A Collingwood utility\u2019s season is reportedly over as intrigue continues to surround the selection squeeze at the ladder leaders. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a massive question looms at Hawthorn in the lead-up to September, while a former No.1 pick\u2019s year is officially done after scans revealed injury damage. <\/p>\n
Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 21 in AFL Team Tips!<\/p>\n
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.<\/p>\n
ROUND 21 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)<\/p>\n
WESTERN BULLDOGS v GWS GIANTS<\/p>\n
Thursday July 31, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n
Bulldogs\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: L.Bramble, J.Busslinger, J.O\u2019Donnell<\/p>\n
HB: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, B.Dale<\/p>\n
C: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah<\/p>\n
HF: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy<\/p>\n
F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West<\/p>\n
R: T.English, M.Bontempelli (c), T.Liberatore<\/p>\n
I\/C: O.Baker, J.Johannisen, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, L.Vandermeer (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: S.Davidson, B.Khamis, M.Sellwood<\/p>\n
Team Tips: They breezed past a hapless Essendon last week, but this prime-time test against GWS will be far tougher. The Bulldogs must win this to stay afloat this finals race, and there are a couple of selections he may want to tinker with. Lachie McNeil went his third full game without a goal and could be in the gun for a return to VFL level, as could substitute Laitham Vandermeer who went disposal-less from nearly 25 per cent game time. \ufeffWinger James Harmes returned successfully from illness with 28 touches and seven clearances, while utility Buku Khamis kicked five against the Bombers\u2019 VFL side. Small forward Arty Jones kicked two majors from his 14 touches amid his return from a hamstring injury, and will look to push his case in coming weeks for a spot in the senior side. <\/p>\n
Giants\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg<\/p>\n
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash<\/p>\n
C: X.O\u2019Halloran, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly<\/p>\n
HF: C.Brown, A.Cadman, D.Jones<\/p>\n
F: J.Stringer, J.Hogan, T.Greene (c)<\/p>\n
R: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Fonti, J.Riccardi, R.Angwin, T.Bedford, T.McMullin (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: H.Rowston, H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Amid the insane 79-point turnaround last Friday night against cross-town rivals Sydney, two of the Giants\u2019 inclusions have found themselves straight back on the injury list. Both veteran Josh Kelly and gun defender Jack Buckley came away from the \u2018Battle of the Bridge\u2019 with a strained calf, and are now expected to miss the rest of the home-and-away season recovering. Adam Kingsley\u2019s side has a plethora of in-form talent to choose from in the VFL as their replacement, with Leek Aleer \u2018rested\u2019 from the Derby and almost certainly set to replace Taylor. As for the inclusion for Kelly, any of Jacob Wehr, \ufeffthe omitted \ufeffHarryRowston, \ufeff\ufeffJosh Fahey or Harvey Thomas are a live chance of playing the Bulldogs. Emergency Max Gruzewski also kicked five goals over the weekend against Sydney\u2019s reserves, and looks a logical replacement for the suspended Toby Greene to try and stretch the Dogs\u2019 defence. <\/p>\n
Power embarrassed after Crows thrashing | 00:47<\/p>\n
ADELAIDE CROWS v HAWTHORN<\/p>\n
Friday August 1, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval<\/p>\n
Crows\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: J.Worrell, N.Murray, R.Laird<\/p>\n
HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, M.Michalanney<\/p>\n
C: J.Soligo, J.Dawson (c), D.Curtin<\/p>\n
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen<\/p>\n
