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<\/p>\n
ROUND 18 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)<\/p>\n
FREMANTLE vs. SYDNEY SWANS<\/p>\n
Thursday July 9, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium<\/p>\n
Dockers\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman<\/p>\n
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner<\/p>\n
C: N.O\u2019Driscoll, A.Brayshaw, N.Erasmus<\/p>\n
HF: M.Reid, M.Frederick, S.Switkowski<\/p>\n
F: P.Voss, J.Amiss, J.Treacy<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, S.Bolton<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.McVee, M.Johnson, H.Young, I.Dudley, S.Darcy<\/p>\n
EMG: J.O\u2019Meara, C.Wagner, C.Scerri<\/p>\n
Team Tips: They\u2019ll need to replace Hayden Young (groin) after another injury setback to the star midfielder, despite an otherwise clean run of health for the Dockers after their 14-game winning streak was snapped by GWS. Last week\u2019s emergencies, Jaeger O\u2019Meara, Corey Wagner and Chris Scerri would appear at the front of the queue for a recall. Wagner was among Peel Thunder\u2019s best with 29 disposals to go with a goal, while Hugh Davies (33 disposals, 10 marks) also put his hand up for a gig. There will be ongoing talk around the backup ruck role, too, and if Mason Cox should come back in for Sean Darcy. But you sense Justin Longmuir and company won\u2019t overreact too much to one loss. <\/p>\n
Swans\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: C.Mills (c), W.Edwards, T.McCartin<\/p>\n
HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, H.Cunningham<\/p>\n
C: J.Lloyd, E.Gulden, J.Serong<\/p>\n
HF: J.Jordon, T.Hanily, J.Rowbottom<\/p>\n
F: C.Cleary, C.Curnow, H.McLean<\/p>\n
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, Ch.Warner<\/p>\n
I\/C: H.Kyle, D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, J.Hamling, Co.Warner<\/p>\n
EMG: R.Bice, B.Cootee, L.Melican<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Back on the winners list after making six changes against the Western Bulldogs \u2014 including Logan McDonald, Peter Ladhams, Joel Amartey and Sam Wicks missing through injury. Of those names, there\u2019s yet to be a more firm update on McDonald (quad) and Ladhams (groin), with the others set for long stints on the sidelines. Hard to see Dean Cox making too many changes, though Tom Papley and Braeden Campbell are back into full training and should be in the selection mix. Riley Bice responded to his axing most emphatically with 35 disposals in the VFL, while Malcolm Rosas (25 touches) and Billy Cootee (one goal from 27 touches) also played well in the twos. Joel Hamling, if Ladhams or McDonald are available, and Tom Hanily might be the most vulnerable at selection as Sydney\u2019s two lowest-rated players against the Dogs.<\/p>\n
‘Weak as piss’: Kingy slams MRO decision | 04:00<\/p>\n
COLLINGWOOD vs. NORTH MELBOURNE<\/p>\n
Friday July 10, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n
Magpies\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: B.Maynard (c), J.Howe, B.Frampton<\/p>\n
HB: H.Perryman, J.Daicos, D.Houston<\/p>\n
C: S.Sidebottom, A.Anderson, P.Lipinski<\/p>\n
HF: L.Schultz, H.Harrison, B.McCreery<\/p>\n
F: J.Buller, N.Daicos, T.Membrey<\/p>\n
FOLL: D.Cameron, E.Allan, J.De Goey<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.Puncher, N.Long, J.Crisp, S.Swadling, D.McStay<\/p>\n
EMG: R.Steele, C.West<\/p>\n
Team Tips: There will be a watch on Scott Pendlebury (calf) and Isaac Quaynor (ankle) after they missed the spirited win over Gold Coast, while Brayden Maynard (ribs) might also be one to monitor after that cheap shot from Ben Long. It could make for a selection headache at Collingwood after the club\u2019s best win for the season over Gold Coast in a game several youngsters impressed. Jack Buller was quiet and might find himself vulnerable, depending on how they weigh up selection integrity against positional needs. If it\u2019s the latter, Liam Puncher would be the obvious one to make for Quaynor, if he\u2019s ready, despite Puncher impressing on debut. Lachie Sullivan had 32 disposals with a goal in the VFL to put his name up, while mid-season draftee Harrison Coe is sitting there ready to be deployed if Craig McRae did want to shake up his ruck mix and provide a chop out to Darcy Cameron. <\/p>\n
Kangaroos\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: A.Corr, C.Comben, L.Parker<\/p>\n
HB: J.Goater, C.Daniel, C.McKercher<\/p>\n
