Essendon coach Brad Scott — rightly or wrongly — is yet to swing the selection axe. But with performers returning from injury with success in the reserves, is a statement only a matter of time?
Meanwhile, Michael Voss has been dealt a number of cruel blows with injury that look set to make his uphill battle even tougher. More below in Round 3 Team Tips!
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ROUND 4 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)
BRISBANE LIONS v COLLINGWOOD
Thursday April 2, 7.30pm at the Gabba
Lions’ Round 3 side
B: K.Coleman, D.Gardiner, R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, D.Zorko
C: B.Reville, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, O.Allen, L.Ashcroft
F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, T.Gallop
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley (c), L.Neale
I/C: K.Lohmann, L.McCarthy, L.Morris, Z.Bailey, N.Answerth
EMG: S.Marshall, Z.Zakostelsky, J.Tunstill
Team Tips: Chris Fagan will be forced into at least two changes coming off a five-day break, revealing on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 that key defender Darcy Gardiner will miss 8-12 weeks with a serious shoulder injury. And arguably even more disturbing was a concussion to Noah Answerth, who came from the ground in a bad way after a hard knee to the head. Third-year Lion and Round 3 emergency Zane Zakostelsky looms as the most obvious option to bring in down back, while Darragh Joyce could also be an option for his first AFL game since Round 24, 2024. Lions Academy product Sam Marshall continues to bang the door down after his 26 disposals and two goals against Southport over the weekend.
Magpies’ Round 3 side
B: B.Frampton, D.Moore (c), B.Maynard
HB: D.Houston, J.Howe, H.Perryman
C: J.Crisp, N.Daicos, P.Lipinski
HF: L.Schultz, D.McStay, B.McCreery
F: R.Steele, T.Membrey, J.De Goey
FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, N.Long
I/C: I.Quaynor, J.Elliott, J.Daicos, O.Steene, S.Sidebottom
EMG: W.Parker, E.Allan, J.Buller
Team Tips: In a frustrating takeaway from last Friday night’s win against GWS, Craig McRae will be without two of his senior personnel for their preliminary final rematch against Brisbane off a six-day break. To go with an inflamed bursa behind his knee, Darcy Moore also came out of the Round 3 clash with a hamstring strain that could sideline him for a month and several key clashes. Veteran Scott Pendlebury also had his night cut short with Achilles tightness, and won’t front up either. It will force a defensive re-jig for the black-and-white, which could see them go in undersized down back if emergency Wil Parker is called upon as Moore’s replacement. Fellow emergency Ed Allan, who had 31 disposals and eight inside 50s in the VFL, or Lachie Sullivan at this stage shape as Pendlebury’s replacement. Omitted off-season recruit Jacob Buller responded strongly in the same reserves match, while the uncapped Angus Anderson continues to impress internally as he nears an AFL debut. Oh, and expect second ruck Oscar Steene to hold his place in the senior side after an impressive debut!
Can defence carry the Pies to a flag? | 03:16
NORTH MELBOURNE v CARLTON
Friday April 3, 3.15pm at Marvel Stadium
Kangaroos’ Round 3 side
B: L.McDonald, T.Pink, C.Comben
HB: F.O’Sullivan, C.Daniel, T.Blamires
C: J.Simpkin, T.Powell, D.Stephens
HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, C.McKercher
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), L.Dovaston
FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel
I/C: A.Corr, G.Wardlaw, Z.Duursma, C.Coleman-Jones, L.Parker
EMG: J.Darling, J.Konstanty, Z.Banch
Team Tips: The 2-1 Kangaroos enter a crucial Good Friday bout with the Blues down arguably their best player. Callum Coleman-Jones is set to assume first-choice rucking duties in place of Tristan Xerri, with the star handed a three-week suspension for wiping blood on Andy McGrath’s face. North Melbourne won’t be able to call on Taylor Goad for ruck support, with the developmental tall still out with an ankle injury. It could create room for Jack Darling to return to the side, after he was dropped for the Essendon clash — he kicked three goals from 18 disposals and eight marks. It’s hard to forecast many changes outside of the forced Xerri exclusion.
