Both Adelaide and Collingwood are set for multiple changes for the clubs’ defining top four clash.
Plus the Giants have been dealt a cruel blow as they look to avoid dropping out of the top eight.
Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 23 in AFL Team Tips!
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ROUND 23 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
ESSENDON v ST KILDA
Friday August 15, 7:20pm at Marvel Stadium
Bombers’ Round 22 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
FOLL: T.Goldstein, D.Shiel, S.Durham
I/C: J.Prior, A.May, M.Guelfi, A.Clarke, J.Menzie (sub)
EMG: R.Unwin, S.El-Hawli, O.Smartt
Team Tips: Thankfully, amid a season of debilitating injuries, the Bombers walked out of GMHBA Stadium last Friday night with little injury worries. Promising mid-season draftee Archie May rolled ankle late in the contest, but from all reports has avoided any serious injury concerns. Still, May is expected to miss this week. Youngster Luamon Lual had a quiet outing, and was left worse for wear after Dylan Shiel pushed Mark O’Connor into him, before being subbed out at the final break. Meanwhile Ben Hobbs and substitute Jye Menzie failed to have an impact. In the VFL, senior utility Kyle Langford successfully returned from a quad injury on managed minutes, while emergency Saad El-Hawli pushed his case for a recall with 22 disposals, nine intercept possessions and three contested marks against the Cats’ reserves.
Saints’ Round 22 team
B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, A.Caminiti
HB: H.Clark, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair
C: M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, B.Hill
HF: M.Wood, H.Garcia, M.Phillipou
F: J.Higgins, M.Heath, C.Sharman
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele (c), J.Macrae
I/C: Z.Jones, L.Stocker, D.Wilson, M.Hall, L.Henry (sub)
EMG: T.Travaglia, P.Dow, A.Hastie
Team Tips: It was a win by the barest of margins for the Saints, who may make changes after Richmond didn’t allow them to play the way they wanted to for the majority of the match. Max Heath was subbed out of the game at half-time after finishing as one of the Saints’ two lowest-rated players for the afternoon, replaced by Liam Henry. Thankfully, no injuries came from the contest. But Paddy Dow’s year from hell has taken another turn; ruled out for the remainder of the season after breaking his collarbone at VFL level on Saturday night. Dow was an emergency for the Richmond fixture. In the reserves, Alex Dodson and Jack Carroll each had 35 disposals and combined for 18 clearances in Sandringham’s loss. Angus Hastie responded to his omission by collecting 26 possessions, while Isaac Keeler made a return to play from his hamstring strain.
Big blow for Crows as Laird banned | 00:34
FREMANTLE v BRISBANE
Friday August 15, 8:20pm at Optus Stadium
Dockers’ Round 22 team
B: L.Ryan, B.Cox, A.Pearce (c)
HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark
C: J.O’Meara, S.Bolton, N.O’Driscoll
HF: S.Switkowski, P.Voss, M.Reid
F: M.Frederick, J.Treacy, J.Amiss
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: I.Dudley, S.Darcy, N.Erasmus, B.Banfield, N.Fyfe (sub)
EMG: B.Walker, J.Sharp, O.McDonald
Team Tips: It was really dicey for a while there, but in dramatic circumstances, the Dockers ticked off another win. They got through unscathed. Small forward Isaiah Dudley’s spot could come under threat after being subbed out of the game, finishing as Fremantle’s lowest-rated player in 47 per cent time on ground. Veteran star Nat Fyfe — who announced on Monday he’d be retiring at season’s end — returned to the senior side in the sub role he’s made his own in recent times for the Dockers. Expect him to continue in that capacity, as long as his body keeps holding up. Brandon Walker, an emergency for the Power clash, collected 23 possessions in Peel’s WAFL loss at the weekend, while Corey Wagner had 20 disposals and five inside-50s.
Lions’ Round 22 team
B: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, T.Doedee
HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews (c), B.Reville
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey
F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft
I/C: L.Ashcroft, S.Marshall, H.Smith, W.McLachlan, D.Robertson (sub)
EMG: L.Beecken, D.Joyce
Team Tips: It was a costly loss for the Lions last Saturday, with their spot in the finals altogether now in some jeopardy. They lost reliable defender Brandon Starcevich pre-game to hamstring awareness, and there’s not yet an indication as to whether he’ll miss additional time. But Ryan Lester should exit concussion protocols in a necessary boost to Chris Fagan’s back six. Will McLachlan’s spot could come under threat after three disposals in 61 per cent time on ground, while out-of-form forward Charlie Cameron was Brisbane’s lowest-rated player after going goalless with one score involvement in 75 per cent game-time. Kai Lohmann is close to a return but won’t come into calculations this week.
