Round 23 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, returns, latest team news – MASHAHER

All eyes are on the Blues’ selection this Thursday with mass changes coming following injury carnage.

Plus, some other big-name stars are also in doubt, with pending changes at Collingwood and Fremantle.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 23 in AFL Team Tips!

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Essendon vs. Sydney Swans

Friday August 16, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Essendon’s Round 22 team:

B: J.Kelly, B.McKay, J.Laverde

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

C: N.Cox, D.Parish, A.Roberts

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

F: K.Langford, H.Jones, D.Shiel

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

I/C: J.Gresham, N.Bryan, A.Davey Jnr, J.Menzie, B.Hobbs

EMG: W.Setterfield, A.Perkins, P.Wright

Team Tips: A horror final term against the Suns last Saturday night has rendered Essendon’s finals hopes all but dashed. Tall winger Nik Cox was subbed out in the second quarter with concussion against Gold Coast and will miss the Friday night clash. Substitute Ben Hobbs didn’t set the world on fire but is probably deserving of a second chance given plenty of others were average. Jade Gresham was extremely quiet with just five disposals, while Jye Menzie has been under continued pressure since his return to the senior side in Round 19. The kicking for goal from the club’s reserves side was just as woeful on Saturday afternoon, amassing 25 behinds in their two-goal win over the Suns. Archie Perkins and mid-season draftee Saad el-Hawli were the best two on ground in the VFL, with Elijah Tsatas also strong for his 27 disposals and seven clearances. Peter Wright kicked 3.2 from nine touches in the same game as he awaits a recall.

Sydney’s Round 22 team:

B: D.Rampe, T.McCartin, N.Blakey

HB: O.Florent, H.Cunningham, M.Roberts

C: C.Mills – C, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden

HF: L.Parker, H.McLean, R.Fox

F: T.Adams, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

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

I/C: J.Lloyd, J.Jordon, B.Campbell, L.McDonald, C.Cleary

EMG: A.Francis, P.Ladhams, S.Wicks

Team Tips: There weren’t any injuries to report from Saturday night, with Robbie Fox tactically substituted out in the final quarter. His replacement Caiden Cleary only registered seven per cent game time and deserves another shot given his strong VFL form of late. Veteran Taylor Adams was relatively quiet against his old side, as was captain Callum Mills. In the reserves earlier that afternoon, the omitted Peter Ladhams dominated for his 24 disposals, 19 hitouts and three goals at Tramway Oval. Angus Sheldrick and Aaron Francis were also among the best, as were young gun Caleb Mitchell (28 disposals) and Joel Hamling (three goals). Defender Lewis Melican is also a chance to return this week, pending a fitness test on his hamstring.

Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne

Saturday August 17, 1:45pm at People First Stadium

Gold Coast’s Round 22 team:

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

HB: A.Sexton, L.Weller, W.Powell

C: W.Graham, N.Anderson, S.Clohesy

HF: N. Holman, J.Walter, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, J.Witts – C, B.King

FOLL: M.Andrew, S.Flanders, M.Rowell

I/C: A.Davies, J.Rogers, C.Budarick, S.Lemmens, D.Swallow

EMG: D.Macpherson, N.Moyle

Team Tips: They won away from home! Finally, with one of the all-time monkeys off their (and Damien Hardwick’s) back, the Suns can focus on building into 2025. There were no injuries to come from the after-the-siren win over Essendon, but some will feel a little vulnerable at selection. Late in Sean Lemmens had nine touches in his first game for 2024, while fellow veteran Alex Sexton finished with eight in a very different role to what we’ve seen him predominately play in 2024. It was – once again – the usual suspects in the reserves for Gold Coast. Rory Atkins amassed 42 disposals; albeit plenty were kickouts after Essendon’s 25 behinds. Brayden Fiorini and Joel Jeffrey responded strongly to their axings, while Jack Mahony kicked 2.1 from his 16 touches. Jack Lukosius – who was surprisingly omitted last week – didn’t play at any level over the weekend, allowing him to freshen up. He will be available for selection this Saturday – with teammate Touk Miller also likely available to come back from a wrist injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 17.

