A critical selection call looms at West Lakes, as the premiership favourites prepare for finals life without superstar Izak Rankine.
At the Bulldogs, a 2024 All-Australian has put his absolute best foot forward to be recalled from injury in their win-and-in match with Fremantle.
And as for the Dockers, will they pull the trigger on their own X-factor to return?
Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 24 in AFL Team Tips!
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ROUND 24 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
CARLTON v ESSENDON
Thursday August 21, 7:30pm at the MCG
Blues’ Round 23 team
B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, M.Carroll
HB: L.Cowan, N.Haynes, O.Hollands
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps (c), S.Walsh
HF: F.Evans, L.Young, J.Motlop
F: Z.Williams, H.McKay, T.De Koning
FOLL: H.O’Keeffe, C.Lord, A.Moir
I/C: B.Wilson, F.Young, L.Fogarty, G.Hewett, C.Durdin (sub)
EMG: M.Pittonet, W.White, M.McGovern
Team Tips: Last Saturday afternoon’s performance was as good as Michael Voss’ side has had all season, which see minimal unforced changes. A concussion to the in-form Cooper Lord has ended his season prematurely, and could pave the way for Mitch McGovern to return to the senior side — despite not being a like-for-like replacement. The 30-year-old defender didn’t line up for the VFL side on Sunday afternoon against Footscray, perhaps indicative of his rising chances for a re-call. Rebounding defender Jaxon Binns had the most ball of anyone in the reserves, while Elijah Hollands, who hasn’t played since Round 10 at AFL level, kicked a goal from his 20 touches.
Bombers’ Round 23 team
B: A.McGrath (c), J.Laverde, J.Nguyen
HB: M.Redman, L.Blakiston, A.Roberts
C: X.Duursma, S.Durham, L.Lual
HF: K.Langford, P.Wright, J.Gresham
F: R.Unwin, L.McMahon, I.Kako
FOLL: T.Goldstein, A.Perkins, B.Hobbs
I/C: J.Prior, J.Menzie, M.Guelfi, A.Clarke, S.El-Hawli (sub)
EMG: V.Visentini, Z.Johnson, O.Smartt
Team Tips: There’s more positive news than negative for Essendon on the injury front this weekend, with skipper Zach Merrett tipped to return from a hand injury for AFL game 250. Young teammate Elijah Tsatas could also return should he pass the appropriate fitness tests on his hamstring. The verdict is less clear for key defender Jayden Laverde, who was subbed out in the second quarter with a hip complaint. Veteran Dylan Shiel is also available for selection, after serving a one-match suspension for tunnelling. Zak Johnson was best afield of the AFL-listed players in the Bombers’ thumping VFL win over Sandringham, finishing with two goals and 24 disposals. The club’s only uncapped player Kayle Gerreyn also had 21 disposals and nine marks… could he become the Bombers’ 16th debutant?!
‘That bit I’m ecstatic with’ | 03:18
COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE
Friday August 22, 7:10pm at the MCG
Magpies’ Round 23 team
B: B.Maynard, D.Moore (c), B.Frampton
HB: J.Daicos, H.Perryman, I.Quaynor
C: S.Sidebottom, N.Long, J.Crisp
HF: J.De Goey, D.McStay, L.Schultz
F: J.Elliott, B.Mihocek, P.Lipinski
FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, N.Daicos
I/C: D.Houston, W.Parker, T.Membrey, B.McCreery, E.Allan (sub)
EMG: T.Mitchell, O.Markov, M.Cox
Team Tips: All eyes will be on Norm Smith Medalist Bobby Hill, who was absent from Collingwood’s light session on Monday. The livewire has played just one game now in eight weeks, and on the surface, it looks far more unlikely than likely he’ll play this Friday night. Inclusion Wil Parker was notable without shooting the lights in his first game since Round 17, and may still be vulnerable at the selection table if Craig McRae opts to call on a more experienced figure like Tom Mitchell or Oleg Markov. Another emergency in Mason Cox had a day out in the reserves, collecting 20 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four contested marks and a goal. Impressive also was mid-season draftee Roan Steele, who had 32 touches, nine marks and a goal.
