Blues’ wait on star’s return after Rd 1 flop; big Bombers calls loom amid key voids — AFL Team Tips

While a host of flag contenders and finals fancies made powerful Round 1 statements, others flopped on a massive weekend of footy — meaning changes, both forced and unforced, are coming.

A key storyline revolves around whether Charlie Curnow will in fact make a Round 2 return from minor knee surgery to face Hawthorn in a crunch Thursday night clash, while the Bombers need to compensate for the losses of a key pair.

Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 2 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 2 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

CARLTON v HAWTHORN

Thursday March 20, 7:30pm at MCG

Blues’ Round 1 side:

B: J.Silvagni, J.Weitering, O.Hollands

HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, L.Cowan

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps – C, L.Camporeale

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

F: M.Cottrell, H.McKay, Z.Williams

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

I/C: N.Haynes, J.Motlop, C.Lord, F.Evans, S.Docherty (sub)

EMG: L.Young, M.Carroll, W.White

Team Tips: Last Thursday night was one to forget for the Blues, and they’ll need to do so quickly given the mountainous challenge ahead against Hawthorn. Thankfully, there were no injuries to come from their Round 1 clash, and they’ll be hopeful dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow is able to return from his knee injury as a headline inclusion. The Blues last week estimated Curnow would return in Round 2 — and on March 9 said he had ‘seamlessly integrated’ back into full training — but after undergoing minor knee surgery near the start of the season, he’ll need to check the requisite boxes before given the all-clear to face the Hawks on Thursday night. Veteran Sam Docherty was absolutely everywhere after being subbed on at three-quarter time, racking up 14 disposals. Surely that was the last we’ll see of him as the sub. Father-son debutant Lucas Camporeale was busy early, but he didn’t use the ball overly well across the match — kicking at just 33 per cent. Last-minute SSP signing Francis Evans kicked a goal from his limited opportunities up forward but would have liked to have more of it against Richmond’s defence; with many of his teammates likely coming away from the game thinking the same thing.

Hawks’ Round 1 side:

B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, M.D’Ambrosio

HB: J.Scrimshaw, J.Impey, J.Battle

C: D.Moore, C.Nash, J.Sicily – C

HF: C.Macdonald, H.Morrison, N.Watson

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, W.Day

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Ward, K.Amon

I/C: J.Weddle, J.Newcombe, C.Mackenzie, F.Maginness, S.Frost (sub)

EMG: C.Jiath, J.Gunston, L.Breust

Team Tips: The Hawks are sitting pretty at 2-0 to start off their 2025 campaign, but they’ll be without Jack Scrimshaw (concussion/suspension) in their quest to make it three-straight wins. His direct replacement off half-back would appear to be Changkuoth Jiath, who finally looks to be fit after multiple injury niggles over the off-season. Veteran forwards Jack Gunston and Luke Breust continue to wait in the wings until called upon, but at this stage they may need a different opening to find themselves back in the starting 23. A storyline to continue monitoring is key defender Sam Frost as substitute, having been charged with being the fresh legs these past two weeks. Could Breust or Gunston could be given the vest at some stage? Inclusion Josh Ward was strong against the Dons — collecting 22 disposals and 536 metres gained — and will surely hold his place. Henry Hustwaite is another youngster now at the ready for opportunity and could be made emergency with Scrimshaw set for a stint on the sidelines.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v COLLINGWOOD

Friday March 21, 7:40pm at MCG

Bulldogs’ Round 1 side:

B: J.O’Donnell, J.Freijah, T.Duryea

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

C: B.Williams, T.Liberatore – C, S.Davidson

HF: J.Dolan, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy

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

FOLL: T.English, R.Sanders, E.Richards

I/C: L.Cleary, H.Gallagher, L.McNeil, R.West, A.Jones (sub)

EMG: O.Baker, R.Garcia, B.Khamis

Team Tips: The injury hits keep coming for the Dogs, with Luke Cleary (concussion) and James O’Donnell (fractured jaw) the latest casualties for Luke Beveridge’s side. It leaves their already undermanned back six even more thin. Buku Khamis feels the most likely Bulldog outside the 23 to earn a reprieve after he was an emergency last week. If the Dogs wanted to go for another like-type, Luke Gardner, Nick Coffield or Jedd Busslinger firm as the other inclusion, but Bailey Williams can always swing back. Hard to see Beveridge making too many other changes given his injury-savaged side pulled out a gutsy win over North, other than perhaps shifting sub duties from Arthur Jones.

