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.
7Tunnelling saga
It's rare that the AFL issues warnings, but when tunnelling became an talking point on the eve of the 2025 season, they had no choice.
A trio of pre-season injuries, as well as an Opening Round injury to Kieren Briggs, prompted then-GM of Football, Laura Kane, to send a memo, stating that players who intentionally shoved opponents into a contest were subject to a rough conduct charge.
Richmond's prized Pick 1 from 2024, Sam Lalor, suffered a fractured jaw when West Coast's Reuben Ginbey pushed him into oncoming traffic; St Kilda's Mitch Owens injured his shoulder when Jordon Sweet asserted his physical size. The trend continued into the season, with Darcy Cameron nudging GWS ruck Briggs. The Giant was stretchered off.
The memo did deter excessive force being used in marking contests, although Richmond's Rhyan Mansell was punished for his attempt to get separation on Saints defender Liam O'Connell.
Mansell copped a three-ban, despite the club appealing.
