Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Friday night's blockbuster between Geelong and Collingwood.
Max Holmes for 15+ disposals, 7+ contested possessions
Max Holmes has been named in the centre on Friday night and is set to continue his pre-season transition to an inside midfielder.
Played primarily as a winger in his two seasons to date, the Cats have flagged the 20-year-old will spend more time at the coalface this year.
When Chris Scott’s side was smashed by Brisbane in the pre-season, Holmes still had 15 touches and seven contested possessions from just 60 per cent game time.
Against a weaker midfield on the wide expanses of the MCG, Holmes and his running power will prevail.
Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins to combine for 5 or more goals
Barring the arrival of Jeremy Cameron’s child mid-game, he’ll be eyeing off a big performance against Collingwood. He kicked nine goals in two games against the Magpies last year, while Tom Hawkins managed four of his own.
The fact Hawkins has been picked says he’s fully recovered from foot surgery, while Cameron was Geelong’s barometer last year.
Chris Scott will have his side wound up for Round 1 and his key forward duo come up against a similar defence to last year.
Five goals should be a formality for the two best forwards on the ground, barring either of them being a late out.
Seb Mottram
Jamie Elliott to kick 2 or more goals
Jamie Elliott will need to have a strong day if Collingwood are to win.
While Dan McStay and Bobby Hill are additions to the Magpies’ forward line, without Jack Ginnivan, Elliott will be Collingwood’s number one small option in front of the big sticks.
Elliott had three scoring shots against Geelong both times he played them last season and you’d expect him to finish at least two of those if he’s offered the same chances again.
Jordan De Goey 20+ disposals
After perhaps the best pre-season of his career, Jordan De Goey looks primed for a big 2023 season.
He’ll be desperate to get that off on the right track in Round 1 against the Cats and we’re backing the Magpie to cruise past 20 disposals.
Passing the 20-touch marker on 14 occasions last season, De Goey will hope to have another strong game against Geelong after kicking two goals and picking up 26 disposals in last year’s Qualifying Final.
With Tom Mitchell now at the coal face feeding the footy out, expect De Goey to pick up plenty of footy in the first Friday night game of 2023.
Lachlan Geleit