the imminent exclusion of Izak Rankine from their side<\/a> will bring about one forced change. At the forefront of the queue sit young gun Billy Dowling and out-of-favour veteran Matt Crouch; both of which have built substantial cases to be selected even before Rankine\u2019s suspension. The former in particular has been putting up close to video game numbers this last fortnight, however Crouch\u2019s ceiling at the top level is well-documented and his inclusion would provide extra seniority come finals. Small forward Lachie Murphy was quiet in his first game back at AFL level since Round 17, and could also be vulnerable. Substitute Harry Schoenberg was solid enough in limited minutes, and may hold on as the 23rd man for a second straight week.<\/p>\nHas Rankine played his last game? | 01:10<\/p>\n
RICHMOND v GEELONG CATS<\/p>\n
Saturday August 23, 4:15pm at the MCG<\/p>\n
Tigers\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, T.Young<\/p>\n
HB: N.Broad, S.Banks, J.Short<\/p>\n
C: T.Sonsie, D.Prestia, J.Trezise<\/p>\n
HF: M.Rioli, S.Campbell, J.Ross<\/p>\n
F: N.Balta, T.Lynch, R.Mansell<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Hopper<\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Brown, T.Hotton, K.McIntosh, H.Armstrong, S.Green (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: J.Gibcus, J.Koschitzke<\/p>\n
Team Tips: It\u2019s season over for veteran Nick Vlastuin, who injured his ankle against North Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday. Additionally, this weekend\u2019s Saturday evening clash will reportedly be the last for two-time flag winner Kamdyn McIntosh as a Tiger, with Nine\u2019s Tom Morris revealing he will not be offered a new contract at Punt Road for next year. First-year gun Luke Trainor (hamstring tightness) was a late, late out in the Tigers\u2019 Round 23 loss, and whether he will return for the final match of the year remains to be seen. Tall forward Harry Armstrong was very quiet amid a lack of opportunity up forward, while substitute Steely Green had just two touches in the second half after being injected into the match. Kaleb Smith was the best of the AFL-listed players in the club\u2019s reserves side against Williamstown, while Josh Gibcus continues to be on the edge of playing his first game at the top level since Round 1 last year.<\/p>\n
Cats\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, C.O\u2019Sullivan<\/p>\n
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie<\/p>\n
C: O.Dempsey, M.Holmes, M.Blicavs<\/p>\n
HF: T.Stengle, S.Mannagh, B.Close<\/p>\n
F: P.Dangerfield (c), J.Cameron, S.Neale<\/p>\n
FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.Atkins<\/p>\n
I\/C: O.Mullin, G.Miers, M.O\u2019Connor, J.Martin, J.Bowes (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: M.Knevitt, J.Clark, J.Bews<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The Cats couldn\u2019t be travelling any better right now, both on an injury and continuity front. With just two players on their injury list heading into last weekend, Chris Scott looks every chance to go in unchanged against the Tigers on Saturday. It\u2019s unlikely they rest players, but it could be a good opportunity to play the likes of a Mark Blicavs or Rhys Stanley as the substitute; ideally on managed minutes. Jack Bowes hasn\u2019t done much wrong at all to see himself put as the 23rd man, and could come back into the starting side. In the VFL\u2019s season finale against Sydney\u2019s reserves, Ted Clohesy was one of the best afield for his 31 disposals and two goals, while first-year draftee Jay Polkinghorne kicked his second four-goal haul of the season. Emergency Jhye Clark and on-baller George Stevens were also among the best.<\/p>\n
WEST COAST EAGLES v SYDNEY SWANS<\/p>\n
Saturday August 23, 7:35pm at Optus Stadium<\/p>\n
Eagles\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: R.Ginbey, S.Brock, T.McCarthy<\/p>\n
HB: L.Baker (c), R.Bazzo, T.Cole<\/p>\n
C: C.Hall, E.Hewett, R.Maric<\/p>\n
HF: J.Graham, L.Ryan, J.Cripps<\/p>\n
F: M.Owies, J.Shanahan, N.Long<\/p>\n
FOLL: M.Flynn, B.Hough, T.Kelly<\/p>\n
I\/C: T.Brockman, C.Chesser, B.Williams, H.Davis, J.Newton (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: M.Champion, J.Hunt, J.Williams<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The Eagles will have one last chance to double their win tally for the year, and save themselves from becoming just the second team this century to register a sole win in a season. Bailey Williams was recalled to play against the Western Bulldogs and was quiet \u2014 although it\u2019s always hard to get a true grasp on player performance amid thumping losses such as last Sunday. In the WAFL, emergency Jack Williams kicked 3.3 to boost his chances of a recall, alongside forgotten young ruck Harry Barnett also kicked three in a career-best.<\/p>\n
