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<\/p>\n
ROUND 1 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)<\/p>\n
HAWTHORN v SYDNEY <\/p>\n
Thursday, March 19, 7.30pm at the MCG<\/p>\n
Hawks\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n
B: K.Amon, T.Barrass, J.Impey<\/p>\n
HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick<\/p>\n
C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, M.D\u2019Ambrosio<\/p>\n
HF: S.Butler, M.Lewis, N.Watson<\/p>\n
F: C.Macdonald, M.Chol, J.Gunston<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe (c), C.Nash<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Scrimshaw, J.Ginnivan, J.Ward, J.Weddle, N.Reeves<\/p>\n
EMG: H.Morrison, N.Mraz, B.Macdonald<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Hard to imagine Sam Mitchell making any changes from the team that obliterated Essendon last Friday night. Trialling a different look to Opening Round with the two rucks together, it worked as well as Hawthorn could\u2019ve hoped, with the Hawks dominating the midfield battle and Ned Reeves even getting on the scoreboard with two goals. Both Lloyd Meek and Reeves played under 60 per cent game time against Essendon, and they should do the same in a tougher assignment against Brodie Grundy. <\/p>\n
Swans\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n
B: C.Mills (c), T.McCartin, D.Rampe<\/p>\n
HB: L.Melican, N.Blakey, J.Serong<\/p>\n
C: R.Bice, J.McInerney, M.Roberts<\/p>\n
HF: M.Rosas, J.Rowbottom, T.Papley<\/p>\n
F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, I.Heeney<\/p>\n
FOLL: B.Grundy, E.Gulden, Ch.Warner<\/p>\n
I\/C: S.Wicks, A.Sheldrick, J.Jordon, J.Lloyd, L.McDonald<\/p>\n
EMG: Co.Warner, P.Ladhams, H.McLean<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Forced into at least one change with Errol Gulden<\/a> to undergo surgery that will sideline the superstar for around four months<\/a>, in a massive blow. They might need to replace Isaac Heeney (hamstring), too, pending the severity of his setback – with SEN\u2019s Sam Edmund reporting on Monday night that Heeney has been \u201ccleared of serious damage\u201d. But while he\u2019s \u201cperhaps unlikely\u201d to play against Hawthorn due to Sydney\u2019s short turnaround, he\u2019s set to be a \u201ctest\u201d to play this week. Harry Cunningham is nearing his return from a quad issue and could come straight back into the senior team, while Taylor Adams could be another option for Dean Cox to ponder. The Swans could also look to their younger brigade for reinforcements like Corey Warner and Caiden Cleary, while Jesse Dattoli is on the verge of a return. Sydney might also consider bringing in Peter Ladhams or Hayden McLean to combat Hawthorn\u2019s Lloyd Meek-Ned Reeves duo and to ensure Brodie Grundy stays fresh. <\/p>\n ADELAIDE CROWS v WESTERN BULLDOGS<\/p>\n Friday, March 20, 7.40pm at Adelaide Oval<\/p>\n Crows\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n FB: J.Butts, J.Worrell, H.Bond<\/p>\n HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, R.Laird<\/p>\n C: L.Nankervis, J.Dawson (c), C.Jones<\/p>\n HF: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, L.Pedlar<\/p>\n FF: B.Keays, T.Walker, D.Fogarty<\/p>\n FOLL: L.McAndrew, C.Edwards, J.Rachele<\/p>\n I\/C: B.Cook, Z.Taylor, J.Borlase, B.Dowling, T.Murray, L.Sholl, M.Marsh, M.Michalanney<\/p>\n EMG: O.Ryan, A.Ludowyke, R.O\u2019Brien, F.Maley<\/p>\n Team Tips: Matthew Nicks confirmed on Fox Footy on Monday night that his Crows would welcome back Izak Rankine from suspension in a massive boost after a win over Collingwood. But who makes way for Rankine isn\u2019t super obvious. Toby Murray could be the odd man out after only paying 32 per cent ruck against Collingwood as ruck support for Lachlan McAndrew. If Matthew Nicks wants to stick with the same structure and play two rucks against Tim English, it could be Luke Pedlar or Hugh Bond who find themselves vulnerable. Looms as the Crows\u2019 only change, with their other key names like Dan Curtin and Mark Keane still a ways off from returning. <\/p>\n Bulldogs\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: L.Jaques, B.Khamis, R.Lobb<\/p>\n HB: C.Budarick, J.O\u2019Donnell, B.Dale<\/p>\n C: S.Davidson, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams<\/p>\n HF: R.West, S.Darcy, J.Freijah<\/p>\n F: W.Lewis, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore<\/p>\n FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E. Richards<\/p>\n I\/C: M.Sellwood, O.Baker, C.Hynes, R.Sanders, L.Bramble<\/p>\n EMG: H.Gallagher, L.Kennedy, L.Emmett<\/p>\n Team Tips: There will be a watch on Jordan Croft (back) and Arthur Jones (concussion) to further boost a humming Dogs outfit that demolished the Giants. If Croft is ready to return, he should slot straight back in for Will Lewis, who had six disposals and passed a concussion test after a head clash. Cooper Hynes could be the unlucky one to go for Jones, though Lewis could be first out if Croft isn\u2019t ready. Adam Treloar played in the club\u2019s VFL practice match on the weekend, but the midfielder will likely continue to build reps in the twos.<\/p>\n RICHMOND v GOLD COAST SUNS<\/p>\n Saturday March 21, 1.15pm at the MCG<\/p>\n Tigers\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: N.Balta, B.Miller, N.Broad<\/p>\n HB: S.Grlj, S.Banks, J.Short<\/p>\n C: K.McAuliffe, S.Lalor, H.Ralphsmith<\/p>\n HF: R.Mansell, S.Campbell, M.Rioli, <\/p>\n F: H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, J.Faull<\/p>\n FOLL: T.Nankveris, T.Taranto, J.Ross<\/p>\n I\/C: J.Gibcus, J.Trezise, J.Hopper, S.Green, C.Gray<\/p>\n EMG: T.Brown, L.Trainor, T.Sonsie<\/p>\n Team Tips: The Tigers will take plenty out of their tight loss to the Blues, given they would have triumphed with straighter kicking. However, on a sour note, dynamic forward Rhyan Mansell came away from the match with a fractured wrist, with the club announcing he\u2019ll miss the next three to four weeks. That\u2019s after young forward Jonty Faull was hit with a one-match suspension for striking Jacob Weitering. However, veteran star Nick Vlastuin is set to make his season debut after he was managed out of the Blues game, while Dion Prestia has also been deemed available – though his return could come at VFL level first. Liam Fawcett – who kicked three goals in the VFL side\u2019s final tune-up – and Mykelti Lefau, back available after suspension, will be considered to replace Faull. Zane Peucker was lively at VFL level with two goals to put his hand up for a debut, but Tyler Sonsie, the held-over emergency last Thursday, seems likelier to take Mansell\u2019s spot in the side. Campbell Gray – despite his competitiveness against the Blues – could be the unlucky casualty to make way for Vlastuin, with Tom Brown still likely out of favour to start the year. <\/p>\n Suns\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: M.Andrew, B.Uwland, S.Collins<\/p>\n HB: J.Noble, D.Rioli, J.Jeffrey<\/p>\n C: L.Weller, W.Powell, S.Clohesy<\/p>\n HF: T.Miller, J.Rogers, W.Graham<\/p>\n F: E.Read, B.King, L.Lombard<\/p>\n FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), C.Petracca<\/p>\n I\/C: A.Davies, B.Long, Z.Uwland, O.Adams, J.Farrar<\/p>\n EMG: J.Walter, N.Moyle, C.Graham<\/p>\n Team Tips: Gold Coast continued its ominous start to the season, trouncing the Eagles in the first hour on Sunday before taking its foot off the brake in the second half. It\u2019s an incredibly hard team to get into, and you wouldn\u2019t imagine there\u2019ll be many changes made to it, heading into an MCG clash with Richmond. Jed Walter continues to stake his claim for a recall after he was overlooked following his one-game suspension, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan lined up in the VFL side\u2019s final preseason tune-up against Palm Beach Currumbin. Ethan Read and Jy Farrar were the Suns\u2019 two lowest-rated players against the Eagles. Key defender Charlie Ballard is one step closer to a return from his long injury lay-off after again playing VFL minutes, with Oscar Adams the likely casualty once that time comes. <\/p>\n GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA<\/p>\n Saturday March 21, 4.15pm at ENGIE Stadium<\/p>\n