Craig McRae has an array of options to ponder over as he’s tasked with replacing three injured Magpies, while Essendon — now led by interim coach Dean Solomon — reels from injury damage of its own.
All the latest team and injury news ahead of Round 12 in Team Tips!
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ROUND 12 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
ST KILDA vs. HAWTHORN
Thursday May 28, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium
Saints’ Round 11 side
B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie – C, A.Caminiti
HB: L.Stocker, B.Hill, L.O’Connell
C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, D.Wilson
HF: H.Garcia, M.Phillipou, M.Wood
F: R.Byrnes, C.Sharman, D.Howard
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair
I/C: J.Macrae, J.Carroll, R.Marshall, L.Henry, C.Banfield
EMG: T.Travaglia, A.Hastie, H.Boxshall
Team Tips: As well as their loss to ladder-leading Fremantle, the Saints came away with injury concerns to Dougal Howard (calf) and Rowan Marshall (leg). According to AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich, Howard will be shelved until after the club’s Round 16 bye, while Marshall has been cleared to play Hawthorn. Livewire forward Jack Higgins, though, is set to spend another 3-4 weeks out after undergoing minor surgery on his knee last week. Tobie Travaglia was among St Kilda’s emergencies last Friday, with the Saints’ VFL side having a bye last weekend. In the loss to the Dockers, Liam Henry committed five clangers in 63 per cent time-on-ground, while Jack Macrae played the least game time (59 per cent) of any Saint outside of the injured Howard, while youngster Charlie Banfield played 64 per cent of the match. The Saints gave the Dockers a good run, though, so you wouldn’t expect Ross to make sweeping changes.
Hawks’ Round 11 side
B: J.Sicily, J.Battle, J.Impey
HB: K.Amon, B.Hardwick, B.Ryan
C: C.Macdonald, J.Ward, J.Weddle
HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.Ginnivan
F: C.Nairn, M.Lewis, N.Watson
FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe – C, C.Mackenzie
I/C: B.Macdonald, C.Nash, L.Meek, M.D’Ambrosio, F.Maginness
EMG: M.Ramsden, J.Dalton, F.Perez
Team Tips: There’ll again be a watch on Jack Gunston’s progress as he continues to recover from a foot sprain, ahead of another Thursday night clash. After Sam Mitchell made four axings at selection last Wednesday, it’s likely a more settled week upcoming after a hard-fought win over the Crows. Cam Nairn was quiet in his debut game but held his own. Flynn Perez, an emergency last week, had a day out in the VFL at the weekend to press his case for a recall, collecting 34 disposals, kicking a goal and taking seven marks in the tight win over Williamstown, while Harry Morrison tallied 32 possessions in response to his omission. Jack Dalton kicked a goal from 23 possessions as he continues to be in the selection frame. Tom Barrass is still at least a week away with his hamstring injury.
CARLTON vs. GEELONG
Friday May 29, 7:40pm at the MCG
Blues’ Round 11 side
B: O.Florent, W.Derksen, L.Cowan
HB: N.Newman, H.Dean, B.Wilson
C: A.Cerra, S.Walsh, M.Carroll
HF: W.Hayward, B.Kemp, J.Ison
F: T.Byrne, H.McKay, B.Ainsworth
FOLL: M.Pittonet, J.Smith, P.Cripps – C
I/C: N.Haynes, G.Hewett, F.Young, M.McGovern, F.Evans
EMG: L.Reidy, L.Young, B.Acres
Team Tips: The lone sour note to come from Carlton’s second-straight win was Matt Carroll’s devastating ruptured ACL, with the young runner set to miss the rest of the season. Out-of-favour veteran Blake Acres could be in the mix to make a senior return in his place, having been named among the emergencies for the Port Adelaide game. You wouldn’t expect interim coach Josh Fraser to make too many unforced changes off the back of two-straight wins to begin his time in charge, particularly given the dominant fashion in which the Blues beat the Power. Ben Camporeale had 31 disposals, seven clearances and a goal as a standout performer in the reserves, while Lewis Young – an emergency last week – took 15 marks and had 24 possessions. Meanwhile, the Blues could soon regain Adam Saad from his hamstring injury.
