Lions set to swing axe; Hawks’ double forward blow as Swans recruit ‘in the frame’: AFL Round 4 Team Tips

All 18 clubs will descend on South Australia for the second iteration of Gather Round, with nine matches to be played across four action-packed days.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 4 in AFL Team Tips!

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ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE

Thursday April 4, 7:40pm at the Adelaide Oval

Adelaide’s round three side:

B: J.Worrell, J.Borlase, B.Smith

HB: M.Hinge, M.Keane, M.Michalanney

C: L.Sholl, J.Dawson – C, C.Jones

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

F: L.Pedlar, D.Fogarty, T.Walker

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, M.Crouch

I/C: C.Burgess, B.Keays, L.Murphy, W.Milera, N.McHenry

EMG: L.Nankervis, S.Berry, E.Himmelberg

Team Tips: Carnage continues to ensue at West Lakes for the Crows, with Wayne Milera (knee) ruled out for the remainder of 2024. The knee of small forward Lachie Murphy is also under an injury crowd, with his short-term availability still not known. Jordan Butts may return, with coach Matthew Knicks hopeful his ankle injury is only a week. Luke Pedlar was very quiet before being subbed out against Fremantle, and could benefit from a spell in the reserves. Billy Dowling was Adelaide’s best on ground in their Round 1 SANFL match, accumulating 34 disposals and a goal in their five-point win. Luke Nankervis, who was emergency last week, continues to impress and can’t be far away from a re-call to the senior side after his 26 disposals and 10 marks.

Melbourne’s round three side:

B: J.McVee, J.Lever, B.Howes

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

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

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

F: A.Neal-Bullen, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, C.Oliver

I/C: J.Billings, M.Hore, H.Petty, T.Woewodin, B.Brown

EMG: B.Laurie, A.Tomlinson, T.Fullarton

Team Tips: All eyes will be on the fitness of Steven May this week, with the star defender recovering from broken ribs that saw him miss last week’s clash with Port Adelaide. Winger Lachie Hunter nears his return from a calf injury, and may also be considered for selection in the Thursday night clash. Blake Howes was quiet on Saturday night, but has had a rock-solid start to his career and deserves to hold his place. Josh Schache booted four goals in Casey’s 14-point loss to Footscray in the VFL, and is an option for Goodwin if the Demons wanted a taller forward line.

BRISBANE v NORTH MELBOURNE

Friday April 5, 5.10pm at Norwood Oval

Brisbane’s round two side

B: B. Starcevich, J. Payne, R. Lester

HB: D. Wilmot, H. Andrews, D. Zorko

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

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

F: C. Rayner, J. Daniher, D. Fort

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

I/C: D. Robertson, C. Ah Chee, L. McCarthy, N. Answerth, K. Lohmann

EMG: J. Lyons, J. Tunstill, D. Joyce

Team Tips: With the Lions sitting at 0-3, Chris Fagan might need to make some changes at selection. Pressure is mounting on Darcy Fort and Eric Hipwood, who have combined for just four goals in four games. The Lions might be better off going with a more dynamic forward line but if not, could draftee Logan Morris get an AFL opportunity after booting seven goals in his first two VFL games? Last week’s substitute Kai Lohmann was strong in the VFL with four goals, as was the speedy Jimmy Tunstill (25 disposals), while veterans Darcy Gardiner and Jarryd Lyons also had solid outings to put their hands up for a recall. Noah Answerth and Deven Robertson’s places in the side could come under fire after quiet outings. Lachie Neale has been cleared of any serious ankle injury and the club says he is likely to feature this weekend.

North Melbourne’s round three side

B: B. Scott, A. Corr, K. Dawson

HB: H. Sheezel, T. Pink, Z. Fisher

C: D. Tucker, L. Davies-Uniacke, C. McKercher

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

F: P. Curtis, N. Larkey, Z. Duursma

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

I/C: L. McDonald, D. Stephens, C. Coleman-Jones, C. Lazzaro

EMG: L. Shiels, B. Drury, H. Greenwood

Team Tips:Callum Coleman-Jones has been ruled out for the year with an Achilles injury, potentially opening the door for Charlie Comben to make his way back into the seniors after a successful VFL return from a broken leg. Alternatively, Alastair Clarkson could blood SSP signing Tyler Sellers, who has kicked nine goals in the past fortnight. Finnbar Maley, who took a massive hanger in the VFL, is another possibility.

