AFL Rd 9 Team Tips: New Hawk unleashed; big Pies blow, mixed Crows news as trio eye returns

A Hawthorn debutant confirmed, mixed news for Adelaide as a trio eyes a return and a Kangaroos star will need to pass a fitness test. More below in Round 7 Team Tips!

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ROUND 9 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

FREMANTLE v HAWTHORN

Thursday May 7, 8.10pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 8 side

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

HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner

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

HF: S.Bolton, M.Reid, S.Switkowski

F: P.Voss, J.Treacy, J.Amiss

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

I/C: M.Cox, J.Sharp, I.Dudley, C.Wagner, N.Erasmus

EMG: N.O’Driscoll, C.Scerri, O.McDonald

Team Tips: It’s all flowers and roses at Fremantle this week, as they look to extend their win-loss ratio to 8-1 — the best since a 9-0 start back in 2015. It means there’s little reason for them to change a winning formula, and given they’ve only made one change across the last fortnight, expect a similar sentiment this Thursday night. That being said, midfielder Matt Johnson was extremely quiet during their two-goal win over the Western Bulldogs, and has had just six kicks in the last two weeks. If Justin Longmuir wished to look elsewhere, emergency Nathan O’Driscoll could return to the fold, after 28 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal for Peel Thunder against West Perth last Saturday evening. All things going well, defender Brandon Walker will be available for selection, should he exit concussion protocols.

Hawks’ Round 8 side

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

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

C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Mackenzie, K.Amon

HF: C.Macdonald, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

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

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe (c), J.Ward

I/C: J.Weddle, L.Meek, C.Nash, J.Ginnivan, F.Maginness

EMG: H.Morrison, A.Schubert, J.Dalton

Team Tips: Young defender Bodie Ryan is set to be Hawthorn’s third debutant of 2026. The 21-year old gets his opportunity three years after being drafted with Pick 46 and strong VFL form; he’s averaged 21.8 disposals, 5.6 marks and 2.2 tackles per game. Skipper James Sicily is expected to play despite a sore ankle, while Jack Scrimshaw was quiet against the Magpies, but played well the week before in Round 7’s win over Gold Coast. Such is the strength of the side right now too, that the magnifying glass is starting to hover over the form of Josh Weddle. The 21-year-old isn’t at the stage where he’ll be dropped, but a positional change may be needed to help him find his best form again after a poor match against Collingwood. In the VFL side’s shootout victory against Collingwood, the likes of Sam Butler, Bailey Macdonald and emergency Jack Dalton were all busy.

BRISBANE LIONS v CARLTON

Friday May 8, 7.30pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 8 side

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

HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, D.Zorko

C: H.McCluggage, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft

HF: C.Cameron, T.Gallop, Z.Bailey

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

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, L.McCarthy, C.McKenna, C.Curtin, B.Reville

EMG: W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill, D.Joyce

Team Tips: In a sour blow for the winning Lions, forward-turned-defender Ty Gallop failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in the dying stages of their win over Essendon last Saturday, placing him into concussion protocols. 200cm first-year draftee Cody Curtin was quiet on debut up forward, but will hope to be backed in for a second straight week. The club’s VFL side were comfortably beaten by Coburg over the weekend, but usual suspects Shadeau Brain (20 disposals — eight intercepts, nine tackles, one goal) and the omitted James Tunstill (21 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances) still managed to put their name up for a recall. Chris Fagan has the option of getting funky with his replacement for Gallop down back, but perennial emergency Darragh Joyce would be a safe bet down back if he chooses.

Blues’ Round 8 side

B: H.Dean, J.Weitering, A.Saad

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

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

HF: Z.Williams, J.Smith, F.Evans

F: B.Ainsworth, B.Kemp, H.McKay

FOLL: M.Pittonet, A.Cerra, S.Walsh

I/C: N.Haynes, L.Cowan, M.Cottrell, W.Hayward, L.Reidy

EMG: F.Young, C.Lord, L.Young

Team Tips: Starting on a positive note… the club’s reserves enjoyed a five-point win over St Kilda, with the out-of-favour George Hewett racking the ball up once more to finish with 31 disposals — 12 contested, 12 marks and 2.2 on the scoreboard. The on-baller surely has to return to the fold, and has been in the news recently after it was reported he could seek a trade at year’s end if his exile from the senior side persists. Meanwhile, other familiar names such as Blake Acres (19 disposals, 2.2) and Lachie Fogarty (24 disposals, one goal) also putting out strong performances. First-year Next Generation Academy product Jack Ison kicked three goals from his 13 touches also in a noteworthy outing. From the senior side’s loss over the Saints, injury concerns mainly revolve around father-son gun Harry Dean, who finished Saturday night on the bench looking very sore with a groin injury. Defender Lachie Cowan, who was tasked with tagging Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, also came from the field with a head knock. Ruck duo Marc Pittonet and Liam Reidy were uninspiring after playing half a game each, while the running Adam Saad could be under selection pressure once more.

