AFL 2026: Round 7 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, latest team news

Collingwood has made a big early call on the availability of their star captain ahead of a huge Anzac Day clash.

Meanwhile, how on earth do the Western Bulldogs replace the plethora of star power sidelined through injury? More below in Round 7 Team Tips!

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ROUND 7 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v SYDNEY SWANS

Thursday April 23, 7.30pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 6 side

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

HB: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale

C: S.Davidson, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams

HF: R.Sanders, S.Darcy, J.Freijah

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

FOLL: L.Emmett, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: C.Hynes, L.Jaques, T.Liberatore, W.Lewis, O.Baker

EMG: J.Busslinger, L.McNeil, L.Cleary

Team Tips: Counting the cost of a disastrous injury toll last Friday night. None of those were bigger than Sam Darcy (ACL), while James O’Donnell (hamstring), Rory Lobb (hamstring) and Tom Liberatore (concussion) are also set to be sidelined. Meanwhile, SEN’s Sam Edmund reports there’s a “little watch” on superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli, who had scans for a knee concern, though no structural damage came up. Talk about carnage! Help is on the way, however, with Tim English a chance to return from a knee issue, though the star ruckman is more likely still another week off. Jedd Busslinger, Luke Cleary and Ryan Gardner will all be firmly in the frame for call ups as defensive reinforcements. Adam Treloar pressed his claim for a season debut with a big 41-disposal outing in the VFL, while Lachie McNeil racked up 26 touches with a goal in the twos as Josh Dolan booted three majors.

Swans’ Round 6 side

B: J.Hamling, T.McCartin, R.Bice

HB: S.Wicks, N.Blakey, C.Mills (c)

C: J.Serong, I.Heeney, M.Roberts

HF: J.Rowbottom, T.Papley, J.Jordon

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

FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.McInerney

I/C: H.Cunningham, J.Lloyd, A.Sheldrick, Co.Warner, L.McDonald

EMG: H.McLean, B.Cootee, P.Ladhams

Team Tips: The red-hot, ladder-leading Swans are probably the most settled team in the competition. Other than bringing back Dane Rampe from a week off, hard to see Dean Cox opting for any changes after his side recorded its third-straight win. Corey Warner could make way after a quiet showing against GWS with the lowest time on ground of any Swan, unless Sydney looked to manage one of its other veterans. Caiden Cleary (28 disposals, one goal), Peter Ladhams (22 touches, one goal) and Billy Cootee (three goals) among their best in the VFL.

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE

Friday April 24, 7.40pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 6 side

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

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

C: S.Banks, D.Prestia, H.Ralphsmith

HF: M.Rioli, J.Ross, S.Green

F: L.Fawcett, S.Campbell, M.Lefau

FOLL: S.Ryan, T.Taranto (c), S.Lalor

I/C: P.Retschko, T.Sonsie, J.Faull, C.Gray, K.McAuliffe

EMG: O.Hayes-Brown, T.Brown, Z.Peucker

Team Tips: Disheartening enough was Richmond’s 65-point loss to North Melbourne, let alone the injury carnage packaged in with it. Sam Banks (collarbone) was the biggest casualty and is set for a lengthy sideline stint, while Tim Taranto (concussion protocols) will miss at least one match. But the silver lining is that the door is wide open for highly-touted draftee Sam Cumming to make his anticipated debut, after a best-on-ground performance at the weekend in the VFL side’s win against the AFL Academy. Unfortunately, Maurice Rioli will be sidelined for at least a month after his hamstring injury to come out of the weekend’s heavy AFL defeat. In positive news, veteran key forward Tom Lynch is expected to be available for Friday night’s clash, after he and the club took a conservative approach with his hamstring injury. Young defender Luke Trainor is also set to be available for selection, though would be more likely to come back through the reserves. Speaking replacements for Banks, emergency Tom Brown and James Trezise loom as the most likely inclusions.