Melbourne’s Round 22 team:

B: A.Tomlinson, J.Lever, J.McVee

HB: T.Rivers, T.McDonald, C.Salem

C: E.Langdon, C.Oliver, A.Neal-Bullen

HF: K.Pickett, H.Petty, K.Chandler

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

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, T.Sparrow

I/C: M.Hore, D.Turner, J.Billings, B.Howes, J.Melksham

EMG: K. Brown, M.Jefferson

Team Tips: With the curtain closed on a 2024 finals berth, the Demons can officially look towards getting a head-start for next season. Both Jake Bowey and Taj Woewodin were late outs last Saturday night, and could come back into the frame. Their replacements Jack Billings and Blake Howes may be seen as the first to make way, however the former played relatively well. The Casey Demons had a bye over the weekends, but with their finals hopes over, the untried Matt Jefferson could be called upon for a debut – as could fringe utility Bailey Laurie after a very strong year in the VFL. And will Tom Fullarton get a chance before season’s end?

GWS Giants vs. Fremantle

Saturday August 17, 1:45pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS’ Round 22 team:

B: L.Ash, S.Taylor, C.Idun

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, H.Perryman

C: C.Ward, T.Green, F.Callaghan

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, H.Thomas

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, T.Greene – C

FOLL: L.Keeffe, J.Kelly, T.Bedford

I/C: X.O’Halloran, M.Gruzewski, J.Peatling, H.Himmelberg, C.Stone

EMG: C.Brown, J.Leake, N.Haynes

Team Tips: Fresh off a remarkable comeback over the in-form Brisbane, the Giants have stormed into top four calculations heading into the penultimate round of the home-and-away season. And with Kieran Briggs and Stephen Coniglio hopeful of returning from shoulder niggles, their team could only get stronger. Youngster Toby McMullin missed the win with groin soreness and may also be up for consideration. Fellow young gun Max Gruzewski only had three disposals and may be another player to miss for the potential inclusions. Veteran Lachie Keefe was an absolute trooper in the ruck, and absolutely deserves to play this weekend – but it will be interesting to see if the Giants try and squeeze him with Briggs’ impending return. Untried first-year player James Leake was one of the best afield in the VFL with his 28 disposals, while substitute Conor Stone also played well after his 17 per cent time on ground against the Lions at the top level.

Fremantle’s Round 22 team:
B: L.Ryan, J.Draper, B.Cox

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

C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, J.Sharp

HF: A.Brayshaw – C, S.Switkowski, M.Frederick

F: J.Amiss, M.Johnson, S.Sturt

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, N.Fyfe

I/C: C.Wagner, P.Voss, B.Banfield, M. Taberner, K.Worner

EMG: N.O’Driscoll, N.Erasmus

Team Tips: All of a sudden, the Dockers are in serious strife! And that may force coach Justin Longmuir to swing the axe in a brutal manner. Tall forward Patrick Voss and late in Matt Taberner each went goalless for their six disposals, and will likely be the first on the chopping block if Josh Treacy can recover from his ongoing knee complaint. Sean Darcy was a late, late out on Saturday afternoon with a knee niggle, with his availability still uncertain. Tom Emmett has served his one-week suspension and will be up for selection, with veteran teammate Michael Walters also pushing to play after a sidelines stint with his hamstring injury. In the reserves for Peel Thunder on Saturday, Will Brodie registered 43 disposals and a goal, including 35 handballs. The dropped Neil Erasmus had 26 handballs from his 35 touches.

Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions

Saturday August 17, 4:35pm at the MCG

Collingwood’s Round 22 team:

B: B.Frampton, D.Moore – C, B.Maynard

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

C: J.Bytel, J.Crisp, J.Daicos

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

F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, W.Hoskin-Elliott

FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, S.Sidebottom

I/C: P.Lipinski, I.Quaynor, N.Long, M.Cox, J.Richards

EMG: N.Kreuger, L.Sullivan, W.Parker

Team Tips: There were no injuries to come from Friday night’s demoralising loss to Sydney. And while they’re still technically in contention for finals (albeit with a grim percentage), you suspect their focus will be on simply winning and not the bigger picture. There weren’t many overly quiet performances at the top level for the Pies, but young guns Harry DeMattia and Wil Parker performed strongly in the VFL; potentially hinting at coach Craig McRae to have a further look at his club’s youth. Finlay Macrae (29 disposals) and Lachie Sullivan (26 disposals) found the ball regularly in their side’s 29-point loss.

