Blues to blood debutant as long-awaited call made on star; more issues for Saint — AFL Team Tips

Carlton will unleash another debutant, while there’s been a “bitter blow” for the unbeaten Hawks with an emerging superstar set to be sidelined for up to four months.

Plus, Collingwood will be without an important pair for a blockbuster Gather Round bout, while all eyes are on a Blues star’s availability.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 5 in AFL Team Tips!

FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

ROUND 5 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

ADELAIDE CROWS v GEELONG

Thursday April 10, 7:40pm at the Adelaide Oval (7:10pm local)

Crows’ Round 4 side

B: J.Worrell, J.Borlase, R.Laird

HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, M.Michalanney

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, L.Sholl

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine

F: D.Fogarty, T.Walker, A.Neal-Bullen

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, J.Peatling

I/C: D.Curtin, L.Murphy, M.Hinge, S.Draper, L.Nankervis (sub)

EMG: S.Berry, H.Bond, T.Murray

Team Tips: The Crows will consider themselves hard done by after Izak Rankine wasn’t awarded a mark nor a free kick late in their one-point loss to Gold Coast, and the star is now in doubt to face Geelong as he battles with a calf issue. Coach Matthew Nicks revealed Rankine didn’t train on Monday, as he remains a watch given the tight turnaround between games. “We will do a captain’s run tomorrow, which we’d like to see him get involved in but we will just see how he pulls up,” Nicks said. “He’s got a knock to the calf and it’s an area that has some bleeding there. There is no muscle damage but we’re going to be mindful.” Substitute Luke Nankervis tactically replaced veteran Rory Laird (16 disposals for 127 metres gained in 65 per cent match time) at three-quarter-time as Nicks continues to manage his key troops over the course a long season. In the SANFL, Billy Dowling had 26 disposals and a goal, while Luke Pedlar recorded 20 possessions, a goal and five clearances — but it’s hard to see many unforced changes to this side in its present form. In terms of returning players, important key defender Nick Murray (knee) is likely to still be absent for another week or two. The Crows went into the round with a short injury list, with Josh Rachele (ribs) the only other key contributor currently missing from Nicks’ best side.

Cats’ Round 4 side

B: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, J.Henry

HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: B.Smith, P.Dangerfield – C, O.Dempsey

HF: B.Close, G.Miers, T.Stengle

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

FOLL: R.Stanley, M.Holmes, T.Atkins

I/C: S.Mannagh, J.Bowes, O.Mullin, T.Clohesy, M.O’Connor (sub)

EMG: M.Duncan, M.Knevitt

Team Tips: Depending on how Mark Blicavs has pulled up after the gastro that forced him out of the Cats’ win over Melbourne, the jack-of-all-trades big man should return for Gather Round. On the other hand, Jack Henry (hamstring) is likely set for a stint on the sidelines after almost missing the clash altogether due to an ankle concern, while Mitch Knevitt (foot/managed) could be in the frame for a recall. Midfielder Ted Clohesy was quiet with nine disposals in 71 per cent game time, and fellow fringe ball-getter Jhye Clark is banging the door down for his spot after collecting a game-high 32 disposals against Casey earlier last Friday. Also, Ollie Wiltshire booted two goals from his 24 possessions, while veteran Mitch Duncan — yet to appear at senior level this year — added 21 disposals for the VFL Catters.

COLLINGWOOD v SYDNEY SWANS

Friday April 11, 7:40pm at the Adelaide Oval (7:10pm local)

Magpies’ Round 4 side

B: B.Maynard, B.Frampton, J.Howe

HB: I.Quaynor, D.Moore – C, D.Houston

C: P.Lipinski, H.Perryman, S.Sidebottom

HF: B.Hill, B.Mihocek, J.De Goey

F: J.Elliott, D.McStay, L.Schultz

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, N.Daicos

I/C: J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, T.Membrey, B.McCreery, N.Long (sub)

