After an action-packed round five, the attention quickly turns to another weekend of footy, with some big decisions on the cards.
Will Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs swing the axe? And just how many big names are fit to return elsewhere?
Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 6 in AFL Team Tips!
Watch every game of every round this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Chief: Lead out, chest mark, kick a goal | 05:07
ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Thursday April 18, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium
St Kilda’s Round 5 side
B: J. Battle, Z. Cordy, C. Wilkie
HB: L. Stocker, J. Sinclair, N. Wanganeen-Milera
C: R. Byrnes, S. Ross, B. Hill
HF: J. Higgins, C. Sharman, M. Owens
F: A. Caminiti, M. King, T. Membrey
FOLL: R. Marshall, J. Steele, M. Windhager
I/C: R. Bonner, M. Phillipou, D. Butler, D. Wilson, H. Garcia
EMG: L. Collard, A. Hastie, T. Campbell
Team Tips: Despite being cleared of major damage,Max King (knee) will be up against it to face the Bulldogs after a five-day turnaround from when the star forward suffered the setback against GWS. Coach Ross Lyon admitted King’s chances of playing were “slim”, while Saints footy boss Dave Misson said “short turnarounds are hard no matter the injury.” Lyon’s side could be bolstered by the returns of Dougal Howard (hamstring) and Paddy Dow (knee) from injury this week, while Zak Jones (29 disposals) and Arie Schoenmaker (31 disposals, one goal) were strong performers at VFL level. The pressure might be on Dan Butler, who was subbed out of the contest with GWS with just one disposal. Lance Collard had been waiting in the wings, but he’ll need to pass a fitness test due to a hamstring issue sustained in the VFL.
Western Bulldogs’ Round 5 side
B: E. Richards, L. Jones, B. Williams
HB: T. Duryea, B. Khamis, J. Johannisen
C: J. Macrae, A. Treloar, H. Gallagher
HF: L. Bramble, A. Naughton, R. West
F: S. Darcy, J. Ugle-Hagan, C. Weightman
FOLL: T. English, M. Bontempelli, T. Liberatore
I/C: J. O’Donnell, R. Sanders, O. Baker, L. Vandermeer, B. Dale
EMG: C. Daniel, R. Lobb, R. Garcia
Team Tips: Let’s be honest, trying to predict a Western Bulldogs side at the moment is like throwing darts blindfolded. You’d imagine that Luke Beveridge makes a few changes as he seeks a winning formula with pressure mounting on his side after last Friday night’s loss to Essendon saw it drop to 2-3. Tom Liberatore has already been ruled out with concussion, while Beveridge on Tuesday confirmed Caleb Daniel (26 disposals in the VFL) would make his return to the senior team after the All-Australian was surprisingly dropped. Riley Garcia (36 disposals) was dominant in the reserves, while James Harmes (28 disposals) could also be in the frame to return. Oskar Baker, James O’Donnell and Laitham Vandermeer are just some names who could feel the heat at selection.
Dogs breakfast: Coach or List? | 05:38
ADELAIDE CROWS v ESSENDON
Friday April 19, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide’s Round 5 side
B: L. Nankervis, J. Butts, B. Smith
HB: J. Worrell, M. Keane, M. Michalanney
C: M. Hinge, J. Dawson, C. Jones
HF: J. Soligo, I. Rankine, J. Rachele
F: B. Cook, D. Fogarty, T. Walker
FOLL: R. O’Brien, R. Laird, B. Keays
I/C: W. Hamill, L. Gollant, M. Crouch, N. McHenry, S. Berry
EMG: B. Dowling, J. Borlase, C. Burgess
Team Tips: Expect Sam Berry to be elevated to the 22 as a direct replacement for Matt Crouch (suspension) this week, but otherwise you’d imagine Matthew Nicks backs in a relatively similar squad to the one that secured their first win of 2024 last week. Billy Dowling, Lachie Sholl and Dan Curtin were solid for the SANFL side. Lachie Gollant struggled to have an impact, putting Chris Burgess in the frame for an immediate recall after being the holdover emergency.
Essendon’s Round 5 side
B: D. Heppell, B. McKay, J. Menzie
HB: N. Martin, M. Redman, A. McGrath
C: H. Jones, D. Parish, J. Kelly
HF: S. Durham, K. Langford, A. Davey Jnr
F: J. Gresham, J. Laverde, N. Cox
FOLL: T. Goldstein, S. Draper, Z. Merrett
I/C: J. Caldwell, B. Hobbs, J. Stringer, X. Duursma, N. Hind
EMG: E. Tsatas, S. Weideman, N. Caddy
Team Tips: It’s hard to see Brad Scott making too many changes to the side that convincingly beat the Dogs in round five. Elijah Tsatas was pulled out of the VFL game at half time which perhaps hints at his inclusion in the senior side this week, while Lewis Hayes (22 disposals) has been pressing his case for a number of weeks. Jye Menzie looks like he needs a spell in the VFL and Jayden Laverde would be the logical omission for Hayes.
