North Melbourne v Essendon
Preview
The Kangaroos have a near full-strength side to choose from with only Andrew Swallow the only notable absentee. Father-son recruit Luke McDonald will make his debut, while former Sun Joel Tippett is in the frame after being promoted off the rookie list.
Michael Hibberd will be named for the Bombers despite straining his hamstring in the NAB Challenge. Paddy Ryder will ruck solo with help from Joe Daniher, while there will be a debutant with Zach Merrett likely to get the nod ahead of Martin Gleeson. Elevated rookie Patrick Ambrose is shaping as a surprise inclusion after impressing in training.
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Preview
The Hawks will have a couple of fresh faces in their first game of the season. New recruit Ben McEvoy will lead the ruck, while Angus Litherland is looking likely to play in defence due to the absence of the suspended Brian Lake and injured Ben Stratton. Derik Wanganeen and Tim O'Brien will be others on the cusp.
In a massive boost, key forward Jonathan Brown will play despite an interrupted pre-season. The Lions will hand a debut to last year's number seven draft pick James Aish, while midfielder Nick Robertson and defender Tom Cutler will be very close.
St Kilda v Melbourne
Preview
The Saints will blood a host of new players with Luke Dunstan a certainty to play, while Jack Billings promoted rookie Eli Templeton are right on the cusp. Sam Gilbert has made great progress following foot surgery and his inclusion will give the side some much-needed experience with a host of senior players missing.
The Demons will be without key forwards Mitch Clark, Jesse Hogan and Chris Dawes, but there is still plenty of excitement surrounding the club. New faces Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross, Dom Tyson and Viv Michie will all play, while mature-aged rookie defender Alex Georgiou will make his AFL debut. Exciting forward Jay Kennedy-Harris could also be thrusted straight into senior action, although he is likely to start as the sub if selected.
West Coast v Western Bulldogs
Preview
The Eagles look very healthy with only Beau Waters injured and Pat McGinnity out suspended. Former Hawk Xavier Ellis has starred in the pre-season and will play, while former Lion Elliot Yeo will also get his chance. Early draft pick Dom Sheed is ready-made for AFL and will definitely be in the 25-man squad.
The Bulldogs will travel without new captain Ryan Griffen, who is battling a back complaint. But in better news, veteran Rob Murphy has recovered from his elbow surgery and should play, along with yougnster Nathan Hrovat. Mitch Honeychurch will be selected in the 25, but might just miss out on the final team.