Teams are finalising their selection processes ahead of Round 1 which kicks off on Thursday.
After gruelling pre-seasons, several clubs have had to make calls on availabilities of key players as matches kick off.
At Brisbane, Dayne Zorko has failed to overcome a hamstring injury and will miss the Lions’ clash against Port Adelaide on Sautrday.
The veteran is joined by Darcy Gardiner (ankle) and Callum Ah Chee (quad) who are also sidelined.
At the Whitten Oval, small forward duo Cody Weightman and Arthur Jones will miss the Bulldogs’ clash against Melbourne on Saturday night.
After failing to get up for both the intraclub and practice match against North Melbourne, Weightman will miss out on Round 1 with groin soreness.
In a cruel selection blow, his potential replacement Jones is also out after suffering a groin strain last Friday at training.
At Punt Road, the injury news is more positive with both Dion Prestia (pectoral) and Jayden Short (calf) passed fit - pending they get through Wednesday's training session - for the Tigers’ season-opener against Carlton on Thursday.
Richmond will be without the likes of Robbie Tarrant (hip) and Ivan Soldo (foot) though who are set for short stints on the sidelines.
Teams for Thursday’s big clash will be named at 6:20 pm (AEDT) on Wednesday.