Brisbane have been dealt a huge blow for the rest of the home-and-away season, fresh off their stunning victory over Collingwood last Saturday night.
Elsewhere, there will be some crucial decisions made at match committee ahead of a massive, season-defining clash between the Magpies and Hawthorn.
Meanwhile, another Blues youngster has fallen victim to the dreaded ACL rupture. Plus, one of the competition’s star key forwards is facing the rest of the season on the sidelines.
Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 22 in AFL Team Tips!
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ROUND 22 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
HAWTHORN v COLLINGWOOD
Thursday August 7, 7:30pm at the MCG
Hawks’ Round 21 team
B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw
C: H.Morrison, J.Ward, K.Amon
HF: J.Gunston, M.Chol, N.Watson
F: J.Ginnivan, M.Lewis, D.Moore
R: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, W.Day
I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Nash, C.Dear, C.Macdonald, J.Worpel (sub)
EMG: L.Breust, S.Butler, B.Macdonald
Team Tips: Unfortunately, crucial midfielder Will Day will miss the remainder of the season with another foot bone stress injury after limping off the field late in last Friday night’s loss to the Crows. Out-of-favour ball-winner Cam Mackenzie shapes as a leading candidate for a recall after 28 disposals and five clearances for Box Hill at the weekend, with James Worpel all but certain to come back into the starting 22. The big storyline going into the Adelaide game was Sam Mitchell’s call to trial four tall forwards, including Mabior Chol alongside Jack Gunston, Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis. And while Gunston booted four majors, the other three combined for two goals, with Dear subbed out of the game tactically in the third quarter. Mitchell did note pre-game that Chol’s inclusion was partly for second-ruck purposes. The question is whether or not they go into Thursday night’s season-defining blockbuster with the same approach. Veteran Luke Breust hasn’t played since Round 9 and was an emergency last Friday and is surely a candidate for inclusion, while Max Ramsden booted 3.3 from 16 disposals and six marks in the VFL.
Is Daicos demanding in the wrong spots? | 01:46
Magpies’ Round 21 team
B: B.Maynard, D.Moore (c), C.Dean
HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, I.Quaynor
C: S.Sidebottom, N.Daicos, J.Crisp
HF: W.Hoskin-Elliott, T.Membrey, L.Schultz
F: J.Elliott, D.McStay, P.Lipinski
R: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, N.Long
I/C: J.De Goey, H.Perryman, O.Markov, B.Mihocek, B.Hill (sub)
EMG: W.Parker, E.Allan, B.Frampton
Team Tips: A lot of expectation is being placed on the shoulders of Billy Frampton, who has now played two games in the VFL — including 12 disposals and six marks at the weekend — and was an emergency last Saturday night after recovering from his calf strain. Charlie Dean would be the man to make way if Craig McRae opts to recall Frampton for Thursday’s fixture. But Jeremy Howe is still the biggest name to come back into the fold as the Pies suddenly are under some pressure to retain their top-two standing, with the veteran interceptor potentially in line for match action this weekend. Jordan De Goey was tactically subbed out after reaching his predetermined game-time limit, with starting sub Bobby Hill set to come back into the starting 22 —if he is able to overcome an unfortunate bout of gastro. Heat has come on Dan Houston and his standing in the senior side amid a run of poor form, but it’s very hard to see a world where he’s dropped, especially this late in the campaign.
Are ‘alarm bells’ ringing for Pies? | 05:15
GEELONG CATS v ESSENDON
Friday August 8, 7:40pm at GMHBA Stadium
Cats’ Round 21 team
B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, C.O’Sullivan
HB: O.Mullin, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie
C: M.Blicavs, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey
HF: T.Stengle, S.Mannagh, G.Miers
F: P.Dangerfield (c), J.Cameron, S.Neale
R: R.Stanley, T.Atkins, B.Smith
I/C: M.O’Connor, J.Bowes, B.Close, L.Humphries, J.Martin (sub)
EMG: J.Clark, J.Bews, M.Knevitt
Team Tips: It’s back-to-back emphatic wins for the Cats, and it could be a third on Friday night against the undermanned and youthful Bombers. Chris Scott took an unchanged side into last Sunday against Port Adelaide, and there should be minimal change again this Thursday, though veteran star Patrick Dangerfield will be rested, per Seven’s Mitch Cleary. Given the Cats will be coming off just a five-day break, it’s a short week on the training track. The Cats currently enjoy the shortest injury list in the AFL, and could welcome back the likes of experienced trio Mitch Duncan (shoulder), Jake Kolodjashnij (groin) and Cam Guthrie (calf). Whether they slot straight back into the side or return via the VFL — where the Cats enjoyed the bye last weekend, remains to be seen. Jack Martin’s record four-goal burst (in the shortest amount of time this century) could be enough to see him promoted from sub.