Demons’ Round 23 team
B: T.McDonald, S.May, T.Rivers
HB: J.McVee, D.Turner, C.Salem
C: J.Culley, C.Petracca, H.Langford
HF: K.Pickett, B.Fritsch, K.Chandler
F: H.Petty, J.van Rooyen, T.Sparrow
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Viney, E.Langdon
I/C: C.Oliver, J.Bowey, B.Howes, H.Sharp, J.Melksham (sub)
EMG: J.Billings, J.Adams, A.Johnson
Team Tips: Trop Chaplin’s side were hopeful of a boost ahead of their last game for season 2025, with Xavier Lindsay looming as a chance to return from a hamstring injury — but the club on Monday night ruled out any return. Made substitute last Saturday evening, Jake Melksham you would think is poised to return to the starting 22, although it’s less clear as to who he would come in for with several players across the field arguably on the fringe. Emergency Jack Billings continues to put up monster numbers in the reserves, and on Sunday posted 40 disposals, eight marks, seven inside 50s and a goal. That being said, Chaplin may be inclined to lean more in the direction of youth for any more unforced changes — perhaps a Bailey Laurie or Koltyn Tholstrup-type.
Goodwin on Giants link & next adventure | 01:09
PORT ADELAIDE v GOLD COAST SUNS
Friday August 22, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval
Power’s Round 23 team
B: K.Farrell, B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Sinn
HB: C.Rozee (c), A.Aliir, La.Jones
C: J.Berry, W.Drew, M.Liddy
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, T.Boak
F: J.McEntee, M.Georgiades, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, O.Wines, Z.Butters
I/C: W.Rioli, W.Lorenz, O.Lord, J.Mead, C.Moraes (sub)
EMG: R.Atkins, E.Mackinlay, J.Finlayson
Team Tips: Injuries have been Port Adelaide’s biggest hurdle in 2025, which makes it ironically fitting that one or two more players will be added to their sidelines heading into their final home-and-away match. Defender Josh Sinn was subbed out in the second stanza with a corked calf, while a rolled ankle for Aliir Aliir clearly hampered him throughout last week’s loss to Carlton. Ryan Burton is an outside chance to replace Sinn in the backline, but the risk-reward of bringing him back even slightly early just isn’t worth it. Fringe forward Willie Rioli was almost unsighted amid a four-disposal, goalless performance, and could pave way for mid-season draftee Ewan Mackinlay, who was emergency over the weekend before kicking three goals from 21 disposals against Glenelg.
Suns’ Round 23 team
B: W.Powell, M.Andrew, S.Collins
HB: J.Noble, B.Uwland, J.Jeffrey
C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, B.Fiorini
HF: T.Miller, B.Ainsworth, S.Flanders
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, A.Sexton (sub)
EMG: N.Moyle, J.Rogers, L.Lombard
Team Tips: One more win Suns fans, that’s all you need. As of Monday evening, Daniel Rioli (leg) and Will Graham (shoulder) are considered outside chances of being fit to play the Power in Ken Hinkley’s farewell match, but does Damien Hardwick risk them if they put their hand up for selection? If not, he has plenty of in-form players from his reserves side to choose from. Jed Walter kicked his first three-goal haul at VFL level this season, in the process putting himself forward as an option. His replacement a few weeks ago in Jy Farrar was quiet on Saturday, but had delivered in the two weeks prior so would be incredibly stiff to lose his place after just one down match. First-year player Leo Lombard had 25 disposals and a goal, while Ned Moyle and the out-of-contract Thomas Berry were also prominent.
‘It was a disappointing day’ | 05:38
NORTH MELBOURNE v ADELAIDE CROWS
Saturday August 23, 1:20pm at Marvel Stadium
Kangaroos’ Round 23 team
B: C.Comben, T.Pink, G.Logue
HB: T.Powell, C.Daniel, F.O’Sullivan
C: D.Stephens, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.McKercher
HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, J.Simpkin (c)
F: L.Parker, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar
FOLL: T.Xerri, H.Sheezel, G.Wardlaw
I/C: B.Scott, G.Payne, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty, M.Whitlock (sub)
EMG: Z.Duursma, T.Goad, W.Phillips
Team Tips: An ankle injury to Cameron Zurhaar was the sour takeaway for Alastair Clarkson and his side out of their win against Richmond on Sunday, which looks all but certain to end his season prematurely. In more positive news, Riley Hardemann is every chance to exit concussion protocols, while Callum Coleman-Jones could still come back from his calf twinge a few weeks ago. Matt Whitlock was on the quieter side after being subbed on, but did kick his first AFL goal. Robert Hansen Jnr kicked two goals from 16 disposals in the reserves, and is every chance of replacing Zurhaar in the senior side.