EMG: E.Allan, W.Hoskin-Elliott, M.Cox

Team Tips: The Pies won’t get to stay at full strength, with Dan Houston to miss two weeks for his hit on Carlton’s Lachie Fogarty in last Thursday night’s win, while both Jordan De Goey and Lachie Schultz will also miss the Gather Round clash with Sydney. It leaves three big holes in Craig McRae’s side. The Collingwood coach said after the win over Carlton that Ned Long, who’s been the sub the last two games, wouldn’t get the vest this week and deserves a full game. That should be one straightforward change, while Ed Allan and Will Hoskin-Elliott were right on the fringe of the 23 and will be strongly considered. Finn Macrae (24 touches, two goals) and Lachie Sullivan (28 disposals) did their chances of a recall no harm with strong VFL outings as the Pies look to extend their three-game winning streak.

Swans’ Round 4 side

B: J.Hamling, D.Rampe, N.Blakey

HB: S.Wicks, M.Roberts, O.Florent

C: B.Campbell, I.Heeney, J.Lloyd

HF: T.Hanily, W.Hayward, P.Ladhams

F: J.Amartey, T.McCartin, Co.Warner

FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom – C

I/C: R.Bice, J.Jordon, H.McLean, C.Cleary, A.Sheldrick (sub)

EMG: B.Paton, A.Francis, C.Mitchell

Team Tips: The Swans were punitive against North Melbourne, particularly in the second half, and Dean Cox’s coaching staff will be pleased with the way his side ran out the game. No injuries came from their dominant win. Injured rebounder Harry Cunningham (foot) could still be a week away, but the Swans have very few issues exiting their defensive half at the moment, with Riley Bice (26 disposals, seven score involvements) having a stellar outing in just his third league game. Fellow defender Lewis Melican (adductor) might still be a week away from a return, while Errol Gulden is set for a return ‘around the mid-season bye’, per the Swans. The surgical review of Gulden’s ankle was completed last week, with the club saying his fracture is ‘healing well’ and the star ball-winner is now able to ‘commence range of motion and strength training for his ankle joint’ in a promising update on Tuesday. Corey Warner and Caiden Cleary had 11 and 12 disposals respectively in quieter showings, with back-flanker Ben Paton notching 28 disposals and a goal at VFL level at the weekend as he eyes a recall. Caleb Mitchell had 19 possessions, a goal and five clearances, while Angus Sheldrick had 18 disposals after being granted limited game-time as the tactical sub last Saturday night.

NORTH MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday April 12, 12:35pm at Barossa Park (12:05pm local)

Kangaroos’ Round 4 side

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

HB: L.McDonald, C.Daniel, H.Sheezel

C: B.Scott, L.Davies-Uniacke, J.Simpkin – C

HF: C.McKercher, N.Larkey, R.Hansen Jr

F: P.Curtis, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar

FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, L.Parker

I/C: D.Tucker, D.Stephens, M.Whitlock, J.Konstanty, R.Hardeman (sub)

EMG: F.Maley, B.Teakle, M.Bergman

Team Tips: Alastair Clarkson and his match committee will surely make changes to the side that was belted by Sydney in the second half last Saturday night. First-year flanker Finn O’Sullivan is likely to return after being an exclusion due to illness. Meanwhile, in his first game for the year, Riley Hardeman managed 10 disposals and 92 metres gained after coming on as the tactical sub, while debutant Matt Whitlock was subbed out after just 10 possessions; they might be among the omission candidates. Depending on how star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke pulls up from a hip issue, there could be a forced change on the cards, too. Hamstrung Eddie Ford should miss at least another week with his injury, while promisingly, hard-nut ball-winner George Wardlaw returned from his hamstring ailment through the VFL, notching 21 disposals and seven clearances, and Will Phillips gathered 25 disposals and a goal after being omitted in the lead-up to Round 4.