C: J.Simpkin, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens<\/p>\n
HF: F.O\u2019Sullivan, C.Trembath, J.Konstanty<\/p>\n
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), J.Darling<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.McDonald, C.Spargo, W.Dawson, C.Harvey, T.Blamires<\/p>\n
EMG: Z.Duursma, G.Logue, Z.Banch<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Unfortunately there\u2019s concerns of another hamstring setback to George Wardlaw (hamstring) that caused him to exit the loss to Port Adelaide late in the fourth quarter. If Wardlaw misses, it should be a straight swap for Paul Curtis in his return from suspension. North\u2019s VFL team had a bye on the weekend, but the likes of Riley Hardeman and Tom Powell should come into the selection mix. Jacob Konstanty and Charlie Spargo were among North\u2019s lower-rated players against Port to potentially make them vulnerable at selection.<\/p>\n
Saints bounce back against the Dons | 01:33<\/p>\n
ST KILDA vs. PORT ADELAIDE<\/p>\n
Saturday July 11, 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n
Saints\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti<\/p>\n
HB: B.Hill, A.Hastie, R.Byrnes<\/p>\n
C: D.Wilson, L.Stocker, M.Windhager<\/p>\n
HF: J.Higgins, L.Ryan, M.Hall<\/p>\n
F: M.Wood, C.Sharman, M.Owens<\/p>\n
FOLL: R.Marshall, H.Garcia, N.Wanganeen-Milera<\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Travaglia, L.Henry, M.Phillipou, C.Lake, L.O\u2019Connell<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Macrae, D.Butler, A.Dodson<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Don\u2019t expect much change after one of their most dominant performances this season over Essendon. Max King\u2019s (hamstring) return shouldn\u2019t be too far away, though it could be via the VFL. Hugh Boxshall (30 disposals, 17 contested), Paddy Dow (30 touches, 14 contested) and Dan Butler (three goals from 15 disposals) were among the best in the VFL, with Butler omitted after from the senior side after the club\u2019s bye. Jack Macrae was managed but listed as an emergency, so he mightn\u2019t be a lock to return. <\/p>\n
Power\u2019s Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: M.Bergman, B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Lai<\/p>\n
HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, L.Jones<\/p>\n
C: J.Lukosius, J.Horne-Francis, J.Burgoyne<\/p>\n
HF: X.Bamert, M.Georgiades, J.Berry<\/p>\n
F: C.Durdin, J.Whitlock, J.Richards<\/p>\n
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters (c), W.Drew<\/p>\n
I\/C: M.Zadow, O.Wines, J.Mead, D.Visentini, L.Evans<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Wehr, J.Watkins, A.Van Wyk<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Hard to see Josh Carr wanting to tinker with his mix after Port registered consecutive wins for the first time this year. Sam Powell-Pepper (illness) left his second game back in the SANFL early and he\u2019ll likely continue to build reps in the twos. Will Brodie (42 disposals), Jack Watkins (35 touches) and Christian Moraes (one goal from 27 disposals) were among their best in the twos as hopefuls to potentially get a look in against St Kilda, while Todd Marshall has returned to his old role as a forward at the lower level.<\/p>\n
Port beat North to maintain finals hopes | 02:28<\/p>\n
GWS GIANTS vs. GEELONG CATS<\/p>\n
Saturday July 11, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium<\/p>\n
Giants\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg<\/p>\n
HB: L.Ash, L.Whitfield, J.Fonti<\/p>\n
C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas<\/p>\n
HF: S.Coniglio, T.Greene (c), R.Hamilton<\/p>\n
F: A.Cadman, J.Stringer, C.Brown<\/p>\n
FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Bedford, F.Callaghan<\/p>\n
I\/C: H.Oliver, J.Ough, H.Rowston, C.Stone, J.Delana<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Leake, T.McMullin, C.Angove<\/p>\n
Team Tips: In an otherwise great day for the Giants as they snapped Fremantle\u2019s winning streak, GWS will need to replace Lachie Whitfield (concussion) to leave a big void in Adam Kingsley\u2019s side. Phoenix Gothard and Leek Aleer were managed and both players should slot straight back into the 23, while Jack Buckley (hamstring) and Jayden Laverde (hamstring) might also be ready to return. Depending on how many they get back, Riley Hamilton, Harrison Oliver and Josaia Delana were the three lowest-rated Giants on the weekend as the players that could make way. <\/p>\n