Giants\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: J.Laverde, J.Buckley, C.Idun<\/p>\n HB: L.Ash, L.Whitfield, J.Fonti<\/p>\n C: H.Thomas, C.Oliver, R.Angwin<\/p>\n HF: P.Gothard, J.Riccardi, S.Coniglio<\/p>\n F: J.Stringer, J.Hogan, M.Gruzewski<\/p>\n FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan<\/p>\n I\/C: H.Himmelberg, H.Rowston, J.Delana, X.O\u2019Halloran, C.Brown<\/p>\n EMG: C.Stone, J.Leake, O.Hannaford<\/p>\n Team Tips: Expect a couple of changes after the Bulldogs sent the Giants crashing back down to earth last Saturday. Phoenix Gothard was quiet in his second AFL appearance – the side\u2019s second-lowest rated player – and could be a casualty at selection with Ollie Hannaford a travelling emergency. Joey Delana, too, was rarely heard from. There\u2019ll be a watch on defender Harry Himmelberg, who sustained a chin injury against the Dogs. Aaron Cadman (pelvis) and Toby Bedford (hamstring) are nearing returns but won\u2019t be available this week.<\/p>\n Saints\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti<\/p>\n HB: A.Tauru, B.Hill, N.Wanganeen-Milera<\/p>\n C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, D.Wilson<\/p>\n HF: M.Phillipou, H.Boxshall, M.Owens<\/p>\n F: L.Ryan, C.Sharman, J.Higgins<\/p>\n FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair<\/p>\n I\/C: J.Macrae, I.Keeler, J.Carroll, M.Wood, H.Garcia<\/p>\n EMG: L.Stocker, A.Dodson, C.Banfield<\/p>\n Team Tips: A couple of changes likely coming for the Saints after falling to 0-2, with ruckman Rowan Marshall set to return after his concussion – pending his exiting protocols – and Isaac Keeler likely to be dropped as a like-for-like. In injury concerns, young midfielder Matteas Phillipou exited the Dees game with a corked quad, while forward Liam Ryan came away with a corked shoulder. First-year midfielder Charlie Banfield was in last week\u2019s 23-man squad, seemingly on the precipice of an early debut. Liam Stocker has been an emergency for the first two weeks and could be considered again for a call-up. <\/p>\n FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE<\/p>\n Saturday March 21, 7.35pm at Optus Stadium<\/p>\n Dockers\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: K.Worner, O.McDonald, H.Chapman<\/p>\n HB: J.Clark, A.Pearce (c), J.McVee<\/p>\n C: C.Wagner, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson<\/p>\n HF: I.Dudley, P.Voss, S.Switkowski<\/p>\n F: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Reid<\/p>\n FOLL: S.Darcy, L.Jackson, C.Serong<\/p>\n I\/C: B.Walker, J.Amiss, N.O\u2019Driscoll, N.Erasmus, H.Young<\/p>\n EMG: M.Cox, B.Banfield, H.Davies<\/p>\n Team Tips: The Dockers pushed the Cats for most of Saturday\u2019s clash, so despite the disappointing fadeout loss, there shouldn\u2019t be a world of change at selection. Brennan Cox could return after a calf injury kept him out of the Geelong game, while Hugh Davies, an emergency last week, could be an option to consider if the Dockers want an alternative tall option in defence. Veteran Luke Ryan, overlooked by Justin Longmuir to start the season, missed out on playing in Peel\u2019s practice match at the weekend due to illness. <\/p>\n Demons\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: H.Petty, J.Lever, B.Howes<\/p>\n HB: C.Jiath, D.Turner, C.Salem<\/p>\n C: X.Lindsay, J.Steele, E.Langdon<\/p>\n HF: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, T.Sparrow<\/p>\n F: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, K.Chandler<\/p>\n FOLL: M.Gawn (c), C.Windsor, H.Langford<\/p>\n I\/C: K.Tholstrup, J.Culley, T.Rivers, H.Sharp, L.Pickett<\/p>\n EMG: J.Melksham, T.McDonald, M.Heath<\/p>\n Team Tips: After a tremendous start to life under Steven King, not a lot of change is expected at the selection table, heading into a big clash with Fremantle. But Jake Melksham could be an inclusion after booting four first-half goals in Casey\u2019s final preseason hitout, while Bailey Laurie was impressive with three majors of his own. Tom Sparrow was one of the Dees\u2019 quieter players with six disposals, but it\u2019s hard to tip any omissions