Suns’ Round 4 side

B: W.Powell, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli

C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, C.Budarick

HF: B.Ainsworth, T.Miller, S.Flanders

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

FOLL: J.Witts, W.Graham, N.Anderson – C

I/C: J.Walter, B.Long, S.Clohesy, J.Jeffrey, J.Rogers (sub)

EMG: N.Holman, N.Moyle, C.Graham

Team Tips: This unbeaten Suns outfit just keeps charging, and there’s a finals-like vibe around it unlike in years past, hanging on in the dying stages against the Crows last Saturday. And it means selection in Damien Hardwick’s side is an absolute premium. So, in terms of potential casualties come Thursday night, starting substitute Jake Rogers tactically replaced Sam Clohesy (10 disposals) in the third quarter, young tall Ethan Read (three disposals and a goal) was quiet in 66 per cent game-time, as was back flanker Connor Budarick (eight disposals in 70 per cent time-on-ground). The Suns’ VFL side destroyed Northern Bullants at the weekend, winning by 125 points as Gold Coast — with a very short injury list — makes a case for the side with the best depth in the league alongside GWS. Midfielder Brayden Fiorini led the way with 43 disposals and 11 clearances, while James Tsitas added 34 possessions and a goal. Out-of-favour midfielder Alex Davies starred with 29 disposals and three goals, as did veteran utility Alex Sexton (5.5 and 26 disposals), while 18-year-old Academy graduate Lachie Gulbin more than chipped in with four goals and 23 disposals.

CARLTON v WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday April 12, 1:20pm at Adelaide Oval (12:50pm local)

Blues’ Round 4 side

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, O.Hollands

HB: L.Young, M.McGovern, L.Cowan

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps – C, S.Walsh

HF: S.Docherty, B.Kemp, L.Fogarty

F: J.Silvagni, C.Curnow, J.Motlop

FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

I/C: C.Lord, N.Haynes, Z.Williams, W.White, A.Moir (sub)

EMG: J.Binns, J.Boyd, F.Evans

Team Tips: It’s back to the drawing board for the winless Blues as they look to salvage their season against West Coast. Kangaroos legend David King declared this week is the “biggest selection night for Michael Voss for some time” as the club tries to find the right mix. They will make at least one forced change after Lachie Cowan was revealed to have suffered a serious enough hamstring injury to be ruled out until at least Round 8. On Wednesday, the Blues confirmed 19-year-old defender Matt Carroll would make his AFL debut. He will be the Blues’ fifth new player this season in as many games as Voss and his match committee continue to search for a winning formula. In more exciting news Harry McKay looks set to make his AFL return after a two-goal outing in the VFL last weekend. Nine’s Tom Morris reports McKay will fly out with the Blues on Thursday and is expected to be named after three weeks out with personal issues. Also making his way back is Elijah Hollands, who had 18 touches in his VFL return but his status is unclear. Meanwhile Ben Camporeale (23 touches) put his hand up for an AFL debut and Corey Durdin (11 disposals, 13 tackles), Jaxon Binns (23 touches), Lucas Camporeale (15 touches, one goal) and Jordan Boyd (20 disposals) would also be in the mix despite Carlton’s VFL team losing to Southport by 56 points. Ashton Moir could also push for a spot in the 22 after being the sub against the Pies. Voss could look to make a selection statement, with several Blues down on form. Out-of-form veteran Sam Docherty had a few moments he’d like to forget, while the likes of Mitch McGovern, Lewis Young, Lachie Fogarty, Jesse Motlop and last week’s debutant Will White should all be facing selection pressure.

Eagles’ Round 4 side

B: B.Hough, S.Brock, R.Ginbey

HB: L.Baker, R.Maric, T.Cole

C: L.Duggan – C, J.Graham, J.Hunt

HF: T.Brockman, A.Reid, M.Owies

F: J.Cripps, O.Allen, N.Long

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

I/C: T.Gross, C.Hall, J.Williams, T.Dewar, H.Davis (sub)

