Pies crisis sparks big shuffle; axe set to swing after disaster as Danger return looms: Team Tips

Collingwood’s unbeaten run is all the more impressive when you consider their horrific injury list.

Plus the Cats’ much-needed return, questions at the Hawks and much more as the bye rounds begin.

Get the latest AFL team news ahead of Round 12 in Team Tips!

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PORT ADELAIDE v CARLTON

Thursday May 30, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 11 side

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

HB: M.Bergman, A.Aliir, D.Houston

C: T.Boak, O.Wines, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, M.Georgiades

F: Z.Butters, J.Finlayson, W.Rioli

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, C.Rozee – C

I/C: J.Mead, J.McEntee, La.Jones, R.Burton, J.Burgoyne

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

Team Tips: The big question mark is over Connor Rozee (ankle), who’ll be a test for the Thursday night blockbuster against the Blues. The Power will need to find a replacement for Willie Rioli who suffered a calf injury early against North Melbourne. Francis Evans would be among the leading contenders to replace him after amassing 21 disposals and a goal in the SANFL, while untried forward Tom Anastasopoulos could also be given a go. Ruck Ivan Soldo played his first game back after knee surgery in the SANFL but expect him to play at least another week there to build some match fitness. Quinton Narkle and Trent McKenzie also returned from injury via the SANFL last week.

Blues’ Round 11 side

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, L.Cowan

HB: B.Kemp, M.McGovern, N.Newman

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: Z.Williams, H.McKay, E.Hollands

F: O.Fantasia, C.Curnow, M.Owies

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Walsh, M.Kennedy

I/C: J.Boyd, G.Hewett, A.Cincotta, L.Fogarty, J.Carroll

EMG: C.Durdin, Le.Young, J.Binns

Team Tips: Livewire small forward Jesse Motlop played his first game of 2024 in the VFL on the weekend but struggled to make an impact with just five disposals and a goal. Jaxon Binns continues to push his case for a senior recall with 25 touches, which could put pressure on a player like Alex Cincotta (seven disposals). Jack Carroll and Orazio Fantasia also struggled to impact the contest against the Suns.

COLLINGWOOD v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday May 31, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Pies’ Round 11 side

B: C.Dean, D.Moore – C, B.Frampton

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

C: S.Sidebottom, B.McCreery, J.Daicos

HF: B.Hill, N.Daicos, B.Mihocek

F: E.Allan, P.Lipinski, H.Harrison

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, L.Schultz

I/C: B.Maynard, J.Richards, L.Sullivan, W.Parker, M.Cox

EMG: N.Kreuger, F.Macrae, A.Johnson

Team Tips: The premiers are nowhere near peak condition right now, though they’re still not losing, which is pretty impressive. Collingwood will need to find replacements for Mason Cox (leg/concussion), Joe Richards (foot) and Brody Mihocek for their clash against the Bulldogs, plus Jordan De Goey is set to miss another month with an ab tendon tear. That puts the likes of Reef McInnes, Nathan Kreuger and Ash Johnson in the frame for senior selection. Collingwood’s VFL side didn’t have a match last week, but the Pies will be hoping to potentially get Jeremy Howe and Jack Bytel back from injury. Jamie Elliott (vascular) and Tom Mitchell (foot) are confusingly both 2-5 weeks away, while Will Hoskin-Elliott (hamstring) should be back in a fortnight. Depending on how they’re looking on the injury front, debutants Wil Parker and Ed Allan, along with defender Charlie Dean, could end up being unlucky at selection.

Bulldogs’ Round 11 side

B: L.Bramble, L.Jones, R.Sanders

HB: T.Duryea, A.Keath, B.Dale

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

HF: L.Vandermeer, A.Naughton, J.Macrae

F: S.Darcy, J.Ugle-Hagan, R.West

FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli – C, E.Richards

I/C: C.Daniel, J.Freijah, H.Gallagher, R.Garcia, A.Scott

EMG: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, J. O’Donnell

Team Tips: Luke Beveridge will be forced into at least three changes this week with Aaron Naughton (knee), Ed Richards (concussion) and Anthony Scott (concussion) all already ruled out. Expect Rory Lobb to be a straight replacement for Naughton, while Luke Cleary and James O’Donnell (illness) are both likely to be in the mix at selection as well. Oskar Baker (22 disposals) and Lachie McNeil (two goals) were strong at VFL level too.

HAWTHORN v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday June 1, 1:45pm at the MCG

Hawks’ Round 11 side

B: J.Impey – C, S.Frost, C.Jiath

HB: K.Amon, J.Sicily, M.D’Ambrosio

C: C.Nash, J.Worpel, J.Weddle

HF: W.Day, C.Mackenzie, L.Breust

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

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, D.Moore

I/C: C.Macdonald, S.Mitchell, C.Dear, J.Gunston, J.Scrimshaw

EMG: F. Maginness, E. Phillips, J. Ward

Team Tips: The Hawks have been one of the most in-form sides in the competition over the last six weeks so expect Sam Mitchell to continue to back a winning formula. Chad Wingard has now played four matches at VFL level as he strives to make his senior return after an achilles injury in 2023. Nick Watson was managed last week and will be in the frame to return, which could see Luke Breust’s or Seamus Mitchell’s place in the 23 come under a bit of heat.

