Carlton coach Michael Voss says a deliberately heavy block of training in the last month could be partly responsible for his side’s unconvincing performance against an injury-hit Richmond on Thursday night.
Carlton has held off a brave, injury-ravaged Richmond outfit, winning by five points, 12.14 (86) to 12.9 (81), in a thrilling Round 1 opener at the MCG.
Two Fox Footy experts have been left baffled by what North Melbourne champion David King called the “farcical” decision by Fremantle to extend head coach Justin Longmuir’s contract by just one year.
Collingwood will unleash Finlay Macrae and welcome back Jeremy Howe, while Tom Mitchell has been managed for Friday night’s blockbuster against an unchanged Sydney.
Four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis has urged Richmond to make an “honest” assessment of its list early in the season after a “pathetic” performance in its season-opener.
An emerging Cat is poised to sign a million-dollar deal this year as his Geelong contract nears its expiration, while Sydney’s Brownlow Medal favourite is reportedly already being chased by a pair of rival interstate clubs.
Brisbane’s stars have been accused of lacking composure as damning footage showed players blow multiple moments late in their thrilling one-point Opening Round loss to Carlton.
The AFL will make a “landmark ruling” when it determines where retired star Angus Brayshaw’s payout comes from, according to Fox Footy’s Gerard Whateley, as debates rages over whether the funds should be included inside Melbourne’s salary cap.
Premiership defender Jeremy Howe is set to open his season against Sydney for Collingwood as coach Craig McRae demanded his players do the “simple things” better in pursuit of the first win of their title defence.