Costly Pies double-blow as stars struck down; Hawks trio to miss blockbuster: Team Tips

Crows’ Round 9 side:

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

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

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, M.Hinge

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

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

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, I.Rankine

I/C: J.Peatling, D.Curtin, L.Nankervis, Z.Taylor, S.Berry (sub)

EMG: S.Draper, C.Burgess, B.Smith

Team Tips: Another win for the Crows sees them slowly shape as not just a finals contender, but now top four contender. But this Saturday will be arguably their biggest test yet of 2025, and coach Matthew Nicks may subsequently want to maintain as much continuity as possible. Second-year player Dan Curtin was subbed out in the third quarter with just three touches but looks likely to hold his spot for now as Nicks continues to work out the best position to play the 197cm tall. After his unlucky axing last week, veteran Brodie Smith responded strongly with 29 disposals off half back in the SANFL to keep himself in conversation at the selection table. Teammate James Borlase was also commendable in defence, keeping highly-touted Power draftee Jack Whitlock to just one scoring shot in the same game. The Crows’ own first-year player in Sid Draper had 24 disposals and a goal, but may struggle to find himself on the plane to Melbourne — through no fault of his own. Utility Chris Burgess continued his strong reserves form with three more goals from 14 touches.

PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONG

Saturday May 17, 4:15pm at the Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 9 side:

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

HB: C.Rozee – C, E.Ratugolea, K.Farrell

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

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, M.Georgiades, J.Mead

F: S.Powell-Pepper, O.Lord, J.Richards

FOLL: D.Visentini, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters

I/C: J.Sinn, J.Finlayson, J.McEntee, R.Burton, C.Moraes (sub)

EMG: J.Sweet, W.Lorenz, L.Evans

Team Tips: Ken Hinkley shook up the selection table last week with four unforced changes, and it’s unlikely we’ll see too many this week given their close loss to cross-town rivals Adelaide. Dante Visentini was commendable in the ruck in his recall and probably deserves to have a second crack again this weekend over the axed Jordan Sweet. After a week away from the game, Willie Rioli trained on Monday and, according to assistant coach Josh Carr, will “be putting his name up for selection” — likely at the expense of either sub Christian Moraes or Jed McEntee. It’s a tough call for Hinkley, with McEntee’s tackling inside forward 50 an attribute his side have lacked in recent weeks. His first-half clamping of Crows gun Josh Worrell also won’t have gone unnoticed by his coaches, however Moraes provided notable flair during his sole quarter on field. Veteran Travis Boak returned strongly from a nagging back injury in the SANFL, accruing 35 disposals and 18 contested possessions in a performance that will see him return to the senior side imminently.

Cats’ Round 9 side:

B: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, M.Duncan

HB: O.Mullin, C.O’Sullivan, M.O’Connor

C: J.Bowes, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

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

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

FOLL: M.Blicavs, B.Smith, T.Atkins

I/C: J.Clark, O.Henry, T.Stengle, J.Bews, T.Clohesy (sub)

EMG: G.Stevens, O.Wiltshire, J.Polkinghorne

Team Tips: Another Geelong selection squeeze looms, with ample potential ins – especially down back – and not many obvious form-related outs. If right to exit concussion protocols, Lawson Humphries will come straight back in to face Port Adelaide, as will Tom Stewart should he be deemed fit to return from a knee injury. Plus the Cats will have to make a call on Jack Henry as he’s close overcoming a hamstring injury, while Mitch Knevitt is a chance to return from a foot issue. Jed Bews, who missed the opening months of the season with a finger injury, would be mightily stiff to be omitted after an impressive return game, while you’d suspect Jhye Clark (subbed out against the Giants) and Ted Clohesy (subbed in) would be vulnerable too. Meanwhile, midfielder George Stevens continues to bang the door down in the VFL, kicking one goal from 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances and five tackles on Sunday.

