The defence looked fresh and fast with Ned Cahill and Nick Hind showing speed out of the backline, while top-10 draftee Nik Cox impressed on the wing. Green was a contested ball winning machine against the Swans, more than holding his own against veteran grunt players like Josh Kennedy. Mark Blicavs started in defence and looked incredibly solid there – it’s as if he’s won a best and fairest as a backman – with Jordan Clark and Sam Menegola playing on the wings. Truthfully, we didn’t learn much. Port Adelaide, Leederville Oval, 7.10pm, Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 3.10pm, AFL pre-season games restricted to cities. He set up Izak Rankine’s second goal with some excellent dash from defence. "Each of those regions play an extremely important role in our game and the decision to revise the fixture was made to protect the health and safety of the competition and the wider community," AFL fixture boss Travis Auld said. The Saints were already masters of the trade period for the last two years, but it looks as though their list guile has extended even further heading into 2021. The clash is Freo’s first of the pre-season series and will be played in week two on Friday, 26 February with bounce down at 4.10pm. Choose an event below and then click the BUY TICKETS button. The Eagles will be hoping Tom Hickey’s departure won’t be too costly, as the rucks struggled without Nic Naitanui against untried Dockers big man Lloyd Meek on Saturday. Hawthorn sides under Alastair Clarkson have been renowned for their skills and efficiency when exiting the backline, but it was tough work for the Hawks against the Dogs on Wednesday, with ample kicks missing the target and allowing the Dogs repeat entries. The Power are still a force to be reckoned with in 2021. Jeremy Cameron got off to a dream start with his first goal in the hoops coming just a minute into the win over Collingwood. Dogs' Treloar racing clock to face Pies in R1, Magpies tame Demons, go top of AFLW ladder. How players prepare for AFL life, Ranking every No. A slow start against last year’s wooden-spooners the Crows wasn’t an issue for Ken Hinkley’s men as they kicked into gear and stormed to victory with 13 goals to seven after quarter time en route to a 52-point win. We’ve seen AFL players wearing unusual tops during pre-season training before – but these are bordering on bikinis. Just one of the Magpies’ five top-31 picks from last year’s draft played from the opening bounce on Friday, and Ollie Henry looks like a gem. AFL Pre-Season Tickets. He and Wright each kicked two goals. The Bulldogs’ last pre-season hit-out at VU Whitten Oval was in 2017, against Melbourne. The AFL has today announced the fixture for the 2021 AFL Community Series which will see all 18 AFL Clubs play two matches over three weeks as part of the men's pre-season schedule. The Sydney Swans returned to training for 2021 at Moore Park today, with several senior players having their first hit-out of the pre-season. Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >. Adelaide will then face Richmond at Flinders University … The start of the 2021 AFL Premiership season is fast approaching - but first the 19 teams have to prepare with a series of pre-season games. February 27th, 2021 6:55 pm The first lot of AFL pre-season scratch matches ended on Saturday with four scratch matches — all of them derby rivalry games — less than a month out from the home and away season begins. Picture: Michael Klein, Christian Petracca copped a don't argue from Dustin Martin. Week Two Fremantle v Melbourne Friday 26 February, 4.10pm AWDT/ 7.10pm AEDT Fremantle Oval, WA. Something else we learned? Ticketing arrangements for the 2021 AFL Community Series will be advised by the AFL in due course. Williams was one of the competition’s most improved players last year, while Norm Smith medallist Johannisen appears primed to return to his best form in 2021. The midfielders, in particular, played a key role in the approach, as their ability find space in the middle of the ground kept the Dogs’ forwards closer to goal when running back. Fremantle will play a Friday twilight game at Fremantle Oval against Melbourne as a part of the 2021 AFL Community Series. Game 1 "While we share the disappointment of these regions, we also look forward to more fans being able to safely attend community series matches.". Here’s what we learned from every AFL club after this weekend’s scratch matches. Includes every round and full event info including stadiums, seating maps, tickets and live streaming. The former Tiger impressed in the Suns’ backline during their loss to the Brisbane Lions. Josh