Bombers to unveil 7th debutant; potential Swans victims as mass changes loom: Round 12 Team Tips

All eyes are on the Swans, who are set to welcome back multiple players amid suggestions from the coach others could be sent back to the VFL.

Plus Richmond and Collingwood are set for mass inclusions.

Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 12’s AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 12 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

BRISBANE LIONS v ESSENDON

Thursday May 29, 7:30pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 11 side:

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

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

C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, Z.Bailey

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, W.Ashcroft

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

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, J.Berry, L.Ashcroft, D.Gardiner, D.Robertson (sub)

EMG: S.Marshall, T.Gallop, O.McInerney

Team Tips: The Lions look to have gotten through unscathed after a massive confidence-boosting win over Hawthorn last Saturday evening at the MCG. It leaves one main question for Chris Fagan and co to answer heading into this Thursday night — do they play Oscar McInerney? The gun ruck was actually emergency in Round 11, in a highly unlikely scenario where Darcy Fort went down and they had to break-glass-in-case-of-emergency. They could well pull the trigger on McInerney, but Fort was commendable against Hawk Lloyd Meek, so they could play it ultra-conservative with the recovery of their primary ruck. Their weren’t any passengers in Melbourne, so it’s hard to see Fagan making any other unforced changes. Uncapped emergency Ty Gallop kicked three goals in the VFL side’s loss to Box Hill, while Tom Doedee and Shadeau Brain partnered strongly in the back half to combine for 18 intercept possessions.

Bombers’ Round 11 side:

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, A.Roberts

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

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett – C, A.Clarke

HF: A.Perkins, N.Caddy, N.Martin

F: K.Langford, P.Wright, I.Kako

FOLL: T.Goldstein, J.Caldwell, S.Durham

I/C: J.Gresham, W.Setterfield, J.Laverde, M.Guelfi, B.Hobbs (sub)

EMG: E.Tsatas, S.El-Hawli, Z.Johnson

Team Tips: Essendon has already announced another debutant for its Thursday night meeting with the Lions in Brisbane, confirming 18-year-old Zak Johnson would play his first AFL game after an impressive run of VFL form. Last year’s Pick 70 will be the club’s seventh AFL debutant this season, tying Richmond for most in the competition this year. The midfielder — who has been used across half-back in the reserves — has averaged 25.4 disposals across five VFL games. It comes amid an injury crisis at Tullamarine, and there’s no better time for the mid-season draft than right now for Essendon. There is a genuine, though slightly unlikely, possibility that one of their four potential picks on Wednesday night end up playing in Queensland 24 hours after their selection. It comes after Kyle Langford (quad) and ZachReid (hamstring) both had strains revealed in their respective muscles, adding them to the ridiculously long injury list at the club. And incredibly, emergency Saad El-Hawli did his hamstring in the VFL on Saturday night after just one kick. In a rare beacon of light on an injury front, Darcy Parish got through his return from a calf injury for 25 disposals. The 2021 All-Australian is likely to spend another week in the reserves out of precaution, given they’re short on stocks with talls, not on-ballers. Elijah Tsatas (33 disposals — 16 contested, eight clearances) was one of their best performers against Richmond’s VFL side, and could also be in the frame for a senior return.

COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN

Friday May 30, 7:40pm at the MCG

Magpies’ Round 11 side:

B: B.Maynard, B.Frampton, J.Daicos

HB: I.Quaynor, J.Howe, D.Houston

C: E.Allan, J.Crisp, P.Lipinski

HF: W.Hayes, T.Membrey, B.McCreery

F: J.Elliott, B.Mihocek, L.Sullivan

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos – C

I/C: W.Parker, H.Perryman, W.Hoskin-Elliott, M.Cox, O.Markov (sub)

EMG: H.DeMattia, C.West

Team Tips: There’s a fair bit going on for Craig McRae’s side ahead of this Friday night’s blockbuster with Hawthorn! Skipper Darcy Mooreshould be back from a shoulder niggle, but we also thought that may be the case early last week. Veteran Scott Pendlebury was a late out last Saturday night with gastro and should slot straight back in, while there is no indication yet on whether Bobby Hill will return after his late exit for personal reasons. Out of the victory over North Melbourne, Brayden Maynard looks set to set to spend anywhere from two to six weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury that saw him subbed off before quarter time. Premiership Pie Mason Cox had just three touches against the Roos, and could be in danger of a dropping after a particularly quiet last fortnight. Cult hero Oleg Markov was one of two late ins, but played well and deserves to keep his spot in the senior side another week — especially with post-game interviews like this! In the reserves, one-gamer Jakob Ryan was best afield after his 25 disposals and nine intercept possessions, while the uncapped Harry DeMattia (36 disposals — 16 intercepts, eight tackles, six inside 50s) was everywhere as he spends more time on-ball.

