Daniel is an Age sports reporter.
When you haven't played an AFL game in more than 29 months, it might be unwise to predict what will happen in five weeks' time. So while Jaeger O'Meara is excited ahead of his return to big-time footy, he doesn't want to speculate on whether he'll play in round one.
Essendon and rookie Yestin Eades have parted ways by mutual agreement.
Hawthorn are poised to become an early beneficiary of a recently introduced AFL rule after emerging teenage ruckman Tony Olango agreed to join the club's academy.
Collingwood's Sophie Casey can accept a two-match ban for a high hit that sent Melbourne's Meg Downie to hospital, while Carlton star Brianna Davey is free to face Adelaide in Sunday's top of the ladder clash.
Essendon's previously suspended players have been warned by former North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey they may be unprepared for the "crash and bash" of competitive football when they play their first pre-season match against Collingwood this week.
They might be unbeaten after two rounds and playing at a club starved of success over the past two decades, but Carlton's women aren't feeling any extra pressure because of their hot start to the season, says star defender Brianna Davey.
Carlton charged home, kicking five of the last six goals of the game to beat Greater Western Sydney and continue their winning start to the AFLW season.
An Essendon fan whose work revolves around football was asked in passing conversation during the week how he thought the Bombers would fare in 2017. "They'll finish somewhere between 2nd and 16th," he said.
The AFL Players' Association has raised concerns with an AFL plan to provide in-game player GPS tracking data to broadcasters.
Daniel Wells stepped into the cauldron of Collingwood's intra-club practice match on Wednesday evening, and made a scratchy start in sweltering conditions at the Holden Centre.
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