One of St Kilda’s key pillars is locked in to make his first appearance at AFL level for over two years on Sunday afternoon, as his side continues their chase for a wildcard berth.
Elsewhere, it remains unclear how the Lions will manage a luxury up forward. Plus, did a Dog do enough in his eleventh-hour revival after the axe? More in Round 20 Team Tips!
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ROUND 20 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
ADELAIDE CROWS vs. COLLINGWOOD
Thursday July 23, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval
Crows’ Round 19 side
B: M.Keane, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney
HB: B.Cook, J.Worrell, W.Milera
C: H.Hall-Kahan, J.Dawson (c), I.Cumming
HF: I.Rankine, R.Thilthorpe, J.Rachele
F: J.Soligo, D.Fogarty, A.Neal-Bullen
FOLL: L.McAndrew, S.Berry, D.Curtin
I/C: B.Keays, Z.Taylor, T.Murray, J.Peatling, L.Nankervis
EMG: B.Dowling, F.Maley, N.Murray
Team Tips: Off the back of a famous win, the Crows will have to make at least one change to face the Magpies, with Darcy Fogarty hit with a three-game suspension for striking Swan Harry Cunningham. Taylor Walker is almost certain to replace him after being rested from the trip to Sydney, solving Matthew Nicks’ headache of how to slot the veteran back into a winning team. It’s hard to see anyone else making way, with Zac Taylor arguably the quietest Crow but coming up clutch with several crucial defensive acts. It will likely mean another week in the SANFL for Callum Ah Chee, who was held to just 11 disposals in his second match on return from a hamstring injury. Key forward Finnbar Maley (19 disposals, nine marks, three goals) continues to do his chances of a call-up no harm, while Reilly O’Brien (25 disposals, 32 hitouts) remains an option if and when Lachlan McAndrew needs a rest.
Magpies’ Round 19 side
B: I.Quaynor, L.Puncher, B.Maynard
HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, H.Perryman
C: E.Allan, N.Daicos (c), J.Crisp
HF: P.Lipinski, H.Harrison, B.McCreery
F: C.West, D.McStay, T.Membrey
FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, J.De Goey
I/C: B.Frampton, S.Sidebottom, S.Swadling, S.Pendlebury, A.Anderson
EMG: L.Sullivan, J.Buller, W.Parker
Team Tips: The Pies expect Jeremy Howe to return to face the Crows after missing the win over Carlton with a groin issue. That might mean mid-season recruit Liam Puncher is the unlucky one to miss despite impressing in his three senior matches – especially with Darcy Fogarty suspended. Isaac Quaynor injured a wrist in the last quarter, but played on and is expected to be fine for Thursday night. A bye in the VFL denied the likes of Jack Buller and Wil Parker, who were emergencies against the Blues, a chance to stake a claim for a recall. In any case, a seven-mark performance from Charlie West should be enough to earn a crack at a strong Adelaide defence despite only the one goal.
Magpies make it five straight wins | 02:58
MELBOURNE vs. GEELONG CATS
Friday July 24, 7:40pm at the MCG
Demons’ Round 19 side
B: J.Bowey, J.Lever, C.Jiath
HB: T.Rivers, D.Turner, B.Howes
C: E.Langdon, T.Sparrow, H.Sharp
HF: K.Pickett, K.Chandler, L.Pickett
F: J.Melksham, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Steele, C.Windsor
I/C: H.Langford, K.Tholstrup, M.Jefferson, M.Heath, J.Fitzgerald
EMG: B.Laurie, T.McDonald, L.Cooke
Team Tips: After gathering 26 disposals in his second VFL match back from a foot injury, Christian Salem couldn’t have made a stronger case to return to the senior team for Friday night’s crunch clash with the Cats. It comes at an ideal time for Steven King, who will lose Changkuoth Jiath (plantaris) and most likely Daniel Turner (ribs) to leave the Dees’ defence depleted. Harrison Petty should also be back after missing two weeks with a hamstring strain, with the swingman a likely replacement for Turner down back despite strong recent form up forward. Four goals from Matthew Jefferson has locked his spot down for the short term, while you’d expect Max Heath to continue to assist Max Gawn in the ruck despite more minimal game time against North Melbourne. At VFL level, Paddy Cross (24 disposals, three goals) continues to knock the door down for an AFL recall, with Jake Melksham (seven disposals) a chance to make way. Should further change be needed, Caleb Windsor has been pushed well out of the Demons’ on-ball set up, attending just two centre bounces against the Kangaroos. With just 14 disposals and one tackle is vulnerable should King want to reward young draftee Xavier Taylor’s (18 disposals, eight marks) strong VFL form.
