Adelaide

Pre-season so far The Crows faced a late start to their summer training given their semi-final appearance this season. As such they have only been officially training for about a month. The heat in Adelaide early this summer has meant sessions have proven gruelling for the most part. Players insist coach Don Pyke hasn't introduced any particularly new form of training and, indeed, a major part of this pre-season will be to try and understand just how their new coach wants them to play. Most players started the pre-season in brilliant fashion, running personal best times. Notably, skipper Taylor Walker appears lean and ready to build on a successful 2015.

Injury room Defenders Andy Otten (knee) and Ricky Henderson (back) underwent minor surgery recently and won't return to training until late January. Recruit Curtly Hampton (groin) has been managed through his start at West Lakes while Brad Crouch (foot) is slowly upping his work load with an eye on round one.

Christmas break December 19 – January 4

Community camp Clare, South Australia. February 15-16. 

NAB Challenge Games
Game one v West Coast, Unley Oval, Adelaide, February 21, 1.35pm
Game two v Fremantle, Sounness Park, Mount Barker, February 28, 1.40pm
Game three v Gold Coast, Metricon Stadium, March 11, 7.40pm - Harry Thring

Fans turn up to support the Crows during pre-season training. Picture: afc.com.au

Brisbane

Pre-season so far Everything has gone about as smoothly as possible so far for the Lions. After another frenetic trade period and draft, integrating the host of new faces has been top of the priority list. New fitness boss Damien Austin has worked the players hard, with new recruits Ryan Bastinac and Tom Bell among the best performed. With fewer rotations next year, Austin has focused more on longer running efforts, with the club's time trial going from 2km to 3km. The Lions will head to the Sunshine Coast for four days for a camp early in the new year. 

Injury room Dayne Beams (shoulder) and Darcy Gardiner (shoulder and ankle) are slowly recovering from their respective off-season surgeries and have been confined to the rehab group so far. Like that pair, Jaden McGrath (foot) is also progressing and expected to join the main group after the Christmas break.

Christmas break December 19 - January 3.

Community camp Brisbane north and south metro regions, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, February 23-24

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Gold Coast, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary, February 21, 3.40pm
Game two v St Kilda, Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay, March 6, 3.40pm
Game three v Greater Western Sydney, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast, March 13, 12.10pm - Michael Whiting

Carlton

Pre-season so far The Blues are undergoing a major "reset" this summer as new coach Brendon Bolton introduces his players to a new game plan and the values he expects them to live by. Bolton took Carlton's draftees to Hobart at the start of this month for a two-day boot camp, while the entire playing group has been on a gruelling training camp in Gold Coast this week. Carlton's running sessions have had a slightly greater endurance focus to date, given interchange rotations will be cut to 90 next season. Reigning best and fairest winner Patrick Cripps returned from the off-season in outstanding condition and now stands an imposing 194cm, while Bryce Gibbs is doing everything bar tackling and some contact drills as he returns from a torn pectoral muscle. The vice captain is on track to return to full training after Christmas

The injury room Marc Murphy is awaiting the results of exploratory surgery on the left shoulder he had reconstructed in September. The Blues skipper had been experiencing discomfort in his shoulder since returning to pre-season training last month, but the club is hopeful it will be just a minor setback. Former Giant Lachie Plowman won't return to full training for another two months after recently undergoing hip surgery, while Dale Thomas (shoulder) and Levi Casboult (posterior cruciate ligament strain) have been on modified programs but should up their training loads after the Christmas break. Andrew Walker has been working hard on his leg strength in a bid to overcome the knee troubles that dogged him last season.

Christmas break December 19 - January 3.

Community Camp Melbourne (Cities of Melbourne, Moreland and Yarra), Maryborough, Castlemaine, Kyneton, March 2-3

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Hawthorn, Aurora Stadium, Launceston, February 18, 7.10pm
Game two v Essendon, Ikon Park, Melbourne, February 28, 2.05pm
Game three v Sydney Swans, Etihad Stadium, March 11, 5.50pm - Nick Bowen

Clem Smith and Patrick Cripps slugging it out on the beach. Picture: Michael Willson


Collingwood

Pre-season so far Collingwood's first to fourth-year players got in plenty of work at the club's annual week-long camp to Falls Creek in November, with bike rides, running and team bonding activities  on the menu. It was a tough slog for the young players but as coach Nathan Buckley observed the club is ahead of where it was last year in terms of its preparation. The Magpies will visit Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast in early January with a full contingent of players for a week's camp. Recruits Adam Treloar and James Aish have settled into their new homes, while Jeremy Howe has made an impression on the training track in his new colours. Draftee Tom Phillips recently dethroned Steele Sidebottom as the Magpies' time-trial king. Taylor Adams and Jonathan Marsh are two players in top nick on the track.