PORT ADELAIDE v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday May 8, 8.10pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 8 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, W.Lorenz, B.Zerk-Thatcher

Team Tips: The Power fell short by the barest of margins against cross-town rivals Adelaide in last Friday night’s Showdown blockbuster, but they’ll still take positives out of the clash. Josh Carr has only made one change in the last fortnight, but one lever he may consider pulling this weekend is regarding his two-ruck combo. After a solid outing against Geelong the week prior, Dante Visentini was quiet and may be vulnerable should a change in structure be preferred. After a solid last three weeks, 2025 mid-season draftee Ewan Mackinlay was barely sighted on a wing and may also be under some selection pressure. The quartet of Jack Watkins, Will Lorenz,Jackson Mead and Will Brodie all had 30 or more disposals in the SANFL side’s win, with the former two listed as emergencies last Friday. Younger types Xavier Walsh and Category B rookie Benny Barrett kicked three goals apiece.

Bulldogs’ Round 8 side

B: M.Sellwood, B.Khamis, N.Coffield

HB: H.Gallagher, J.Busslinger, B.Dale

C: A.Jones, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams

HF: R.Sanders, W.Lewis, L.Vandermeer

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

FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

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

EMG: O.Baker, L.Jaques, C.Hynes

Team Tips: Another player will be added to the club’s growing injury list this week, with Laitham Vandermeer set to miss time with a right hamstring complaint. Head coach Luke Beveridge doesn’t have a huge amount of room to make selection statements, but young key forward Louis Emmett could benefit from a return to the VFL after just two disposals and 47 per cent game time. The likes of Josh Dolan and Sam Davidson were also quiet, and you’d think emergencies Oskar Baker and Cooper Hynes are a chance to replace them after strong showings in the reserves. Defender Luke Cleary also had a decent outing, finishing Footscray’s 10-point loss with eight intercept possessions. Off-season recruit Connor Budarick comes into the week as an outside chance to return from a hamstring injury.

NORTH MELBOURNE v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday May 9, 1.15pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 8 side

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

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

C: J.Simpkin, F.O’Sullivan, D.Stephens

HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, C.Spargo

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

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

I/C: L.Dovaston, G.Wardlaw, Z.Duursma, L.McDonald, T.Powell

EMG: T.Pink, T.Blamires, J.Konstanty

Team Tips: Star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke (hamstring) will need to pass a fitness test to be cleared to face Sydney on Saturday after experiencing hamstring tightness against Geelong. Davies-Uniacke missed Tuesday’s training session but is expected to take part in Thursday’s session and prove his fitness with an eye on facing the Swans. George Wardlaw, who missed the fade-out loss to the Cats, has recovered and is set to return against Sydney. Tom Blamires, who was originally dropped before earning a reprieve as Wardlaw’s replacement, totalled 17 disposals and four score involvements against Geelong. Lachy Dovaston was very quiet in just 43 per cent time-on-ground, going goalless from eight disposals at 38 per cent efficiency. Fellow small forward Jacob Konstanty was an emergency last Saturday but was quiet in the VFL at the weekend. Developing tall Taylor Goad kicked a goal from 19 disposals and eight clearances, and had 30 hitouts, while Cooper Harvey was the reserves’ major ball-winner with 32 disposals. Robert Hansen Jr. (groin) and Luke Urquhart (knee) are nearing returns from injury.

Swans’ Round 8 side

B: W.Edwards, L.Melican, D.Rampe

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

C: J.Serong, Ch.Warner, M.Roberts

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

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

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.McInerney

I/C: S.Wicks, A.Sheldrick, L.McDonald, J.Rowbottom, B.Cootee

EMG: H.McLean, H.Cunningham, P.Ladhams

Team Tips: The Swans chalked up another ominous performance, staving off the Demons to move to 7-1. It’s a pretty set-and-forget Sydney outfit at the moment, with a couple of players on the fringes the only real likelihood of losing their spots on a week-to-week basis. Billy Cootee and Angus Sheldrick both played less than 60 per cent game time against Melbourne, with the former appearing to be the least set in the side, having played just two AFL games. Backup ruckman Peter Ladhams had another big performance in the VFL – 31 disposals, nine marks, seven clearances and 33 hitouts – as Dean Cox continues to ponder a second ruck to chop out Brodie Grundy. Meanwhile in the reserves, Caiden Cleary was magnetised to the footy, tallying 38 possessions and seven marks, while dropped veteran Harry Cunningham had 23 disposals and nine marks. Hayden McLean, who was also an emergency last week as he remains out of favour this season, kicked 2.1 against Casey. Tom McCartin is likely still a fortnight away from a return from his knee ligament sprain, with Lewis Melican serving in his place.