Fyfe: ‘It’s been an incredible journey!’ | 02:21
GOLD COAST SUNS v GWS GIANTS
Saturday August 16, 12:35pm at People First Stadium
Suns’ Round 22 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, B.Ainsworth, B.Humphrey
F: B.Long, J.Farrar, B.King
FOLL: J.Witts, A.Davies, N.Anderson (c)
I/C: N.Holman, E.Read, C.Budarick, O.Adams, M.Rosas (sub)
EMG: A.Sexton, N.Moyle, J.Rogers
Team Tips: Despite a Blues threat, the Suns won in professional circumstances last Saturday, and you don’t get the sense Damien Hardwick will make too much unforced change amid a stretch of four wins in their past five games. But Sam Flanders could return after missing with back soreness. Veteran Nick Holman was tactically subbed out after managing one effective kick in 64 per cent game time and finishing among the Suns’ three lowest-rated players. Ethan Read was unimpactful in 72 per cent game time, going goalless from nine disposals and four marks. Jy Farrar was also quieter on Saturday despite having made a big impact in recent weeks. Jake Rogers, an emergency last Saturday night, had 29 disposals and eight clearances in the reserves, while Leo Lombard added 26 possessions and five tackles. Jed Walter kicked just one goal from six disposals in the VFL and should find it hard to break back into the senior side ahead of an ever-increasingly likely maiden finals campaign.
Giants’ Round 22 team
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash
C: S.Coniglio, X.O’Halloran, R.Angwin
HF: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, D.Jones
F: T.Greene (c), J.Riccardi, J.Stringer
FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green
I/C: J.Fonti, C.Brown, H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski, H.Rowston (sub)
EMG: J.Wehr, L.Keeffe, J.Leake
Team Tips: After what was a necessary return to form against North Melbourne on Sunday, the Giants face a much bigger challenge in a must-win clash with Gold Coast on the road. The big watch will be on Jesse Hogan’s health after the Coleman medallist was managed last Sunday with his ongoing foot issue, with Adam Kingsley unable confirm whether or not the star forward would be available. It appears the Giants are set to be without Jake Stringer too in a cruel blow, with AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich reporting the gun recruit suffered a hamstring setback against North. The Giants’ reserves had a bye at the weekend.
Buckley admits interest in Melbourne job | 05:16
CARLTON v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday August 16, 1:20pm at Marvel Stadium
Blues’ Round 22 team
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, M.Carroll
HB: L.Cowan, L.Young, N.Haynes
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps (c), A.Moir
HF: O.Hollands, H.McKay, W.White
F: L.Fogarty, H.O’Keeffe, Z.Williams
FOLL: T.De Koning, C.Lord, G.Hewett
I/C: B.Wilson, F.Young, J.Motlop, F.Evans, C.Durdin (sub)
EMG: J.Binns, M.Pittonet, A.Cincotta
Team Tips: It was a gallant fightback by the Blues, and there were a couple of surprise performers as coach Michael Voss continues to see what he has with this list. Frankie Evans was arguably best on ground for Carlton, finishing as the highest-rated player of both sides with four goals from 16 disposals and seven score involvements. Young midfielder Cooper Lord was also impressive while running with Gold Coast skipper Noah Anderson. Not only did Lord quell Anderson’s impact, the young Blue notched 24 disposals, seven score involvements and seven clearances himself. Marc Pittonet was omitted for the Suns fixture and responded with 15 possessions and seven clearances after being named an emergency. Elijah Hollands is pressing his case for a long-awaited senior return in the final fortnight of the Blues’ season, having kicked 1.3 from 25 disposals and nine marks in the VFL side’s win at the weekend. Sam Walsh could be made available for match action after his foot injury, but you sense the Blues will be extra conservative with their star midfield, given their club is playing for nothing. Ben Camporeale (22 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (22 touches, one goal) are other options to get call ups from the VFL.
