Promising update on star Cats duo; Giants and Suns trios looming as big ins — Team Tips

Two key Cats are under injury clouds for the club’s trip north to face reigning premier Brisbane.

Plus several clubs have been hit hard by injuries, while a contender is set to welcome back some big names.

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Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 3 in AFL Team Tips!

BYES: Collingwood, Sydney

ROUND 3 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

ESSENDON v PORT ADELAIDE

Thursday March 27, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 2 side

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Prior

HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, N.Martin

C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, A.Roberts

HF: J.Gresham, N.Caddy, A.Perkins

F: H.Jones, S.Draper, I.Kako

FOLL: N.Bryan, S.Durham, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: E.Tsatas, B.Hobbs, D.Shiel, T.Edwards, J.Menzie (sub)

EMG: L.Hayes, L.Lual, S.El-Hawli

Team Tips: After all the talk and criticism that’s come the way of Essendon these last few days, Brad Scott’s side will have the shortest turnaround of anyone this week to set the record straight after a demoralising loss to Adelaide. They have two forced changes with Elijah Tsatas and Archie Perkins to miss through injury. Meanwhile the experiment of Dylan Shiel off the half-back flank hasn’t worked as well as Scott would’ve hoped, so that could spark a change. Saad El-Hawli waits in the wings for an opportunity, having been named in the emergencies last Saturday. Jordan Ridley (concussion) and Jayden Laverde (hip) could rejoin to also boost the Bombers’ defensive stocks, while midfielder Darcy Parish (back) is more likely to lodge some game-time with the reserves. Highly touted key defender Zach Reid also looked far from comfortable amid the 161 points conceded and will be considered for a run in the VFL next Saturday against Werribee, but some will argue he simply needs to play consistently at the top level following multiple injury-hampered campaigns. Key defender Lewis Hayes looms as a potential replacement after his 27-disposal, 16-mark game against Williamstown at the weekend.

Power’s Round 2 side

B: La.Jones, A.Aliir, J.Burgoyne

HB: L.Evans, M.Bergman, K.Farrell

C: T.Boak, C.Rozee – C, J.Mead

HF: S.Powell-Pepper, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli

F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, J.Richards

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, W.Drew

I/C: J.Berry, J.Sinn, R.Burton, O.Wines, C.Moraes (sub)

EMG: J.Finlayson, R.Atkins, I.Soldo

Team Tips: Port Adelaide made a thunderous return to form last Saturday, belting a young Richmond side by 72 points. It came at an injury cost, however, with marquee off-season recruit Jack Lukosius expected to miss the rest of 2025 with a fractured kneecap in a brutal blow. Lachie Jones (adductor) and Ryan Burton (hip) will also miss this weekend after hurting themselves against the Tigers. Debutant Christian Moraes boosted his chances of a promotion into the 22 after impressing when he came on for Lukosius as the sub. Esava Ratugolea should also slot back into the team after getting through the last two SANFL practice matches unscathed in his return from a knee issue. Ollie Lord could also been in the frame, but he’ll need to prove his fitness at training after hurting his shoulder in the SANFL trial. Jeremy Finlayson is another who could be in line for a recall, but Zak Butters (knee) remains a few weeks away.

CARLTON v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday March 28, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Blues’ Round 2 side

B: L.Cowan, J.Weitering, O.Hollands

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

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps – C, L.Camporeale

HF: S.Docherty, J.Silvagni, B.Kemp

F: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, M.Cottrell

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

I/C: S.Walsh, Z.Williams, J.Motlop, L.Young, C.Lord (sub)

EMG: A.Moir, F.Evans

Team Tips: One straightforward inclusion for the Blues this Friday night should be that of Harry McKay, who was a late out with illness an hour before the bounce last week. His replacement Lewis Young was solid for his last-minute opportunity, and could still be a chance to hold his spot. How Jack Silvagni’s strong performance up forward will dictate the forward structure of head coach Michael Voss will be fascinating, given McKay and Charlie Curnow look set to finally play together again inside the forward 50. After his hot first start to life as an AFL player, Lucas Camporeale was quiet on a wing in slippery conditions. A fully fit Matt Carroll and Corey Durdin should be up for consideration should Voss opt for experience as an inclusion. Should raw youth be more of a preference however, Ben Camporeale had a strong second half in the VFL side’s first hit out for 2025, while Jordan Boyd and Jaxon Binns had the most of the ball among AFL-listed players for the Blues.

