Footy fans are getting their first genuine look at how all 18 clubs are shaping up ahead of the 2026 season.

Every club will take part in an unofficial match simulation — comprising varying formats — from Monday, February 16 to Saturday, February 21.

Watch the 2026 AFL pre-season match sims and AAMI Community Series LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Foxfooty.com.au analyses what we learned about all 18 teams during this one-week period.

ADELAIDE CROWS

Result: 19-point win over Port Adelaide (94-75)

Match report:Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide match simulation

What we learnt: The Crows may have bowed out of the finals in straight sets in 2025, but they’re showing no signs of a hangover in 2026. Adelaide were dominant from the outset against a Port Adelaide side missing a host of big names. But most impressive was big man Riley Thilthorpe who piled on five goals – including four in just a quarter and a bit. Crows great Mark Bickley believes Thilthorpe’s form demands a “60+ goal” season as a pass mark, given his marking strength and accuracy in front of goal. And that alone would have Adelaide fans salivating should he bring up that figure after his 60-goal 2025 season. Only two Crows have kicked more than 60 goals in a single season in almost three decades – Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker. When Thilthorpe wasn’t dominating in attack, we learnt Jordan Dawson resting forward works – he even beat Port star Aliir Aliir in a one-on-one to set up Taylor Walker for goal. It’s just a case of having enough fit (and eligible) mids to fill the void so it’s not “Dawson in the midfield or bust” for Adelaide this season. Josh Rachele showed he was capable of stepping up into the role in Friday’s match sim, along with Luke Pedlar. Izak Rankine can also go through the middle when his suspension ends. Toby Murray, brother of Crows defender Nick, is another interesting cog in Adelaide’s grand plan – his inclusion meant he provided the back up ruck option to Lachlan McAndrew. That freed up Thilthorpe to remain as a forward – and at times a 201cm midfielder which is a move Bickley wasn’t sold on. Adelaide will need to find a defender confident enough to take on the central kick without injured star Mark Keane. Jordon Butts struggled to pull that same trigger in Friday’s match sim – so a rework from coach Matthew Nicks exiting D50 could be on the cards.

BRISBANE LIONS

Result: 15-point loss to Carlton (88-103)

Match report:Brisbane vs. Carlton match simulation

What we learned: Not a tremendous amount, frankly. And that’s not an issue at all whatsoever for the back-to-back reigning premiers, who took things pretty casually after quarter-time on Wednesday night. The household names looked like themselves in limited pre-season minutes, and Oscar Allen importantly got through in what was a relatively inauspicious unofficial Lions debut. The former Eagles captain hit the scoreboard once and looked good without having a massive influence on the contest. Speaking about Allen post-game, Brisbane assistant Dale Morris told reporters: “I was pleased for Oscar. He was able to get on the scoreboard, I thought he presented well and competed really well. These games are about the connection between him and the forwards and the midfield, them learning his leading patterns, him learning where the guys up the field are going to kick it, how they turn and move. He’ll get a lot out of this game.” Elsewhere up forward, without Logan Morris, Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron, the Lions played with a few magnets. Keidean Coleman, who due to persistent injury has managed two senior games in the past two seasons combined, lined up as an attacker for most of Wednesday night and looked the part. Relocated from his familiar spot across half-back, ‘Kiddy’ kicked a goal in the first quarter and got his hands on the footy. “He’s taking on that role so well … he’s just looking really strong and really quick,” Richard Champion said of Coleman, who got through unscathed and returned to the backline late in the game. The left-footer lined up alongside names like Conor McKenna and youngster Will McLachlan, who also pressed their claims in the forward half. They combined for three majors as alternative attacking options for Chris Fagan to ponder over. Meanwhile, long-time forward Lincoln McCarthy, who’s looking to play his first AFL game since Round 8, 2024, was deployed in defence and looked solid, able to play as both a stopper and a distributor across half-back.