Cats\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: C.O\u2019Sullivan, J.Henry, O.Mullin<\/p>\n
HB: J.Kolodjashnij, T.Stewart, M.O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n
C: O.Dempsey, B.Smith, M.Blicavs<\/p>\n
HF: P.Dangerfield (c), J.Cameron, O.Wiltshire<\/p>\n
F: O.Henry, S.Neale, J.Martin<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Edwards, M.Holmes, T.Atkins<\/p>\n
I\/C: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, T.Bruhn, L.Humphries, S.Mannagh<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Bowes, G.Miers, G.Stevens<\/p>\n
Team Tips: A bit for Chris Scott and company to ponder after a fourth loss from their last five games, despite having virtually a full strength list to choose from. Gryan Miers recorded 27 disposals in the VFL as he looks for a reprieve after coming in and out of the senior side following a partially torn ACL injury. Chris Scott said the management of Miers was \u201ccomplicated\u201d but \u201che\u2019s very much in our plans.\u201d Mitch Knevitt (three goals from 30 disposals), Jhye Clark (30 touches), Jack Bowes (27 disposals) and George Stevens (34 touches) also put played well in the twos, while Rhys Stanley and Bradley Close are other options to come in. The Cats probably can\u2019t afford to get too cute and rest anyone, unless Jeremy Cameron is genuinely hampered by injury, while Ollie Henry, Mark O\u2019Connor and Jake Kolodjashnij could be nervous at selection. <\/p>\n
Ross tight-lipped on Neale dinner | 04:49<\/p>\n
CARLTON vs. HAWTHORN<\/p>\n
Saturday July 11, 7:35pm at the MCG <\/p>\n
Blues\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: O.Florent, W.Derksen, N.Haynes<\/p>\n
HB: L.Cowan, M.McGovern, B.Wilson<\/p>\n
C: A.Cerra, S.Walsh, O.Hollands<\/p>\n
HF: M.Cottrell, L.Young, B.Ainsworth<\/p>\n
F: B.Kemp, H.McKay, T.Byrne<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Cripps (c), J.Smith<\/p>\n
I\/C: W.Hayward, N.Newman, G.Hewett, J.Ison, F.Evans<\/p>\n
EMG: F.Young, F.Riley, B.Acres<\/p>\n
Team Tips: After their seventh win in a row, the Blues will be keen to welcome back key defender Harry Dean after he missed against Richmond. His replacement against the Tigers, Lewis Young, was concussed last Saturday night, so the club will hope its Rising Star candidate can come straight back in. Carlton only just got over the line against Richmond, but again there shouldn\u2019t be too much unforced change heading into a defining clash with Hawthorn. Jacob Weitering remains a little while away with his nagging calf issue, listed as \u2018TBC\u2019 on last week\u2019s Carlton injury report. Flynn Riley again had an impact in the reserves, winning 43 hit-outs to go with 17 disposals and four marks. Out-of-favour midfielder Cooper Lord continues to press for a recall, tallying 27 possessions, a goal and six clearances, while small forward Lachie Fogarty remains around the fringes – kicking a goal from 28 touches and seven clearances in the win over the VFL Tigers.<\/p>\n
Hawks\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: J.Sicily, J.Battle, B.Hardwick<\/p>\n
HB: N.Mraz, T.Barrass, B.Macdonald<\/p>\n
C: M.D\u2019Ambrosio, W.Day, H.Morrison<\/p>\n
HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.Ginnivan<\/p>\n
F: M.Hill, M.Lewis, J.Gunston<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe (c), J.Ward<\/p>\n
I\/C: F.Perez, C.Mackenzie, W.McCabe, J.Dalton, C.Macdonald<\/p>\n
EMG: C.Dear, B.Ryan, C.Nairn<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Hawthorn was missing a host of key names in its shock blowout loss to Melbourne last Saturday, with Nick Watson headlining that list. Watson, sidelined by hamstring tightness, was held out of the Demons clash as a precaution, and he was sorely missed. Pending a setback, the expectation is that he\u2019ll retake his place in the side against Carlton. Josh Battle\u2019s (appendicitis) situation is less clear after undergoing surgery last week, though developing key back Noah Mraz performed admirably in his AFL debut. Conor Nash doesn\u2019t have a timeline for his return from a complex neck injury, but Karl Amon and Jarman Impey are set to be back in the selection frame, while Ned Reeves (knee) may require another week on the sidelines. In the VFL, Henry Hustwaite got busy in the midfield, totalling 23 disposals, a goal, eight clearances and 10 tackles in the win over Tasmania. Fellow ball-winner Cody Anderson kicked 2.2 from 25 possessions, while young key forward Aidan Schubert kicked 3.1 from 17 disposals and five marks.<\/p>\n
