Pendlebury call virtually confirms record-breaking game; brutal 665-day hiatus over — Round 8 Team Tips

A couple of key Collingwood selection calls loom, while a Blues big man races to face an old teammate.

Plus, a star Saints forward has ended a 665-day hiatus. More below in Round 7 Team Tips!

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ROUND 8 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN

Thursday April 30, 7.30pm at the MCG

Magpies’ Round 7 side

B: B.Frampton, J.Howe, B.Maynard (c)

HB: I.Quaynor, H.Perryman, J.Daicos

C: J.Crisp, S.Pendlebury, R.Steele

HF: B.McCreery, P.Lipinski, L.Schultz

F: D.McStay, J.Elliott, T.Membrey

FOLL: O.Steene, A.Anderson, N.Daicos

I/C: J.De Goey, D.Houston, D.Cameron, S.Sidebottom, W.Hayes

EMG: W.Parker, N.Long, E.Allan

Team Tips: Coming off a spectacular Anzac Day performance at 38 years of age, Scott Pendlebury has been managed off a five-day break. It means he’s set to equal Brent Harvey’s AFL games record with No.432 against Geelong next Saturday night. He will then surely be rested for a trip to Sydney, so he can break the record with game No.433 at the MCG – in Round 11 against West Coast. Meanwhile Darcy Moore will finally return from a hamstring issue. That could well be the only change for Craig McRae’s side after a 77-point belting over Essendon. Ned Long was managed for that game, but he’s struggled to back up his breakout 2025 season and might suddenly be forced to earn his spot back. Unless the Pies opt to rest another one of their veterans on the short turnaround. Bobby Hill played limited minutes in the VFL in his return from personal issues and should continue to build reps in the twos before he’s considered for a senior recall. Ed Allan (33 disposals), Harvey Harrison (21 touches, 12 tackles) and Jack Buller (five goals) were among Collingwood’s best in the VFL to give McRae at least something to ponder.

Hawks’ Round 7 side

B: J.Weddle, T.Barrass, J.Impey

HB: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Battle, B.Hardwick

C: F.Maginness, C.Nash, K.Amon

HF: H.Morrison, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

F: J.Dalton, C.Dear, N.Watson

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe (c), C.Mackenzie

I/C: J.Scrimshaw, L.Meek, J.Ward, C.Macdonald, J.Ginnivan

EMG: F.Perez, W.McCabe, M.Ramsden

Team Tips: Set for at least two changes from the team that dominated Gold Coast, with Dylan Moore and James Sicily to return from suspension in a healthy selection squeeze. Meanwhile Sam Butler and Flynn Perez were managed against the Suns as other options to come in. Jack Dalton was quiet in his second AFL game and appears to be the Hawk most vulnerable. But there aren’t many other straightforward omissions. Jack Scrimshaw has been in and out of the senior side and could be at risk, while Harry Morrison is another on the fringes. Finn Maginness’ spot is surely safe after a 24-disposal, two-goal outing against Gold Coast and with a potential tagging assignment on Nick Daicos. Which way they go might ultimately come down to team balance. Again, these are good selection problems for Sam Mitchell and company to have.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE

Friday May 1, 7.30pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 7 side

B: M.Sellwood, B.Khamis, R.Gardner

HB: L.Jaques, J.Busslinger, B.Dale

C: O.Baker, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams

HF: R.Sanders, W.Lewis, A.Treloar

F: J.Freijah, A.Naughton, R.West

R: L.Smith, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: C.Hynes, L.Emmett, J.Dolan, L.Bramble, S.Davidson

EMG: L.Vandermeer, L.McNeil, J.Croft

Team Tips: Just when you thought the Dogs’ injury carnage couldn’t get any worse, Aaron Naughton suffered what originally looked like a potential serious neck injury against Sydney. But in a massive sigh of relief, Naughton avoided any serious structural damage and remains a chance to face the Dockers. Naughton was in the Dogs’ rehab group at training on Monday, but the fact that he was out on the track is a positive in itself. Marcus Bontempelli (knee), Tom Liberatore (concussion) and Ed Richards were all absent from the session, with Bontempelli playing through his issue last Thursday night, but Tim English (knee) took part in some drills. Luke Beveridge was unable to provide an update on Liberatore or English after the loss to Sydney, so both would be touch-and-go at best. Pending a fitness test, Artie Jones (hamstring) should also be in the frame, and Luke Cleary registered 27 touches in the VFL to put his name up.

