AFL teams Round 1: Josh Kennedy to miss West Coast Eagles trip to Brisbane

The West Coast Eagles will begin its 2019 premiership defence without star forward Josh Kennedy after he was ruled out late on Thursday afternoon.

Kennedy had been facing an uphill task in a race to be fit for the Eagles' trip to Brisbane to face the Lions in Round 1, but failed to recover in time after shoulder surgery.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson told reporters that the veteran forward was "desperate" to play in Round 1.

“He (Kennedy) won’t play. He’s desperate to play and I’m desperate to play him, but the recommendation is that he doesn’t play," Simpson said.

"(Petrucelle) is going to play. There is a lot of youth in the front half. Outside of Darling, the majority of the players are 20-21 years old. They’ve been really good over pre-season."

The two-time Coleman Medallist joins a host of names from last year's premiership-winning forward line on the sidelines, with small forwards Willie Rioli and Jamie Cripps both ruled out.

However, former St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey will make his debut for the club, while young sensation Jack Petrucelle will get a chance to cement himself in what is poised to be a strong Eagles outfit in 2019.

Carlton vs Richmond

MCG, 7.25pm AEDT, Thursday, March 21

CARLTON

B: Jarrod Garlett, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman

HB: Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman

C: Marc Murphy, Patrick Cripps, Zac Fisher

HF: Michael Gibbons, Charlie Curnow, Sam Walsh

F: Ed Curnow, Mitch McGovern, Harry McKay

FOL: Andrew Phillips, Paddy Dow, Sam Petrevski-Seton

I/C: Dale Thomas, David Cuningham, Alex Fasolo,Will Setterfield

EMG: Cameron Polson, Lochie O'Brien, Levi Casboult,Matthew Lobbe

New: Nic Newman, Michael Gibbons, Sam Walsh, Mitch McGovern, Alex Fasolo, Will Setterfield

Mature-aged recruit Michael Gibbons gets his first crack in the AFL, while No.1 pick Sam Walsh starts on a half-forward flank. Expect the 18-year-old to get ample time in the Blues' engine room alongside his skipper Patrick Cripps.

RICHMOND

B: Alex Rance, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes

HB: Nick Vlastuin, Bachar Houli, Jayden Short

C: Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh

HF: Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler, Maverick Weller

F: Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Tom J. Lynch

FOL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Kane Lambert

I/C: Noah Balta, Jack Higgins, Jack Graham, Nathan Broad

EMG: Ivan Soldo, Brandon Ellis, Oleg Markov, Connor Menadue

New: Maverick Weller, Tom J. Lynch, Noah Balta

It is a new-look forward line for the Tigers with last year's mainstays such as Josh Caddy and Jason Castagna missing out. However, all eyes will be on the performance of the new man in No.19 Tom Lynch.

Collingwood vs Geelong

MCG, 7:50pm AEDT Friday, March 22

COLLINGWOOD

B: Brayden Maynard, Jordan Roughead, Jack Crisp

HB: Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore, Tom Langdon

C: Chris Mayne, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom

HF: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson

F: Jamie Elliott, Brody Mihocek, Jordan De Goey

FOL: Brodie Grundy, Dayne Beams, Adam Treloar

I/C: Tom Phillips, Callum L. Brown, James Aish, Travis Varcoe

EMG: Ben Crocker, Tyson Goldsack, Brayden Sier, Levi Greenwood

New: Jordan Roughead

Magpies new recruit Jordan Roughead starts at full-back for the team that fell one kick short of a flag in 2018. The Magpies also welcome back Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore while ex-Brisbane Lion Dayne Beams lines up in the middle.

GEELONG

B: Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Mark O'Connor

HB: Jake Kolodjashnij, Harry Taylor, Tom Stewart

C: Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan

HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Esava Ratugolea, Tom Atkins

F: Gary Ablett, Tom Hawkins, Gary Rohan

FOL: Rhys Stanley, Tim Kelly, Brandan Parfitt

I/C: Jordan Clark, Sam Menegola, Charlie Constable, Gryan Miers

EMG: James Parsons, Ryan Abbott, Jordan Cunico, Quinton Narkle

New: Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Atkins, Gary Rohan, Jordan Clark, Charlie Constable, Gryan Miers

Mature-aged recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan will make their Geelong debuts, while as expected Gary Ablett starts in a forward pocket for the Cats.