Crows’ Round 23 team
B: J.Worrell, N.Murray, H.Bond
HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, B.Smith
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson (c), D.Curtin
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen
F: I.Rankine, D.Fogarty, T.Walker
FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Peatling, J.Soligo
I/C: Z.Taylor, S.Berry, M.Hinge, L.Murphy, H.Schoenberg (sub)
EMG: C.Burgess, J.Butts, B.Dowling
Team Tips: It’s a fascinating watch at the West Lakes selection table this week, as Matthew Nicks looks to settle his side with their first minor premiership in eight years within touching distance. Unfortunately, the imminent exclusion of Izak Rankine from their side will bring about one forced change. At the forefront of the queue sit young gun Billy Dowling and out-of-favour veteran Matt Crouch; both of which have built substantial cases to be selected even before Rankine’s suspension. The former in particular has been putting up close to video game numbers this last fortnight, however Crouch’s ceiling at the top level is well-documented and his inclusion would provide extra seniority come finals. Small forward Lachie Murphy was quiet in his first game back at AFL level since Round 17, and could also be vulnerable. Substitute Harry Schoenberg was solid enough in limited minutes, and may hold on as the 23rd man for a second straight week.
Has Rankine played his last game? | 01:10
RICHMOND v GEELONG CATS
Saturday August 23, 4:15pm at the MCG
Tigers’ Round 23 team
B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, T.Young
HB: N.Broad, S.Banks, J.Short
C: T.Sonsie, D.Prestia, J.Trezise
HF: M.Rioli, S.Campbell, J.Ross
F: N.Balta, T.Lynch, R.Mansell
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Hopper
I/C: T.Brown, T.Hotton, K.McIntosh, H.Armstrong, S.Green (sub)
EMG: J.Gibcus, J.Koschitzke
Team Tips: It’s season over for veteran Nick Vlastuin, who injured his ankle against North Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday. Additionally, this weekend’s Saturday evening clash will reportedly be the last for two-time flag winner Kamdyn McIntosh as a Tiger, with Nine’s Tom Morris revealing he will not be offered a new contract at Punt Road for next year. First-year gun Luke Trainor (hamstring tightness) was a late, late out in the Tigers’ Round 23 loss, and whether he will return for the final match of the year remains to be seen. Tall forward Harry Armstrong was very quiet amid a lack of opportunity up forward, while substitute Steely Green had just two touches in the second half after being injected into the match. Kaleb Smith was the best of the AFL-listed players in the club’s reserves side against Williamstown, while Josh Gibcus continues to be on the edge of playing his first game at the top level since Round 1 last year.
Cats’ Round 23 team
B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, C.O’Sullivan
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie
C: O.Dempsey, M.Holmes, M.Blicavs
HF: T.Stengle, S.Mannagh, B.Close
F: P.Dangerfield (c), J.Cameron, S.Neale
FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.Atkins
I/C: O.Mullin, G.Miers, M.O’Connor, J.Martin, J.Bowes (sub)
EMG: M.Knevitt, J.Clark, J.Bews
Team Tips: The Cats couldn’t be travelling any better right now, both on an injury and continuity front. With just two players on their injury list heading into last weekend, Chris Scott looks every chance to go in unchanged against the Tigers on Saturday. It’s unlikely they rest players, but it could be a good opportunity to play the likes of a Mark Blicavs or Rhys Stanley as the substitute; ideally on managed minutes. Jack Bowes hasn’t done much wrong at all to see himself put as the 23rd man, and could come back into the starting side. In the VFL’s season finale against Sydney’s reserves, Ted Clohesy was one of the best afield for his 31 disposals and two goals, while first-year draftee Jay Polkinghorne kicked his second four-goal haul of the season. Emergency Jhye Clark and on-baller George Stevens were also among the best.