Dockers’ Round 7 side

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman

HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, J.McVee

C: N.Erasmus, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson

HF: S.Bolton, J.Amiss, S.Switkowski

F: M.Reid, J.Treacy, M.Frederick

FOLL: L.Jackson, H.Young, C.Serong

I/C: K.Worner, C.Wagner, I.Dudley, M.Cox, J.Sharp

EMG: B.Walker, C.Scerri

Team Tips: In as good a shape as any club in the competition. Jeremy Sharp kicked two goals from 14 disposals as the late inclusion for Patrick Voss and surely holds his spot, even with Voss set to return. That could put one of Neil Erasmus, Matt Johnson or Sam Switkowski at risk at selection, as bold as that would be, unless the club opted to manage one of its veterans in a fascinating call ahead. Head coach Justin Longmuir continues to assure Sean Darcy critics that he is their man as a second ruck when fit, but Mason Cox won’t die wondering while he remains in the senior side. The American kicked two goals against Carlton and gives them a more dangerous look in the front half in addition to his strong ruckwork.

ADELAIDE CROWS v PORT ADELAIDE

Friday May 1, 8.10pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 7 side

B: J.Worrell, J.Butts, H.Bond

HB: R.Laird, N.Murray, W.Milera

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson, B.Cook

HF: I.Rankine, R.Thilthorpe, J.Rachele

F: F.Maley, T.Walker, B.Keays (c)

FOLL: L.McAndrew, S.Berry, J.Peatling

I/C: Z.Taylor, L.Pedlar, T.Murray, C.Edwards, M.Michalanney

EMG: J.Borlase, L.Nankervis, B.Dowling

Team Tips: The Crows got a hard-and-fast reality check up in Brisbane, which may prompt head coach Matthew Nicks to tinker with his formation through the middle and front end of the ground. His side was whacked at clearance once more, and despite his strong debut in Round 6, third-year midfielder Charlie Edwards looks likely to make way for Alex Neal-Bullen, if fit to return from a minor knee niggle. Up forward, Finnbar Maley wasn’t sighted in the first half against Brisbane, and may be a selection watch should the Crows opt for a slightly smaller attack. Billy Dowling has been an emergency for three straight weeks now, and continues to push himself as a versatile option — though the club looks a live chance to give utility Dan Curtin the nod after a successful return from injury in the reserves. You would expect Nicks to deploy Toby Murray as second ruck for at least another week, given how well Port Adelaide played with their own ruck duo against Geelong last Saturday. Taylor Walker’s minutes were heavily managed in the 52-point loss to the Lions, so he should still be right to face up after a five-day break. Star recruit Callum Ah Chee is almost certainly still another week away from a return after his Round 2 hamstring injury. Jake Soligo starred in the SANFL side’s 13-point win over North Adelaide with 39 disposals and two goals, and is also a consideration.

Power’s Round 7 side

B: J.Lai, L.Jones, M.Bergman

HB: J.Burgoyne, A.Aliir, K.Farrell

C: E.Mackinlay, J.Horne-Francis, J.Wehr

HF: C.Moraes, M.Georgiades, J.Berry

F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, J.Richards

FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters (c), W.Drew

I/C: C.Durdin, O.Wines, L.Evans, D.Visentini, J.Watkins

EMG: M.Zadow, B.Zerk-Thatcher

Team Tips: An eyebrow or two may have been raised when Josh Carr initially went into his Anzac Day clash against Geelong unchanged, but the end result would totally justify it. That being said, Todd Marshall was a late, unplanned out with illness, and should be a straight swap for his replacement Jack Watkins this Friday night. While aided by an injury to star Cat Mark Blicavs, the partnership between Jordan Sweet and Dante Visentini did wonders on the weekend, and will almost certainly remain for a third-straight week. Third-year midfielder Will Lorenz had the ball on a string during the Magpies’ Anzac Day Eve loss to Norwood in the SANFL, finishing the night with 39 disposals, 13 marks and 151 ranking points. Emergency Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was also prolific in the reserves’ loss, and looks a chance of a call-up against what could be a particularly tall Crows forward line. The Power have a handful of players set to become available from injury in the next month or so, but no major names imminently.