Cats’ Round 19 side
B: T.Stewart, C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning,
HB: Z.Guthrie, M.O’Connor, L.Humphries
C: O.Dempsey, B.Smith, O.Wiltshire
HF: G.Miers, S.Mannagh, B.Close
F: P.Dangerfield (c), S.Neale, J.Polkinghorne
FOL: M.Edwards, M.Holmes, O.Mullin
INT: J.Clark, T.Atkins, J.Worpel, J.Henry, O.Henry
EMG: M.Blicavs, M.Knevitt, J.Bowes
Team Tips: A week on from losing Jeremy Cameron, Chris Scott faces needing to replace another A-grader, with Max Holmes’ season in doubt with a fractured ankle. As Holmes heads to Brisbane for surgery, Shaun Mannagh (hamstring) also looks unlikely to face the Demons after being iced up for the last quarter of their win over the Saints. After being managed out of Thursday night’s win, Mark Blicavs and Jack Martin are all but certain to return, as is Tanner Bruhn (neck). With Jay Polkinghorne (11 disposals, two goals) doing more than enough to keep his spot as Cameron’s replacement in attack, young forward Oli Wiltshire (11 disposals) is in danger of missing out despite some strong defensive acts, while Brad Close (17 disposals) didn’t do enough to guarantee selection after spending much of the season on the fringes. Jack Bowes (21 disposals and a goal) fought hard to regain his spot in the VFL and could return off half-back in Holmes’ place. Mitch Knevitt (22 disposals) is an option as well – though it’s hard to see who he would come in for.
Kozzy cops a high boot | 00:22
FREMANTLE vs. WEST COAST EAGLES
Friday July 24, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium
Dockers’ Round 19 side
B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner
C: N.Erasmus, A.Brayshaw, N.O’Driscoll
HF: M.Reid, M.Frederick, S.Switkowski
F: P.Voss, J.Amiss, J.Treacy
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, H.Young
I/C: J.McVee, M.Johnson, I.Dudley, J.O’Meara, M.Cox
EMG: O.McDonald, B.Walker, C.Scerri
Team Tips:Jaeger O’Meara‘s luckless run continued against Port Adelaide, with an ankle injury sidelining the veteran for much of the second half. The Dockers are yet to confirm the extent of the injury, but it seems unlikely he will be fit to face the Eagles. Shai Bolton will be straight in after being rested for the trip to Adelaide Oval. Peel Thunder’s bye in the WAFL makes further change unlikely, though there were few major disappointments out of a hard-fought win over the Power. Always on the edge, Mason Cox featured more prominently on Saturday with 62 per cent game time backing up Luke Jackson, but with only six disposals and four free kicks against, there’s every chance Sean Darcy returns after being overlooked to face the Power. After 20 disposals on managed minutes after returning from his latest injury setback, and with a six-day break heading into the Derby, will the Dockers be ultra-cautious with Hayden Young?
Eagles’ Round 19 side
B: L.Duggan (c), R.Bazzo, B.Starcevich
HB: M.Herbert, T.Young, L.Baker
C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, B.Allan
HF: T.Kelly, J.Shanahan, J.Graham
F: M.Murdock, J.Waterman, J.Hutchinson
FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, O.Francou
I/C: T.McCarthy, B.Hough, T.Cole, J.Williams, H.Davis
EMG: R.Maric, H.Johnston, H.Schoenberg
Team Tips: An unchanged line-up last week was a rare luxury for Andrew McQualter. But he’ll need to make at least one change for the Derby, with Jack Hutchinson injuring a hamstring in the first quarter. Despite a WAFL bye over the weekend, Elijah Hewett looms as the most likely replacement after a 28-disposal effort the week prior. Harley Reid will be a watch after an ankle injury in a clash with Noah Answerth — and fall on the Eagles bench. However, he played out the game and was as prolific as ever with 23 disposals and 10 clearances. With just nine disposals, a weary-looking Elliot Yeo seems in dire need of a rest, while Jack Williams (eight disposals) contributed little as a forward or secondary ruckman.
