Overview
- Week one features Adelaide vs Collingwood on Thursday, Geelong vs Brisbane on Friday, then GWS vs Hawthorn and Fremantle vs Gold Coast on Saturday, with markets rating the Dockers favourite.
- Collingwood loses Jeremy Howe for at least three weeks with a groin injury, as Beau McCreery's fitness is monitored and Bobby Hill pushes for a recall.
- Adelaide confirms Izak Rankine is suspended, Josh Rachele remains out with a knee issue, and Max Michalanney is likely to return from a hamstring strain.
- Brisbane expects midfield boosts with Jarrod Berry and Lachie Neale returning, while key forward Eric Hipwood is out with a calf issue.
- GWS signals possible returns for Brent Daniels, Jesse Hogan, Josh Kelly, Jake Stringer and Jack Buckley, and ESPN's panel largely tips Adelaide, Geelong, GWS and Fremantle.