Hawks’ Round 11 side:

B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, J.Sicily – C

HB: K.Amon, B.Hardwick, M.D’Ambrosio

C: J.Scrimshaw, J.Ward, H.Morrison

HF: J.Weddle, N.Watson, D.Moore

F: C.Macdonald, M.Chol, J.Gunston

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

I/C: C.Jiath, J.Ginnivan, C.Nash, C.Mackenzie, F.Maginness (sub)

EMG: B.Macdonald, C.Dear

Team Tips: It was a disappointing evening out for the Hawks, who dropped their second straight game on Saturday. Thankfully though, Jarmen Impey looks set to return to the fold after his late exit from the match for the birth of his child. Luke Breust (back) could also be an outside chance to return from a back injury, with Hawthorn listing him as ‘1-2 weeks’ away in the lead up to last weekend. Cam Mackenzie was subbed out tactically at half time, and may be considered for a run around in the VFL after a couple of quiet weeks since his return from a hand injury. Late in Finn Maginness may also be at risk, but looked strong in his outings after coming on post the main break. In the reserves, fourth-year Hawk Sam Butler had a monster day out — amassing a whopping 42 disposals, 10 marks, eight clearances and a goal to push his case for his first AFL game since Round 5 last year. Henry Hustwaite (35 disposals — 18 contested, 11 clearances) and Seamus Mitchell (36 disposals, one goal) were also pivotal in Box Hill’s 19-point win, and should be carefully considered.

GOLD COAST SUNS v FREMANTLE

Saturday May 31, 1:20pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 11 side:

B: M.Andrew, W.Powell, S.Collins

HB: J.Noble, B.Uwland, D.Rioli

C: S.Clohesy, M.Rowell, B.Fiorini

HF: B.Ainsworth, S.Flanders, B.Humphrey

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

FOLL: J.Witts, T.Miller, N.Anderson – C

I/C: N.Holman, E.Read, D.Swallow, J.Jeffrey, M.Rosas (sub)

EMG: N.Moyle, S.Lemmens, B.Jepson

Team Tips: A win at Marvel Stadium, for Damien Hardwick, hooray! For a second, there was a sour taste in his mouth after Mac Andrew limped heavily from the ground late in the dying stages of their win over St Kilda — however the 21-year-old star has since been cleared of any serious damage. While his official availability is still to be determined, the rest of their side looks very settled. Hardwick could however feel inclined to give raw tall Ethan Read a run in the reserves, having now kicked just one goal in his last four AFL outings; two of which he’s been subbed out of. Forgotten utility Jy Farrar kicked three goals in the Suns’ VFL draw with Sandringham on Sunday, while Alex Sexton (28 disposals, seven marks, one goal) pushed his case for a recall to the senior side for the first time since Round 1.

Dockers’ Round 11 side:

B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce – C, B.Cox

HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark

C: J.Sharp, S.Bolton, C.Wagner

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

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

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

I/C: N.Erasmus, M.Johnson, C.Simpson, I.Dudley, B.Banfield (sub)

EMG: J.Draper, J.Aish, L.Reidy

Team Tips: After such a strong win over Port Adelaide on Saturday night, the Dockers will have a sour taste in their mouth after young gun Cooper Simpson‘s shoulder injury. The 20-year-old is set for shoulder surgery that will see him out for around 10 weeks after solid back-to-back weeks at the top level. In better news, dual Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe (hamstring) should finally remove himself off the club’s injury list, as should Sam Sturt (knee) and the hotly-discussed Sean Darcy (jarred knee). All three will almost certainly play WAFL, if any football, this weekend, but it cuts down on the number of their players sidelined. The forgotten Will Brodie kicked two goals from his 20 touches for Peel Thunder on Saturday evening, while Nathan O’Driscoll played managed minutes after recent troubles with an ongoing ankle injury. Ruck Liam Reidy also had 13 disposals, 48 hit-outs and four inside 50s.

GWS GIANTS v RICHMOND

Saturday May 31, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ Round 11 side:

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

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

C: X.O’Halloran, C.Ward, J.Wehr

HF: H.Thomas, A.Cadman, D.Jones

F: C.Brown, J.Hogan, T.Greene – C

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

I/C: C.Angove, L.Aleer, J.Fonti, J.Riccardi, H.Rowston (sub)

EMG: J.Delana, J.Leake, R.Angwin

Team Tips: The Giants pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Saturday, with an even team contribution against the Blues. Harry Rowston was subbed on late and only got seven per cent game time, before heading to Albury the next day to play in the VFL. The main watch will be Josh Kelly, who’s an outside chance to return from a hip injury. Toby McMullin (adductor) is also expected to undergo a fitness test. Recent draftee Jack Ough (22 disposals, 12 tackles, five clearances, one goal) continued his hot VFL form, while Josh Fahey, Conor Stone, James Leake and Josaia Delana – who’ve been around the fringes of the best 23 this year – were all solid against Port Melbourne.

