Dees set to swing axe over ugly flop; Cats boost amid big Dusty 300 question: Team Tips

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, H.Perryman

C: N.Haynes, T.Green, F.Callaghan

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

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, H.Thomas

FOLL: K.Briggs, J.Wehr, S.Coniglio

I/C: T.McMullin, X.O’Halloran, R.Angwin, J.Riccardi, J.Peatling

EMG: C.Stone, H.Rowston, L.Keeffe

Team Tips: Ideally rejuvenated after their bye last week, the Giants now all of a sudden may need to win this weekend to stay in the top eight. Jack Buckley is aiming to return from a calf injury this weekend, however his replacement Leek Aleer was match-winning against Geelong in Round 11. How the Giants will balance their defence this week will be fascinating as a result, with no obvious answer. Toby Bedford had a very quiet game against the Cats, and may be at risk of losing his spot to sub and namesake Toby McMullin, who had an exceptional half when injected into the game. The Giants’ VFL also had a bye, with no performances in the last week and a half to go off on those pushing for selection.

WEST COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday June 8, 4:35pm at Optus Stadium

West Coast’s Round 12 side:

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

HB: B.Hough, J.McGovern, L.Duggan – C

C: C.Chesser, E.Yeo, R.Ginbey

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

F: J.Cripps, J.Darling, B.Williams

FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, T.Kelly

I/C: A.Gaff, D.Sheed, J.Petruccelle, A.Witherden, R.Maric

EMG: Z.Trew, J.Williams, J.Culley

Team Tips: In positive news, coach Adam Simpson in his post-game against the Saints expected both Tim Kelly and Jake Waterman to be available for this weekend’s clash, after both were withdrawn from the originally named side. They will however lose Rising Star nominee Harley Reid to suspension, whether it be for one or two weeks. Replacement Jack Edwards was very quiet with just two disposals before being subbed out, as was Harry Edwards for his six. Jai Culley – who was the only emergency not eventually called upon from the initial trio – gathered 30 disposals and a goal in the WAFL’s two-point win over East Perth. Interestingly, mid-season draftee Jack Hutchinson kicked five goals in his Eagles debut, and could very well make a quicker-than-anticipated debut for his new club at AFL level.

North Melbourne’s Round 11 side:

B: A.Corr, C.Comben, L.McDonald – C

HB: Z.Fisher, H.Sheezel, J.Archer

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

HF: J.Stephenson, C.Zurhaar, C.Taylor

F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, Z.Duursma

FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, T.Powell

I/C: T.Pink, C.Lazzaro, E.Ford, W.Dawson, B.Scott

EMG: H.Greenwood, R.Hansen Jr, D.Stephens

Team Tips: This Saturday shapes as a very rare chance for the Kangaroos to win, and finally register some premiership points in 2024. Jy Simpkin looks set to return from a niggling quad injury in a small win for North Melbourne fans, while fingers are crossed for Colby McKercher and his potential return from a foot complaint – although the club have been oddly secretive on a timeline for his return. Zane Duursma and Jackson Archer were very quiet in the league side’s most recent match against Port Adelaide, and may make way for the likes of a Hugh Greenwood; or even mid-season draftee Brynn Teakle. Needless to say, selection this week at Arden Street is as important as it ever has been this season.

ST KILDA v GOLD COAST

Saturday June 8, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 12 side:

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

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

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

HF: D.Wilson, B.Hill, M.Owens

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

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, P.Dow

I/C: J.Higgins, M.Windhager, H.Clark, D.Butler, L.Henry

EMG: Z.Jones, B.Paton, T.Campbell

Team Tips: The Saints barely scraped over the line in the west last week, but nonetheless, it was a win. Saturday night still shapes as a big danger game though, and some hard calls may need to be made on the likes of Seb Ross, who had just the six touches last round against West Coast. Subsequently, the noise from Saints fans for Brad Crouch to return to the senior side is only getting louder, after he registered 31 disposals, 12 tackles, 11 clearances and a goal in the VFL. His three weeks without a recall is perplexing to say the least. Beyond Crouch in the VFL, Mattaes Philipou had 26 disposals and 13 tackles, although certainly needs to build consistency before making a return to the main side. Hugo Garcia looks to be the most ready player in the reserves to come into the side, perhaps in place of sub Dan Butler or Riley Bonner.

Gold Coast’s Round 12 side:

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

HB: S.Flanders, J.Jeffrey, A.Sexton

C: M.Rowell, T.Miller – C, S.Clohesy

HF: T.Berry, B.Humphrey, L.Johnston

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

FOLL: N. Moyle, N.Anderson, D.Swallow

I/C: N.Holman, B.Ainsworth, S.Day, W.Graham, B.Uwland
EMG: A. Davies, R. Atkins, S. Day

Team Tips: Can the Suns finally win away from home this season? The Saints are the perfect match up for them coming off their win over Essendon, and there won’t need to be too many team changes for the clash either. Jarrod Witts didn’t play due to a hamstring injury, but if fit for this weekend, history suggests that Ned Moyle will be dropped – despite his solid showing. Jed Walter was well held again on Sunday evening, but it’s expected coach Damien Hardwick will continue to persist with his development. In the reserves, Brandon Ellis kicked 2.1 from his 32 disposals and 11 marks, and could replace sub David Swallow if Hardwick sees fit. The Suns’ VFL only had four goal kickers, with Levi Casboult (4.2) and Sam Day (3.0) two of them.