GWS GIANTS v ESSENDON

Saturday May 9, 4.15pm at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ Round 8 side

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

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

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

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

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

FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan

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

EMG: O.Hannaford, H.Rowston, J.Riccardi

Team Tips: There’ll be at least one forced change made by Adam Kingsley after last Sunday’s Expansion Cup loss to the Suns, with winger Ryan Angwin’s spot needing to be filled after he was concussed in Sam Clohesy’s dangerous tackle. Ollie Hannaford and Harry Rowston – emergencies last Sunday – will be among the considerations to replace him, as will Toby McMullin, who totalled a team-high seven clearances from 28 touches and a goal against the Suns’ reserves. Spearhead forward Jesse Hogan was also in the wars with hip and hand injuries against the Suns, but until we hear otherwise, expect him to line up on Saturday against St Kilda. If he has to miss in the short term, developing tall Max Gruzewski is in form in the reserves, dobbing 4.2 from 18 disposals and eight marks against Gold Coast VFL. Meanwhile, ruckman Kieren Briggs played 51 per cent time-on-ground in his return to the senior side, sharing tapping duties with Leek Aleer. He’ll retain his spot in the side as Nick Madden misses at least a month with a PCL knee injury. There are no immediate injury returns on the horizon for the Giants, with star defender Sam Taylor still another fortnight at least from a potential return to play.

Bombers’ Round 8 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: D.Sharp, N.Caddy, S.Robey

F: J.Gresham, K.Langford, T.Edwards

FOLL: P.Wright, Z.Merrett, S.Durham

I/C: N.Cox, M.Kondogiannis, S.El-Hawli, J.Nguyen, L.Blakiston

EMG: E.Tsatas, A.Perkins, H.El Achkar

Team Tips: In a big blow, recruit Brayden Fiorini will miss the majority of the remainder of the season after undergoing back surgery. Fiorini has been sidelined since Round 2 due to ongoing back pain and the club has now made the call to put the midfielder under the knife. After another disappointing defensive performance, changes are on the horizon — and there could be at least two forced swaps, with Jye Caldwell (ankle) and Saad El-Hawli (collarbone) under clouds. Fringe midfielder Elijah Tsatas, who responded to his omission with 34 disposals and 10 clearances, was an emergency last Saturday and could be called straight back up if Caldwell misses time. Reliable defender Mason Redman returned through the VFL at the weekend and is nearing a senior return. Meanwhile, Jade Gresham didn’t manage an effective kick in 77 per cent game time against Brisbane, with fellow outskirts forward Archie Perkins – 20 disposals and eight tackles in the VFL – and Huss El Achkar – three goals from 13 touches – hovering as inclusion candidates after serving as emergencies last Saturday.

GOLD COAST SUNS v ST KILDA

Saturday May 9, 7.10pm at TIO Stadium

Suns’ Round 8 side

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

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

C: L.Weller, C.Petracca, T.Miller

HF: W.Graham, B.Humphrey, L.Lombard

F: E.Read, B.King, B.Long

FOLL: N.Moyle, N.Anderson (c), A.Davies

I/C: J.Noble, J.Ugle-Hagan, J.Jeffrey, S.Clohesy, L.Gulbin

EMG: J.Walter, N.Holman, J.Rogers

Team Tips: Coach Damien Hardwick considers Matt Rowell (ankle) “probable” to return against the Saints, with midfielder Alex Davies – who played just 54 per cent game time in his senior return – likely the unlucky omission. After an imperfect win over the Giants, Gold Coast will make at least one forced change ahead of its Darwin meeting with St Kilda, as, pending a Suns challenge, Sam Clohesy will miss the next two matches after being suspended by the MRO for rough conduct against GWS’ Ryan Angwin. Zeke Uwland could come back in after being managed, while Jake Rogers was an emergency last Sunday – or, in what would be a left-field call, Jai Murray could make his AFL debut. Academy product Murray continued his stellar VFL form with 41 disposals, a goal, six clearances and nine marks against the VFL Giants at the weekend. Meanwhile, Jarrod Witts could also return to the fold after being managed against the Giants, despite a strong Ned Moyle performance with eight hitouts to advantage.