Bulldogs’ Round 2 side

B: J.Freijah, B.Khamis, T.Duryea

HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: B.Williams, T.Liberatore – C, S.Davidson

HF: L.McNeil, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy

F: L.Vandermeer, S.Darcy, J.Harmes

FOLL: T.English, R.Sanders, E.Richards

I/C: J.Dolan, H.Gallagher, A.Jones, R.West, O.Baker (sub)

EMG: J.Busslinger, R.Gardner, C.Poulter

Team Tips: Luke Beveridge should be proud of the 23 that took Collingwood all the way last Friday night, so don’t expect many changes from a side that got through unscathed. They do have a couple of looming ins though. Of all their stars currently sidelined, Liam Jones is the only one closing in on a return, with the veteran defender just needing to get through training this week to be cleared to tackle star Blues duo Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. Meanwhile James O’Donnell is also set to be available to return from a jaw problem. Additionally, Luke Cleary could also become available once he exits concussion protocols after his sickening collision with Jackson Archer in Round 1. In terms of who could come out, Buku Khamis impressed in coming back into the side against the Pies and would be stiff to get axed, while Oscar Baker, who was sub, could be more vulnerable. Arthur Jones and James Dolan could also be at risk of coming out of the 23 if it doesn’t spoil the balance of Beveridge’s side too much. Meanwhile, Adam Treloar’s return is to be pushed back further, with Seven’s Mitch Cleary reporting the star midfielder suffered a calf setback to sideline him for at least another month.

MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST

Saturday March 29, 1:20pm at the MCG

Demons’ Round 2 side

B: J.Lever, T.McDonald, C.Salem

HB: B.Howes, H.Petty, J.Bowey

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

HF: T.Sparrow, M.Jefferson, J.Henderson

F: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Petracca, J.Viney

I/C: C.Spargo, D.Turner, T.Rivers, H.Sharp, T.Woewodin (sub)

EMG: B.Laurie, H.Langford, J.Adams

Team Tips: A bit for the Dees to ponder after a bruising loss to North Melbourne. Matthew Jefferson was subbed off at quarter-time with a suspected fractured hand, likely spelling a stint on the sidelines. Aidan Johnson should slot straight back into the side as a like-for-like replacement for Jefferson in Johnson’s return from suspension. There’s also a watch on Jake Lever after he rolled his ankle against the Roos, though the gun defender is expected to be fine. Meanwhile Steven May and Jake Melksham could also be a chance, while the extent of Caleb Windsor’s foot issue is unclear. Taj Woewodin and Harvey Lanford, who racked up 22 touches and a goal in the VFL, are others that could come into the 22 if Simon Goodwin opts to shake things up further, with Charlie Spargo and Harry Sharp quiet against North.

Suns’ Round 1 side

B: W.Powell, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: J.Noble, C.Ballard, D.Rioli

C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, S.Clohesy

HF: W.Graham, T.Miller, B.Ainsworth

F: J.Rogers, B.King, E.Read

FOLL: J.Witts, B.Humphrey, N.Anderson – C

I/C: N.Holman, B.Long, C.Budarick, J.Jeffrey, A.Sexton (sub)

EMG: B.Fiorini, N.Moyle, C.Graham

Team Tips: The Suns have a giant Charlie Ballard void following the gun defender’s ACL injury as Damien Hardwick’s side looks to regroup after its bye. But they’re expected to welcome back Mac Andrew after he was was subbed out in the opening minute of the Suns’ pre-season match against Sydney due to a chest injury. Whether the Suns also bring in another key defender like Caleb Graham, or go smaller down back and ask Joel Jeffrey to step up, remains unclear. The club is hopeful Sam Flanders gets through training this week and returns after dealing with a back issue, while Jed Walter will be available to return from suspension that carried over from last season in the VFL. That should pressure on the likes of Connor Budarick, Ben Long, Sam Clohesy and Nick Holman to get demoted to sub duties. A pretty set (and stacked) line-up otherwise after a big away win over West Coast in Round 1. Just like their senior side, the Suns’ VFL had a bye over the weekend, and will kick off their season against Casey on Saturday.