Cameron’s six goals down Port | 02:44
Bombers’ Round 21 team
B: A.McGrath, J.Laverde, J.Nguyen
HB: M.Redman, L.Blakiston, A.Roberts
C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett (c), L.Lual
HF: A.Perkins, P.Wright, J.Gresham
F: B.Hobbs, L.McMahon, I.Kako
R: T.Goldstein, D.Shiel, S.Durham
I/C: J.Prior, A.May, M.Guelfi, A.Clarke, O.Smartt (sub)
EMG: J.Menzie, V.Visentini, S.El-Hawli
Team Tips:Nate Caddy could spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines amid an ongoing groin issue. Jayden Nguyen was quiet on the stat sheet in his league debut, but all-in-all held Sydney’s Tom Papley down quite well. In a polar opposite to the Cats, the Bombers are decimated by injury with 10 players already confirmed sidelined for the season. So there isn’t a lot for coach Brad Scott to chose from in regards to healthy players. Forward Rhys Unwin impressed in the VFL last weekend with his 24 touches, five clearances, four tackles and a goal. Big man Vigo Visentini was the best of the rucks in the loss to the Swans VFL with 34 hitouts against the combo of Will Green and Aaron Francis. Disposal efficiency let Saad El-Hawli down in that contest, going at just 47%.
‘Ross is right’ on push in the back rule | 01:50
RICHMOND v ST KILDA
Saturday August 9, 1:20pm at the MCG
Tigers’ Round 21 team
B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, T.Young
HB: S.Banks, T.Brown, J.Short
C: J.Trezise, D.Prestia, T.Sonsie
HF: S.Green, J.Ross, M.Rioli
F: R.Mansell, N.Balta, J.Faull
R: T.Nankervis (c), T.Hotton, J.Hopper
I/C: H.Armstrong, S.Campbell, T.Sims, L.Trainor, K.McIntosh (sub)
EMG: J.Koschitzke, J.Gibcus, J.Blight
Team Tips: Even for a young, developing Richmond side, last Saturday’s output in its 84-point loss to Gold Coast simply wasn’t acceptable, and changes will be made. First and foremost, first-year key forward Jonty Faull will go out of the side after his left knee was landed on in a marking contest, with veteran spearhead Tom Lynch primed to return after serving his five-game suspension in a timely boost to the Tigers’ forward structure. Tim Taranto and Nathan Broad should both come back into the side, provided there’s no setbacks with Taranto’s calf. Noah Balta was swung back after Faull’s injury after starting the game forward, and there’s every chance he could be deployed back in defence this Saturday with the side regaining the experienced Lynch, and with Tylar Young among Richmond’s lowest-rated players against the Suns. Elsewhere, the hope was that Josh Smillie would suit up for the VFL side, which also travelled north last weekend, but the No.7 draft pick continues to be kept out of match action as the club remains careful in its conditioning of the big-bodied ball-getter. Josh Gibcus had 14 disposals and three marks as the luckless key defender continues in his bid to get some senior match time before the season’s up. Draft prospect Sam Grlj suited up for the Tigers’ VFL outfit and was among the top ball-getters with 18 possessions, six marks and five tackles.