Melbourne vs Port Adelaide

MCG, 1:45pm AEDT Saturday, March 23

MELBOURNE

B: Jordan Lewis, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta

HB: Michael Hibberd, Sam Frost, Nathan Jones

C: Bayley Fritsch, Clayton Oliver, Christian Salem

HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Christian Petracca

F: Jake Melksham, Sam Weideman, Jack Viney

FOL: Max Gawn, James Harmes, Angus Brayshaw

I/C: Charlie Spargo, Jayden Hunt, Marty Hore, Corey Wagner

EMG: Braydon Preuss, Harrison Petty, Tom Sparrow, Declan Keilty

New: Marty Hore, Corey Wagner

The Demons come into the new season sporting a mostly full-strength lineup minus the absences of defensive duo Jake Lever (knee) and Steven May (suspended). James Harmes recovers from a finger injury to take his spot in the team.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: Riley Bonner, Tom Clurey, Dan Houston

HB: Ryan Burton, Tom Jonas, Darcy Byrne-Jones

C: Steven Motlop, Tom Rockliff, Justin Westhoff

HF: Travis Boak, Jack Watts, Brad Ebert

F: Robbie Gray, Paddy Ryder, Connor Rozee

FOL: Scott Lycett, Sam Powell-Pepper, Willem Drew

I/C: Zak Butters, Xavier Duursma, Karl Amon, Todd Marshall

EMG: Sam Mayes, Sam Gray, Kane Farrell, Dougal Howard

New: Ryan Burton, Connor Rozee, Scott Lycett, Willem Drew, Zak Butters, Xavier Duursma

The Power bring in 11 new faces compared to the team that lost to Essendon in Round 23 last season. Former Hawk Ryan Burton slots in on the half-back flank, while ex-Eagle Scott Lycett starts in the ruck. Paddy Ryder takes his spot in the lineup at full-forward in the absence of Charlie Dixon.

Adelaide vs Hawthorn

Adelaide Oval, 4:05pm ACDT Saturday, March 23

ADELAIDE

B: Jake Kelly, Daniel Talia, Tom Doedee

HB: Rory Laird, Alex Keath, David Mackay

C: Wayne Milera, Matt Crouch, Brodie Smith

HF: Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker, Chayce Jones

F: Lachlan Murphy, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts

FOL: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Bryce Gibbs

I/C: Brad Crouch, Riley Knight, Rory Atkins, Richard Douglas

EMG: Andy Otten, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Darcy Fogarty, Reilly O'Brien

New: Chayce Jones

The Crows welcome back both Brad Crouch and Brodie Smith after the duo suffered season-ending injuries in 2018. Chayce Jones makes his debut for the club with young forward Darcy Fogarty only making the emergencies.

HAWTHORN

B: Blake Hardwick, James Frawley, Jarman Impey

HB: Shaun Burgoyne, David Mirra, Ben Stratton

C: Harry Morrison, Liam Shiels, Isaac Smith

HF: Jarryd Roughead, Conor Nash, James Sicily

F: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Paul Puopolo

FOL: Ben McEvoy, James Worpel, Jaeger O'Meara

I/C: Jack Scrimshaw, Ricky Henderson, Jonathon Ceglar, James Cousins

EMG: Dylan Moore, Oliver Hanrahan, Mitchell Lewis, Kaiden Brand

New: Jack Scrimshaw

A new-look Hawthorn team with former Gold Coast Sun Jack Scrimshaw starting on the interchange bench. James Worpel starts in the centre square while JLT standout James Cousins is also on the bench.