Jenkins had a solid game with Esava Ratugolea absent and Rhys Stanley only playing a half, and could force his way into the side as a ruck/forward if required. His addition could leave Patrick Cripps spending extended time close to goal, where he can use his strength and strong marking ability to pepper the scoreboard. The Magpies lost quite a bit of depth over the off-season meaning Henry not only looks good enough to play in Round 1, but Nathan Buckley may need him to. Gun recruit Zac Williams will play in a variety of roles, with David Teague not scared to throw him into the centre bounce. AFL 2021: AFL releases fixture for AAMI Community Series They’re the two teams many peg to be big improvers in 2021. Ex-Hawks defender James Frawley’s return from retirement was always a promising pick-up since it was announced, but watching him in action for three quarters on Thursday hammered home the fact he has a bit of good footy left in him yet. Why the Cats don't care about early draft picks, AFL trades and free agency: Every club's moves rated, The 20 biggest moments from the 2020 AFL season, One-off or the way of the future? The Dockers are set to be even bigger bolters than some may’ve predicted judging by their performance against the Eagles. It was great to see Jeremy Howe back in defence after a knee injury ruined his 2020 campaign, and while Magpies assistant Scott Selwood admitted he was underdone, the high-flyer didn’t look it. View the full 2021 AFL Pre-Season fixture and results. As expected, the athletic ex-Giant played higher up the ground than Tom Hawkins, with Gary Rohan the third marking option inside 50 and Patrick Dangerfield also rotating in. 2021 AFL Community Series fixtures. Richmond lost but did enough to suggest they’re still up for the fight after back-to-back flags and are the team to beat until proven otherwise. The 2021 AAMI Community series will see 18 AFL clubs play at least one game to prepare for the home-and-away season over a two-week period. Note: Events may be restricted due to Covid-19, including limited capacity and member priority. A brilliant passage of end-to-end play in the third quarter showed what could be possible through the corridor for Noble’s men, but it is a long journey before they’re able to consistently compete with the game’s best teams. He was a gun at WAFL level last year and starred on Thursday, bagging four goals alongside Peter Wright and Harrison Jones in a new-look Dons forward line. New to Kayo? Markov was recruited to Gold Coast to bring more speed to the team — and he showed great pace as he rebounded off half-back and surged the ball forward. Carlton are going to play an aggressive brand of footy from the back-half and should have the capacity to score large at times in season 2021. Round Table: Who will be the biggest risers and sliders in 2021? The following will apply: Hamling in particular had a lot of time out on the ground while Justin Longmuir said Pearce “hit his minutes”. The Crows will head to Tasmania to take on the Kangaroos at North Hobart Oval at 1.40pm ACDT on Sunday, February 28. Week Three North Melbourne v Melbourne He and Tom Lynch worked in tandem quite well as the latter enters his third year at the club. Round Table: What impact will the new 'stand' rule have? While Longmuir said it was a “slow build” with the two injury-ridden defenders, there was nothing slow about the way they proved themselves ready to go when the season gets underway. Nat Fyfe spent a lot of time in the middle in the opening quarter before going forward and hitting the scoreboard in a dynamite opening half. Ticketing information for the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will be available in early 2021. Pre-season will commence in February By James Hetherington on Adelaide will face North Melbourne in its first pre-season game of 2021, the AFL confirmed on Thursday. We saw glimpses of Tom Green’s potential during 2020, but he looks set to skyrocket in 2021 judging by his performance on Saturday. All 2021 AFL Community Series matches will be broadcast live on FOX FOOTY, Kayo and through the AFL Live App. AFL releases 2021 Community Series fixture. Collingwood’s great white hope has made a dramatic early statement on a day of revealing AFL pre-season matches. February 13th, 2021 6:04 am AFL clubs are beginning to ramp up training ahead of some big pre-season battles. You can be sure though that rival clubs will be looking to maximise and exploit any defensive lapses the Dees create with their forward frenzy – even Tigers CEO Brendon Gale noted during Friday’s broadcast his side’s opponents were moving “noticeably quicker” than they had previously. The No. AFL Pre-Season - Community Series - Carlton v St Kilda. 