AFL 2024: Round 16 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, returns, latest team news

Richmond and Geelong need to compensate for the losses of power forwards, while Fremantle’s captain is doubtful for his club’s Round 16 clash with the ladder leaders.

Elsewhere, a pair of star West Coast midfielders are poised for returns to Adam Simpson’s lineup.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 16 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 16 FIXTURE AND TEAM TIPS (all times AEST)

BRISBANE LIONS v MELBOURNE

Friday June 28, 7.40pm at The Gabba

Lions’ Round 15 side:

B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester

HB: C.McKenna, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich

C: B.Reville, C.Rayner, J.Berry

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

F: C.Ah Chee, J.Daniher, L.Morris

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, J.Fletcher, Z.Bailey, S.Brain, D.Wilmot

EMG: J.Lyons, D.Fort, D.Joyce

Team Tips: Brisbane enters Friday night’s meeting with Melbourne with tremendous momentum as it continues its resurgence in a push for a finals spot. Kai Lohmann (corked quad) exited Saturday’s win at three-quarter-time and will be monitored throughout the week. Will Ashcroft could return from his ACL layoff as early as this Friday night, otherwise he’ll be eased in through the VFL. Deven Robertson (33 disposals) was the Lions’ major ball-winner at reserves level at the weekend, while Brandon Ryan booted four goals against Frankston, with the pair pushing for senior recalls.

Demons’ Round 15 side:

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

HB: C.Salem, A.Tomlinson, J.McVee

C: A.Neal-Bullen, C.Oliver, C.Windsor

HF: K.Chandler, H.Petty, J.van Rooyen

F: K.Pickett, B.Fritsch, E.Langdon

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, T.Sparrow

I/C: J.Bowey, T.McDonald, K.Tholstrup, K.Brown, D.Turner

EMG: B.Laurie, T.Fullarton, T.Woewodin

Team Tips: Melbourne escaped with a three-point win against the Kangaroos last Saturday, and seemingly emerged unscathed injury-wise. However, after basically collapsing in the final term against the Roos, unforced change is likely coming ahead of a daunting task in Brisbane. Jake Lever (knee) will give himself every chance to return against the Lions, with his club in need of a defensive boost. Lachie Hunter (calf) and Marty Hore (calf) are also nearing returns. As for Harrison Petty, just two goals in six games as a key forward continues to leave him on a knife’s edge in the senior side. In the VFL, Jack Billings recorded 22 disposals following his omission, while untried 20-year-old Matthew Jefferson (four goals) top-scored for Casey against North Melbourne.

NORTH MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday June 29, 1.45pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 15 side:

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

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

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

HF: T.Powell, B.Teakle, E.Ford

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

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

I/C: C.Taylor, D.Tucker, L.Shiels, Z.Fisher, W.Phillips

EMG: Z.Duursma, R.Hardeman, C.Harvey

Team Tips: Despite a second consecutive gallant loss, the Kangaroos appear on a genuine upward trajectory and emerged unscathed injury-wise from last Saturday night’s three-point defeat. Promisingly, both Colby McKercher (foot) and Griffin Logue (knee) returned to the field via the VFL last weekend — the first-year Tasmanian notched 31 disposals and eight marks, while Logue had 14 possessions and took seven marks — with promotions to the senior side seemingly imminent, pending any setbacks. Charlie Lazzaro also had 31 disposals, while Jaidyn Stephenson collected 25 of his own after being dropped. Robert Hansen Jr. kicked a team-high four goals against Casey.

Bulldogs’ Round 14 side:

B: L.Bramble, L.Jones, B.Khamis

HB: T.Duryea, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale

C: E.Richards, A.Treloar, B.Williams

HF: C.Weightman, R.Lobb, J.Macrae

F: L.Vandermeer, J.Ugle-Hagan, R.West

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

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

EMG: O.Baker, J.Busslinger, L.McNeil

Team Tips: The Bulldogs are coming off their bye prepared to make a finals charge as a wide-open race beckons. Sam Darcy is expected to return from suspension, while Aaron Naughton (knee) is a fitness test away from also returning, as is James Harmes (hamstring). The expected return of the former two players could leave Rory Lobb’s place in the side in jeopardy, despite his huge game against Fremantle in Round 14. Nick Coffield (shoulder) is a chance to resume his maiden Dogs campaign via the VFL. Jason Johannisen (hamstring) remains a couple of weeks away from being in the selection frame. As with the seniors, the Bulldogs’ reserves had a bye in the VFL. Midfielder-forward Riley Garcia was unlucky to be dropped heading into the bye, and will no doubt be around the mark this weekend if another unforced change is looked upon favourably.