Demons’ Round 6 side

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

HB: T.Sparrow, H.Petty, C.Windsor

C: K.Tholstrup, J.Steele, J.Culley

HF: K.Chandler, J.van Rooyen, H.Sharp

F: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn (c), H.Langford, E.Langdon

I/C: B.Laurie, X.Taylor, M.Jefferson, M.Heath, L.Pickett

EMG: P.Cross, J.Henderson, L.Kentfield

Team Tips: An unfortunate concussion setback to Harrison Petty the only casualty from their spirited win over Brisbane at the MCG. It paves the way for Tom McDonald to return to the senior side to shore up Steven King’s defence. Hard to imagine the Demons will roll with the double-ruck set up for another week, ahead of a matchup against Richmond’s Samson Ryan, with Max Heath only getting 27 per cent game time against Brisbane and likely only brought in to tackle the reining premiers’ dual rucks. That should create another opening in Melbourne’s 23, which Xavier Lindsay should fill after getting managed against the Lions. Elsewhere, Changkuoth Jiath (calf) is nearing his return from injury, while Jack Henderson tallied 25 disposals with eight tackles in the VFL and Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Paddy Cross could also be in the mix.

HAWTHORN v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday April 25, 12.30pm at UTAS Stadium

Hawks’ Round 6 side

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

HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick

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

HF: W.McCabe, M.Lewis, S.Butler

F: D.Moore, C.Dear, N.Watson

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

I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, L.Meek, J.Ward, C.Macdonald, J.Ginnivan

EMG: J.Scrimshaw, F.Maginness, B.Ryan

Team Tips: Hawthorn will be without two key figures for their trip down to York Park this Anzac Day, with James Sicily and Dylan Moore accepting their respective one-game bans for striking Power player Logan Evans. It opens the door for emergencies Jack Scrimshaw and Finn Maginness to make their way back into the senior side as reliable replacements. Both seem very likely to earn a recall, though first-year player Jack Dalton could be an alternative option to Maginness. That being said, the 25-year-old enjoyed a monster day out in the VFL against Port Melbourne, racking up 34 disposals, 10 clearances and three goals in their 73-point win. Despite his critical goal in the final term, debutant Will McCabe looks a good chance to be a straight swap out of the side for Jack Gunston, who should return from a corked calf. After being close to a debut last week, first-year forward Aidan Schubert again looked threatening in front of goal, finishing with 3.5.

Suns’ Round 6 side

B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: J.Noble, W.Powell, D.Rioli

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

HF: B.Long, B.Humphrey, W.Graham

F: E.Read, B.King, L.Lombard

FOLL: J.Witts, T.Miller (c), M.Rowell

I/C: J.Walter, C.Ballard, J.Jeffrey, J.Rogers, O.Adams

EMG: N.Moyle, L.Gulbin, B.Jepson

Team Tips: The Suns’ VFL side went down to Essendon in a Saturday morning shootout in Carrara, but plenty of selection options have come from it. Upon his return from a minor knee surgery, new recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan picked up where he left off with a strong bag of five goals from 13 disposals. Uncapped utility Asher Eastham kicked 2.3 from 15 disposals in a promising outing, while all of Ned Moyle, Alex Davies and Jai Murray impressed. Second-year Academy product Leo Lombard has been ever so slightly on the quieter side this last fortnight, and there’s a world where he falls victim to a selection squeeze.

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday April 25, 3.20pm at the MCG

Bombers’ Round 6 side

B: J.Ridley, 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, P.Wright, A.May

FOLL: L.Blakiston, D.Parish, Z.Merrett

I/C: E.Tsatas, S.Robey, J.Gresham, S.El-Hawli, T.Edwards

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

Team Tips: The good news is Essendon is continues to be more competitive, despite narrowly falling to Gold Coast. The bad news is they’ve copped another significant injury blow. Jordan Ridley’s horror soft tissue injury run has continued with another calf setback set to sideline the defender. Meanwhile Tom Edwards ultimately passed an HIA, despite being made to exit the loss to the Suns late in the fourth to be assessed for a concussion. If they wanted to replace Ridley with a like-for-like, Jaxon Prior, who was managed last week, or Zak Johnson probably come in. Jayden Nguyen (23 disposals) had a huge game in the VFL to put his hand up for a recall, while Archie Perkins (27 disposals, one goal) and Johnson (31 touches) also impressed in the reserves. Nick Bryan continues to build reps in the VFL, now two games back from an ACL injury, with the ruckman’s recall to the senior side just a matter of time.