Cats’ Round 11 side
B: M.O’Connor, C.O’Sullivan, T.Stewart
HB: S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie, J.Henry
C: M.Blicavs, B.Smith, O.Dempsey
HF: J.Cameron, S.Mannagh, B.Close
F: P.Dangerfield – C, S.Neale, J.Martin
FOLL: M.Edwards, M.Holmes, T.Atkins
I/C: L.Humphries, T.Bruhn, G.Miers, O.Mullin, O.Henry
EMG: R.Stanley, J.Kolodjashnij, O.Wiltshire
Team Tips: Geelong is absolutely rolling at the moment, and so ahead of a Friday night meeting with Carlton, there’s little reason to expect much unforced change from Chris Scott. The only likely change is Tanner Bruhn’s return after being withdrawn (managed) an hour before the game last Saturday, with Jake Kolodjashnij the man who replaced him. The Cats are in a good position in terms of the health of their list, and Tyson Stengle, who’s been on an individualised program, has reportedly returned to the club as of Monday and could soon be in the picture to play VFL games. Speaking of the VFL side, James Worpel – who’s being kept out of the senior side – starred with 39 disposals, 11 clearances, seven marks and three tackles, while Jack Bowes also exploded in its win over the Swans in the AFL curtain-raiser, collecting 39 disposals, seven clearances, eight marks and a goal. Rhys Stanley and Oli Wiltshire were Scott’s other emergencies against the Swans.
SYDNEY SWANS vs. RICHMOND
Saturday May 30, 1:15pm at the SCG
Swans’ Round 11 side
B: W.Edwards, T.McCartin, L.Melican
HB: S.Wicks, N.Blakey, C.Mills – C
C: J.Serong, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom
HF: M.Rosas, J.Jordon, J.Lloyd
F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, T.Papley
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.McInerney
I/C: R.Bice, A.Sheldrick, C.Cleary, T.Hanily, L.McDonald
EMG: H.Cunningham, H.McLean, P.Ladhams
Team Tips: In addition to the loss to Geelong, Tom Papley (calf tightness) and Malcolm Rosas (ankle) were the injury concerns to come from last Saturday. Dean Cox will ponder a change or two after his side dropped its first game since Round 2, as Tom Hanily and Caiden Cleary, who were inclusions last week for the dropped Harry Cunningham and Billy Cootee, combined for two effective kicks against the Cats. Something Cox will continue to consider in the coming weeks is whether to give Brodie Grundy a chop-out in the ruck, with Pete Ladhams putting in another big VFL effort – 23 disposals, 11 clearances, seven marks, a goal and 25 hitouts. Cunningham responded to his omission with 29 possessions and four tackles, while Cootee snagged a goal from 21 touches and five marks. The Swans don’t have any returnees from injury, but Matt Roberts is nearing fitness from a groin issue.
Tigers’ Round 11 side
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, L.Trainor
HB: N.Vlastuin, J.Short, S.Grlj
C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto – C, T.Sonsie
HF: N.Roberts-Thomson, S.Campbell, S.Green
F: J.Faull, T.Lynch, M.Lefau
FOLL: N.Balta, J.Ross, S.Cumming
I/C: O.Hayes-Brown, J.Alger, J.Trezise, J.Hopper, T.Burton
EMG: S.Ryan, K.Smith, L.Fawcett
Team Tips: Despite claiming its second win of the season, Richmond encountered more injury trouble on Friday night when Jonty Faull was ruled out with a concussion and Tom Lynch sustained a larynx injury. Then, in the VFL side’s Saturday morning clash, second-year tall utility Tom Sims went down with a serious knee injury. Thankfully, though, it’s believed Sims avoided the dreaded ACL tear, but will still miss an extended period with what’s thought to be an MCL worry. Despite a quiet performance at VFL level, Liam Fawcett is the frontrunner to replace Faull when the Tigers and Swans clash on Saturday, while Adem Yze could opt to give Samson Ryan a reprieve to replace Lynch, who will miss at least this Saturday and potentially longer, per Seven’s Mitch Cleary. Ryan kicked two goals from 17 disposals in the reserves. And while two Tigers were added to the club’s injury list, the cavalry of returnees is coming. Maurice Rioli and Sam Banks will be back in the mix, as will Dion Prestia, depending on how he pulls up from yet another calf injury.
BRISBANE LIONS vs. FREMANTLE
Saturday May 30, 4:15pm at the Gabba
Lions’ Round 11 side
B: K.Coleman, H.Andrews – C, D.Gardiner
HB: D.Wilmot, T.Gallop, B.Reville
C: H.McCluggage, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey
HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, L.Ashcroft
F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, K.Lohmann
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I/C: J.Fletcher, S.Marshall, C.McKenna, W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill
EMG: L.Beecken, Z.Zakostelsky, S.Brain
Team Tips: Is this the week Chris Fagan makes a selection statement? It certainly looms as a fascinating selection week for the Lions after a second-straight blowout loss in an ugly 78-point defeat to GWS. In a boost, Brisbane is set to regain Noah Answerth (concussion) and Jarrod Berry (calf) for Saturday’s crucial clash with the Dockers, provided they get through main training. But in a negative, Dayne Zorko (quad tightness) “has not been able to tick the boxes required to return”, with the Lions subsequently listing the veteran as two weeks away. In terms of potential exclusions at selection, Will McLachlan struggled in his first game of 2026 and would figure to be the first one out. The likes of James Tunstill, Conor McKenna and Sam Marshall have typically been on the fringe of selection, but this could be the week Fagan looks to make a ruthless call on a bigger name. Meanwhile, Cody Curtin put his name up for reprieve after kicking 4.3 from 17 touches in the VFL.