SYDNEY SWANS v FREMANTLE

Saturday June 29, 1.45pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 15 side

B: D.Rampe – C, T.McCartin, L.Melican

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

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

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

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

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

I/C: J.Lloyd, B.Campbell, S.Wicks, H.McLean, C.Cleary

EMG: M.Roberts, C.Mitchell, P.Ladhams

Team Tips: This Swans train just keeps on rolling. Sydney toppled cross-town rivals GWS last Saturday to earn its 10th-straight victory, and it seemingly didn’t pick up any injury concerns along the way. Captain Callum Mills (shoulder/calf) continues to edge closer to a much-anticipated return to play, having resumed full training last week. Matt Roberts, omitted last week, had 24 disposals, four clearances and five inside-50s in Sydney’s VFL loss to the Giants, while Corey Warner booted three goals to go along with 25 possessions.

Dockers’ Round 15 side

B: H.Chapman, A.Pearce – C, H.Davies

HB: C. Wagner, L.Ryan, J.Clark

C: J.Sharp, N.Fyfe, H. Young

HF: B.Banfield, L. Jackson, M.Frederick

F: J.Treacy, J.Amiss, S.Switkowski

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

I/C: J. Aish, M. Johnson, J.O’Meara, S. Sturt, K.Worner

EMG: N. Erasmus, T. Emmett, P. Voss

Team Tips: After a debacle against the Bulldogs, the Dockers got back to winning ways against Gold Coast last Sunday, but it did come at an injury cost. Skipper Alex Pearce hurt his left forearm after landing awkwardly at the end of the third quarter, subsequently subbed out of the game and under a considerable cloud ahead of Saturday afternoon’s crunch clash against Sydney at the SCG. Per Seven’s Ryan Daniels, Pearce underwent scans on his forearm on Monday and is subsequently ‘doubtful’ to play against the Swans. Brennan Cox (hamstring) returned on the weekend in the WAFL and will be pressing his case for an imminent senior recall, though Justin Longmuir won’t rush him back. In the same game, pressure forward Tom Emmett laid 10 tackles and racked up 18 disposals with a goal to push his case beyond the role of emergency in the senior side.

GOLD COAST SUNS v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday June 29, 4.35pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 15 side

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

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

C: B.Ainsworth, T.Miller, S.Clohesy

HF: T.Berry, J.Rogers, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, S.Day, J.Lukosius

FOLL: J.Witts – C, N.Anderson, M.Rowell

I/C: D.Swallow, W.Graham, A.Sexton, C.Ballard, B.Ellis

EMG: A.Davies, H.Oea, L. Johnston

Team Tips: Another away loss for the Suns in 2024 — they’re now 0-6, for those keeping track — this time at the hands of the Dockers. However, they exited Optus Stadium without any notable injury concerns. Ben King (knee) missed the Fremantle game with the initially-feared-serious knee injury he recently suffered at training, but he appears destined to be in the selection frame this week, pending a fitness test. Brayden Fiorini and Rory Atkins each recorded 33 disposals for the Suns’ reserves, while four-gamer Ethan Read kicked five goals and Jed Walter snagged two majors from six scoring shots as the young pair press their case for selection.

Magpies’ Round 14 side:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, C.Dean

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

C: W.Hoskin-Elliott, F.Macrae, J.Daicos

HF: B.Hill, L.Schultz, N.Kreuger

F: B.McCreery, P.Lipinski, J.Howe

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, N.Daicos

I/C: T.Jiath, B.Frampton, L.Sullivan, H.Harrison, O.Markov

EMG: E.Allan, R.McInnes, J.Bytel

Team Tips: The Magpies are fresh off their second bye round of the season, primed to cement their top-four seeding in the back end of the year. Club stalwart Scott Pendlebury (bicep) is available for selection against the Suns, as is forward Brody Mihocek (hamstring) and Oleg Markov (back). Star midfielder Jordan De Goey (groin) will push to play this Saturday, pending a return to contact training this week, while Joe Richards (foot) will also be assessed throughout the week but seems a week away still. Fin Macrae and Tew Jiath seem most in danger of falling out for Pendlebury and Markov, while a decision will likely need to be made on one of Nathan Kreuger or Billy Frampton with Mihocek back in the fray.

ADELAIDE CROWS v GWS GIANTS

Saturday June 29, 7.30pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 14 side:

B: N.Murray, J.Butts, M.Hinge

HB: J.Borlase, M.Keane, W.Hamill

C: C.Jones, J.Soligo, L.Sholl

HF: B.Keays, D.Fogarty, J.Rachele

F: B.Dowling, L.Murphy, I.Rankine

FOLL: K.Strachan, R.Laird, J.Dawson – C

I/C: S.Berry, M.Michalanney, L.Nankervis, H.Schoenberg, B.Cook

EMG: B.Smith, C.Burgess, R.O’Brien

Team Tips: The Crows are coming off their bye, looking for consolation wins in the back end of the season. Veteran forward Taylor Walker (back) is likely to return this Saturday night, while burgeoning key goalkicker Riley Thilthorpe (knee) is edging closer to a return to play. Brodie Smith injured his knee in the SANFL over a week ago and is a test to be available. It will be interesting to see whether Matthew Nicks sticks with mature-age ruck Kieran Strachan over teammate Reilly O’Brien, as the latter continues to fight for his spot back in the side after his omission nearly three weeks ago.