EMG: H.Johnston, L.Rawlinson, H.Edwards

Team Tips: It was hardly a resounding response from the Eagles coming off their heavy Round 3 Derby defeat, going down by 81 points in western Sydney last Sunday. In a small solace, they didn’t come away from the game with any new injuries. In terms of potential selection casualties, small forward Noah Long was subbed out tactically after four disposals and no tackles in almost half a game, while fellow attacker Tyler Brockman posted just seven disposals for four metres gained and two tackles in 82 per cent game time, and Matt Owies also went scoreless from six possessions. Behind the ball, Tom Cole had 11 disposals for just 59 metres gained, while Brady Hough was also quiet in 89 per cent game-time. Debutant Hamish Davis collected five disposals in 33 per cent time-on-ground, while fellow first-gamer Tom Gross (17 disposals, five clearances, one goal) showed promising signs among an otherwise bleak midfield. Ruckman Matt Flynn is in line for a recall after posting 27 disposals, 10 clearances, 51 hitouts and two goals for the WAFL Eagles at the weekend, while draftee Bo Allan had 22 disposals and seven tackles as he eyes a league debut in the short term. Harvey Johnston, an emergency in Round 4, posted 23 disposals. Important key forward Jake Waterman (back/calf) should be available for Gather Round pending a test.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday April 12, 4:15pm at Norwood Oval (3:45pm local)

Bulldogs’ Round 4 side

B: B.Khamis, L.Jones, B.Williams

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

C: J.Freijah, T.Liberatore – C, S.Davidson

HF: L.McNeil, A.Naughton, R.Sanders

F: L.Vandermeer, S.Darcy, J.Harmes

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

I/C: O.Baker, J.Dolan, J.O’Donnell, R.West, H.Gallagher (sub)

EMG: J.Croft, A.Jones, C.Poulter

Team Tips: The Bulldogs have done very well so far given the significant injuries they’ve been subject to this season, as the likes of MarcusBontempelli and JasonJohannisen push to get back to full fitness in the coming weeks. Out of Sunday’s trip to Western Australia, Laitham Vandermeer was strangely subbed out in the second quarter with ‘knee soreness’, which puts a question mark over his head for Saturday’s game at Norwood Oval. First-year player Josh Dolan was again quiet and may be at risk of a run in the VFL with the likes of Luke Cleary and Anthony Scott returning through VFL over the weekend. Uncapped Bulldog Jedd Busslinger was among the best for Footscray against Werribee, collecting 25 disposals, 11 intercepts and 10 marks in a strong pitch to coach Luke Beveridge that he’s ready for AFL exposure.

Lions’ Round 4 side

B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester

HB: N.Answerth, H.Andrews – C, D.Wilmot

C: J.Fletcher, Z.Bailey, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage

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

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

I/C: C.Ah Chee, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, B.Reville, W.McLachlan (sub)

EMG: D.Gardiner, J.Tunstill, D.Fort

Team Tips: Brisbane held Richmond at arm’s length all afternoon last Saturday, cruising to its fourth-straight win of the year while probably being in third gear. in another positive, there were no injury casualties either, with tactical sub Will McLachlan posting three disposals after coming on, replacing key forward Logan Morris, who kicked two goals and took six marks in 60 per cent game-time, in the final term. Fellow key forwards Eric Hipwood and Sam Day were quiet, managing a combined one goal. At VFL level, 202-centimetre forward Henry Smith starred against the Tigers’ reserves, kicking 3.4 from a whopping 30 disposals, 33 hitouts and seven clearances. The 22-year-old played four games last year and could be in consideration for his season debut. Livewire forward Kai Lohmann could be in the frame to return for Gather Round after again being struck down by an ankle concern, while there remains an uncertain timeline on Brandon Starcevich (concussion). Also in the reserves, Academy draftee Sam Marshall had 23 disposals and four clearances, while Brandon Ryan kicked two goals.