Martin kicks FOUR straight goals | 01:14
Saints’ Round 21 team
B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, A.Caminiti
HB: L.Stocker, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair
C: M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, M.Wood
HF: B.Hill, M.Hall, Z.Jones
F: J.Higgins, M.Owens, C.Sharman
R: R.Marshall, H.Clark, H.Garcia
I/C: R.Byrnes, J.Macrae, M.Heath, A.Hastie, J.Steele (c) (sub)
EMG: L.Collard, T.Travaglia, A.Schoenmaker
Team Tips: Forward Mitchito Owens is facing time on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring midway through Sunday’s win. Club captain Jack Steele was oddly named the sub for the Roos game — and while coach Ross Lyon assured it was to keep him fresh after some soreness against Melbourne and he’d play a full match in his 200th AFL games this Saturday against Richmond, it won’t stop trade speculation. In the VFL, Darcy Wilson was prolific, totalling 37 disposals, 14 clearances and a goal to press his claim for a senior recall, while Paddy Dow added 28 possessions and 10 clearances as he plots an AFL return before the season’s up. Mattaes Phillipou edged closer to a return from his plantaris injury with 23 disposals and a goal for the Zebras.
Saints hold off fast-finishing Roos | 03:31
BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday August 9, 4:15pm at the Gabba
Lions’ Round 21 team
B: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, W.Ashcroft
F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee
R: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale (c)
I/C: L.Ashcroft, S.Marshall, H.Smith, Z.Bailey, B.Reville (sub)
EMG: S.Day, J.Tunstill, D.Joyce
Team Tips: In a massive blow to Chris Fagan’s side after their epic MCG win over Collingwood, club co-captain Lachie Neale will miss the rest of the home-and-away season with a quad tear. The Lions are hopeful he’ll be fit for their first final. Reliable veteran defender Ryan Lester is in concussion protocols after an incident against the Pies and will miss Saturday’s meeting with the Swans. Bruce Reville was the sub last Saturday and should come into the starting 22, while Darragh Joyce was an emergency last week if Fagan opts for some defensive depth. Henry Smith was very impressive against Collingwood with three goals, and there’s every chance he continues to keep the likes of Sam Day — an emergency last week — and Oscar McInerney, managed, out of the senior lineup. Day put 23 hitouts with eight possessions in the VFL. It’s hard to see many, if any, unforced changes from Fagan’s match committee as the Lions continue their push for a top-two seed. Another emergency from Round 21 in James Tunstill could be the most likely replacement for Neale.
Is the writing on the wall for Petracca? | 04:01
Swans’ Round 21 team
B: L.Melican, D.Rampe, T.McCartin
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks
C: B.Campbell, Ch.Warner, J.Lloyd
HF: J.Rowbottom, J.Buller, J.Jordon
F: J.McInerney, T.Papley, J.Dattoli
B.Grundy, I.Heeney, E.Gulden
I/C H.Cunningham, A.Sheldrick, O.Florent, P.Ladhams, C.Cleary (sub)
EMG: A.Francis, M.Roberts, N.Bowman
Team Tips: Sydney remain hopeful Will Hayward will be available for selection after missing last week’s win over Essendon. Haywood injured his calf mid-week, but coach Dean Cox believes the injury isn’t serious. “I don’t think it’s really severe,” he said on Saturday. “He’ll have to go through some testing to be available.” Swans veteran Taylor Adams has pressed his case for a senior recall with a dominant display in the VFL. In his second match back, Taylor racked up a game-high 32 disposals, 12 clearances and slotted a goal. Despite coach Cox pledging to honour form, stating: “We’ll make sure we reward the players that are playing good – at any level”, Sydney’s focus is on the future now that their 2025 season is over. And that’s not the ideal case for 31-year-old Adams. Aaron Francis, who was an emergency for last week’s win over the Bombers, kicked three goals in the VFL to press his claims. But with Cox praising young forward Jack Buller for “doing everything he possibly can to stay in the team”, there may not be a spot for Francis.
Who will coach the Demons next? | 01:25
CARLTON v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday August 9, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium
Blues’ Round 21 team
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, M.Carroll
HB: L.Cowan, H.O’Farrell, N.Haynes
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps (c), C.Lord
HF: Z.Williams, J.Motlop, O.Hollands
F: L.Fogarty, H.McKay, W.White
R: T.De Koning, G.Hewett, A.Moir
I/C: M.Pittonet, F.Young, L.Young, F.Evans, C.Durdin (sub)
EMG: J.Binns, J.Boyd, H.O’Keeffe
Team Tips: The Blues were gallant in defeat but again fell after leading at the main change. And adding injury to insult, promising first-year key defender Harry O’Farrell’s scans unfortunately revealed an ACL tear, joining fellow first-year Blue Jagga Smith on the sidelines. A watch will be on midfielder Adam Cerra after he missed the trip to Perth with knee soreness. Jaxon Binns and Jordan Boyd were the travelling emergencies last Sunday and could be in recall calculations, while Billy Wilson notched 25 disposals at VFL level. Against the Dockers, Will White (0.2) and Matt Carroll (1.7) were the Blues’ lowest-rated players, per Champion Data’s ratings, and could come under some selection heat. Hudson O’Keeffe played at VFL level and had 11 disposals, a goal, four clearances and seven tackles after also being named an emergency for the Fremantle fixture.