ESSENDON v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday May 2, 12.35pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 7 side

B: J.Prior, B.McKay, A.McGrath (c)

HB: A.Roberts, Z.Reid, J.Farrow

C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, A.Day-Wicks

HF: S.Durham, N.Caddy, K.Langford

F: I.Kako, A.May, T.Edwards

FOLL: P.Wright, D.Parish, Z.Merrett

I/C: E.Tsatas, S.Robey, D.Sharp, S.El-Hawli, L.Blakiston

EMG: J.Gresham, N.Cox, J.Nguyen

Team Tips: Just as the Bombers looked like their horrid run with injuries was behind them, two more have arisen affecting a young duo. The club confirmed on Monday that Isaac Kako will miss in the short-to-medium term with a back stress fracture, while there are fears key forward Archie May will be sidelined for a sizeable amount of time with an MCL scare. Both injuries open the door for a likely Jade Gresham return, after being dropped for the Anzac Day blockbuster. The 28-year-old didn’t play in the VFL side’s 11-point loss to Collingwood, but fellow emergency Jayden Nguyen put his own name forward for selection with two goals from 17 disposals. Additionally, first-year forward Hussien El Achkar slotted 4.3 in a promising showing. Ruck Nick Bryan sat out the reserves’ match with general soreness, but continues to remain in the frame to replace Lachie Blakiston as Brad Scott’s first ruck sooner rather than later. In the senior side, young gun Sullivan Robey was quiet but should be backed in to take on the reigning premiers.

Lions’ Round 7 side

B: K.Coleman, H.Andrews (c), R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, T.Gallop

C: H.McCluggage, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey

HF: C.Cameron, O.Allen, L.Ashcroft

F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, L.McCarthy

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: K.Lohmann, L.Morris, C.McKenna, J.Tunstill, B.Reville

EMG: Z.Zakostelsky, S.Brain, D.Joyce

Team Tips: With their injury list slowly beginning to thin, the selection problems are beginning to appear at Springfield — and for all the right reasons. Veteran Dayne Zorko is at this stage an outside chance to return to face the Bombers, but could well be held back another week to ensure he’s 100 per cent fit. All things going well in concussion protocols, defender Noah Answerth could also return to the fold and create a squeeze for spots down back. Ty Gallop has been great down in defence since being swung to the other end of the ground, while Conor McKenna would be unlucky to be omitted after kicking two first-half goals when the game was in the balance against Adelaide. There are genuinely no easy answers to make room for the duo, though in the case of James Tunstill, his versatility may actually work against him in the short term, come selection. In the VFL side’s 45-point loss to Port Melbourne, Reece Torrent again racked up big numbers with his tackling and possessions, while emergency Darragh Joyce was busy down back. Star recruit Oscar Allen left the field in the fourth term in slight discomfort, and could be a watch this week once clarity over his fitness emerges.

WEST COAST EAGLES v RICHMOND

Saturday May 2, 4.15pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 7 side

B: L.Duggan (c), R.Ginbey, B.Hough

HB: T.McCarthy, T.Young, J.Lindsay

C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, B.Allan

HF: E.Hewett, J.Shanahan, L.Baker

F: M.Champion, J.Waterman, M.Murdock

FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly

I/C: C.Duff-Tytler, R.Maric, J.Williams, H.Davis, S.Brock

EMG: M.Flynn, T.Cole, H.Schoenberg

Team Tips: After another 100-plus-point loss, there’ll again be selection pressure at West Coast. There were 12 Eagles players who recorded a player ratings score of less than 6.0, so you’d suspect some changes are coming at selection from Andrew McQualter’s match committee. Key defender Harry Edwards is set to return from concussion, though through the WAFL as opposed to against Richmond. Midfielder Harry Schoenberg was the travelling emergency for the St Kilda clash, having been dropped last Thursday. Young midfielder Tom Gross has been building solid WAFL form, totalling 22 disposals and kicking three goals in the side’s win over Swan Districts at the weekend, while small forward Matt Owies booted 5.3 in the one-point victory. Former Magpie Fin Macrae was the side’s leading ball-winner with 26 possessions, while Tyrell Dewar gathered 21 disposals and generated four inside-50s. Veteran forward Jamie Cripps, meanwhile, went goalless after copping the axe.