Solomon: ‘A tough period of time’ | 07:48<\/p>\n
ADELAIDE CROWS vs. GOLD COAST SUNS<\/p>\n
Saturday July 11, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval<\/p>\n
Crows\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: M.Keane, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney<\/p>\n
HB: H.Hall-Kahan, J.Worrell, R.Laird<\/p>\n
C: J.Soligo, J.Dawson (c), L.Nankervis<\/p>\n
HF: I.Rankine, T.Walker, J.Rachele<\/p>\n
F: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.McAndrew, J.Peatling, D.Curtin<\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Murray, S.Berry, B.Cook, Z.Taylor, B.Dowling<\/p>\n
EMG: N.Murray, S.Draper<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Adelaide got back to winning ways against West Coast in Perth, and ahead of a favourable home clash with the struggling Suns, it should regain star forward Riley Thilthorpe. The key-position spearhead was a late withdrawal before the Eagles game but should be right to reclaim his spot. Meanwhile, if they prove themselves fit, the Crows could be bolstered by the returns of Wayne Milera and Cal Ah Chee, who are both nursing hamstring injuries. The latter, though, could be eased back in through the SANFL. And if they can get themselves off the injury report, it\u2019ll be just Mitch Hinge (ankle) and Luke Pedlar (hamstring) in a clean Adelaide injury ward. Elsewhere, Charlie Edwards pressed his claim for a recall after 30 disposals and two goals in the SANFL. Isaac Cumming notched 20 disposals and seven marks, meanwhile, after he was dropped last week.<\/p>\n
Suns\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland<\/p>\n
HB: J.Noble, Z.Uwland, W.Powell<\/p>\n
C: J.Murray, N.Anderson (c), B.Addinsall<\/p>\n
HF: B.King, J.Walter, B.Humphrey<\/p>\n
F: C.Petracca, L.Lombard, B.Long<\/p>\n
FOLL: N.Moyle, T.Miller, M.Rowell<\/p>\n
I\/C: N.Holman, J.Jeffrey, E.Read, D.Patterson, B.Jepson<\/p>\n
EMG: C.Ballard, J.Witts, Z.Evans<\/p>\n
Team Tips: It\u2019s a dire situation at the moment for Damien Hardwick\u2019s Suns, who are in free fall amid a six-game losing streak. They still can\u2019t cultivate a winning formula, despite changes, so where Hardwick goes next at selection is a point of intrigue. But one tweak that will be made, pending an appeal, is the exclusion of important forward Ben Long, who faces a two-match suspension for hitting Brayden Maynard off the ball last Saturday. In terms of possible inclusions, Sam Clohesy is due back from suspension this week, while a host of names could put themselves back in the selection mix. Alex Davies, Will Graham, Jy Farrar and Lachie Gulbin were all last week listed as one week away. Jarrod Witts and Charlie Ballard were dropped last week, while fellow exiled Sun Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked 1.1 from 14 disposals in the reserves.<\/p>\n
Carlton move into wildcard contention | 03:18<\/p>\n
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. WEST COAST EAGLES<\/p>\n
Sunday July 12, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n
Bulldogs\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: N.Coffield, J.O\u2019Donnell, B.Khamis<\/p>\n
HB: C.Budarick, R.Lobb, B.Dale<\/p>\n
C: R.Sanders, M.Bontempelli (c), L.Bramble<\/p>\n
HF: C.Hynes, J.Croft, A.Jones<\/p>\n
F: W.Lewis, A.Naughton, C.Weightman<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.English, J.Freijah, E.Richards<\/p>\n
I\/C: M.Sellwood, T.Liberatore, M.Kennedy, L.Kennedy, L.McNeil<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Busslinger, S.Davidson, R.West<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The Bulldogs\u2019 already threadbare defence took another hit out of an ugly loss to the Swans, with Connor Budarick (ankle) and Nick Coffield (concussion) to miss a vital clash with West Coast. According to reports, Budarick will miss eight or more weeks with a high-grand syndesmosis injury, putting his season in doubt. Adding to the Dogs\u2019 woes, Matt Kennedy will need to be replaced after copping a one-match suspension for a high bump, but the Bulldogs will challenge the ban at the AFL tribunal. The blows down back could open the door for Jedd Busslinger to return for his first AFL appearance since Round 10 after a strong 19-disposal showing in the Dogs\u2019 VFL win over Williamstown, while at the other end of the ground, Rhylee West is all but certain to return from his surprise axing after a best-afield performance as a frontline midfielder. Wingmen Sam Davidson and Oskar Baker (23 disposals apiece) are likely the next cabs off the rank, though with the Bulldogs\u2019 forward pressure a concern against the Swans, Laitham Vandermeer (16 disposals) and Josh Dolan (18 and a goal) did enough in the VFL to be considered. The Dogs could also welcome back Bailey Williams (hamstring) in a welcome boost. Tim English will be a fascinating watch after being moved from the ruck to defence in the second half amid reports of back soreness, but it would be a shock to see him left out. Youngster Luke Kennedy was quiet in his third AFL match with only ten disposals, while Will Lewis went goalless \u2013 but with three forced outs, the Bulldogs scarcely have the cattle to drop either.<\/p>\n