CARLTON

Result: 15-point win over Brisbane (103-88)

Match report:Brisbane vs. Carlton match simulation

What we learned: First and foremost, that Jagga Smith belongs at the top level. That’s not to say this was in any sort of doubt, but to be sure, we were looking for flashes in his first unofficial appearance of the year after a ruptured ACL ruined the former No.3 pick’s rookie season. And we certainly saw those flashes. Mere seconds after lining up at his first centre ball-up did Smith push forward and handball-receive for a long-range goal just minutes into the game. The 20-year-old was active and clean at ground level, giving hungry Blues fans a tantalising taste of what a midfield combination with Sam Walsh will look like for years to come. But he didn’t only do it with ball in hand, intercepting Lions possessions on numerous occasions to create transition opportunities for his side. Blues assistant Josh Fraser said Smith played a “terrific” game, telling reporters: “We’re mindful of not loading him up too much, but we’re looking for little signs. The way he connects with the midfield – having missed a lot of football – and the synergy he brings with them, his composure with the ball in-hand and moving the ball inside 50 as well, he’s going to be a terrific player … He’s so determined, he takes a lot of pride in his performance and he wants to win. For him to get out there and get through and show some encouraging signs, it’s a great step for him.” Last year’s No.3 pick Harry Dean also had some nice moments early, highlighted by winning a free kick against gun Lions forward Oscar Allen, who was forced to man-handle the young Blue as a result of his solid positioning. We also learned that the Blues might have forward options in the post-Charlie Curnow era after all, headlined by Ben Ainsworth and Will Hayward combining for six goals against Brisbane. Opportunistic and crafty in the forward half, the pair should be able to take a decent load off Harry McKay’s shoulders this year. “They’re going to be a dangerous half-forward combo, Ainsworth and Hayward … they’ve got six goals out of Ainsworth and Hayward — you couldn’t ask for much more than that from your two new recruits,” Kayo Sports caller Brett Thomas said. Even third-round draft pick Talor Byrne turned heads with a hat-trick of last-quarter goals to propel the Blues’ comeback win. And while Elijah Hollands has been the talk of the pre-season in terms of an SSP reprieve — and had some nice early moments on Wednesday night — it was Wade Derksen in defence who arguably put his hand up most assertively. The 194-centimetre ex-Giants swingman showed his ability to read the play well and be accountable. “I think Derksen is almost a certainty to get one (a list spot), given the way he’s played as a key defender tonight,” Thomas declared during the game. Melbourne backtracked on its trade interest in Derksen last year before GWS delisted the 24-year-old, but he’s made an impression in navy blue as a potential depth tall.

COLLINGWOOD

Result: 35-point loss to GWS Collingwood (75-110)

Match report:Collingwood vs. GWS Giants match simulation

What we learned: Craig McRae and company might be ready to experiment with younger options through the midfield. Though there were some key names missing from that Magpies engine room including Nick Daicos and Ned Long. Mature-aged draftee Angus Anderson looked comfortable playing against senior bodies, with his intensity around the contest really standing out. Ed Allan got plenty of midfield minutes too and he showed some impressive signs. Beau McCreery also got some run on the ball in a role he could get more opportunities in this upcoming season. McCreery and Dan McStay, who’ve both battled injury over the pre-season, got through the game unscathed in a good result after Collingwood has been marred by various setbacks across the summer. But they might be stretched in defence with some key peroneal in doubt for Opening Round. Kieren Briggs (four goals), Nick Madden (three) and Jake Riccardi (two) combined for nine majors to get hold of an undermanned and undersized Collingwood defence.“I just wonder with the injuries to Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe, there’s been a lot of contested marks taken by the Giants, how big those losses will be early in the season. That is a concern if you’re getting beaten in the air consistently,” premiership Magpie Tom Mitchell said on Kayo Sports commentary. It could open the door for Joel Cochran to make his AFL debut, with the 2024 mid-season draftee showing good signs in defence. At the other end of the ground, there’s been plenty of talk around whether recruit Jack Buller or Charlie West can help fill the forward void left by Brody Mihocek, but both players were quiet and held goalless against GWS.