3 was phenomenal in the engine room, showing poise and proficiency in racking up touches despite others struggling in wet conditions. Gaelic gun Staunton stars, GWS beat Eagles, Phillips sparks Crows' AFLW win over Lions, Magpies beat North to extend AFLW win streak, Young Saint out for season with broken leg, AFL hit with $23-million loss during 2020, Collingwood presidency untenable: McGuire, Tone-deaf Eddie pours further fuel on Pies' racism fire, Collingwood defeat battling Tigers in AFLW, Houghton stars, Dockers beat AFLW's Giants, Muting 'outside noise' is again a test for Tigers, What the AFL can use in 2021 from its bizarre 2020 season, The 10 biggest Australian sporting moments of 2020, Inside the evolving culture of death threats in the AFL, AFL Draft 2020: Every club's draft haul rated, You're drafted! He had the first centre clearance of the game against the Suns — which led to Daniher’s first goal — while he had a big start to the third term. They pressed high but were prepared to sprint back once the likes of Caleb Daniel, Bailey Williams or Jason Johannisen found space. AFL 2021: Take a deep dive into Adelaide’s prospects for 2021 with our award-winning experts. Get all the latest AFL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. *Odds are current as of 5th March 2021, 7:37pm AEST, Joe Daniher kicked four goals for the Lions. Another learning from the match – Callan Ward could become a makeshift ruckman … seriously! 2021 pre-season dates announced. Buy tickets for upcoming AFL Pre-Season Games and AFL Pre-Season Finals Games. By essendonfc.com.au on ... “The confirmation of these dates allows all clubs and players to best prepare for the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season,” Hocking said. Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling didn’t need much time to slot seamlessly back into the Freo defensive set-up – they along with Luke Ryan blanketed the Eagles’ imposing forward line for much of their time on the ground. Before three quarter-time against the Suns on Saturday, both left-footers had four goals to their name, inspiring a fast Lions start that ultimately led to a comprehensive 47-point win. A train-on player this pre-season, a spot on the list is now Waterman’s to lose. Pre-season jaw surgery is a distant memory for Aliir Aliir, the prized Port Adelaide recruit is now champing at the bit to join his teammates on the pre-season track. North Melbourne and Hawthorn will head to Launceston, with AFL games taking place in Tasmania for the first time since last year's pre-season after border restrictions prevented any 2020 regular season matches in the apple isle. Carlton take on St Kilda in the opening match on a Thursday Night in Melbourne. Fans will get a first look at Carlton and St Kilda in the AFL pre-season … The Austadiums website is made possible by displaying some advertisements to our visitors. The AFL's pre-season series will run across just five days with regional areas to miss out on planned games as the league cuts down on travel. He was simply outstanding and the 18-year-old even out-marked experienced defender Tyson Goldsack to boot one of his goals, proving he is already a force to be reckoned with. How did Tom Papley slide through to the rookie draft in 2015? In an effort to avoid travel - and the potential for complications due to border closures - the existing schedule has been changed. Melbourne’s 2021 AFL Community Series Matches. Callum Mills is ready to become a fully-fledged midfielder judging by his standout performance against GWS, which follows an intense pre-season in preparation for the move. At 23 years of age, Mills looks set to be one of the breakout players of the 2021 season. The rising star award may not be as clear cut as we thought if the former Pick 10 manages to continue with the stellar form he showed first up. All 18 clubs will feature in just one match before the home-and-away season starts, with the AFL coming to the decision to protect the competition against the ongoing threat of COVID-19. See all AFL Pre-Season tickets on Ticketmaster See all AFL Pre-Season tickets on Ticketek The 2021 AAMI Community Series will be the Australian Football League (AFL) pre-season competition played before the 2021 home and away season.The competition will not have a grand final or overall winner. Melbourne got the job done against Richmond at Casey Fields on Friday in a goal-fest and many of the positives for the Dees from last year carried over – mainly the sheer impact Max Gawn, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are