Injury room The Magpies suffered a serious blow the week after returning to Melbourne from Falls Creek with emerging defender Matthew Scharenberg rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament for the second time, this time in his right knee. He previously tore the ACL in his left knee in August, 2014. Having Ben Reid, Brent Macaffer and Tim Broomhead healthy again adds to Collingwood's depth.

Christmas break December 19 - January 3.

Community camp February 9-10, cities of Darebin and Manningham, Ararat, Stawell.

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Geelong, Simonds Stadium, February 26, 7.10pm
Game two v North Melbourne, Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga, March 5, 4,40pm
Game three v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium, March 12, 1.10pm - Ben Guthrie

Jamie Elliott at Falls Creek. Picture: AFL Media

Essendon

Pre-season so far New coach John Worsfold has taken over Essendon's pre-season for the first time as the club looks to head into 2016 with a clean slate. The club's younger batch of players headed to the Northern Territory for a short camp, while the full group had an off-site camp at Healesville last week where they trained and worked through their goals for next season. Worsfold has scrapped the Bombers' altitude training in favour of more work in Melbourne, and the club is adapting to his new game-plan, which is expected to see the Bombers play in a very different way to last season. The club has focused on scoring more and is working on plans to build up its firepower near goal.  

Injury room All Australian defender Michael Hurley is still on modified training after having off-season surgery on his shoulder, while captain Jobe Watson is nearly back to full contact training after also having shoulder surgery last season. Nick Kommer has missed two years of senior football with a long-term knee issue and soft-tissue problems last year but has continued to step up his training, while Adam Cooney and Travis Colyer are among those on modified training programs.  

Christmas break December 23 - January 5.

Community camp March 3-4, Sunbury, Lancefield, Riddells Creek, Wallan**, Kilmore**, Broadford**, Seymour** (**Occurring in the lead up to the NAB Challenge match at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton on March 5) 

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Carlton, Ikon Park, February 28, 2.05pm
Game two v Geelong, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton, March 5, 2.05pm
Game three v West Coast, Domain Stadium, March 13, 4.10pm
- Callum Twomey

Essendon players running at Healesville. Picture AFL Media

 

Fremantle

Pre-season so far There is nothing fancy about the Dockers' pre-season to date. They have just knuckled down to business in the pre-Christmas block,  getting in their running and gym loads. They have worked on some ball movement and skills work with particular emphasis on transition from defence, and forward 50 entries. Young key-position players Matt Taberner and Jack Hannath have been working really hard on their one-on-one contested marking and body positioning. Anthony Morabito looks in excellent condition after missing all of last year and has been working with the defensive group in a move that may see him utilised as a rebounding half-back. 

Injury room Nat Fyfe is the biggest name in the rehab group as he continues to recover from the surgery on his fractured fibula. Young key forward Michael Apeness is still working his way back from his knee issue and new recruit Shane Yarran is also doing a similar rehabilitation on the knee he injured in the WAFL Grand Final. Draftee Harley Balic has been kept out of ball work while he recovers from wrist surgery. 

Christmas break December 22 - January 4

Community camp Perth (covering all nine WAFL districts), Merredin, Corrigin, Bruce Rock, Mukinbudin, Brookton, Kalannie, Narembeen; February 29-March 1 

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Richmond, Rushton Park, Mandurah, February 19, 4.10pm
Game two v Adelaide, Sounness Park, Mount Barker, February 28, 1.40pm
Game three v Geelong, Domain Stadium, Perth, Saturday, March 12 @ 1.10pm - Alex Malcolm

Geelong

Pre-season so far With Simonds Stadium undergoing major renovations, the club has been forced to seek alternative training venues. The Cats have shifted between Elderslie Reserve in Newtown, St Mary's Football Ground and Waurn Ponds baseball field. Geelong's gym remains intact, as does the club's football administration, so the club has been able to work around the interruptions. In positive signs, Daniel Menzel, Nathan Vardy and Josh Cowan are in full training after recent injury-ravaged campaigns. Zac Smith and Lachie Henderson have set the tempo on the track, while George Horlin-Smith and Michael Luxford have stood out in the running sessions.

