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.
2Setanta kicking a teammate when he's down, literally
Carlton utility Setanta O'hAilpin's extraordinary act against teammate Cameron Cloke is still talked about 16 years later.
The Blues suspended O'hAilpin indefinitely in 2009 after he punched and kicked Cloke while he lay on the ground during an intra-club game.
The AFL kickstarted an investigation. O'hAilpin was shunned to the club's VFL-affiliate side, the Northern Bullants, and underwent anger management courses with the club psychologist.