‘Look out, there’s a step!’ | 00:23
CARLTON vs. GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday July 25, 1:05pm at Marvel Stadium
Blues’ Round 19 side
B: H.Dean, N.Haynes, W.Derksen
HB: B.Wilson, O.Florent, L.Cowan
C: A.Cerra, P.Cripps (c), B.Acres
HF: W.Hayward, F.Evans, T.Byrne
F: B.Kemp, H.McKay, M.McGovern
FOLL: L.Reidy, S.Walsh, J.Smith
I/C: N.Newman, G.Hewett, M.Cottrell, B.Ainsworth, C.Lord
EMG: J.Boyd, F.Riley, F.Young
Team Tips: The big question on the lips of Carlton supporters is just how much time will Harry McKay miss? Scans on the spearhead forward’s right knee revealed a minor meniscus tear as well as bone bruising — but he was still labelled as a test for this week’s clash with Gold Coast. So, the early signs suggest it’s not an injury of disastrous proportions, but he still appears likely to miss a week or two. The VFL side didn’t play at the weekend, but fringe big man Hudson O’Keeffe looms as a likely replacement if Josh Fraser opts to go tall, otherwise it could be Ashton Moir if he’s looking for a mid-sized option to put alongside Brodie Kemp and Mitch McGovern. Adam Cerra was cleared of a hamstring strain, so he should get up to play the Suns. If not, Ollie Hollands, who was dropped last week, could be afforded a reprieve. Marc Pittonet (hamstring) should be in the frame to return this week, putting Liam Reidy at risk. Otherwise, despite two-straight losses, Josh Fraser doesn’t seem likely to make sweeping changes at selection. Jacob Weitering (calf) is still at least a month away.
Suns’ Round 19 side
B: M.Andrew, B.Uwland, S.Collins
HB: J.Noble, Z.Uwland, W.Powell
C: J.Murray, N.Anderson (c), T.Miller
HF: L.Lombard, B.Addinsall, B.Humphrey
F: B.Long, J.Walter, B.King
FOLL: N.Moyle, M.Rowell, C.Petracca
I/C: J.Jeffrey, D.Rioli, D.Patterson, C.Lewis, O.Adams
EMG: N.Holman, C.Ballard, S.Clohesy
Team Tips: Where to now for Damien Hardwick’s Suns, who’ve lost an inexplicable eight consecutive games. They made three changes last week, including handing a debut to Caleb Lewis, and you’d think there are more tweaks coming ahead of a must-win clash with Carlton on Saturday afternoon. Lewis managed one effective kick in 72 per cent game time, so he may be under some pressure to keep his spot. Ethan Read was omitted last week, while Nick Holman was managed, as possible inclusion options. In terms of VFL alternatives, Sam Clohesy did his chances of a recall no harm with 35 disposals, eight marks and four tackles. The out-of-favour Charlie Ballard, who was named an emergency last week, racked up 21 possessions and eight marks, while Ben Jepson kicked a goal from 28 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances. Jy Farrar made a VFL return in limited minutes, as did Alex Davies. They could be considered for senior elevation this week, or be given another crack in the twos before a call-up.
Dimma calls for Suns to capitalise | 07:11
HAWTHORN vs. ESSENDON
Saturday July 25, 4:15pm at the MCG
Hawks’ Round 19 side
B: J.Sicily (c), T.Barrass, B.Hardwick
HB: J.Impey, N.Mraz, J.Battle
C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Ward, H.Morrison
HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.Weddle
F: N.Watson, M.Lewis, J.Gunston
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, C.Mackenzie
I/C: B.Macdonald, J.Ginnivan, W.McCabe, C.Macdonald, O.Greeves
EMG: A.Schubert, M.Beattie, M.Hill
Team Tips: Very little changes loom for the happy Hawks, with Jack Ginnivan taken out of their 70-point drubbing of Richmond at half time as nothing more than a precaution. Ruck Ned Reeves is an outside chance to return from a knee complaint, but could be brought back through the reserves if he is fit to take to the field this weekend. Perennial VFL performer Finn Maginness put up another 35 disposals — 14 contested, 10 marks and seven clearances, while Sam Butler (28 disposals, 11 marks, one goal) seamlessly returned from a leg injury seamlessly. Emergency Aidan Schubert kicked two majors from 20 disposals as he continues to edge closer to an AFL debut.