PORT ADELAIDE v ESSENDON

Friday April 5, 8:10pm at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s round three 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, O.Wines, Z.Butters

I/C: K.Farrell, J.Mead, J.Burgoyne, F.Evans, J.McEntee

EMG: D.Williams, D.Visentini, T.McKenzie

Team Tips: Travis Boak copped a head knock late in Port’s clash with Melbourne, but has so far been cleared of any concussion symptoms. The Power are hopeful Jason Horne-Francis will return from a lingering hamstring injury, which may push out one of Francis Evans or Jase Burgoyne from the 23. Mitch Georgiades continues to impress in the SANFL, kicking 3.1 from his 10 disposals. Dylan Williams was quiet in the reserves, however has been unlucky to not be playing more at the top level.

Essendon’s round three side:

B: D.Heppell, B.McKay, N.Hind

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

C: X.Duursma, D.Parish, J.Kelly

HF: A.Perkins, K.Langford, J.Caldwell

F: J.Gresham, J.Stringer, B.Hobbs

FOLL: T.Goldstein, W.Setterfield, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: S.Draper, N.Cox, J.Laverde, S.Durham, J.Menzie

EMG: E.Tsatas, H.Jones, A.Davey Jnr

Team Tips: The Bombers could be faced with the pleasure of welcoming back Jordan Ridley and Matt Guelfi from their respective injuries, with Guelfi the less likely of the two to get up for Friday night. Will Setterfield was a late out with knee soreness, and should also return for the match against Port Adelaide. 2023 draftee Archie Roberts was very impressive in the reserves, registering 25 disposals, six rebound 50’s and a goal on Saturday at the Hangar.

WEST COAST v SYDNEY

Saturday April 6, 1.30pm at Adelaide Hills

West Coast’s round three side

B: C. Jamieson, T. Barrass, J. Hunt

HB: B. Hough, J. McGovern, J. Jones

C: L. Duggan, T. Kelly, T. Brockman

HF: H. Reid, J. Waterman, N. Long

F: J. Petruccelle, J. Darling, J. Cripps

FOLL: B. Williams, E. Yeo, R. Ginbey

I/C: T. Cole, R. Maric, C. Chesser, J. Williams, L. Edwards

EMG: A. Gaff, H. Johnston, H. Barnett

Team Tips: Former Hawk Tyler Brockman will miss some time after entering concussion protocols, which could open the door for veteran Andrew Gaff to return, after he was busy with 29 touches in the WAFL. Alex Witherden could also come into calculations, while small forward Loch Rawlinson booted three. Do Campbell Chesser or Ryan Maric need a stint in the twos to regain some form? Jai Culley and Dom Sheed are nearing returns from injury as well.

Sydney’s round three side

B: D. Rampe, T. McCartin, N.Blakey

HB: O. Florent, L. Melican, J. Lloyd

C: J. McInerney, C. Warner, B. Campbell

HF: E. Gulden, L. McDonald, R. Fox

F: W. Hayward, J. Amartey, T. Papley

FOLL: B. Grundy, I. Heeney, J. Rowbottom

I/C: M. Roberts, J. Jordon, H. McLean, C. Mitchell, C. Warner

EMG: P. Ladhams, J. Konstanty, A. Francis

Team Tips: John Longmire revealed on AFL 360 last night that new recruit Taylor Adams is “right in the frame” for selection in Gather Round, assuming he gets through the week unscathed. Adams had 18 disposals and eleven tackles in three quarters of play in the VFL. Meanwhile, Dane Rampe will miss up to a month with a hamstring strain, in a major blow to their defensive stocks. Peter Ladhams had 21 disposals as he continues to bide his time in the reserves.

