Key Saint in frame, huge Power boost locked in but veteran in doubt; fears over Pies great, Blue fit — AFL Round 5 Team Tips

WESTERN BULLDOGS v ESSENDON

Friday April 12, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Western Bulldogs’ Round 4 side

B: B.Dale, L.Jones, B.Williams

HB: L.Bramble, B.Khamis, J.Johannisen

C: H.Gallagher, A.Treloar, O.Baker

HF: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, C.Weightman

F: R.West, J.Ugle-Hagan, L.Vandermeer

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

I/C: S.Darcy, C.Daniel, T.Duryea, J.Macrae, E.Richards

EMG: C.Poulter, J.O’Donnell, R.Lobb

Team Tips: On the back of a four-point loss in Adelaide to Geelong, the Dogs look to have found good continuity as a team. Sam Darcy’s three-goal performance will make it hard once again to squeeze Rory Lobb back into the senior side, despite his huge performances at VFL level in 2024. Riley Garcia has been excellent in the reserves this year and is also banging down the door at the selection table. If coach Luke Beveridge is looking for extra run and carry, emergency from last week Caleb Poulter would be a viable option. Where Jack Macrae sits in the scheme of things still remains unknown, after being named as sub against the Cats. Realistically it seems unlikely he’s going to break into the midfield mix of Bontempelli, Liberatore and Treloar given the latter’s line-breaking ability, with Ryley Sanders needing game-time and currently No.4 in the rotation. Garcia would be somewhat of a like-for-like replace if Beveridge was to give Macrae the axe once again.

Essendon’s Round 4 side

B: D.Heppell, B.McKay, J.Laverde

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

C: N.Cox, X.Duursma, J.Kelly

HF: J.Gresham, Z.Merrett – C, J.Menzie

F: H.Jones, K.Langford, J.Stringer

FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, J.Caldwell

I/C: T.Goldstein, W.Setterfield, B.Hobbs, A.Perkins, N.Hind

EMG: E.Tsatas, S.Weideman, A.Davey Jnr

Team Tips: A horrid Gather Round showing from Essendon against Port Adelaide is likely to see some form of unforced change to the team. Setbacks in the recovery of Jordan Ridley and Matt Guelfi will now see the duo sit on the sidelines for at least the next month and fortnight respectively. Archie Perkins will join the pair out of the side, after suffering an unfortunate hamstring injury against the Power which should cost him a month of footy. Jye Menzie was subbed out in the third quarter against Port, after a quiet showing and may be asked to re-join the VFL team. There is at least some positive news with Dylan Shiel and Sam Durham expected to be available. Sam Weideman would provide some much-needed presence in the contest up forward, and might be food for thought if Scott wanted to roll out a taller-looking Bombers forward line.

GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA

Saturday April 13, 1:45pm at Manuka Oval

Giants’ Round 4 side

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

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

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

HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, T.Bedford

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, T.Green

I/C: X.O’Halloran, H.Thomas, H.Himmelberg, A.Cadman, J.Peatling

EMG: R.Angwin, L.Keeffe

Team Tips: In what eventuated as a comfortable win margin wise in a high-pressure match, the Giants are unlikely to make too many changes come Thursday evening. Harvey Thomas was extremely quiet before being subbed out third quarter, and may make way for one of Ryan Angwin or Toby McMullin. Alternatively, veteran Callan Ward may become available in his return from a shoulder injury. Toby Bedford has been quiet in most matches this season, and may also benefit from a run in the reserves.

Saints’ Round 4 side

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

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

C: R.Byrnes, S.Ross, B.Hill

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

F: D.Wilson, M.King, T.Membrey

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

I/C: D.Butler, A.Hastie, R.Bonner, C.Sharman, A.Caminiti

EMG: L.Collard, H.Garcia, T.Campbell

Team Tips: Key defender Dougal Howard is edging closer in his return to footy after a pre-season hamstring injury, and will be available for selection this weekend – should he get through training unscathed. After scraping over the line against the Tigers, there may be some calls to liven up the Saints’ side against an in-form Giants. Marcus Windhager will return from his one-week suspension, with sub Angus Hastie likely to be the first player to fall out of the 23. Should Rowan Marshall need some assistance as he continues to carry solo ruck duties Tom Campbell would be poised for a recall. Zak Jones continues to play extremely limited minutes, with intrigue growing over his longevity in the side.

