Round 2 Team Tips, squads, predicted lineups, ins and outs, injuries, suspensions, players dropped, SuperCoach, latest news – MASHAHER

There were injuries aplenty in Round 1, meaning reinforcements are already required league wide.

The cruel reality of our game reared its head multiple times at the weekend, with season-enders and soft-tissue setbacks surfacing throughout the AFL landscape.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 2 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 2 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEDT)

ST KILDA v COLLINGWOOD

Thursday March 21, 7:30pm at the MCG

Saints’ Round 1 side

B: L.Stocker, Z.Cordy, C.Wilkie

HB: J.Battle, R.Bonner, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: M.Wood, S.Ross, B.Hill

HF: D.Wilson, L.Henry, M.Owens

F: J.Higgins, M.King, T.Membrey

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, B.Crouch

I/C: M.Windhager, L.Collard, R.Byrnes, M.Phillipou, C.Sharman

EMG: A.Schoenmaker, H.Garcia, A.Caminiti

Team Tips: After a valiant defeat down at the Cattery in Round 1, the Saints will be looking to bounce back strong against a winless Collingwood this Thursday. Defender Liam Stocker is the only notable St Kilda injury concern to come out of Saturday night, after his heavy collision with Patrick Dangerfield that caused a controversial free kick halfway through the last quarter. Jack Sinclair will be a straight swap for him if he can overcome his calf injury, however if he is still in need of an extra week on the sidelines, young draftee Arie Schoenmaker could be in line to make his debut off half-back. Last week’s sub debutant Lance Collard was unable to find the footy once activated, with his cameo role to be potentially looked at.

Pies’ Round 1 side

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, C.Dean

HB: S.Pendlebury, I.Quaynor, J.Howe

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

HF: J.Crisp, A.Johnson, B.Mihocek

F: P.Lipinski, J.Elliott, B.McCreery

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, L.Schultz

I/C: F.Macrae, B.Hill, W.Hoskin-Elliott, O.Markov, M.Cox

EMG: T.Mitchell, J.Noble, B.Frampton

Team Tips: Another tough weekend for the reigning premiers is likely to bring about changes at the Magpies selection table. On the back of two very quiet games, Ash Johnson may make way for a change of scenery up forward, with sub Fin Macrae a potential straight swap after his solid outing in a minimal role on Friday night. After being ‘managed’ in Round 1, Tom Mitchell will once again come into selection calculations. Where he would squeeze in remains to be seen, though, with Collingwood winning the midfield battle against the Swans despite its 33-point loss. John Noble and Billy Frampton are two mature defenders who could be called upon to try and help stem the flow of opposition goals.

ADELAIDE v GEELONG

Friday March 22, 7:40pm at the Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 1 side

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

HB: W.Milera, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney

C: L.Sholl, J.Dawson – C, C.Jones

HF: B.Keays, I.Rankine, J.Rachele

F: C.Burgess, D.Fogarty, L.Gollant

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, S.Berry

I/C: L.Pedlar, M.Crouch, L.Murphy, J.Soligo, M.Hinge

EMG: E.Himmelberg, E.McHenry, M.Keane

Team Tips: After a near-miraculous comeback in the Gold Coast on Saturday night, the Crows will welcome back veteran spearhead Taylor Walker from a back injury on Friday night. The extent of injuries to Luke Pedlar (broken nose) and Jordon Butts (foot) are yet to be confirmed, with Ned McHenry likely to be seriously considered as Pedlar’s potential replacement for the Cats clash. Mark Keane was named an emergency last Saturday night and would be a solid replacement for Butts if he is unable to regain fitness on the back of a six-day break. Lachie Gollant was subbed out after just one score involvement and will likely be the man to make way for Walker’s return. Highly touted draftee Daniel Curtin will continue to be in and around team selection, however, he may have to wait another week before being called upon.

Cats’ Round 1 side

B: T.Stewart, S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie

HB: M.O’Connor, J.Henry, M.Duncan

C: M.Blicavs, P.Dangerfield – C, M.Holmes

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

F: J.Cameron, O.Dempsey, O.Henry

FOLL: R.Stanley, T.Bruhn, J.Clark

I/C: J.Kolodjashnij, T.Atkins, Z.Tuohy, G.Miers, S.Mannagh

EMG: O.Mullin, S.Neale, B.Parfitt

Team Tips: The Cats’ light injury list gives them plenty of options at the selection table. However, a close win over St Kilda on the weekend may mean they are more inclined to head to Adelaide unchanged. Sub Shaun Mannagh looked the goods from his 26% TOG and may be under consideration to start in the 22 this weekend. Burgeoning midfielder Jhye Clark had 13 disposals and looked thereabouts against the Saints, though he may be the man who finds himself with sub duties should Chris Scott opt to promote Mannagh. Mystery continues to surround Brandan Parfitt at the selection table, having again been named emergency with no further explanation. Ollie Dempsey’s three goals and 15 disposals on Saturday should help the young forward press his care for continual senior selection.

