Essendon will showcase their trio of big-name recruits in their opening AFL pre-season match.
They have named Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad in their 30-man squad for Saturday’s match against Richmond in Wangaratta.
While Saad had had a hitout for the Bombers in last week’s AFLX tournament, this will be the first games for Stringer and Smith at their new club.
Adelaide have picked former Carlton star Bryce Gibbs for Saturday’s Strathalbyn match against Fremantle.
While Tom Rockliff will not play for Port Adelaide against West Coast on Sunday in Perth, their squad features fellow top recruits Jack Watts, Steven Motlop, Trent McKenzie and Lindsay Thomas.
Another notable name in the weekend’s squads is Jake Lever, having left Adelaide in controversial circumstances.
He will play for Melbourne in Saturday’s Hobart match against North Melbourne, who have named former Hawthorn speedster Billy Hartung.