulldogs, but Bailey Williams has forced coach Luke Beveridge's hand a little bit with 40 disposals over the two Marsh Community Series games. With a hole on the wing, Beveridge may have to move Matt Suckling up the ground in order to get Williams into the side across half-back.



STILL A MYSTERY

Is Toby McLean in the best 22?

After being a walk-up starter as an inside midfielder in 2017 and 2018, McLean has had to adapt to a different role as a half-forward over the past year or so. Despite having all the tools to succeed in that area, McLean's form hasn't been eye-popping across the pre-season. At this stage it looks like Mitch Wallis, Sam Lloyd, Bailey Smith and Bailey Dale are well ahead in the selection rankings, so the 24-year-old might have to earn his spot through the VFL to start the season. - Jourdan Canil