Footy fans rejoice! The roar of the crowd and the thump of the Sherrin are almost upon us as preseason match simulations kick off this weekend. With them comes a wave of anticipation, not just for the return of the game itself, but also for the early indicators of how those bold trade and draft calls from the offseason will pan out.

This year’s preseason holds particular significance, as several clubs enter with ambitious plans fueled by strategic acquisitions and promising young talent. Let’s take a peek at some of the key storylines to watch in these practice matches:

Young Guns on the Rise:

Giants’ surprise pick – Phoenix Gothard: Drafted surprisingly high last year, Gothard has reportedly impressed during the pre-season, putting himself in contention for a Round 1 debut. Alongside fellow youngster Darcy Jones, these small forwards could fill a crucial gap in the Giants’ attack.
Carlton’s midfield depth: With Patrick Cripps injured, the spotlight falls on young midfielders like Sam Walsh and Sam Flanders to prove their mettle. Their performance against Geelong’s seasoned midfield will be a crucial test.

North Melbourne’s rebuild: Eyes will be on draftees Tom Powell and Harry Sheezel, who could inject some much-needed spark into the Kangaroos’ midfield. How they integrate with established players like Jack Ziebell will be telling.

Bold Trade Bets:

Essendon’s midfield overhaul: The arrival of Josh Dunkley and Jye Caldwell has significantly bolstered the Bombers’ midfield. Seeing how they gel with the likes of Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett will be fascinating.

Collingwood’s ruck conundrum: With Brodie Grundy’s departure, the Pies are looking to fill the void with Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox. Their performance against the Giants’ ruck division will offer insights into their chosen strategy.

Hawthorn’s forward line revamp: Cyril Rioli’s retirement left a big hole, but Jack Gunston’s return and the acquisition of Luke Breust offer hope. Their cohesion upfront against Carlton will be a key early test.

Burning Questions Answered:

Can Carlton cope without Weitering?: Key defender Jacob Weitering’s injury throws a wrench in the Blues’ premiership aspirations. How they manage his absence against Geelong’s firepower will be a major talking point.

Are Richmond ready to bounce back?: After a disappointing 2023, the Tigers need to show signs of improvement. Their performance against St Kilda will reveal if their offseason adjustments have paid off.

Can Brisbane continue their meteoric rise?:

The reigning premiers will be keen to maintain their momentum. Their clash with Adelaide will offer a glimpse into their readiness for another title tilt.

These are just a few of the exciting storylines to keep an eye on as the practice matches unfold. While they may not be full-fledged fixtures, they hold immense value in providing early indications of how teams have progressed during the offseason. The bold trade calls, the rising stars, and the burning questions – all will be put to the test, offering a taste of what’s to come in the highly anticipated 2024 season. So, grab your snacks, dust off your team colors, and prepare to witness the first roar of footy’s exciting return!