FREMANTLE v CARLTON

Saturday April 6, 4:20pm at the Adelaide Oval

Fremantle’s round three side:

B: J.Aish, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper

HB: E.Hughes, L.Ryan, J.Clark

C: M.Johnson, N.Fyfe, H.Young

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

F: T.Emmett, J.Amiss, M.Walters

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

I/C: M.Frederick, J.Sharp, B.Banfield, J.O’Meara, B.Walker

EMG: C.Simpson, P.Voss, L.Reidy

Team Tips: The Dockers look unlikely to make any unforced changes for this weekend, given their solid start to 2024. Medium-sized forward Tom Emmett was quiet last Friday night, and may fall victim to a very good game from Neil Erasmus (36 disposals, six tackles) in the WAFL on Saturday. Liam Reidy has been emergency for a few weeks now, and in the same game was dominant in the ruck with 14 disposals, six inside 50’s and 47 hitouts.

Carlton’s round three side:

B: C.Marchbank, J.Weitering, Z.Williams

HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, N.Newman

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: M.Owies, H.McKay, M.Kennedy

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

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

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

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

Team Tips: The Blues will be without defender Caleb Marchbank in Round 4, after a nasty head clash late on Good Friday placed him in concussions protocols. Lewis Young looks best suited to replace Marchbank, and had 20 disposals for six marks in the VFL. Jack Martin could come into calculations on his way back from a hamstring injury, but who for is the pressing question. Marc Pittonet looked good for his 25 disposals and a goal.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GEELONG

Saturday April 6, 8.10pm at Adelaide Oval

Western Bulldogs’ round three 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, C. Daniel

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

I/C: L. Vandermeer, S. Darcy, T. Duryea, J. Macrae, C. Poulter

EMG: R. Garcia, R. Lobb, J. O’Donnell

Team Tips: The Dogs had an even spread of contributors as they took care of business against the Eagles, making it unlikely that they’ll make any wholesale changes. Rory Lobb booted five goals in the VFL, while former Demon James Harmes had 33 disposals and a goal. Ed Richards is also eligible for selection, assuming he passes through all the relevant checks this week following his concussion in round two. It would be harsh, but perhaps Oskar Baker or Taylor Duryea have to make way.

Geelong’s round three side

B: T. Stewart, S. De Koning, J. Kolodjasnij

HB: Z. Guthrie, J. Henry, M. O’Connor

C: O. Henry, T. Bruhn, M. Duncan

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

F: J. Cameron, G. Miers, M. Holmes

FOLL: T. Conway, T. Atkins, M. Blicavs

I/C: O. Mullin, B. Parfitt, J. Clark, O. Dempsey, J. Bowes

EMG: Z. Tuohy, R. Stanley, S. Mannagh

Team Tips: Rhys Stanley and Zach Tuohy were managed in the round three victory over Hawthorn and will put their hand up for selection this week. Despite a decent showing, Toby Conway is likely to be the one who misses for Stanley. Mark O’Connor and Jake Kolodjashnij were both quiet against the Hawks, but don’t be surprised if Chris Scott chooses to rest someone as he did last week.

GOLD COAST v GWS

Sunday April 7, 12:30pm at Mt Barker

Gold Coast’s round two side:

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

HB: A.Sexton, W.Powell, C.Budarick

C: B.Fiorini, T.Miller – C, B.Ellis

HF: B.Ainsworth, B.Humphrey, T.Berry

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

FOLL: N.Moyle, N.Anderson, M.Rowell

I/C: S.Flanders, N.Holman, B.Long, D.Swallow, L.Casboult

EMG: R.Atkins, M.Andrew, S.Clohesy

Team Tips: Fresh off their bye, the Suns will be hoping to find their mojo again after their loss in Ballarat to the Bulldogs in Round 2. Bailey Humphrey was a late out in that clash with a shoulder injury, and should come back in should he be fit again. Jarrod Witts also missed the clash with a groin injury, and will be in a similar boat to Humphrey. Small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr is available after serving his suspension. Rory Atkins, Humphrey’s replacement in Ballarat, may be vulnerable at the selection table given his role as sub, while Ben Long was also quiet in Round 2.

Giants’ round two 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: T.McMullin, R.Angwin, L.Keeffe

Team Tips: Also coming off their bye, GWS are unlikely to make many, if any changes to their Round 2 side that smashed West Coast. Josh Fahey was very busy in the only Giants reserves’ clash so far this season, and will hope to be talked about at selection this week. James Peatling looked solid as sub against the Eagles, and may be a chance to start in the 22 this weekend. Young gun Toby McMullin continues to wait for further opportunity, and is in the front of the mind of coaches. Nick Haynes missed the Round 2 clash for personal reasons, with his availability yet to be confirmed.