Bombers’ Round 19 side
B: A.McGrath (c), Z.Reid, J.Ridley
HB: K.Langford, M.Redman, A.Roberts
C: A.Clarke, S.Durham, J.Artemis
HF: D.Sharp, N.Caddy, X.Duursma
F: I.Kako, P.Wright, A.Day-Wicks
FOLL: N.Bryan, Z.Merrett, S.Robey
I/C: J.Farrow, J.Caldwell, J.Prior, M.Kondogiannis, H.El Achkar
EMG: D.Parish, A.Perkins, L.Blakiston
Team Tips: A maiden win for Dean Solomon as Essendon’s interim coach! Will he celebrate by limiting the number of unforced changes? Quite possibly. There won’t be any Bombers returning from injury this week, but there’s a watch on both Xavier Duursma and Nick Bryan after coming off with injury late in the Sunday evening clash. Emerging key forward Nate Caddy was removed early from the match with an elevated heart rate, but has been cleared to train and play this week against an imposing Hawks outfit. In arguably the more bizarre, but elite, performance from the VFL across the weekend, 200cm winger Nik Cox kicked seven (!) goals from 19 disposals to push hard for a senior recall. Regular reserves performer Elijah Tsatas had a lazy 36 disposals at 86.1% with two goals, while Will Setterfield was Mr.Consistent with 26 disposals (92.3% efficiency), 10 tackles and a goal.
Young Dons star sent to hospital | 00:14
GWS GIANTS vs. SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday July 25, 4:35pm at ENGIE Stadium
Giants’ Round 19 side
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, J.Laverde
HB: H.Himmelberg, L.Ash, J.Fonti
C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, L.Whitfield
HF: S.Coniglio, A.Cadman, R.Hamilton
F: T.Bedford, J.Stringer, C.Brown
FOLL: N.Madden, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan
I/C: C.Stone, H.Rowston, X.O’Halloran, M.Gruzewski, J.Ough
EMG: C.Angove, H.Oliver, J.Delana
Team Tips: After their shock loss to Essendon last Sunday evening, all eyes will quickly turn towards captain Toby Greene — who looks set for a stint on the sidelines after exiting the clash with a quad injury. It’s an untimely blow to say the least for the Giants great, who remains out of contract with five rounds to play in the home-and-away season. Second-gamer Riley Hamilton missed his chances in front of goal up forward, but his pressure was hard to question and should hold his spot considering Greene’s injury. For the third straight week youngster Jack Ough had between 32-35% time on ground, and while his output has looked solid when given the opportunity, remains at risk given how little he’s playing. Assuming the likes of Leek Aleer and Jack Buckley remain sidelined, those next-in-line likely include Toby McMullin and emergency Harrison Oliver; with the former having 23 disposals and a goal in the Giants’ 64-point loss to Frankston in the VFL. Given the club’s monstrous injury list, it remains tough for head coach Adam Kingsley to make a heap of selection statements.
Swans’ Round 19 side
B: C.Mills (c), W.Edwards, T.McCartin
HB: D.Rampe, N.Blakey, H.Cunningham
C: M.Roberts, E.Gulden, J.Serong
HF: J.Jordon, J.Lloyd, J.Rowbottom
F: T.Papley, C.Curnow, H.McLean
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, Ch.Warner
I/C: R.Bice, B.Campbell, L.McDonald, A.Sheldrick, M.Rosas
EMG: H.Kyle, J.Hamling, T.Hanily
Team Tips: Things are beginning to simmer at the Swans. Back-to-back losses, plus three defeats in their last four, means Dean Cox may need to pull the lever on a couple more calls at selection — despite four axings for last Friday night’s loss to Adelaide. An unfortunate concussion for veteran defender Harry Cunningham means there’ll be at least one change, and off the back of a stellar performance in the reserves, emergency Harry Kyle (30 disposals, 11 intercepts) looks a logical replacement. In the VFL side’s 16-point win over Brisbane last Friday afternoon, Billy Cootee was outstanding with five goals from 19 disposals and a whopping 14 tackles, while three-gamer Jesse Dattoli (22 disposals, eight clearances, three goals) fired with his third three-goal goal in five games for the reserves. Expect Tom Hanily to remain around the mark too.