Magpies’ Round 1 side:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, I.Quaynor

HB: H.Perryman, R.McInnes, D.Houston

C: S.Sidebottom, J.Daicos, P.Lipinski

HF: B.Hill, D.McStay, J.Elliott

F: T.Membrey, B.Mihocek, B.McCreery

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

I/C: L.Schultz, L.Sullivan, J.Howe, N.Long, S.Pendlebury (sub)

EMG: E.Allan, B.Frampton, A.Johnson

Team Tips: All eyes will be on star Jordan De Goey at training this week, as he hopes to prove himself over a knee niggle that’s seen him miss the first fortnight of the AFL season. There were no passengers in Collingwood’s thumping 91-point win over the Power, which means all things being equal, de Goey’s potential inclusion may be the only change, if any. Given how smoothly the black and white performed, it means they may be more inclined to assure Will Hoskin-Elliott he can take the extra week to also get his knee right, opposed to feeling the need to rush him back. How coach Craig McRae manages Scott Pendlebury this weekend may also be a point of intrigue, after the 37-year-old was made substitute to help deal with the club’s six-day turnaround after Opening Round. Mason Cox remains fit after overcoming a fractured finger but may be forced to wait until a void needs filling in attack after a performance like that against Port Adelaide.

ESSENDON v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday March 22, 1:20pm at MCG

Bombers’ Round 1 side:

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

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

C: N.Martin, J.Caldwell, A.Roberts

HF: N.Caddy, K.Langford, A.Perkins

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

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

I/C: E.Tsatas, B.Hobbs, D.Shiel, X.Duursma, J.Gresham (sub)

EMG: J.Menzie, S.El-Hawli, T.Edwards

Team Tips: The Bombers were valiant in defeat against a hot Hawks outfit last Friday night, but they have been forced into at least two changes at the expense of a key duo. Jordan Ridley (concussion) and Kyle Langford (hamstring) will be out for the next little while, and given their roles, will force a structural rearrangement of sorts. Emergency and SSP signing Tom Edwards might be the answer to the latter’s absence, however Ridley’s replacement is less clear. If Brad Scott wanted to opt for a smaller defence, which is unlikely given the height of Adelaide’s attack, the uncapped Saad El-Hawli looms as an option. Last year’s draftee Angus Clarke has impressed teammates — including Ridley himself — in his first AFL pre-season and may be a more left-field option to come into the side. Another SSP addition in Jaxon Prior was patchy against the Hawks but should hold his spot given the double injury blow. Midfielder Darcy Parish still remains a couple of weeks away from returning from his back injury, meaning the likes of Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs will continue to be given on-ball opportunity.

Crows’ Round 1 side:

B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, R.Laird

HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, 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: M.Crouch, J.Rachele, M.Hinge D.Curtin, S.Draper (sub)

EMG: H.Bond, L.Murphy, T.Murray

Team Tips: Matthew Nicks’ side is off to as perfect a start in 2025 as he could have hoped for, and it means we can expect little to no changes at selection. Debutant and substitute Sid Draper put his best foot forward to be considered for a full-game role this Saturday, notching eight disposals and two clearances from 33 per cent game. He replaced veteran Taylor Walker, with the club taking a cautious approach with the 34-year-old as he navigates his 18th AFL season. Second-year utility Dan Curtin was quiet but given he at times played as the fourth tall inside forward 50, it was always going to be hard for him to find plenty of the ball. In his 100th AFL game, Wayne Milera wasn’t sighted as much as most teammates — but the club will solely be glad he got through unscathed in what was his first match back from injury since Round 3 last year. Given the club’s near-full bill of health and the SANFL yet to start its home-and-away season, it would be a surprise to see Adelaide with anything but an unchanged side, leaving fringe types Hugh Bond and Lachie Murphy stiff to miss out.