WEST COAST EAGLES v SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday August 23, 7:35pm at Optus Stadium
Eagles’ Round 23 team
B: R.Ginbey, S.Brock, T.McCarthy
HB: L.Baker (c), R.Bazzo, T.Cole
C: C.Hall, E.Hewett, R.Maric
HF: J.Graham, L.Ryan, J.Cripps
F: M.Owies, J.Shanahan, N.Long
FOLL: M.Flynn, B.Hough, T.Kelly
I/C: T.Brockman, C.Chesser, B.Williams, H.Davis, J.Newton (sub)
EMG: M.Champion, J.Hunt, J.Williams
Team Tips: The Eagles will have one last chance to double their win tally for the year, and save themselves from becoming just the second team this century to register a sole win in a season. Bailey Williams was recalled to play against the Western Bulldogs and was quiet — although it’s always hard to get a true grasp on player performance amid thumping losses such as last Sunday. In the WAFL, emergency Jack Williams kicked 3.3 to boost his chances of a recall, alongside forgotten young ruck Harry Barnett also kicked three in a career-best.
Swans’ Round 23 team
B: L.Melican, H.Cunningham, T.McCartin
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks
C: O.Florent, Ch.Warner, J.Lloyd
HF: T.Papley, J.Buller, J.Jordon
F: W.Hayward, H.McLean, B.Campbell
FOLL: P.Ladhams, I.Heeney, E.Gulden
I/C: D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, J.Dattoli, J.Rowbottom, C.Cleary (sub)
EMG: W.Green, M.Roberts, Co.Warner
Team Tips: The Swans can’t make finals, but they can still finish their season on a high — which would no doubt be aided by the inclusion of All-Australian contender Brodie Grundy from concussion protocols. On face value, you would assume his ruck replacement in Peter Ladhams would make way, but the 27-year-old was one of, if not Sydney’s best on ground in their loss to Geelong on Sunday. First-year forward Jesse Dattoli is goalless from three games at the top level, and while he’s shown positive signs since his debut, may instead be the unlucky omission. In the club’s VFL loss to the Cats, Matt Roberts (38 disposals) and Corey Warner (37) had a serious amount of the ball, while Riley Bice, Caleb Mitchell and Taylor Adams also impressed.
GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA
Sunday August 24, 12:20pm at ENGIE Stadium
Giants’ Round 23 team
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash
C: X.O’Halloran, S.Coniglio, R.Angwin
HF: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, D.Jones
F: T.Greene (c), J.Riccardi, C.Brown
FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green
I/C: J.Fonti, H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski, H.Rowston, J.Wehr (sub)
EMG: L.Keeffe, J.Leake, J.Delana
Team Tips: What lengths the Giants go to this week to put their best team on the track remains to be seen, as small forward Brent Daniels (adductor) and Jack Buckley (calf) push their case for a pre-finals return. Adam Kingsley could also throw Jesse Hogan back into that mix, however there is a world he misses again in hopes of getting him back to absolute full fitness before September — if they make it. Substitute Jacob Wehr is naturally in the firing line should any of the three return given his limited time on ground last Saturday, while Joe Fonti and Leek Aleer will also be vulnerable. Intriguingly, if Hogan returns, Max Gruzewski likely holds his place as a key forward, given he kicked three goals last week. First-year draftee Harrison Oliver had his best performance yet at VFL level for his 34 disposals, but he’ll have to wait for a debut.
Saints’ Round 23 team
B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, A.Caminiti
HB: L.Stocker, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair
C: M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, B.Hill
HF: M.Wood, H.Garcia, D.Wilson
F: J.Higgins, A.Dodson, C.Sharman
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele (c), M.Hall
I/C: Z.Jones, T.Travaglia, J.Macrae, M.Phillipou, L.Collard (sub)
EMG: I.Keeler, L.Henry, L.O’Connell
Team Tips: Veteran defender Jimmy Webster is the only player who could return from their injury list this week, as he looks to overcome a calf issue. If deemed fit, he could replace one of several quiet performers from last Friday night’s two-point win over Essendon. Debutant Alex Dodson showed promising signs, but could fall victim to a last-in, first-out policy — much like Tobie Travaglia and substitute Lance Collard. In Sandringham’s loss to the Bombers’ VFL side, JackCarroll,Isaac Keeler, and Liam O’Connell all had their share of the ball, while LiamHenry kicked 2.3.