Eagles Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: L.Duggan (c), R.Bazzo, B.Starcevich<\/p>\n
HB: T.McCarthy, T.Young, L.Baker<\/p>\n
C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, B.Allan<\/p>\n
HF: T.Kelly, J.Shanahan, J.Graham<\/p>\n
F: M.Murdock, J.Waterman, J.Hutchinson<\/p>\n
FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, O.Francou<\/p>\n
I\/C: B.Hough, T.Cole, J.Williams, H.Davis, M.Herbert<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Lindsay, T.Gross, S.Brock<\/p>\n
Team Tips: They couldn\u2019t drop their skipper, could they? Co-captain Liam Duggan has been a mainstay for near on a decade, but with 24 oft-shaky disposals, particularly late, in the loss to the Crows and young rebounder Josh Lindsay (19 disposals) impressing in the WAFL, a bombshell call to back in youth from Andrew McQualter could be an outside chance. Though the Eagles mightn\u2019t have the luxury with where they\u2019re currently at. Ryan Maric (24 disposals) and Elijah Hewett (26) responded well to being axed in the Eagles\u2019 win over East Fremantle, as did former Crow Harry Schoenberg (28 disposals, eight inside 50s). Elliot Yeo could be due a spell after looking banged-up and mustering just seven disposals against the Crows on Friday night; while Jack Williams (11 disposals, four hit-outs and a goal) did enough to support Bailey Williams in the ruck for Cooper Duff-Tytler\u2019s calf injury to be further managed.<\/p>\n
Fraser reflects on a gritty 7th-straight | 10:13<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE vs. RICHMOND<\/p>\n
Sunday July 12, 3:15pm at the MCG<\/p>\n
Demons\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: J.Bowey, D.Turner, J.Lever<\/p>\n
HB: B.Howes, C.Jiath, K.Tholstrup<\/p>\n
C: H.Langford, T.Sparrow, C.Windsor<\/p>\n
HF: K.Pickett, K.Chandler, M.Jefferson<\/p>\n
F: L.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Steele, E.Langdon<\/p>\n
I\/C: B.Laurie, T.Rivers, H.Sharp, H.Petty, J.Fitzgerald<\/p>\n
EMG: T.McDonald, J.Henderson, L.Kentfield<\/p>\n
Team Tips: With no injuries out of a topsy-turvy win over Hawthorn in Launceston, Steven King will be hard pressed to make any changes as his side begins an unlikely push for a top-four berth. Christian Salem might need one more week or even a stint in the VFL as he closes in on a return from a foot injury, while Max Heath appears ready to return from shoulder problems if Max Gawn needs his minutes managed. King remains confident Jack Viney (Achilles) and Xavier Lindsay (hip\/groin) will return to the team before season\u2019s end, but given the Dees\u2019 form neither needs to be rushed. Should changes be made, Caleb Windsor (9 disposals) was quiet against the Hawks, while Bailey Laurie remains on the fringes with seven disposals from just 56 per cent game time. After 19 disposals and seven marks for Casey, veteran Tom McDonald remains an option if the Dees want to go taller against Richmond on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Tigers\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, T.Brown<\/p>\n
HB: N.Vlastuin, J.Short, S.Banks<\/p>\n
C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto, J.Trezise<\/p>\n
HF: S.Cumming, S.Campbell, S.Green<\/p>\n
F: N.Balta, T.Lynch, J.Alger<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Hotton, J.Ross<\/p>\n
I\/C: M.Lefau, K.Annand, H.Ralphsmith, R.Mansell, K.McAuliffe<\/p>\n
EMG: K.Smith, T.Sonsie, Z.Peucker<\/p>\n
Team Tips: At least one change will be required when Richmond take on Melbourne, with Jack Ross\u2019 second concussion for the season sidelining the hard-nosed midfielder. Sam Lalor is closing in on a return from his Achilles injury, and would be a welcome return in his place, but Dion Prestia, who was managed out of the Blues clash, makes for a like-for-like swap regardless of the No.1 pick\u2019s availability. After being rested from their loss to Carlton on Saturday night, Sam Grlj would also be expected to slot back in. A 35-point VFL loss to the Blues saw few listed Tigers put their hands up for an AFL recall, with Judson Clarke and Harry Armstrong\u2019s returns from foot and knee injuries respectively a welcome sight as the injury list continues to thin.<\/p>\n