ESSENDON

Result: 50-point win over Richmond (118-68)

Match report:Essendon vs. Richmond match simulation

What we learned: Luckless midfielder Darcy Parish is poised to reannounce himself to the rest of the competition. After two lost years due to persistent soft-tissue injury, we saw more than a few glimpses of the player who averaged 30 disposals in 23 games five seasons ago. The 28-year-old racked up heaps of footy and was hugely influential in Essendon’s seven-goal-to-one second quarter that proved the difference in the 50-point match simulation win. He was able to get from inside to out and was damaging with his clean use, adding two goals to his overall effort. Kayo commentator Adam White remarked: “Darcy Parish is going to be one of the storylines of this game … he has totally dominated.” He was also defensively accountable, laying a brutal tackle on young Tiger Taj Hotton at one stage. “I think people forget what a good player he is, and again, he’s been an outstanding contributor in the pre-season to this point … he’s been able to get a lot of continuity in his training,” Bombers footy boss Dan McPherson told the Kayo Sports broadcast on Friday. We also learned that livewire forward Hussien El Achkar is genuinely in Round 1 calculations, turning heads against the Tigers amid a standout summer. El Achkar kicked two goals, but he was involved in several Essendon scores due to his hunger for the footy, and he was also a pest with his forward-half pressure. He’s set to form a dangerous long-term small forward combination with Isaac Kako. “His electricity … he’s getting to all the right spots, his work rate when the ball turns over,” Kayo Sports analyst Jordyn Allen said. “I think (for) Essendon fans out there, he’s one to watch.” And speaking of forwards, Nate Caddy controlled the airways and kicked straight en route to four majors. It was also clear that the Bombers wanted to get speed on the ball, bursting out of the quarter-time gates with their eye-catching ball movement link-up chains.

FREMANTLE

Match simulation details (live on Fox Footy ch. 504): Play West Coast Eagles on Saturday February 21 at 12pm (AEDT), Victor George Kailis Oval — Cockburn (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on)

In doubt/won’t play: Sam Sturt (knee), Alex Pearce (loading), Luke Ryan (shoulder), Cooper Simpson (hip), Aiden Riddle (ankle)

AFL Origin squad members: Shai Bolton (WA), Jordan Clark (WA), Luke Jackson (WA), Jaeger O’Meara (WA), Caleb Serong (Victoria)

GEELONG CATS

Result: 17-point loss to Hawthorn (94-111)

Match report:Hawthorn vs. Geelong match simulation

What we learned: Livewire Ollie Dempsey could be something special this year. Lining up for portions as a pure inside midfielder on Monday, the 2024 Rising Star showed his exhilarating dash in open space but was also physical at the contest when he had to be. Dempsey played on a wing and up forward last year, but if Monday’s effort is any indication, he could be set to stamp his influence in the centre square. A moment in the second quarter provided a tantalising preview of what Dempsey could be this year, starting the term at the centre ball-up before pushing forward and marking inside 50 for a shot on goal. Granted, all of Bailey Smith, Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn were absent against the Hawks, but there’ll be little doubt in anyone’s mind that Dempsey can expand his skillset into the engine room. Hard-nosed two-gamer George Stevens also bobbed up for some nice moments – including starting the game in the guts – highlighted by a goal after shrugging off an opponent, but he’s unlikely to feature in the Cats’ on-ball rotation, barring injury to others. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Jay Polkinghorne was one of the day’s big stories, providing Chris Scott some food for thought ahead of the season proper. The second-year forward presented his case as a tall forward option alongside Shannon Neale – who booted a team-high four majors – on Monday, exhibiting an ability to lead into space and mark strongly, as well as finish his work, booting three goals in Dingley. The 191-centimetre 19-year-old managed to get free inside 50 on more than one occasion, looking dangerous all afternoon. “He’s been really handy up forward for Geelong today,” Kayo Sports commentator Sam Hargreaves said. “Just a different style of forward for them … maybe they’re looking for that third potentially leading target.” With Jeremy Cameron in the wars with injury and Tyson Stengle absent, Polkinghorne, the Pick 24 in 2024, proved his viability as more than one spot up forward appears up for grabs. Ollie Henry was also dangerous against Hawthorn, booting three goals to put his hand up for a return to Chris Scott’s side after falling out of favour at the business end of last year.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Result: 71-point loss to St Kilda (36-107)