MELBOURNE v ESSENDON

Saturday April 12, 7:35pm at Adelaide Oval (7:05pm local)

Demons’ Round 4 side

B: J.Bowey, S.May, H.Petty

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

C: C.Windsor, J.Viney, T.Sparrow

HF: K.Pickett, D.Turner, J.Henderson

F: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, H.Langford

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Petracca, E.Langdon

I/C: C.Oliver, J.Melksham, H.Sharp, K.Chandler, C.Spargo (sub)

EMG: J.Billings, J.Adams, A.Johnson

Team Tips: There’ll be more changes at selection for Simon Goodwin’s Demons after they never quite seemed like challenging the Cats last Friday night. And while the spotlight will continue to be fixed on their struggling attacking operation after they managed just six goals, their defence has suffered a blow after it was revealed key stopper Jake Lever would miss up to eight weeks due to ankle surgery. Veteran forward Jake Melksham managed just eight disposals and went scoreless, while key attackers Jacob van Rooyen and Daniel Turner combined for only two goals and five marks. Harry Sharp was replaced tactically by Charlie Spargo in the fourth term after five disposals in 59 per cent time-on-ground. Tom Fullarton is after his first senior appearance of the season, having booted five goals from seven scoring shots and taken eight marks for Casey. Fullarton, who arrived at the Dees at the end of 2023 but is yet to be awarded his club debut, is surely a genuine consideration for Gather Round. Bayley Fritsch was particularly wasteful with his opportunities in the forward half, but it’d be a massive statement to drop him at selection. Xavier Lindsay (knee) might push to make himself available this week, but you’d think it’s more likely he misses at least another game to ensure he’s in the best shape possible when he returns to a wing or back flank. Defender Blake Howes responded to his axing with 26 disposals and nine marks against the VFL Cats. Koltyn Tholstrup (back) could return via the VFL this week, as is the case for Matthew Jefferson (hand).

Bombers’ Round 3 side

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

HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, J.Prior

C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, A.Roberts

HF: J.Gresham, N.Caddy, N.Martin

F: H.Jones, S.Draper, I.Kako

FOLL: N.Bryan, Z.Merrett – C, S.Durham

I/C: B.Hobbs, D.Shiel, J.Menzie, T.Edwards, S.El-Hawli (sub)

EMG: W.Setterfield, L.Hayes, A.Day-Wicks

Team Tips: The Bombers are coming off a bye following their first win of the season against Port Adelaide in Round 3 — a game they got through unscathed — before Jye Caldwell (hamstring) and Tom Edwards (ACL) suffered injury blows at training. Darcy Parish is nearing his return from a back issue, but the midfielder is likely to come back via the VFL. Meanwhile, Archie Perkins, Elijah Tsatas and Peter Wright are all listed as tests as they push to return from their own injury setbacks. Saad El-Hawli should slot into the 22 after impressing when coming on as the sub against Port, while Will Setterfield would have to be a good chance for a recall after gathering 28 disposals with nine tackles in the VFL a fortnight ago. Todd Goldstein and Jayden Laverde should also be in the mix if the Bombers opt to replace Edwards with a tall.

RICHMOND v FREMANTLE

Sunday April 13, 12:35pm at Barossa Park (12:05pm local)

Tigers’ Round 4 side

B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin

HB: L.Trainor, J.Short, T.Brown

C: S.Banks, K.McIntosh, J.Trezise

HF: J.Ross, S.Campbell, S.Green

F: H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, S.Lalor

FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, T.Taranto, J.Hopper

I/C: J.Blight, T.Sonsie, K.Smith, T.Dow, J.Bauer (sub)

EMG: M.Rioli, C.Gray, S.Ryan

Team Tips: After a disappointing second-half fadeout against St Kilda in Round 3, the Tigers were scrappy last Saturday in staying with the Lions in the second half despite trailing by almost five goals at half-time. Forward Jacob Bauer started as the tactical sub, replacing Kamdyn McIntosh after the veteran managed eight disposals from 65 per cent game-time. In the VFL, first-round pick Jonty Faull booted 2.2 from nine disposals as he continues to build into his first AFL season, while fellow draftee Tom Sims (17 disposals, six tackles, 10 hitouts and a goal) was busy playing a hybrid role, and Samson Ryan was industrial kicking 1.3 from 23 possessions. No.7 pick Josh Smillie made his VFL debut, having recovered from a hamstring complaint that interrupted his pre-season, collecting 10 disposals and a couple of clearances in managed minutes.