Magpies’ Round 6 side

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

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

C: R.Steele, S.Pendlebury, E.Allan

HF: B.McCreery, W.Hayes, L.Schultz

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

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

I/C: P.Lipinski, D.Houston, D.Cameron, J.Crisp, N.Daicos

EMG: W.Parker, L.Sullivan, J.Buller

Team Tips: An intriguing selection week for Collingwood, provided Steele Sidebottom (hip) and Jordan De Goey (concussion) are ready to return from injury, after the Pies returned to the winners list. Ed Allan appears the most vulnerable to come out of the side. Will Hayes, though not setting the world on fire, probably had the most impact he’s ever had on a game against Carlton and showed growth as a pressure, small forward. So it’d be a surprise if Hayes got the axe. Is it possible the Pies could leave Sidebottom out of the senior side? Might feel less inclined to given it could be his last Anzac Day. But surely Craig McRae would be keen to continue to blood youngsters over a veteran, even if a club champion, nearing the end, as part of his side’s development. A potential Darcy Moore (hamstring) would have created a real selection headache, but as Craig McRae told AFL 360 on Monday night, the Pies are going to be extra cautious with the skipper and give him an extra week — despite how keen Moore was to play on the Anzac Day stage. You couldn’t rule out Collingwood resting another veteran. But again, this is Anzac Day, so good luck convincing them to miss!

PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONG CATS

Saturday April 25, 6.35pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 6 side

B: T.Marshall, 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, J.Lai, L.Evans, D.Visentini

EMG: J.Watkins, M.Zadow, B.Zerk-Thatcher

Team Tips: For all the criticism that’s come Port Adelaide’s way in recent days, their three-point loss to Hawthorn last Saturday evening was one of the more honourable losses a team has had this season. That being said, you’d expect head coach Josh Carr to make an unforced change or two. Fifth-year ruck Dante Visentini was brought in to help combat Hawthorn’s dynamic duo in Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves, and looks likely to be sent back to the SANFL. 2025 SSP signing Josh Lai has shown promising signs in his first few games at the top level, but both he and Logan Evans may benefit from a spell in the reserves too. A number of injuries are limiting selection pressure at Alberton, but Will Lorenz and rookie Jack Watkins could be among those a good chance of a recall. Uncapped third-year player Xavier Walsh kicked four goals from seven disposals in their 17-point loss to North Adelaide last Sunday.

Cats’ Round 6 side

B: J.Kolodjashnij, C.O’Sullivan, T.Stewart

HB: M.Blicavs, S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie

C: O.Dempsey, B.Smith, O.Mullin

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

F: P.Dangerfield (c), S.Neale, O.Henry

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

I/C: L.Humphries, T.Bruhn, J.Bowes, J.Worpel, J.Martin

EMG: B.Close, M.Knevitt, J.Henry

Team Tips: There isn’t much to be unhappy about at the Cattery, after brutalising an injury-riddled Bulldogs by 75 points last Friday night. Geelong will be hopeful that Jack Henry is fit to return from a minor oblique injury, after the club opted not to risk him at selection last week. Emergency Mitch Knevitt was among the best in the club’s VFL loss to Footscray with 30 disposals, 10 marks and a goal and could be a consideration to replace Oli Wilthsire, who has had a quiet last fortnight. That being said, Brad Close was managed from the match and may pip him for a return, while Mark O’Connor is also available after serving a one-week suspension. Brutally, it could leave Jack Bowes vulnerable at selection despite immediate impact in the senior side. Alternatively, Chris Scott could omit young ruck Mitch Edwards back to the reserves and deploy Mark Blicavs as their main ruck to make room for others.

FREMANTLE v CARLTON

Saturday April 25, 8.15pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 6 side

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

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

C: M.Reid, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson

HF: I.Dudley, J.Amiss, S.Switkowski

F: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, P.Voss

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

I/C: M.Cox, K.Worner, N.Erasmus, M.Frederick, C.Wagner

EMG: N.O’Driscoll, B.Walker, C.Scerri

Team Tips: There really isn’t much to report out of Cockburn at selection this week, after another Western Derby smashing. In his club debut, Mason Cox was quiet for just four disposals, but still had some notable moments. Presuming he exits concussion protocols, you would expect Sean Darcy to return to the senior side in his place — though there is an argument he’d benefit from a game or two in the WAFL after a slow start to 2026. First-year forward Tobyn Murray kicked 2.1 from 23 disposals for Peel Thunder in their one-point loss to Perth over the weekend, while winger Jeremy Sharp had 34 touches and a goal of his own. Omitted SSP signing Chris Scerri was held over as an emergency