NORTH MELBOURNE v FREMANTLE

Saturday March 23, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

Roos’ Round 1 side

B: J.Goater, A.Corr, K.Dawson

HB: Z.Fisher, T.Pink, D.Tucker

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

HF: C.Zurhaar, C.Coleman-Jones, C.McKercher

F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey – C, Z.Duursma

FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel

I/C: C.Lazzaro, T.Powell, J.Stephenson, L.Shiels, E.Ford

EMG: B.Nyuon, R.Hansen Jr, M.Bergman

Team Tips: The Roos will need to find a replacement for young defender Josh Goater, who ruptured his Achilles in the final term of their clash against the Giants. Experienced defender Luke McDonald could slot straight into the side if he can overcome a hamstring issue, while they could also be bolstered by the return of captain Jy Simpkin, who is on the comeback trail from a concussion suffered in the AAMI Community Series. Ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones’ spot could come under fire after the tall managed just six disposals before being subbed out last week.

Dockers’ Round 1 side

B: J.Aish, A.Pearce – C, J.Clark

HB: L.Ryan, E.Hughes, O.McDonald

C: M.Johnson, N.Fyfe, J.O’Meara

HF: T.Emmett, J.Treacy, M.Frederick

F: S.Switkowski, J.Amiss, M.Walters

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

I/C: J.Sharp, K.Worner, H.Young, N.Erasmus, B.Banfield

Team Tips: Despite their impressive victory over the Lions last week, the Dockers were left to rue a trio of injuries. Karl Worner suffered a head knock and was subbed out of the match, while Oscar McDonald hurt his knee injury in his club debut. The club is likely to be without defender-turned-forward Brennan Cox for an extended period as well, after the versatile tall injured his hamstring in a marking contest. The Dockers are likely to get midfielder Jaeger O’Meara back after he was a late withdrawal due to knee soreness last week. Matthew Taberner could come into calculations for their clash against the Roos, as could SPP selection Patrick Voss. Running backman Brandon Walker played for Peel Thunder again on the weekend and could be a straight swap for Worner.

HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE

Saturday March 23, 4:35pm at the MCG

Hawks’ Round 1 side

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

HB: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Sicily – C, C.Mackenzie

C: C.Macdonald, J.Newcombe, J.Weddle

HF: M.Chol, D.Moore, N.Watson

F: B.Hardwick, M.Lewis, J.Ginnivan

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Ward, C.Nash

I/C: F.Maginness, J.Worpel, J.Gunston, L.Breust, K.Amon

EMG: M.Ramsden, E.Phillips, H.Hustwaite

Team Tips: The Hawks will fight captain James Sicily’s suspension at the Tribunal, but if that is upheld, expect VFL star Ethan Phillips to earn an AFL debut. Young gun Henry Hustwaite could find his way into the side next week if Sam Mitchell opts to change the midfield mix after losing the clearance count 40-31 against the Bombers. Renowned tagger Finn Maginness might be welcomed into the 22 to do a job on Clayton Oliver or Christian Petracca and if so, star draftee Nick Watson, who found the going tough in his AFL debut, might end up being handed sub duties.

Demons’ Round 1 side

B: T.Rivers, S.May, J.Lever

HB: J.McVee, B.Howes, M.Hore

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

HF: T.Sparrow, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett

F: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Fritsch, K.Chandler

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, C.Oliver

I/C: C.Salem, J.Billings, T.McDonald, T.Woewodin, B.Brown

Team Tips: Harrison Petty will undergo a fitness test on his toe during the week and will hope to put his hand up for selection, but Simon Goodwin would have been pleased with the output of Ben Brown (two goals) and Jacob van Rooyen (three goals) in round one and may choose to give Petty another week off. Otherwise, it’s likely that the Dees will stick with a winning formula after impressing against the Dogs to open their account in 2024.