ST KILDA v RICHMOND

Saturday March 29, 4:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 2 side

B: A.Caminiti, C.Wilkie, J.Webster

HB: R.Byrnes, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair

C: M.Wood, L.Stocker, M.Windhager

HF: Z.Jones, M.Owens, B.Hill

F: J.Higgins, I.Keeler, D.Wilson

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

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

EMG: T.Travaglia, A.Schoenmaker, H.Boyd

Team Tips: The Saints looked battered and bruised to close out Saturday night, but they wouldn’t have it any other way if it meant they walked away with four points. Unfortunately, a concussion to Liam Stocker concussion will force coach Ross Lyon to make at least one change for this Saturday evening. Hunter Clark spent the entire final quarter on the bench with what looked to be general soreness, with details on his fitness to be made more clear in the coming days. Draftee Tobie Travaglia looked good in his first VFL outing with 25 disposals, nine tackles and a goal to put his hand up for a debut. In other positive news, Liam Henry is a chance to come straight back into the senior side after fully completing rehabilitation on his knee after a premature finish to 2024. Forward Cooper Sharman is also an outside change to be selected, as he hopes to overcome a thumb injury, while his counterparts Max King and Dan Butler still remain at least a week away. Debutant Isaac Keeler was inefficient with ball in hand, but still had good moments either side of battling cramp and should get another go.

Tigers’ Round 2 side

B: B.Miller, J.Blight, N.Broad

HB: J.Short, N.Vlastuin, L.Trainor

C: S.Banks, K.McIntosh, J.Trezise

HF: R.Mansell, S.Campbell, S.Green

F: J.Bauer, H.Armstrong, S.Lalor

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

I/C: T.Brown, T.Dow, L.Fawcett, J.Ross, K.Smith (sub)

EMG: T.Sonsie, K.McAuliffe, S.Ryan

Team Tips: After causing a Round 1 boilover, Richmond crumbled back to earth against a spirited Port Adelaide, and changes are coming. In a forced move for coach Adem Yze and his match committee, emerging rebounder Sam Banks will miss Saturday’s clash with St Kilda after suffering a concussion against the Power. They will, however, regain spearhead Tom Lynch after he served his one-match suspension for bumping Carlton’s Tom De Koning. His return could come at the expense of debutant Liam Fawcett, who managed a goal from five disposals. Kaleb Smith (seven disposals in 49 per cent time-on-ground) was quiet in his first senior appearance of the year, then again, a lot of Tigers were on a rather forgettable afternoon. It’d be putting it kindly to say the Tigers were outmuscled at stoppages, so they could look to the likes of Kane McAuliffe or Tyler Sonsie, who each impressed at VFL level at the weekend. McAuliffe gathered 29 disposals, five clearances and a goal against Coburg, while Sonsie led all VFL Tigers with 34 disposals and 10 clearances.

HAWTHORN v GWS GIANTS

Saturday March 29, 7:35pm at UTAS Stadium

Hawks’ Round 2 side

B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily – C

HB: C.Jiath, J.Impey, M.D’Ambrosio

C: K.Amon, J.Ward, J.Battle

HF: F.Maginness, N.Watson, C.Mackenzie

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, J.Newcombe

FOLL: L.Meek, W.Day, D.Moore

I/C: J.Weddle, H.Morrison, C.Nash, C.Macdonald, J.Gunston (sub)

EMG: S.Frost, L.Breust, H.Hustwaite

Team Tips: The 2-0 Hawks are up and about. But they’ll need to replace Conor Macdonald following a low-grade syndesmosis injury expected to sideline the young gun for a short period. There’s no shortage of reinforcements, with Luke Breust, who booted three goals from 15 touches in the VFL, the most like type. However, Sam Frost or Jack Gunston could just as easily come in given the Hawks are already slightly undersized. Don’t expect any other changes from Sam Mitchell’s in-form side.