F: I.Rankine, D.Fogarty, T.Walker<\/p>\n
R: R.O\u2019Brien, J.Peatling, S.Berry<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.Pedlar, Z.Taylor, M.Hinge, B.Cook, C.Jones (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: B.Smith, C.Burgess, L.Nankervis<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Things couldn\u2019t be going much better at West Lakes right now, however a hamstring strain to Max Michalanney in their 98-point win over Port Adelaide is the sole exception. The 21-year-old will miss at least the rest of the home-and-away season, but should be a live chance to return come finals. Veteran defender Brodie Smith looks best placed to replace Michalanney, however James Borlase could also be a consideration. Medium forwards Luke Pedlar and \ufeffZacTaylor didn\u2019t set the world alight on Saturday night, but structurally they\u2019re beginning \ufeffto prove themselves critical to Matthew Nicks\u2019 side and should hold their spots. It means the likes of Chris Burgess, Luke Nankervis and Lachie Murphy are unlikely to be rewarded for their strong games in the SANFL Showdown. The one possible exception to that is Matt Crouch, who racked up a massive 36 disposals and 19 contested possessions in his second game back from a hip injury. Should the 164-gamer be looked upon favourably, \ufeffsub Chayce Jones could be in some jeopardy. <\/p>\n
Hawks\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick<\/p>\n
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw<\/p>\n
C: H.Morrison, J.Worpel, J.Ward,<\/p>\n
HF: K.Amon, C.Dear, N.Watson<\/p>\n
F: C.Macdonald, M.Lewis, D.Moore<\/p>\n
R: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, W.Day<\/p>\n
I\/C: M.D\u2019Ambrosio, C.Nash, J.Ginnivan, J.Gunston, B.Macdonald (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: M.Ramsden, C.Mackenzie, J.Serong<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Friday night looms as a monster clash for the Hawks, who can\u2019t afford many slip-ups amid a very tough finish to their home-and-away season. Key forward Mabior Chol has been battling groin soreness, with his availability for the trip to South Australia still not entirely clear. Such is their strength up forward, that Chol may in fact return via the reserves while Mitch Lewis gets another crack in attack. Midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out and managed after a quiet first half against the Blues, and there\u2019s no indication that he won\u2019t be right to take on the Crows. Box Hill had a bye in the VFL, preventing the club\u2019s fringe players from pushing their case once more. <\/p>\n
May ban upheld within ’15-minutes’ | 01:57<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE v WEST COAST EAGLES<\/p>\n
Saturday August 2, 1:20pm at Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n
Demons\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: J.Bowey, T.McDonald, J.McVee<\/p>\n
HB: C.Windsor, D.Turner, C.Salem<\/p>\n
C: K.Chandler, C.Petracca, H.Langford<\/p>\n
HF: J.Viney, B.Fritsch, T.Sparrow<\/p>\n
F: J.Melksham, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett<\/p>\n
R: M.Gawn (c), C.Oliver, E.Langdon<\/p>\n
I\/C: X.Lindsay, B.Howes, T.Rivers, H.Petty, C.Spargo (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: M.Jefferson, J.Adams, J.Culley<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Does Simon Goodwin make a serious selection statement, despite his side playing so well for 75 per cent of their match against St Kilda? It\u2019s entirely possible, and if so, there are a few names who could be towards the front of the queue. Tall Harrison Petty is averaging eight disposals and less than a goal a game in his six AFL outings since Round 11, with Sunday\u2019s match his quietest of the lot. Caleb Windsor\u2019s spot in the side continues to look shaky, particularly after being subbed out early in the fourth quarter. A Judd McVee or Jacob van Rooyen could also be vulnerable, however the latter has been alright in recent weeks. Forgotten veteran Jack Billings had a monster day out for Casey Demons on Sunday, putting up 36 disposals, two goals and seven tackles as he hopes to add to his one game at AFL level so far this season. Winger Harry Sharp kicked five goals of his own to push for a recall, while Bailey Laurie was also among the best players.<\/p>\n