GWS GIANTS v FREMANTLE

Saturday May 17, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ Round 9 side:

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

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

C: C.Ward, F.Callaghan, J.Wehr

HF: X.O’Halloran, A.Cadman, J.Stringer

F: H.Thomas, J.Hogan, T.Greene – C

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

I/C: C.Brown, J.Fonti, J.Riccardi, C.Angove, J.Delana (sub)

EMG: H.Rowston, L.Aleer, R.Angwin

Team Tips: It was a character-building victory for the Giants to break a run of poor form, but it came at a cost as Jake Stringer again succumbed to a hamstring injury — replaced by Josaia Delana in the second term — and is set to miss 3-4 weeks on the sidelines. Toby Greene is a test to play, while Toby Bedford is hopeful of playing against the Dockers. His potential replacement, Max Gruzewski booted four goals from six scoring shots at VFL level as he presses for a senior recall after playing the first two games of GWS’ campaign. Draftee Cody Angove managed 13 disposals in his AFL debut, while Joe Fonti (seven possessions in 65 per cent game-time) and Jacob Wehr (nine in 79 per cent) were quiet against the Cats. James Leake led all Giants ball-winners in the VFL with 29 disposals, while Conor Stone added 22 possessions and eight marks. Nathan Wardius had set the VFL alight in the goalscoring category to start the season but could only manage 0.4 against the Cats’ reserves last Sunday.

Dockers’ Round 9 side:

B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce – C, B.Cox

HB: C.Wagner, K.Worner, J.Clark

C: J.Sharp, M.Johnson, M.Frederick

HF: S.Bolton, S.Switkowski, I.Dudley

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

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: P.Voss, M.Reid, H.Chapman, C.Simpson, N.Erasmus (sub)

EMG: O.McDonald, Q.Narkle, J.Draper

Team Tips: Perhaps the cruellest of blows for the Dockers in their 14-point loss to Collingwood last Thursday night, was ruck Sean Darcy once again succumbing to a knee injury. But in a welcome surprise, Justin Longmuir confirmed on Tuesday morning the 26-year-old will be listed as a test this weekend after a jarred knee saw him subbed out in the third term. Defenders Brennan Cox and Heath Chapman had moments to forget in the defeat, with the latter notably quiet in recent weeks. In his third AFL game and first for 2025, second-year player Cooper Simpson looked decent around the ground, as did substitute Neil Erasmus in limited game time. Both may hold their spots, should Darcy miss the trip to western Sydney. Unfortunately, Nathan O’Driscoll’s ankle flared up in his WAFL return, meaning he won’t be available to provide a much-needed boost to Longmuir’s side. In the same game, Will Brodie had 35 disposals, while Bailey Banfield and emergency Oscar McDonald kicked three goals each.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v ESSENDON

Saturday May 17, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 9 side:

B: L.Cleary, J.O’Donnell, L.Bramble

HB: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah

HF: J.Harmes, B.Khamis, M.Kennedy

F: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, R.West

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

I/C: S.Davidson, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, L.Vandermeer, H.Gallagher (sub)

EMG: O.Baker, J.Busslinger, A.Jones

Team Tips:Laitham Vandermeer was subbed out at three quarter-time against Gold Coast with a calf concern for Harvey Gallagher. Coach Luke Beveridge suggested post-game Vandermeer’s injury was a cork, but added “there might be more to it”. If Vandermeer misses, Arthur Jones would be a good chance to come into the 23 after his 24 touches for Footscray, while Gallagher could be upgraded to the starting line-up. Jedd Busslinger was omitted for the game, but could be re-called if the Dogs want more height to face the Bombers. Elsewhere in the VFL, recent draftee Luke Kennedy had a big day out against Casey with three goals from 28 disposals and eight marks, while Taylor Duryea, Ryan Gardner and Nick Coffield all had plenty of the footy behind the ball. It’s unlikely the Dogs will play Adam Treloar before the club’s bye after his recent calf setback.