Dockers’ Round 4 side

B: J.Draper, A.Pearce – C, B.Cox

HB: H.Chapman, L.Ryan, J.Clark

C: M.Johnson, J.O’Meara, N.O’Driscoll

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

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

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: J.Sharp, C.Wagner, I.Dudley, B.Banfield, K.Worner (sub)

EMG: N.Erasmus, L.Reidy, W.Brodie

Team Tips: The Dockers held on in brave fashion against the Bulldogs to square their ledger at 2-2, but it’s come at an injury cost, with Luke Jackson (hamstring), Nathan O’Driscoll (ankle) and Corey Wagner (calf awareness) under clouds ahead of a Gather Round trip to play the Tigers. Justin Longmuir revealed on AFL 360 it was a low-grade strain for Jackson, who will miss this Sunday at a minimum. O’Driscoll meantime was spotted on crutches at the club’s main training and faces a race against the clock to prove his fitness. Promisingly, oft-injured ruck Sean Darcy made his season debut in the WAFL at the weekend and could put his hand up for a senior recall — in what would be tremendous timing given Jackson’s absence — having recovered from knee and ankle ailments. However, given his extensive injury history, Longmuir’s match committee could err on the side of caution for another week and lean on Liam Reidy against Richmond’s Toby Nankervis. Sam Switkowski (groin) might also be in the selection frame pending a likely test, while Hayden Young could return this week via Peel Thunder. And speaking of the reserves, Peel drew Claremont in its season-opener, with Will Brodie (33 disposals, six clearances) and Cooper Simpson (30 possessions) leading the way, while James Aish (23) and Quinton Narkle (22) were also busy.

ST KILDA v GWS GIANTS

Sunday April 13, 3:20pm at Adelaide Oval (2:50pm local)

Saints’ Round 4 side

B: I.Keeler, C.Wilkie – C, J.Webster

HB: R.Byrnes, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair

C: D.Wilson, Z.Jones – C, M.Windhager

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

F: C.Sharman, A.Caminiti, M.Wood

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Macrae, H.Garcia

I/C: L.Collard, T.Travaglia, L.Stocker, M.Hall, A.Hastie (sub)

EMG: A.Schoenmaker, H.Boyd, H.Boxshall

Team Tips: Several Saints will be closing in on a return in an exciting prospect for Ross Lyon’s side, which has won three on the trot. Skipper Jack Steele only narrowly missed out on selection last week so the skipper should come in, but Max King won’t after suffering yet another setback with his knee. King is set for additional weeks on the sidelines after the Saints confirmed the key forward had suffered a ‘setback’. They say they’ll ‘seek additional assessment’ regarding the injury. King is yet to appear this season after undergoing knee surgery in the pre-season. Dan Butler (18 disposals) got through his first hitout of 2025 in the VFL and Liam Henry (24 touches, one goal) and Arie Schoenmaker (29 disposals, eight marks) would also be in the mix for a recall from the Sandringham side. But who comes out of Ross Lyon’s 23? Big man Isaac Keeler was ineffective before getting subbed out, while Zak Jones, Max Hall and Hugo Garcia were reasonably quiet. But you wouldn’t expect too many changes from Lyon’s inspired side that’s starting to hit its straps.

Giants’ Round 4 side

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

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

C: F.Callaghan, J.Kelly, S.Coniglio

HF: T.Greene – C, J.Stringer, B.Daniels

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, A.Cadman

FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Bedford, T.Green

I/C: J.Wehr, J.Riccardi, C.Stone, C.Ward, X.O’Halloran (sub)