Power’s Round 22 team
B: K.Farrell, B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Sinn
HB: C.Rozee (c), A.Aliir, W.Lorenz
C: J.Berry, W.Drew, M.Liddy
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, T.Boak
F: J.McEntee, M.Georgiades, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, O.Wines, Z.Butters
I/C: W.Rioli, O.Lord, J.Mead, J.Whitlock, C.Moraes (sub)
EMG: E.Mackinlay, J.Finlayson
Team Tips: It was an excruciating defeat for the Power, but it was a gallant effort following a pair of beltings. There were four changes for the clash, with Lachie Jones (illness) a late out last Saturday night. Unfortunately, luckless recruit Jack Lukosius — who was a test coming in — at the weekend again fell victim to injury, subbed out with a calf issue as the rest of his season appears in doubt. Jones should straight back in for Lukosius. Otherwise, with Ivan Soldo (concussion protocol) and Dante Visentini (injury) sidelined, Jeremy Finlayson stood up in the SANFL with an epic stat line of 30 disposals, two goals, 15 hitouts and 17 clearances. It could put Finlayson in the frame to return to the senior side as a potential replacement for Jack Whitlock, though you sense the club would be keen to keep developing the young key forward. It’s also possible Port could opt to manage some players for the trip to Melbourne, then throw everything at Ken Hinkley’s final game back home in Round 23 against Gold Coast.
Gaz: ‘Not on!’ Smith lucky to avoid fine | 01:43
HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE
Saturday August 16, 4:15pm at the MCG
Hawks’ Round 22 team
B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw
C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Nash, K.Amon
HF: J.Gunston, C.Dear, N.Watson
F: J.Ginnivan, M.Lewis, D.Moore
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel
I/C: C.Macdonald, J.Ward, M.Chol, C.Jiath, L.Breust (sub)
EMG: J.Serong, S.Butler, C.Mackenzie
Team Tips: As strong a performance as Hawthorn has produced this season in a domination of Collingwood, so don’t expect many, if any, changes. Harry Morrison missed the game due to quad soreness and thus should be available to return, with substitute Luke Breust might be the one to make way. Jai Serong (26 disposals, nine marks), Seamus Mitchell 25 touches, nine marks), Cam Mackenzie (26 disposals), Sam Butler (27 touches) and Henry Hustwaite (23 possessions, 10 tackles) all had strong VFL performances, but good luck finding space in Sam Mitchell’s 23.
Demons’ Round 22 team
B: J.Bowey, T.McDonald, T.Rivers
HB: C.Salem, D.Turner, J.McVee
C: J.Culley, C.Petracca, T.Sparrow
HF: H.Langford, B.Fritsch, K.Chandler
F: J.Melksham, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Viney, E.Langdon
I/C: C.Windsor, C.Oliver, J.Adams, H.Petty, B.Howes (sub)
EMG: M.Jefferson, T.Campbell, H.Sharp
Team Tips: The Dees were brave in taking the Western Bulldogs all the way in Topy Chaplin’s first game are caretaker coach. But Caleb Windsor (hamstring), appears set for a stint on the sidelines in Melbourne’s only forced change from the match. Steven May will meanwhile return from suspension to beef up the club’s defence. Jack Billings (21 disposals, 14 marks, one goal), Charlie Spargo (24 touches, six tackles), Koltyn Tholstrup (24 disposals, six tackles) and Taj Woewodin (23 touches) could come in the mix for a recall after strong VFL outings, but you sense Chaplin will largely stick with his mix after such a competitive hit-out against a quality opponent.
Pendlebury signs one-year Pies extension | 00:36
ADELAIDE CROWS v COLLINGWOOD
Saturday August 16, 7:35pm at Adelaide Oval
Crows’ Round 22 team
B: J.Worrell, N.Murray, H.Bond
HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, R.Laird
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson (c), D.Curtin
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen
F: I.Rankine, D.Fogarty, C.Burgess
FOLL: R.O’Brien, S.Berry, J.Soligo
I/C: Z.Taylor, J.Peatling, M.Hinge, L.Pedlar, C.Jones (sub)
EMG: H.Schoenberg, J.Borlase, L.Murphy
Team Tips: The Crows could be forced to make two changes for their huge top four showdown with Collingwood after only narrowly edging West Coast. James Peatling was subbed out of the game with a corked thig, while the club is challenging Rory Laird’s suspension at the tribunal. Taylor Walker will return from a rest, while Chayce Jones, who was the sub against West Coast, might also be vulnerable depending on how many changes Matthew Nicks and company needs to make. Billy Dowling (41 disposals [17 contested], two goals, eight marks) had a monster game in the SANFL, while Matt Crouch (33 touches [15 contested], eight tackles) continued his strong block of SANFL form upon returning from injury.