Dockers’ Round 11 side
B: O.McDonald, B.Cox, H.Chapman
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, J.McVee
C: N.O’Driscoll, A.Brayshaw – C, M.Johnson
HF: M.Reid, J.Treacy, S.Switkowski
F: P.Voss, J.Amiss, C.Scerri
FOLL: L.Jackson, S.Bolton, N.Erasmus
I/C: I.Dudley, M.Cox, C.Wagner, M.Frederick, K.Worner
EMG: J.O’Meara, B.Banfield, H.Davies
Team Tips: Hard to see Justin Longmuir tinkering with his mix too much after a 10th-straight win that catapulted Freo to the top of the ladder. The Dockers should welcome back Hayden Young from concussion protocols as a big boost, but Caleb Serong (calf) may require another week or two on the sidelines. Alex Pearce (knee) and Sean Darcy (calf) would also be closing in on their returns from injury, but Darcy’s will likely come through the WAFL. Young’s magnet might force out Chris Scerri’s, while Oscar McDonald probably makes way for Pearce whenever the skipper is ready.
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. COLLINGWOOD
Saturday May 30, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium
Bulldogs’ Round 11 side
B: L.Cleary, B.Khamis, M.Sellwood
HB: C.Budarick, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale
C: J.Freijah, M.Bontempelli – C, L.Jaques
HF: R.Sanders, J.Croft, A.Jones
F: W.Lewis, A.Naughton, R.West
FOLL: R.Lobb, M.Kennedy, E.Richards
I/C: N.Coffield, A.Treloar, L.Bramble, L.McNeil, C.Hynes
EMG: L.Emmett, O.Baker, S.Davidson
Team Tips: Might finally start welcoming back a few stars. There’s been chatter that the club could pull a selection shock and recall Cody Weightman straight to the AFL side after 20 months on the sidelines due to complications with a knee injury. But it’s still seen as more likely that the gun forward, who hasn’t played since the 2024 Elimination Final loss to Hawthorn, will play at least one VFL game and return against the Hawks the following week. Meanwhile, Tim English remains in concussion protocols, but could yet clear them for Saturday’s meeting with Collingwood. Luke Beveridge will be forced into at least one change after Luke Cleary suffered a concussion in his first AFL game this year. English could come in for Cleary and shift Rory Lobb back to defence after Lobb’s been the Dogs’ number one ruck the past fortnight. Lachlan Smith (25 disposals, one goal, 40 hit-outs), Harvey Gallagher (one goal from 26 touches) and Oskar Baker (28 disposals) also put their hands up for a recall after strong VFL showings.
Magpies’ Round 11 side
B: B.Maynard, J.Howe, D.Moore – C
HB: I.Quaynor, J.Daicos, D.Houston
C: P.Lipinski, S.Pendlebury, S.Sidebottom
HF: L.Schultz, W.Hayes, B.McCreery
F: C.West, J.Elliott, D.McStay
FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, N.Daicos
I/C: J.De Goey, E.Allan, B.Frampton, N.Long, R.Steele
EMG: S.Swadling, J.Buller, A.Anderson
Team Tips: After arguably their hardest selection week of the season, Collingwood will be forced to call on at least three reinforcements after injury blows to Jamie Elliott (ACL), Darcy Moore (hamstring) and Will Hayes (shoulder). Angus Anderson was probably the unluckiest omission last week and should slot straight in. One of Jack Buller, who responded to his axing with three goals in the VFL, and Tim Membrey, who just returned from his own injury in the twos, should also get recalled. And Harvey Harrison (two goals from 24 disposals in the VFL) might also be in line for his first AFL game since 2024 after an ACL injury stalled the forward’s career. But Sam Swadling, named an emergency on the weekend, should also come into consideration for his AFL debut after a run of promising VFL form, while Tew Jiath and Wil Parker would also be in the frame.
MELBOURNE vs. GWS GIANTS
Sunday May 31, 3:15pm at Traeger Park
Demons’ Round 11 side
B: J.Bowey, D.Turner, J.Lever
HB: B.Howes, H.Petty, C.Jiath
C: E.Langdon, H.Langford, K.Tholstrup
HF: K.Pickett, M.Jefferson, P.Cross
F: K.Chandler, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Steele, T.Sparrow
I/C: C.Windsor, B.Laurie, T.Rivers, M.Heath, H.Sharp
EMG: L.Pickett, J.Henderson, A.Moniz-Wakefield
Team Tips: In addition to the agonising loss, the sour note to come out of Sunday was the concussion suffered by crucial defender Jake Lever, who’ll miss against the Giants after being placed in protocols. As a result, Tom McDonald shapes as a likely inclusion candidate, coming off a dominant 29-disposal, 10-mark display in Casey’s VFL win against the Dogs. Youngster Xavier Taylor could also come back into consideration after 16 disposals and seven marks in the VFL. Jake Melksham pressed his case for a recall up forward, kicking 4.3 from 18 touches and eight marks, but Andy Moniz-Wakefield was the standout performer, totalling 32 disposals and 3.2, as well as 10 marks, seven tackles and five clearances. He was an emergency for the Dogs clash, as was Latrelle Pickett, who was managed last Sunday – not playing in the reserves – and could come back in for the trip to Alice Springs.