Tigers’ Round 11 side:

B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, C.Gray

HB: T.Brown, S.Banks, N.Broad – C

C: T.Dow, K.McIntosh, H.Ralphsmith

HF: J.Ross, S.Campbell, R.Mansell

F: T.Sims, S.Lalor, J.Faull

FOLL: S.Ryan, T.Taranto, J.Hopper

I/C: L.Trainor, S.Green, K.McAuliffe, K.Smith, M.Rioli (sub)

EMG: J.Trezise, T.Sonsie, L.Fawcett

Team Tips: Pick 1 Sam Lalor (hamstring) and Thomson Dow (knee) are unlikely to tackle the Giants after hurting themselves against the Bombers. However Richmond post-game on Friday night was hopeful all of Toby Nankervis (knee/managed), Tom Lynch (concussion) and Dion Prestia (Achilles) would be available to play, while defender Jayden Short (calf) is an outside chance to return. With Lynch due to come back, one of Jonty Faull, Tom Sims or even Luke Trainor could go back to the VFL, while Samson Ryan would likely make way for Nankervis and Maurice Rioli might be vulnerable. Prestia hadn’t played at any level this year until Saturday night, where he kicked one goal from 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions and four clearances from three quarters in the VFL. Elsewhere from that match, Jasper Alger kicked 2.1 from 13 disposals as he continues to push for a debut, while Tyler Sonsie (37 disposals, eight tackles) and Jacob Blight (26 disposals, 13 intercepts and nine marks) and James Tresize (21 disposals) were all huge in a 22-point win.

SYDNEY SWANS v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday May 31, 7:35pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 11 side:

B: S.Wicks, T.McCartin, D.Rampe

HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, R.Bice

C: C.Mills, I.Heeney, J.Lloyd

HF: Co.Warner, J.Hamling, B.Campbell

F: W.Hayward, P.Ladhams, C.Cleary

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

I/C: O.Florent, A.Sheldrick, J.Jordon, H.McLean, T.Adams (sub)

EMG: N.Bowman, C.Mitchell, B.Paton

Team Tips: Gosh there’s a lot happening with the Swans this week. As coach Dean Cox alluded to in his post-game presser, unforced changes could be made, suggesting to reporters: “We’ve had players go back and play VFL, that might happen again. As the AFL world awaits for a verdict on Callum Mills after his bump on Dee Charlie Spargo, Sam Wicks is set for a stint on the sidelines after a hamstring injury ended his afternoon on the MCG early. But with potential outs, come potential ins, with Justin McInerney and Lewis Melican to come straight back in after serving one-week suspensions of their own. In addition, in-form utility Aaron Francis will hopefully exit concussion protocols without fuss. Add the outside chance that one of Harry Cunningham (shoulder) or Robbie Fox (calf) return from their injuries, and Cox’s side may actually on balance be better off than what the were against Melbourne. Francis’ return could see Hayden McLean lose his spot — considering Peter Ladhams’ decent recent form — but could the Swans make a selection statement elsewhere with one of Ollie Florent or Dane Rampe? Meanwhile Corey Warner and Riley Bice could be a touch nervous for a few days. In the reserves, emergencies Ben Paton (37 disposals – 12 contested, seven tackles) and Caleb Mitchell (32 disposals, nine marks) were among the best afield with plenty of time with ball in hand. 2023 mid-season draftee Jack Buller also kicked 2.4 from 16 disposals in a performance that threatened in front of goal.

Crows’ Round 11 side:

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

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

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, D.Curtin

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, J.Rachele

F: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, S.Berry

FOLL: R.O’Brien, I.Rankine, J.Soligo

I/C: Z.Taylor, L.Pedlar, J.Peatling, M.Hinge, S.Draper (sub)

EMG: B.Dowling, L.Nankervis

Team Tips: The Crows have managed to get through another week of football without any major injuries, maintaining health as their biggest asset this season. Star veteran Taylor Walker was eventually managed and a late withdrawal from their 11-goal win over West Coast, and you would expect slots straight back into the senior side. His last-minute replacement and sub Sid Draper is again the obvious option through no fault of his own, but fourth-year Crow Zac Taylor may be one who could benefit from a brief stint in the reserves after a lean last three weeks at the top level. In the SANFL side’s 23-point loss to Sturt, forward Chris Burgess kicked another four goals to continue banging down the door for another crack at the top level. Veteran defender Brodie Smith (26 disposals, two goals) and emergency Billy Dowling (22 disposals, two goals) were effective around all parts of Unley Oval, while key defender James Borlase amassed a whopping 13 intercept possessions.

