Round 21 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, returns, latest team news – MASHAHER

A Demons rising star is set to miss the next few weeks with an untimely lower leg injury as his side’s finals chances hang by a thread.

Meanwhile, an integral Essendon defender will be sidelined for three weeks as his club fights for a September berth.

Elsewhere, West Coast looks set to welcome back a pair of gun defenders this Friday night but at the expense of another star who has fallen into concussion protocols.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 21 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 21 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

FOOTSCRAY v MELBOURNE

Friday August 2, 7:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Footscray’s Round 20 team:

B: T.Duryea, B.Khamis, N.Coffield

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

C: L.Vandermeer, E.Richards, B.Williams

HF: A.Treloar, A.Naughton, J.Ugle-Hagan

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

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

I/C: R.Garcia, L.Jones, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, C.Daniel

EMG: J.Macrae, J.Freijah, O.Baker

Team Tips: The Dogs were nothing short of extraordinary against the Swans on Sunday afternoon in Sydney, and there isn’t much need for change. Laitham Vandermeer has had a quiet last month, but regularly does the hard yards that go unnoticed, so it would definitely be a shake-up if he were omitted. Trio Jack Macrae, Ryley Sanders and Joel Freijah were ‘managed’ for the match, but it remains to be seen if they’ll come straight back in given the side’s strong win against the ladder-leaders. Defender James O’Donnell should be a test this week with his hamstring, but could be asked to earn his spot back through the VFL even if fully fit? Footscray had a bye in the reserves over the weekend, but Alex Keath has continued to put his hand up as a defensive option if required.

Melbourne’s Round 20 team:

B: T.McDonald, S.May, J.McVee

HB: J.Bowey, J.Lever, A.Moniz-Wakefield

C: E.Langdon, C.Oliver, C.Windsor

HF: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, J.Melksham

F: K.Chandler, B.Fritsch, H.Petty

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, T.Rivers

I/C: J.Billings, B.Laurie, A.Neal-Bullen, T.Woewodin, D.Turner

EMG: B.Howes, T.Sparrow, K.Brown

Team Tips: The Demons are on the very edge of missing out on finals in 2024, with this Friday now an absolute must-win against the Bulldogs. Former Saint Jack Billings was subbed out tactically at three-quarter time, and may be on thin ice given the little wiggle room his side has to play in September. His replacement Daniel Turner had two kicks in his quarter on the ground, and may also be vulnerable. Koltyn Tholstrup will be available this weekend after a round on the sidelines with concussion, while as reported by Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary on Tuesday afternoon, Caleb Windsor will miss the next few weeks with a syndesmosis injury.

In the VFL last Saturday, the dropped Tommy Sparrow had 31 disposals, nine clearances and nine tackles in a strong response. Tom Fullarton collected 25 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 10 clearances and a goal too – although it looks like odds of a senior recall in 2024 have dwindled quickly in recent weeks.

WEST COAST v GOLD COAST

Friday August 2, 8:30pm at Optus Stadium

West Coast’s Round 20 team:

B: T.Cole, T.Barrass, H.Edwards

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

C: R.Maric, T.Kelly, L.Edwards

HF: L.Ryan, J.Waterman, J.Cripps

F: J.Darling, O.Allen – C, J.Williams

FOLL: B.Williams, E.Yeo, H.Reid

I/C: R.Ginbey, Z.Trew, J.Rotham, J.Hutchinson, J.Culley

EMG: D.Sheed, J.Petruccelle, A.Witherden

Team Tips: After a strong start to the Western Derby last Saturday night, the Eagles capitulated in the second half with a goalless third quarter as Fremantle piled on the scoreboard. Star defender Tom Barrass has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash with concussion, joining teammates Luke Edwards on the sidelines with a head knock. Several members of West Coast’s forward line were extremely quiet, and may force interim coach Jarrad Schofield to shake things up a bit this Friday night. In positive news, Jeremy McGovern and Liam Duggan are set to return after missing last week’s Derby. The out-of-contract Zane Trew was on the wrong end of some friendly fire with teammate Bailey Williams, and could be out of the side with a neck injury. In the reserves, veterans Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff were among the best in their 19-point loss to Subiaco alongside ruck Matthew Flynn.