Brisbane’s Round 22 team:

B: D.Joyce, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich

HB: D.Wilmot, R.Lester, D. Zorko

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

HF: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, J.Berry

F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, H.Smith, Z.Bailey, S. Brain, J. Prior

EMG: D.Robertson, H.Sharp, D.Fort

Team Tips: Brisbane’s nine-game winning streak came to an abrupt end last Saturday, but perhaps it’s the loss they needed heading into finals. Young tall forward Henry Smith is goalless in his first four weeks at the top level, and could be a straight swap for Eric Hipwood – who was given an extra week’s rest against the Giants after his groin injury. The VFL had a plethora of performers on Sunday morning, with Darcy Fort at the forefront with a dominant performance including 18 disposals, 52 hitouts, seven clearances and a goal. 2024 mid-season draftee Will McLachlan kicked five goals in a breakout game at his new club, while Harry Sharp’s two goals and 25 disposals will catch the eyes of selectors. And a word for future Lion Levi Ashcroft, who while obviously can’t be selected, had 35 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal on VFL debut… scary!

Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows

Saturday August 17, 7:30pm at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s Round 22 team:

B: La.Jones, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman

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

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

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, W.Rioli

F: E.Ratugolea, C.Dixon, C.Rozee – C

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

I/C: K.Farrell, J.Mead, F.Evans, T.Boak, Q.Narkle

EMG: R.Burton, W.Lorenz, D.Visentini

Team Tips: The Power took another step towards a double chance last Saturday night; despite how scrappy they looked. Unfortunately though, Todd Marshall has entered concussion protocols and will miss the Showdown. And with Mitch Georgiades ruled out of this weekend’s match also, all of a sudden, their forward line looks very small. Small forwards Francis Evans and Willie Rioli both went goalless from their six disposals, but the former probably has enough credits in the bank in recent weeks to be selected against Adelaide. Their SANFL side was stacked with strong performances against Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday, with Will Lorenz (27 disposals, two goals), Hugh Jackson (29 disposals, eight clearances, eight inside 50s), Jed McEntee (18 disposals, 10 score involvements, one goal) and Tom Clurey (20 disposals, eight intercept possessions) the top four best on ground.

Adelaide’s Round 22 team:

B: M.Michalanney, M.Keane, M.Hinge

HB: H.Bond, N.Murray, J.Worrell

C: B.Keays, J.Soligo, L.Sholl

HF: D.Curtin, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine

F: L.Murphy, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson – C, R.Laird

I/C: M. Crouch, S.Berry, J.Rachele, L.Nankervis, Z.Taylor

EMG: B.Cook, C.Burgess, J.Borlase

Team Tips: Their inconsistent year has continued – but this week, for better! Unfortunately, however, Taylor Walker has had eye surgery after a nasty poke on Sunday evening and will miss the Showdown in a big blow for the Crows. Beyond his absence though, it’s unlikely the Crows will make too many, if any, unforced changes. Lachie Gollant could be Walker’s replacement if the Crows opt to continue with a taller forward line, after kicking a whopping eight goals against West Adelaide on Sunday. There is a chance they throw Dan Curtin there instead though, after a strong finish in attack against the Bulldogs. 2023 draftee Charlie Edwards was awesome for his 31 disposals and a goal, while emergency James Borlase was exceptional with seven contested marks.

St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats

Saturday August 17, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 22 team:

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

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

C: M.Wood, D.Butler, R.Byrnes

HF: B.Hill, J.Higgins, M.Owens

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

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, H.Clark

I/C: Z.Jones, P. Dow, D.Wilson, A.McLennan, J.Webster

EMG: B.Paton, T.Campbell

Team Tips: Rising young forward Mattaes Phillipou (illness) was a late exclusion for the Saints on Sunday, but he should be available to face the Cats back under the roof. There weren’t many passengers against the Tigers, with last minute inclusion Paddy Dow exceptional in his eighth game for the club. Angus McLennan was subbed out in the third quarter and could be vulnerable with Phillipou’s likely return. Marcus Windhager could also be available if his hamstring has fully recovered, with a call on his availability expected in the coming days. In the VFL, Hugo Garcia again put up insane numbers, tallying 34 disposals, 12 tackles, nine clearances and three goals. Back-up ruck Tom Campbell was also elite for his 28 disposals, 50 hitouts and eight clearances, while untried second-year Saint Isaac Keeler was strong for his three goals from 16 disposals. And fourth-year key forward Matthew Allison continues his push for an AFL debut, kicking 2.3 from 26 touches against Richmond’s reserves.

