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We’re back – AFL kicks off this weekend

Here we go. Round 1 of the men's AFL competition kicks off this weekend – here's everything you need to know.

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You can grab your tickets from Ticketmaster to see plenty of AFL action this weekend, starting with the Western Bulldogs v Sydney on Saturday night (23 March) at Marvel Stadium.

All eyes will be on midfielder Tom Liberatore as he returns from an ACL injury suffered in Round 1 last season, hoping to recapture the form that once had him touted as part of the next wave of elite footballers.

No. 7 draft pick Bailey Smith has been confirmed to debut on Saturday, with plenty of talk pre and post-draft about Smith’s professional attitude beyond his years as he chases his dream of playing AFL football.

Bailey Smith will make his AFL debut on Saturday night

The inside midfielder adds a further layer of quality to an already elite Bulldogs midfield group, complementing Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter, Jack Macrae and young stars Josh Dunkley and Toby McLean.

The Dogs will come up against a Sydney side with plenty to prove, as they look at their next wave of stars to elevate them back into Premiership contention.

At the same time on Saturday night, Brisbane will take on West Coast at the Gabba. Many are expecting big things from Brisbane in 2019, but is this the year that their young stars really explode? The addition of Lachie Neale to a young midfield core will be pivotal as one of the undoubted best accumulators in the game.


Lachie Neale will be a crucial cog in the Lions midfield this season.

Read more about the Brisbane young brigade as they prepare for season 2019 here.

West Coast will be hoping to get off to a flyer against the Lions, needing to shake a ‘Premiership hangover’ tag as early as possible.

Footy is back at Marvel the following day as St Kilda face Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon (24 March).

Our Match of the Week follows at Sydney Showground Stadium with GWS GIANTS v Essendon. Both sides are expecting big things this season.

Toby Greene should return for GWS after missing much of 2018, while as scary as it may be, it appears Josh Kelly may be able to go to another level in 2019.

Can Toby Greene recapture his elite form in 2019?

The Bombers will be without twin towers Cale Hooker and Joe Daniher up top, hoping to worry the Giants with a smaller and more mobile forward lines.

The final game of the round heads to Perth, as Fremantle battle North Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Fans will be expecting Nat Fyfe to get back to his best form this season, while several players will be called upon to fill the void left from Neale’s departure. Several new faces are expected to front up for the Dockers, including Reece Conca, Travis Colyer and Rory Lobb, but star recruit Jesse Hogan has been ruled out of Round 1.

North Melbourne won’t be without some star recruits of their own, with Jared Polec, Aaron Hall and Jasper Pittard ready to kit out in the royal blue and white for the first time.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating Round 1 for several weeks, and we’re finally back.

To secure your tickets to the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, head to Ticketmaster.com.au.

 
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