EMG: C.Brown, T.McMullin, L.Keeffe

Team Tips: The GWS train rolls on, responding to its narrow loss to Hawthorn in Round 3 by smashing West Coast at home last Sunday. Adam Kingsley’s side didn’t come away with any injuries from the game, but veteran Stephen Coniglio was a late out due to a glute issue. Depending on the severity, he should be in line to return for Gather Round. Brent Daniels was subbed out tactically in the third quarter by Xavier O’Halloran. The Giants’ VFL outfit had a whopper weekend, beating Sandringham by 108 points, which saw more than a few youngsters shine. Harry Rowston (35 disposals), Jack Ough (33), Toby McMullin (32) and Cody Angove (31) all posted 30 or more disposals, while James Leake snagged two majors from his 28 possessions. But the best of all might’ve been Category B rookie Nathan Wardius, who booted a staggering eight goals from 23 disposals and 12 marks. It’ll be a bloody hard forward line to break into, though.

PORT ADELAIDE v HAWTHORN

Sunday April 13, 7:20pm at Adelaide Oval (6:50pm local)

Power’s Round 4 side

B: J.Sinn, A.Aliir, M.Bergman

HB: La.Jones, E.Ratugolea, K.Farrell

C: C.Moraes, C.Rozee – C, J.Burgoyne

HF: J.Mead, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli

F: D.Byrne-Jones, S.Powell-Pepper, J.Richards

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

I/C: O.Wines, W.Drew, O.Lord, L.Evans, J.Berry (sub)

EMG: T. Boak, J.Finlayson, T.Cochrane

Team Tips: It was another disappointing loss for Ken Hinkley and co., falling at home to St Kilda last Sunday. No injuries came from the bout, but there are likely to be unforced changes after a third loss in Port’s opening four games. Substitute Joe Berry tactically replaced defender Logan Evans (six disposals in 48 per cent game-time) in the third quarter, suggesting the flanker could be set for a spell in the reserves. Forward Darcy Byrne-Jones went scoreless from seven disposals in 77 per cent time-on-ground, while Lachie Jones and Josh Sinn were also quiet in the loss. In the SANFL, 30-year-old Rory Atkins has yet to make his Power debut but put a good foot forward at the weekend, posting 30 disposals and six marks, while Will Lorenz (21 disposals and seven marks) and Dylan Williams (18 possessions) could be considered by Hinkley and his selection committee as points of difference ahead of a massive clash against premiership contenders Hawthorn. Veteran Travis Boak should come back in after being managed for the Saints clash, while swingman Jeremy Finlayson could also be considered after being named in the emergencies.

Hawks’ Round 3 side

B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily – C

HB: C.Jiath, J.Impey, M.D’Ambrosio

C: K.Amon, J.Ward, J.Battle

HF: C.Mackenzie, N.Watson, C.Nash

F: F.Maginness, M.Chol, W.Day

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, D.Moore

I/C: J.Weddle, J.Gunston, H.Morrison, J.Ginnivan, L.Breust (sub)

EMG: S.Mitchell, J.Serong, H.Hustwaite

Team Tips: The Hawks have copped a massive blow with early Brownlow Medal contender Will Day set to miss up to four months through injury. On return to training after the bye, Day reported soreness in his foot – subsequent scans on Monday night uncovered the stress fracture, and he will now undergo surgery. Worryingly, it’s the same injury to the same foot that saw Day miss the first seven rounds of 2024. ““Whilst this is a bitter blow for Will, the playing group has already rallied around him to support him during this initial phase,” Hawks footy boss Rob McCartney said. “I am confident Will can return to the park before the end of the season.” While it’s hard to endorse unforced change at unbeaten Hawthorn James Worpel and Connor Macdonald (both ankle) will try to prove their fitness for a clash the club has had pencilled in since last September. And if they’re deemed fit, it’s going to be bloody hard not to select them. Box Hill also had a bye at the weekend, but two weeks ago, young midfielder Henry Hustwaite turned heads against North Melbourne’s VFL side with 38 disposals and 12 clearances. Defender Jai Serong had 23 disposals and eight marks, while backup ruckman Ned Reeves kicked two goals from 18 disposals and also had seven clearances. Elsewhere, key defender James Blanck is nearing a VFL return after a long-winded ACL recovery.