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND

Saturday March 22, 4:15pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 1 side:

B: La.Jones, A.Aliir, M.Bergman

HB: L.Evans, J.Finlayson, K.Farrell

C: J.Burgoyne, C.Rozee – C, J.Mead

HF: W.Drew, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli

F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, J.Richards

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, S.Powell-Pepper

I/C: J.Berry, J.Sinn, T.Boak, O.Wines, R.Burton (sub)

EMG: I.Soldo, R.Atkins, J.McEntee

Team Tips: Panic buttons are never hit one round into the season, but this is as close as you would get to doing it if you were Port Adelaide. Their biggest-ever loss under Ken Hinkley culminated in the worst possible start to their season, and it could see some structural changes. Should Esava Ratugolea prove himself fit for this Saturday, you would imagine Jeremy Finlayson goes back inside forward 50 — despite the club’s pre-season plans to again trial the former Cat up forward. Finlayson was busy against Collingwood but had six turnovers from 19 disposals. If you were to purely go off Round 1 output, Lachie Jones — who was subbed out — and Logan Evans seem the most vulnerable defenders. Of the emergencies listed for last weekend, Jed McEntee looks the most appropriate inclusion in his perennially team-first role — with Suns recruit Rory Atkins also a possible inclusion to help Kane Farrell in his new role off half-back. Regardless of which way the pendulum swings, it will be fascinating to see how Hinkley and his coaching collective react at the selection table this week.

Tigers’ Round 1 side:

B: J.Blight, B.Miller, N.Broad

HB: J.Short, N.Vlastuin, L.Trainor

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

HF: R.Mansell, S.Campbell, S.Green

F: J.Bauer, T.Lynch, S.Lalor

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

I/C: T.Brown, T.Dow, J.Ross, H.Armstrong, T.Sonsie (sub)

Team Tips: Following one of the Tigers’ most memorable home-and-away wins in quite some time, there won’t be too many — if any — unforced changes made by Adem Yze and co. at selection this Thursday as they prepare to face the reeling and vulnerable Power. Richmond will challenge the one-match suspension handed down to Tom Lynch for his bump on Tom De Koning, but if that challenge proves unsuccessful and he misses a match, ruck-forward Samson Ryan, untried second-year tall Liam Fawcett and draftee Tom Sims shape as the main considerations for replacement. Key defender Jacob Blight was substituted out with ‘groin tightness’, and while it isn’t feared to be a serious injury, swingman Jacob Koschitzke looms as his replacement if necessary. Tyler Sonsie was the substitute against the Blues and did some nice things, but given the solid performances of Thomson Dow, Sam Banks, James Trezise and more, he may be limited to that same role against the Power.

ST KILDA v GEELONG

Saturday March 22, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 1 side:

B: C.Wilkie, Z.Cordy, J.Webster

HB: L.O’Connell, N.Wanganeen-Milera, R.Byrnes

C: B.Hill, J.Sinclair, M.Wood

HF: H.Garcia, M.Windhager, M.Hall

F: D.Wilson, R.Marshall, J.Higgins

FOLL: H.Boyd, J.Macrae, J.Steele – C

I/C: Z.Jones, A.Hastie, A.Caminiti, A.Schoenmaker, H.Clark (sub)

EMG: L.Stocker, I.Keeler, H.Boxshall

Team Tips: It was an ugly start to 2025 for St Kilda, but on a personnel front they can be forgiven to a certain extent. All of Max King, Mitchito Owens and Dan Butler could return as soon as this week, or not for another fortnight. The inclusion of particularly the former two will be critical to Ross Lyon’s structure in front of the ball. What that means for the experiment that was SSP signing Harry Boyd starting in the ruck and star Rowan Marshall at full forward will be fascinating. You suspect the latter’s presence up forward was a combination of the Saints missing key talls and Marshall perhaps not at 100 per cent fitness. But when both of those variables solve themselves, will normal service resume with Marshall in the ruck? Boyd certainly held his own at stoppages, but naturally on AFL debut, didn’t star. Max Hall was strong in his first game however, with his first four disposals all resulting in shots on goal. Category B rookie Liam O’Connell was bombarded in defence all day and may make way should one of the injured trio prove themselves fit. Second-year midfielder Angus Hastie was subbed during the third quarter and may be another that could be looked past despite a solid showing. Left-footer Arie Schoenmaker was under-utilised coming out St Kilda’s defensive 50 but was elite by foot when used and would be very unlucky to lose his spot. On Paddy Dow’s ongoing recovery from a serious knee issue, Lyon on Monday said: “The human side is really important on this one … but anyone that understands what’s occurred understands how delicate (it is) and it’s going to be a bit of a haul for him.”