Giants’ Round 1 side

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

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

C: J.Kelly, T.Green, S.Coniglio

HF: X.O’Halloran, T.Greene – C, B.Daniels

F: D.Jones, A.Cadman, J.Leake

FOLL: L.Keeffe, T.Bedford, F.Callaghan

I/C: C.Brown, C.Ward, C.Stone, J.Wehr, M.Gruzewski (sub)

EMG: C.Angove, O.Hannaford, L.Aleer

Team Tips: Coming off their bye, the Giants could be set to welcome back several stars, with Kieren Briggs, Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer all in the frame to return from injury in a potential huge triple boost for Adam Kingsley’s side. AFL Media reported Stringer was on track to make his club debut after approximately a week of full training. So who comes out? There had been uncertainty around Brent Daniels’ availability due to hip injury from Round 1, but there’s growing confidence the star small forward will be fit to face the Hawks. Meanwhile James Leake, Conor Stone and Max Gruzewski, who was the sub against Melbourne, are the others on the fringe, while they surely couldn’t drop Lachie Keeffe after that goal against Melbourne. Elsewhere, Jake Riccardi, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas and Joe Fonti are all available after suspension, but you sense they’d need to prove themselves in the VFL first. 

BRISBANE LIONS v GEELONG CATS

Saturday March 29, 7:35pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 2 side

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

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

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

HF: W.Ashcroft, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey

F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, S.Day

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

I/C: W.McLachlan, C.Ah Chee, L.Ashcroft, B.Reville, C.McKenna (sub)

EMG: H.Smith, D.Robertson, D.Joyce

Team Tips: After finally unfurling their 2024 flag, the Lions narrowly outlasted a gutsy West Coast outfit, with no injuries — but plenty of cramps — to come from the contest. Bruce Reville was tactically removed in the third quarter, indicating a possibility he is a casualty ahead of a crunch preliminary final rematch with the Cats on Saturday night. If Chris Fagan and his match committee does intend on making a change or two ahead of that crucial bout, Charlie Cameron (calf) looms as the likeliest inclusion, with Kai Lohmann (ankle) still at least a week away. Small forward Will McLachlan was opportunistic in his AFL debut, kicking two goals from eight disposals, while fellow club debutant Sam Day was quiet with seven disposals in 85 per cent game-time. Otherwise, James Tunstill was prolific at VFL level, collecting 31 disposals, six marks, six tackles, eight clearances and two goals against Port Melbourne.

Cats’ Round 2 side

B: C.O’Sullivan, J.Henry, M.Blicavs

HB: Z.Guthrie, J.Bowes, L.Humphries

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

HF: B.Close, G.Miers, T.Stengle

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

FOLL: S.De Koning, T.Atkins, T.Stewart

I/C: O.Mullin, M.O’Connor, O.Henry, M.Knevitt, T.Clohesy (sub)

EMG: M.Duncan, R.Stanley

Team Tips: As the Cats look to bounce back from a shock loss to St Kilda, two of their stars are under injury clouds. Scans have cleared Tom Stewart of serious injury to his right knee, with the star defender remarkably in the frame to face Brisbane on Saturday night. Stewart completed running drills at training on Tuesday and remains a chance to face the Lions. Coach Chris Scott suggested Bailey Smith would be touch and go this week with a calf issue after the star recruit was given every chance to face St Kilda before being a late out. Smith completed a session on Monday then made a brief training appearance on Tuesday, with the Cats indicating he’ll be officially a ‘test’. If Stewart is out, you suspect there’s a good chance Rhys Stanley gets recalled and Sam De Koning shifts to defence. That could happen regardless given the Cats come up against bruising ruckman Oscar McInerney. Otherwise, Ted Clohesy was one of Geelong’s more likely types against the Saints, booting two goals after coming on as sub, while Mitch Duncan, who had 24 touches and eight marks in the VFL, is waiting in the wings if he’s required.

ADELAIDE v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday March 30, 3:25pm at the Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 2 side

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

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

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, L.Sholl

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine

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

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, M.Crouch

I/C: J.Rachele, J.Peatling, M.Michalanney, D.Curtin, S.Draper (sub)

EMG: L.Nankervis, L.Murphy, T.Murray

Team Tips: That’s now back-to-back weeks the Crows have walked away 10-goal winners, but arguably just as importantly, unscathed on an injury front. Superstar Izak Rankine was subbed off in the third term with what looked to be hamstring awareness in a very precautionary move, but beyond that they’re as healthy as ever. In fact, the Crows remarkably have (checks notes) no one injured on their active list. It continues to make Sid Draper’s goal of entering the best 22 difficult, given how well everyone else has played. GWS recruits Isaac Cumming and James Peatling were quiet in their own regards, but are key players in Matthew Nicks’ bid for a maiden finals appearance. Sam Berry and Luke Nankervis remain two players not far off squeezing into the side should there be a shock injury.

