Why Smith Can’t Be Counted On to Rescue the Cats; Dockers Fans Eagerly Await as Star Urged to ‘Get Stuck In’

As the AFL prepares to kick off its official pre-season fixtures next week, both fans and clubs are starting to get a glimpse of what season 2025 has in store.

While some clubs are remaining tight-lipped about their strategies, others are boldly showcasing their game plans and new signings.

However, the off-season has been challenging for certain teams, particularly with injuries at play. Let’s delve into how your favourite club is faring with or without some key players as the upcoming season approaches.

BAILEY’S BACK – BUT CATS MIDFIELD STILL STRUGGLING

Bailey Smith’s return to the blue and white hoops didn’t exactly dazzle in his first outing on Monday.

He made a noticeable impact early on, bursting through packs and executing a solid intercept game, racking up 10 possessions in the match’s opening 15 minutes.

However, his influence diminished as the game progressed. Smith alone can’t be expected to rescue the Cats, especially given their ongoing midfield issues.

Concerns still loom over the Cats, particularly with experienced premiership player Cam Guthrie facing at least a month on the sidelines following Achilles surgery. The challenge remains for Geelong to emulate their triumphant 2022 season in the absence of Joel Selwood.

Hope now rests on 22-year-old Mitch Knevitt, who spent a majority of his time in the midfield during the Cats’ 20-point scratch match victory over Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium on Monday.

A youthful collective featuring Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes, Knevitt, Smith, and the promising Max Holmes must establish themselves against the opposition’s elite midfielders, especially after the Hawks showcased their clearance dominance on Monday.

LALOR’S CONCUSSION HAS TIGERS ON EDGE

Richmond’s top draft pick Sam Lalor found himself in concussion protocols after a severe collision that left him with a fractured jaw on Monday.

During a marking contest, he collided with Eagle Sandy Brock after being shoved into his ribs by Rueben Ginbey.

The sight of the 18-year-old lying on the field in agony while clutching his head and jaw sent Richmond fans into a frenzy, and he is now doubtful for the opening round.

However, Lalor won’t be the sole saviour for the rebuilding Tigers.

Richmond is fully committed to their rebuild, and now must ensure their younger players are prepared to fill the gaps left by injuries to key players.

The spotlight falls on tall midfielder Hugo Ralphsmith, who enters his fifth season, to guide a youthful group through what could be a challenging phase.

The Tigers suffered a 36-point defeat to the Eagles at Mineral Resources Park on Monday, with Lalor being the sole multiple goal scorer, bagging two goals.

WILL’S PERFORMANCE UNDERLINES HAWKS AS A THREAT

Will Day displayed his prowess and broke through lines during the Hawks’ 20-point loss to the Cats in their recent scratch match on Monday.

Even amidst the defeat, the Hawks controlled play through the middle, with Day and James Worpel consistently securing clearance after clearance.

Hawks assistant coach David Hale sung the praises of the 23-year-old.

“He’s had a productive summer, marking the first full pre-season he’s ever had. He looked like the player we believe he can be,” Hale expressed post-match.

“He is dynamic inside and managed to kick a couple of goals, which is precisely what we want him to do more often.”

The younger Hawks are no longer in their infancy, as their midfield demonstrated against Geelong’s experienced pair Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Atkins.

KAKO SHINES

Farewell Jake Stringer, and welcome Isaac Kako.

The new Bombers small forward has already sparked excitement with his goal-scoring prowess during the club’s match simulation against the Bulldogs.

This is precisely what Essendon fans were eager to witness. Passion, energy around the footy, and an instinct for the game, elements they have missed while struggling to secure finals in recent years.

After a promising start to last season, only to falter and finish in 11th, Kako’s forward pressure might just be the missing piece in the puzzle towards achieving their first final victory since 2004.

However, it will take more than just a teenage goal poacher to make it happen.

Defensive weaknesses plagued the side in 2024, with hopes resting on big man Ben McKay to utilize his height and size to challenge opposing tall forwards.

It’s a team effort at the Hangar that necessitates a commitment from a cadre of youngsters to support experienced players Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish in securing finals.

DOGS FACING A CRISIS

The Western Bulldogs are set to start their first round clash against North Melbourne minus five key players from their best 22.

Adam Treloar (calf), Cody Weightman (knee), Jason Johannisen (hamstring), Liam Jones (hamstring), and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal reasons) will all be absent for round one, potentially leaving the door open for an upset by the Roos.

So, who will step up to fill Treloar’s midfield role and Jones’ defensive capabilities?

It cannot solely fall on captain Marcus Bontempelli for yet another season.

Now is the time to see if the addition of former Blue Matt Kennedy can alleviate some pressure around the contest for Bontempelli.

Meanwhile, Ed Richards will need to bring pace on the wing to bolster a side determined to mirror their 2016 success, with coach Luke Beveridge facing scrutiny.

‘VANILLA’ DOCKERS HIDING BEHIND EXCUSES?

Following a 43-point loss to the Indigenous All-Stars, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir stated that his team had not showcased their best football.

“We played rather vanilla,” Longmuir commented post-match.

“At this time of year, we’re aiming to get the basics right, and we didn’t want to reveal some of the strategies we’ve been developing.”

But could this be a way of sidestepping the harsh reality?

The Dockers continue to chase their first premiership and now head into round one without their first-choice ruckman Sean Darcy due to another injury setback.

Eyes will be on running defender Jordan Clark, who had issues maintaining composure on the field last season.

His disruptive outbursts negatively impacted the scoreboard. It’s high time to buckle down and demonstrate serious football.

Their fans are anxiously awaiting a turnaround.