‘Obviously, I got that wrong…” | 00:47
Suns’ Round 21 team
B: B.Uwland, M.Andrew, S.Collins
HB: J.Noble, W.Powell, J.Jeffrey
C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, B.Fiorini
HF: T.Miller, S.Flanders, B.Humphrey
F: B.Long, J.Farrar, B.King
R: J.Witts, A.Davies, N.Anderson (c)
I/C: B.Ainsworth, E.Read, C.Budarick, O.Adams, N.Holman (sub)
EMG: A.Sexton, N.Moyle, B.Jepson
Team Tips: The Suns made it consecutive big wins, and perhaps most importantly, former skipper Touk Miller made a successful return from his hamstring injury; getting through unscathed before being tactically subbed out managed. Jed Walter, who remains out of the side after being dropped to the reserves a fortnight ago, kicked two goals from five scoring shots against the VFL Tigers, while veteran midfielder David Swallow led all ball-winners with 36 disposals in a bid to be recalled in a likely sub role. Uncontracted small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr, who’s attracting rival interest this year, kicked a game-high four goals and added 18 possessions and seven marks. In an unfortunate blow to a promising duo, Will Graham is set to miss the next few weeks after a hamstring strain in the VFL, while Category B rookie Zak Evans will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured thumb.
How the Goodwin sacking went down | 00:43
PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE
Saturday August 9, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval
Power’s Round 21 team
B: K.Farrell, B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Burgoyne
HB: D.Williams, A.Aliir, La.Jones
C: J.Berry, W.Drew, J.Sinn
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, O.Lord, T.Boak
F: J.McEntee, M.Georgiades, J.Richards
R: J.Sweet, O.Wines, Z.Butters (c)
I/C: J.Mead, J.Whitlock, M.Liddy, W.Lorenz, H.Jackson (sub)
EMG: R.Atkins, C.Moraes
Team Tips: Things are getting ugly late in Port Adelaide’s season, with back-to-back near-100-point losses marring the latter part of Ken’s final season. Skipper Connor Rozee should come back into the side after being a late out due to illness — replaced by Dylan Williams — with Jase Burgoyne the injury cost from the loss with a leg issue. Logan Evans also missed through illness. Jack Whitlock was very quiet in his debut match, managing three disposals in 77 per cent game time. Jack Lukosius is nearing a return from his calf injury but mightn’t come into selection calculations for at least another week. Jeremy Finlayson kicked three goals from 17 disposals and seven marks in the SANFL, while Willie Rioli booted two majors from 14 touches.
GWS Giants great retires after 327 games | 10:54
Dockers’ Round 21 team
B: L.Ryan, B.Cox, O.McDonald
HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark
C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, N.O’Driscoll
HF: S.Switkowski, P.Voss, S.Bolton
F: M.Frederick, J.Treacy, J.Amiss
R: L.Jackson, C.Serong (c), A.Brayshaw
I/C: S.Darcy, M.Reid, B.Banfield, I.Dudley, N.Erasmus (sub)
EMG: B.Walker, W.Brodie, J.Draper
Team Tips: The Dockers survived a massive scare to get over the top of Carlton last Sunday, but in a big blow they’ve again lost crucial midfielder Hayden Young to injury; subbed out at quarter-time with a groin injury. Justin Longmuir revealed on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday that it’s an adductor strain for Young, but he added that at this stage, he’s only ruled out for this week. Sunday’s sub, fringe ball-winner Neil Erasmus, could come into the starting 22 to provide more midfield depth. One of the key selection watches is on skipper Alex Pearce, who was afforded another week out as he prepares to return from a nagging shin injury. Meanwhile, out-of-favour midfielder Will Brodie continues to press for a long-awaited recall after being named an emergency last week, totalling 35 disposals for Peel Thunder at the weekend. Meanwhile, veteran Nat Fyfe is edging closer to a return to the senior outfit, having collected 27 disposals in the WAFL, and “comes into (selection) calculations this week”.
