Round 8 Team Tips, predicted sides, squads, ins and outs, team changes, injury news, latest, SuperCoach – MASHAHER

With two months of footy behind us, some big names are finally on the way back.

But a tricky Anzac Round has resulted in some major selection dilemmas and fitness fears.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 8 in AFL Team Tips!

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AFL ROUND 8 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

ADELAIDE CROWS v PORT ADELAIDE

Thursday May 2, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 7 team

B: L.Nankervis, J.Borlase, C.Jones

HB: J.Worrell, M.Keane, M.Michalanney

C: M.Hinge, M.Crouch, J.Dawson – C

HF: J.Soligo, T.Walker, J.Rachele

F: B.Cook, D.Fogarty, I.Rankine

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, B.Keays

I/C: W.Hamill, E.Himmelberg, L.Pedlar, N.McHenry, L.Sholl

EMG: B.Dowling, L.Gollant, L.Murphy

Team Tips: It was a brutal demolition of North Melbourne last Saturday orchestrated by the Crows, with few players not pulling their weight. Luke Pedlar will undergo surgery on his dislocated shoulder, and looks set to miss the rest of 2024 – paving the way for Lachie Murphy to make his long-awaited return from injury after 17 disposals in the reserves. As per Channel 7’s Theo Doropoulos, young gun Dan Curtin will make his long-awaited debut this Thursday night after 31 disposals, seven marks and a goal in the SANFL last weekend. Inside bull Sam Berry will be available after missing last weekend with a foot injury, after completing a full training on Monday.Utility Chris Burgess kicked four goals straight in the two’s, but his like-for-like Elliott Himmelberg performed strongly against the Kangaroos with 15 disposals and two goals.

Power’s Round 7 team

B: K.Farrell, E.Ratugolea, B.Zerk-Thatcher

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

C: M.Bergman, O.Wines, W.Drew

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

F: S.Powell-Pepper, C.Dixon, W.Rioli

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters

I/C: J.Mead, J.Burgoyne, T.Boak, M.Georgiades, D.Williams

EMG: D.Visentini, F.Evans, T.Clurey

Team Tips: All of a sudden, it’s injuries galore at Alberton – with forward Sam Powell-Pepper heartbreakingly rupturing his ACL against St Kilda on Friday night. Aliir Aliir will miss the Showdown in concussion protocols, while captain Connor Rozee has remarkably been deemed available for the clash, despite a low-grade hamstring strain. Forward Jed McEntee, defender Ryan Burton and key back Tom Clurey were all late withdrawals from the SANFL side’s match last Saturday due to the aforementioned injuries, with McEntee and Clurey the two most likely to come in as replacements.

CARLTON v COLLINGWOOD

Friday May 3, 7:40pm at the MCG

Blues’ Round 7 team

B: L.Cowan, Le.Young, B.Kemp

HB: Z.Williams, J.Weitering, N.Newman

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell

F: M.Owies, T.De Koning, C.Curnow

FOLL: M.Pittonet, S.Walsh, G.Hewett

I/C: J.Boyd, M.Kennedy, J.Carroll, C.Durdin, J.Binns

EMG: S.Durdin, A.Cincotta

Team Tips: While there’s no shame in the Blues falling to the undefeated Cats, Michael Voss labelled the performance “unacceptable” and has a bit to ponder after going into the game unchanged – outside of Jaxon Binns being a late inclusion for Orazio Fantasia (illness). Adam Cerra, David Cunningham and Mitch McGovern would be in the mix to return from injury, with Cerra seemingly the most likely to be ready. Matthew Owies or Jack Carroll likely make way for Cerra, while Fantasia might have to settle for the sub role. Defender Zac Williams has also come under fire for his underwhelming start to 2024, and is no certainty to hold his spot in the 22. Voss was particularly critical of his side’s defensive efforts, but that’s not necessarily exclusive to the back six, so every Blue should be on high alert. The VFL Blues didn’t have many standouts in a 101-point loss to Geelong.

