Footy was back in earnest over the weekend, and although the results should be taken with a mountain of salt, the opening acts of a number of potentially season-defining stories were written.
As always, the first games of the JLT Community Series gave us our first look at new rules, new faces in new jumpers, positional changes and new draftees.
Here are the major takeaways from the weekend's action:
3. The supplemental selection period is already a hit
Lost in the midst of the debate surrounding the new on-field rules for season 2019, the AFL's decision to allow clubs to add previously AFL-listed players, as well as those who have been overlooked in multiple drafts, to their lists during the newly-implemented supplemental selection period made its mark during the first round of tune-up games.
This was most evident in the pre-season opener, with Zac Clarke and Michael Gibbons making their first appearances for Essendon and Carlton, respectively. Former Fremantle ruckman Clarke, who played a starring role in Subiaco's undefeated 2018 WAFL season, showed he could be a factor for Essendon in 2019 with 15 disposals, 37 hitouts and a goal.
Meanwhile, dual J.J. Liston Trophy winner Gibbons played a prominent role up forward for the Blues, with the former Williamstown ball-magnet kicking three goals.
