The AFL's pre-season always has plenty of intrigue as excitement builds towards a new season.
Which players are returning? Who's lighting up the track? Is there an early favourite for the premiership? Or the Brownlow?
But on the flip side, injuries and suspensions have plagued summer clashes, which in some cases, have put sides on the back foot before the new campaign begins.
From career-altering injuries to heavy hits and a slithery snake, we assess some of the biggest practice match disasters over the years.
9Folau's forgettable GWS practice match
The AFL's experiment in bringing across rugby gun Israel Folau to the Giants failed before it even began.
In a practice match for his new club, Folau came into contact with teammate and high-prized recruit Tom Scully in an accidental head clash.
Scully came off second best, with the club confirming a slightly depressed fracture of his cheekbone.
The former Pick 1 missed the Giants' first-ever clash in the AFL.
In the same match, Folau also faced suspension after twice being reported for rough conduct against Richmond. He was cleared.