able to exert in the engine room, with Gawn’s influence extending all across the ground. The issue is that, while the strengths remain, the potential to allow teams a smorgasbord of chances to score also remains. Matthew Nicks may have no choice but to hand Riley Thilthorpe his AFL debut in Round 1 after a blistering performance in the SANFL trial match on Saturday. AFL Executive General Manager of Broadcasting Travis Auld said the AFL Community Series plays an important role for both AFL clubs and supporters. A few teams played with more speed, several young guns showed they could play Round 1 — … Daniher, who’s taken part in every Brisbane pre-season session after three injury-riddled years at Essendon, was particularly eye-catching with 4.3 from eight shots on goal as he took advantage of a Suns team that was missing its top two key defenders in Sam Collins and Rory Thompson. Naitanui — arguably the best tap ruckman in the game with his ability to give his midfielders first use — is set to play in the AAMI Community Series game between the two clubs next week. It’s a case of risk versus reward for the Dees and beating Richmond, regardless of the time of year, is a great sign. The AFL Community Series will kick off on Thursday 18 February and consist of 18 matches, with the clash at Casey the penultimate of the pre-season competition. The younger brother of Geelong’s Jack was super impressive, showing his athleticism with a pair of spectacular marks, one of them setting up his first goal in black and white. Games in regional towns such as Albury, Coffs Harbour, Morwell, Noarlunga, Mandurah and Whyalla have been scrapped. 2 draft pick set up two goals in three minutes and booted two of his four majors in the third quarter before finishing with 4.2. The Dogs have the cattle to pull off the approach as well. The AFL have released timings for players' 2021 season preparations. It seems exciting young duo Will Day and Changkuoth Jiath will be key members of the club’s backline in 2021, with their rebound and efficiency particularly important. However, the performance of ex-Roo Mason Wood, who booted four goals and looked imposing in the air, was perhaps less expected. 30 draft pick showing off a bigger frame and moving closer to a Round 1 debut. February 24th, 2021 5:21 pm The AFL has tweaked the fixture for 2021’s one-week pre-season showcase, the AAMI Community Series, with all teams to remain in their home states. Not so fast, Matthew Rowell. news.com.au February 27, 2021 3:14pm Video The AFL could delay releasing its 2021 fixture until February as it navigates the challenges of a COVID-19 affected world. The AFL announced on Sunday that it would change the model of the 2021 pre-season to reduce travel prior to the home-and-away fixtures beginning. But already there are a number of players sitting out main sessions, forced to watch on from the sidelines or take part in less intense action. Picture: Michael Klein, Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >. Picture: Daniel Pockett, Simon Goodwin’s Demons looked “noticeably quicker” against Richmond. His great first showing was underscored by the fact Jake Carlisle is still to come into the line-up and offer Frawley even more freedom out of defence. Assistant coach Brett Montgomery said it after the game – the Power aren’t trying to “reinvent things”, rather they’re “tightening” some aspects of their game and that seemed clear on Saturday. Jai Bednall jaibednall news.com.au January 6, 2021 2:20pm Every AFL club has finally had its first hit-out for 2021 against an opposition side. A Shaun Grigg style role is on the cards for Ward during at least the opening stages of the 2021 season. Both Daniher and Hipwood took strong marks but also proved they could be just as capable snapping in general play. All matches will be televised live on Fox Footy as well as on the AFL Live app.. Rather than dial back the ‘red mist’ that saw the Dees surge forward with wanton abandon at the cost of defensive stability, Simon Goodwin’s men — like Luke Beveridge’s team — appear to have cracked that dial right up in an effort to blow teams off the park. Every AFL club has finally had its first hit-out for 2021 against an opposition side. The Saints’ recruits outside of the trade period could prove bigger assets than they may’ve at first glance. The 2021 edition of the AFL pre-season competition sees each side play two games, with the event running across a little over two weeks. * 2021 AFL pre-season series fixtures (all times AEDT), Carlton vs. St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 7.10pm, Collingwood vs. Richmond, Marvel Stadium, 7.10pm, Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne, University of Tasmania Stadium, 1.10pm, Fremantle vs. Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, 4.10pm, Geelong vs. Essendon, GMHBA Stadium, 7.10pm, Sydney v.s Gold Coast, Giants Stadium, 1.10pm, Greater Western Sydney vs. Brisbane, Manuka Oval, 4.10pm, West Coast vs. Each team will play one pre-season … Jones was also impressive with the 2019 No. Adam Saad’s exciting speed from the half-back flank adds an extra dimension to the side, with Sam Petrevski-Seton also set for time in the defensive 50 mix. What to make of the night Grand Final, The quirky and unusual stats of the 2020 AFL season. For the most part though it seems like Richmond are tracking as they should be heading into another season after a slightly shorter pre-season period than 16 other clubs. It runs from Thursday, March 4 until Monday, March 8. The Bombers have a gem in ex-Eagles forward Alec Waterman, the son of dual premiership player Chris, who failed to play a game in the west due to years battling an illness. The AFL's pre-season series will run across just five days with regional areas to miss out on planned games as the league cuts down on travel. Another thing we learned – Connor Rozee is just fine despite concern over a foot injury, slotting two goals and having other chances to hit the scoreboard too. Tyson Otto tottodtsport news.com.au February 26, 2021 4:08pm Picture: Albert Perez, Harrison Jones turned heads in the Bombers’ win clash against Carlton Picture: Mike Owen, Changkuoth Jiath is set for more senior footy in 2021. Star forward Jesse Hogan headlines a day of nightmare injuries for AFL clubs in another revealing day of pre-season action. The 30-year-old competed in several contests to help preserve the energy of young tall Matthew Flynn, which you’d suspect will continue while Braydon Preuss recovers from shoulder surgery. But if he’s forced to spend an extended period of time on the sidelined this season, West Coast will hope others can step up in his absence after Hickey was traded to Sydney in search of greater opportunities. Two young guns of the AFL both made Mark Robinson’s pre-season top 50. Who is higher — and did Robbo get it right? Orazio Fantasia reminded the footy world what he can produce with two goals in as many minutes, while Aliir Aliir also proved he’d be a handy pick-up with some solid work across half back. Andrew Brayshaw proved last year wasn’t a one-off and ditto for Caleb Serong. Watch every match of the 2021 AAMI Community Series LIVE on Kayo. Pre-Season Supplementary Selection Period The Pre-Season Supplementary Selection Period (SSP) will operate as per 2020 but will not commence until January 6, 2020 and conclude prior to the start of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Now what? He and Nick Blakey looked fantastic moving the ball forward and getting involved in scoring chains and underscored just how quickly the Swans could surge up the ladder again after a down season. The former Pick No. Foxfooty.com.au looks … It feels like the best set-up for the talent the Cats have available, especially following the retirement of stalwart Harry Taylor. Mark Robinson reveals his top 50 heading into the AFL 2021 season. In the past, the competition has run over a longer period of time with each side playing three games, but the series was recently shortened due to the AFLX fixtures and the condensed format will continue this year. Essendon and Geelong will kick off the 2021 pre-season comp. Damien Hardwick is still prepared to make the tough calls at selection, with Marlion Pickett absent for much of the ‘A’ game and replaced by uncapped Hugo Ralphsmith. Jack Higgins and Brad Crouch were the two high-profile trade period names to come through the doors and both impressed against North Melbourne, particularly Higgins. Men’s football is back on Thursday with the start of the AAMI Community Series pre-season matches, and there will be plenty of big names sitting out because of injury. They might’ve won the game, but the Hawks had some concerns in defence against the Bulldogs, particularly when they won the ball back from their opponents close to goal. St Kilda went on to win the game 19.11 (125) to 15.9 (99) over Carlton in a largely inconsequential match in the final hitout before the start of the AFL season. There were promising signs from Jack Ziebell in his new role, and there’s still Ben Cunnington and Todd Goldstein among others to come back in, but the loss was a sobering reminder that there is some short-term pain coming for the Roos in their bid for long-term gain.