Gold Coast’s Round 20 team:

B: S.Collins, W.Powell, M.Andrew

HB: L.Johnston, B.Uwland, J.Jeffrey

C: N.Holman, N.Anderson, S.Clohesy

HF: B.Humphrey, W.Graham, L.Weller

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

FOLL: N.Moyle, S.Flanders, M.Rowell

I/C: C.Ballard, D.Swallow, J.Witts – C, M.Rosas, T.Berry

EMG: A.Sexton, J.Walter, C.Budarick

Team Tips: The Suns are still mathematically a chance to make finals, and while history suggests they won’t make it; they still absolutely need to win this Friday night. Bohdi Uwland will miss the match through suspension, while Lloyd Johnston was quiet against the Lions. The duo of Ned Moyle co-rucking with captain Jarrod Witts didn’t look to work too smoothly during the Q-Clash, and may force the former out of the side after initially being rewarded for his good run of form. In positive news however, Touk Miller and Sam Day are progressing well with their respective injuries, and are a chance to return for the must-win clash. In the VFL’s win over Brisbane, the dropped Alex Sexton starred for his 21 disposals, 10 marks and five goals, while Brayden Fiorini had 32 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND

Saturday August 3, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

North Melbourne’s Round 20 team:

B: A.Corr, C.Comben, G.Logue

HB: J.Archer, H.Sheezel, L.McDonald

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

HF: D.Tucker, B.Teakle, J.Stephenson

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

FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, J.Simpkin – C

I/C: G.Wardlaw, L.Shiels, W.Phillips, R.Hansen Jr, Z.Duursma

EMG: M.Bergman, T.Pink, C.Lazzaro

Team Tips: It’s a battle for the wooden spoon this weekend against Richmond, so could Alastair Clarkson ring more changes in search of an elusive third win? Mid-season draftee Brynn Teakle was very quiet for his three disposals last Saturday, and looks at risk of losing his place in the side – despite the rough role as a second tall in North’s forward line. Zane Duursma was excellent after being injected into the game, and will hope to secure his spot in the starting 22 this time around. Hugh Greenwood (30 disposals, 11 clearances, one goal) and Finnbar Maley (24 disposals, 22 hitouts, eight clearances) were among the best for the Kangaroos’ VFL side, and could be options for Clarkson this weekend – especially Greenwood if experience is favoured upon.

Richmond’s Round 20 team:

B: B.Miller, N.Broad, N.Vlastuin

HB: J.Short, J.Trezise, D.Rioli

C: H.Ralphsmith, D.Prestia, K.McIntosh

HF: R.Mansell, L.Baker – C, S.Campbell

F: N.Balta, S.Bolton, J.Koschitzke

FOLL: S.Ryan, T.Taranto, J.Hopper

I/C: T.Dow, T.Brown, S.Banks, K.Smith, S.Green

EMG: T.Sonsie, J.Bauer, M.Coulthard

Team Tips: Much like their opponents, the Tigers will be bursting at the seams to move themselves away from the bottom of the ladder with a win this Saturday. Tim Taranto was subbed out on Sunday with a back concern, and looks to be a test for the weekend in big news for Adem Yze’s midfield. There were a lot of Richmond’s youngsters who had quiet days out on the MCG against Collingwood, but that’s to be expected given their list and injuries. Despite playing a half of VFL on the weekend, the club has said that Marlion Pickett will not return to the AFL this weekend, nor will Maurice Rioli Jnr. Meanwhile, Yze himself has labelled Dustin Martin and captain Toby Nankervis both strong chances to play this weekend. Midfielder-forward Jack Graham will also need to train strongly before he’s re-called. Kane McAuliffe was the best of the AFL-listed players on Sunday morning against Collingwood’s VFL side, while Tyler Sonsie was also strong.