after such a stirring win. There are no immediate injury returns for the Demons, with Jack Viney and Jack Bowey still months away. <\/p>\n PORT ADELAIDE v ESSENDON<\/p>\n Sunday March 22, 3.15pm at Adelaide Oval<\/p>\n Power\u2019s Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: L.Jones, E.Ratugolea, T.Marshall<\/p>\n HB: M.Bergman, A.Aliir, K.Farrell<\/p>\n C: J.Burgoyne, C.Rozee (c), J.Wehr<\/p>\n HF: J.Horne-Francis, M.Georgiades, J.Berry<\/p>\n F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, J.Richards<\/p>\n FOLL: D.Visentini, Z.Butters, W.Drew<\/p>\n I\/C: C.Durdin, O.Lord, E.Mackinlay, L.Evans, J.Watkins<\/p>\n EMG: J.Mead, J.Lukosius, J.Sweet<\/p>\n Team Tips: After a baptism of fire for senior coach Josh Carr, changes are likely coming ahead of the Power\u2019s clash with Essendon. One of them could be forced, with Todd Marshall sustaining an ankle injury – however, reports suggest there\u2019s crucially no structural damage. Will Brodie was impressive in the SANFL side\u2019s final preseason tune-up – booting a team-high three goals – as was Jack Lukosius, who was overlooked for selection last week and could come into calculations this week. There will be a conversation going forward around whether Dante Visentini should remain the number one option over Jordon Sweet, who was also an emergency last week. <\/p>\n Bombers\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: J.Prior, B.McKay, Z.Reid<\/p>\n HB: A.Roberts, M.Redman, A.McGrath (c)<\/p>\n C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, B.Fiorini<\/p>\n HF: S.Durham, N.Caddy, A.Perkins<\/p>\n F: H.El Achkar, P.Wright, K.Langford<\/p>\n FOLL: L.Blakiston, D.Parish, Z.Merrett<\/p>\n I\/C: D.Sharp, A.May, M.Kondogiannis, Z.Johnson, J.Nguyen<\/p>\n EMG: J.Farrow, M.Guelfi, S.El-Hawli<\/p>\n Team Tips: An uninspiring display against the Hawks will prompt change at selection this week. The Bombers took caution with Isaac Kako\u2019s hamstring injury, but the electric forward should come into calculations this Thursday. Jade Gresham booted five goals in the Bombers VFL\u2019s final preseason hitout, while fledgling midfielder Elijah Tsatas pressed his case for a senior recall after a best-on-ground effort. There could be some names vulnerable in defence after last Friday\u2019s result, with highly-rated rebounder Jacob Farrow on the precipice of an AFL debut. Jordan Ridley (calf) could come back into the frame next week, while top draftee Sullivan Robey played VFL minutes at the weekend and will press his case at some stage. <\/p>\n WEST COAST EAGLES v NORTH MELBOURNE<\/p>\n Sunday March 22, 6.10pm at Optus Stadium<\/p>\n Eagles\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: R.Ginbey, T.Young, B.Allan<\/p>\n HB: L.Duggan (c), B.Hough, J.Lindsay<\/p>\n C: H.Davis, E.Yeo, D.Robertson<\/p>\n HF: J.Graham, J.Shanahan, W.Duursma<\/p>\n F: A.Reid, J.Waterman, J.Cripps<\/p>\n FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, T.McCarthy<\/p>\n I\/C: C.Duff-Tytler, R.Maric, T.Cole, J.Newton, M.Murdock<\/p>\n EMG: T.Kelly, R.Bazzo, F.Macrae<\/p>\n Team Tips: Despite a promising second-half effort against the Suns, there\u2019s a decent likelihood of unforced changes at the selection table. Harry Edwards seems likely to return to Andrew McQualter\u2019s side after his concussion, while Liam Baker and Harry Schoenberg are eligible to return after suspensions. Tim Kelly will be considered for inclusion after being overlooked by Andrew McQualter, while Fin Macrae was also named as an emergency last Sunday.<\/p>\n Kangaroos\u2019 Round 1 team<\/p>\n B: T.Pink, G.Logue, C.Comben<\/p>\n HB: F.O\u2019Sullivan, C.Daniel, T.Blamires<\/p>\n C: J.Simpkin, T.Powell, D.Stephens<\/p>\n HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, J.Konstanty<\/p>\n F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), L.Dovaston<\/p>\n FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.SheezelI<\/p>\n I\/C: Z.Duursma, C.McKercher, L.McDonald, L.Parker, J.Darling<\/p>\n EMG: C.Coleman-Jones, Z.Banch, R.Hansen Jr<\/p>\n Team Tips: It was a terrific start to the season for the Kangaroos, and after getting through unscathed from an injury perspective, there won\u2019t be reason for much change at the selection table. That\u2019s despite the availability of George Wardlaw after his hamstring injury, with the club now to assess whether bringing the hard-nosed ball-winner back into the senior side straight away is the smartest option. Meanwhile, Riley Hardeman could press his case for inclusion after an ankle hiccup, performing strongly in the VFL side\u2019s final preseason tune-up. Luke Urquhart, meanwhile, exited that clash with knee soreness. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Swans have a few selection questions to answer with their two biggest superstars in the wars with…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":544030,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[2534,36664,9126,638,8406,269563,1813,67818,64,63,689,55,639,684,269553,696,36855,12124,5340,70507,107837,269552,39259,54914,1818,12148,17988,269562,269566,11231,269560,269556,269550,254488,269551,10124,12099,14414,39194,2485,9130,4517,12122,63365,26122,249082,49772,269564,3487,68995,49806,269558,3231,25865,3417,12092,269561,269557,27709,10400,39242,3465,12096,269554,28267,239709,11234,16712,647,104065,17985,677,49791,30180,14449,14446,269565,251367,701,30397,672,269559,12936,54603,14436,22401,27724,32654,85,79260,7200,27740,14445,11737,8404,233535,42261,164630,269555,60279,14453,39206,660,698,49788],"class_list":["post-544029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-afl","tag-aaron-cadman","tag-adam-treloar","tag-adelaide-crows","tag-afl","tag-andrew-mcqualter","tag-ankle-hiccup","tag-ankle-injury","tag-arthur-jones","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australia-and-new-zealand","tag-australian-football-league","tag-australianfootballleague","tag-ben-cotton","tag-best-on-ground-effort","tag-brad-scott","tag-brennan-cox","tag-brodie-grundy","tag-calf-injury","tag-charlie-ballard","tag-charlie-banfield","tag-chin-injury","tag-coast-eagles-v","tag-dan-curtin","tag-david-king","tag-dean-cox","tag-dion-prestia","tag-disappointing-fadeout-loss","tag-e-richards","tag-essendon-bombers","tag-final-preseason","tag-final-preseason-hitout","tag-final-preseason-tune-up","tag-final-tune-up","tag-fledgling-midfielder","tag-fremantle-dockers","tag-game-time","tag-george-wardlaw","tag-giants-v","tag-gold-coast","tag-gold-coast-suns","tag-hamstring-injury","tag-harold-raymond-edwards","tag-harry-cunningham","tag-head-clash","tag-hugh-davies","tag-injury-concerns","tag-injury-perspective","tag-isaac-heeney","tag-isaac-kako","tag-isaac-keeler","tag-jack-bowey","tag-jack-jovanovski","tag-jack-viney","tag-jacob-farrow","tag-jake-melksham","tag-joey-delana","tag-jonty-faull","tag-josh-carr","tag-justin-longmuir","tag-knee-soreness","tag-leigh-montagna","tag-lloyd-meek","tag-lloyd-meek-ned-reeves","tag-luke-ryan","tag-luke-urquhart","tag-mark-keane","tag-matthew-nicks","tag-melbourne","tag-midfield-battle","tag-nick-vlastuin","tag-oceania","tag-one-game-suspension","tag-one-match-suspension","tag-oscar-adams","tag-predicted-sides","tag-promising-second-half-effort","tag-quad-issue","tag-queensland","tag-rhyan-mansell","tag-richmond-tigers","tag-ruck-support","tag-sam-mitchell","tag-season-debut","tag-selection-table","tag-senior-coach","tag-senior-recall","tag-senior-team","tag-sports","tag-steven-king","tag-sydney-swans","tag-taylor-adams","tag-team-changes","tag-team-tips","tag-tim-kelly","tag-toby-murray","tag-todd-marshall","tag-tom-brown","tag-travelling-emergency","tag-v-gold-coast","tag-v-western","tag-veteran-star","tag-victoria","tag-western-bulldogs","tag-young-midfielder"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/544029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=544029"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/544029\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/544030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=544029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=544029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=544029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}