Big doubts on Pies star as ruck sent for scans; tough Dons calls as debuts loom — AFL Team Tips

After a long summer, the 2025 AFL season is now just days away from gracing us, and there’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding the make-up of the eight teams partaking in Opening Round.

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Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Opening Round with AFL Team Tips!

OPENING ROUND TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

BRISBANE vs. GEELONG

Thursday March 6, 7:50pm at the Gabba

Lions’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: N. Answerth, H. Andrews, R. Lester

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

C: J. Fletcher, W. Ashcroft, H. McCluggage

HF: C. Rayner, L. Morris, J. Berry

F: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, Z. Bailey

FOLL: O. McInerney, L. Neale, J. Dunkley

I/C: K. Lohmann, C. Ah Chee, C.McKenna, S. Day, L. Ashcroft

EMG: L.McCarthy, T.Gallop, B.Reville

Team Tips: The reigning premiers were dealt a frustrating blow last Thursday against Adelaide in their pre-season hit out, with finals star Brandon Starcevich now sidelined with concussion. Subsequently, he’ll miss the match against Geelong, which leaves a void to fill in Chris Fagan’s defence. Grand final substitute Conor McKenna could be the player to see more game time as a result of Starcevich’s set back, however that may cause a slight restructure for the back six. Alternatively, Fagan may opt to keep Darragh Joyce in his side, who replaced an ill Harris Andrews against Adelaide in a last-minute change. Flag hero Callum Ah Chee was rested against Adelaide due to calf tightness, with the club hopeful he’ll be fresh for the preliminary final re-match. Whether or not Lincoln McCarthy will return to the top level straight away after his ACL injury remains to be seen, but in a positive sign, the former Cat played 59 per cent game time last Thursday in a bid to prove he’s ready. The last structural question hanging over the head of the Lions is how they officially replace Joe Daniher. Logan Morris is the slightly more experienced option to take the reins, but the uncapped Ty Gallop has proven himself a genuine bolter to take the position after a strong summer and eye-catching hit out against Gold Coast/Collingwood during match simulation. Or, do the Lions turn towards SSP signing and former Sun Sam Day as the proven method to begin with, given his aerial prowess and contested work. Father-son draftee Levi Ashcroft looks certain to make his AFL debut, after strong performances against rival clubs in February.

Cats’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

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

C: G.Miers, B.Smith, O.Dempsey

HF: P.Dangerfield, J.Cameron, B.Close

F: T.Stengle, S.Neale, O.Henry

FOLL: S.De Koning, M.Knevitt, M.Holmes,

I/C: T.Atkins, S.Mannagh, T.Bruhn, M.Blicavs, J.Bowes

EMG: M.Duncan, J.Clark, R.Stanley

Team Tips: For the most part, Geelong side that hosted Essendon in last week’s AAMI Community Series will be what takes to the park at the Gabba on Thursday. Star recruit Bailey Smith was managed for the Cats’ final pre-season clash, but there are no concerns over his fitness for Opening Round. Last year’s mature-age pick-up in Shaun Mannagh still looks to be in a race against the clock to overcome a stress injury in his right foot, but if fit, is also in Chris Scott’s best side. Ted Clohesy and Jhye Clark only had limited minutes against the Bombers, but the latter in particular impressed which should see him picked on Wednesday night. Mark O’Connor and the uncapped Connor O’Sullivan may be on the fringes of he best 23, while Oisin Mullin enjoyed a strong hit out last Tuesday. Expect 22-year-old Mitch Knevitt to be named, after a stellar pre-season and two strong performances on match day across the last fortnight. Veteran ruck Rhys Stanley was named emergency last week against the Bombers, and may be kept out in favour of key defender-turned-ruck Sam De Koning. It must be said, these Cats are looking ultra settled heading into 2025; a crucial key for their side achieving the ultimate success.

SYDNEY vs. HAWTHORN

Friday March 7, 7:40pm at the SCG

Swans’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: D.Rampe, L.Melican, H.Cunningham

HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, O.Florent

C: Co. Warner, Ch.Warner, J.Jordon

HF: T.Papley, T.McCartin, A.Sheldrick

F: B. Campbell, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

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

I/C: T.Adams, J.Lloyd, J.McInerney, S.Wicks, B.Paton

EMG: H.McLean, R.Fox, R.Bice

Team Tips: Undoubtedly the biggest news of late for the Swans, and arguably any team playing in Opening Round, is the absence of Errol Gulden — who fractured his ankle against Gold Coast in last Friday’s Community Series tune-up. The superstar underwent surgery on Sunday, with a timeline on his return to be made clearer in the near future. Angus Sheldrick might be the player who gets his opportunity off the back of Gulden’s injury, after two very impressive outings in pre-season against GWS and the Suns. Uncertainty still surrounds Brodie Grundy, as the two-time All-Australian races against the clock to recover from a knock to his right knee. He is a test, according to Fox Sports News’ Drew Jones. Should he not pull up well enough, reserve tall Peter Ladhams will instead suit up as the main ruck. Veteran defender Harry Cunningham is also in some doubt for the Friday night spectacle, after ligament damage in his ankle was revealed during match simulation against the Giants, meaning a defensive opportunity may also present itself for Robbie Fox, who was left out of last Friday’s match as an emergency on the Gold Coast. A low-grade ankle sprain kept Tom Papley out of last week’s match against Suns, and Jones reports he is ‘touch and go’ to play Hawthorn. Jake Lloyd got through the aforementioned match great after bone bruising concerns and looks likely to line up again on a wing. The quartet of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Dane Rampe and Lewis Melican were all rested against the Suns and will slot straight back into Dean Cox’s best 23 for Friday night. Mature-age recruit Riley Bice is a chance to make his league debut come Friday night but may just miss out in favour of others more established.

Hawks’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, J.Scrimshaw

HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily, J.Weddle

C: K.Amon, W Day, M.D’Ambrosio

HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, N.Watson

F: B.Hardwick, J.Gunston, J.Ginnivan

FOLL: L.Meek, J. Newcombe, J.Worpel

I/C: C.Macdonald, C.Mackenzie, C.Nash, F.Maginness, H.Morrison

EMG: L.Breust, J.Ward, S.Frost

Team Tips: At the Hawks, Jarman Impey and Blake Hardwick were both rested in the club’s final pre-season hit out, but will be back to travel to Sydney later this week. One teammate highly unlikely to join them on the plane however is Changkuoth Jiath, whose hip flared up days before their clash in Launceston against the Bulldogs. The club is yet to officially rule out the running defender, but at this stage it seems highly unlikely he’ll play. Luke Breust lined up for Box Hill on Friday night, and remains a chance to hold his place in the starting 23 should his experience be called upon. His teammate Finn Maginness has had an excellent pre-season that has shone through during practice games this summer, and is deserving of a spot in Hawthorn’s forward half. At the other end of the ground, Sam Frost may end up the unlucky man squeezed out of the side despite a solid game against the Bulldogs in Tasmania — with new defensive combination Tom Barrass and Josh Battle in full flight. Their newfound combination leaves intrigue over James Sicily and where he’ll line up for Opening Round, with the skipper able to have a strong impact at both ends of the ground. Cam Mackenziehas completed a top-tier pre-season, and looks primed for greater opportunity beginning this Friday night.

GOLD COAST vs. ESSENDON

Saturday March 8, 5:15pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ predicted Opening Round team:

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

HB: D.Rioli, C.Ballard, J.Noble

C: S.Clohesy, N.Anderson, L.Weller

HF: B.Ainsworth, E.Read, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, B.King, J.Rogers

FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, T.Miller

I/C: W.Graham, T.Berry, C.Budarick, W.Powell, J.Jeffrey

EMG: E. Himmelberg, N.Moyle, A.Davies

Team Tips: Heading into last Friday night, the Suns were very settled with their list close to complete fitness. Now, three days later, they sit amid a plethora of uncertainty. Damien Hardwick’s side was absolutely whacked with injury against the Swans, with all of Mac Andrew, Charlie Ballard, Lachie Weller and David Swallow finishing their match well before full time. At time of writing, only the latter looks set for an extended period on the sidelines with a suspect PCL injury, but uncertainty still surrounds the remaining trio and whether or not they’ll face Essendon. Former club captain Touk Miller is expecting to return to play Essendon after an interrupted pre-season with a wrist injury, while Academy pick Leo Lombard will be unavailable indefinitely with a shoulder concern. Serving a VFL suspension, Jed Walter will miss the clash — leaving Ethan Read in the hot seat to take the centre-half froward reins in his absence. Should Read play, it’s unlikely Damien Hardwick will deploy Ned Moyle off his bench as a second ruck given the height already in the forward half. While not entirely like-for-like, Joel Jeffrey firms as a replacement for Swallow after a strong game in defence against the Swans amid injury carnage.

Bombers’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: A.McGrath, B. McKay, J.Ridley