GEELONG v ADELAIDE

Saturday August 3, 4:35pm at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong’s Round 20 team:

B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: J.Bews, M.Duncan, Z.Guthrie

C: M.Holmes, T.Bruhn, O.Dempsey

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

F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, G.Rohan

FOLL: M.Blicavs, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Stewart

I/C: L.Humphries, O.Henry, S.Mannagh, J.Bowes, T.Clohesy

EMG: R.Stanley, Z.Tuohy, B.Parfitt

Team Tips: The Cats will have to make at least one change this weekend, with Gary Rohan ruled out with concussion against the Kangaroos. Tom Atkins could well be the straight swap for the forward, who is hopeful of returning from his back tweak. Sub Ted Clohesy provided great pressure once injected into the game, and will also be hunting down a spot in the starting 22. In the VFL, Jhye Clark, Mitch Knevitt and Mitch Hardie were all in the best as the club’s reserve midfielders continue to dominate at the lower level.

Adelaide’s Round 20 team:

B: C.Jones, M.Keane, L.Nankervis

HB: M.Michalanney, J.Borlase, M.Hinge

C: L.Sholl, H.Bond, B.Dowling

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, J.Soligo

F: L.Murphy, T.Walker, D.Fogarty – C

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, S.Berry

I/C: J.Rachele, E.Himmelberg, Z.Taylor, B.Cook, D. Curtin

EMG: J.Worrell, N.McHenry

Team Tips: In a much-needed boost for the Crows, skipper Jordan Dawson should return from his concussion – as could late out Brodie Smith (illness). Gun on-baller Matt Crouch could also make an unlikely return, after previously being ruled out of the season up until last week. Tall forward Elliott Himmelberg had just three disposals before being subbed out in the third quarter, and could be in the firing line in a very tall forward line. Fellow forward Brayden Cook was also quiet, and could alternatively be the one to make way. Josh Worrell made a very successful return from his arm injury, amassing 31 disposals and 10 intercept possessions. Worrell would be a welcome return to the senior side, in a defence that could have used his assets on Sunday against Hawthorn.

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON

Saturday August 3, 7:30pm at the MCG

Collingwood’s Round 20 team:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, I.Quaynor

HB: J.Noble, J.Howe, N.Daicos

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

HF: B.Hill, L.Schultz, J.Elliott

F: M.Cox, D.McStay, H. Harrison

FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, J.Crisp

I/C: P.Lipinski, J.Bytel, W.Hoskin-Elliott, W. Parker, L. Sullivan

EMG: B.Frampton, O.Markov

Team Tips: It’s do-or-die for the Magpies in the last month heading into finals, with absolutely no room for error in what will be Scott Pendlebury’s 400th AFL game. Oleg Markov should return after opting out of Sunday’s match against Richmond, while Beau McCreery and Nathan Kreuger could both return from their respective injuries and provide coach Craig McRae with further structure. Young guns Harvey Harrison and Wil Parker were both quiet, but nonetheless part of an important victory. Young defender Charlie Dean stood tall in defence for Collingwood’s VFL side, amassing 27 disposals, 15 marks and 13 intercept possessions, while Ed Allan’s two goals from his 32 disposals was also a standout performance.

Carlton’s Round 20 team:

B: B.Kemp, J.Weitering, N.Newman

HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, A.Cerra

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, M.Cottrell

HF: E.Hollands, Le. Young, M.Kennedy

F: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, J.Motlop

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

I/C: L.Cowan, A.Cincotta, D.Cuningham, M.Owies, J.Carroll

EMG: J.Boyd, J.Binns

Team Tips: It’s no secret that the Blues are in free-fall, and that could mean changes for Michael Voss’ side this Saturday night. With Blake Acres, Caleb Marchbank and Orazio Fantasia expected to be available, Voss will at least have experience to lean of for those aforementioned, potential changes. And don’t forget Harry McKay, who was a late out last weekend with illness. Forwards Jesse Motlop and Matthew Owies were quiet last Friday night, but their pressure is something not always measurable on the stat sheet. Carlton’s VFL side had a bye over the weekend, but Jaxon Binns has been hammering the door down for another chance off half back.