Bombers’ Round 9 side:

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, L.Hayes

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

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett – C, A.Day-Wicks

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

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

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

I/C: B.Hobbs, W.Setterfield, A.Roberts, S.El-Hawli, D.Shiel (sub)

EMG: E.Tsatas, J.Laverde, Z.Johnson

Team Tips: Devastation for Essendon, with debutant defender Lewis Hayes set for a lengthy sideline stint due to an ACL rupture. It means experienced defender Jayden Laverde, who recently returned from a VFL suspension and had 32 disposals and 11 intercepts on Saturday, could play his first game this season against the Western Bulldogs next Saturday. Other potential returns include Jade Gresham (adductor) and midfielder Darcy Parish (calf), but Brad Scott last week said he was “leaning towards a more conservative approach with Darcy” and that Parish has “had too many setbacks to bring him back before he’s had a really good block of work”. In the VFL, Elijah Tsatas stuffed the stats sheet with a lazy 41 disposals and 10 clearances, while Matt Guelfi and Alwayn Davey kicked two goals each. Whether Dylan Shiel and Archer Day-Wicks hold their places in the 23 remains to be seen.

RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday May 18, 1:10pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 9 side:

B: N.Vlastuin, N.Balta, B.Miller

HB: T.Brown, N.Broad, L.Trainor

C: T.Dow, S.Lalor, H.Ralphsmith

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

F: R.Mansell, T.Lynch, J.Faull

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

I/C: S.Banks, K.McIntosh, K.McAuliffe, T.Sims, J.Trezise (sub)

EMG: T.Sonsie, J.Alger

Team Tips: It was a third win from nine matches for Richmond, and Adem Yze received a pretty even contribution from his chargers. Rebounding defender Jayden Short was a late withdrawal due to a knee issue, but after Yze said last Sunday that he expected it to be a one-week absence, Tigers high-performance boss Ben Serpell said on Tuesday he was “confident that he will play” against North Melbourne. But it’s not good news for No.7 pick Josh Smillie, who has suffered another hamstring setback following the one that disrupted his pre-season. As a result, there is currently no timeline on his return to play. Serpell said: “It (the strain) is actually so minor that we don’t even know when it occurred. We are going to spend our time with him over the next few weeks, developing him athletically and making sure that we are doing the right thing for him, not only in the short-term, but in the long-term future. So, we probably aren’t going to put a timeframe on his return, and we are going to focus on his athletic development over the next little while.” Short was replaced in the 23 by James Trezise as the sub, with midfielder Kane McAuliffe shifting into the 22. McAuliffe was promising early in his first senior appearance of the season but faded to finish with 12 disposals and six tackles. Thomson Dow was subbed out tactically after 14 disposals and zero tackles in 70 per cent time-on-ground. Steely Green had one of his quietest games of the year, going goalless with five disposals in 78 per cent game-time. Mykelti Lefau is expected to play some match time in the VFL this weekend. The reserves had a bye last weekend.

Kangaroos’ Round 9 side:

B: C.Comben, T.Pink, L.McDonald

HB: R.Hardeman, C.Daniel, C.McKercher

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

HF: H.Sheezel, N.Larkey, Z.Duursma

F: J.Konstanty, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar

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

I/C: A.Corr, G.Wardlaw, D.Stephens, F.Maley, B.Scott (sub)

EMG: Z.Fisher, G.Logue, G.Payne

Team Tips: A brave performance from the Kangaroos to draw with Brisbane, but you could also see North making a few selection tweaks. Zane Duursma, who’s played the past five AFL games for North, was the lowest rated player on the ground, while Finnbar Maley was tactically subbed out after four disposals in the forward line. Maley came out for Bailey Scott, who could be due a crack in the best 22 again, while Wil Dawson, who had eight touches and seven tackles in the VFL on the weekend, could be a forward option. Griffin Logue had 17 touches and nine marks in the VFL, while Zac Fisher (26 disposals), Will Phillips (25 disposals) and Darcy Tucker (21) all found plenty of the ball.

BRISBANE v MELBOURNE

Sunday May 18, 3:20pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 9 side:

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

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

C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, J.Berry

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

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

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, D.Fort, D.Gardiner (sub)

EMG: T.Gallop, C.McKenna, J.Tunstill

Team Tips: Midfielder Jarrod Berry will miss the match against the Demons after being substituted in the first quarter on Sunday, having been concussed in a head clash with North Melbourne’s Luke McDonald. Does Chris Fagan spin the magnets and find a way to get Keidean Coleman into the side for a return game? It’s a watch this space. Emergency Conor McKenna and Will McLachlan would be chances to replace Berry, but Reece Torrent and Deven Robertson have strung together some consistent VFL form in the past month and would have to be considered.