Injury room Mitch Clark (calf) has started to join in main training sessions after a lengthy stint in rehab, while Rhys Stanley (foot) will not return until after the Christmas break as the Cats take a conservative approach. Mitch Duncan had minor surgery on his Achilles and recruit Scott Selwood also went under the knife for a third operation on his troublesome ankle. Captain Joel Selwood has been held back after battling foot soreness through pre-season, but should return after Christmas. Cameron Delaney (toe) and Lincoln McCarthy (foot) are progressing slowly and remain in the rehab group.

Christmas break December 19 - January 3.

Community camp March 3-4, Shepparton and Echuca, Victoria (coinciding with NAB Challenge match against Essendon).

NAB Challenge games
Week one v Collingwood, Simonds Stadium, February 26, 7.10pm
Week two v Essendon, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton, March 5, 2.05pm
Week three, v Fremantle, Domain Stadium, March 12, 1.10pm 
- Ben Guthrie

Jets train together: Paddy Dangerfield tackled by Nakia Cockatoo. Picture AFL Media

 

Gold Coast

Pre-season so far The most promising thing for the Suns to date is the number of players they have completing pre-season. After being wiped out by injuries in 2015, almost the full squad is back on deck in some capacity. New fitness boss Justin Cordy has individualised the programs and so far, so good. Alex Sexton and Brandon Matera have been standouts so far, with Matera noticeably fitter than in previous years. Gold Coast has also ramped up its goalkicking drills under fatigue, with missed shots resulting in more running.

Injury room After a devastating season with injuries, the Suns have quickly got back on top of things. Gary Ablett (knee) is back in full training, while Dion Prestia (knee) is not far behind. Fellow midfielders David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara (also knee injuries) have begun running on the anti-gravity treadmill and will progress early in the new year. 

Christmas break December 19 - January 3

Community camp Gold Coast (February 9, 11-12), Ballina, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Lismore (February 12).

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Brisbane Lions, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary, February 21, 3.40pm
Game two v West Coast, HBF Arena, Joondalup, March 3, 4.10pm
Game three v Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast, March 11, 7.40pm - Michael Whiting

GWS

Pre-season so far With plenty of off-season list activity the Giants have a host of new faces at the club, with former Geelong star Steve Johnson hitting the track in fantastic condition and leading the way. Big man Adam Tomlinson and midfielder Josh Kelly have been the time-trial kings as they look to cement a spot in the senior side after frustrating seasons in 2015. Academy draftees Jacob Hopper, Matthew Kennedy, Harry Himmelberg and Matthew Flynn have settled nicely, with the Giants already working hard on their tackling and contested footy work so far during pre-season.

Injury room Shane Mumford (ankle), Dylan Shiel (knee), Phil Davis (hamstring) and Tom Scully (knee) all missed large chunks of 2015 but are already in full training or scheduled to return to full training in the new year, while Joel Patfull (collarbone) is back on the track after an off-season motorbike accident in Bali.

Christmas break December 19 – January 3

Community camps February 18 and 21 (Sydney), February 25-26 (Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Broken Hill), February 26 (Canberra).

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Western Bulldogs, StarTrack Oval, Canberra, February 25, 7.10pm
Game two v Sydney Swans, Drummoyne Oval, Sydney, March 4, 7.10pm
Game three v Brisbane Lions, Metricon Stadium, March 13, 12.10pm - Adam Curley 

Hawthorn

Pre-season so far Alastair Clarkson believes the post-season stretch from October to Christmas is the most important phase of Hawthorn's season, and the Hawks have been busy laying the foundations for their shot at history in 2016. Following the successful formula from recent years, the entire squad has flown north to the Sunshine Coast for a high-intensity 10-day training camp, ending on Sunday. Billy Hartung has been a pre-Christmas standout, putting the disappointment of being the 23rd man for last year's Grand Final behind him and taking out the 2.2km time trial ahead of perennial champ Isaac Smith. Speculation about Luke Hodge handing over the captaincy has been put to rest with the three-time premiership skipper voted in for a sixth season at the helm.