HB: M.Redman, Z. Reid, D.Shiel

C: X. Duursma, Z. Merrett, N.Martin

HF: J.Gresham, H.Jones, A.Perkins

F: I. Kako, N.Caddy, K.Langford

FOLL: N.Bryan, J.Caldwell, S. Durham

I/C: S.Draper, A.Roberts, E.Tsatas, B.Hobbs, J.Prior

EMG: S. El-Hawli, W.Setterfield, T.Edwards

Team Tips: Despite all their injury woes over the summer, Essendon are still reasonably well placed health-wise for Opening Round. Thankfully, Jordan Ridley returned from a hamstring injury with flying colours last Tuesday, and barring any last-minute injury, will play on Saturday evening. His defensive teammate Mason Redman was managed against Geelong last week, but is fully expected to slot back in once official teams drop on Thursday night. The Bombers could line up rather tall at full strength, and it should lead to the highly touted Zach Reid getting a run in the defensive half. Further up the field, Midfielder Darcy Parish is considered more unlikely than likely to play this weekend, as a back injury continues to give him grief. The 27-year-old hasn’t played any matches this pre-season, and given his injury history, is likely to be given a conservative road back to the senior side. Forward Matt Guelfi definitely won’t line up against the Suns, as he recovers from hamstring surgery — much like Alwyn Davey Jnr, who had surgery on his knee. As he often does when he takes the field, Will Setterfield played well against the Cats, but he may still just miss out on a spot in the starting 23 alongside veteran Peter Wright and SSP recruit Tom Edwards. That will leave Nate Caddy and Kyle Langford as the likely key forwards, with tall Harrison Jones playing higher up the ground.

GWS vs. COLLINGWOOD

Sunday March 9, 3:20pm at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: H.Himmelberg, S.Taylor, C.Idun

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

C: T.Bedford, F.Callaghan, X.O’Halloran

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, J.Stringer

FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly

I/C: C.Ward, C.Stone, J.Leake, C.Angove, L.Keeffe

EMG: M.Gruzewski, P.Gothard, J.Wehr

Team Tips: Star on-baller Tom Green will miss the start of the season after straining his calf at training, while Callum Brown (hamstring) and Ryan Angwin (ankle) are also sidelined. We’ve named both Jake Stringer and Kieren Briggs in the side, despite some doubt over both players’ availability. Stringer missed both Giants pre-season games due to illness, but is expected to be right to face the Pies. Briggs was a late withdrawal from the AAMI Community Series match against Carlton, but the club said it expected the ruck to be ready to play against Collingwood after completing a lengthy training session on Friday. First-round draftee Phoenix Gothard (ankle sprain) is another who should be fit for selection, but missing the Blues game might mean the Giants hold off unleashing him. But it seems they’re more likely to name 2024 draft bolter Cody Angove for a debut after an impressive pre-season. The winger was excellent in match simulation against Sydney, made the most of his second-half AAMI Series chances against Carlton then starred in the VFL practice match. The other debutant could be 2023 first-round pick James Leake, who showed against Carlton he’s ready for AFL action with 18 disposals and a team-high six clearances. Leake, Conor Stone and Lachie Keeffe get in on the bench – Keeffe and Briggs worked well together in the ruck in finals – but Max Gruzewski had a great look against the Blues and would be in the mix too, along with Jacob Wehr. A two-week suspension for his off-field indiscretions will cost Harvey Thomas the chance to compete for a spot early in the season, while Jake Riccardi will spend the opening fortnight on the sidelines too as a result of his ban. Other suspended players include Josh Fahey, Toby McMullin and Joe Fonti.

Magpies’ predicted Opening Round team:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, R.McInnes

HB: I.Quaynor, J.Howe, J.Daicos

C: S.Sidebottom, H.Perryman, J.Crisp

HF: L.Schultz, B. Mihocek, J.Elliott

F: B.Hill, D.McStay, B.McCreery

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Daicos, S.Pendlebury

I/C: P.Lipinski, E.Allan, W.Hoskin-Elliott, T.Membrey, O.Markov

EMG: N.Long, F. Macrae, W.Parker

Team Tips: Just a reminder that we haven’t snubbed Dan Houston – he’ll just miss Opening Round due to suspension. But we have left out star midfielder Jordan De Goey, who now seems more unlikely than likely that he’ll face the Giants on Saturday. De Goey is still pushing for Opening Round, but assistant coach Jordan Roughead last week stressed “we’re not going to prioritise Round 0 over the rest of the year” when asked about De Goey. We’ve snuck Oleg Markov and Ed Allan onto the bench, but those two might be the most vulnerable when De Goey and Houston are cleared to return. The Pies, however, expect Brayden Maynard to play, despite missing the AAMI Series match against Richmond. With De Goey out, we’ve moved Harry Perryman into the starting midfield after his impressive on-ball outing against the Tigers (1 goal, 20 disposals, 10 tackles, 6 inside 50s and 4 clearances). Tim Membrey gets an Opening Round gig after he kicked four goals against Richmond in their pre-season hit out. After news dropped this week that Mason Cox will only return to contract training from a finger injury in two to three weeks, it looks like Membrey will play as the third tall forward alongside Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay, with the latter to provide back-up ruck support for Darcy Cameron. Speaking of whom, Seven reports Cameron was sent for scans after copping a knock to his hip at training on Monday, but they showed no damage and he looks set to play. Former Hawk Ned Long is another name to keep in mind, likewise Finlay Macrae — but the latter will be unavailable for selection due to a shoulder issue. Reef McInnes looked comfortable in defence for the Pies during the pre-season and looks likely to play a part for Craig McRae’s side in the back half to start 2025.