Demons’ Round 9 side:

B: J.Bowey, S.May, J.McVee

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

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

HF: K.Chandler, B.Fritsch, T.Sparrow

F: C.Spargo, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett

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

I/C: C.Windsor, D.Turner, M.Jefferson, H.Sharp, K.Tholstrup (sub)

EMG: B.Laurie, B.Howes, A.Johnson

Team Tips: Coach Simon Goodwin confirmed post-game against Hawthorn last week that he will again be without gun Jack Viney, as he recovers from a delayed concussion. Goodwin will however be hoping that Harrison Petty overcomes his own head knock, and returns to his side after a decent start to 2025. Veteran Jake Melksham was managed last week, and is another potential inclusion that could be called on to help get the Dees back on the winners list. Bayley Fritsch was very quiet against Hawthorn for just four disposals, while fellow forward Matthew Jefferson was subbed out during the third quarter with as many touches. In the reserves, Tom Fullarton kicked three goals to loom as a potential replacement for either, while emergency Aidan Johnson jagged two.

WEST COAST v ST KILDA

Sunday May 18, 4:40pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 9 side:

B: R.Ginbey, T.Cole, R.Maric

HB: L.Duggan – C, S.Brock, L.Baker

C: J.Hunt, H.Reid, B.Hough

HF: J.Cripps, J.Waterman, J.Hutchinson

F: J.Graham, A.Reid, L.Ryan

FOLL: M.Flynn, E.Hewett, T.Kelly

I/C: T.Brockman, M.Owies, B.Williams, H.Edwards, T.Gross (sub)

EMG: N.Long, J.Williams

Team Tips: The Eagles, who remain winless on the season after an agonising conclusion last Sunday against Richmond, don’t believe Oscar Allen — who was a late withdrawal — has a serious knee injury, but a focus will be placed on whether he gets up to play St Kilda on Sunday. Harry Edwards, who returned from an ankle injury himself, was Allen’s replacement in the side and was more than serviceable with 15 disposals, six marks, three intercepts and a round-high 13 spoils. His spot in the side could be safe given uncertainty around Allen’s injury as well as doubts over Jeremy McGovern following his latest concussion. Eagles premiership player Will Schofield said last week amid a history of concussion that McGovern could spend a “longer time out of the game” than just one week, with eyes on his selection availability for Round 10. First-year midfielder Tom Gross was obviously in the thick of things late in the game despite coming on as the sub and playing just 15 per cent of the game, posting six disposals and three tackles. Andrew McQualter was impressed post-game with his efforts and seems likely to retain his spot in the side. Bo Allan has served his one-match suspension and will be in selection considerations, as will Clay Hall (30 disposals in the WAFL) and Tyrell Dewar (25). Jack Williams kicked 2.1 after being dropped.

Saints’ Round 9 side:

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

HB: M.Windhager, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair

C: D.Wilson, L.Stocker, R.Byrnes

HF: H.Garcia, B.Hill, M.Owens

F: C.Sharman, A.Caminiti, J.Higgins

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Macrae, J.Steele – C

I/C: M.Phillipou, H.Boxshall, M.Hall, L.O’Connell, L.Collard (sub)

EMG: Z.Jones, H.Boyd, A.McLennan

Team Tips: It’s set to be an interesting week at the selection table for Ross Lyon and his coaching crew, as they prepare for a trip to Perth they simply must win. Surprisingly, Hugh Boxshall was given limited minutes against Carlton last Friday night and played just 59 per cent game time despite not being subbed. 23rd man LanceCollard went statless for the quarter he was injected into the match, and looks likely to be the first to make way in the case of changes. In the reserves, emergency Zak Jones kicked three goals from his 30 disposals, while Tobie Travaglia had 30 touches. Dan Butler is expected to be listed as a test to overcome his Achilles injury this weekend, although you would think any return would come via the VFL.