Blues’ Round 3 side
B: L.Young, J.Weitering, H.Dean
HB: O.Hollands, M.McGovern, O.Florent
C: M.Carroll, P.Cripps (c), C.Chesser
HF: W.Hayward, E.Hollands, Z.Williams
F: T.Byrne, H.McKay, B.Kemp
FOLL: M.Pittonet, J.Smith, S.Walsh
I/C: G.Hewett, H.O’Keeffe, B.Ainsworth, F.Evans, L.Cowan
EMG: L.Fogarty, J.Boyd, B.Acres
Team Tips: Michael Voss will almost certainly make multiple changes after a highly disenchanting collapse against Melbourne on Sunday, but also because of injury. Zac Williams (ribs) and Harry Dean (side/hip) were the non-scoreboard-related casualties, with the pair undergoing scans to determine the severity. The latter at this stage has been discharged from hospital, but remains a very unlikely selection off such a short turnaround. But on-baller Adam Cerra, who was precautionarily kept out of the Melbourne clash, could return for the Good Friday bout with the Roos after his hamstring strain. But one midfielder who won’t be coming back into the side in the short term is Cooper Lord, who spent several nights in hospital being treated for a staph infection. In a small positive though, debutant Talor Byrne was excellent with his forward pressure and surely has to hold his spot for the annual afternoon fixture. Whether the Blues make a change in defence will be an interesting talking point, with Nick Haynes taking 13 marks with 18 disposals in the VFL, and SSP signing Wade Derksen taking nine grabs from 17 possessions, to put pressure on the likes of Lewis Young. Adam Saad also played VFL minutes after recovering from a hamstring issue, along with the returning Matt Cottrell and Billy Wilson.
Voss ‘filthy’ with Carlton collapse | 07:35
ADELAIDE CROWS v FREMANTLE
Friday April 3, 7.15pm at Adelaide Oval
Crows’ Round 3 side
B: N.Murray, J.Butts, C.Jones
HB: H.Bond, J.Worrell, W.Milera
C: B.Cook, J.Peatling, I.Cumming
HF: I.Rankine, A.Neal-Bullen (c), B.Keays
F: Z.Taylor, R.Thilthorpe, D.Fogarty
FOLL: L.McAndrew, S.Berry, J.Rachele
I/C: L.Nankervis, F.Maley, L.Pedlar, J.Soligo, M.Michalanney
EMG: C.Edwards, R.O’Brien, J.Borlase
Team Tips: Thankfully for Adelaide, there were no more injuries to come out of their duel with Geelong, after a horrific run to key personnel so far in 2026… or so we thought. Key defender Jordan Butts has entered concussion protocols after experiencing delayed symptoms from a front-on clash. At the top of the wish list for Good Friday will be a return for captain Jordan Dawson, who missed the trip with a calf niggle. The club is hopeful that he’ll be back fit and firing, though his veteran teammate Rory Laird looks far more of an outside chance with a similar injury. Defender Mitch Hinge is expected to be available from a lingering back injury, but is likely to return via the SANFL given his interrupted end to pre-season. In Butts’ place though, James Borlase has been emergency for a couple weeks now and looks the best-placed to fill the 26-year-old’s void don’t back. You would expect club debutant Finnbar Maley to make way for a Taylor Walker return after being managed, while Chayce Jones may face the axe after a quiet game against the Cats. While he only finished with 45 per cent game time, dashing winger Luke Nankervis was good in his first senior game for 2026 and should hold his spot as Callum Ah Chee’s (hamstring) replacement this next month or so. Inclusion Zac Taylor was important when called upon with his three goals, and would be mighty unlucky to make way. In the reserves’ shock loss to West Adelaide, Billy Dowling had 37 disposals and seven clearances, while Category B rookie Indy Cotton impressed with 17 touches and four rebound 50s — though is a while off being in selection calculations.
Dockers’ Round 3 side
B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner
C: J.O’Meara, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson
HF: J.Amiss, P.Voss, S.Switkowski
F: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Reid
FOLL: S.Darcy, L.Jackson, C.Serong
I/C: C.Scerri, I.Dudley, N.Erasmus, C.Wagner, J.McVee
EMG: M.Cox, H.Davies, N.O’Driscoll
Team Tips: There’s every chance Justin Longmuir’s side goes into their Good Friday trip to Adelaide unchanged, after a comfortable 10-goal win over Richmond last Saturday. Both Brennan Cox and Jaeger O’Meara successfully returned from their respective injuries in the clash to be impactful. SSP signing Chris Scerri was the quietest Docker on Saturday evening, but should hold his place after a stellar debut the week before. The WAFL finally returns this weekend, with the club’s reserves affiliate Peel Thunder taking on East Fremantle on Good Friday. The only real or foreseeable intrigue comes with Brandon Walker, who is now available after overcoming a quad complaint. Does he squeeze two-time All-Australian Luke Ryan out of the best 23, or does the senior option hold firm? And promisingly, Sean Darcy was back looking closer to his best — albeit it against a ruck-less Richmond.
