Match simulations are all very nice and interesting, and provide us with an off-brand drip-feed of that crucial pre-season intel that we all crave to inform our Supercoach starting lineups. But the real meal, the treat that can’t be beat in this regard, comes in the form of the Community Series. In bygone years this little event was an actual pre-season competition, with a shiny trophy and one of those novelty over-sized cheques, and provided an absolute feast of stats and info for Supercoaches looking to build their initial squads. But as time has passed, this has gradually been watered down to the modern single week of exhibitions that we now get in which to glean as much insight as possible into the season ahead before the serious stuff starts.
Here’s a quick look ahead to the first four games of the 2025 AAMI Community series, including players to watch and other assorted trivia to consider. Note that at the time of writing, starting lineups for these games had not been announced so please do not take any of this as gospel, just a (hopefully) useful guide.
Tuesday, Feb 25
Geelong v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium, 7:10pm AEDT
GEELONG
So near yet so far for the perenially-competitive Cats in 2024, who led a prelim with five minutes to go before being run down by the eventual premiers in one of the games of the season. Ever active at the trade table, most of the focus in this one will be on new recruit Bailey Smith ($389,200 mid/fwd) and how he slots into the Geelong engine room. Max Holmes ($533,900 def/mid) is also one to watch, as senior players and Supercoach favourites of seasons past such as Dangerfield and Duncan move to the side of the stage for the younger brigade. It will be interesting to see what sort of the role the typically influential Tom Stewart ($521,000 def) plays, after increased opposition attention saw his numbers dip last season. Mitch Knevitt ($149,800 mid) and Connor O’Sullivan ($148,700 def) are the token rookie offerings from the fossilised felines, but both have shown promise in match sims and look to be good value.
ESSENDON
For the Bombers, they begin another season hunting for that elusive finals victory, a feat they have not managed for more than two decades. The ever reliable Zach Merrett ($621,100 mid) will return, possibly with an expanded responsibility as a backline distributor, while 2024 breakout star Nic Martin ($566,000 def) needs monitoring as his scoring is highly role dependent. However, most of the Supercoach interest in the sash is of the bovine variety, with players such as exciting draftee Isaac Kako ($149,500 mid/fwd) and emerging mid Elijah Tsatas ($191,200 mid) of particular note. Zach Reid ($119,900 def) will be hoping to avoid the injury woes that dogged him last year, while Jaxon Prior ($169,200 def) may be worth a watch after the ex-Lion was rookie-listed by the Bombers at end of 2024. Supplemental selection Tom Edwards ($99,100 fwd) booted four goals in the match sim and it will be interesting to see if he can get some meaningful game time here.
Wednesday, Feb 26
Richmond v Collingwood, Ikon Park, 7:10pm AEDT
RICHMOND
2025 is clearly pegged as a year in development for the Tigers after they went all-in at the draft, taking a mammoth six picks in the first round. Of these, the obvious focus will be on number one pick Sam Lalor ($203,500 mid). Unfortunately a hairline fracture to the jaw means Sam won’t play this one, and although he is expected to be fit for the season proper, probably puts him in doubt for your starting lineup. It’s a similar story for fellow high picks Josh Smillie ($176,500 mid) who has battled a hamstring twinge, and Taj Hotton ($154,000 mid/fwd) who continues rehab from an ACL (downgrade option alert!). There’s been some early-season interest in Tom Lynch ($183,200 fwd), but as a 32 year old full forward in a side that is sure to struggle, perhaps there are better options elsewhere? Extending that logic, Jayden Short ($442,300 def) may be worth considering as the ball will likely spend a considerable chunk of time in his part of the field in 2025. Watch his role carefully, especially with regards to kick ins…
COLLINGWOOD
You think Supercoach and Magpies, and you think one name. Nick Daicos ($631,400 mid) is the guy to watch, especially after reports of some foot soreness during the off-season. Your humble correspondent has no doubt that he will be totally fine and once again racking up Brownlow votes (and Supercoach points, despite the loss of the DPP status) this year, but don’t be surprised if he is on restricted minutes for this one. Elsewhere for the Pies, it’s the new recruits that will draw your attention with Dan Houston ($575,600 def) and Harry Perryman ($417,500 def) sporting the black and white for the first time. A reminder that, while Houston is suspended for Opening Round, that may only enhance his status as a point of difference when Supercoach kicks off in Round 1. Ed Allan ($194,000 mid) is the lone rook of interest at Collingwood this year.