“We’ve got work to do!” | 05:36
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. RICHMOND
Saturday July 25, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium
Bulldogs’ Round 19 side
B: M.Sellwood, J.O’Donnell, B.Khamis
HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, N.Coffield
C: R.Sanders, M.Bontempelli (c), C.Hynes
HF: S.Davidson, J.Croft, A.Jones
F: R.West, A.Naughton, C.Weightman
FOLL: T.English, T.Liberatore, E.Richards
I/C: J.Busslinger, J.Dolan, R.Garcia, M.Kennedy, B.Williams
EMG: O.Baker, J.Freijah, W.Lewis
Team Tips: Despite a third win from four games, there could still be a few tweaks made by Luke Beveridge heading into a favourable Richmond matchup. Joel Freijah earned a reprieve last week after Tom Liberatore was a late exclusion, but he was quiet against the Suns with 11 disposals at 28 per cent kicking efficiency. Liberatore missed the Gold Coast clash due to ‘general soreness’, so he should be back in the frame to be eased back in against the Tigers. Riley Garcia, who was set to make his first senior appearance of the season, was also withdrawn but due to hamstring tightness. It’s unclear yet whether he’s been set back for longer. Josh Dolan managed eight possessions in a game-low 62 per cent game time. In the VFL, young rebounder Lachie Jaques continues to press for a recall, amassing 24 disposals, six marks and four tackles and kicking a goal. Oskar Baker had 27 possessions, while Luke Kennedy responded to his axing with 18 disposals and dozen tackles.
Tigers’ Round 19 side
B: N.Broad, N.Vlastuin, K.Annand
HB: J.Short, T.Brown, J.Trezise
C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto, S.Banks
HF: S.Campbell, D.Prestia, R.Mansell
F: T.Lynch, S.Lalor, M.Lefau
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Hotton, S.Cumming
I/C: N.Balta, S.Grlj, H.Ralphsmith, S.Green, K.McAuliffe
EMG: Z.Peucker, M.Rioli, H.Armstrong
Team Tips: A disenchanting loss to Hawthorn has Adem Yze back at the drawing board ahead of another daunting matchup. And there’s an injury or two to cover for before they play the Bulldogs. Steely Green is a certain out after sustaining a concussion in the second half of the Hawks game, while promising livewire Taj Hotton rolled his ankle and was ruled out in the last quarter. Maurice Rioli shapes as Green’s replacement, having been named as an emergency last Sunday. In the reserves, Tyler Sonsie had another busy day, tallying 32 disposals and five clearances. Sonsie could be Hotton’s replacement if the youngster needs a week off. Second-year defender Luke Trainor is also eyeing a recall, putting up 20 disposals and five marks. Trainor could be an option if Tom Brown, for example, was given a spell. Judson Clarke is starting to knock on the door for his first AFL game in two years, now with three reserves games under his belt. He kicked a couple of behinds from 16 touches and six marks at the weekend. Harry Armstrong, also an emergency last week, is eyeing his first AFL appearance since Round 3.
Yze admits Tigers “got taught a lesson” | 08:43
BRISBANE LIONS vs. PORT ADELAIDE
Sunday July 26, 1:10pm at the Gabba
Lions’ Round 19 side
B: N.Answerth, H.Andrews (c), R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, T.Gallop, D.Zorko
C: J.Berry, 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, H.McCluggage, C.McKenna, J.Tunstill, E.Hipwood
EMG: D.Annable, S.Brain, C.Curtin
Team Tips: Does Chris Fagan bring back star recruit Oscar Allen straight away? The key forward kicked a goal from his six disposals, but given how well his front half has been performing in his absence, it may not be as easy as bringing him straight back in. James Tunstill returned to the senior side for the Lions’ trip to Perth with 20 disposals and four inside 50s, but could still be vulnerable if Bruce Reville returns after missing the trip for personal reasons. In the reserves, one-game emergency Daniel Annable was among the best with 30 disposals (14 contested) and seven clearances, as was out-of-favour Academy player Sam Marshall with 30 touches and a goal of his own; albeit with lesser disposal efficiency.