Injury room The Hawks launched into pre-season from the envious position of having every player running. Only four players went under the surgeon's knife after the 2015 campaign. James Frawley and Brendan Whitecross needed shoulder operations, while Jordan Lewis and Jon Ceglar had minor wrist surgery. Developing defender Kaiden Brand is fighting fit after his shoulder issues, while Alex Woodward is taking a slow-and-steady approach following his third knee reconstruction and started running in late November.

Christmas break December 21 – January 3 (first-to-fourth-year players). Remainder of playing group returns January 6.

Community camp Launceston, Hobart, Bridport, Derby, Devonport, Burnie, Ulverstone – Tasmania, February 19-20

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Carlton, Aurora Stadium, Launceston, February 18, 7.10pm
Game two v Richmond, Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield, February 27, 4.40pm
Game three v North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium, March 12, 7.10pm - Travis King

A bearded Luke Hodge works the old legs during the pre-season. Picture: AFL Media

Melbourne

Pre-season so far The Demons are continuing on the path Paul Roos established, developing their list gradually to ensure their talent flourishes in the future with Simon Goodwin slowly increasing his influence on training. So far they have incorporated skills and match simulation into their conditioning program with the odd heavy hill session thrown in. Jack Viney said on Friday the Demons have spent more time on the game style pre-Christmas this year than they have in previous seasons. The team heads to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast in mid-January to top off its program before preparing for the NAB Challenge.

Injury room Ben Newton had ankle surgery in December, which will keep him out of full training until February. Skipper Nathan Jones is running well as he recovers from a neck operation while Heritier Lumumba has managed his program as he returns from ankle surgery. Christian Petracca remains with the rehab group but he is progressing well in his return from a knee reconstruction.

Christmas break December 19 - January 3

Community camp Stonnington, Glen Eira, Boroondara and Casey, February 10-11

NAB Challenge Games
Game one v Port Adelaide, Playford Alive Oval, Elizabeth, Adelaide, February 27, 1.35pm
Game two v Western Bulldogs, Highgate Recreational Reserve, Craigieburn, March 6, 2.05pm
Game three v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, March 13, 4.10pm - Peter Ryan 

New Dee Jake Melksham enjoying the change of scenery. Picture: AFL Media

North Melbourne

Pre-season so far North kicked off its pre-season with its annual high-altitude training camp in Utah, with this year's two-week trip attended by the club's draftees, second to fifth-year players, and Jack Ziebell, Shaun Higgins, Jamie Macmillan and Shaun Atley. The remaining senior players resumed in Melbourne shortly afterwards, with veterans Drew Petrie and Daniel Wells reporting for duty noticeably lighter, with both shedding about 5kg in the off-season. The most pleasing thing for coach Brad Scott, though, has been the good health of his list. This time last year, the Roos did not have enough fit players to run large-scale match practice sessions. So far this pre-season, Scott has had all bar a handful of players at his disposal, meaning the Roos have made a much faster start to their 2016 preparations.

Injury room Second-year defender Ed Vickers-Willis had a right shoulder reconstruction after a training mishap in Utah, but is expected to be fit for round one. Andrew Swallow (knee) and Sam Gibson (ankle) should return to full training after Christmas after undergoing minor surgeries, while Jack Ziebell (shoulder), Lindsay Thomas (foot) and Trent Dumont (both hips) have made quick recoveries from operations to start their 2016 preparations strongly. Second-year key-position players Sam Durdin (shoulder) and Daniel Nielson (ACL) have recovered well from the injuries that prematurely ended their 2015 seasons, with both back in full training.