Thursday, Feb 27
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, UTAS Stadium, 5:20pm AEDT
Brisbane v Adelaide, Brighton Homes Arena, 8:10pm AEDT (7.10pm local)
Arguably the most relevant day of the series for Supercoach!
HAWTHORN
With all the respect in the world, a good team with a lack of genuine superstars can be a Supercoach goldmine, and so it is with the Hawks. The big movers in 2024 won a final and went within a kick of making a prelim, led by a band of rapidly improving midfielders and outstanding role players. The uber-talented Will Day ($491,300 mid) was brilliant in match sims and needs watching as a potential M5 candidate, while rumoured role changes for Dylan Moore ($526,700 fwd) and James Sicily ($532,900 def) may prompt some DPP interest later in the season. Lloyd Meek ($557,600 ruc) is a possible smokey for your rucks if he can get solo responsibility ahead of Reeves. Henry Hustwaite ($121,200 mid) is coming off a very solid VFL season and any game time he gets here should be monitored.
BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs spun the magnets yet again in the off-season, offloading Macrae, Daniel and Smith to open up some opportunities for new faces. This situation has been further enhanced by yet another untimely soft tissue injury for Adam Treloar (6-8 weeks). The obvious watch now is Ryley Sanders ($339,100 mid/fwd), who experienced mixed fortunes in his rookie year but by all reports has come back to camp in good shape and with a tempting price tag to boot. The role of recruit Matt Kennedy ($414,400 mid/fwd) will be interesting as he has previously shown a propensity for scoring – but only if he gets that favoured midfield spot. Of the pups, Sam Davidson ($113,500 fwd) has provoked interest with his form on the wing and is a must watch at his price, while it remains to be seen if the wonderfully-named Jedd Busslinger ($119,900 def) can finally crack into the best 22.
(And yes, Bont and English are good at footy, but you knew that already!)
BRISBANE
The reigning premiers somehow look even better than last year, due in no small part to the arrival of the much-hyped Levi Ashcroft ($185,500 mid). Can the younger Ashy break into that mighty Lions midfield, or will he be a vest merchant? Brother Will ($441,200 mid) has a Norm Smith medal and, strange as it is to say, is a breakout candidate this year. Look for these two, among others, to take greater responsibility from the likes of Lachie Neale ($645,900 mid), Dayne Zorko ($595,100 def) and Josh Dunkley ($602,300 mid). By the way, while all three of the aforementioned veterans are still decent picks this year, you shouldn’t expect to see too much of them in this game!
ADELAIDE
While it’s tempting fate to say so, I’m expecting big things from the Crows this year. Draftee Sid Draper ($190,000 mid) and recruit James Peatling ($352,800 mid) really add something to the depth of their midfield. Throw in the improving Dan Curtin ($158,600 fwd), whose role needs to be looked at closely, and hopefully-injury-free-pretty-please Wayne Milera ($254,000 def), and you have a side of weapons that is sure to do some ladder climbing in 2025. Stalwarts Jordan Dawson ($550,300 mid) and Rory Laird ($561,100 mid) are uncharacteristically PODish this year, but the prospect of either (or both!) acquiring DPP status at some stage can not be ruled out and therefore they remain very relevant. Finally, I have to mention Izak Rankine ($521,600 fwd). Even though he almost single-handedly ruined me last year, he is one of the few genuine premiums available in the forward line this season and deserves respect, particularly if he gets decent playing time as an onballer.