Izak could be the best player in the AFL | 01:44
COLLINGWOOD v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday April 20, 1:45pm at the MCG
Collingwood’s Round 4 side
B: B. Maynard, J. Howe, B. Frampton
HB: J. Noble, I. Quaynor, D. Moore
C: P. Lipinski, S. Pendlebury, J. Daicos
HF: N. Daicos, L. Schultz, B. Mihocek
F: B. Hill, J. Elliott, R. McInnes
FOLL: D. Cameron, T. Mitchell, J. De Goey
I/C: J. Crisp, B. McCreery, W. Hoskin-Elliott, M. Cox, S. Sidebottom
EMG: F. Macrae, J. Richards, H. Harrison
Team Tips: Fringe mid Finlay Macrae responded to his omission with 29 touches in the VFL and could be Scott Pendlebury’s replacement if he is unable to overcome a rib injury suffered against the Hawks in Gather Round. The week off will have done the Pies a world of good as they seek their third win of the campaign.
Port Adelaide’s Round 5 side
B: A. Allir, B. Zerk-Thatcher, E. Ratugolea
HB: D. Houston, R. Burton, K. Farrell
C: J. Burgoyne, W. Drew, M. Bergman
HF: S. Powell-Pepper, D. Byrne-Jones, C. Rozee
F: W. Rioli, T. Marshall, C. Dixon
FOLL: I. Soldo, Z. Butters, J. Horne-Francis
I/C: L. Jones, O. Wines, M. Georgiades, J. McEntee, J. Mead
EMG: J. Sinn, J. Sweet, T. McKenzie
Team Tips: Veteran Travis Boak will fight to prove his fitness this week after dealing with a back issue of late. Francis Evans booted two goals and had 22 disposals in the SANFL and could come in at the expense of Jed McEntee, who was subbed out with just six touches. Josh Sinn (22 disposals, one goal) had a strong outing at reserves level as well.
Butters escapes sanction, Crouch pinged | 00:55
CARLTON v GWS GIANTS
Saturday April 20, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium
Carlton’s Round 5 side
B: J. Weitering, B. Kemp, M. McGovern
HB: A. Saad, Z. Williams, N. Newman
C: O. Hollands, P. Cripps, B. Acres
HF: M. Cottrell, E. Hollands, C. Durdin
F: H. McKay, M. Owies, C. Curnow
FOLL: T. De Koning, G. Hewett, S. Walsh
I/C: J. Boyd, M. Kennedy, O. Fantasia, M. Pittonet, J. Carroll
EMG: J. Binns, L. Cowan
Team Tips: The Blues have been dealt a considerable blow, with Adam Saad set to miss at least six weeks with a medium-grade hamstring injury he suffered on Saturday against the Crows. Adam Cerra and Mitch McGovern, meantime, have received one-to-two-week timelines for their respective hamstrings and won’t play the Giants this week. It makes 13 players on Carlton’s injury list heading into its Round 6 bout with GWS, with Jesse Motlop (hamstring) also in the wars and set for at least a month on the sidelines. The door might start to open for young duo Jaxon Binns and Lachie Cowan, while David Cuningham and Caleb Marchbank are also nearing their return from injury. Alex Cincotta was managed out of the VFL on the weekend and would be a like-for-like replacement for Saad. Lachie Fogarty won’t need surgery on his injured wrist, with his timeline for return to be confirmed next week, while Billy Wilson and Dominic Akuei both suffered concussions in the VFL at the weekend.
GWS’ Round 5 side
B: H. Perryman, S. Taylor, C. Idun
HB: L. Whitfield, J. Buckley, L. Ash
C: J. Wehr, J. Kelly, F. Callaghan
HF: B. Daniels, J. Ricciardi, T. Bedford
F: T. Greene, J. Hogan, C. Brown
FOLL: K. Briggs, S. Coniglio, T. Green
I/C: X. O’Halloran, H. Thomas, H. Himmelberg, A. Cadman, J. Peatling
EMG: N. Haynes, M. Gruzewski, R. Angwin
Team Tips: Veteran Callan Ward made a superb return from injury in the VFL and will come into calculations as a replacement for Stephen Coniglio (knee). Sam Taylor “still has a slight bit of dizziness”, coach Adam Kingsley told AFL 360 on Monday night, and he’ll miss through the concussion protocols. Josh Fahey and Harry Rowston were also strong contributors in the VFL, but it’s unlikely that Adam Kingsley will make any other changes given his sides unbeaten start to the season.
