Big outs amid double Dockers blow; Blues could have multiple debutants — Team Tips

An important Dockers forward has been ruled out of this Saturday’s must-win clash, paving the way for an untried tall to make his debut.

Plus, the embattled Blues have announced a debutant ahead of a critical meeting with West Coast in Perth, while a key Demon’s disappointing season has ended prematurely.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 23 in AFL Team Tips!

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Essendon vs. Sydney Swans

Friday August 16, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Essendon’s Round 22 team:

B: J.Kelly, B.McKay, J.Laverde

HB: N.Martin, M.Redman, A.McGrath

C: N.Cox, D.Parish, A.Roberts

HF: J.Stringer, N.Caddy, S.Durham

F: K.Langford, H.Jones, D.Shiel

FOLL: S.Draper, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: J.Gresham, N.Bryan, A.Davey Jnr, J.Menzie, B.Hobbs

EMG: W.Setterfield, A.Perkins, P.Wright

Team Tips: A horror final term against the Suns last Saturday night has rendered Essendon’s finals hopes all but dashed. Tall winger Nik Cox was subbed out in the second quarter with concussion against Gold Coast and will miss the Friday night clash. Substitute Ben Hobbs didn’t set the world on fire but is probably deserving of a second chance given plenty of others were average. Jade Gresham was extremely quiet with just five disposals, while Jye Menzie has been under continued pressure since his return to the senior side in Round 19. The kicking for goal from the club’s reserves side was just as woeful on Saturday afternoon, amassing 25 behinds in their two-goal win over the Suns. Archie Perkins and mid-season draftee Saad el-Hawli were the best two on ground in the VFL, with Elijah Tsatas also strong for his 27 disposals and seven clearances. Peter Wright kicked 3.2 from nine touches in the same game as he awaits a recall.

Sydney’s Round 22 team:

B: D.Rampe, T.McCartin, N.Blakey

HB: O.Florent, H.Cunningham, M.Roberts

C: C.Mills – C, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden

HF: L.Parker, H.McLean, R.Fox

F: T.Adams, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

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

I/C: J.Lloyd, J.Jordon, B.Campbell, L.McDonald, C.Cleary

EMG: A.Francis, P.Ladhams, S.Wicks

Team Tips: There weren’t any injuries to report from Saturday night, with Robbie Fox tactically substituted out in the final quarter. His replacement Caiden Cleary only registered seven per cent game time and deserves another shot given his strong VFL form of late. Veteran Taylor Adams was relatively quiet against his old side, as was captain Callum Mills. In the reserves earlier that afternoon, the omitted Peter Ladhams dominated for his 24 disposals, 19 hitouts and three goals at Tramway Oval. Angus Sheldrick and Aaron Francis were also among the best, as were young gun Caleb Mitchell (28 disposals) and Joel Hamling (three goals). Defender Lewis Melican is also a chance to return this week, pending a fitness test on his hamstring.

Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne

Saturday August 17, 1:45pm at People First Stadium

Gold Coast’s Round 22 team:

B: S.Collins, B.Uwland, C.Ballard

HB: A.Sexton, L.Weller, W.Powell

C: W.Graham, N.Anderson, S.Clohesy

HF: N. Holman, J.Walter, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, J.Witts – C, B.King

FOLL: M.Andrew, S.Flanders, M.Rowell

I/C: A.Davies, J.Rogers, C.Budarick, S.Lemmens, D.Swallow

EMG: D.Macpherson, N.Moyle

Team Tips: They won away from home! Finally, with one of the all-time monkeys off their (and Damien Hardwick’s) back, the Suns can focus on building into 2025. There were no injuries to come from the after-the-siren win over Essendon, but some will feel a little vulnerable at selection. Late in Sean Lemmens had nine touches in his first game for 2024, while fellow veteran Alex Sexton finished with eight in a very different role to what we’ve seen him predominately play in 2024. It was – once again – the usual suspects in the reserves for Gold Coast. Rory Atkins amassed 42 disposals; albeit plenty were kickouts after Essendon’s 25 behinds. Brayden Fiorini and Joel Jeffrey responded strongly to their axings, while Jack Mahony kicked 2.1 from his 16 touches. Jack Lukosius – who was surprisingly omitted last week – didn’t play at any level over the weekend, allowing him to freshen up. He will be available for selection this Saturday, while teammate Touk Miller is a test to return from a wrist injury that has sidelined him since Round 17.