Saints to drop 20% of cap on NAS & TDK? | 01:17
WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE
Sunday August 24, 12:20pm at ENGIE Stadium
Bulldogs’ Round 23 team
B: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale
HB: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, J.Johannisen
C: J.Freijah, E.Richards, B.Williams
HF: S.Davidson, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy
F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli (c), T.Liberatore
I/C: O.Baker, J.Busslinger, J.Croft, L.McNeil, R.Sanders (sub)
EMG: C.Hynes, A.Jones, L.Smith
Team Tips: All eyes on the Western Bulldogs’ selection this week will be narrowed in on Adam Treloar. The 2024 All-Australian had a monster 40 disposals, 10 tackles, nine clearances and a goal to turn the heads of all onlookers, and with a do-or-die clash against Fremantle this Sunday, will be under heavy consideration for a recall. Omitted utility Caleb Poulter wasn’t far behind Treloar, kicking six goals from 22 disposals while Buku Khamis kicked three goals as the thumped Carlton’s VFL side by 115 points. In the senior side, Lachie NcNeil was subbed out after half time with a corked hip with his fitness still to be determined.
Dockers’ Round 23 team
B: L.Ryan, B.Cox, A.Pearce (c)
HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark
C: N.Erasmus, L.Jackson, N.O’Driscoll
HF: S.Switkowski, P.Voss, S.Bolton
F: M.Frederick, J.Treacy, J.Amiss
FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: C.Wagner, M.Reid, J.O’Meara, B.Banfield, N.Fyfe (sub)
EMG: B.Walker, I.Dudley, O.McDonald
Team Tips: Much like their opponents, it’s all-or-nothing for Fremantle if they’re to make finals this season. Star and key cog Hayden Young will certainly return from a groin issue, in what will be a boost that cannot be underestimated. Best 22 regular Matt Johnson (ankle/foot) will be a test to put his hand of for selection, having played 18 games so far in 2025. Jye Amiss and Nathan O’Driscoll were awfully quiet in the Dockers’ disappointing loss to Brisbane last Friday night, but it’s hard to see either dropped for Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium. In the WAFL, the omitted Isaiah Dudley was one of the best afield for Peel Thunder with three goals for Peel Thunder — as was untried second-year forward Jack Delean for his three majors.
Longmuir: “I deal in facts” | 10:50
BRISBANE LIONS v HAWTHORN
Sunday August 24, 7:20pm at the Gabba
Lions’ Round 23 team
B: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews (c), B.Starcevich
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.Day, S.Marshall, B.Reville, L.Beecken (sub)
EMG: S.Brain, D.Joyce, O.McInerney
Team Tips: Initial fears over the shoulder injury of Jarrod Berry left hearts in the mouth of Brisbane fans, but in a massive sigh of relief, the winger looks to be an outside chance of retaining his place in the side this Sunday night. And in just as good a news, the club are confident that Kai Lohmann will come back from a calf injury that has kept him out since Round 19. The news isn’t so good however for Eric Hipwood however, who the Lions say will miss three to four weeks with a calf injury. Sam Day was quiet for his eight disposals against the Dockers, however with Hipwood out, is likely to keep his place in the side. There is also a chance Chris Fagan recalls ruck Oscar McInerney in place of Hipwood, as they carefully manage his loads. Former Hawk Brandon Ryan continued his solid VFL form with three more majors on Sunday in the reserves’ draw with Frankston, and is a left-field — but unlikely — option to come in.
Hawks’ Round 23 team
B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw
C: K.Amon, C.Nash, C.Macdonald
HF: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Dear, N.Watson
F: J.Gunston, M.Lewis, D.Moore
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel
I/C: C.Jiath, J.Ward, M.Chol, J.Ginnivan, L.Breust (sub)
EMG: C.Mackenzie, J.Serong, B.Macdonald
Team Tips: It’s hard to see many, if any changes to Sam Mitchell’s side for their Round 24 blockbuster. There isn’t much to report at Hawthorn on an injury front, with winger Harry Morrison (quad) the only sidelined player who could return this week, although he’ll be racing against the clock to play. In the VFL, versatile young gun Jai Serong was one of, if not best-on-ground for Box Hill against the Casey Demons, with Sam Butler also solid once again for his 25 disposals, 10 marks and a goal.