CARLTON v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday April 13, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium

Blues’ Round 4 side

B: B.Kemp, J.Weitering, A.Saad

HB: Z.Williams, M.McGovern, N.Newman

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: O.Fantasia, H.McKay, M.Kennedy

F: E.Hollands, C.Curnow, L.Fogarty

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

I/C: C.Durdin, M.Owies, M.Cottrell, J.Boyd, J.Carroll

EMG: J.Binns, M.Pittonet, L.Cowan

Team Tips: Here he comes, Blues fans. Sam Walsh will play on Saturday afternoon if he gets through training on Thursday, according to captain Patrick Cripps. It’s hoped the back issues which have flared up at times over the years will not return. “He’s been great. He trained last week with the boys. He gave everyone a little touch-up at training,” Cripps told SEN. The side will be without Lachie Fogarty due to suspension which should save one of Orazio Fantasia or Matthew Owies – who was the sub last week – from omission. Elijah Hollands is in some doubt due to an adductor injury suffered against the Dockers, which saw him subbed out.

Crows’ Round 4 side

B: J.Worrell, J.Butts, B.Smith

HB: P.Parnell, M.Keane, M.Michalanney

C: M.Hinge, J.Dawson – C, C.Jones

HF: J.Soligo, I.Rankine, J.Rachele

F: B.Cook, D.Fogarty, T.Walker

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, B.Keays

I/C: C.Burgess, S.Berry, M.Crouch, L.Nankervis, N.McHenry

EMG: L.Pedlar, J.Borlase, L.Gollant

Team Tips: Adelaide’s win-loss record went from bad to worse last Thursday, and will no doubt continue to cause changes at the selection table. Chris Burgess looked out of touch despite some solid games so far this year, with his spot potentially in jeopardy. Sam Berry looked lively once activated as sub, and would be hopeful of cracking into the starting side. There has been a lot of hype around Billy Dowling and his start to life as a Crow, with his recent numbers in the SANFL a chance to give him a debut in the senior side. Inclusions from last week Patrick Parnell, Brayden Cook and Luke Nankervis all deserve another crack, with Nankervis the best of the trio in their season debut.

GOLD COAST SUNS v HAWTHORN

Saturday April 13, 7:30pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 4 side

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

HB: S.Flanders, W.Powell, M.Andrew

C: B.Fiorini, T.Miller – C, S.Clohesy

HF: J.Lukosius, E.Read, T.Berry

F: B.Humphrey, B.King, M.Rosas

FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson, M.Rowell

I/C: N.Holman, J.Walter, W.Graham, B.Uwland

EMG: R.Atkins, S.Day, D.Macpherson

Team Tips: Despite a tough loss up in Mount Barker to the Giants in Gather Round, Damien Hardwick would be quite impressed with how his side performed given the mass amount of changes made last week. You get the feeling the veterans dumped for the multiple debutants will struggle to get back in. David Swallow’s role as sub may be a talking point, with Darcy Macpherson and Rory Atkins potential options. Crafty forward Nick Holman was quiet, however his potential replacement in the attacking half is far less clear.

Hawks’ Round 4 side

B: J.Impey, S.Frost, J.Scrimshaw

HB: M.D’Ambrosio, K.Amon, J.Weddle

C: C.Mackenzie, J.Worpel, J.Sicily – C

HF: C.Macdonald, B.Hardwick, J.Ward

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, C.Nash

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

I/C: S.Butler, M.Ramsden, F.Maginness, S.Mitchell, H.Hustwaite

EMG: N.Reeves, H.Morrison, J.Serong

Team Tips: While heartbreaking, the Hawks’ five-point loss to Collingwood should give coach Sam Mitchell a new-found sense of confidence in his team. Sam Butler was very quiet on Sunday evening for just three disposals before being subbed out, and may be under pressure to retain his spot in the side. There is a chance that key forward Mitch Lewis returns for the Gold Coast clash, but will need to prove he has overcome a hamstring injury. Lloyd Meek has been very good as first ruck since joining the starting 22, meaning there’s little room for Ned Reeves in the team.

PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE

Saturday April 13, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 4 side

B: R.Burton, E.Ratugolea, B.Zerk-Thatcher

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

C: M.Bergman, W.Drew, T.Boak

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, C.Rozee – C

F: J.Finlayson, C.Dixon, W.Rioli

FOLL: I.Soldo, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters

I/C: K.Farrell, J.Burgoyne, J.McEntee, M.Georgiades, J.Mead

EMG: J.Sinn, J.Sweet, F.Evans

Team Tips: The Power are set to regain two key players this week, with Sam Powell-Pepper finally free of his four-week suspension handed down to him during the pre-season. Ollie Wines has been confirmed available after recovering from a one-week hamstring strain, and will give the Power even more midfield depth. He may replace veteran teammate Travis Boak, who was subbed off at half time with back pain. Scans have cleared Boak of major injury but he is a test for this weekend. Jase Burgoyne was very good when injected into the game, and would be very unlucky to lose his spot in the side. Lachie Jones has had a couple of below-par weeks, with his spot in the side no longer a guarantee. A question mark hangs over the head of Jeremy Finlayson, who at the time of publishing has not receive a verdict on his homophobic slur.

Dockers’ Round 4 side

B: J.Aish, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper

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

C: J.Sharp, N.Fyfe, M.Johnson

HF: M.Taberner, J.Treacy, S.Switkowski

F: M.Frederick, J.Amiss, M.Walters

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

I/C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, B.Banfield, E.Hughes, T.Emmett

EMG: N.Erasmus, H.Davies, L.Reidy

Team Tips: They’ve been unchanged for three rounds, matching a club record lasting some 20 years, but that will change for Round 5. Sean Darcy has flown over to join teammates in Adelaide this week in preparation of their clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday night, and looks set to play this weekend after an arthroscope on his left knee interrupted the start of his season. He just needs to get through main training. Darcy’s inclusion may see the exit of Matthew Taberner to make way for Darcy or Luke Jackson up forward. The Dockers will be without electric forward Michael Frederick, who the club believes has suffered a one-week hamstring injury, while Sam Switkowski is likely but not certain to play after a calf complaint during the ‘loss’ to Carlton. Nathan O’Driscoll had a successful return from knee surgery on the weekend for Peel Thunder, albeit on limited minutes. The 21-year-old will likely need another week in the reserves before pushing for AFL selection, perhaps similarly to Heath Chapman – who also made a successful return from a hamstring injury in the same WAFL game. Neil Erasmus continues to be in the frame for a recall given his strong form in the reserves.

GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday April 14, 1pm at GMHBA Stadium

Cats’ Round 4 side

B: T.Stewart – C, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, M.Holmes

C: Z.Tuohy, T.Bruhn, M.Duncan

HF: B.Close, T.Stengle, T.Hawkins

F: J.Cameron, G.Miers, O.Henry

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

I/C: O.Dempsey, B.Parfitt, J.Clark, M.O’Connor, J.Bowes

EMG: O.Mullin, T.Conway, S.Mannagh

Team Tips: The big watch is the looming return of Patrick Dangerfield, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Given the Cats are unbeaten and raging favourites to knock off the Kangaroos at home, surely there’s no need to take even a minor risk with the captain? He’ll only play if he’s 100% – not even 99.9%. Zach Tuohy was in a moon boot after the win over the Bulldogs with the club optimistic he won’t miss any time. It’s hoped Gary Rohan (back) could return shortly as well though given how well the forward line is operating, where exactly will he fit in? Young ruck Toby Conway was managed for Gather Round and Rhys Stanley impressed, particularly late in the game, as the No.1 option so you have to wonder where Chris Scott and his team will end up in that debate.

