Get ready for a thrilling Friday as the pre-season match simulations kick into high gear, but here's the kicker: the injury curse has struck GWS once again, while a young Don is set to steal the spotlight. Can the Giants break free from their injury woes, or will history repeat itself?
The action begins with Essendon hosting Richmond at the NEC Hangar, followed by Collingwood taking on Greater Western Sydney at La Trobe University Sports Park. But here's where it gets controversial: with no official stats page available, how will fans and analysts gauge the true performance of these teams? Is this a missed opportunity for transparency, or a necessary step to keep the focus on player development?
All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the unofficial hitouts. Plus, stay tuned to our live blog for real-time updates. And this is the part most people miss: while the games are shorter—4 x 30-minute quarters for Essendon vs. Richmond and 4 x 25-minute quarters for Collingwood vs. GWS—they pack just as much intensity and strategy as a full match.
At the end of the day, full match highlights and detailed reports will be available on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. The extended squads were announced on Thursday evening, with some notable inclusions and exclusions that could shape the outcome of these simulations. What’s your take? Are these pre-season matches a true indicator of a team’s potential, or just a warm-up act?
Friday, February 20 Schedule:
- Essendon v Richmond: NEC Hangar, 10:30am AEDT. Fans, don’t forget to register here to attend.
- Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney: La Trobe University Sports Park (Bundoora), 11:00am AEDT.
Join the conversation below and let us know which team you’re backing—and why. Will the injury-plagued Giants rise to the occasion, or will the young Dons steal the show? Your thoughts could spark the next big debate!