Melbourne’s Round 22 team:

B: A.Tomlinson, J.Lever, J.McVee

HB: T.Rivers, T.McDonald, C.Salem

C: E.Langdon, C.Oliver, A.Neal-Bullen

HF: K.Pickett, H.Petty, K.Chandler

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

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, T.Sparrow

I/C: M.Hore, D.Turner, J.Billings, B.Howes, J.Melksham

EMG: K. Brown, M.Jefferson

Team Tips: With the curtain closed on a 2024 finals berth, the Demons can officially look towards getting a head-start for next season. But before that, the Gods have had one final say on their bill of health, with Clayton Oliver ruled out for the remainder of the year with a PCL injury, according to Channel 9’s Tom Morris.

Both Jake Bowey and Taj Woewodin were late outs last Saturday night, and could come back into the frame. Their replacements Jack Billings and Blake Howes may be seen as the first to make way, however the former played relatively well. The Casey Demons had a bye over the weekends, but with their finals hopes over, the untried Matt Jefferson could be called upon for a debut – as could fringe utility Bailey Laurie after a very strong year in the VFL. And will Tom Fullarton get a chance before season’s end?

GWS Giants vs. Fremantle

Saturday August 17, 1:45pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS’ Round 22 team:

B: L.Ash, S.Taylor, C.Idun

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, H.Perryman

C: C.Ward, T.Green, F.Callaghan

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, H.Thomas

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, T.Greene – C

FOLL: L.Keeffe, J.Kelly, T.Bedford

I/C: X.O’Halloran, M.Gruzewski, J.Peatling, H.Himmelberg, C.Stone

EMG: C.Brown, J.Leake, N.Haynes

Team Tips: Fresh off a remarkable comeback over the in-form Brisbane, the Giants have stormed into top four calculations heading into the penultimate round of the home-and-away season. And with Kieran Briggs and Stephen Coniglio hopeful of returning from shoulder niggles, their team could only get stronger. Youngster Toby McMullin missed the win with groin soreness and may also be up for consideration. Fellow young gun Max Gruzewski only had three disposals and may be another player to miss for the potential inclusions. Veteran Lachie Keefe was an absolute trooper in the ruck, and absolutely deserves to play this weekend – but it will be interesting to see if the Giants try and squeeze him with Briggs’ impending return. Untried first-year player James Leake was one of the best afield in the VFL with his 28 disposals, while substitute Conor Stone also played well after his 17 per cent time on ground against the Lions at the top level.

Fremantle’s Round 22 team:
B: L.Ryan, J.Draper, B.Cox

HB: B.Walker, H.Chapman, J.Clark

C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, J.Sharp

HF: A.Brayshaw – C, S.Switkowski, M.Frederick

F: J.Amiss, M.Johnson, S.Sturt

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, N.Fyfe

I/C: C.Wagner, P.Voss, B.Banfield, M. Taberner, K.Worner

EMG: N.O’Driscoll, N.Erasmus

Team Tips: All of a sudden, the Dockers’ finals plans are in question, and that may force coach Justin Longmuir to swing the axe. According to Perth journalist Ryan Daniels, they’ll be without both Josh Treacy (knee) and Sean Darcy again in a big double blow. Tall forward Patrick Voss and late in Matt Taberner each went goalless for their six disposals against the Cats but will likely get a reprieve with crucial forward Treacy (knee) ruled out to play GWS on Saturday, as per Channel 7’s Ryan Daniels.

His second week on the sidelines has paved the way for the untried Liam Reidy, who Daniels also reported will play. Darcy was a late, late out on Saturday afternoon with a knee issue, and also won’t play. Tom Emmett has served his one-week suspension and will be up for selection, with veteran teammate Michael Walters also pushing to play after a sidelines stint with his hamstring injury. In the reserves for Peel Thunder on Saturday, Will Brodie registered 43 disposals and a goal, including 35 handballs. The dropped Neil Erasmus had 26 handballs from his 35 touches.

Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions

Saturday August 17, 4:35pm at the MCG

Collingwood’s Round 22 team:

B: B.Frampton, D.Moore – C, B.Maynard

HB: J.Noble, J.Howe, N.Daicos

C: J.Bytel, J.Crisp, J.Daicos

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

F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, W.Hoskin-Elliott

FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, S.Sidebottom

I/C: P.Lipinski, I.Quaynor, N.Long, M.Cox, J.Richards

EMG: N.Kreuger, L.Sullivan, W.Parker

Team Tips: There were no injuries to come from Friday night’s demoralising loss to Sydney. And while they’re still technically in contention for finals (albeit with a grim percentage), you suspect their focus will be on simply winning and not the bigger picture. There weren’t many overly quiet performances at the top level for the Pies, but young guns Harry DeMattia and Wil Parker performed strongly in the VFL; potentially hinting at coach Craig McRae to have a further look at his club’s youth. Finlay Macrae (29 disposals) and Lachie Sullivan (26 disposals) found the ball regularly in their side’s 29-point loss.

Brisbane’s Round 22 team:

B: D.Joyce, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich

HB: D.Wilmot, R.Lester, D. Zorko

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

HF: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, J.Berry

F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, H.Smith, Z.Bailey, S. Brain, J. Prior

EMG: D.Robertson, H.Sharp, D.Fort

Team Tips: Brisbane’s nine-game winning streak came to an abrupt end last Saturday, but perhaps it’s the loss they needed heading into finals. Young tall forward Henry Smith is goalless in his first four weeks at the top level, and could be a straight swap for Eric Hipwood – who was given an extra week’s rest against the Giants after his groin injury. The VFL had a plethora of performers on Sunday morning, with Darcy Fort at the forefront with a dominant performance including 18 disposals, 52 hitouts, seven clearances and a goal. 2024 mid-season draftee Will McLachlan kicked five goals in a breakout game at his new club, while Harry Sharp’s two goals and 25 disposals will catch the eyes of selectors. And a word for future Lion Levi Ashcroft, who while obviously can’t be selected, had 35 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal on VFL debut… scary!

Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows

Saturday August 17, 7:30pm at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s Round 22 team:

B: La.Jones, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman

HB: L.Evans, A.Aliir, D.Houston

C: J.Burgoyne, O.Wines, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, W.Rioli

F: E.Ratugolea, C.Dixon, C.Rozee – C

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters

I/C: K.Farrell, J.Mead, F.Evans, T.Boak, Q.Narkle

EMG: R.Burton, W.Lorenz, D.Visentini

Team Tips: The Power took another step towards a double chance last Saturday night; despite how scrappy they looked. Unfortunately though, Todd Marshall has entered concussion protocols and will miss the Showdown. And with Mitch Georgiades ruled out of this weekend’s match also, all of a sudden, their forward line looks very small. Small forwards Francis Evans and Willie Rioli both went goalless from their six disposals, but the former probably has enough credits in the bank in recent weeks to be selected against Adelaide. Their SANFL side was stacked with strong performances against Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday, with Will Lorenz (27 disposals, two goals), Hugh Jackson (29 disposals, eight clearances, eight inside 50s), Jed McEntee (18 disposals, 10 score involvements, one goal) and Tom Clurey (20 disposals, eight intercept possessions) the top four best on ground.

Adelaide’s Round 22 team:

B: M.Michalanney, M.Keane, M.Hinge

HB: H.Bond, N.Murray, J.Worrell

C: B.Keays, J.Soligo, L.Sholl

HF: D.Curtin, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine

F: L.Murphy, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson – C, R.Laird

I/C: M. Crouch, S.Berry, J.Rachele, L.Nankervis, Z.Taylor

EMG: B.Cook, C.Burgess, J.Borlase

Team Tips: Their inconsistent year has continued – but this week, for better! Unfortunately, however, Taylor Walker has had eye surgery after a nasty poke on Sunday evening and will miss the Showdown in a big blow for the Crows. Beyond his absence though, it’s unlikely the Crows will make too many, if any, unforced changes. Lachie Gollant could be Walker’s replacement if the Crows opt to continue with a taller forward line, after kicking a whopping eight goals against West Adelaide on Sunday. There is a chance they throw Dan Curtin there instead though, after a strong finish in attack against the Bulldogs. 2023 draftee Charlie Edwards was awesome for his 31 disposals and a goal, while emergency James Borlase was exceptional with seven contested marks.