Kangaroos’ Round 4 side

B: L.McDonald – C, A.Corr, K.Dawson

HB: H.Sheezel, C.McKercher, Z.Fisher

C: D.Stephens, L.Davies-Uniacke, B.Scott

HF: C.Zurhaar, T.Powell, J.Stephenson

F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, C.Comben

FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, J.Simpkin

I/C: D.Tucker, L.Shiels, Z.Duursma, E.Ford, H.Greenwood

EMG: T.Pink, B.Drury, T.Sellers

Team Tips: Gather Round’s loss was the type of performance that brings about big changes, and the Kangaroos did get older at selection last week bringing back Liam Shiels and Hugh Greenwood as Toby Pink and Charlie Lazzaro were omitted. Do the latter two get another go? Charlie Comben certainly holds his spot after some great signs, particularly late. Tyler Sellers has been storming into contention for an AFL debut, while Curtis Taylor (back) and Riley Hardeman (concussion) are both nearing full fitness.

WEST COAST EAGLES v RICHMOND

Sunday April 14, 4pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 4 side

B: C.Jamieson, T.Barrass, B.Hough

HB: L.Duggan – C, J.McGovern, T.Cole

C: L.Edwards, R.Ginbey, J.Cripps

HF: J.Petruccelle, J.Waterman, N.Long

F: R.Maric, J.Darling, H.Reid

FOLL: B.Williams, E.Yeo, T.Kelly

I/C: J.Hunt, C.Chesser, J.Williams, J.Rotham, L.Rawlinson

EMG: A.Gaff, J.Jones, T.Dewar

Team Tips: How many changes will Adam Simpson really want to make after what was clearly the Eagles’ best performance of the season so far? Some may be forced with Ryan Maric thankfully given the all clear to fly home despite fractured ribs and what was feared to be a punctured lung, while Luke Edwards was subbed out with a hamstring injury. Maric and Edwards both trained gingerly on Monday but look more unlikely than likely. They’ll be getting more players back soon, but not this week; Jai Culley (ACL) and Dom Sheed (foot) got through their WAFL returns without issue but will remain at that level, while Liam Ryan (hamstring) will play his first WAFL minutes since his pre-season blow this weekend. Tyler Brockman (concussion protocols) could be back in time for Sunday’s clash.

Tigers’ Round 4 side

B: T.Young, N.Broad, N.Vlastuin

HB: J.Short, T.Brown, D.Rioli

C: K.McIntosh, T.Taranto, M.Pickett

HF: S.Campbell, R.Mansell, M.Rioli

F: M.Lefau, D.Martin, S.Bolton

FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, T.Dow, J.Ross

I/C: T.Sonsie, J.Graham, J.Koschitzke, B.Miller, K.McAuliffe

EMG: S.Banks, H.Ralphsmith, S.Naismith

Team Tips: If they had any other key forward options, the Tigers would surely call them up, but instead they’re likely to persist with the inexperienced Mykelti Lefau and the so-far-disappointing Jacob Koschitzke. All eyes are on the injury report for the extent of the issues for debutant Kane McAuliffe, who spent plenty of time on the bench with a tweaked ankle, and Thomson Dow, who was subbed off despite appearing to run off a rolled ankle. For what it’s worth their kids are continuing to shine, most notably on the weekend Tom Brown, and given how hard they’ve played over the first five weeks of the season the Tigers definitely deserve another win.

Byes: Collingwood, Sydney Swans

Ed Bourke, NCA Newswire

Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury is in doubt for the Magpies’ crucial next clash against Port Adelaide after scans confirmed he suffered broken ribs against Hawthorn.

The Magpies said the former captain would be “monitored” over the bye before a call is made on whether he could face the Power in round 6, with a return to the top eight potentially up for grabs with a win.

It comes as luckless key forward Nathan Kreuger was again struck down by injury and ruled out for up to four more weeks.

Collingwood said Kreuger, 24, suffered a “minor calf strain” at training last week after he had been cleared to return from a hamstring injury suffered in the pre-season.

The former Cat, who has only managed nine senior games in six seasons, loomed as an important option in attack for coach Craig McRae due to the poor form of Mason Cox and Ash Johnson.

The Magpies said premiership defender Nathan Murphy was continuing to “progress through his individual rehabilitation plan” along with trio Harry DeMattia (finger), Josh Eyre (hamstring) and Dan McStay (ACL).

Young ruckman Oscar Steene was a strong chance to play in the VFL this weekend after battling concussion symptoms early this season.