The Caulfield Cup runner-up ran a slashing race in the Cox Plate to be considered a serious Melbourne Cup chance, but he has failed a mandatory pre-race scan.

Sydney have been handed marquee billing as stars brace for spicy reunions with their former clubs, with the AFL releasing next season’s schedule of matches.

Essendon and Richmond are doubling down on the Dreamtime at the ’G concept, with the clubs to play the game twice in 2027 and 2028.