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 the Opening Round Friday night clash between Brisbane and Carlton.
Oscar McInerney to have the most hit-outs
Oscar McInerney developed into one of the premier rucks in the competition last night with his physicality becoming a trademark to his game.
Against the inexperienced Tom De Koning and Harry McKay on Friday night, McInerney will certainly have the most hit-outs in this clash.
Both De Koning and McKay aren’t bonified number one rucks and McInerney is exactly that.
Confident.
Hugh McCluggage to have 20+ disposals
Hugh McCluggage is a genuine star of the competition and he showed last year that he consistently racks up the footy.
He’ll spend plenty of time in the midfield on Friday night and the Carlton on-ball brigade don’t play with a tagger.
He averaged 22.3 disposals in 2023 and we’re tipping him to make that jump in becoming one of the best midfielders in the competition in 2024.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Zac Williams 15+ disposals
Zac Williams returns for his first AFL game since 2022 after recovering from ACL injury.
In all of his full seven games before that though, Williams picked up at least 16 touches in each and even had 24 or more on four occasions.
Simply put, Carlton will love getting the ball back into his hands off half back and with Adam Saad and Nic Newman set to play on Brisbane’s best small forwards, Williams could be freed up.
Expect him to get past 15 touches in this one and push 20 in this one.
Harry McKay 2+ goals
After Brisbane successfully limited Charlie Curnow in last year’s Preliminary Final, expect them to do all they can to replicate that on Friday night.
With Jack Payne and potentially even Darcy Gardiner as well manning Curnow, McKay should be freed up somewhat despite likely having Harris Andrews as an opponent.
While McKay struggled for accuracy throughout the pre-season, he’s still looked dangerous inside 50 and has had more than enough chances at goal.
Expect him to nail at least two of those opportunities on Friday.
Lachlan Geleit
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