Carlton could make its trip north to face Brisbane in Opening Round without six of its first-choice players as the club leaves a decision on Sam Walsh’s fitness until the last minute.
North Melbourne’s coaches have stopped factoring Tarryn Thomas in to season planning as youngster George Wardlaw says the Roos players “don’t know as much as we would like” about the investigation into the midfielder.
AFL Executive General Manager Laura Kane has remained coy on the possibility of North Melbourne receiving cap relief from the league amid the continuing investigation into Tarryn Thomas.
Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said he is “at ease” with the contract situation of in-demand speedster Max Holmes as he enters the season without a deal.
Spearhead Nick Larkey has franked his Coleman Medal credentials with a dominant haul of five goals in three quarters as his Roos pushed past an undermanned Collingwood.
Players at the Gold Coast Suns are embracing new coach Damien Hardwick’s declaration that qualifying for a maiden finals series is the bare minimum expected this season, revelling in the three-time premiership-winning mentor’s “clean slate” approach with the group.
Goal-kicking ace Nick Larkey was in hot form for the Kangaroos, who will be encouraged by their win over the reigning premier, even if it was a match simulation contest and the Magpies were under-strength.
Melbourne’s Joel Smith, already provisionally suspended after failing a drug test last year, has now been accused of trafficking cocaine by Sport Integrity Australia.
Melbourne captain Max Gawn has strongly denied there is an illicit drug culture at the Demons despite allegations suspended teammate Joel Smith had sent text messages to players offering them quantities of cocaine.
If Clayton Oliver reaches match fitness in the next fortnight, captain Max Gawn says he is “comfortable” with the star midfielder making an immediate return to the Melbourne side despite his tumultuous off-season.