Who, what, when, where, why: North Melbourne will field emerging ruck Taylor Goad for his first game of the season against Carlton at Arden Street Oval on Good Friday, and the early VFL picture is shifting with multiple clubs finalising sides for Round 3 — vfl ladder updates are already emerging as coaches juggle AFL elevations and injury returns. Kickoff aligns with a morning fixture locally; the Arden Street contest converts to 8: 30pm ET on Thursday, April 2.
Vfl Ladder: Teams and key inclusions
The most immediate changes shaping the vfl ladder come from the Roos and Blues at Arden Street. North Melbourne has named Taylor Goad after an ankle setback in mid-February training and has also added lively forward Jacob Konstanty, while veteran Jack Darling has been recalled to the AFL side following a three-goal VFL performance last weekend. Carlton has made four changes to its VFL line-up, with Hudson O’Keeffe and Campbell Chesser bolstering the forward line and Darcy Hogg and Logan Prout added; Prout returns to VFL selection for the first time since suffering an ACL injury.
Elsewhere across Round 3 selections drawn from club announcements: Brisbane Lions will be strengthened by the inclusion of AFL-listed Conor McKenna, Will McLachlan and Zane Zakostelsky for their Brighton Homes Arena match; Coburg brings in Maison Goodman for his debut in place of the injured Matt Foley; Port Melbourne welcomes Tom Highmore back while Fraser Rosman misses with concussion; Frankston includes Will Hamill and George Grey; and Richmond will debut 2025 draftee Sam Cumming as one of five inclusions for the Tigers.
Immediate reactions and named briefings
Clubs and coaches have been active in pre-game media activity. North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson has spoken to reporters at Arden Street, and North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey has engaged with club media in the lead-up to the Good Friday SuperClash. Carlton assistant coach Leigh Adams has provided comment on team selection ahead of the Roos clash, and the Blues confirm Nic Newman and Wade Derksen are elevated to AFL selection this week, creating the openings that reshaped their VFL list.
Other named developments that feed the current vfl ladder picture: Robbie Fox has been named for his first game with Frankston after a calf issue sidelined him earlier; Tasmania’s skipper has been named for the Devils as they recover personnel; and the Sydney Swans have made extensive changes following a heavy opening-round defeat, including a first game for Billy Cootee after last year’s draft and the unavailability of Taylor Adams through a hamstring problem and Peter Ladhams through suspension.
What’s next for the round and the vfl ladder
With these Round 3 selections locked for Good Friday action at Arden Street and other venues, expect the vfl ladder to respond quickly: AFL elevations and match-day omissions will continue to ripple through selections for the weekend fixtures, and clubs will finalise the remaining Round 3 teams later this week. Attention now turns to matchday performances that will determine early ladder movement and individual momentum as the season builds into the first full weekend of VFL competition.
Timestamp: 8: 30pm ET Thursday, April 2.