Christmas break December 20 - January 3 

Community camp Werribee, Wyndham, Tasmania (Hobart, Devonport, Burnie, Rosebery, Ulverstone, Oatlands), February 25-26

NAB Challenge games
Game one v St Kilda, Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta, February 20, 2.05pm
Game two v Collingwood, Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga, March 5, 4.40pm
Game three, v Hawthorn, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, March 12, 7.10pm - Nick Bowen

Another pre-season: 400-game veteran Brent Harvey looking trim. Picture: AFL Media

Port Adelaide

Pre-season so far The major difference in the Power's pre-season compared to previous seasons is the absence of their famed training camp in Dubai. In terms of actual football program, the club thinks it has developed a suitable plan and little will change this year. Players and coaches are determined to atone for their disappointing 2015 performance. CEO Keith Thomas said he expected a simpler message to be delivered to the playing group in 2016 (pre-season included) that remained based around hard work.

Injury room A number of players underwent post-season surgery: Logan Austin (shoulders), Alipate Carlile (hip), Jack Hombsch (hip), Paul Stewart (hip) and Jay Schulz (back). All remain on modified programs along with Chad Wingard, Jared Polec and Angus Monfries, but only Hombsch and Stewart are expected to be held back in January.

Christmas break December 19 – January 4

Community camp Murray Bridge, South Australia, February 8-9

NAB Challenge Games
Game one v Sydney Swans, Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, February 20, 4.40pm
Week two v Melbourne, Playford Alive Oval, Elizabeth, Adelaide, February 27 1.35pm
Game three v Richmond, Etihad Stadium, Thursday, March 10, 7.10pm - Harry Thring

Chad Wingard takes a breather during Port's pre-season. Picture: AFL Media

Richmond

Pre-season so far The Tigers were flying relatively under the radar until the alcohol-fuelled Dustin Martin incident that has left the midfielder under investigation by Victoria Police. They've had most of their players on the track to date, although Alex Rance is on extended leave and not due back until January 4. A week-long training camp in far north Queensland capped off their pre-Christmas block, where they mixed cross-training activities like bike riding with normal pre-season football sessions. They finished for the year in Cairns on Friday, December 18 and have headed off for their festive break.   

Injury room Jack Riewoldt had minor shoulder surgery that has kept him out of contact training but he's been running and looks a picture of fitness. Shaun Hampson has had a slow start to pre-season after ankle surgery and won't ramp things up until after Christmas. Jacob Townsend took things up a notch in Queensland after overcoming an ankle problem while Chris Yarran has been on a conditioning-based program since arriving at Punt Road. Ben Lennon won't train again until at least January 4 after recently coming down with glandular fever. 

Christmas break December 19 - January 3

Community camp Melbourne (City of Yarra) and Albury-Wodonga, February 9-10

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Fremantle, Rushton Park, Mandurah, WA, February 19, 4.10pm
Game two v Hawthorn, Holm Park Recreational Reserve, Beaconsfield, VIC, February 27, 4.40pm
Game three v Port Adelaide, Etihad Stadium, March 10, 7.10pm - Jennifer Phelan

Steve Morris and Brett Deledio running in the northern Queensland rain. Picture: Michael Willson

St Kilda

Pre-season so far The Saints' trade period looked to give them a promising start to pre-season but things hit a speed bump when the acquisition of key defender Jake Carlisle coincided with the publication of vision that depicted him using illicit drugs. As part of Carlisle's punishment, he won't play until round three next year. He didn't help his early standing among his new teammates by being late to a training session in his first few weeks but has made inroads since with a solid work ethic. A heat training camp on the Sunshine Coast broke up their late November/early December block while a group of first-to-fifth year players were treated to some mentally and physically challenging activities on the club's young leaders camp at HMAS Cerberus a few weeks later.

Injury room Hugh Goddard's pre-season hit a minor snag when he collapsed with heat exhaustion during the Queensland camp but he recovered in time to attend the young leaders' adventure. Jarryn Geary had off-season groin surgery but didn't miss much training while Jack Billings has returned stronger from a fractured tibia but won't take on a full program until after Christmas. Nick Riewoldt is taking an extended break in the US and won't return to the club until the new year but is running more than usual at this time of the pre-season after again escaping any form of post-season knee surgery. Recruit Nathan Freeman has strained his troublesome right hamstring again and will be forced out of training but the Saints claim it's a minor setback.

