Mid West AFL Rd 1 review: Judd McVee set to make Freo debut as sides aim to rebound from opening round losses

The Mid West’s Eagles and Dockers are set to get their AFL season under way as round one kicks off this weekend, while those who played last weekend will be looking to get a win on the board. Fremantle’s new recruit Judd McVee is locked in for a club debut against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking strong throughout the pre-season off the Dockers’ backline. The former Dee has seamlessly slotted into his new side in a rebounding role across half-back alongside All Australian defender Jordan Clark. Dongara’s Jaeger O’Meara suffered a low-grade hamstring injury at training earlier this week and will miss the Dockers’ opening clash. After a goalless outing last week against the Suns, Geraldton-born Geelong forward Jack Martin will hope to hit the scoreboard against the Dockers. For West Coast, Northampton product Jamie Cripps is a lock to appear in Sunday’s clash against Gold Coast at People’s Choice Stadium on Sunday. Cripps will provided vital experience to a young line-up, which could have at least three AFL debutants. Fellow Mid West Eagle Tyler Brockman has been benched for the first five rounds after going under the knife for an IT band issue. Logan McDonald and his Swans have the difficult job of taking on the reigning premiers at the SCG on Saturday night, with the Brisbane Lions hungry to rebound from their five-point defeat to the Bulldogs. For Sydney, if they can take down the reigning premiers, positive signs loom ahead for their season. With regenerated lists and several stars traded in and out, St Kilda and Melbourne will have plenty to prove against each other on Sunday afternoon at the MCG . Liam Ryan and Jack Carroll are locks to line up for St Kilda, with the former Eagle looking to back up a strong club debut. At time of print, Thursday night’s game had not been played. Patrick Cripps’ Blues, who were under much scrutiny this week, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing second half in their 63-point loss to Sydney. After a subpar performance for his standards, Cripps will hope he and his side will have lifted against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday night.