Cats’ Round 1 side:

B: C.O’Sullivan, J.Henry, M.Blicavs

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

C: B.Smith, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

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

F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, P.Dangerfield – C

FOLL: S.De Koning, T.Atkins, J.Bowes

I/C: O.Mullin, M.O’Connor, O.Henry, M.Knevitt, J.Clark (sub)

EMG: T.Clohesy, M.Duncan, R.Stanley

Team Tips: How good was that, Cats fans? A simply sublime 13-goal smashing of Fremantle kicked off their 2025 campaign, as subsequently, it’s hard to see many — if any — changes to face the Saints. Oisin Mullin was the quietest Cat, but given the ball was hardly in the defensive half, that’s no issue. Shaun Mannagh returned from a foot stress injury via a VFL practice game on the weekend, and looks likely the only player who could come in. Given the sensitive nature of stress injuries though, it wouldn’t surprise to see Chris Scott give the mature-ager another week. Ruck Rhys Stanley was emergency against the Dockers, but suddenly it’s hard to see Sam De Koning moving from the number one ruck role anytime soon after his monster effort against Liam Reidy and Luke Jackson.

BRISBANE LIONS v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday March 23, 1:10pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 1 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.Ah Chee, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage

F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, K.Lohmann

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

I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, D.Fort, B.Starcevich, C.McKenna (sub)

EMG: W.McLachlan, D.Joyce

Team Tips: The greatest concern coming out of Brisbane last weekend was the concussion to premiership star Brandon Starcevich, having only overcome one 16 days beforehand in the AAMI Community Series. The competition will be keeping their fingers crossed his recovery is as smooth as possible, but he looks likely to be replaced by emergency Darragh Joyce down back while he sits on the sidelines. Also injured was livewire Kai Lohmann, who was subbed out with a left ankle injury that could well turn out to be syndesmosis. Given he was on crutches at half time before being later seen in a moonboot, you can almost certainly put a line through his name to play the Eagles. In slightly better news, late out Charlie Cameron should return to play after calf tightness, and given Lohmann’s absence, his replacement Conor McKenna should also hold his spot. Key defender Darcy Gardiner could be a test to be fit for this weekend if required, however the club will likely give him another to prove himself totally ready. And surely despite the Lions’ initial plans to use father-son selection Levi Ashcroft as their sub, the 18-year-old has proven himself a valuable enough asset to start again in their best 22?

Eagles’ Round 1 side:

B: R.Ginbey, H.Edwards, B.Hough

HB: T.Cole, J.McGovern, L.Baker

C: J.Hunt, T.Kelly, L.Duggan

HF: J.Graham, J.Waterman, J.Cripps

F: M.Owies, O.Allen – C, A.Reid

FOLL: M.Flynn, J.Hutchinson, H.Reid

I/C: E.Hewett, T.Brockman, N.Long, T.Dewar, R.Maric (sub)

EMG: J.Petruccelle, C.Hall, B.Williams

Team Tips: It’s fair to say changes will be made this week after West Coast’s abhorrent season-opening loss against Gold Coast, whose 87-point triumph was the biggest in its history. Only three Eagles managed 20 or more disposals for the match, while 16 players had 15 possessions or less as the home side was comprehensively outworked. Crucial key forward Jake Waterman played just over half the contest before being subbed out due to a calf complaint. At time of writing, it’s unclear whether or not it’s a serious injury. Debutant Archer Reid was quiet, going scoreless with six disposals and no marks, but he might be offered a reprieve with Waterman potentially poised to miss. Ryan Maric played 33 per cent of the game after entering as the sub. Rhett Bazzo, managing a foot issue, could be available for selection if Andrew McQualter is in search of a key-position inclusion. Livewire forward Liam Ryan (hamstring) was a test last week but missed the Suns clash, so he should be right to make his first appearance in 2025 on Sunday against the Lions. The names in last Sunday’s extended squad who didn’t make the cut include Jack Petruccelle, Clay Hall and Bailey Williams. And after Matt Flynn was smashed in the ruck by Jarrod Witts, Williams could be among the more serious considerations this Thursday.