Match report:Gold Coast Suns vs. St Kilda match simulation

What we learned: In terms of the way this side is shaping up for the new season, not a whole lot — which is OK. It was clear the Suns weren’t overly serious about the clash the moment they requested with the AFL that departed veterans David Swallow and Alex Sexton be eligible to play against the Saints on Thursday night. The 71-point loss in poor conditions was solidified with a goalless third term that saw St Kilda pile on seven majors, but Suns people will be more focussed on the first impressions from new recruits Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Petracca showed good signs as essentially a full-time midfielder with superstar duo Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson absent, before being managed in the second half. Despite the soapy footy, Petracca was able to be clean in most instances as fans got a glimpse of what the ex-Demon is set to bring as a forward-of-centre beast. Up forward, Ugle-Hagan didn’t have a huge influence on what was a tough night for key forwards, though he did kick his first unofficial goal in Suns colours late in proceedings. “Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has found it tough tonight,” Kayo Sports analyst Richard Champion said late in the broadcast.

GWS GIANTS

Result: 35-point win over Collingwood (75-110)

Match report:Collingwood vs. GWS Giants match simulation

What we learned: Recruit Clayton Oliver looks like he’s going to be a valuable addition to Adam Kingsley’s midfield. Oliver was clean around stoppage and even showed some burst around the ground in an impressive first hitout for the club. The inside midfielder is the ideal like-for-like replacement for the injured Tom Green and the ex-Demon is suddenly vital for his new side’s 2026 flag hopes. Premiership Magpie and Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell was “very” impressed with Oliver’s work. “His inside game, his outside game, he’s found the balance really well and used the well the ball well,” Mitchell said on Kayo Sports commentary. Harry Rowston also showed good signs with extra midfield chances. But the Giants will be tested even more on the injury front with Brent Daniels struck down by injury, joining the likes of Green, Finn Callaghan, Sam Taylor, Toby Bedford, Leek Aleer and Josh Kelly just two weeks out from Opening Round. Callum Brown also sustained a sprained ankle but it doesn’t appear to be serious. With Darcy Jones also set to miss most of 2026, Phoenix Gothard is one that showed he could be ready to step up. The former No. 12 pick, who’s yet to make his AFL debut, kicked two goals against Collingwood and fit in well to the Giants’ front six. Meanwhile, Harvey Thomas has made the switch from forward to defence and he found plenty of the footy back there and even kicked a goal. Ruck trio Kieren Briggs (four goals), Nick Madden (three) and Jake Riccardi (two) had big days up forward and provided a needed boost without Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman and Toby Greene. It could be another string in the bow of Briggs specifically, even though he figures to be their No. 1 ruck.

HAWTHORN

Result: 17-point win over Geelong (111-94)

