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.

6Bont's complex calf

Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli's start to the 2025 season was delayed due to a complex calf injury he sustained against Hawthorn in the Community Series.

The ever-reliable 'Bont' came off the field due to calf tightness in the first quarter, but scans revealed a much more dire outcome.

With tendon involvement, the calf structures were susceptible to recurring issues, and the Bulldogs wouldn't flirt with rushing their star player.

Bontempelli's first outing was in Round 6 against St Kilda, although he showed no signs of a setback, snaring the three Brownlow votes with a 30-disposal, two-goal outing.

The delayed start prevented Bontempelli from receiving an individual accolade he's deserved across multiple seasons, but he finished with 25 votes on Brownlow night.

And despite the Bulldogs' efforts, they failed to make the finals, missing out on percentage. Safe to say the Bont calf injury played a part.

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