Geelong’s Round 22 team:

B: M.Duncan, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: L.Humphries, Z.Guthrie, M.Blicavs

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

HF: T.Stengle, B.Close, S.Mannagh

F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, O.Henry

FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Stewart

I/C: Z.Tuohy, T.Bruhn, G.Miers, J.Bowes, O.Mullin

EMG: J.Bews, M.Knevitt

Team Tips: The Cats will be hoping to keep a lid on too many changes on the back of a strong win out west against Fremantle. Tanner Bruhn (concussion) will however miss against the Saints, forcing at least one change for Chris Scott to think about. Could Sam De Koning be his replacement? The young defender was hopeful of playing last week, but that didn’t eventuate with the long trip. Gary Rohan was a late out in Perth too and should be all clear to make himself available. Sub Oisin Mullin’s impact wasn’t huge when injected into the game, and he may be vulnerable given the impending inclusions. Usual suspect Mitch Hardie (35 disposals, 12 score involvements, seven clearances) and emergency Mitch Knevitt (32 disposals, two goals) were the best for the Cats’ VFL side on Saturday morning and are also options.

Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne

Sunday August 18, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Western Bulldogs’ Round 22 team:

B: T.Duryea, L.Jones, B.Khamis

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

C: C.Poulter, A.Treloar, B.Williams

HF: E.Richards, A.Naughton, R.West

F: C.Weightman, J.Ugle-Hagan, L.Vandermeer

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

I/C: N.Coffield, S.Darcy, R. Garcia, L.McNeil, C.Daniel

EMG: O.Baker, J.Freijah, R.Sanders

Team Tips: After being sighted in a moon boot upon arrival back in Melbourne after Sunday’s loss, ruckman Tim English (ankle) has been ruled out for this weekend’s bout with the Roos, per Nine’s Tom Morris. It’s currently unclear whether English will miss multiple matches. Aaron Naughton was substituted out cautiously on Sunday after recording just one behind from four disposals but is more likely than English to play amid an ongoing knee niggle. Buku Khamis struggled against Adelaide’s tall forwards to potentially make him vulnerable. And have Jack Macrae (36 disposals, two goals) or Ryley Sanders (35 touches) done enough in the VFL to warrant a recall? It’s been such a tough team to crack into it given its hot form, but a humbling 39-point loss to Adelaide suddenly gives Luke Beveridge a bit to think about.

North Melbourne’s Round 22 team:

B: A.Corr, C.Comben, T.Pink

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

C: B.Scott, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.McKercher

HF: D.Tucker, B.Teakle, E.Ford

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

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

I/C: L.Shiels, M.Bergman, W.Phillips, R.Hansen Jr, Z.Duursma

EMG: C.Lazzaro, B.Drury, K.Dawson

Team Tips: Harry Sheezel (ankle) will be monitored throughout this week and is in ‘some doubt’ to play against the Bulldogs. The star second-year player won’t train and Tuesday and will be assessed later in the week. While North will clearly take the absolutely cautious approach with now arguably its best player, the 19-year old is also pushing for an All-Australian blazer. George Wardlaw should be available to return from a concussion, while the availability of Zac Fisher (foot), Jaidyn Stephenson (hand) and Dylan Stephens (ankle) is less certain. After doing so much right against the Eagles, how Alastair Clarkson responds to that late capitulation will be intriguing, while the VFL team had a bye last week.

Hawthorn vs. Richmond

Sunday August 18, 3:20pm at the MCG

Hawthorn’s Round 22 team:

B: K.Amon, S.Frost, J.Sicily – C

HB: B.Hardwick, J.Impey, C.Jiath

C: J.Scrimshaw, D.Moore, J.Weddle

HF: L. Bruest, W.Day, C.Macdonald

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

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, C.Nash

I/C: C. Dear, N.Watson, J.Worpel, C.Mackenzie, M.D’Ambrosio

EMG: H.Morrison, J. Serong, F.Maginness

Team Tips:Changkuoth Jiath (calf tightness) was a late out on Sunday, though the Hawks expect the dangerous rebounder to play against Richmond. That was the only casualty for the Hawks in an otherwise emphatic performance in their 74-point mauling of Carlton — Sam Mitchell’s side’s best performance this season. Harry Morrison was the late in for Jiath, but he impressed in his return with 20 touches and a goal. Morrison still looms as the unlucky omission largely due to being the last in, which is more a reflection of just how well the now eighth-placed Hawks are tracking.