Eagles\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
Backs: T.Cole, S.Brock, R.Bazzo<\/p>\n
Half Backs: L.Duggan (c), R.Ginbey, T.McCarthy<\/p>\n
Centres: M.Owies, T.Kelly, J.Hutchinson<\/p>\n
Half Forwards: T.Brockman, A.Reid, L.Baker<\/p>\n
Forwards: L.Ryan, J.Shanahan, J.Cripps<\/p>\n
Rucks: M.Flynn, B.Hough, H.Reid<\/p>\n
Interchange: E.Hewett, R.Maric, C.Hall, B.Williams, T.Dewar (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: N.Long, J.Petruccelle<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The biggest news to come out of Saturday\u2019s Western Derby was the syndesmosis injury to Harley Reid \u2014 which has ultimately ended his 2025 season. It\u2019s a very sour blow for him and the club, who despite their loss, looked to be getting the best out of Reid in the last few weeks. In a late, late change before the match too, Harry Edwards was withdrawn with a hamstring injury that looks to see him miss time on the sidelines also. In the WAFL, surely Tom Gross has done enough to earn a senior recall after his 24 disposals and two goals. Small forward Loch Rawlinson was also impressive for his two majors from 14 touches, hopeful of adding to his one-game tally at AFL level. <\/p>\n
Reid ruled out for the rest of 2025 | 01:39<\/p>\n
GOLD COAST SUNS v RICHMOND<\/p>\n
Saturday August 2, 4:10pm at People First Stadium<\/p>\n
Suns\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: B.Uwland, M.Andrew, S.Collins<\/p>\n
HB: J.Noble, W.Powell, J.Jeffrey<\/p>\n
C: L.Weller, A.Davies, B.Fiorini<\/p>\n
HF: B.Ainsworth, S.Flanders, B.Humphrey<\/p>\n
F: B.Long, J.Farrar, B.King<\/p>\n
R: J.Witts, M.Rowell, N.Anderson (c)<\/p>\n
I\/C: N.Holman, E.Read, C.Budarick, O.Adams, L.Lombard (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Walter, N.Moyle, D.Swallow<\/p>\n
Team Tips: All is well on the Gold Coast! They look set to be favourites in all five of their remaining home-and-away games, and their team looks to have regained the continuity they lost in Adelaide during Round 19. That means they could go into Saturday evening\u2019s clash unchanged against Damien Hardwick\u2019s old club. That would see Touk Miller given at least another week to try and return from his hamstring injury. Omitted SSP selection Ben Jepson was strong in his response for 26 disposals and a goal, while Category B rookie Zak Evans was again potent in attack for his 3.2. All in all though, it looks unlikely Hardwick will make too many, if any, changes at selection. They could opt to rest Jarrod Witts in favour of Ned Moyle, but given he was last rested only a month ago, that seems more unlikely than likely.<\/p>\n
Tigers\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, N.Broad<\/p>\n
HB: S.Banks, T.Young, J.Short<\/p>\n
C: J.Trezise, D.Prestia, K.McIntosh<\/p>\n
HF: S.Green, T.Hotton, M.Rioli<\/p>\n
F: R.Mansell, J.Faull, T.Sims<\/p>\n
R: T.Nankervis (c), J.Ross, J.Hopper<\/p>\n
I\/C: N.Balta, T.Brown, T.Sonsie, L.Trainor, J.Alger (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: H.Armstrong, J.Koschitzke<\/p>\n