Swans\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: L.Melican, H.Cunningham, T.McCartin<\/p>\n
HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks<\/p>\n
C: O.Florent, Ch.Warner, J.Lloyd<\/p>\n
HF: T.Papley, J.Buller, J.Jordon<\/p>\n
F: W.Hayward, H.McLean, B.Campbell<\/p>\n
FOLL: P.Ladhams, I.Heeney, E.Gulden<\/p>\n
I\/C: D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, J.Dattoli, J.Rowbottom, C.Cleary (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: W.Green, M.Roberts, Co.Warner<\/p>\n
Team Tips: The Swans can\u2019t make finals, but they can still finish their season on a high \u2014 which would no doubt be aided by the inclusion of All-Australian contender Brodie Grundy from concussion protocols. On face value, you would assume his ruck replacement in Peter Ladhams would make way, but the 27-year-old was one of, if not Sydney\u2019s best on ground in their loss to Geelong on Sunday. First-year forward Jesse Dattoli is goalless from three games at the top level, and while he\u2019s shown positive signs since his debut, may instead be the unlucky omission. In the club\u2019s VFL loss to the Cats, Matt Roberts (38 disposals) and Corey Warner (37) had a serious amount of the ball, while Riley Bice, Caleb Mitchell and Taylor Adams also impressed.<\/p>\n
GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA<\/p>\n
Sunday August 24, 12:20pm at ENGIE Stadium<\/p>\n
Giants\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg<\/p>\n
HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash<\/p>\n
C: X.O\u2019Halloran, S.Coniglio, R.Angwin<\/p>\n
HF: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, D.Jones<\/p>\n
F: T.Greene (c), J.Riccardi, C.Brown<\/p>\n
FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green<\/p>\n
I\/C: J.Fonti, H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski, H.Rowston, J.Wehr (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: L.Keeffe, J.Leake, J.Delana<\/p>\n
Team Tips: What lengths the Giants go to this week to put their best team on the track remains to be seen, as small forward Brent Daniels (adductor) and Jack Buckley (calf) push their case for a pre-finals return. Adam Kingsley could also throw Jesse Hogan back into that mix, however there is a world he misses again in hopes of getting him back to absolute full fitness before September \u2014 if they make it. Substitute Jacob Wehr is naturally in the firing line should any of the three return given his limited time on ground last Saturday, while Joe Fonti and Leek Aleer will also be vulnerable. Intriguingly, if Hogan returns, Max Gruzewski likely holds his place as a key forward, given he kicked three goals last week. First-year draftee Harrison Oliver had his best performance yet at VFL level for his 34 disposals, but he\u2019ll have to wait for a debut.<\/p>\n
Saints\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: A.Tauru, C.Wilkie, A.Caminiti<\/p>\n
HB: L.Stocker, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair<\/p>\n
C: M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, B.Hill<\/p>\n
HF: M.Wood, H.Garcia, D.Wilson<\/p>\n
F: J.Higgins, A.Dodson, C.Sharman<\/p>\n
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele (c), M.Hall<\/p>\n
I\/C: Z.Jones, T.Travaglia, J.Macrae, M.Phillipou, L.Collard (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: I.Keeler, L.Henry, L.O\u2019Connell<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Veteran defender Jimmy Webster is the only player who could return from their injury list this week, as he looks to overcome a calf issue. If deemed fit, he could replace one of several quiet performers from last Friday night\u2019s two-point win over Essendon. \ufeffDebutant Alex Dodson showed promising signs, but could fall victim to a last-in, first-out policy \u2014 much like Tobie Travaglia and substitute Lance Collard. In Sandringham\u2019s loss to the Bombers\u2019 VFL side, \ufeffJackCarroll,Isaac Keeler, and Liam O\u2019Connell all had their share of the ball, while \ufeffLiamHenry kicked \ufeff2.3.<\/p>\n
Saints to drop 20% of cap on NAS & TDK? | 01:17<\/p>\n
WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE<\/p>\n
Sunday August 24, 12:20pm at ENGIE Stadium<\/p>\n
Bulldogs\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: L.Bramble, J.O\u2019Donnell, B.Dale<\/p>\n
HB: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, J.Johannisen<\/p>\n
C: J.Freijah, E.Richards, B.Williams<\/p>\n
HF: S.Davidson, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy<\/p>\n
F: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West<\/p>\n
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli (c), T.Liberatore<\/p>\n
I\/C: O.Baker, J.Busslinger, J.Croft, L.McNeil, R.Sanders (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: C.Hynes, A.Jones, L.Smith<\/p>\n