Magpies’ Round 22 team
B: B.Maynard, D.Moore (c), B.Frampton
HB: J.Daicos, H.Perryman, I.Quaynor
C: S.Sidebottom, N.Daicos, J.Crisp
HF: W.Hoskin-Elliott, D.McStay, L.Schultz
F: J.Elliott, B.Mihocek, P.Lipinski
FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, T.Mitchell
I/C: J.De Goey, D.Houston, T.Membrey, J.Howe, N.Long (sub)
EMG: W.Parker, E.Allan, M.Cox
Team Tips: Another injury blow to the Pies in the midst of a worrying slump, with Jeremy Howe (concussion) getting struck down in the first minute of the team’s heavy loss to Hawthorn and another disruption to Craig McRae’s back six. Help could be on the way at the other end of the ground though, with Beau McCreery (hamstring) and Bobby Hill (illness) in line to return for the must-win game against Adelaide to keep Collingwood’s top four hopes alive. How the Pies go about replacing Howe will be crucial coming against Adelaide’s high-octane attack with three key forwards. Charlie Dean would appear to be the obvious inclusion, but they could also opt to recall Mason Cox to help shore them up ahead of the ball and move Dan McStay to defence. Ned Long might be due for a spell too after struggling to impact when he came on as sub against the Hawks.
Rankine: Eagles scare a valuable lesson | 01:30
NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND
Sunday August 17, 1:10pm at Ninja Stadium
Kangaroos’ Round 22 team
B: C.Comben, T.Pink, G.Logue
HB: R.Hardeman, C.Daniel, F.O’Sullivan
C: D.Stephens, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.McKercher
HF: J.Konstanty, Z.Duursma, T.Powell
F: L.Parker, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar
FOLL: T.Xerri, H.Sheezel (c), G.Wardlaw
I/C: G.Payne, C.Harvey, B.Teakle, C.Trembath, B.Scott (sub)
EMG: W.Phillips, F.Maley, R.Hansen
Team Tips: Young defender Riley Hardeman suffered a concussion in North’s loss to GWS in the only forced change for Alastair Clarkson’s side. Harderman will be replaced by Paul Curtis, who’s set to return from suspension. Jy Simpkin (knee), Callum Coleman-Jones (calf) and Aidan Corr (calf) could also be available, pending training this week as ones to watch on the track. Meanwhile Will Philips did his chances of a recall no harm with 22 disposals (12 contested) and 10 tackles in the VFL ahead of a clash with the Tigers where North can jump them in 16th place on the ladder with a win.
Tigers’ Round 22 team
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, T.Young
HB: S.Banks, N.Vlastuin, J.Short
C: J.Trezise, D.Prestia, K.McIntosh
HF: S.Campbell, J.Ross, M.Rioli
F: R.Mansell, T.Lynch, N.Balta
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Hopper
I/C: H.Armstrong, T.Hotton, T.Brown, T.Sonsie, S.Green (sub)
EMG: L.Trainor, J.Gibcus, T.Sims
Team Tips: Back to the drawing board for Adem Yze after a narrow loss to St Kilda and a game the Tigers arguably should’ve won. There were questions as to whether unused Steely Green would’ve made a difference to the final result had he been injected into the contest. Seth Campbell had one of his least impactful games of the season, managing just two effective kicks in 82 per cent game-time to finish as the side’s lowest-rated player. Luke Trainor, who was ‘managed’ last Thursday but was named an emergency for the Saints clash, should come back into calculations for Saturday’s Hobart bout. Josh Gibcus is nearing a long-awaited return to senior action, having been named as an emergency for the St Kilda clash. But the other emergency from last Saturday, Tom Sims, who was omitted for the Saints fixture, suffered what’s anticipated to be a season-ending elbow injury in the VFL. But in a positive development from the reserves’ win, swingman Jacob Koschitzke had a big game against Sandy, booting four goals from 26 disposals and eight clearances. And Mykelti Lefau is nearing a return to availability from a calf injury.
