Magpies’ double selection gamble for blockbuster as Crows boosted twice — AFL Finals Teams

Adelaide is twice boosted for their return to the AFL finals while Collingwood makes two selection gambles heading into Thursday night’s qualifying final.

The Magpies have dropped Dan McStay, who missed the 2023 flag through a knee injury before working his way back from an ACL rupture in late 2024. He has played 18 games this year but is replaced by Mason Cox, for just his ninth appearance of the season.

Coach Craig McRae has then opted for Wil Parker, who will play just his ninth AFL game, in defence to replace injured star veteran Jeremy Howe.

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In contrast the minor premiers will regain Max Michalanney and Luke Pedlar from hamstring injuries.

Last year’s top draft pick Sid Draper is omitted along with Billy Dowling for the Crows’ first AFL post-season appearance since the 2017 Grand Final.

Josh Rachele is expected to return for the Crows’ second final, whether that’s a semi or prelim, and take the place of Izak Rankine who is suspended for three more games due to his use of a homophobic slur in the Crows’ last meeting with Collingwood.

The rest of the Week 1 Finals teams will be announced Thursday 6:20pm.

WEEK 1 FINALS TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEST)

[1] ADELAIDE CROWS vs [4] COLLINGWOOD

First Qualifying Final

Thursday September 4, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval

CROWS

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

HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, M.Michalanney

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson, D.Curtin

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen

F: Z.Taylor, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: R.O’Brien, S.Berry, J.Soligo

I/C: B.Smith, L.Pedlar, J.Peatling, M.Hinge, H.Bond

EMG: C.Burgess, J.Butts, B.Dowling

In: M.Michalanney, L.Pedlar

Out: B.Dowling, S.Draper (both omitted)

MAGPIES

B: B.Frampton, D.Moore – C, B.Maynard

HB: H.Perryman, J.Daicos, W.Parker

C: J.Crisp, N.Long, S.Sidebottom

HF: J.De Goey, T.Membrey, B.McCreery

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

FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, N.Daicos

I/C: P.Lipinski, I.Quaynor, D.Houston, R.Steele, M.Cox

EMG: T.Mitchell, D.McStay, E.Allan

In: W.Parker, M.Cox

Out: J.Howe (Injured), D.McStay (Omitted)

[2] GEELONG vs [3] BRISBANE LIONS

Second Qualifying Final

Friday September 5, 7:40pm at the MCG

CATS

TBA Thursday evening

LIONS

TBA Thursday evening

[5] GWS GIANTS vs [8] HAWTHORN

First Elimination Final

Saturday September 6, 3:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

GIANTS

TBA Thursday evening

HAWKS

TBA Thursday evening

[6] FREMANTLE vs [7] GOLD COAST SUNS

Second Elimination Final

Saturday September 6, 7:35pm at Optus Stadium

DOCKERS

TBA Thursday evening

SUNS

TBA Thursday evening