Pies down Suns in fiery affair | 02:58<\/p>\n
BRISBANE LIONS vs. ESSENDON<\/p>\n
Sunday July 12, 4:40pm at the Gabba<\/p>\n
Lions\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: N.Answerth, H.Andrews (c), D.Gardiner<\/p>\n
HB: D.Wilmot, T.Gallop, B.Reville<\/p>\n
C: J.Berry, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey<\/p>\n
HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, L.Ashcroft<\/p>\n
F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, K.Lohmann<\/p>\n
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Fletcher, C.McKenna, J.Tunstill, E.Hipwood, R.Lester<\/p>\n
EMG: S.Marshall, H.Smith, S.Brain<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Luckless defender Darcy Gardiner looks set for another stint on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury late in the Lions\u2019 win over Geelong. Darragh Joyce looms as the likeliest inclusion should the Lions wish to stay tall after a 24-disposal, 11-mark performance in the VFL win over Collingwood. Chris Fagan\u2019s hardest job looms as squeezing stars Dayne Zorko and Hugh McCluggage back into a winning team, with both looming as ready to take on the Bombers following long-term injury lay-offs. James Tunstill is likely to be one to make way after tallying just nine disposals against the Cats, while Eric Hipwood could be due a rest after three quiet games on return from his knee injury. Zac Bailey was taken off in the dying minutes with hamstring tightness, but with a 10-day break, is expected to recover in time. Premiership player Sam Marshall did his chances of a recall no harm with 30 disposals in the seconds, but such are the Lions\u2019 riches that even Keidean Coleman could be forced to bide his time after returning from a hamstring injury via the VFL.<\/p>\n
Bombers\u2019 Round 17 side<\/p>\n
B: A.McGrath (c), Z.Reid, J.Prior<\/p>\n
HB: X.Duursma, J.Ridley, M.Redman<\/p>\n
C: A.Perkins, S.Durham, A.Day-Wicks<\/p>\n
HF: D.Sharp, N.Caddy, J.Caldwell<\/p>\n
F: S.Robey, B.McKay, P.Wright<\/p>\n
FOLL: N.Bryan, Z.Merrett, W.Setterfield<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Farrow, D.Parish, I.Kako, N.Cox, S.El-Hawli<\/p>\n
EMG: H.Jones, M.Kondogiannis, L.Blakiston<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Dean Solomon could be forgiven for ringing the changes after an insipid performance against St Kilda; if the axe is wielded, Archie Perkins and Will Setterfield could have their spots in jeopardy after quiet performances, with Setterfield moved out of the midfield rotation after a brief stint tagging Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. Even Darcy Parish might not be safe after his 15 disposals against the Saints featured a team-high six clangers. The VFL team fared better with a 25-point win over the Saints, with Elijah Tsatas (29 disposals, six clearances) the standout if the AFL midfield needs rejigging. Youngster Angus Clarke impressed with 21 disposals and two goals roaming from half-back to half-forward and must be in line for his first senior game of the season after an injury-riddled run. Liam McMahon\u2019s four-goal haul puts him in the running to replace Ben McKay in attack, who registered a late goal from just five disposals at Marvel Stadium.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The surging Lions are set to get even stronger. Plus a skipper could face the axe in a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":783301,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[43,44,85,41,39,42,40],"class_list":["post-783300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-headlines","tag-headlines","tag-news","tag-sports","tag-top-news","tag-top-stories","tag-topnews","tag-topstories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783300","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=783300"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783300\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/783301"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=783300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=783300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=783300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}