Blues’ Round 6 side

B: L.Cowan, J.Weitering, N.Haynes

HB: O.Florent, M.McGovern, N.Newman

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

HF: J.Smith, E.Hollands, B.Ainsworth

F: W.Hayward, H.McKay, B.Kemp

FOLL: M.Pittonet, Z.Williams, S.Walsh

I/C: H.Dean, F.Evans, T.Byrne, L.Young, A.Cerra

EMG: L.Reidy, F.Young, J.Boyd

Team Tips: The Blues were valiant in defeat against Collingwood, but once again, they gave up yet another lead that extended to as much as 23 points in the third term. For reasons well-documented, Elijah Hollands will be the first of multiple changes to Michael Voss’ side as he deals with his off-field issues. Another unfortunate concussion to Harry McKay will see him miss at least one week, and while not a straight swap, Flynn Young could be brought back in. A minor hand surgery will also see ruck Marc Pittonet miss the trip to Perth, opening the door for one of former Docker Liam Reidy or young tall Hudson O’Keeffe to be recalled. In the VFL’s win over the Magpies, dropped midfielder George Hewett and Cooper Lord were dominant with 65 disposals, 18 tackles and 14 clearances between them.

ST KILDA v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday April 26, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 6 side

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), J.Carroll

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

C: H.Boxshall, M.Hall, D.Wilson

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

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

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, M.Windhager

I/C: H.Clark, D.Butler, L.Stocker, M.Phillipou, H.Garcia

EMG: A.Hastie, A.Tauru, L.O’Connell

Team Tips: The question on every Saints fans lips this week is: Will Max King return? SEN’s Sam Edmund reported on Monday afternoon that he believes the 25-year-old is a “real chance” to play West Coast this Sunday, in what would be a surprising move by the club given he hasn’t played football since June 2024. Jack Macrae had 22 disposals and 10 tackles in his return from a knee injury via the VFL to put his hand back up, while all of Anthony Caminiti, Ryan Byrnes and Tobie Travaglia are outside chances of being available for selection. In his return from a concussion, Liam Stocker lacked impact at Adelaide Oval from his nine disposals.

Eagles’ Round 6 side

B: L.Duggan, S.Brock, R.Ginbey

HB: B.Hough, T.Young, L.Baker (c)

C: T.McCarthy, E.Yeo, B.Allan

HF: W.Duursma, A.Reid, E.Hewett

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

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

I/C: J.Lindsay, J.Cripps, C.Duff-Tytler, H.Davis, H.Schoenberg

EMG: M.Owies, R.Maric, M.Flynn

Team Tips: Despite another heavy Western Derby loss, there’s a hint of selection pressure at Lathlain after a strong WAFL win. Young key forward Archer Reid went goalless at AFL level for a fourth straight week, and looks due for a return to state level to help find some form. Elijah Hewett was barely sighted all evening at Optus Stadium, and could also find himself vulnerable at the selection table. Key defender Harry Edwards remains a chance to play after a Round 2 concussion, and may sport headgear upon his return. In the reserves’ win over Subiaco, there were several strong performers. Clay Hall found the Burley 27 times and kicked two goals, while Tom Gross had 29 and one of his own. Ruck Matt Flynn dominated with 24 touches, 51 hitouts and a goal, with three-game player Malaki Champion kicking three goals from his 20 disposals in another strong showing.

BRISBANE LIONS v ADELAIDE CROWS

Sunday April 26, 3.15pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 6 side

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

HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, N.Answerth

C: B.Reville, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry

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

F: K.Lohmann, C.Rayner, T.Gallop

FOLL: S.Draper, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: H.McCluggage, L.McCarthy, L.Morris, Z.Bailey, Z.Zakostelsky