SYDNEY v ESSENDON

Saturday March 23, 7:30pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 1 side

B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, D.Rampe – C

HB: O.Florent, N.Blakey, J.Lloyd

C: M.Roberts, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden

HF: R.Fox, L.McDonald, I.Heeney

F: T.Papley, H.McLean, W.Hayward

FOLL: B.Grundy, J.Jordon, J.Rowbottom

I/C: H.Cunningham, B.Campbell, J.McInerney, J.Amartey, S.Wicks

EMG: C.Mitchell, P.Ladhams, Co.Warner

Team Tips: Critical midfielders Taylor Adams (knee), Luke Parker (arm) and Callum Mills (shoulder) remain absent from John Longmire’s side, though it didn’t matter a heap as the Swans cruised to a convincing win over the Magpies last Friday. Emerging onballer Angus Sheldrick was overlooked at selection last week and wasn’t included in Sydney’s emergencies, as the flexible Isaac Heeney continues to show his impressive wares as a midfielder. Sam Wicks was the Swans’ sub for the second consecutive game and kicked a goal upon his injection into the action last Friday. Catapulting from a dominant victory over the reigning premiers, Longmire and his match committee are unlikely to make sweeping changes to a side that has fired on all cylinders to commence 2024.

Bombers’ Round 1 side

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, D.Heppell

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

C: E.Tsatas, J.Caldwell, N.Martin

HF: S.Durham, K.Langford, A.Perkins

F: J.Stringer, P.Wright, J.Gresham

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

I/C: N.Cox, H.Jones, X.Duursma, M.Guelfi, J.Menzie

EMG: S.Draper, J.Laverde, N.Hind

Team Tips: With Jordan Ridley unavailable following a pre-season quad strain, the last thing the Bombers needed was for another of their key pillars in defence to fall victim to injury. And yet, that’s exactly what happened last Saturday, as Zach Reid exited the contest early after succumbing to ‘hamstring awareness’. A strain has since been confirmed for the 2020 top-10 draftee, signalling time on the sidelines for another one of Essendon’s important stoppers. Then, to make matters worse, the MRO slapped Mason Redman with one-match ban after his strike on Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe. Early indications would suggest veteran backman Jayden Laverde — an emergency last Saturday — is firmly in the mix for a call-up this Saturday, while rebounder Nick Hind could also be reintroduced after being left out against the Hawks. Meantime, Brad Scott revealed on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday that forward Matt Guelfi is almost certain to miss with a calf complaint. Further, ball-winners Darcy Parish (hamstring) and Dylan Shiel (foot) remain out of the side, with third-year onballer Ben Hobbs still unable to get a look-in at selection. Foxfooty.com.au understands there’ll be more than just the three forced changes with Harrison Jones expected to lose his place in the side. Sam Draper was named an emergency for the Hawthorn match after returning to action via the VFL, as he plots an imminent return to the senior level.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GOLD COAST

Sunday March 24, 1:00pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 1 side

B: L.Bramble, L.Jones, N.Coffield

HB: E.Richards, B.Khamis, B.Dale

C: J.Harmes, A.Treloar, H.Gallagher

HF: R.Sanders, R.Lobb, C.Weightman

F: R.West, A.Naughton, J.Ugle-Hagan

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

I/C: J.Johannisen, L.McNeil, L.Vandermeer, B.Williams, C.Daniel

Team Tips: Following a disappointing season-opener against the Demons, changes are surely pending at Whitten Oval on Thursday. The big talking point heading into team selection surrounds veteran Jack Macrae, who was left out of Luke Beveridge’s side last Sunday amid a pre-season hamstring issue he continues to nurse. Provided he’s healthy enough to suit-up — and backed by ‘Bevo’ to play — the 29-year-old appears a favourite to earn a recall. Another point of intrigue heading into the weekend is the peculiar circumstance surrounding Caleb Daniel. The dependable half-back-flanker was surprisingly relegated to sub duties against Melbourne, raising quiet queries about his future in red, white and blue. Sam Darcy, Oskar Baker and James O’Donnell, who all missed out on selection last week after initially being named on the extended bench, figure to put their hands up again.