Giants’ Round 15 side:

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

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash

C: R.Angwin, T.Green, X.O’Halloran

HF: B.Daniels, M.Gruzewski, T.Bedford

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, H.Thomas

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

I/C: J.Peatling, C.Ward, C.Brown, J.Riccardi, T.McMullin

EMG: H.Rowston, J.Wehr, L.Keeffe

Team Tips: The Giants didn’t come away from last Saturday’s loss to the Swans with any immediate injury issues. Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) hasn’t played since Round 11 and should be in the selection frame this Thursday. Sam Taylor (testicle) doesn’t currently have a timeline for return. Harry Perryman (hamstring) will face fitness tests ahead of this Saturday night, while Darcy Jones kicked a wayward 2.5 in the reserves in his return from the same injury. First-year player Joe Fonti had 23 disposals and a goal in the same game.

GEELONG v ESSENDON

Saturday June 29, 7.30pm at the MCG

Cats’ Round 15 side:

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

HB: M.Duncan, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: Z.Tuohy, M.Holmes, M.O’Connor

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

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

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

I/C: O.Dempsey, G.Rohan, O.Mullin, J.Clark, J.Bowes

EMG: R.Stanley, M.Hardie, L.Humphries

Team Tips: The Cats suffered another disenchanting loss at the weekend, and it was worsened by the fact that two of their stars could be unavailable for Round 16. Geelong will challenge Patrick Dangerfield’s one-match suspension for dangerously tackling Sam Walsh at the Tribunal on Tuesday night, while Tom Hawkins (foot) suffered an inauspicious ailment in the waning stages of Friday night’s loss to the Blues and is under a cloud as Chris Scott prepares to go up against his brother’s Bombers this Saturday night. The Cats will officially provide an update on Hawkins’ condition on Tuesday, with the club consulting experts on whether surgery is needed for the 35-year-old. 21-year-old key-position forward Shannon Neale kicked 3.3 from 18 disposals for Geelong’s VFL side at the weekend, while Mitch Knevitt collected a team-high 24 disposals against Port Melbourne. Meantime, Cam Guthrie (Achilles) remains at least a week away from a return.

Bombers’ Round 15 side:

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

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

C: X.Duursma, S.Durham, A.Perkins

HF: M.Guelfi, J.Gresham, H.Jones

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

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

I/C: N. Caddy, N.Cox, N.Hind, D.Heppell, J.Menzie

EMG: W.Setterfield, J. Gresham

Team Tips: The Bombers didn’t come away from Sunday’s win over the Eagles with any injury concerns. They did, however, make a late change before the Eagles game, excluding Todd Goldstein (managed) in favour of Nate Caddy. Caddy went on to boot his first pair of AFL goals to go along with 11 disposals and two marks, however is likely still vulnerable at the selection table. In the reserves against Gold Coast, forgotten onballer Dylan Shiel had 26 disposals and a goal, while Will Setterfield collected 23 touches and nine tackles after being omitted for the West Coast game.

ST KILDA v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday June 30, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 14 side:

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

HB: A.Schoenmaker, R.Bonner, J.Sinclair

C: B.Hill, M.Windhager, M.Wood

HF: D.Butler, L.Henry, M.Owens

F: J.Higgins, M.King, A.Caminiti

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, P.Dow

I/C: Z.Jones, S.Ross, H.Clark, D.Wilson, C.Sharman

EMG: R.Byrnes, B.Paton, T.Campbell

Team Tips: Coming off their bye week, the Saints prepare to host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon. On an injury front, Paddy Dow (ankle) is a test to play, as are Liam Stocker (abdomen) and Jimmy Webster (calf). The latter is the most likely of the trio to come straight back into the side; perhaps making Riley Bonner vulnerable at the selection table, given Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is expected to return from a small break away from the game.

Power’s Round 15 side:

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

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

C: J.Burgoyne, C.Rozee – C, W.Drew

HF: J.McEntee, T.Marshall, M.Bergman

F: D. Byrne-Jones, O.Lord, M.Georgiades

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

I/C: O.Wines, J.Sinn, J.Mead, J.Finlayson, Q. Narkle

EMG: D. Visentini, F.Evans

Team Tips: It’s a big week for the under-pressure Power, with a simply must-win clash against the struggling Saints upcoming. Willie Rioli (calf) was a late out before the Lions game and is no certainty to line up against the Saints. Jordon Sweet suffered a head injury after Port had already made its tactical sub last Saturday, which if serious enough could see the return of Ivan Soldo. It was recruit Brandon Zerk-Thatcher that was subbed out at half time last Saturday, who hasn’t had the desired impact this season he may have hoped. Veteran Travis Boak should return, however, after being withdrawn from the side due to illness. Uncapped midfielder Will Lorenz has been floating around the emergency list this season, and after two goals and 21 disposals on the weekend, may be a sneaky chance to play this Sunday.