EMG: J.Tunstill, S.Brain

Team Tips: The most sour note to come out of Brisbane’s two-point loss to Melbourne on Sunday was another concussion to defender Noah Answerth. It’s a brutal blow for the 26-year-old, who had only just returned from a knee to the head a few weeks ago which sidelined him for three weeks. Key cog Jarrod Berry was ruled out of the match at half time also with a calf complaint that looks set to see him miss at least a couple of weeks. In slightly better news, ruck Darcy Fort should return this weekend after being a late out at the MCG. His return will likely see last-minute replacement Zane Zakostelsky back out of the senior side, having played just 31% game time against the Demons. Emergency Shadeau Brain looks the most like-for-like replacement for Answerth, while James Tunstill would be an apt substitute for Berry. Veteran and former captain Dayne Zorko looks almost certain to miss at least another week with his calf strain. In the VFL’s win over the Casey Demons, 2024 premiership player Conor McKenna kicked four goals from his 22 disposals, while Reece Torrent racked up 31 touches of his own to go with his two majors. 2024 mid-season draftee Will McLachlan kicked four goals, while Darragh Joyce and Luke Beecken were strong in the defensive half.

Crows’ Round 6 side

B: J.Worrell, N.Murray, M.Michalanney

HB: R.Laird, J.Butts, H.Bond

C: I.Cumming, S.Berry, L.Nankervis

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, Z.Taylor

F: A.Neal-Bullen (c), T.Walker, I.Rankine

FOLL: L.McAndrew, J.Peatling, J.Rachele

I/C: B.Cook, F.Maley, C.Edwards, L.Pedlar, W.Milera

EMG: J.Borlase, T.Murray, B.Dowling

Team Tips: In extremely tough circumstances, an undermanned Crows outfit managed to get a valiant win over St Kilda last Saturday night. At the centre of the situation remains captain Jordan Dawson, who will return to the fold when ready — whether that be this Sunday or in the coming weeks. While uncertainty around his availability remains, his replacement Charlie Edwards was excellent on debut and is deserving to hold his spot. It could leave a minor question at the selection table with Jake Soligo, who missed last Saturday night with a minor ankle roll in Gather Round. A heavily interrupted pre-season for the 23-year-old has seen him start 2026 a little slower than he may have liked, so a temporary return to the SANFL against North Adelaide may be a consideration to help increase his loads. The early vibe out of West Lakes suggests key forward Darcy Fogarty could be given yet another week to overcome an ongoing back issue, with his replacement Finnbar Maley performing consistently these last few weeks. Luke Nankervis had a quiet night, but deserves to be backed in for at least another week in Callum Ah Chee’s absence. In the reserves, last week’s unlucky omission James Borlase was among the best alongside Chayce Jones, Reilly O’Brien and Sid Draper.

GWS GIANTS v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday April 26, 4.40pm at Corroboree Group Oval

Giants’ Round 6 side

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

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Ash, J.Fonti

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

HF: X.O’Halloran, T.Bedford, P.Gothard

F: C.Brown, J.Stringer, J.Riccardi

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

I/C: H.Himmelberg, H.Rowston, T.McMullin, O.Hannaford, L.Aleer

EMG: C.Stone, J.Leake

Team Tips: The 2-4 Giants are slowly getting soldiers back, but losing them at the same time. Small forward Brent Daniels is due to return after being managed against Sydney. This early in the week, there’s less certainty around Aaron Cadman and Stephen Coniglio, who are both in concussion protocols, and Jesse Hogan, who was a late out against the Swans with a corked quad. Meanwhile, the club is contesting Joe Fonti’s one-match ban at the tribunal. Untried second-year player Harrison Oliver (30 disposals), Kieren Briggs (18 disposals, one goal, 21 hit-outs), and Max Gruzewski (20 disposals, one goal) all put their hands up for AFL call ups with strong showings in the twos and should come into consideration, depending on how many of their injured stars are good to go.

Kangaroos’ Round 6 side

B: A.Corr, G.Logue, C.Comben

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: C.Coleman-Jones, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel

I/C: L.Dovaston, G.Wardlaw, L.McDonald, C.Spargo, T.Blamires

EMG: B.Scott, T.Pink, J.Konstanty

Team Tips: The Kangaroos kept rolling with a big win over Richmond, so don’t expect many changes to Alastair Clarkson’s 23. They are set for one big in, though, with Tristan Xerri to return from suspension. That likely spells the end of Callum Coleman-Jones’ run in the senior team. Former Swan Jacob Konstanty (23 disposals, one goal) and Cooper Harvey (28 disposals) had strong performances in the reserves to at least give Clarkson and the match committee a bit to ponder. That said, this is the best the Roos have been going in some time, so you expect they’ll largely stick with the same mix.