Goodwin gets laughs for Casey line | 00:32
GWS GIANTS v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday August 10, 1:40pm at Manuka Oval
Giants’ Round 21 team
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash
C: X.O’Halloran, S.Coniglio (c), R.Angwin
HF: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, D.Jones
F: J.Stringer, J.Hogan, H.Thomas
FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green
I/C: J.Fonti, J.Riccardi, C.Brown, T.McMullin, H.Rowston (sub)
EMG: J.Delana, J.Leake, M.Gruzewski
Team Tips: The injury loss to compound the Bulldogs belting was Toby McMullin, who has suffered a season-ending syndesmosis injury. And there’s a cloud over spearhead forward Jesse Hogan, who limped to the bench in the dying stages with a foot injury, which is thought to be ongoing. Coming up against lowly North Melbourne this Sunday, there’s every chance Adam Kingsley manages his attacking focal point to ensure his health come September. Max Gruzewski, an emergency last week, shapes as the likeliest replacement. But the key inclusion at selection this week is skipper Toby Greene, who will make a much-needed return from suspension against the Roos. James Leake, also an emergency for the Dogs game, posted 28 disposals and six clearances in the VFL and could come into calculations at match committee. But the Giants’ demoralising Round 21 loss was an anomaly, if their form over the previous six weeks is any indication, and so there shouldn’t be sweeping changes come Thursday night.
Roo hopeful latest knee concern is minor | 01:04
Kangaroos’ Round 21 team
B: C.Comben, T.Pink, G.Logue
HB: R.Hardeman, C.Daniel, F.O’Sullivan
C: D.Stephens, L.Davies-Uniacke, Z.Duursma
HF: P.Curtis, N.Larkey (c), C.McKercher
F: L.Parker, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar
R: B.Teakle, H.Sheezel, G.Wardlaw
I/C: T.Powell, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty, Z.Banch, R.Hansen Jr (sub)
EMG: W.Dawson, G.Payne, W.Phillips
Team Tips: Star ruckman Tristian Xerri is eligible to return from suspension in a desperately-needed boost to the North Melbourne engine room, but it’s bad news for banged-up spearhead Nick Larkey. The All-Australian key forward has suffered a recurrence of the posterior cruciate ligament injury from a few weeks ago that kept him out of multiple games. He hurt himself midway through last Sunday’s loss to the Saints, and while he returned to play out the match, looks in significant doubt to face the Giants. His replacement could be former mid-season draftee Geordie Payne, who bagged another six goals in the reserves — after a four-goal haul the week previous — to again press his claim for a senior spot after being in the extended squad for last Sunday’s clash with St Kilda. Captain Jy Simpkin could put his hand up to return after missing the Saints bout with a knee injury, although his inclusion still isn’t guaranteed. Elsewhere, mid-season draftee Zac Banch was subbed out of the Saints game with a ribs injury.
Goodwin’s cheeky jab after sacking | 00:44
MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Sunday August 10, 3:15pm at the MCG
Demons’ Round 21 team
B: J.Bowey, T.McDonald, J.McVee
HB: C.Windsor, D.Turner, B.Howes
C: K.Chandler, C.Petracca, H.Langford
HF: J.Viney, B.Fritsch, T.Sparrow
F: J.Melksham H.Petty, K.Pickett
R: M.Gawn (c), T.Rivers, E.Langdon
I/C: J.van Rooyen, C.Salem, C.Oliver, J.Culley, H.Sharp (sub)
EMG: X.Lindsay, J.Adams, T.Campbell
Team Tips: After a desperately-needed return to form last Saturday afternoon, the Dees might be set to go light at the selection table ahead of a tough task this Sunday. Xavier Lindsay was managed for the West Coast game and could return, but Jai Culley was impressive in his debut, highlighted by a high-flying mark and goal against his former club — totalling 13 disposals, seven marks, two goals and five score involvements. Steven May will spend one more week on the sidelines before returning from suspension. Casey had a bye last weekend, but key-position prospect Jed Adams is edging closer to a debut.