Brisbane Lions vs West Coast

Gabba, 7:20pm AEST Saturday, March 23

BRISBANE LIONS

B: Luke Hodge, Josh Walker, Daniel Rich

HB: Alex Witherden, Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner

C: Dayne Zorko, Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage

HF: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Lincoln McCarthy

F: Charles Cameron, Daniel McStay, Oscar McInerney

FOL: Stefan Martin, Jarrod Berry, Jarryd Lyons

I/C: Ryan Bastinac, Mitch Robinson, Zac Bailey, Rhys Mathieson

EMG: Allen Christensen, Lewis Taylor, Ryan Lester, Archie Smith

New: Lachie Neale, Lincoln McCarthy, Jarryd Lyons

The inclusions of former Dockers star Lachie Neale and discarded Gold Coast Sun Jarryd Lyons adds some beef to a young Lions midfield. Veteran Luke Hodge begins the season in a back pocket.

WEST COAST

B: Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass, Brad Sheppard

HB: Tom Cole, Jeremy McGovern, Lewis Jetta

C: Chris Masten, Dom Sheed, Jack Redden

HF: Mark Hutchings, Oscar Allen, Jack Petruccelle

F: Liam Ryan, Jack Darling, Tom Hickey

FOL: Nathan Vardy, Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey

I/C: Jake Waterman, Jarrod Brander, Liam Duggan, Daniel Venables

EMG: Jackson Nelson, Brendon Ah Chee, Matthew Allen, Josh Smith

Josh Kennedy fails to make it to the season opener with the Eagles naming a young forward line. Former Saints big man Tom Hickey starts in the forward line and will help out Nathan Vardy in the ruck.

Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans

Marvel Stadium, 7:25pm AEDT Saturday, March 23

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Taylor Duryea, Zaine Cordy, Hayden Crozier

HB: Caleb Daniel, Easton Wood, Matthew Suckling

C: Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae

HF: Billy Gowers, Josh Schache, Josh Dunkley

F: Toby McLean, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd

FOL: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Mitch Wallis

I/C: Bailey Smith, Ed Richards, Tory Dickson, Bailey Williams

EMG: Lewis Young, Jackson Trengove, Fergus Greene, Will Hayes

New: Taylor Duryea, Sam Lloyd, Bailey Smith

Former Hawk Taylor Duryea and ex-Tiger Sam Lloyd start while No.7 pick Bailey Smith makes his debut for the club. The Bulldogs also welcome back Tom Liberatore after a knee injury in 2018.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Callum Mills, Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican

HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Jake Lloyd

C: Ryan Clarke, Josh P. Kennedy, Oliver Florent

HF: Luke Parker, Sam Reid, Tom Papley

F: Callum Sinclair, Lance Franklin, Nick Blakey

FOL: Aliir Aliir, George Hewett, Zak Jones

I/C: Will Hayward, Isaac Heeney, Harry Cunningham, Jordan Dawson

EMG: Jackson Thurlow, Ben Ronke, Colin O'Riordan, Justin McInerney

New: Ryan Clarke, Nick Blakey

The big news for the Swans is that Lance Franklin is passed fit for Round 1 despite failing to play a single pre-season game. Former Kangaroo Ryan CLarke makes the starting 18 while father-son prospect Nick Blakey starts in the forward line.

St Kilda vs Gold Coast Suns

Marvel Stadium, 1:10pm AEDT Sunday, March 24

ST KILDA

B: Jarryn Geary, Darragh Joyce, Shane Savage

HB: Jimmy Webster, Josh Battle, Jack Newnes

C: Jack Sinclair, Sebastian Ross, Jack Billings

HF: Dean Kent, Josh Bruce, Matthew Parker

F: Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Jade Gresham

FOL: Lewis Pierce, Jack Steele, Luke Dunstan

I/C: Jack Steven, Hunter Clark, Rowan Marshall, Ben Long, Ed Phillips, Daniel McKenzie, Nick Hind, Callum Wilkie (Four to be omitted)

New: Dean Kent, Matthew Parker, Nick Hind, Callum Wilkie

The Saints hand a club debut to former Demon Dean Kent while Matthew Parker also makes his debut in a forward line that is missing Patrick McCartin.