Match report:Hawthorn vs. Geelong match simulation

What we learned: Former top-10 draft pick Josh Ward might be at the front of the queue for more inside midfield minutes in the absence of the injured Will Day and departed James Worpel, but the Hawks appear likely to use a rotation of bodies in a ‘committee’ approach to covering the voids. All of Ward, Cam Mackenzie and Connor Macdonald had a handful of good moments on Monday against the Cats, with Hawthorn’s starting ball-up mix comprising Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Ward and Macdonald. Along with Mackenzie, Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Nick Watson and Josh Weddle all had cracks in the guts at stages, with Henry Hustwaite and Ollie Greeves featuring late in proceedings. But Ward arguably had the most eye-catching moments, consistently showing an ability to be both clean at the contest and damaging with his possessions in transition. Probed on the things the Hawks wanted to see on Monday, assistant coach David Hale — playing the role of senior coach for the day — said post-game on Monday: “Players’ exposure in certain roles — Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle having a play around the ball, seeing that midfield mix with Ward and Mackenzie and those guys (that) are going to spend a bit of time there.” The 23-year-old Macdonald, a standout across the summer as he looks to expand his game beyond merely a half-forward opportunist, was able to find space through the corridor and use his dash to create attacking opportunities. “Players like Macdonald, who are supremely skilled, they (the Hawks) might roll five or six through, and just show different variations at different times of games,” Kayo Sports caller Sam Hargreaves suggested in commentary on Monday. “It might just be done by committee than by one big-name recruit.” Meanwhile, a key narrative was the SSP battle for the Hawks’ two vacant list spots. But while there are two, the club might only choose to use one at this early point in the year, with ex-Roos-listed backman Flynn Perez putting his best foot forward of the bunch. Apart from setting sail for a long-range goal, Perez turned heads with his ball use, with a highlight coming in the third quarter when he pulled off a ripping kick from half-back into the middle of the ground, setting up a chain that ended in a Calsher Dear goal. “Perez has been able to slot into the backline with a few guys missing (due to) playing State of Origin. He’s shown he can use the ball well. His kicking today at times was really good,” Hale said. Fellow SSP hopeful Jack Riding also had a few nice moments in defence, but Perez is regarded as the “clubhouse leader” for a spot, at this stage.

MELBOURNE

Result: 80-point win over North Melbourne (129-49)

Match report:Melbourne v North Melbourne match simulation

What we learned: Dees fans would be going into 2026 with more optimism after a dominant 80-point win over North Melbourne in Casey in a game the Pickett cousins put on a show. Melbourne unofficially kicked off the Steven King era on a high note and a preview into some exciting footy to come this season. The Dees played a more daring brand where they looked to move the ball quickly at just about every opportunity and embraced a more chaotic style. It saw Kysaiah Pickett thrive in a five-goal masterclass as the best player on the ground, splitting his time between midfield and forward. “That run and gun through the middle with Pickett – he’s just so quick with ball in hand. And not only is he quick, but he can execute a kick on the run like that. It’s such a great asset for them to use him through that middle of the ground,” Carlton AFLW player Harriet Cordner praised on Kayo Sports commentary. His cousin, Latrelle Pickett, also had some dazzling moments that would’ve got Demons fans seriously excited. More of that from the Pickett cousins in 2026, please! Elsewhere, Jack Steele delivered a strong performance in the midfield in his first showing for Melbourne, while Brody Mihocek kicked the first two goals for Melbourne before his day ended prematurely due to concussion and 2024 mid-season recruit Luker Kentfield kicked three wearing a ‘Batman’ mask.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Result: 80-point loss to Melbourne (129-49)

Match report:Melbourne v North Melbourne match simulation

What we learned: A tough showing up first for the Roos, even if it was just match simulation. But they struggled to match Melbourne’s intensity with ball in hand and at times were too passive and happy to kick long down the line, which played into the Demons defenders’ hands. Meanwhile North’s defence, which has been such an issue under Alastair Clarkson, was again too leaky and and the Roos allowed Melbourne to move the ball too easily at times. That might be the most concerning takeaway from Friday’s game, which again, was just match sim. But North is among the clubs that should be taking these games more seriously and wanting to see their system hold up stronger. Nick Larkey and Jack Darling were bright spots with two goals apiece, but there was probably too much of an overreliance on the key forward pair inside 50. And Harry Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke has some strong moments in the midfield despite being up against it for most of the day. Jy Simpkin was used as an allocated kicker going inside 50, but in an unfortunate blow, young defender Riley Harderman’s day came to an abrupt end due to an ankle injury.