Candid Goodwin reacts to shock sacking | 21:46
Bulldogs’ Round 21 team
B: L.Bramble, J.Busslinger, J.O’Donnell
HB: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, J.Johannisen
C: B.Williams, E.Richards, B.Dale
HF: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy
F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli (c), T.Liberatore
I/C: O.Baker, J.Freijah, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, L.Vandermeer (sub)
EMG: S.Davidson, C.Hynes, B.Khamis
Team Tips: It’s almost impossible to pick many faults out of an 88-point win over a finals contender, so don’t expect many, if any, unforced change at selection this week ahead of a favourable matchup against the Demons — especially given the Dogs were unchanged going into the GWS game and didn’t pick up any injuries from it. Adam Treloar could put his hand up in the coming weeks as he continues to rehabilitate his latest calf ailment, though you’d have to think he’s more unlikely than likely at this point to feature again this season. At VFL level, Nick Coffield posted 25 disposals and 10 marks, while the demoted Sam Davidson was an emergency last Thursday night and had 14 possessions in the reserves. Swingman Buku Khamis, also an emergency last week, kicked two goals for Footscray.
Kingy slams Dogs: “they CAN’T WIN it” | 04:35
WEST COAST EAGLES v ADELAIDE CROWS
Sunday August 10, 5:40pm at Optus Stadium
Eagles’ Round 21 team
B: R.Ginbey H.Edwards, T.Cole
HB: L.Duggan (c), R.Bazzo, T.McCarthy
C: R.Maric, B.Hough, C.Hall
HF: J.Cripps, J.Shanahan, E.Hewett
F: T.Brockman, A.Reid, L.Ryan
R: B.Williams, T.Kelly, L.Baker
I/C: M.Owies, C.Chesser, T.Gross, T.Dewar, H.Davis (sub)
EMG: J.Petruccelle, M.Flynn, L.Rawlinson
Team Tips: Another heavy defeat for West Coast on a day it would’ve come in thinking it was half a chance to cause an upset, with 10 Eagles finishing with six or fewer rating points at Marvel Stadium. Tyrell Dewar was tactically subbed out after finishing as one of those lowly-rated players, with Hamish Davis recording four disposals in 22 per cent match time once he came on as the sub. Ruckman Matt Flynn responded to his omission by leading all ball-getters at WAFL level with 24 disposals, 30 hitouts and four inside-50s. He could come back into calculations after being named an emergency last week, with Jack Petruccelle and Loch Rawlinson the travelling emergencies for the Demons game. Promisingly, Campbell Chesser had 17 disposals and five score involvements in his first AFL game since Round 24 last year. Andrew McQualter made four changes for the Melbourne game including three omissions, so it’ll be interesting to see how hard he goes at the selection table this Thursday.
The Eagles deserve a priority pick? | 03:05
Crows’ Round 21 team
B: J.Worrell, N.Murray, B.Smith
HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, I.Cumming
C: B.Cook J.Dawson (c), D.Curtin,
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, Z.Taylor
F: I.Rankine, D.Fogarty, T.Walker
R: R.O’Brien, J.Peatling, J.Soligo
I/C: A.Neal-Bullen, S.Berry, M.Hinge, H.Bond, C.Jones (sub)
EMG: L.Nankervis, L.Pedlar, C.Burgess
Team Tips: After a rousing comeback win over Hawthorn to claim top spot on the ladder, the Crows could rest one or two against the Eagles this Sunday as the jostling for top-four seeding intensifies. Veteran Rory Laird could be recalled for the Perth trip after being managed last weekend, and his good mate Taylor Walker is among those who could be managed this Sunday, with forwards Chris Burgess — who booted three goals in the SANFL — and Luke Pedlar among last Friday night’s emergencies. Hugh Bond performed well filling the Max Michalanney medium-sized shutdown defender void. Zac Taylor finished as Adelaide’s lowest-rated player last Friday and could come under some selection heat. Veteran midfielder Matt Crouch could be recalled amid positive SANFL form, having gathered 33 possessions, five clearances and eight tackles in the reserves at the weekend. Jordon Butts continues to nurse his punctured lung but could be in the selection mix this week or next.