Full Breakdown
Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats Prepare for AFL Season Opener
3/3/2026, 6:21:38 AM
Carlton Blues' New Faces and Expectations
As the 2026 AFL season approaches, the Carlton Blues are set to introduce a significant number of new players, with coach Michael Voss indicating that upwards of ten new faces could take to the field. This includes former Sydney Swans players Ollie Florent and Will Hayward, as well as former Gold Coast Sun Ben Ainsworth. Other potential selections include Campbell Chesser from West Coast, Liam Reidy from Fremantle, and Wade Derkson from GWS. Voss emphasized the challenge of comparing the current team to last year's performance, given the substantial roster changes. He stated, “We’ll just lean into what we’ve got as opposed to what wasn’t there, and we hope that’s enough to get the job done.”
Defender Jacob Weitering's fitness remains a concern as he recovers from injury. Voss noted that Weitering must complete "uncontrolled" contact work at training to prove his readiness for the season opener against the Sydney Swans. The match will be particularly significant for Weitering, as he will face off against his former teammate, Coleman medalist Charlie Curnow.
Tanner Bruhn's Return to AFL
In a contrasting narrative, Geelong Cats player Tanner Bruhn is set to make his return to the AFL after a 17-month absence due to legal issues. Bruhn faced sexual assault charges that were ultimately dropped, leading coach Chris Scott to describe the situation as an “egregious injustice.” Scott expressed relief that Bruhn can now focus on football, stating, “It’s just fantastic for him to get out there and be able to concentrate on footy after what is one of the most egregious injustices I can think of in the game.”
Bruhn, who joined Geelong after the 2022 season, has been utilized in a half-back role during the pre-season, although he is expected to play a significant part in the midfield as the season progresses. Scott confirmed that key players Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith will also be ready for the season opener against the Gold Coast Suns, while ruckman Rhys Stanley has been ruled out.
Criticism of AFL's Handling of Bruhn's Case
The AFL Players Association criticized the league's decision to stand down Bruhn during the legal proceedings, labeling it as “premature and disproportionate.” This incident has sparked discussions about the league's policies regarding player conduct and the implications of legal issues on athletes' careers.
Conclusion
As the Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats prepare for their respective season openers, both teams face unique challenges and narratives. Carlton's extensive roster changes and Geelong's reintegration of Tanner Bruhn highlight the dynamic nature of the AFL, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 season.