PORT ADELAIDE

Result: 19-point loss to Adelaide (94-75)

Match report:Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide match simulation

What we learnt: Port Adelaide have plenty of talls… but are they in the right positions? We only saw a half of Todd Marshall the defender – and it was still left to rookie 202cm defender Harrison Ramm to battle Crows beast Riley Thilthorpe. But Crows great Mark Bickley believes Marshall still can work in Port’s backline. “We saw him in the warm up – looks visibly different in size,” he shared. “Had the snapped Achilles so would have spent the better part of 12 months in the gym (last year). It actually shows – he looks big and strong”. And make no mistake – Ramm will be better for his hitout with Thilthorpe. The rookie has played just one game – against Suns star Ben King, so he’s getting an education fast from the best in the business. Mitch Georgiades was missing in attack down the other end as Jack Lukosius and Ollie Lord struggled to have an impact. Young Jack Whitlock showed promising signs, but Port’s tall forward line failed to function. And down the other end, too much was left to Aliir Aliir to try and stem the Adelaide attack. Port didn’t have ruckman Jordon Sweet on Friday – instead he was used in the earlier match scrimmage for non-selected players, as Dante Visentini was given the chance to push his case for senior selection. Jase Burgoyne impressed with his intercept marking ability in promising signs for new coach Josh Carr. Jacob Wehr also showed classy foot skills for his new club after crossing from the Giants. But without the likes of Zak Butters, Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines and Jason Horne-Francis (injured early in second term), we didn’t see the full extent of Port’s engine room power – and it showed on the scoreboard.

RICHMOND

Result: 50-point loss to Essendon (68-118)

Match report:Essendon vs. Richmond match simulation

What we learned: Well, for starters — even though it’s an unofficial practice match — after looking like a smooth-moving half-back ball movement machine, the Tigers were completely shut down after quarter-time on Friday. The Bombers cut off Richmond’s switch avenues out of defence and pressured it into mistakes, with a seven-goal-to-one Essendon second quarter blowing the game wide open. But it’s hard to take away anything absolutely concrete from the result, with both sides resting most of their stars after half-time. But Sam Lalor was tantalising in the early stages, rising to mark inside 50, having drifted forward from the centre ball-up — of which he attended plenty in the first half. The former No.1 pick was clean and comfortable in possession, and most importantly, he got through unscathed in what’s been a careful yet complete pre-season for the young star after hamstring issues hampered his rookie campaign. Sam Grlj, the eighth overall pick last November, was arguably the most impressive Richmond youngster, exhibiting his daring dash and adept decision-making exiting defence. An accurate slicing kick into the corridor from defence was one of a handful of exciting acts, as well as a well-placed kick inside 50 late in the first term set up fellow top-10 pick Sam Cumming’s first unofficial Richmond goal. Cumming, meanwhile, got better as the game went on, benefitting from more centre ball-up attendances later in proceedings once the Tigers’ stars sat out. Jack Ross, recently elevated into the club’s leadership group for the first time, was a consistent cool head out at Tullamarine and one of the Tiges’ better players on the day.

ST KILDA

Result: 71-point win over Gold Coast (107-36)

Match report:Gold Coast Suns vs. St Kilda match simulation

What we learned: Underrated forward Max Hall might be one of the Saints’ most important players in just his second year, particularly if Max King misses more time beyond the first five rounds. Hall slotted four goals against the Suns on Thursday night, looking every part the crucial half-forward connecting piece he was in his first AFL season. A midseason draftee in 2024, Hall played all 23 games last year, quickly earning Ross Lyon’s trust as a hard-working forward-half asset. And there’s no reason why he won’t continue to earn the fans’ plaudits this year, working alongside the likes of Jack Higgins, who snagged three majors of his own. Elsewhere, Sam Flanders looked the part. Playing against his former teammates, Flanders was one of the best afield while playing a pure midfield role on Thursday night. There were no stats kept, but the elusive ball-winner racked up plenty of the pill, playing the role that was attractive to him when moving across from Gold Coast. And alongside him in the engine room was Mattaes Phillipou, who St Kilda is hoping can genuinely explode in year four after injuries impacted him last year. Phillipou has played mostly in the forward half to start his career, but a more permanent on-ball move is surely in his future. $13 million ruck recruit Tom De Koning also acclimated nicely in his first unofficial Saints appearance, using the new ruck rules to his advantage. St Kilda is going to be one of the big storylines this year after its trade period cash splash last October, but — putting aside for the moment the fact it’s February — it resembled an outfit capable of pushing for September, putting together an impressive seven-goal-to-nothing third quarter to break the game open in tough conditions. Jack Silvagni didn’t survive the first quarter after sustaining a concussion in a marking contest, with the club hoping he can recover and be able to play Collingwood in Opening Round on March 8.