Tigers’ Round 7 side

B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, N.Balta

HB: J.Trezise, N.Broad, S.Grlj

C: H.Ralphsmith, D.Prestia, P.Retschko

HF: S.Campbell, S.Cumming, S.Green

F: J.Faull, T.Lynch, M.Lefau

FOLL: S.Ryan, J.Ross (c), S.Lalor

I/C: J.Hopper, T.Burton, T.Brown, C.Gray, K.McAuliffe

EMG: O.Hayes-Brown, T.Sonsie

Team Tips: Wingman Hugo Ralphsmith was Richmond’s latest injury casualty, sustaining an MCL injury in the loss to Melbourne that’s set to cost him between four and six weeks on the sidelines. Dropped winger Tyler Sonsie shapes as the like-for-like replacement, having been the VFL side’s leading ball-winner at the weekend. The Tigers are set to regain Jayden Short after the veteran premiership rebounder was a late out last Friday night due to his wife going into labour. Late inclusion James Trezise figures to be the man to make way at selection. Integral midfielder Tim Taranto (concussion) should also return to the side, pending his graduation from protocols. Debutant Tom Burton seems the logical exclusion — despite nice signs against Melbourne, he was Adem Yze’s lowest-rated player on the night. In the VFL, second-year utility Luke Trainor was among the side’s major ball-winners and recorded 11 marks and a goal as he presses for a recall after being dropped. Big man Ollie Hayes-Brown again put selection pressure on Samson Ryan for the main ruck spot, totalling 27 disposals, eight clearances and five marks with 19 hitouts. It came after Ryan was soundly beaten by Max Gawn on Anzac Eve.

GEELONG CATS v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday May 2, 4.35pm at GMHBA Stadium

Cats’ Round 7 side

B: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, T.Stewart

HB: L.Humphries, C.O’Sullivan, T.Bruhn

C: O.Dempsey, B.Smith, M.Blicavs

HF: J.Cameron, S.Mannagh, O.Henry

F: P.Dangerfield (c), S.Neale, J.Martin

FOLL: M.Edwards, T.Atkins, M.Holmes

I/C: O.Mullin, J.Bowes, J.Worpel, M.O’Connor, B.Close

EMG: O.Wiltshire, J.Kolodjashnij

Team Tips: As always, the Cats remain a fascinating watch at the selection table this. Star veteran Mark Blicavs hyperextended his left knee early in their surprise Anzac Day loss to Port Adelaide, leaving third-year youngster Mitch Edwards to shoulder the ruck duties. Key defender Sam De Koning was peculiarly managed at the eleventh hour for the clash last Saturday night, and the early assumption being that he’ll slot straight back into the senior side. Veteran Jake Kolodjashnij was also listed as managed by the club earlier in the week, and should be another defensive reinforcement coach Chris Scott can call upon if he sees fit. Geelong’s VFL side had the bye over the weekend, but having several games of senior football this year, Oli Wiltshire won’t be far away from a recall after also being managed. It wasn’t an easy night for Cats forwards at the Adelaide Oval, but Brad Close continues to be a selection watch after just six touches and a goal.

Kangaroos’ Round 7 side

B: A.Corr, G.Logue, T.Pink

HB: C.McKercher, C.Daniel, L.Parker

C: J.Simpkin, T.Powell, D.Stephens

HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, Z.Duursma

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), J.Darling

FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel

I/C: L.Dovaston, F.O’Sullivan, G.Wardlaw, L.McDonald, C.Spargo

EMG: T.Blamires, J.Konstansy

Team Tips: Barring any surprises, Alastair Clarkson will expect Sunday evening’s late out Charlie Comben to return to the fold following a bout with illness. His last-minute replacement Toby Pink makes the most sense to depart the best 23 in his place. Outside of the two goals he kicked against Richmond in Round 6, Zane Duursma has had a very slow last three weeks which could make him vulnerable at the selection table — perhaps for SSP signing Tom Blamires, who was kept out of the reserves as match-day cover for the senior side. The reserves were thumped by GWS on Sunday morning in Sydney, but father-son Cooper Harvey still managed to find the 36 times, while Zac Banch and Matt Whitlock were busy enough with two goals apiece up forward. Small forward Robert Hansen Jnr will be available for selection should he overcome a groin complaint, though looks almost certain to return through the VFL.

