Round one will see all of the top five draft picks from last year make their senior debuts for the first time in the history of the competition.
Jacob Weitering (Carlton, No.1), Josh Schache (Brisbane, No.2), Callum Mills (Sydney, No.3), Clayton Oliver (Melbourne, No.4) and Darcy Parish (Essendon, No.5) are all expected to make their debuts for their respective clubs this weekend.
Carlton coach Brendon Bolton confirmed on Wednesday that Weitering will play against Richmond on Thursday night.
“Yeah, I can confirm that,” coach Brendon Bolton said of Weitering’s inclusion in the side.
“Day one it was about him earning a spot and he wasn’t entitled to anything. But this one he is entitled to. He gets his first chance.”
Brisbane has confirmed that Schache will also play this weekend, while Mills, Oliver and Parish all appear certain starters.
Full teams for round one will be announced on Thursday evening.