Crows’ Round 11 side

B: B.Smith, J.Butts, C.Jones

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

C: M.Hinge, J.Soligo, J.Dawson – C

HF: L.Sholl, T.Walker, J.Rachele

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

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, H.Schoenberg

I/C: M.Crouch, B.Cook, S.Berry, L.Nankervis, B.Keays

EMG: W. Hamill, N. McHenry, K. Strachan

Team Tips: Hard to see Matthew Nicks making many changes at selection after a monster 99-point defeat over the Eagles. The untried Zac Taylor was solid in the SANFL with 23 disposals and nine clearances but it’s hard to see how he forces his way in. Nick Murray is nearing a return from a knee injury in other positive news, which would eventually put some pressure on a player like James Borlase.

WEST COAST EAGLES v ST KILDA

Saturday June 1, 4:35pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 11 side

B: J.Rotham, T.Barrass, B.Hough

HB: T.Cole, J.McGovern, L.Duggan – C

C: J.Hunt, T.Kelly, R.Ginbey

HF: D.Sheed, J.Waterman, J.Cripps

F: L.Ryan, J.Darling, R.Maric

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

I/C: C.Chesser, A.Witherden, J.Jones, J.Williams, T.Dewar

EMG: A. Gaff, C. Hall, H. Edwards

Team Tips: You’d imagine Adam Simpson makes some changes after a brutal defeat to the Crows last week. Veteran Andrew Gaff (34 disposals) continues to bang down the door, while Zane Trew (36 disposals), Jai Culley (23 disposals) and Harry Edwards (24 disposals) were strong performers in the WAFL. Almost half of West Coast’s side had ten disposals or less against Adelaide. Off-season recruits Matt Flynn and Tyler Brockman are two others who will look to put their hands up for selection in the coming weeks.

Saints’ Round 11 side

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

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

C: S.Ross, J.Sinclair, M.Wood

HF: D.Wilson, B.Hill, L.Henry

F: M.Owens, M.King, A.Caminiti

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

I/C: J.Higgins, L.Collard, P.Dow, R.Bonner, C.Sharman

EMG: Z. Jones, R. Byrnes, B. Paton

Team Tips: While St Kilda might be struggling in the AFL, their VFL affiliate, Sandringham, pulled off a great win against Casey in the VFL. Spearhead Tim Membrey booted six goals while former Sandringham Dragons product Olli Hotton kicked five majors as he seeks an AFL debut. Brad Crouch (30 disposals), Zak Jones (25 disposals) and Hunter Clark (30 disposals) all found plenty of the footy in the VFL. Mattaes Phillipou responded to his second axing of 2024 with 20 disposals, while small forward Dan Butler kicked 1.3 from 16 touches. Cooper Sharman, Lance Collard, Liam Stocker and Anthony Caminiti are among the names who might be in the firing line for Ross Lyon at selection this week.

GEELONG v RICHMOND

Saturday June 1, 7:30pm at GMHBA Stadium

Cats’ Round 11 side

B: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: T.Stewart – C, M.Holmes, O.Mullin

C: O.Dempsey, T.Bruhn, Z.Tuohy

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

F: S.Neale, T.Hawkins, O.Henry

FOLL: T.Conway, M.Blicavs, M.Duncan

I/C: S.De Koning, J.Bowes, T.Atkins, J.Cameron, J.Clark

EMG: C.O’Sullivan, S.Mannagh, M.O’Connor

Team Tips: Superstar Patrick Dangerfield could be in line for his first match since round eight as he pushes to return from a hamstring injury. Brandan Parfitt had 24 touches after being dropped last week, while young midfielder Mitch Hardie had 36 disposals as he searches for an AFL debut. The Cats will need to find replacements for suspended duo Mark Blicavs and Jhye Clark, who were both handed one-match bans by the MRO. The Cats could recall Rhys Stanley to bolster their ruck division, after young pair Toby Conway and Shannon Neale struggled against the Giants. Shaun Mannagh and James Willis both booted three goals in the VFL as well, while prized draftee Connor O’Sullivan had 16 touches and a goal. Expect Irishman Mark O’Connor, who was an emergency last week, to push for selection as well given his versatility.

