Five goals to Jamarra Ugle Hagan helped the Bulldogs beat Melbourne in Round 19 last year. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

RICHMOND v CARLTON (MCG, Thursday 7:20pm local time)
The practice matches are finished, match simulation is in the rear-view mirror and after 173 days of waiting, the footy is finally back! And as has become custom in the modern era, the premiership season kicks off once again with the Tigers doing battle against the Blues. Carlton finally snapped its eight-match Round 1/2 losing streak against Richmond last year, but can the Blues repeat the dose in 2023? After all, the Tigers still well and truly have the Blues’ number, winning 12 of their last 13 meetings. The Blues have named Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps (ankle), Mitch McGovern (back), Jack Martin (calf) and Jesse Motlop (calf), who were all in some doubt heading into this match, while Dion Prestia (pec) and Jayden Short (calf) have been included in Richmond’s team as well. There’ll be no shortage of new faces either with star ex-GWS duo Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper lining up for the Tigers, while former Docker Blake Acres will be joined in Carlton’s line-up by 2022 draftees Oliver Hollands and Lachie Cowan. However, Carlton will be without Sam Walsh (back), Zac Williams (knee), Matt Cottrell (foot) and Caleb Marchbank (calf), while Robbie Tarrant (hip) and Josh Gibcus (hamstring) will be missing from Richmond’s backline along with ruckman Ivan Soldo (foot). The additions of Taranto and Hopper promise to give the Richmond midfield a new lease of life and supply it with extra depth, while allowing the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin to spend more time in attack. The Blues missed the finals in the most heartbreaking circumstances imaginable last year and will be hellbent on atonement in 2023, but they might just struggle to clear the first hurdle on their road to redemption.
RONNY’S TIP: Richmond by 17 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Richmond by 6 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Richmond by 11 points.

GEELONG v COLLINGWOOD (MCG, Friday 7:50pm local time)
The MCG plays host to another blockbuster 24 hours later as the Cats and Magpies lock horns in a rematch of their epic qualifying final encounter last year. And if this match is half as good as that contest, we are in for a treat. It’s the start of a new era for Geelong who won’t head into battle with Joel Selwood, as they had done for most of the previous 16 years. Instead, new captain Patrick Dangerfield will lead the way. But Selwood might not be the only premiership hero who will be absent on Friday night with Tom Hawkins (foot), Mitch Duncan (calf), Jack Henry (foot) and Jake Kolodjashnij (concussion) either in doubt or ruled out, while Sam Menegola (knee) is also unavailable. But on a positive note, Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and Ollie Henry could all make their club debuts. Meanwhile, aside from Jack Ginnivan (suspension), and Patrick Lipinski and Nathan Kreuger, who are both sidelined with serious shoulder injuries, the Magpies head into this clash close to full strength. It also promises to be a new-look Collingwood line-up with off-season recruits Tom Mitchell, Dan McStay, Bobby Hill and Billy Frampton all in contention to feature. Geelong head into this clash riding a 16-game winning streak, and have won their last four against the Pies. But Collingwood have been getting closer in recent times, and have what it takes to turn the tables in a thriller.
RONNY’S TIP: Collingwood by 6 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Geelong by 10 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Geelong by 5 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v WEST COAST (Marvel Stadium, Saturday 1:45pm local time)
It’s the start of a new era for the Kangaroos with master coach Alastair Clarkson returning to where it all began for him in his first game as new North boss. While he certainly has his work cut out for himself to turn around the fortunes of the back-to-back wooden spooners, there is optimism in the air, especially with gun No.3 pick Harry Sheezel making his debut this weekend. But he won’t be joined on the park by Ben McKay (foot), Callum Coleman-Jones (foot), Jack Mahony (shoulder) or Darcy Tucker (knee), while star forward Cam Zurhaar (calf) is no guarantee either. But new signings Griffin Logue, Daniel Howe and Liam Shiels are all fit and available. Meanwhile, the Eagles will be without Nic Naitanui (Achilles), Elliot Yeo (calf) and Josh Rotham (arm), however former Demon Jayden Hunt will be selected along with debutants Campbell Chesser, Reuben Ginbey and Noah Long. This battle between two 2022 strugglers will be close, but North should be good enough to start Clarkson’s reign in style.
RONNY’S TIP: North Melbourne by 10 points.
ROCO’S TIP: West Coast by 2 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: West Coast by 13 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v BRISBANE (Adelaide Oval, Saturday 4:05pm local time)
This looms as an intriguing contest between one of season 2022’s biggest disappointments (Port Adelaide), and one of 2023’s premiership contenders (Brisbane). The Lions made it to a preliminary final last year and then loaded up again by recruiting Josh Dunkley, Jack Gunston, Will Ashcroft, Conor McKenna and Jaspa Fletcher. All five are available and the majority should make their club debuts. The only injury concerns for Chris Fagan’s men are Dayne Zorko (hamstring), Callum Ah Chee (quad) and Darcy Gardiner (ankle) who won’t participate. Meanwhile, the Power have almost a full list to choose from which means new recruits Junior Rioli and Jason Horne-Francis could line up. This promises to be one of the more entertaining matches of the opening round, but with a bulked-up best 22, expect Brisbane to make an early statement of intent in their quest for a flag.
RONNY’S TIP: Brisbane by 22 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Brisbane by 18 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Brisbane by 17 points.

MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS (MCG, Saturday 7:25pm local time)
There is certainly no love lost between the 2021 grand finalists and fireworks are sure to fly in this highly-anticipated match-up. Both teams are expected to feature at the pointy end of the ladder again this year, so it will be good to get an early insight into how these top-four hopefuls will look for the season ahead. One of the biggest talking points of the off-season has been the union of two of the modern era’s best ruckmen in Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy, and their ability to work together will be a huge watch on Saturday night. However, the Demons are in the wars with premiership stars Christian Salem (thyroid), Jack Viney (knee) and Bayley Fritsch (foot) all ruled out while Steven May (calf) is under a cloud. But Grundy could be joined in the team by fellow new recruits Lachie Hunter and Josh Schache, who might not have to wait long to face their old side. Another point of interest over the summer has been the Bulldogs’ embarrassment of key position riches, and coach Luke Beveridge seemingly has no qualms playing Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Darcy all in the same forward line. Beveridge is a notorious out-of-the-box thinker and his latest strategy will get an early litmus test this week. However, returning Dog Liam Jones will be heavily relied upon already down back with Tim O’Brien (hamstring) and Ryan Gardner (elbow) out of action. The Dogs will also miss considerable zip at the foot of their giant-sized forward line with Cody Weightman (groin) and Laitham Vandermeer (leg) also unavailable. The Demons should be just too good in the end.
RONNY’S TIP: Melbourne by 15 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Western Bulldogs by 12 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Melbourne by 9 points.

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GOLD COAST v SYDNEY (Carrara, Saturday 7pm local time)
The Suns made big gains last year, by their standards, and will be desperate to finally break through for a maiden finals berth this season, while the Swans head into the new campaign after suffering one of the biggest grand final beatdowns in VFL/AFL history. But both teams already have their fair share of injury concerns. The Suns will be without Brandon Ellis (calf), Connor Budarick (knee), Wil Powell (hamstring), Lachie Weller (knee) and Sean Lemmens (calf), while the Swans will be missing Tom Hickey (hamstring), Robbie Fox (calf), Ryan Clarke (hamstring) and Sam Wicks (shoulder). But Gold Coast will welcome back star forward Ben King from an ACL injury, while new recruits Jed Anderson, Ben Long, Tom Berry, Connor Blakely and Jake Stein could all be in contention. The Suns have a very good recent record against the Swans, winning three of their last four meetings, so don’t be surprised if they repeat the dose with another upset result.
RONNY’S TIP: Gold Coast by 11 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Sydney by 24 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Sydney by 19 points.

GWS v ADELAIDE (Giants Stadium, Sunday 1:10pm local time)
Both teams head into this match basically fully fit, with Adelaide’s Matt Crouch (leg) the only notable absentee from either side. And even then, Crouch wasn’t part of the Crows’ best 22 last year. Adelaide look set to unleash former Gold Coast forward Izak Rankine in what should be an exciting moment for the club. The Giants and Crows, both tipped to finish in the bottom half of the ladder, have looked pretty good in the pre-season, but now it’s all about putting that form to the test with premiership points up for grabs. There is a lot to look forward to here. How will the new-look GWS midfield stack up minus Taranto and Hopper? Will Adelaide’s revamped forward line deliver the goods? It should be a close one, but the Giants will get Adam Kingsley’s career as coach off to a flying start.
RONNY’S TIP: GWS by 9 points.
ROCO’S TIP: GWS by 6 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: GWS by 25 points.

HAWTHORN v ESSENDON (MCG, Sunday 3:20pm local time)
Another couple of teams not expected to do much this year, but this match represents a huge chance for both clubs to capture a rare win because, let’s face it, it doesn’t look like they’ll get many opportunities at victory in 2023. On a positive note for the Hawks, Mitch Lewis (ACL) remains the only serious injury concern, but the same can’t be said for the Dons who will head into battle without Jake Stringer (hamstring), James Stewart (foot) and Nik Cox (back) but Dyson Heppell (foot), Ben Hobbs (calf) and Jye Caldwell (ankle) could all pass fitness tests which would be a big boost. The Hawks might unveil new recruits Karl Amon, Lloyd Meek and Cooper Stephens, while Essendon is a strong chance to name Sam Weideman, Will Setterfield and Alwyn Davey jnr all in one hit. Not much will separate these two teams on Sunday, but the Bombers might just have enough in their arsenal to deal with the Hawthorn threat and begin the Brad Scott era in style.
RONNY’S TIP: Essendon by 4 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Essendon by 4 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Hawthorn by 15 points.

ST KILDA v FREMANTLE (Marvel Stadium, Sunday 4:40pm local time)
Speaking of new(ish) coaches, Ross Lyon re-takes the reins of the club he dramatically departed 12 years ago, and in his first game back in charge of the Saints, he faces off against the club he dramatically joined 12 years ago, Fremantle. But if Lyon was hoping for a dream start to his second coming at St Kilda, he might need to recalibrate his expectations. The Saints already find themselves in massive trouble in the medical room with Max King (shoulder), Tim Membrey (knee), Seb Ross (calf), Zak Jones (Achilles), Nick Coffield (calf), Marcus Windhager (hand), Jack Billings (leg), Jack Hayes (foot) and Dan McKenzie (calf) all sidelined. Conversely, Fremantle are close to full fitness with Travis Colyer (knee) and Michael Walters (Achilles) the only concerns and the top-four fancy will look forward to showcasing new recruits Luke Jackson and Jaeger O’Meara. The Dockers have a very good record at Marvel Stadium, too, having only lost one of their last six matches there. It all points towards a disastrous start to Lyon’s second stint in charge of the Saints
RONNY’S TIP: Fremantle by 36 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Fremantle by 28 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Fremantle by 29 points.