Christmas break December 23 - January 3

Community camp Sorrento, Dromana, Mornington, Mt Eliza, Morwell, Moe, February 22-23

NAB Challenge games
Game one v North Melbourne, Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta, February 20, 2.05pm 
Game two v Brisbane Lions, Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay, March 6, 3.40pm
Game three v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium, March 13, 4.10pm - Jennifer Phelan

Hugh Goddard (right) has had an eventful pre-season to date. Picture: AFL Media

Sydney Swans

Pre-season so far After a nightmare finish to last season the return of Lance Franklin to the training track after he missed the finals with mental health issues, plus the sight of stars Luke Parker (ankle), co-captain Kieren Jack (knee) and Sam Reid (hamstring), has given the Swans a real boost. Defender Dane Rampe and young midfielders Jack Hiscox, Dan Robinson and forward Brandon Jack have starred so far. News that luckless defender Alex Johnson has had complications with his fourth knee reconstruction came as a bitter blow for the club but he is the Swans' only major injury concern.

Injury room Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and defender Zak Jones had post-season knee surgery that has them on light duties until after the Christmas break, while Isaac Heeney is managing knee tendinitis but isn't a concern. Recruit Michael Talia has also had surgery after he dislocated a finger during a tackling drill.

Christmas break December 19 – January 3

Community camp February 8-9, Wollongong, Bowral, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Terrigal, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Sydney (central suburbs)

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Port Adelaide, Blacktown International Sportspark, February 20, 4.40pm
Week two v Greater Western Sydney, Drummoyne Oval, March 4, 7.10pm
Week three v Carlton, Etihad Stadium, March 11, 5.50pm - Adam Curley

Lance Franklin has made his return to training after missing the finals. Picture: Getty Images


West Coast

Pre-season so far The major focus for the Eagles has been refining what made them successful last season. They have been doing a lot of football drills refining their ball movement and the team defence that worked so well throughout the season, but broke down in the Grand Final. They even did a reduced-numbers, full-ground match simulation in the last session of the year with AFL umpire Luke Farmer adjudicating. Key defenders Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown look in outstanding shape returning from their knee reconstructions. Lewis Jetta has slotted into training seamlessly and the Eagles are excited about the pace, skill and versatility he can add to the side.

Injury room The Eagles are looking reasonably healthy. New recruit Jack Redden is slowly working his way back from adductor surgery. Alec Waterman has been granted leave from the club to try and recover from his ongoing problems with glandular fever. Dom Sheed has had a minor clean out on his left knee. Will Schofield is working back from ankle surgery and draftee Kurt Mutimer is coming off a hamstring injury.

Christmas break December 19 - January 3

Community camp Perth (covering all nine WAFL districts), Kalgoorlie, February 8-9 

NAB Challenge games
Game one v Adelaide, Unley Oval, Adelaide, February 21, 1.35pm
Game two v Gold Coast, HBF Arena, Joondalup, March 3, 4.10pm
Game three v Essendon, Domain Stadium, Perth, March 13 @ 4.10pm - Alex Malcolm

Western Bulldogs

Pre-season so far Fringe players Nathan Hrovat, Lukas Webb and Caleb Daniel have started the pre-season campaign well with spots in the side's best 22 at a premium. The likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Dahlhaus and Jake Stringer have publicly declared their intentions to take their game to another level after standout 2015 seasons. Recruits Marcus Adams and Kieran Collins have added depth to the key position spots down back, while former Brisbane Lions captain Jed Adcock has added immediate professionalism and class to the young Dogs' list. Veterans Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Dale Morris will ramp up their training after the Christmas break.

Injury room The return of 2014 club champion Tom Liberatore from a knee reconstruction gives coach Luke Beveridge another hard nut around the footy, while fellow midfielder Koby Stevens (foot) looking for a big 2016 after missing the second half of last season with stress fractures.

Christmas break December 23 - January 3

Community camp Ballarat, Victoria; Tuesday, February 16 and Wednesday, February 17.

NAB Challenge games
Week one v Greater Western Sydney, StarTrack Oval, Canberra, February 25, 7.10pm
Week two v Melbourne, Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn, March 6, 2.05pm
Week three v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium, March 12, 1.10pm - Adam Curley

Tom Liberatore has enjoyed a strong pre-season returning from a knee reco. Picture: AFL Media