Team Tips: They were competitive, but the Tigers came back down to earth against ladder-leading Collingwood after back-to-back wins \u2014 and in an ideal world, there\u2019ll be a couple of changes coming at selection. Pending any setbacks, Tim Taranto should return after being a late out with calf soreness, with James Trezise looming as the exclusion. Seth Campbell will return to Adem Yze\u2019s lineup after suffering a concussion against the Eagles, but Steely Green \u2014 his replacement last Thursday at selection \u2014 was impressive against the Pies and should keep his spot, leaving Jasper Alger vulnerable after finishing as the side\u2019s lowest-rated player last Sunday. Ben Miller was impacted by a hip-pointer issue against Collingwood but played out the game, suggesting he\u2019s not in danger of missing the trip to the Gold Coast. Yze could opt to give young key forward Tom Sims a spell, with Harry Armstrong set to come back into calculations after returning through the VFL from his hamstring injury. Jacob Koschitzke was also named as an emergency last Sunday, in case it\u2019s more experience Yze covets, while Jacob Blight played a key ruck role at VFL level last weekend if it\u2019s Toby Nankervis support that\u2019s needed. If all goes to plan, Josh Smillie should travel north with the club and make his first VFL appearance since early May. <\/p>\n
Greene’s groin kick raises eyebrows | 00:26<\/p>\n
SYDNEY SWANS v ESSENDON<\/p>\n
Saturday August 2, 4:15pm at the SCG<\/p>\n
Swans\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: L.Melican, D.Rampe, H.Cunningham<\/p>\n
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks<\/p>\n
C: M.Roberts, Ch.Warner, J.Lloyd<\/p>\n
HF: J.Rowbottom, W.Hayward, J.Jordon<\/p>\n
F: T.Papley, H.McLean, J.McInerney<\/p>\n
R: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, E.Gulden<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Hamling, A.Sheldrick, B.Campbell, J.Buller, A.Francis (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: P.Ladhams, O.Florent, R.Bice<\/p>\n
Team Tips: It\u2019s now officially season over for the Swans in 2025, with injuries to both Hayden McLean (concussion), and Joel Hamling (hamstring) souring what was an already tough finish to their loss against GWS. A number of players in the VFL performed and could replace them, with Riley Bice and Corey Warner doing their hopes no harm after strong performances. Emergencies Peter Ladhams and Ollie Florent were also notable, leaving coach Dean Cox with food for thought heading into a fixture where they\u2019ll firm as heavy favourites. Veteran Taylor Adams returned successfully from a hamstring complaint, however may be given another week in the reserves. Assessments of Tom McCartin continue to be ongoing after his Round 18 concussion.<\/p>\n
Bombers\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: A.McGrath, J.Laverde, A.Roberts<\/p>\n
HB: M.Redman, J.Ridley, A.Clarke<\/p>\n
C: S.El-Hawli, Z.Merrett (c), L.Lual<\/p>\n
HF: A.Perkins, P.Wright, J.Gresham<\/p>\n
F: N.Caddy, L.McMahon, I.Kako<\/p>\n
R: T.Goldstein, D.Shiel, S.Durham<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Prior, M.Guelfi, Z.Johnson, L.Blakiston, O.Smartt (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: B.Hobbs, J.Menzie, V.Visentini<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Essendon\u2019s injury crisis this season has gone from bad, to worse, to even worse, to rock bottom… and now even worse. Jordan Ridley has succumbed to his third hamstring injury this season, ruling him out for the remainder of 2025. It means yet another senior player is out for the season, and there aren\u2019t any reinforcements coming back anytime soon. Sub Oskar Smartt could be vulnerable at selection should Brad Scott opt to pull any unforced changes. In the VFL, there (unsurprisingly) aren\u2019t many players to call upon for AFL opportunity. Alwyn Davey Jnr was solid for his 19 disposals and six intercept possessions, and will be hopeful of returning to AFL level for the first time this year. <\/p>\n
West Coast’s $24m decision! | 03:03<\/p>\n
COLLINGWOOD v BRISBANE LIONS<\/p>\n
Saturday August 2, 7:35pm at the MCG<\/p>\n
Magpies\u2019 Round 20 side<\/p>\n
B: B.Maynard, C.Dean, D.Moore (c)<\/p>\n
HB: I.Quaynor, J.Daicos, H.Perryman<\/p>\n
C: S.Sidebottom, N.Daicos, J.Crisp<\/p>\n
HF: L.Schultz, D.McStay, L.Sullivan<\/p>\n
F: J.Elliott, B.Mihocek, T.Membrey<\/p>\n
R: D.Cameron, T.Mitchell, N.Long<\/p>\n
I\/C: P.Lipinski, D.Houston, E.Allan, W.Hoskin-Elliott, O.Markov (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: R.Steele, M.Cox<\/p>\n