RICHMOND v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday April 4, 4.15pm at the MCG
Tigers’ Round 3 side
B: N.Balta, B.Miller, L.Trainor
HB: S.Banks, J.Short, N.Vlastuin
C: H.Ralphsmith, J.Ross, T.Sonsie
HF: S.Campbell, S.Lalor, M.Rioli
F: J.Faull, J.Alger, H.Armstrong
FOLL: C.Gray, T.Taranto (c), D.Prestia
I/C: M.Lefau, J.Hopper, S.Green, T.Brown, S.Grlj
EMG: J.Trezise, K.McAuliffe, L.Fawcett
Team Tips: Adem Yze will take plenty out of the 10-goal loss to Fremantle, having led late in what was a promising first half. But it was disappointing news for second-year forward Jasper Alger, who injured his knee early in the contest in his first senior game of the year after a five-goal VFL performance the previous week. Richmond’s ruck issue will persist until Toby Nankervis is back healthy, with Mykelti Lefau managing the side’s one and only hitout to advantage from the weekend. Campbell Gray’s competitiveness is admirable, but he’s not even a ruckman by trade, while Ollie Hayes-Brown and Samson Ryan run around in the reserves. Hayes-Brown shapes as likelier of the two to be included, since Ryan is only one VFL game back from an injury layoff. Nathan Broad is set to return from a minor calf issue, pending any setbacks. Up forward, Adem Yze will surely ponder over whether second-year attacker Harry Armstrong needs a spell in the twos, having kicked one goal from three games this year and sometimes struggling to get from contest to contest. Additionally, the tall went disposal-less from 45 per cent game time. Liam Fawcett, who was an emergency last week, would be the name to come in, with the South Australian’s only game coming in Round 2 last year — coincidentally also against Port Adelaide.
Power’s Round 3 side
B: J.Burgoyne, E.Ratugolea, J.Mead
HB: L.Jones, A.Aliir, K.Farrell
C: L.Evans, J.Horne-Francis, J.Wehr
HF: J.Lukosius, M.Georgiades, J.Berry
F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters (c), W.Drew
I/C: C.Durdin, J.Watkins, E.Mackinlay, W.Brodie, J.Lai
EMG: D.Visentini, M.Zadow, O.Wines
Team Tips: There’ll be an intriguing watch at selection over whether Josh Carr’s match committee makes a statement after a disappointing fade out loss to West Coast. And the Power could be down Esava Ratugolea (knee) against Richmond, which comes at a bad time as Todd Marshall (ankle) missed against the Eagles, and developmental tall Harrison Ramm is also sidelined with an ankle injury. In the midfield, Carr made something of a selection statement by leaving Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines out of his Round 2 side — instead opting for recruit Will Brodie. You’d suspect that will again be a storyline this week ahead of selection, with Brodie not impactful against the Eagles. And Wines erupted at SANFL level, accruing 37 disposals at the weekend. Miles Bergman could be back available this week, depending on how his ankle is feeling. Jackson Mead could be a vulnerable name after finishing as Port Adelaide’s lowest-rated player, but Josh Lai, on the other hand, showed promising signs on debut. Mitch Zadow, who was an emergency last week, kicked a team-high three goals in the reserves to again press his case.
Is Eagles’ rebuild ahead of Blues, Dons? | 04:39
WEST COAST EAGLES v SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday April 4, 7.35pm at Optus Stadium
Eagles’ Round 3 side
B: L.Duggan (c), T.Young, B.Hough
HB: B.Allan, R.Ginbey, L.Baker
C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, T.McCarthy
HF: T.Kelly, J.Shanahan, H.Davis
F: C.Duff-Tytler, J.Waterman, J.Cripps
FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, J.Graham
I/C: J.Lindsay, A.Reid, D.Robertson, J.Newton, H.Schoenberg
EMG: T.Cole, M.Champion, S.Brock
Team Tips: Back-to-back wins for the Eagles haven’t come around too often in recent memory, and it gives coach Andrew McQualter every reason to go into Saturday night’s class with as little change as possible. Unfortunately, recruit Deven Robertson has been handed a one-match ban for his tackle on Zak Butters on Sunday, which will force at least one inclusion — potentially veteran Tom Cole, who was emergency last week after his omission from the senior side the week before. The club’s WAFL side will have their first hit out for the home-and-away season this weekend, but in terms of injury watch, West Coast’s medical staff will provide updates on Harry Edwards (concussion) and Tom Gross (hamstring) on Tuesday afternoon; the only two players expected to return from the sidelines inside the next fortnight.