Tigers’ Round 11 side

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

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

C: H.Ralphsmith, L.Baker, K.McIntosh

HF: M.Pickett, S.Bolton, T.Sonsie

F: M.Lefau, D.Martin, N.Balta

FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, D.Prestia, T.Dow

I/C: S.Campbell, S.Green, K.McAuliffe, S.Ryan, N.Cumberland

EMG: K.Smith, S.Banks, T.Young

Team Tips: Richmond’s injury crisis continues, with both Shai Bolton (concussion) and Tylar Young (knee) declared unavailable for the clash against Geelong. However, reinforcements could be arriving in the form of Jack Graham and Rhyan Mansell, but don’t expect to see Jacob Hopper back just yet after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring issue. Adem Yze was far more content with the Tigers output against the Bombers than their past month and given the lack of options at selection, he’ll probably make as few changes as necessary at selection. Jacob Koschitzke (19 disposals, ten marks in VFL) might be preferred in place of Samson Ryan.

MELBOURNE v FREMANTLE

Sunday June 2, 1:00pm at TIO Trager Park

Demons’ Round 11 side

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

HB: J.McVee, T.McDonald, A.Tomlinson

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

HF: A.Neal-Bullen, H.Petty, K.Pickett

F: K.Chandler, B.Fritsch, S.McAdam

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, C.Petracca

I/C: J.van Rooyen, L.Hunter, T.Sparrow, T.Woewodin, C.Salem

EMG: J. Billings, B. Howes, T. Fullarton

Team Tips: Young key forward Matthew Jefferson booted five goals for Casey and could come into calculations for his first AFL game this weekend, while veteran Ben Brown booted three majors which will put pressure on Harrison Petty, who was subbed out with a foot issue. Former Saint Jack Billings had 24 touches and five clearances after being axed last week, while cult hero in the making Koltyn Tholstrup had 23 disposals. Taj Woewodin and Shane McAdam both struggled to have an impact, while Caleb Windsor might be in need of a rest despite a superb debut season so far.

Dockers’ Round 11 side

B: H.Chapman, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper

HB: J.Aish, L.Ryan, J.Clark

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

HF: M.Walters, S.Switkowski, L.Jackson

F: J.Treacy, J.Amiss, J.O’Meara

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

I/C: B.Banfield, M.Johnson, T.Emmett, B.Walker, C.Wagner

EMG: N.Erasmus, P.Voss, S.Sturt

Team Tips: Key forward Patrick Voss continues to dominate in the state leagues, booting five majors in the WAFL on the weekend. Neil Erasmus (33 disposals), Will Brodie (24 disposals) and Karl Worner (24 disposals) all found plenty of the footy. Corey Wagner and Tom Emmett were both quiet against Collingwood on Friday night and might find themselves omitted this week. In a big boost for Justin Longmuir’s side, Michael Frederick is likely to be available assuming he passes through the concussion protocols during the week.

GOLD COAST SUNS v ESSENDON

Sunday June 2, 4pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 11 side

B: S.Collins, C.Ballard, M.Andrew

HB: S.Flanders, B.Uwland, J.Jeffrey

C: D.Swallow, T.Miller – C, S.Clohesy

HF: J.Walter, B.Long, L.Johnston

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

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

I/C: A.Sexton, N.Holman, B.Ainsworth, T.Berry, J.Rogers

EMG: A.Davies, B.Fiorini, H.Oea

Team Tips: A frustrating but not awful loss for the Suns last week, who’ll have confidence in their return home to favourable conditions. They’ll likely be boosted by the return of Malcolm Rosas jnr from a hamstring injury, making Lachie Weller – less than two months away from recovering from his long-term knee injury – the only notable name left on the injury list. They have plenty of options after Ned Moyle, Alex Davies, Sam Day and Brayden Fiorini were omitted out of the Geelong loss last Saturday, with Day bagging four goals in the VFL, and Fiorini’s 37 disposals only outpaced by Rory Atkins (40). The young Will Graham (17 contested possessions, seven clearances) is a more likely inclusion, if Damien Hardwick is keen.

Bombers’ Round 11 side

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

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

C: D.Heppell, S.Durham, J.Kelly

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

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

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

I/C: E.Tsatas, N.Cox, N.Hind, A.Davey Jnr, M.Guelfi

EMG: A.Roberts, N.Bryan, J.Menzie

Team Tips: A few concentrated concerns in the midfield for the in-form Bombers. Ben Hobbs missed Dreamtime at the ‘G with a calf strain and will be out until at least Round 15; he was likely to get more midfield time with Darcy Parish sidelined with his own calf complaint, and Will Setterfield (knee) estimated to be a week away. Does Dylan Shiel get another chance? He missed the VFL loss to Richmond with illness, with Jye Menzie and Nick Bryan among the best in the reserves. Scans on Nik Cox’s hamstring issue from Saturday night were positive, with no strain and the club “expecting his symptoms to resolve quite quickly”. Harry Jones should return from his one-week suspension, likely replacing Nate Caddy.

Bye week: Brisbane Lions, GWS Giants, North Melbourne, Sydney Swans