Mid-quarter time out tactics revealed | 03:09
BRISBANE LIONS v GEELONG CATS
Saturday April 20, 7:30pm at the Gabba
Brisbane’s Round 5 side
B: B. Starcevich, J. Payne, R. Lester
HB: D. Wilmot, H. Andrews, D. Gardiner
C: J. Fletcher, H. McCluggage, J. Berry
HF: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, L. McCarthy
F: C. Rayner, J. Daniher, D. Zorko
FOLL: O. McInerney, J. Dunkley, L. Neale
I/C: K. Lohmann, C. Ah Chee, Z. Bailey, N. Answerth, J. Tunstill
EMG: L. Morris, J. Lyons, D. Fort
Team Tips: Star forwardCharlie Cameron successfully overturned his one-match ban at the Tribunal on Tuesday evening, which was especially important with Zac Bailey to miss four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain. In better news Conor McKenna is set to be available this weekend at some level as he returns from a hamstring injury. Thankfully the VFL team is travelling well. Jarryd Lyons (37 disposals) continues to rack up numbers, while Deven Roberston (33 disposals, one goal), Jimmy Tunstill (28 disposals, one goal) and Harry Sharp (23 disposals, one goal) were all strong performers. Could Logan Morris be handed a debut?
Geelong’s Round 5 side
B: T. Stewart, S. De Koning, C. O’Sullivan
HB: Z. Guthrie, J. Henry, M. Holmes
C: Z. Tuohy, T. Bruhn, T. Atkins
HF: B. Close, T. Stengle, G. Miers
F: J. Cameron, S. Neale, O. Henry
FOLL: R. Stanley, J. Bowes, M. Blicavs
I/C: O. Dempsey, B. Parfitt, M. O’Connor, M. Duncan, J. Clark
EMG: J. Kolodjashnij, S. Mannagh
Team Tips: The unbeaten Cats are only gonna get better for Saturday night’s blockbuster in Brisbane, with Tom Hawkins (managed) likely replacing late inclusion Shannon Neale, while captain and Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) and defender Jake Kolodjashnij (managed) have both been cleared to play. Gary Rohan (back) made a successful return via the VFL but is no sure thing to regain his spot in the senior side. is a test to return which would be a massive boost to a side who are absolutely flying. Last week’s sub Jhye Clark might be on his way to the VFL to accommodate Dangerfield.
7 teams already locked in to Top 8? | 01:16
WEST COAST v FREMANTLE
Saturday April 20, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium
West Coast’s Round 5 side
B: A. Witherden, T. Barrass, J. Rotham
HB: B. Hough, J. McGovern, L. Duggan
C: J. Hunt, T. Kelly, C. Chesser
HF: J. Cripps, J. Waterman, N. Long
F: L. Edwards, J. Darling, J. Petruccelle
FOLL: B. Williams, E. Yeo, H. Reid
I/C: T. Brockman, J. Williams, R. Ginbey, T. Cole, R. Maric
EMG: A. Gaff, L. Rawlinson
Team Tips: Forward Liam Ryan made his return from a serious hamstring injury through the club’s WAFL side and played in a new role in defence. Luke Edwards will miss with concussion which could pave the way for one of Dom Sheed (25 disposals) or Andrew Gaff (21 disposals) to return after continuing to press their cases for a recall. However, expect Adam Simpson to back in the majority of a side who won secured the club its first win of 2024.
Fremantle’s Round 5 side
B: J. Aish, A. Pearce, J. Draper
HB: B. Walker, L. Ryan, J. Clark
C: M. Johnson, N. Fyfe, J. Sharp
HF: M. Walters, B. Banfield, S. Switkowski
F: J. Treacy, J. Amiss, M. Taberner
FOLL: L. Jackson, C. Serong, A. Brayshaw
I/C: T. Emmett, H. Young, J. O’Meara, E. Hughes, N. Erasmus
EMG: W. Brodie, H. Davies, L. Reidy
Team Tips: The big inclusion for the Dockers would be ruck Sean Darcy, who is on the verge of a return from a knee injury. Matt Taberner’s position could come under scrutiny after just three touches and a goal. Michael Frederick was dealing with a low-grade hamstring last week, while Karl Worner will be hoping to exit the concussion protocols to press his case for selection.