Saints’ Round 8 side

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie, A.Caminiti

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

C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, L.O’Connell

HF: L.Henry, M.Phillipou, M.Owens

F: M.Wood, C.Sharman, R.Marshall

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair (c)

I/C: L.Stocker, D.Butler, D.Howard, H.Garcia, J.Macrae

EMG: A.Tauru

Team Tips: Forward Dan Butler’s hamstring injury was the sour note from St Kilda’s 39-point win over Carlton, with the club confirming he’ll miss the next three to four weeks. Meanwhile, Jack Higgins (concussion protocols) and Darcy Wilson (illness) were late outs before the Saints’ win over Carlton, replaced by Liam O’Connell and Jack Macrae. After suffering a knock at training last Thursday, Foxfooty.com.au understands livewire forward Higgins is recovering positively from a concussion and is hopeful of returning to play his former side Richmond in Round 10. Max King’s disappointing hamstring setback in the VFL was confirmed, with the luckless key forward set to miss another six weeks before returning to play. More information will come to light this week regarding Liam Ryan’s hip injury after he needed to spend time in hospital following the significant cork in Round 7. Hunter Clark (knee) was also listed as ‘TBC’ on last week’s injury report. In the VFL, Hugh Boxshall was everywhere with 32 disposals, 12 marks, seven tackles and four clearances, while Lance Collard played off half-back in his return and gathered 24 possessions and 11 marks.

GEELONG CATS v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday May 9, 7.35pm at the MCG

Cats’ Round 8 side

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

HB: S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie, J.Kolodjashnij

C: M.O’Connor, B.Smith, O.Dempsey

HF: J.Cameron, S.Mannagh, B.Close

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

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

I/C: L.Humphries, O.Mullin, T.Bruhn, J.Worpel, O.Henry

EMG: J.Bowes, O.Wiltshire, G.Stevens

Team Tips: There should be at least one change in the works ahead of a big Saturday night clash with Collingwood, starting with the likely return of defender Jack Henry. The 27-year-old was a late exclusion for the win over North Melbourne due to foot soreness, with Jack Bowes coming into the side. That could be a straight swap. Gryan Miers (knee) could be back in action as soon as this week, but there might also be precaution taken with the Cats’ dynamic half-forward, while there’s a lack of clarity around Mark Blicavs’ knee injury – listed as ‘TBC’ on last Tuesday’s injury report. George Stevens (34 disposals), Jhye Clark (32) and Mitch Knevitt (27) were among the Cats’ major ball-winners in the VFL, with Rhys Stanley getting on the scoreboard along with 39 hitouts and 16 disposals to put some pressure on Mitch Edwards.

Magpies’ Round 8 side

B: B.Frampton, D.Moore (c), B.Maynard

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

C: R.Steele, N.Long, J.Crisp

HF: L.Schultz, P.Lipinski, W.Hayes

F: D.McStay, J.Elliott, O.Steene

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Daicos, J.De Goey

I/C: D.Houston, W.Parker, S.Sidebottom, J.Buller, A.Anderson

EMG: E.Allan, C.West, L.Sullivan

Team Tips: Welcome to Scott Pendlebury week. Set to equal Brent Harvey’s all-time games record, the Pies champion will return this Saturday against the Cats after being managed against Hawthorn last Thursday. Fellow veteran Jeremy Howe is also set to return from management and Beau McCreery (general soreness) is available, too. However, Harry Perryman will miss four to five weeks with a hamstring injury suffered against the Hawks and Darcy Cameron (ankle) will need to pass a fitness on Thursday, despite scans confirming no structural. Steele Sidebottom isn’t listed on Collingwood’s injury report after having his hand stepped on. Otherwise, youngsters Wil Parker and Will Hayes appear likeliest to make way for the aforementioned returning senior stars, while young ball-getter Angus Anderson looked a touch off the pace against the Hawks but would be unlucky to be omitted. In the VFL at the weekend, Ed Allan gathered 28 disposals and kicked two goals with six clearances, continuing to put his hand up for a recall after being an emergency last Thursday night. Another emergency, developing forward Charlie West, booted 2.1 from six touches. Meanwhile, Bobby Hill booted three goals from seven touches in the VFL, as he continues to plot a return to the senior side.