RICHMOND v ST KILDA

Sunday April 7, 3.20pm at Norwood Oval

Richmond’s round three side

B: T. Brown, T. Young, B. Miller

HB: J. Short, D. Rioli, N. Vlastuin

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

HF: S. Campbell, R. Mansell, T. Sonsie

F: N. Balta, S. Bolton, T. Lynch

FOLL: T. Nankervis, T. Dow, L. Baker

I/C: N. Broad, J. Ross, M. Rioli, M. Lefau, S. Banks

EMG: H. Ralphsmith, K. McAuliffe, S. Naismith

Team Tips: The Tigers superb win over the Swans was soured by a cruel double injury blow to Noah Balta (knee) and Tom Lynch (hamstring), while Liam Baker has copped a one-week ban for his high hit on Lewis Melican. Journeymen ruck Sam Naismith booted two goals from 19 disposals in the VFL, with Samson Ryan also chipping in with three goals of his own. Midfielder Kane McAuliffe continues to press for a debut after 26 disposals and nine clearances and Jack Graham is on track to return this week from a quad injury.

St Kilda’s round three 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, A. Caminiti, T. Membrey

FOLL: R. Marshall, J. Steele, M. Windhager

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

EMG: A. Schoenmaker, H. Garcia, T. Campbell

Team Tips:Lance Collard responded to his omission by booting four goals from 14 touches in the VFL. Young trio Arie Schoenmaker (16 disposals), Hugo Garcia (22 disposals, one goal) and Olli Hotton (17 disposals, one goal) are pushing for AFL debuts after strong showings for Sandringham as well. Is Darcy Wilson in need of a rest perhaps? Should Ross Lyon opt to axe Cooper Sharman, Jack Hayes booted two goals in the reserves and looked dangerous. Paddy Dow is also nearing a return from a knee issue.

COLLINGWOOD V HAWTHORN

Sunday April 7, 5:10pm at Adelaide Oval

Collingwood’s round three side:

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

HB: W.Hoskin-Elliott, I.Quaynor, D.Moore – C

C: N.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, J.Daicos

HF: P.Lipinski, L.Schultz, B.Mihocek

F: B.Hill, J.Elliott, B.McCreery

FOLL: M.Cox, J.De Goey, T.Mitchell

I/C: J.Noble, D.Cameron, F.Macrae, J.Crisp, R.McInnes

EMG: L.Sullivan, H.Harrison, O.Markov

Team Tips: After finally breaking their losing streak last Thursday night, the Pies may have finally settled on their preferred line-up. Despite being ‘managed’ last week, there is no guarantee that Steele Sidebottom will return to the Magpies fold against Hawthorn. Joe Richards must come into selection calculations after his performance for the VFL side on Good Friday, kicking six goals straight to back up his three from the week before. SPP pickup Lachie Sullivan had 29 disposals also in the same game, with experience working in favour of the 26-year-old. How coach Craig McRae uses Jack Crisp this weekend will be interesting, after starting as the sub.

Hawthorn’s round three side

B: B. Hardwick, S. Frost, J. Sicily

HB: M. D’Ambrosio, K. Amon, J. Weddle

C: J. Impey, C. Nash, C. Macdonald

HF: L. Breust, M. Chol, H. Hustwaite

F: J. Ginnivan, M. Lewis, D. Moore

FOLL: L. Meek, J. Newcombe, C. Mackenzie

I/C: J. Scrimshaw, J. Worpel, J. Ward, N. Watson, H. Morrison

EMG: M. Ramsden, S. Butler, J. Serong

Team Tips: Two forward blows for the Hawks with Mitch Lewis (hamstring) to at least miss Gather Round, while top draft pick Nick Watson (ankle) will miss at least a month. Veteran Jack Gunston is a logical replacement for Lewis, unless they turn to former Sandringham Dragon Max Ramsden. Small forward Sam Butler has booted seven goals in two weeks for Box Hill, while dashing half-back Seamus Mitchell (22 disposals) could be called upon to add some extra speed to Hawthorn’s back half. Does Finn Maginness (27 disposals, one goal) renew hostilities with Nick Daicos in Gather Round?