Swans’ Round 2 side
B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, C.Mills (c)
HB: S.Wicks, N.Blakey, R.Bice
C: J.Serong, J.McInerney, M.Roberts
HF: M.Rosas, J.Jordon, Co.Warner
F: J.Amartey, T.Papley, C.Curnow
FOLL: B.Grundy, J.Rowbottom, Ch.Warner
I/C: D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, C.Cleary, J.Lloyd, L.McDonald
EMG: J.Hamling, P.Ladhams, H.McLean
Team Tips: Fresh off the early bye, Dean Cox’s side can expect an instant inclusion for their trip to Perth in the form of Isaac Heeney. The 29-year-old superstar has ticked off all necessary boxes to return from a hamstring niggle, and could be the sole inclusion. Largely due to limited time on ground in Round 2, Caiden Cleary looms as the man to make way for Heeney, given fellow inclusion for that game Corey Warner filled the Errol Gulden-sized hole on a wing with success. Peter Ladhams is unavailable with a VFL suspension, while the luckless Taylor Adams has endured yet another injury setback, reports SEN’s Tom Morris.
MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST SUNS
Sunday April 5, 3.15pm at the MCG
Demons’ Round 3 side
B: H.Petty, J.Lever, C.Jiath
HB: B.Howes, T.McDonald, C.Salem
C: X.Lindsay, T.Sparrow, H.Langford
HF: K.Chandler, J.van Rooyen, H.Sharp
F: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, K.Pickett
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), C.Windsor, J.Steele
I/C: K.Tholstrup, J.Culley, E.Langdon L.Pickett, P.Cross
EMG: B.Laurie, T.Rivers, M.Heath
Team Tips: An 11-goal turnaround that results in a win will normally leave the entire football club relieved — and no doubt a few Demons players too! All is forgiven after a crude first half of football on Sunday afternoon, which also unfortunately saw new recruit Changkuoth Jiath go down with a calf injury. You would expect him to miss the next couple of weeks at least, which could see the recently dropped Trent Rivers earn a reprieve. The 24-year-old didn’t get a chance to stake his case at VFL level over the weekend with Casey’s bye, but his omission certainly caught a couple by surprise. Last-minute SSP signing Paddy Cross was mostly quiet on debut, but did kick an excellent goal and assist another — expect him at this stage to keep his spot. Utility Daniel Turner is still at least another week away from returning due to a hand injury.
Suns’ Round 2 side
B: C.Ballard, S.Collins, B.Uwland
HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli
C: L.Weller, W.Powell, S.Clohesy
HF: T.Miller, E.Read, W.Graham
F: B.Humphrey, B.King, L.Lombard
FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), C.Petracca
I/C: A.Davies, J.Jeffrey, B.Long, J.Rogers, Z.Uwland
EMG: N.Moyle, L.Gulbin, J.Farrar
Team Tips: The main absentee from Gold Coast’s best 23 this weekend will be Christian Petracca, who unfortunately won’t face his old side after picking up a hamstring strain in Round 2 before their early bye. The midfielder-forward will likely be on the sidelines for another month before returning, but it still remains to be seen if Matt Rowell will be the man to replace him. The reigning Brownlow Medallist has been struggling with a serious finger injury in recent months, but at this stage is an outside chance to return against the Demons. If not him, Round 2 emergency Lachie Gulbin could be called upon for AFL game number two after a strong 22-disposal, two-goal performance in the Suns’ VFL season-opener against Werribee. Seasoned veteran Nick Holman is a more experienced option if required, after racking up 38 touches and seven tackles in the same game.
Dees Stun Blues with 66-point turnaround | 02:57
WESTERN BULLDOGS v ESSENDON
Sunday April 5, 7.20pm at Marvel Stadium
Bulldogs’ Round 2 side
B: L.Jaques, B.Khamis, R.Lobb
HB: C.Budarick, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale
C: S.Davidson, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams
HF: R.West, S.Darcy, J.Freijah
F: J.Croft, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore
FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards
I/C: M.Sellwood, O.Baker, C.Hynes, R.Sanders, L.Bramble
EMG: A.Jones, W.Lewis, J.Busslinger
Team Tips: Things continue to be going swimmingly for the Western Bulldogs, who enjoyed an early bye across Round 3. Laitham Vandermeer looks set to be available for selection, but it’s not an easy Bulldogs attack to break into at the minute. If they were to squeeze him in, it could see Jordan Croft as the omission as a third tall up forward after just two touches and a goal against Adelaide in Round 2. Adam Treloar was dominant on restricted minutes in the VFL the weekend before last, and may prove tough to leave out this Sunday — though you wouldn’t blame Luke Beveridge for giving him one more weekend in the reserves. That being said, the fifth interchange spot could be a perfect way to bring the 33-year-old back into the fold slowly. Fresh off his recent dropping from the senior side, SSP recruit Will Lewis fired back with five goals in their VFL win over Casey.