SYDNEY SWANS

Result: 33-point win over Bulldogs (99-66)

Match report:Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney Swans match simulation

What we learned: Superstar Charlie Curnow is going to be as good as advertised in Sydney. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but seeing it in his unofficial Swans debut as confirmation was a welcome sight for the club’s fans. The dual Coleman medallist cruised to four majors against the Bulldogs on Thursday, getting free inside 50 on several occasions with relative ease. Curnow’s set-shot accuracy was on show, and he meshed nicely with fellow tall forward Logan McDonald, who also slotted four goals and looks primed for a bounce-back after not managing a single senior game last year in an injury-hampered campaign. Through the middle, Errol Gulden was tremendous, cutting up the Dogs with his transition dash — and his forward-of-centre connection with Curnow is already a highlight. Imagine the heights they’re likely to reach in the regular season, once they’ve had months of proper match minutes together. But while Curnow was the main takeaway from a Swans perspective, a less-heralded recruit in Malcolm Rosas was arguably just as impressive as the ex-Blue. Rosas was hunted by multiple clubs ahead of last October’s trade period, and it’s not hard to see why, as the former Sun asserted himself as both a goalsneak — dobbing two goals by half-time — and a valuable forward-half pressure player. “How lively; he’s exactly what they’ve lacked a bit at times,” Kayo Sports expert commentator Dan Hannebery said. “They’ve had Papley and Hayward, but Paps has always needed an extra sort of support down there to crumb and create.” He continued his solid work into the second half, hitting contests hard and at speed. “He has been a big impact player today; something happens when he’s around the ball. They haven’t had that sort of player for a while, the Swans,” Hannebery said of Rosas in the final term. Tom Papley was among Sydney’s absentees on Thursday, but you’d imagine he and Rosas are set to form a dangerous forward-50 combination.

WEST COAST EAGLES

Match simulation details (live on Fox Footy ch. 504): Play Fremantle on Saturday February 21 at 12pm (AEDT), Victor George Kailis Oval — Cockburn (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on)

In doubt/won’t play: Liam Duggan (headknock), Tom Gross (hamstring), Jack Graham (hamstring), Sam Allen (knee), Brody Hough (ankle), Jack Hutchinson (ankle), Tom Cole (finger), Fred Rodriguez (ankle), Bailey Williams (groin), Tylar Young (shin)

AFL Origin squad members: Liam Baker (WA), Jake Waterman (WA)

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Result: 33-point win over Bulldogs (99-66)

Match report:Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney Swans match simulation

What we learned: Livewire forward Artie Jones could be set for a big year. The exciting attacker has flashed glimpses here and there in 18 games and four seasons, but with Cody Weightman still a way off and Laitham Vandermeer and Riley Garcia hurt, Jones is surely set to get his chance at locking down a regular spot in Luke Beveridge’s side. The 22-year-old was dynamic both as an attacking threat and a forward-half pressure player, kicking a team-high three majors to be among the Dogs’ best on Thursday. “He’s been a standout today for the Bulldogs,” Kayo Sports analyst Dan Hannebery said of Jones’ afternoon. Otherwise, it’s hard to come away from the loss to the Swans with any big declarations, given the Dogs were missing six Origin stars including Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton. But with Adam Treloar also among the absentees due to injury, Ryley Sanders capitalised with extended midfield minutes. The third-year Tasmanian wasn’t prolific by any stretch, but he got his hands on the ball plenty and was crafty with his possessions in tight confines, attending an equal-team-high amount of centre ball-ups for his side. “In the midfield, I’m loving Sanders’ game … he’s looking really, really good,” Hannebery said early in the contest. Second-year defender Lachie Jaques, who’s had a big pre-season and figures to be in the Round 1 selection frame, had some nice moments in the backline, while SSP hopeful Will Lewis jagged two goals as he aims to fill James Harmes’ vacant list spot.