CARLTON v ST KILDA

Saturday May 2, 7.35pm at Marvel Stadium

Blues’ Round 7 side

B: H.Dean, J.Weitering, L.Cowan

HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, N.Newman

C: O.Florent, P.Cripps (c), M.Carroll

HF: B.Ainsworth, J.Smith, F.Evans

F: Z.Williams, W.Hayward, B.Kemp

FOLL: L.Reidy, C.Lord, S.Walsh

I/C: A.Cerra, L.Young, T.Byrne, A.Moir, M.Cottrell,

EMG: F.Young, H.O’Keeffe

Team Tips: Wingman Ollie Hollands should come back into Michael Voss’ side after being a late out for the Fremantle game, with Matt Cottrell the late inclusion for his first game of the year. Key forward Harry McKay is also in line to return following a concussion, while ruckman Marc Pittonet (hand) could be in the frame for a return, but he was listed as 1-2 weeks away last week, so the club might take caution and give him another week to recover. But coming up against former ruck teammate Tom De Koning, who joined St Kilda on a reported $12 million deal, you get the sense he’d be doing everything in his power to push to play. There’s no timeline on Elijah Hollands’ return. Out-of-favour veteran midfielder George Hewett has put himself right in contention to return to the seniors after racking up 40 disposals and 11 clearances against Tasmania in the VFL. He was bested only by young half-backer Billy Wilson, who collected a whopping 41 possessions, while first-year forward Jack Ison bagged four goals.

Saints’ Round 7 side

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), H.Clark

HB: J.Carroll, B.Hill, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, H.Garcia

HF: M.Wood, L.Ryan, M.Owens

F: J.Higgins, C.Sharman, R.Marshall

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair

I/C: D.Butler, D.Howard, D.Wilson, M.Phillipou, A.Caminiti

EMG: A.Hastie, A.Tauru, K.O’Connell

Team Tips: There aren’t many unforced changes expected from Ross Lyon, as it’s hard to tip omissions from a side that just won by 100 points. In hugely promising news for the club and its fans, injury-riddled spearhead forward Max King made his footy return via the VFL on managed minutes, and got through unscathed, kicking one behind from four disposals. It was his first appearance at any level since Round 16, 2024, marking a staggering 665 days between outings. In the same game, veteran midfielder Jack Macrae tallied 31 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances as he builds back up from a knee injury, while Hugh Boxshall responded to his omission with 24 possessions and five clearances. Meanwhile, Angus Hastie, who was an emergency last Sunday, led all ball-winners in the VFL with 32 possessions, eight marks and five tackles to press his case for a recall.

SYDNEY SWANS v MELBOURNE

Sunday May 3, 3.15pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 7 side

B: W.Edwards, T.McCartin, D.Rampe

HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, R.Bice

C: J.Serong, J.Rowbottom, M.Roberts

HF: L.McDonald, Ch.Warner, T.Papley

F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, M.Rosas

R: B.Grundy, J.Jordan, J.McInerney

I/C: S.Wicks, A.Sheldrick, J.Lloyd, B.Cootee, H.Cunningham

EMG: H.McLean, Co.Warner, P.Ladhams

Team Tips: Dean Cox’s side got through Thursday night’s 11-goal win unscathed, and had plenty of stellar performers. It remains unlikely at this stage that Isaac Heeney will return this weekend from a low-grade calf strain, which could see debutant Billy Cootee backed in for a second week straight. Fellow first-gamer Will Edwards showed plenty of ticker down back against the Western Bulldogs, and deserves another crack too. It means the Swans are every chance of hosting the Demons with an unchanged side, despite some eye-watering VFL performances last Friday at Whitten Oval. Reserve ruck Peter Ladhams recorded a monstrous 40 disposals, 30 contested possessions, 18 clearances (!), 47 hitouts and a goal against Footscray, while fellow emergency Hayden McLean bagged five goals from 14 touches and nine marks. Corey Warner (31 disposals, one goal), Joel Hamling (22 disposals, two goals) and first-year player Jevan Phillipou (14 disposals, five goals) were also among the best. Beyond Heeney, the Swans have no players imminently coming back from injury.