Magpies’ Round 7 team

B: B.Maynard, I.Quaynor, B.Frampton

HB: J.Noble, J.Crisp, D.Moore – C

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

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

F: B.Hill, J.Elliott, M.Cox

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Daicos, J.De Goey

I/C: T.Mitchell, B.McCreery, W.Hoskin-Elliott, H.Harrison, J.Howe

EMG: R.McInnes, L.Sullivan, O.Markov
Team Tips: Collingwood’s side is as settled as any in the competition, with Craig McRae’s men still technically undefeated since Round 2 after drawing with Essendon on Anzac Day. But that looks likely to change for Friday night, with Jordan De Goey (groin) and Tom Mitchell (foot soreness) in doubt and needing to pass fitness tests after both pulled up in pain. Mitchell has plantar fascia while De Goey “wasn’t even close to training” on Monday according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph on Midweek Tackle, with De Goey looking very unlikely to play. Meanwhile Steele Sidebottom could feel selection pressure after a quiet Anzac Day performance. Fin Macrae would be the obvious inclusion, staking his claim for a recall against the Blues after racking up 30 touches and a goal in the VFL, while Charlie Dean (23 disposals) and Ash Johnson (two goals from 18 possessions, eight marks) also impressed. Harvey Harrison (seven disposals, one goal) could also come into the 22 too after providing great energy after coming on as sub on Anzac Day.

SYDNEY SWANS v GWS GIANTS

Saturday May 4, 1:45pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 7 team

B: N.Blakey, T.McCartin, L.Melican

HB: H.Cunningham, O.Florent, J.Lloyd

C: E.Gulden, Ch.Warner, J.McInerney

HF: J.Jordon, L.McDonald, T.Adams

F: T.Papley – C, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

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

I/C: R.Fox, M.Roberts, S.Wicks, H.McLean, B.Campbell

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

Team Tips: Fresh off a dominant win over the Hawks, there isn’t much change needed for the Swans this weekend heading into their ‘Battle of the Bridge’. That being said, the addition of Luke Parker seems likely, after returning from a broken arm in style with 34 disposals and seven inside 50’s in the VFL. How he squeezes into the side remains a mystery, however it’s likely sub Braeden Campbell drops out of the 23. Dane Rampe looks likely to return from a hamstring injury, and if he does, will likely be at the expense of an unlucky Robbie Fox. Fringe players Aaron Francis and Angus Sheldrick again performed well in the reserves, but look set to continue biding their time for further opportunity; until an injury or vast drop in form allows for them to play.

Giants’ Round 7 team

B: H.Perryman, H.Himmelberg, C.Idun

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

C: J.Wehr, J.Kelly – C, F.Callaghan

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Bedford

F: J.Riccardi, J.Hogan, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, C.Ward, T.Green

I/C: X.O’Halloran, H.Thomas, L.Aleer, D.Jones, J.Peatling

EMG: T.McMullin, R.Angwin, M.Gruzewski

Team Tips: The Giants could have as many as three big ins this weekend, while their VFL side continues to provide insane individual performances. Captain Toby Greene is the one certainty to return, having served his one-week suspension. Stephen Coniglio and Sam Taylor are more likely than not to be available after their respective injuries, with Taylor the more probable of the two to play. Nick Madden was again monstrous in the reserves, accumulating a whopping 31 disposals, 33 hitouts, 14 clearances and seven inside 50’s – an absurd set of numbers for a ruckman. Eternal performer in the second team Josh Fahey had 39 disposals and 10 marks, while intercept defender Nick Haynes had a crazy 36 disposals and 17 marks. Lachie Keefe kicked 4.3 up forward, while Conor Stone and last week’s emergency Max Gruzewski kicked three goals each. Isaac Cumming made a successful return from a calf injury with 21 disposals, and may be considered for a return at the top level this Saturday.

ST KILDA v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday May 4, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 7 team

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

HB: D.Howard, J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera

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

HF: J.Higgins, D.Wilson, C.Sharman

F: M.Phillipou, A.Caminiti, T.Membrey

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

I/C: M.Owens, L.Stocker, A.Hastie, H.Garcia, R.Bonner

EMG: L.Collard, J.Hayes, T.Campbell

Team Tips: New recruit Paddy Dow had 22 disposals in the VFL on his return from a knee injury, while Zak Jones responded to his omission last week with 29 disposals and a goal. Hugo Garcia might make way for Dow or Jones given he had just 59% time-on-ground. Cooper Sharman’s spot in the side could come under fire after booting just four goals in seven games, with Max King (knee) and forgotten man Jack Hayes in the frame to return. Lance Collard looms as the obvious replacement for the suspended Jack Higgins.