Giants’ Round 11 side
B: J.Laverde, J.Buckley, C.Idun
HB: J.Fonti, L.Whitfield, L.Ash
C: C.Stone, C.Oliver, H.Thomas
HF: T.Greene – C, P.Gothard, J.Stringer
F: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, J.Riccardi
FOLL: K.Briggs, B.Daniels, F.Callaghan
I/C: H.Himmelberg, S.Coniglio, T.McMullin, C.Brown, M.Gruzewski
EMG: H.Oliver, J.Leake, O.Hannaford
Team Tips: How could Adam Kingsley want to change anything after that historic drubbing of the Lions? There’s more than a decent chance he won’t. He will, however, likely have to replace Jack Buckley after the gun defender injured his hamstring and was ruled out before quarter-time. Kingsley might have to get creative there, though, with Sam Taylor and Leek Aleer still sidelined by respective injuries. Meanwhile, there’ll be a watch over Lachie Whitfield’s health this week after the star rebounder was a late withdrawal on Sunday due to hamstring awareness. And while unforced changes seem unlikely, it’ll be hard to keep Jack Ough out much longer after his most recent VFL domination, tallying 40 disposals, eight clearances, 11 marks and a goal.
WEST COAST EAGLES vs. ESSENDON
Sunday May 31, 7:20pm at Optus Stadium
Eagles’ Round 11 side
B: L.Duggan, R.Ginbey, B.Hough
HB: T.McCarthy, T.Young, L.Baker – C
C: H.Davis, E.Yeo, R.Maric
HF: W.Duursma, J.Shanahan, H.Johnston
F: M.Champion, J.Waterman, M.Murdock
FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly
I/C: J.Lindsay, B.Allan, T.Cole, R.Bazzo, J.Williams
EMG: C.Duff-Tytler, T.Gross, H.Schoenberg
Team Tips: After a hearty performance against Collingwood last Saturday, Andrew McQualter might not opt to change much ahead of a clash with Essendon, for which the Eagles will enter as favourites. West Coast didn’t pick up any injuries from Round 11, but if McQualter wants options, he has a few at WAFL level. Cooper Duff-Tytler missed out on selection last week and could be considered for a return, having kicked two goals from 15 disposals and 20 hitouts in the reserves. He, along with out-of-favour midfielders Elijah Hewett and Tom Gross, was among the Eagles’ best, while hampered recruit Brandon Starcevich made a successful return to play from a nagging calf injury.
Bombers’ Round 11 side
B: B.McKay, Z.Reid, A.McGrath – C
HB: A.Roberts, M.Redman, J.Farrow
C: X.Duursma, D.Parish, A.Day-Wicks
HF: J.Caldwell, N.Caddy, S.Robey
F: A.May, K.Langford, A.Perkins
FOLL: N.Bryan, Z.Merrett, S.Durham
I/C: J.Gresham, J.Prior, M.Guelfi, T.Edwards, L.Blakiston
EMG: E.Tsatas, W.Setterfield, N.Cox
Team Tips: It was absolute carnage for Essendon at the MCG last Friday night, and it’s now interim coach Dean Solomon’s job to sort through following Brad Scott’s sacking on Tuesday morning. Sam Durham (concussion), Andy McGrath (broken jaw), Matt Guelfi (hamstring), Archer May (ribs) and Jye Caldwell (ankle) were all ruled out in the Richmond game. McGrath and Guelfi have both been ruled out until at least the club’s midseason bye, while May has thankfully been cleared to play West Coast. In terms of potential recalls, Will Setterfield and Elijah Tsatas were withdrawn from last Saturday’s VFL clash as a precaution, shaping as inclusions this Thursday. Meanwhile, Nik Cox was among the better performers in the VFL at the weekend, responding to his omission with 2.2 from 21 disposals and 11 marks, while Huss El Achkar kicked 3.2 from 12 touches and four clearances. Jayden Nguyen kicked two goals and had 14 disposals and four tackles. In terms of injury returns, Jordan Ridley, Lewis Hayes and Saad El-Hawli are set to come back into calculations imminently.
Bye: Adelaide Crows, Gold Coast Suns, North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.