Demons’ Round 7 side

B: D.Turner, J.Lever, B.Howes

HB: X.Taylor, C.Jiath, T.Sparrow

C: J.Culley, J.Steele, E.Langdon

HF: K.Chandler, B.Mihocek, B.Laurie

F: J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn (c), H.Langford, C.Windsor

I/C: K.Tholstrup, M.Jefferson, M.Heath, H.Sharp, L.Pickett

EMG: J.Adams, P.Cross, J.Henderson

Team Tips: The sour note to come from the Anzac Eve thrashing of Richmond was the devastating ruptured ACL for Jai Culley. Forward Paddy Cross could be the corresponding inclusion after kicking 2.2 from 22 disposals and nine marks in the VFL, building back into form again following his injury setback. Small half-forward Jack Henderson is another option in the forward half after 19 disposals, seven marks and six tackles for Casey at the weekend. Livewire Latrelle Pickett had arguably his quietest game for the club, while key forward Jacob van Rooyen went goalless in the win, but it’s hard to see any unforced changes to Steven King’s side, which is rolling. Promisingly, rebounding defender Jake Bowey made his footy return in the reserves on managed minutes, set to put his hand up for a senior berth in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Demons continue to gather information on swingman Harry Petty’s condition after his scary incident against the Lions two weeks ago.

GOLD COAST SUNS v GWS GIANTS

Sunday May 3, 7.20pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 7 side

B: O.Adams, S.Collins, M.Andrew

HB: B.Uwland, W.Powell, D.Rioli

C: L.Weller, C.Petracca, Z.Uwland

HF: T.Miller (c), B.Humphrey, L.Lombard

F: J.Ugle-Hagan, B.King, B.Long

FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson, M.Rowell

I/C: J.Noble, J.Walter, E.Read, W.Graham, J.Rogers

EMG: J.Jeffrey, N.Moyle, L.Gulbin

Team Tips: Damien Hardwick will continue to tinker with his side after what’s now been a pretty bang-average month of football. John Noble will come back into the side after serving his suspension. Zeke Uwland’s spot in the side could come under consideration after seven disposals at 43 per cent efficiency in 61 per cent game time, while small forward Jake Rogers had the lowest time on ground of any Suns, playing just 55 per cent of the match. And in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s first AFL match at the club, Jed Walter played just 59 per cent of the match and went goalless — while Ugle-Hagan, who kicked one goal, finished as his side’s second-lowest rated player. Academy draftee Jai Murray is pressing his case for a debut, racking up 28 disposals and five clearances in the win over St Kilda’s VFL side, while Joel Jeffrey responded to his AFL axing with 22 disposals and four marks. Alex Davies led all ball-winners with 31 disposals, six clearances and a goal.

Giants’ Round 7 side

B: J.Laverde, C.Idun, J.Buckley

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Ash, H.Himmelberg

C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas

HF: T.Bedford, B.Daniels, P.Gothard

F: , A.Cadman, J.Stringer, J.Hogan

FOLL: N.Madden, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan

I/C: J.Leake, X.O’Halloran, S.Coniglio, O.Hannaford, L.Aleer

EMG: H.Rowston, T.McMullin, J.Riccardi

Team Tips: The Giants got a win they just had to have against the Roos, but they’ll still consider some tweaks to their side ahead of a big Sunday night clash with the Suns. Half-back rebounder Joe Fonti is back available after serving his suspension, while youngster Ollie Hannaford could be given a spell in the twos after zero effective kicks in just 53 per cent time on ground against the Roos. Jack Ough collected 30 disposals and kicked a goal in the VFL as he continues to press for a debut. And Adam Kingsley might not feel the need to go double-talls against Jarrod Witts, with Nick Madden and makeshift ruckman Leek Aleer both playing 60 per cent or less time on ground against North Melbourne. Out-of-favour tapster Kieren Briggs accumulated 26 possessions, 32 hitouts, seven marks, six clearances and a goal.