Kangaroos’ Round 7 team

B: C.Comben, A.Corr, L.McDonald – C

HB: R.Hardeman, B.Nyuon, B.Scott

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

HF: Z.Duursma, H.Sheezel, C.Lazzaro

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

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

I/C: Z.Fisher, W.Phillips, D.Stephens, T.Powell, B.Drury

EMG: H.Greenwood, J.Archer, M.Bergman

Team Tips: What can they even do? Curtis Taylor (24 disposals) and Miller Bergman (22 disposals) were the strongest performers at VFL level and could come into the side if Alastair Clarkson swings the axe after yet another comprehensive defeat. Does Liam Shiels come back in to provide some experience around the ball too perhaps? Finnbar Maley has had a promising month at reserves level and shouldn’t be too far away from a senior opportunity either, while Eddie Ford is a test for this week. Will Phillips, Dylan Stephens and Charlie Lazzaro all struggled to have an impact.

MELBOURNE v GEELONG

Saturday May 4, 7:30pm at the MCG

Demons’ Round 7 team

B: T.Rivers, S.May, T.McDonald

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

C: E.Langford, C.Petracca, J.Billings

HF: K.Chandler, J.Van Rooyen, K.Pickett

F: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Fritsch, H.Petty

R: M.Gawn (C), J.Viney, C.Oliver

I/C: C.Windsor, B.Laurie, T.Sparrow, T.Woewodin, D.Turner

EMG: M.Hore, K.Tholstrup, B.Brown

Team Tips: With no injuries coming out of the Anzac Day eve match against the Tigers, Simon Goodwin is expected to keep a similar team this weekend against an undefeated Geelong. Bailey Laurie had an instant impact as sub and should be considered to join the starting 22, kicking two goals late against Richmond from just 19 per cent time on ground. Key utility Harrison Petty was again quiet, and looks in desperate need of a run in the VFL – especially with the likes of Tom Fullarton performing week-in, week-out for Casey. Fullarton had another two goals and 25 disposals last Wednesday, while Josh Schache kicked 3.3 and 10 marks up forward also. Defender Adam Tomlinson had a mammoth 38 disposals and 15 marks, in a timely reminder to Goodwin that he’s in form and ready to play if needed.

Cats’ Round 7 team

B: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij

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

C: M.O’Connor, P.Dangerfield – C, M.Blicavs

HF: B.Close, J.Cameron, G.Miers

F: T.Stengle, T.Hawkins, O.Henry

FOLL: R.Stanley, C.Guthrie, T.Bruhn

I/C: O.Dempsey, B.Parfitt, J.Bowes, T.Atkins, M.Duncan

EMG: S.Neale, J.Clark, T.Conway

Team Tips: In a cruel blow for Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield, the superstar is set to miss 4-6 weeks with his hamstring injury in a sour twist from their win over the Blues last Saturday. You would expect sub Tom Atkins to be his replacement, especially given his seven tackles in just over a quarter of game time after coming on for Dangerfield. The intrigue is in the ruck role where the coaching panel is split on whether to give Rhys Stanley another game, after he was thumped by Carlton’s Marc Pittonet last week, or name young gun Toby Conway. “The kid is ready. The issue is, how do they manage this? Chris Scott is more cotton wool, there’s others who say let’s give him a crack, send him in against the best, Max Gawn. I think you’ll find they play him in blocks, but does that block start against Melbourne?” the Herald Sun’s Scott Gullan said on Midweek Tackle. Forgotten forward Gary Rohan kicked a match-high 4.2, and desperately awaits a recall to the senior side, with Gullan reporting he’s likely to return as the sub. Shannon Neale continues to impress, and kicked three goals himself from 10 marks in their VFL-side’s 101-point drubbing of the Blues. Midfielder Ted Clohesy was the best of the midfielders with 26 disposals and two goals.