Richmond’s Round 22 team:

B: N.Broad, N.Balta, B.Miller

HB: J.Trezise, N.Vlastuin, D.Rioli

C: K.McIntosh, D.Prestia, S.Banks

HF: R.Mansell, J.Graham, S.Campbell

F: S.Bolton, S.Ryan, J.Koschitzke

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

I/C: J.Short, J.Bauer, H.Ralphsmith, T.Dow, K. Smith

EMG: N. Cumberland, M. Coulthard, J. Blight

Team Tips: The Tigers on Tuesday revealed that spearhead forward Tom Lynch (hamstring) will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. The club said: “Tom needs a pre-season and the volume of training and conditioning that it provides… we are looking forward to seeing the best of him next year.” Lynch has managed just eight games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Utility Liam Baker entered concussion protocols after a training incident last week, and Richmond has listed his timeline for return at one week, ruling him out of this Sunday. It comes off the back of a 48-point loss to St Kilda as Adem Yze will again have some key selection calls to ponder. Jack Ross (27 disposals) and Tyler Sonsie (25 touches) put their hands up for a recall after strong VFL performances, while mid-season draftee defender Jacob Blight (32 disposals, 13 marks) threw his hat in the ring for a debut. Quite a few Tigers struggled against the Saints, with the likes of Samson Ryan, Seth Campbell and Jacob Bauer vulnerable at selection. Marlion Pickett is seemingly nearing a return from a hamstring injury.

West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton

Sunday August 18, 4:40pm at Optus Stadium

West Coast’s Round 22 team:

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

HB: L.Duggan, R.Ginbey, B.Hough

C: Z.Trew, E.Yeo, H.Johnston

HF: J.Cripps, J.Darling, R.Maric

F: J.Waterman, O.Allen – C, L.Ryan

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

I/C: J.Hunt, C.Hall, J.Williams, T.Dewar, A.Gaff

EMG: J.Petruccelle, A.Reid, J.Hutchinson

Team Tips: The Eagles are searching for back-to-back wins this Sunday after miraculously coming from behind to down North Melbourne in Tasmania. Jarrad Schofield’s side didn’t come away with any injuries and would be hard pressed to make many changes after getting back-to-back wins for the second time in 2024. Tom Barrass (concussion) could be available if he exits protocols this week but is also battling a hamstring injury and mightn’t be as needed since Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay won’t get up. Jack Petruccelle (23 touches, one goal) is the other one who could come into the mix after a strong WAFL showing.

Carlton’s Round 22 team:

B: B.Kemp, J.Weitering, L.Cowan

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

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, J.Martin

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

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

I/C: A.Cincotta, Z.Williams, J.Boyd, M. Owies, M.Kennedy

EMG: J.Carroll, Le.Young, J. Binns

Team Tips: At least six forced changes are coming for the Blues on Thursday following the injury carnage suffered in last Sunday’s horror loss to Hawthorn. Harry McKay (quad), Charlie Curnow (ankle), Adam Saad (hamstring) and Jack Martin (hamstring) will all miss this Sunday, but the Blues are hoping each will miss just the one game. Meantime, Lachie Fogarty (collarbone) and Jordan Boyd (adductor) will miss the remainder of the season. Curnow’s news is relatively positive considering the initial concern that his ankle ailment could be season-ending. Michael Voss will need to get creative in restructuring his forward line, with no Curnow and McKay clearly the most pressing matter. In terms of who could come in, Lewis Young would be a virtual lock, with he and McGovern likely to be moved into attack. Jaxon Binns should get an opportunity after promising VFL form, while Jack Carroll and Corey Durdin also loom as reinforcements. Caleb Marchbank (concussion) and Orazio Fantasia (calf) should also come into the mix if they become available.