SYDNEY v GEELONG

Sunday June 9, 3:20pm at the SCG

Sydney’s Round 11 side:

B: A.Francis, L.Melican, D.Rampe – C

HB: O.Florent, N.Blakey, H.Cunningham

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

HF: T.Adams, L.McDonald, H.McLean

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

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

I/C: M.Roberts, J.McInerney, J.Jordon, S.Wicks, B.Campbell

EMG: A.Sheldrick, C.Mitchell, J.Hamling

Team Tips: Fresh off their bye, the top of the table Swans should be as primed as ever to knock over a shaky-looking Geelong. Their side could be even stronger than before the bye too, with Tom McCartin hopeful of returning from a stint on the sidelines with concussion. Similarly, Robbie Fox could also put his hand up for selection with a shoulder injury nearly rectified. Sam Wicks is still in the midst of a quiet patch, and purely due to the strength of the club right now, may be pushed out. Should both Fox and McCartin return, Aaron Francis’ spot may also be in jeopardy. The Swans VFL had the bye over the weekend, but Angus Sheldrick and Caiden Cleary have been in eye-catching form of late in the reserves.

Geelong’s Round 12 side:

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

HB: T.Stewart – C, M.Holmes, Z.Guthrie

C: O.Dempsey, T.Bruhn, J.Bowes

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

F: J.Cameron, T.Hawkins, O.Henry

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

I/C: O.Mullin, G.Rohan, M.O’Connor, S.Neale, Z.Tuohy

EMG: B.Parfitt, C.O’Sullivan, S.Mannagh

Team Tips: The Cats look set to have a plethora of players become available for their crucial match this Sunday afternoon. Mark Blicavs and Jhye Clark should slot back into the fold after serving their respective suspensions, while captain Patrick Dangerfield may be injected back into the side should the Cats see him 100 per cent ready. Additionally, Cam Guthrie may also be called upon if he can show he has recovered fully from an Achilles complaint. Forward Ollie Henry could miss the match after being subbed out against Richmond with ‘hamstring awareness’. In the VFL, Ted Clohesy was again dominant; this time with 27 disposals, eight tackles and three goals. Brandon Parfitt registered 34 disposals and 12 clearances to go with his seven score involvements; also seemingly ready for a recall if required.

ESSENDON v CARLTON

Sunday June 9, 7:20pm at the MCG

Essendon’s Round 12 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, H.Jones, A.Perkins

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

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

I/C (FROM): E.Tsatas, N.Cox, N.Hind, N.Bryan, A.Davey Jnr, A.Roberts, J.Menzie

Team Tips: An impending (small) reality check for the Bombers has come, but now is the time to bounce back in a big way against a red-hot Carlton. Kyle Langford was subbed out with a hip injury, with his immediate fitness yet to be disclosed by the club. Ruck Todd Goldstein was also managed at the eleventh hour on Sunday, but indications are that he will replace Nick Bryan after his solid outing from a late call up. After finally recovering from a stint on the sidelines, Will Setterfield dominated for his two goals and 29 disposals against the Box Hill Hawks, in one of the few shining Bomber performances for the match. Mid-season draftee Saad El-Hawli impressed for his 25 disposals, but will probably want to find his feet first at his new club before moving up to the top level.

Carlton’s Round 12 side:

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, Z.Williams

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

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, E.Hollands

HF: L.Fogarty, H.McKay, M.Owies

F: G.Hewett, C.Curnow, M.Kennedy

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Walsh, A.Cincotta

I/C: L.Cowan, J.Carroll, B.Acres, J.Boyd, O.Fantasia

EMG: C.Durdin, C.Marchbank, Le.Young

Team Tips: There shouldn’t be much need for changes to the best 23 at Carlton this upcoming Sunday, with their win over Port Adelaide away solidifying their credentials as a genuine contender. The main selection debate will revolve around Marc Pittonet if fit, with Tom de Koning holding the reins well in his recent absences from the senior side. Other than that, Orazio Fantasia will be the only other talking point as his extremely quiet season continued against his old side the Power. Jack Carroll (32 disposals, seven inside 50’s) and Jaxon Binns (21 disposals, eight score involvements, one goal) were the best of the VFL players on Sunday in their two-goal loss to the Northern Bullants.

COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE

Monday June 10, 3:20pm at the MCG

Collingwood’s Round 12 side:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, C.Dean

HB: I.Quaynor, J.Noble, O.Markov

C: J.Bytel, A.Johnson, J.Daicos

HF: B.Hill, N.Daicos, J.Howe

F: B.McCreery, P.Lipinski, B.Frampton

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

I/C: F.Macrae, S.Sidebottom, L.Sullivan, H.Harrison, W.Parker

EMG: N.Kreuger, E.Allan, T.Jiath

Team Tips: The Pies were valiant despite their loss to the Bulldogs last Friday night, and thankfully got through the match without an injury. Ash Johnson, Finlay Macrae and Billy Frampton were all quiet, and may come under scrutiny at the selection table; however, the latter in Frampton is more likely to head back to defence instead of being omitted. It will be interesting to see if Category B rookie Wil Parker will hold his spot as substitute, with his full potential at the top level yet to be seen with his late injection across both career games. All of Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Reef McInnes and Tom Mitchell could return from injury for the King’s Birthday holiday clash, although Mitchell’s timeline is quite vague – meaning his addition would be an absolute best-case scenario. Last week’s emergency Nathan Kreuger kicked three goals in the VFL; one of just five AFL-listed players available to play in the reserves last Friday evening.

Melbourne’s Round 12 side:

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