Kangaroos’ Round 2 side

B: C.Comben, A.Corr, L.McDonald

HB: B.Scott, C.Daniel, C.McKercher

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

HF: H.Sheezel, N.Larkey, R.Hansen Jr

F: P.Curtis, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar

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

I/C: T.Pink, D.Tucker, W.Phillips, J.Konstanty, D.Stephens (sub)

EMG: M.Bergman, F.Maley, B.Teakle

Team Tips: Hard to see the Kangaroos making too many changes after producing their biggest win in five years. Although considering Adelaide’s tall forward line, Griffin Logue would be considered if deemed fit to return from a hamstring injury. Zac Fisher did everything he could to earn a re-call in the VFL on the weekend, racking up 40 disposals, 10 intercepts and eight marks across half-back against Casey. Jackson Archer remains suspended, while George Wardlaw (hamstring) is also still unavailable.

WEST COAST v FREMANTLE

Sunday March 30, 6:10pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 2 side

B: B.Hough, H.Edwards, R.Maric

HB: R.Ginbey, J.McGovern, L.Baker

C: J.Hunt, H.Reid, T.Dewar

HF: N.Long, A.Reid, M.Owies

F: L.Ryan, O.Allen, J.Cripps

FOLL: B.Williams, L.Duggan – C, T.Kelly

I/C: E.Hewett, T.Brockman, C.Hall, T.Cole, J.Petruccelle (sub)

EMG: H.Johnston, M.Flynn, B.Allan

Team Tips: The Eagles were mostly valiant in defeat to Brisbane on Sunday, despite conceding a five-goal head start in the first quarter. No injuries came from the trip to Brisbane, however off-season recruit Jack Graham was replaced by Clay Hall after the initial teams were released, with the two-time premiership player out with a hip injury. His short-term availability remains to be seen, but Hall performed well for 15 disposals and a goal. Jake Waterman is also an outside chance to return from a calf injury for the Derby, after also missing the trip to the Gabba. After illness prevented him from starting in the senior side from the get-go, Bo Allan should be a good chance to make his debut in the Western Derby after getting through a WAFL practice match last week unscathed. Noah Long and Archer Reid were among the more quiet performers against the Lions, but each have arguments as to why they should hold their spot; particularly the latter. Ruck Matt Flynn was stiff to be dropped after just one game in the ruck, and with Bailey Williams subbed out tactically in the third quarter, must be in consideration for a re-call.

Dockers’ Round 2 side

B: C.Wagner, A.Pearce – C, B.Cox

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

C: M.Johnson, J.O’Meara, N.O’Driscoll

HF: J.Sharp, M.Frederick, S.Bolton

F: M.Reid, J.Treacy, J.Amiss

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

I/C: H.Chapman, B.Banfield, N.Erasmus, P.Voss, J.Draper (sub)

EMG: L.Reidy, K.Worner, W.Brodie

Team Tips: The Dockers could have to make at least one change for this week’s western derby, with defender Brandon Walker subbed out of the match against Sydney due to a shoulder injury. After starting as the sub, Josh Draper could just move into the starting 22 to face West Coast. Despite getting through a WAFL pre-season game for Peel unscathed, Nat Fyfe is unlikely for the derby, with coach Justin Longmuir suggesting the dual Brownlow Medallist was still short of run having had minor knee surgery during the off-season. Liam Reidy, too, is no guarantee to come back into the team to partner Luke Jackson in the ruck, considering the Eagles’ ruck uncertainty. Elsewhere, Neil Erasmus could be a touch nervous about selection this week after his game against the Swans, which saw him go at 25 per cent by foot, finish as the third-lowest player on the ground and get caught ball-watching late in the game that led to Biley Rice’s crucial goal. A possible inclusion could be Quinton Narkle, who had an impressive two-goal game for Peel on the weekend.