Suns channeling Dimma’s ferocious Tigers | 02:28
SYDNEY v GOLD COAST
Sunday April 21, 1:05pm at the SCG
Sydney’s Round 4 side
B: J. Lloyd, T. McCartin, L. Melican
HB: H. Cunningham, N. Blakey, O. Florent
C: E. Gulden, C. Warner, J. McInerney
HF: W. Hayward, L. McDonald, T. Adams
F: T. Papley, H. McLean, R. Fox
FOLL: B. Grundy, I. Heeney, J. Rowbottom
I/C: J. Jordon, M. Roberts, B. Campbell, J. Amartey, C. Mitchell
EMG: P. Ladhams, C. Warner, A. Francis
Team Tips: The Swans are fresh off the bye so should be well rested and ready to go for a big game against the Suns. The biggest potential inclusion is gun Luke Parker, who has been dealing with an arm injury in the early part of the season, while Angus Sheldrick could also return if he can overcome a finger issue. Harry Cunningham and Caleb Mitchell would be two players who may be feeling nervous of holding their spots.
Gold Coast’s Round 5 side
B: J. Lukosius, C. Ballard, S. Collins
HB: W. Powell, S. Flanders, M. Andrew
C: B. Fiorini, T. Miller, S. Clohesy
HF: B. Ainsworth, E. Read, T. Berry
F: M. Rowell, B. King, M. Rosas
FOLL: J. Witts, N. Anderson, B. Humphrey
I/C: N. Holman, J. Walter, W. Graham, B. Uwland, D. Swallow
EMG: R. Atkins, A. Sexton, D. Macpherson
Team Tips: The Suns were dominant against the Hawks in round five so it’s likely that Damien Hardwick will stick with a winning formula. The seven players Hardwick omitted a fortnight ago all put in sound performances for the VFL side, most notably Rory Atkins (37 disposals) and Ben Long (five goals). However, the young kids are shining and he’ll likely back them in again against the Swans this week.
Is it the WORST time for Hawks rebuild? | 04:38
NORTH MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN
Sunday April 21, 4:05pm at Marvel Stadium
North Melbourne’s Round 5 side
B: C. Comben, A. Corr, B. Nyuon
HB: H. Sheezel, L. McDonald, G. Wardlaw
C: D. Tucker, L. Davies-Uniacke, B. Scott
HF: Z. Duursma, T. Powell, E. Ford
F: P. Curtis, N. Larkey, T. Sellers
FOLL: T. Xerri, D. Stephens, J. Simpkin
I/C: Z. Fisher, C. McKercher, B. Drury, H. Greenwood, C. Lazzaro
EMG: W. Phillips, J. Archer, R. Hansen Jnr
Team Tips: Despite suffering a rib injury that caused him to get subbed out against Geelong, top draftee Coly McKercher is set to be reintegrated into full training later this week and is expected to be available for selection. The news isn’t as good for Kallan Dawson, who’s set to miss another two to three weeks after rolling his ankle at training last Friday.Elsewhere,forward Cam Zurhaar could return from a calf niggle in what looms as a massive opportunity to secure the club’s first win of 2024 this weekend. Will Phillips (21 touches, 12 tackles) played reasonable in the reserves. And could Alastair Clarkson blood another debutant in Brayden George? Tyler Sellers had just one kick on debut, while Hugh Greenwood could only muster five touches.
Hawthorn’s Round 5 side
B: M. D’Ambrosio, S. Frost, J. Sicily
HB: J. Scrimshaw, J. Impey, B. Hardwick
C: K. Amon, J. Ward, C. Nash
HF: M. Ramsden, C. Mackenzie, S. Mitchell
F: J. Ginnivan, M. Chol, F. Maginness
FOLL: L. Meek, J. Worpel, D. Moore
I/C: J. Weddle, J. Newcombe, C. Macdonald, S. Butler, H. Hustwaite
EMG: N. Reeves, H. Morrison, J. Serong
Team Tips: Watch for Sam Mitchell to swing the axe in a big way at selection this week. There were far too many passengers in the horror loss to the Suns. Unfortunately Luke Breust will miss another two weeks while Ned Reeves has entered the concussion protocols. Changkuoth Jiath will return from his complicated hamstring issue via the VFL. Veteran star Jack Gunston could return, while the Hawks will be hoping Mitch Lewis can overcome a hamstring/knee issue. Utility Harry Morrison, the uncapped Josh Bennetts and defender Jai Serong could be called upon to change things up. Only one Hawk had 20+ disposals against the Suns, so no one is safe this week. Sam Butler, Conor Nash, Max Ramsden, Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald are in the firing line.
Discussion about this post