St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats

Saturday August 17, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 22 team:

B: J.Battle, D.Howard, C.Wilkie

HB: N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair, L.Stocker

C: M.Wood, D.Butler, R.Byrnes

HF: B.Hill, J.Higgins, M.Owens

F: A.Caminiti, T.Membrey, C.Sharman

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, H.Clark

I/C: Z.Jones, P. Dow, D.Wilson, A.McLennan, J.Webster

EMG: B.Paton, T.Campbell

Team Tips: Rising young forward Mattaes Phillipou was a late exclusion for the Saints on Sunday, and has been ruled out once again with evidently one of the worser illnesses. There weren’t many passengers against the Tigers, with last minute inclusion Paddy Dow exceptional in his eighth game for the club. Angus McLennan was subbed out in the third quarter and could be vulnerable with Phillipou’s likely return. Marcus Windhager could also be available if his hamstring has fully recovered, with a call on his availability expected in the coming days. In the VFL, Hugo Garcia again put up insane numbers, tallying 34 disposals, 12 tackles, nine clearances and three goals. Back-up ruck Tom Campbell was also elite for his 28 disposals, 50 hitouts and eight clearances, while untried second-year Saint Isaac Keeler was strong for his three goals from 16 disposals. And fourth-year key forward Matthew Allison continues his push for an AFL debut, kicking 2.3 from 26 touches against Richmond’s reserves.

Geelong’s Round 22 team:

B: M.Duncan, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: L.Humphries, Z.Guthrie, M.Blicavs

C: M.Holmes, T.Atkins, O.Dempsey

HF: T.Stengle, B.Close, S.Mannagh

F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, O.Henry

FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Stewart

I/C: Z.Tuohy, T.Bruhn, G.Miers, J.Bowes, O.Mullin

EMG: J.Bews, M.Knevitt

Team Tips: The Cats will be hoping to keep a lid on too many changes on the back of a strong win out west against Fremantle. Tanner Bruhn (concussion) will however miss against the Saints, forcing at least one change for Chris Scott to think about. Could Sam De Koning be his replacement? The young defender was hopeful of playing last week, but that didn’t eventuate with the long trip. Gary Rohan was a late out in Perth too and should be all clear to make himself available. Sub Oisin Mullin’s impact wasn’t huge when injected into the game, and he may be vulnerable given the impending inclusions. Usual suspect Mitch Hardie (35 disposals, 12 score involvements, seven clearances) and emergency Mitch Knevitt (32 disposals, two goals) were the best for the Cats’ VFL side on Saturday morning and are also options.

Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne

Sunday August 18, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Western Bulldogs’ Round 22 team:

B: T.Duryea, L.Jones, B.Khamis

HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: C.Poulter, A.Treloar, B.Williams

HF: E.Richards, A.Naughton, R.West

F: C.Weightman, J.Ugle-Hagan, L.Vandermeer

FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli – C, T.Liberatore

I/C: N.Coffield, S.Darcy, R. Garcia, L.McNeil, C.Daniel

EMG: O.Baker, J.Freijah, R.Sanders

Team Tips: After being sighted in a moon boot upon arrival back in Melbourne after Sunday’s loss, ruckman Tim English (ankle) has been ruled out for this weekend’s bout with the Roos, per Nine’s Tom Morris. It’s currently unclear whether English will miss multiple matches. Aaron Naughton was substituted out cautiously on Sunday after recording just one behind from four disposals but is more likely than English to play amid an ongoing knee niggle. Buku Khamis struggled against Adelaide’s tall forwards to potentially make him vulnerable. And have Jack Macrae (36 disposals, two goals) or Ryley Sanders (35 touches) done enough in the VFL to warrant a recall? It’s been such a tough team to crack into it given its hot form, but a humbling 39-point loss to Adelaide suddenly gives Luke Beveridge a bit to think about.