MELBOURNE v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday May 10, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium

Demons’ Round 8 side

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

HB: P.Cross, T.Sparrow, C.Jiath

C: K.Chandler, J.Steele, E.Langdon

HF: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, M.Jefferson

F: H.Sharp, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett

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

I/C: K.Tholstrup, B.Laurie, M.Heath, L.Pickett, H.Petty

EMG: X.Taylor, J.Henderson, A.Moniz-Wakefield

Team Tips: Aside from the loss, the sour note to come from last Sunday was Brody Mihocek’s hamstring injury. The setback is set to cost the premiership veteran between three and five weeks on the sidelines, with emerging key-position forward Luker Kentfield potentially one of the names in consideration to replace the ex-Pie’s place in the side and make his debut. Kentfield kicked two goals from eight touches and four marks — including a screamer — in the VFL at the weekend. Otherwise, Andy Moniz-Wakefield — an emergency last Sunday — was busy again in the VFL with 24 disposals to keep his name in the mix, with SSP signing Paddy Cross among the quieter Demons on Sunday with one effective kick in 74 per cent time on ground. But overall, this remains a side that isn’t likely to spring any surprises at selection, such is its consistently good performance of late. Xavier Lindsay (hip/groin) and Trent Rivers (knee) both might still be a week away from a return.

Eagles’ Round 8 side

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

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

C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, R.Maric

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

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

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

I/C: M.Owies, C.Duff-Tytler, T.Cole, H.Davis, H.Schoenberg

EMG: T.Gross, R.Bazzo, J.Williams

Team Tips: After a highly disappointing loss to Richmond at home, Andrew McQualter and his match committee will again explore changes at selection. Key defender Harry Edwards would be a much-needed boost to the Eagles’ tall stocks in the back half, having promisingly returned through the WAFL as he plots a senior recall after yet another concussion. Meanwhile, key forward Jack Williams was one of the reserves’ best, kicking three goals to put pressure on the Eagles’ forwards. Williams, along with young midfielder Tom Gross, who impressed again in the WAFL, were emergencies last Saturday and shape as leading candidates to be recalled if McQualter opts to throw some magnets around. An AFL reprieve for Gross could come at the expense of Harry Schoenberg, who was West Coast’s lowest-rated player against Richmond with four effective kicks in 68 per cent game time. Jamie Cripps managed 1.1 from 12 disposals in the WAFL.

RICHMOND v ADELAIDE CROWS

Sunday May 10, 3.15pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 8 side

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

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

C: P.Retschko, D.Prestia, K.McAuliffe

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

F: J.Faull, T.Sonsie, T.Lynch

FOLL: O.Hayes-Brown, J.Ross (c), J.Hopper

I/C: J.Trezise, T.Burton, T.Brown, C.Gray, M.Lefau

EMG: N.Roberts-Thomson, L.Trainor, S.Ryan

Team Tips: After an inspiring win over West Coast, Richmond and Adem Yze need to cover the absence of veteran Dion Prestia, who, according to SEN’s Tom Morris, is expected to miss only a few weeks with yet another calf setback. Tim Taranto, after missing a second week due to concussion, is set to be the like-for-like replacement, provided he’s given the all-clear to exit protocols. Rebounder James Trezise was the lowest-rated player in Eagles-Tigers, and while he might have come under selection pressure in other weeks, Richmond simply doesn’t have the cattle to make a call like that — with just three AFL-listed players playing in the VFL at the weekend and a 17-player injury list. Fortunately, captain and first-choice ruckman Toby Nankervis is nearing a return from his hamstring injury — but Noah Balta has performed admirably in his place last Saturday, partnering nicely with Category B rookie Ollie Hayes-Brown. Samson Ryan had 20 disposals, a goal and 34 hitouts in the VFL at the weekend, but coming up against the Crows’ Lachie McAndrew and Toby Murray this Sunday, it’s hard to see Yze and co. changing their winning formula.

Crows’ Round 8 side

B: J.Worrell, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney

HB: R.Laird, J.Butts, W.Milera

C: I.Cumming, B.Keays (c), B.Cook

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

F: D.Curtin, T.Walker, Z.Taylor

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

I/C: L.Pedlar, A.Neal-Bullen, T.Murray, J.Soligo, H.Bond

EMG: N.Murray, L.Nankervis, B.Dowling

Team Tips: There’s mixed selection news at West Lakes. Taylor Walker (hamstring) will be out for several weeks while Jordon Butts (adductor) will be sidelined for up to three week. Butts’ omission likely means Nick Murray could come straight back into the side after also being dropped ahead of Round 8. In two key boosts, Callum Ah Chee and Darcy Fogarty are set to return from injury. Meanwhile Jordan Dawson is back training after the star skipped missed Adelaide’s epic Showdown win due to personal reasons. Dawson’s looming return could come at the expense of Zac Taylor, while Hugh Bond — the lowest-rated player in the Showdown — could also be vulnerable.