PORT ADELAIDE v SYDNEY

Saturday August 3, 7:30pm at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s Round 20 team:

B: E.Ratugolea, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman

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

C: J.Burgoyne, O.Wines, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli

F: T.Boak, C.Dixon, C.Rozee – C

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

I/C: J.Mead, K.Farrell, F.Evans, La.Jones, Q.Narkle

EMG: O.Lord, D.Williams, D.Visentini

Team Tips: The Power – conversely to many others – are in the midst of a purple patch of sorts, and will be reluctant to make too many chances. Todd Marshall will rejoin the main training squad on Wedneaday after a nasty hip injury on the Gold Coast a couple weeks ago, and could replace a sore Lachie Jones if he doesn’t get up. Veteran forward Charlie Dixon didn’t hit the scoreboard as he would’ve wished, but looked important in the big contests to bring the ball to ground. Untried 2021 draftee Hugh Jackson was impressive in the reserves’ 23-point loss to Sturt on Saturday, finishing with 20 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal. Pressure forward Jed McEntee will soon exit concussion protocols, but is likely to return in the SANFL given Port’s strong senior form.

Sydney’s Round 20 team:

B: H.Cunningham, T.McCartin, N.Blakey

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

C: M.Roberts, Ch.Warner, J.Jordon

HF: E.Gulden, L.McDonald, C.Mills – C

F: R.Fox, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, T.Adams

I/C: B.Campbell, Co.Warner, H.McLean, S.Wicks, L.Parker

EMG: A. Francis, P. Ladhams, C. Mitchell

Team Tips: Having lost four of their last five matches, there are definitely some alarm bells ringing; albeit very softly. Lewis Melican going down with a right hamstring injury is one of the last things coach John Longmire needs, as their defensive stocks continue to take a hit. The Swans have listed him as a test for this Saturday night, as they have with fellow defender Dane Rampe. Thankfully, James Rowbottom is set to return from his cheekbone injury in a further boost to their midfield. Sam Wicks was quiet in the forward line for the Swans, and may make way for the likes of a Caiden Cleary, who had 34 disposals in the reserves. Reserve ruck Peter Ladhams kicked three goals from his 20 disposals, but is unlikely to gain a recall given his role.

GWS v HAWTHORN

Sunday August 4, 1:10pm at Manuka Oval

GWS’ Round 20 team:

B: C.Idun, J.Buckley, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, S.Taylor, H.Perryman

C: C.Ward, T.Green, T.McMullin

HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, T.Bedford

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, D.Jones

FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, J.Peatling

I/C: A.Cadman, H.Thomas, L.Ash, X.O’Halloran, J.Fonti

EMG: C.Stone, L.Keeffe, N.Haynes

Team Tips: The Giants have now won four in a row, and that means as little unforced changes as possible you would think. Despite seemingly near a return, Stephen Coniglio won’t play against Hawthorn on Sunday. Sub Joe Fonti wasn’t used on Saturday night but might be afforded another chance due to Coniglio’s absence. Aaron Cadman was very quiet for his three disposals and may benefit from another spell in the VFL. Veteran Nick Haynes had another strong game in the reserves for his 28 disposals, while Max Gruzewski’s five goals could see him thrown into consideration for his third AFL game.

Hawthorn’s Round 20 team:

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

HB: C.Jiath, J.Sicily – C, F.Maginness

C: D.Moore, J.Newcombe, K.Amon

HF: J.Ginnivan, W.Day, N.Watson

F: M.Chol, B.Hardwick, C.Mackenzie

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Worpel, J.Ward

I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Weddle, L.Breust, C.Dear, C.Macdonald

EMG: C.Mackenzie, J.Gunston, H.Morrison

Team Tips: Why change a winning formula? That’s exactly what Sam Mitchell would be thinking as his side continues their incredible run of form. There weren’t any obvious changes that need making and is only backed up by the fact they flew to Adelaide unchanged with a very healthy list. Emergency Harry Morrison had a gigantic game in the reserves, amassing 33 disposals, nine clearances and three goals, while Jai Serong’s 28 disposals and 13 marks also filled the stat sheet. Naturally, fellow emergencies last weekend Cam Mackenzie and Jack Gunston are also in the mix for a recall.