WEST COAST EAGLES v ESSENDON

Saturday May 4, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 7 team

B: T.Cole, J.McGovern, A.Witherden

HB: L.Duggan – C, J.Rotham, B.Hough

C: J.Hunt, E.Yeo, J.Cripps

HF: J.Petruccelle, J.Waterman, R.Maric

F: J.Williams, J.Darling, L.Ryan

FOLL: B.Williams, T.Kelly, R.Ginbey

I/C: D.Sheed, T.Brockman, L.Edwards, C.Chesser, H.Edwards

EMG: A. Gaff, H. Johnston, J.Culley

Team Tips: It’s been a super positive month of football for the Eagles, who are expected to have Tom Barrass (suspension), Noah Long (hip) and Harley Reid (managed) all available this week. Campbell Chesser only managed six touches before being subbed out against the Suns, while Harry Edwards and Luke Edwards may be unlucky at selection as well. Would the Eagles look at resting veterans Elliot Yeo or Tim Kelly in a similar vein to how they managed star youngster Harley Reid last week?

Bombers’ Round 7 team

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

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

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

HF: S.Durham, K.Langford, A.Davey Jnr

F: S.Draper, P.Wright, B.Hobbs

FOLL: T.Goldstein, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: J.Gresham, N.Cox, N.Hind, H.Jones, J.Stringer

EMG: E.Tsatas, N.Caddy, M.Guelfi

Team Tips: Youngster Elijah Tsatas had 39 disposals in the VFL after being dropped for the Anzac Day clash, while Dylan Shiel had 23 disposals and a goal as he works his way back from injury. Midfielder ArchiePerkins is ‘recovering well’ from a hamstring strain sustained back in Gather Round, and will be a test for this Saturday in Perth. Matt Guelfi had 15 touches and a goal on his return to the VFL after overcoming a calf injury and could put pressure on the likes of Nick Hind and Alwyn Davey Jnr. Archie Perkins (hamstring) will try to put his hand up for selection which might see Ben Hobbs spend some time at reserves level. Archie Roberts (21 disposals, eight tackles, two goals) is closing in on a debut rapidly.

RICHMOND v FREMANTLE

Sunday May 5, 1pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 7 team

B: T.Young, N.Broad, D.Grimes

HB: N.Vlastuin, T.Brown, D.Rioli

C: H.Ralphsmith, J.Graham, M.Pickett

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

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

R: T.Nankvervis (C), L.Baker, T.Dow

I/C: S.Naismith, K.McIntosh, B.Miller, J.Hopper, S.Banks

EMG: J.Koschitzke, K.McAuliffe, T.Sonsie

Team Tips: The Tigers were average at best on Anzac Eve, and will benefit greatly from the potential inclusions of Jayden Short and Noah Balta this Sunday, should they prove their fitness during the week. Rhyan Mansell was quiet, and may come under a selection cloud with their impending inclusions. Emergencies from last Wednesday Jacob Koschitzke and Tyler Sonsie performed well, with Koschitzke kicking four goals straight in the reserves’ 20-point win over Casey. Sonsie was best on ground with his 32 disposals, 10 clearances, seven inside 50’s and a goal. Matthew Coulthard also kicked three goals in his second VFL game for the season.

Dockers’ Round 7 team

B: J.Aish, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper

HB: H.Young, L.Ryan, J.Clark

C: H.Chapman, A.Brayshaw, J.Sharp

HF: J.O’Meara, L.Jackson, M.Frederick

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

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, N.Fyfe

I/C: P.Voss, C.Simpson, B.Walker, M.Johnson, B.Banfield

EMG: N.Erasmus, E.Hughes, S.Sturt

Team Tips: Back on the winners list, Fremantle will welcome the likely return on forwards Sam Switkowski and Jye Amiss this weekend, strengthening their attacking half. One of them in theory will replace Josh Draper, who will miss the next fortnight with a minor hamstring injury. With no WAFL match for Peel Thunder last weekend, no fringe players were able to push their case to also make a return to the senior side. Sam Sturt was listed as an emergency last week, and could consider himself unlucky to be omitted against the Bulldogs. Ethan Hughes may be considered to play in defence as Draper’s direct swap, should team structure allow for his inclusion.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORN

Sunday May 5, 4pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 7 team

B: E.Richards, L.Jones, B.Dale

HB: T.Duryea, B.Khamis, J.Johannisen

C: B.Williams, A.Treloar, J.Harmes

HF: L.Vandermeer, A.Naughton, R.West

F: S.Darcy, R.Lobb, C.Weightman

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

I/C: L.Bramble, H.Gallagher, R.Garcia, J.Macrae, J.O’Donnell

EMG: C.Daniel, C.Poulter, A.Keath

Team Tips: BothCody Weightman (elbow) and Rhylee West (suspension) are facing stints on the sidelines, which might pave the way for Sandringham Dragon product Charlie Clarke to make his debut. Star midfielder Tom Liberatore was a late out due to food poisoning and should return, as should Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal reasons). Ryley Sanders was one of Footscray’s best against the AFL Academy, unsurprisingly. Rory Lobb and Harvey Gallagher might find their spots in the side under scrutiny.

Hawks’ Round 7 team

B: J.Scrimshaw, S.Frost, J.Sicily – C

HB: J.Serong, J.Impey, K.Amon

C: F.Maginness, D.Moore, J.Weddle

HF: B.Hardwick, J.Newcombe, C.Nash

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

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

I/C: W.Day, S.Mitchell, M.Lewis, H.Morrison, C.Macdonald

EMG: H.Hustwaite, M.Ramsden, M.D’Ambrosio

Team Tips: As per Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary’s, spearhead Mitch Lewis will miss again this week with knee soreness, making it five straight matches the key forward will miss. Sub Max Ramsden may come into the starting 22 to replace Mabior Chol if fit. VFL star Ethan Phillips will be considered given the Hawks’ defensive woes, which could see Jai Serong back at Box Hill. Massimo D’Ambrosio was managed last week and could put pressure on the likes of Harry Morrison and Finn Maginness.

BRISBANE LIONS v GOLD COAST SUNS

Sunday May 5, 7.10pm at the the Gabba

Lions’ Round 7 team

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

HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews – C, D.Gardiner

C: J.Fletcher, C.Rayner, J.Berry

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

F: L.McCarthy, J.Daniher, D.Zorko

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: K.Lohmann, C.Ah Chee, C.McKenna, J.Tunstill, N.Answerth

EMG: J.Lyons, H.Smith, D.Joyce

Team Tips: Ruckman Oscar McInerney missed last week through concussion protocols and would displace Darcy Fort if he is fit, while Callum Ah Chee hurt his hamstring and will be unavailable. Jarryd Lyons had 23 disposals and a goal in the VFL after being omitted and might come straight back in for Ah Chee, unless Chris Fagan turns to Harry Sharp or Jaxon Prior. Logan Morris booted two goals from 15 touches and continues to press his case at selection.

Suns’ Round 7 team

B: J.Lukosius, C.Ballard, S.Collins

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

C: M.Rowell, T.Miller – C, S.Clohesy

HF: B.Ainsworth, J.Walter, T.Berry

F: B.Humphrey, B.King, J.Rogers

FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson, W.Graham

I/C: R.Atkins, N.Holman, B.Fiorini, S.Day, D.Swallow

EMG: A.Sexton, D.Macpherson, N.Moyle

Team Tips: Veteran Sam Day struggled to have much impact on his return to the AFL side which would pave the way for youngster Ethan Read (managed) to come back into the seniors. Ben Long has booted 11 goals in his past three outings at state league level and could be called upon to replace Nick Holman or Tom Berry who both struggled to make an impact. Alex Sexton (32 touches), Joel Jeffrey (26) and Brandon Ellis (23) are putting pressure on Rory Atkins and David Swallow. For the first time in a long time, there’s squad depth at the Suns which is only a positive for Damien Hardwick. Defender Connor Budarick has been listed as available for AFL selection after fully recovering from his hamstring injury, however would be more likely to return via the VFL.