Power’s Round 19 side
B: J.Lai, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman
HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, L.Jones
C: C.Moraes, J.Richards, J.Burgoyne
HF: X.Bamert, T.Marshall, J.Berry
F: C.Durdin, J.Whitlock, J.Mead
FOLL: J.Sweet, O.Wines, W.Drew (c)
I/C: M.Zadow, L.Evans, B.O’Brien, D.Visentini, J.Wehr
EMG: A.Van Wyk, J.Watkins
Team Tips: Team selection was nothing short of utter chaos last week at Alberton, with the cherry on top being Harrison Ramm’s late withdrawal with illness. It saw Jacob Wehr recalled at the eleventh hour for a second straight Saturday. The lack of continuity certainly didn’t show in their output though, in what can only be described as yet another valiant loss for Josh Carr’s side — this time to Fremantle. Star midfielder-forward Jason Horne-Francis will slot straight back in after serving a suspension, while you’d expect Ramm to finally return to the senior side in the first time in over a month. Wehr looks vulnerable at selection once more, while Christian Moraes didn’t have a major say on the contest from 59% time on ground. In the SANFL side’s four-goal win over Woodville West-Torrens, Jack Watkins was the best of the AFL-listed players with 35 disposals and nine clearances, though seems to be out of favour with selectors.
Whoever we play, needs to play at 100% | 07:57
NORTH MELBOURNE vs. ST KILDA
Sunday July 26, 3:15pm at Marvel Stadium
Kangaroos’ Round 19 side
B: A.Corr, C.Comben, L.Parker
HB: R.Hardeman, C.Daniel, C.McKercher
C: J.Simpkin, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens
HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, C.Spargo
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), J.Darling
FOLL: T.Xerri, F.O’Sullivan, H.Sheezel
I/C: B.Scott, L.McDonald, J.Goater, M.Whitlock, C.Harvey
EMG: G.Logue, J.Konstanty, O.Griffin
Team Tips: It will be an intriguing watch to see how many changes Alastair Clarkson makes at selection this weekend. Matt Whitlock was the lowest-rated player in last Saturday evening’s loss to Melbourne, potentially leaving his spot up for Round 20 up in the air. SSP selection Tom Blamires is a chance to exit concussion protocols and return, which could leave Josh Goater vulnerable at the selection table. Elsewhere, South Australian Tom Powell looks unlikely to return to senior level as he continues to battle a frustrating groin niggle. It remains unclear whether small forward Zac Banch will return from a minor hamstring complain that saw him withdrawn from selection last week. In the reserves, Lachy Dovaston (15 disposals, four goals) and Jacob Konstanty (17 disposals, three goals) were among the best, while Robert Hansen Jnr. (23 disposals — 10 intercepts, 10 marks) was notable once again off half-back.
Saints’ Round 19 side
B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti
HB: B.Hill, L.Stocker, R.Byrnes
C: D.Wilson, M.Windhager, L.O’Connell
HF: J.Higgins, L.Ryan, M.Hall
F: M.Wood, C.Sharman, M.Owens
FOL: R.Marshall, H.Garcia, N.Wanganeen-Milera
INT: T.Travaglia, H.Clark, L.Henry, M.Phillipou, C.Lake
EMG: D.Butler, A.Dodson, H.Boxshall
Team Tips: As per Ross Lyon himself after last Thursday night’s loss to Geelong, he’s back. Max King is back! The 26-year-old key forward has been revealed to make his first senior level appearance since Round 16, 2024 season, in an inclusion that should massively boost the Saints structurally. His return could be untimely for Anthony Caminiti, who had a horror two-disposal game off the back of a quiet match the weekend before against Port Adelaide. Smaller type Liam Henry was quiet too, as was Tobie Travaglia. The club’s injury report from last week suggests Tom De Koning is an outside chance to return from his broken ribs and punctured lung, and makes him a close watch at training this week. The omitted Angus Hastie returned good numbers in the VFL against the Cats, registering 23 disposals at an efficiency of 87% and 11 tackles. Elsewhere, emergencies Alex Dodson and Hugh Boxshall were solid, though the former looks particularly unlikely to receive a call-up if De Koning is deemed fit.