Dogs outlast Demons in critical clash | 07:23
SYDNEY SWANS v GEELONG CATS
Sunday August 17, 3:15pm at the SCG
Swans’ Round 22 team
B: L.Melican, D.Rampe, T.McCartin
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks
C: O.Florent, Ch.Warner, J.Lloyd
HF: J.Rowbottom, J.Buller, J.Jordon
F: J.McInerney, T.Papley, J.Dattoli
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, E.Gulden
I/C: H.Cunningham, A.Sheldrick, B.Campbell, H.McLean, C.Cleary (sub)
EMG: P.Ladhams, M.Roberts, Co.Warner
Team Tips: Souring Sydney’s upset over Brisbane was Brodie Grundy succumbing to delayed concussion after initially being deemed OK following an incident late in last Saturday’s win. The star ruckman will miss against Geelong after entering concussion protocols, and Peter Ladhams, who was an emergency for the clash, shapes as the like-for-like inclusion. Meanwhile Justin McInerney suffered a PCL injury that spells the end pf his season and first-year youngster Jesse Dattoli was subbed out of the game tactically after failing to register an effective kick in 46 per cent game time to finish among the Swans’ three lowest-rated players. The Swans had a VFL bye at the weekend, but Matt Roberts and Corey Warner should come into contention for recalls.
Cats’ Round 22 team
B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, C.O’Sullivan
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart (c), Z.Guthrie
C: M.Blicavs, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey
HF: G.Miers, S.Mannagh, B.Close
F: T.Stengle, J.Cameron, S.Neale
FOLL: R.Stanley, T.Atkins, B.Smith
I/C: M.Knevitt, J.Bowes, M.O’Connor, O.Mullin, J.Clark (sub)
EMG: J.Bews, G.Stevens
Team Tips: Recruit Jack Martin (managed) was a late change from last week’s 44-point win over Essendon, while Jack Henry (hamstring tightness) was subbed out of the clash. And Patrick Dangerfield is set to return after being managed against the Bombers. Assuming Henry didn’t suffer a serious setback, Chris Scott will need to find space in his side for Dangerfield and Martin. Jhye Clark was the late in for Martin and made the sub, so likely comes back out, while Mitch Knevitt might be the other omission. Ted Clohesy (29 disposals [14 contested], one goal, nine tackles) and George Stevens (32 possessions [19 contested], seven tackles) would at least give the match selection committee something to think about, but don’t expect Geelong to get cute ahead of the club’s biggest test in some time.
Draper & the ‘revolving door’ at Bombers | 03:04
WESTERN BULLDOGS v WEST COAST EAGLES
Sunday August 17, 4:40pm at Marvel Stadium
Bulldogs’ Round 22 team
B: L.Bramble, J.Busslinger, J.O’Donnell
HB: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, J.Johannisen
C: O.Baker, E.Richards, B.Dale
HF: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy
F: C.Poulter, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli (c), T.Liberatore
I/C: J.Freijah, L.McNeil, L.Vandermeer, B.Williams, R.Garcia (sub)
EMG: S.Davidson, J.Dolan, B.Khamis
Team Tips: A concussion to Laitham Vandermeer will force Luke Beveridge to make one switch to his side narrowly overcame Melbourne at the MCG. Substitute Riley Garcia should be the next man up to come into the 22, but Sam Davidson was probably unlucky to get squeezed out of the senior side and could get a look in. Michael Sellwood (28 disposals, 10 marks) has put together a strong block of form in the VFL and should also be in the mix to make his debut, while Nick Coffield (27 touches, eight marks) also played well in Footscray’s win over Hawthorn last weekend.
Eagles’ Round 22 team
B: R.Bazzo, S.Brock, T.Cole
HB: T.McCarthy, R.Ginbey, L.Duggan (c)
C: C.Chesser, T.Kelly, J.Graham
HF: L.Baker, J.Shanahan, T.Brockman
F: L.Ryan, A.Reid, J.Cripps
FOLL: M.Flynn, B.Hough, E.Hewett
I/C: R.Maric, T.Gross, C.Hall, H.Davis, M.Owies (sub)
EMG: J.Petruccelle, J.Williams. B.Williams
Team Tips: A two-match suspension will see Liam Dugan miss the remainder of the season as the Eagles will be forced to replace the co-captain following a competitive clash with Adelaide where Andrew McQualter’s side took the ladder leaders all the way. The likes of Archer Reid (sore foot), Matt Flynn (ankle), Ryan Maric (corky) and Clay Hall (knock) played out the game under duress in a watch for the week ahead on the training track. Harry Edwards will be in the mix to return from a foot issue, while Noah Long (three goals from 17 disposals), Bailey Williams (15 touches, 34 hit-outs) and Tyrell Dewar (28 disposals) are other options to come in from the WAFL.