Suns’ Round 1 side

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

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

C: B.Fiorini, T.Miller, B.Ellis

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

F: B.King, J.Lukosius, M.Rosas

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

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

EMG: R.Atkins, W.Graham, N.Moyle

Team Tips: If not for Malcolm Rosas’ one-match sanction from the MRO for headbutting, Damien Hardwick’s Suns seemed likely to move onto the Bulldogs unchanged after a 2-0 start to the season. However, unless there’s a successful appeal, the livewire forward needs replacing. But, with Ben Ainsworth, Bailey Humphrey, Tom Berry and Nick Holman all playing roles in the forward line, the inclusion might not need to be a goal threat. Rory Atkins was an emergency against the Crows and would add experience to a youthful backline, while Academy graduate Will Graham was also a just-in-case last Saturday night and presents as further depth to a burgeoning midfield brigade. Utility Darcy MacPherson, who has switched between attack and defence in recent seasons, was the sub against Adelaide and figures to move into a starting spot in the 22.

RICHMOND v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday March 24, 4:00pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 1 side

B: D.Grimes, T.Young, J.Gibcus

HB: J.Short, N.Broad, N.Vlastuin

C: K.McIntosh, T.Taranto, J.Ross

HF: M.Rioli, L.Baker, S.Bolton

F: N.Balta, D.Martin, T.Lynch

FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, J.Hopper, D.Prestia

I/C: D.Rioli, T.Dow, M.Pickett, R.Mansell, S.Campbell

EMG: T.Brown, S.Naismith, S.Banks

Team Tips: Richmond was one of the other sides decimated by injury in Round 1, with Josh Gibcus (ACL)sidelined for the remainder of the season, Dion Prestia (hamstring) savaged by another soft-tissue complaint and Tylar Young (concussion) automatically ruled out of this weekend’s clash with the Power at a minimum. While the Tigers were forced to throw Noah Balta behind the ball against the Blues last Thursday “out of necessity”, they’ve been urged to keep the 24-year-old as an attacking option. As Jack Riewoldt proffered on Fox Footy, is a move into defence for recruit Jacob Koschitzke required? The ex-Hawk was omitted after a quiet start to his season against the Suns. Otherwise, Ben Miller is the obvious inclusion candidate as Richmond prepares to combat Port Adelaide’s tall trio Charlie Dixon, Todd Marshall and Jeremy Finlayson on Sunday, having played predominantly as a defender when he’s previously been promoted to the senior side. Tom Brown and Sam Banks, emergencies last Thursday, shape as prospective ins if Adem Yze desires another rebounder or two.

Power’s Round 1 side

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

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

C: M.Bergman, C.Rozee – C, T.Boak

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, J.Horne-Francis

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

FOLL: I.Soldo, O.Wines, Z.Butters

I/C: K.Farrell, J.Mead, F.Evans, J.Finlayson, W.Drew

Team Tips: Jed McEntee’s concussion against the Eagles on Sunday makes for at least one forced change to Ken Hinkley’s side ahead of its clash with Richmond. Francis Evans was the sub and shapes as a like-for-like replacement for McEntee as a small-forward option. Jase Burgoyne, Jordon Sweet and Dylan Williams were the Port players part of the initial extended squad who didn’t play against West Coast and figure to be in the selection frame once again this Sunday. However, coming off a dominant, score-heavy victory, Hinkley and his selection committee are unlikely to stamp many changes.

WEST COAST v GWS GIANTS

Sunday March 24, 6:50pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 1 side

B: A.Witherden, T.Barrass, B.Hough

HB: L.Duggan, J.McGovern, T.Cole

C: J.Hunt, E.Yeo, A.Gaff

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

F: J.Waterman, O.Allen – C, J.Cripps

FOLL: B.Williams, T.Kelly, H.Reid

I/C: R.Ginbey, T.Brockman, L.Edwards, C.Chesser, C.Jamieson

Team Tips: Adam Simpson dropped an early-week bomb with veteran Andrew Gaff dropped after a poor four-disposal outing against the Power. “He didn’t have a good day … he’s probably going to need to find some form at WAFL level,” Simpson told Seven. Young ruck Harry Barnett was a standout in the Eagles’ WAFL practice match, while Josh Rotham got some important minutes in as well. Pre-season standout Tyrell Dewar could be in line for a debut if Simpson decides to swing the axe further.

Giants’ Round 1 side

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

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

C: X.O’Halloran, 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: J.Wehr, H.Thomas, N.Haynes, A.Cadman, H.Perryman

EMG: J.Peatling, T.McMullin, L.Keeffe

Team Tips: The Giants are humming after a 2-0 start to the season and look like premiership contenders, making it unlikely that coach Adam Kingsley will make any wholesale changes this week. Does he manage the game time of Harvey Thomas and perhaps bring Toby McMullin or James Peatling into the fray?