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Sam Collins, Charlie Ballard

HB: Jordan Murdoch, Jack Hombsch, Pearce Hanley

C: Lachie Weller, David Swallow, George Horlin-Smith

HF: Alex Sexton, Peter Wright, Jack Lukosius

F: Ben Ainsworth, Chris Burgess, Darcy MacPherson

FOL: Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller, Anthony Miles

I/C: Jack Bowes, Sam Day, Brayden Fiorini, Jesse Joyce, Ben King, Jack Martin, Wil Powell, Michael Rischitelli (Four to be omitted)

New: Sam Collins, Jordan Murdoch, Jack Hombsch, George Horlin-Smith, Jack Lukosius, Chris Burgess, Anthony Miles, Ben King

A new era begins after the departure of both Tom Lynch and Steven May. No.2 pick Jack Lukosius starts on a half-forward flank while former Cats duo Jordan Murdoch and George Horlin-Smith start on-field.

GWS Giants vs Essendon

Sydney Showgrounds Stadium, 3:20pm AEDT Sunday, March 24

GWS GIANTS

B: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Zac Williams

HB: Adam Kennedy, Sam Taylor, Lachie Whitfield

C: Adam Tomlinson, Tim Taranto, Harry Perryman

HF: Brett Deledio, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels

F: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Daniel Lloyd

FOL: Dawson Simpson, Stephen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper

I/C: Jackson Hately, Isaac Cumming, Matt Buntine, Matt de Boer, Lachlan Keeffe, Matthew Flynn, Jeremy Finlayson, Sam J. Reid (Four to be omitted)

New: Jackson Hately, Matthew Flynn

Star midfielder Josh Kelly fails to pass the fitness test for Round 1 with the Giants bringing in a young midfield of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto. First-round pick Jye Caldwell also ruled out to begin the season.

ESSENDON

B: Adam Saad, Patrick Ambrose, Conor McKenna

HB: Mitch Brown, Michael Hurley, Jordan Ridley

C: David Zaharakis, David Myers, Dylan Shiel

HF: Dyson Heppell, Jake Stringer, Mark Baguley

F: Zach Merrett, Shaun McKernan, Orazio Fantasia

FOL: Tom Bellchambers, Kyle Langford, Andrew McGrath

I/C: Matt Guelfi, Devon Smith, Aaron Francis, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Darcy Parish, Zac Clarke, Jayden Laverde (Four to be omitted)

New: Dylan Shiel, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Zac Clarke

Star recruit Dylan Shiel is named on the wing with the bombers starting young due Kyle Langford and Andrew McGrath in the engine room. Zach Merrett makes the starting lineup after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Fremantle vs North Melbourne

Optus Stadium 3:20pm AWST Sunday, March 24

FREMANTLE

B: Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan

HB: Reece Conca, Nathan Wilson, Travis Colyer

C: Ed Langdon, Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill

HF: Adam Cerra, Cam McCarthy, Michael Walters

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matt Taberner, Rory Lobb

FOL: Sean Darcy, Andrew Brayshaw, David Mundy

I/C: Bailey Banfield, Taylin Duman, Ethan Hughes, Mitchell Crowden, Ryan Nyhuis, Darcy Tucker, Stefan Giro, Lachie Schultz (Four to be omitted)

New: Reece Conca, Travis Colyer, Rory Lobb, Lachie Schulz

Star recruit Rory Lobb starts in the forward line with former Bomber Travis Colyer starting off the half-back flank for the Dockers. Nat Fyfe recovers from a minor elbow surgery to start in the centre.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Marley Williams, Robbie Tarrant, Ben McKay

HB: Shaun Atley, Ed Vickers-Willis, Jasper Pittard

C: Jared Polec, Shaun Higgins, Luke McDonald

HF: Aaron Hall, Mason Wood, Bailey Scott

F: Jack Ziebell, Ben Brown, Kayne Turner

FOL: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jy Simpkin

I/C: Nathan Hrovat, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Trent Dumont, Paul Ahern, Nick Larkey, Dom Tyson, Tarryn Thomas, Jamie Macmillan (Four to be omitted)

New: Jasper Pittard, Jared Polec, Aaron Hall, Bailey Scott, Dom Tyson, Tarryn Thomas

Star recruit Jared Polec starts on the wing in his first game for the Kangaroos while Jasper Pittard starts on a half-back flank. Former Gold Coast Suns midfielder Aaron Hall also makes his debut for the club after a slight injury concern.