MELBOURNE v ST KILDA

Sunday June 1, 3:20pm at TIO Traeger Park

Demons’ Round 11 side:

B: J.Bowey, S.May, C.Salem

HB: J.McVee, J.Lever, C.Windsor

C: X.Lindsay, C.Petracca, E.Langdon

HF: K.Chandler, H.Petty, T.Sparrow

F: C.Spargo, J.Melksham, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Oliver, H.Langford

I/C: D.Turner, T.Rivers, B.Fritsch, A.Johnson, H.Sharp (sub)

EMG: B.Laurie, T.McDonald, J.Culley

Team Tips: That’s five of the last six on the trot for the Demons! And aren’t they playing like a team that could threaten to play finals again? Mature-age pick-up Aidan Johnson was quiet for the second week straight since his return to the senior side, and may be the first unforced change made, if any are to be had by coach Simon Goodwin. Sub Harry Sharp was lively for his two goals from seven touches after being activated, doing his best to squeeze himself back into the starting 22. Hopefully, premiership Dee Jack Viney will return to the side after a lay-off with concussion since Round 8 — but that will be dependant on a successful week on the training track. In the VFL, Jack Billings and Bailey Laurie both filled their stat sheets, while Matt Jefferson (five goals), Tom Fullarton (three) and Jacob Van Rooyen (two) all were dangerous up forward against the Northern Bullants. Good problems to have at the selection table for the Dees!

Saints’ Round 11 side:

B: L.O’Connell, C.Wilkie, J.Webster

HB: M.Windhager, N.Wanganeen-Milera, R.Byrnes

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

HF: J.Higgins, M.Phillipou, M.Owens

F: C.Sharman, A.Caminiti, I.Keeler

FOLL: R.Marshall, Z.Jones, J.Steele – C

I/C: T.Travaglia, H.Clark, D.Wilson, M.Hall, H.Boxshall (sub)

EMG: L.Henry, A.Hastie, M.Heath

Team Tips:Hugh Boxshall started as the sub on Sunday night, but surely moves into the starting 22 this weekend after an impressive nine-disposal blitz against the Suns. Boxshall replaced Darcy Wilson, who had a quiet outing against Gold Coast but a reasonably consistent season overall. Liam O’Connell had nine touches and went at zero per cent efficiency by foot. In the VFL, delisted free agency acquisition Jack Carroll had his best game for the Zebras yet, booting two goals — including one after the full-time siren top force a draw against the Suns — from 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight tackles, six clearances and five tackles. Hugo Garcia (27 disposals, 10 tackles, 9 clearances) is also a good chance of a re-call.

WEST COAST EAGLES v GEELONG CATS

Sunday June 1, 7:20pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 11 side:

B: T.Cole, H.Edwards, R.Maric

HB: L.Duggan – C, S.Brock, L.Baker

C: J.Graham, H.Reid, J.Hunt

HF: E.Hewett, J.Waterman, J.Hutchinson

F: T.Brockman, O.Allen, L.Ryan

FOLL: M.Flynn, B.Hough, T.Kelly

I/C: R.Ginbey, N.Long, T.Gross, B.Williams, T.Dewar (sub)

EMG: A.Reid, B.Allan, C.Hall

Team Tips: The Eagles will have to find a replacement for All-Australian Jake Waterman, who suffered a nasty AC joint injury in the loss to Adelaide. It opens the door for Jack Williams to come back in to face the Cats after an impressive WAFL outing against West Perth, booting four goals from eight disposals. The Eagles could also turn back to Archer Reid, who played forward-ruck against the Falcons on the weekend, but Williams might be the more appropriate selection, given the Matt Flynn–Bailey Williams combination has worked well in past weeks. Whether the Eagles give another go to Tom Gross – who was subbed out with just three disposals against Adelaide – remains to be seen. Contenders to come in from the Eagles’ WAFL side include Hamish Davis (23 disposals), Lucca Grego (22) and Bo Allan (15).

Cats’ Round 11 side:

B: M.O’Connor, S.De Koning, J.Henry

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

C: M.Blicavs, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

HF: G.Miers, S.Mannagh, B.Close

F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, T.Stengle

FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.Atkins

I/C: J.Bews, M.Duncan, O.Mullin, O.Henry, T.Clohesy (sub)

EMG: C.O’Sullivan, O.Wiltshire, G.Stevens

Team Tips: Hard to see the Cats making too many changes here following the impressive win over the Dogs – unless they opt to manage a few players. Connor O’Sullivan was managed last week, so you’d expect him to come back into the side. Ted Clohesy was subbed into the game very late then backed up the next day in the VFL, with 22 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances. Clohesy, George Stevens (20 disposals) and Oliver Wiltshire (15 disposals) all continue to push for best 23 selection. For what it’s worth, Patrick Dangerfield confirmed last week he’d miss the clash against the Eagles as he continues to recover from his hamstring – although it was always less likely he was going to play anyway due to the longer trip to Perth.