Team Tips: All eyes on the Western Bulldogs\u2019 selection this week will be narrowed in on Adam Treloar. The 2024 All-Australian had a monster 40 disposals, 10 tackles, nine clearances and a goal to turn the heads of all onlookers, and with a do-or-die clash against Fremantle this Sunday, will be under heavy consideration for a recall. Omitted utility Caleb Poulter wasn\u2019t far behind Treloar, kicking six goals from 22 disposals while Buku Khamis kicked three goals as the thumped Carlton\u2019s VFL side by 115 points. In the senior side, Lachie NcNeil was subbed out after half time with a corked hip with his fitness still to be determined. <\/p>\n
Dockers\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: L.Ryan, B.Cox, A.Pearce (c)<\/p>\n
HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark<\/p>\n
C: N.Erasmus, L.Jackson, N.O\u2019Driscoll<\/p>\n
HF: S.Switkowski, P.Voss, S.Bolton<\/p>\n
F: M.Frederick, J.Treacy, J.Amiss<\/p>\n
FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw<\/p>\n
I\/C: C.Wagner, M.Reid, J.O\u2019Meara, B.Banfield, N.Fyfe (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: B.Walker, I.Dudley, O.McDonald<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Much like their opponents, it\u2019s all-or-nothing for Fremantle if they\u2019re to make finals this season. Star and key cog Hayden Young will certainly return from a groin issue, in what will be a boost that cannot be underestimated. Best 22 regular Matt Johnson (ankle\/foot) will be a test to put his hand of for selection, having played 18 games so far in 2025. Jye Amiss and Nathan O\u2019Driscoll were awfully quiet in the Dockers\u2019 disappointing loss to Brisbane last Friday night, but it\u2019s hard to see either dropped for Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium. In the WAFL, the omitted Isaiah Dudley was one of the best afield for Peel Thunder with three goals for Peel Thunder \u2014 as was untried second-year forward Jack Delean for his three majors.<\/p>\n
Longmuir: “I deal in facts” | 10:50<\/p>\n
BRISBANE LIONS v HAWTHORN<\/p>\n
Sunday August 24, 7:20pm at the Gabba<\/p>\n
Lions\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, R.Lester<\/p>\n
HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews (c), B.Starcevich<\/p>\n
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, J.Berry<\/p>\n
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey<\/p>\n
F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee<\/p>\n
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft<\/p>\n
I\/C: L.Ashcroft, S.Day, S.Marshall, B.Reville, L.Beecken (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: S.Brain, D.Joyce, O.McInerney<\/p>\n
Team Tips: Initial fears over the shoulder injury of Jarrod Berry left hearts in the mouth of Brisbane fans, but in a massive sigh of relief, the winger looks to be an outside chance of retaining his place in the side this Sunday night. And in just as good a news, the club are confident that Kai Lohmann will come back from a calf injury that has kept him out since Round 19. The news isn\u2019t so good however for Eric Hipwood however, who the Lions say will miss three to four weeks with a calf injury. Sam Day was quiet for his eight disposals against the Dockers, however with Hipwood out, is likely to keep his place in the side. There is also a chance Chris Fagan recalls ruck Oscar McInerney in place of Hipwood, as they carefully manage his loads. Former Hawk Brandon Ryan continued his solid VFL form with three more majors on Sunday in the reserves\u2019 draw with Frankston, and is a left-field \u2014 but unlikely \u2014 option to come in.<\/p>\n
Hawks\u2019 Round 23 team<\/p>\n
B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick<\/p>\n
HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw<\/p>\n
C: K.Amon, C.Nash, C.Macdonald<\/p>\n
HF: M.D\u2019Ambrosio, C.Dear, N.Watson<\/p>\n
F: J.Gunston, M.Lewis, D.Moore<\/p>\n
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel<\/p>\n
I\/C: C.Jiath, J.Ward, M.Chol, J.Ginnivan, L.Breust (sub)<\/p>\n
EMG: C.Mackenzie, J.Serong, B.Macdonald<\/p>\n
Team Tips: It\u2019s hard to see many, if any changes to Sam Mitchell\u2019s side for their Round 24 blockbuster. There isn\u2019t much to report at Hawthorn on an injury front, with winger Harry Morrison (quad) the only sidelined player who could return this week, although he\u2019ll be racing against the clock to play. In the VFL, versatile young gun Jai Serong was one of, if not best-on-ground for Box Hill against the Casey Demons, with Sam Butler also solid once again for his 25 disposals, 10 marks and a goal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A critical selection call looms at West Lakes, as the premiership favourites prepare for finals life without 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