ESSENDON v FREMANTLE

Sunday August 4, 3:20pm at the MCG

Essendon’s Round 20 team:

B: J.Ridley, B.McKay, J.Laverde

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

C: N.Cox, D.Shiel, X.Duursma

HF: J.Stringer, N.Caddy, S.Durham

F: K.Langford, P.Wright, J.Gresham

FOLL: S.Draper, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: D.Parish, D.Heppell, H.Jones, J.Menzie, A.Perkins

EMG: B.Hobbs, T.Goldstein, A.Roberts

Team Tips: Where to next at the selection table for Essendon? Matched up against the dangerous duo of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson, it would make a lot of sense for Brad Scott to recall Todd Goldstein, who has only played once since Round 16. Jordan Ridley at this stage will miss the next three matches in a huge blow for the Bombers, after suffering a corked hip in their loss to St Kilda. With the exception of Harrison Jones, the Bombers’ forward line was seriously quiet, and may require a shake-up at selection. Nick Hind and Archie Roberts led the VFL side’s five-point win over Sandringham, and both loom as options for Scott – as do Will Setterfield and Elijah Tsatas.

Fremantle’s Round 20 team:

B: L.Ryan, J.Draper, B.Cox

HB: B.Walker, H.Chapman, J.Clark

C: J.O’Meara, N.Fyfe, H.Young

HF: S.Sturt, S.Switkowski, M.Frederick

F: J.Treacy, J.Amiss, L.Jackson

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw – C

I/C: J.Sharp, B.Banfield, C.Wagner, T.Emmett, J.Aish

EMG: C.Simpson, E.Hughes, P.Voss

Team Tips: Much like the Giants, Hawks and Power, the Dockers don’t need to make too many changes to their winning formula. Their forward brigade was strong against the Eagles, while their midfielders and defence stood tall as the game went on. Midfielder Matt Johnson will be a test for this weekend after missing last week with a foot injury, and could create some headaches for Justin Longmuir at the selection table. Neil Erasmus and Karl Worner were among the best in Peel Thunder’s win over Perth, but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to force their way into the senior side given its form.

ST KILDA v BRISBANE

Sunday August 4, 4:40pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 20 team:

B: J.Battle, D.Howard, C.Wilkie

HB: L.Stocker, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Webster

C: B.Hill, J.Sinclair, R.Byrnes

HF: M.Wood, J.Higgins, M.Owens

F: A.Caminiti, T.Membrey, C.Sharman

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, Z.Jones

I/C: H.Clark, D.Butler, D.Wilson, R.Bonner, H.Garcia

EMG: P.Dow, A.McLennan, M.Heath

Team Tips: The Saints are all of a sudden in form, and as Ross Lyon alluded to a couple of weeks ago, ready to spoil the finals party for some. Brisbane will be their biggest test in recent times, but they could well be up for it. Mattaes Phillipou could return as soon as this weekend from a hip injury and will only need to pass a fitness test to play. Sub Hugo Garcia played well on Sunday in the VFL with 18 disposals and 15 tackles. There were no passengers against Essendon last week, and if Phillipou doesn’t get up, there is every chance Lyon goes into Sunday evening with an unchanged side.

Brisbane’s Round 20 team:

B: D.Zorko, J.Daniher, B.Starcevich

HB: D.Wilmot, R.Lester, J.Berry

C: J.Fletcher, W.Ashcroft, H.McCluggage

HF: C.Rayner, L.Morris, K.Lohmann

F: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey

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

I/C: C.Ah Chee, J.Prior, H.Smith, S.Brain, C.McKenna

EMG: H.Sharp, D.Fort, B.Reville

Team Tips: The Lions are the in-form team of the competition, and should only get stronger this weekend with the return of Harris Andrews from concussion. That should allow for Eric Hipwood to return up forward after his cameo in defence; and may force young gun Henry Smith out of the attacking half after two games at the top level. In the reserves equivalent of the Q-Clash, Deven Robertson filled the stat line the most with 30 disposals, 14 clearances and 11 tackles. Dropped forward Bruce Reville kicked two goals from his 26 disposals, while mid-season draftee Luke Beecken continues to impress after his 19 disposals and two majors.