The Magpies gave marking tall Ash Johnson the opportunity to fill the injured Daniel McStay’s role inside 50, but he was goalless and had only six disposals. Reef McInnes, also jostling for the role, was injected in the second half, contributed a goal but had only three touches. Just who gets the nod alongside the likes of Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott and Mason Cox, the latter enjoying a strong marking night, and a scuffle with Marlion Pickett on the final siren, remains a point of debate.

Lipinski snapped the Magpies’ opening goal after 19 minutes, while former Docker Lachie Schultz brought his renowned pressure close to goal.

Nick Daicos had an early blunder when a retreat kick inadvertently found Balta on the lead, but he was soon back to his smooth moving best with 10 first-quarter touches. Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill did not have a touch until midway through the second term, but came alive with a goal off a left-foot snap from a stoppage.

The news

Martin has spent time training with the midfield group this summer, and has set personal best records in the gym, according to teammate Jayden Short. He found plenty of uncontested ball in the first half, but couldn’t deliver the advantage the Tigers wanted.

Josh Daicos, having managed a foot issue over summer, showed no signs of concern. Brayden Maynard was back to full fitness after post-season shoulder surgery.

Toby Nankervis’ absence (foot) – the captain could only say he was “hopeful” of playing in the season opener – meant Sam Naismith and Samson Ryan had the ruck duties. Naismith was superb, having 10 contested possessions to half-time, and is locked in to face the Gold Coast Suns.

What you need to know

Veterans Scott Pendlebury (knee) and Jeremy Howe (calf cork) will head into the new season without contact work against an opposition side. Each missed last week’s match simulation against North Melbourne, and again were absent.

“I copped a heavy knock a couple of weeks ago. I just don’t feel right … but I have an opportunity to get it right for the opening round,” Howe said.

Tigers Lynch (foot), Nick Vlastuin (managed) Rhyan Mansell (syndesmosis) and Sam Banks (calf tightness) all sat out. Lynch told Fox Footy he had not given up hope of facing Carlton in round one. “If it’s not round one, it will be round two,” he said.

Liam Baker, who is off contract this season, captained the Tigers.

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Expert’s view

Magpies ruckman Darcy Cameron may face scrutiny for a late attempt to spoil in a marking contest on Tylar Young on the wing in the third term, although the contact appeared minimal.

Key players

Darcy Moore

The premiership skipper had minor wrist surgery before Christmas, but showed no signs of concern against the Tigers in the three quarters he played in defence before resting. “I haven’t really missed a beat in January and February, so I am feeling really good,” Moore said at the AFL captains day on Monday.

Dustin Martin

The three-time premiership great has had a superb pre-season, and appears to have been re-energised under a new coach. He moved well up forward and through the midfield, and even did a spot of on-field coaching of teammates.

Dion Prestia

The hardnut midfielder has had hamstring issues over the past month, but moved well and will play in the season opener.

Jordan De Goey

The Magpies need the explosive midfielder to be at his best if they are to maintain the rage this season. The manner in which De Goey started suggests he is ready for a career year.

What’s next

The two teams now prepare for the season opener. The Tigers have a spicy twilight clash against old coach Damien Hardwick and his Gold Coast Suns at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, March 9. The Magpies, on the same night, have a preliminary final rematch against Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium.

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