NORTH MELBOURNE v MELBOURNE

Sunday March 23, 3:20pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 1 side:

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

HB: B.Scott, C.Daniel, J.Archer

C: F.O’Sullivan, L.Davies-Uniacke, J.Simpkin – C

HF: H.Sheezel, N.Larkey, C.McKercher

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

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

I/C: L.McDonald, W.Phillips, J.Konstanty, R.Hansen Jr, D.Tucker (sub)

EMG: D.Stephens, F.Maley, B.Teakle

Team Tips: As things stand the Roos will have two forced changes, with Griffin Logue set to miss weeks with a hamstring injury and Jackson Archer slapped with a three-match ban for his hit on Luke Cleary – a ban Archer will challenge at the tribunal. Meanwhile, Charlie Comben went off late in the Dogs game with a rolled ankle, but the club is hopeful he’s avoided structural damage. With Logue out, expect North to call on one of Miller Bergman, Toby Pink or Kallan Dawson to fill a key back void. Presuming Archer also misses, Zac Fisher, despite not even being named an emergency last week, could be in line for a recall, while Dylan Stephens and Zane Duursma should also be in the frame.

Demons’ Round 1 side:

B: H.Petty, T.McDonald, C.Salem

HB: B.Howes, J.Lever, J.Bowey

C: E.Langdon, C.Petracca, C.Windsor

HF: J.Viney, M.Jefferson, T.Sparrow

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

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Oliver, T.Rivers

I/C: X.Lindsay, H.Sharp, A.Johnson, J.Henderson, H.Langford (sub)

EMG: J.Billings, T.Campbell

Team Tips: The Demons were valiant in defeat to the Giants on Sunday, with all six club debutants having a meaningful impact on the game at various stages amid tough conditions. For that reason, it looks likely that their side will shape up similarly in Round 1, given that late out Steven May will almost certainly miss again with a fractured larynx he sustained at training last Friday. His replacement Tom McDonald was busy and held down the fort well at short notice and still provides the Demons’ backline with plenty of experience. If Simon Goodwin wanted to opt for someone else in defence, a now-fit Marty Hore could be looked at. Blake Howes was the Demon subbed off in favour of debutant Harvey Langford, with the latter touching the ball five times from 21 per cent time on ground.

FREMANTLE v SYDNEY SWANS

Sunday March 23, 6:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Dockers’ Round 1 side:

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper

HB: L.Ryan, B.Walker, J.Clark

C: N.O’Driscoll, J.O’Meara, J.Sharp

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

F: L.Jackson, J.Treacy, J.Amiss

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

I/C: B.Banfield, M.Johnson, K.Worner, C.Wagner, H.Chapman (sub)

EMG: P.Voss, N.Erasmus, C.Simpson

Team Tips: A fair bit for Justin Longmuir and the Dockers’ selection committee to ponder after being torn apart by 78 points at the hands of Geelong. Sam Switkowski was subbed out with a groin issue and could be set to miss time, but there’s reinforcements on the way. Shai Bolton, Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe should all be available, but you’d have to question if Fyfe, who impressed in a half of Peel Thunder’s pre-season game, walks straight back in at this stage of the 33-year old’s career. Otherwise, the Liam Reidy experiment could be on thin ice after the backup ruckman had minimal impact against Geelong’s Sam De Koning, particularly given there’s not many other Dockers who appear vulnerable at selection. Neil Erasmus would also have to be in the frame to come in, with Karl Worner another Docker that could be squeezed out, depending on how ruthless Longmuir and co. want to be.

Swans’ Round 1 side:

B: N.Blakey, L.Melican, S.Wicks

HB: M.Roberts, D.Rampe, B.Paton

C: J.Lloyd, I.Heeney – C, J.McInerney

HF: B.Campbell, T.McCartin, T.Papley

F: W.Hayward, J.Amartey, J.Jordon

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

I/C: O.Florent, J.Hamling, Co.Warner, T.Hanily, R.Bice (sub)

EMG: P.Ladhams, C.Mitchell, A.Sheldrick

Team Tips: The Swans have accepted Justin McInerney’s three-week suspension for an unfortunate bump on Brandon Starcevich, for now leaving Dean Cox with one forced change to make for his side’s trip to Perth. His replacement off half-back could well be substitute and mature-age pick-up Riley Bice, who was impressive from limited minutes against Brisbane last Saturday. Caiden Cleary (suspension) and Aaron Francis look to be the two Swans now available for selection, although both are unlikely to replace McInerney. More likely his replacement are Angus Sheldrick and the uncapped Caleb Mitchell, with the latter on the cusp of playing the first two rounds of 2025. Sheldrick was subbed out of Sydney’s Opening Round match against Hawthorn after nine disposals before being dropped, however has had an impressive pre-season and should be better for it. Three-club player Joel Hamling was solid on debut and would be unlucky to not hold his spot again this Sunday.