Bombers’ Round 3 side
B: J.Prior, B.McKay, A.McGrath (c)
HB: A.Roberts, Z.Reid, J.Farrow
C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, S.El-Hawli
HF: S.Durham, N.Caddy, A.May
F: I.Kako, P.Wright, K.Langford
FOLL: L.Blakiston, D.Parish, Z.Merrett
I/C: J.Gresham, A.Perkins, Z.Johnson, A.Day-Wicks, M.Guelfi
EMG: J.Nguyen, H.El Achkar
Team Tips: Is this the week the hammer drops at Tullamarine? It’s still hard to say, given Scott’s recent comments suggesting he’ll back in his senior cohort. That being said, he looks likely to have the option of bringing back one of, if not both Dyson Sharp (ankle) and Brayden Fiorini (back), who were late withdrawals heading into last Saturday night’s loss to North Melbourne. Their respective inclusions were Archie May and Matt Guelfi, neither of which set the world alight at Marvel Stadium. Inclusion Archer Day-Wicks showed promise, while Saad El-Hawli deserves to hold his spot. Seasoned campaigner Ben McKay continues to feel external pressure, but he’s hardly been helped by defensive lapses further up the field. In the reserves, first-year young gun Sullivan Robey was outstanding with four goals and 22 disposals in their win over the Kangaroos’ VFL side, and was aptly supported by Tom Edwards who kicked five in his first game back from an ACL injury. Both players would surely be given another week before being called up to the senior side, but it’s certainly a positive sign of things to come.
Essendon one-game short of record streak | 02:30
HAWTHORN v GEELONG CATS
Sunday April 5, 3.15pm at the MCG
Hawks’ Round 2 side
B: J.Scrimshaw, T.Barrass, J.Impey
HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick
C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, K.Amon
HF: J.Ginnivan, C.Nash, N.Watson
F: S.Butler, M.Lewis, J.Gunston
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe (c), J.Weddle
I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Ward, N.Reeves, C.Macdonald, M.Chol
EMG: H.Morrison, C.Dear, M.Hill
Team Tips: There were no passengers for Sam Mitchell’s side against Sydney heading into their whopping 17-day break, and it could mean there are little to no changes. Finn Maginness has had impressive back-to-back performances for Box Hill to start their season, while first-year player Jack Dalton had 27 disposals and a goal) the week before last. Similarly, winger Harry Morrison recorded 11 intercept possessions from his 21 touches to remain thereabouts for a recall. Sometimes, no news is good news — and that’s exactly the case for the Hawks at Dingley right now.
Cats’ Round 3 side
B: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, J.Henry
HB: Z.Guthrie, T.Stewart (c), L.Humphries
C: M.Blicavs, B.Smith, M.O’Connor
HF: G.Miers, S.Mannagh, O.Dempsey
F: J.Cameron, S.Neale, J.Martin
FOLL: M.Edwards, T.Atkins, M.Holmes
I/C: O.Mullin, J.Clark, T.Bruhn, O.Wiltshire, O.Henry
EMG: J.Bowes, J.Worpel, M.Knevitt
Team Tips: There were no injuries to speak at the Cattery in last Thursday’s eight-point win over Adelaide. Their inclusions for the clash performed well too, with Oli Wiltshire looking flashy for his 14 disposals in slippery conditions. Despite a quiet start to life at AFL level, second ruck Mitch Edwards may be crucial to Geelong’s chances on Easter Monday, given the Hawks’ lethal combo at stoppage in Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves. If he is not required though, expect him to make way for Jack Bowes, who starred with three goals from 38 disposals in a pointed reminder to selectors last Friday night against Box Hill in the VFL. As tempting as it will be for Scott to call upon captain Patrick Dangerfield, it’s hard to see him not given more time to recover from his calf complaint that continues to linger. There are plenty of players, alongside Bowes, at the ready if required. All of James Worpel, Mitch Knevitt, Rhys Stanley and Jake Kolodjashnij also played well in the reserves, with the club’s injury list in an immaculate position.
BYES: GWS Giants, St Kilda