AFL Round 17 Team Tips: Forgotten Bomber’s comeback looms; big call on Hawks skipper amid fresh Giants shock

HB: W.Hoskin-Elliott, J.Howe, J.Noble

C: S.Sidebottom, S.Pendlebury, J.Daicos

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

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

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, J.De Goey

I/C: I.Quaynor, N.Kreuger, J.Richards, L.Sullivan, H.Harrison

EMG: F.Macrae, T.Jiath, C.Dean

Team Tips: The injury woes continue for the Pies, with small forward Beau McCreery set to miss up to the next six weeks with a calf strain. Defender John Noble has been placed in concussion protocols after undergoing a late-game HIA, meaning he’ll miss against Essendon. Star pair Josh Daicos (corked calf) and Brayden Maynard (corked quad) will face fitness tests ahead of Friday night, per AFL.com.au’s Josh Gabelich. However, Lachie Schultz (illness) seems a likely chance at return. Jamie Elliott (vascular), Tom Mitchell (foot) and Mason Cox (knee) remain at least a couple of weeks away. The recently omitted Fin Macrae, Tew Jiath and Charlie Dean were Collingwood’s emergencies in Carrara and will put their hands up for recalls this week. Reef McInnes kicked two goals from 14 disposals and laid nine tackles in the VFL, while Jack Bytel (31 disposals) was the major ball-winner and Macrae recorded 26 possessions and a major against the Dons’ reserves.

Essendon’s Round 16 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, H.Jones, N.Hind

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

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

I/C: S.Draper, J.Gresham, N.Cox, D.Heppell, J.Menzie

EMG: B.Hobbs, N.Caddy, A. Davey Jnr

Team Tips: The Bombers came back down to earth following a hefty defeat to Geelong in Round 16, with defender Jake Kelly (illness) missing last Saturday’s loss but shaping as a decent chance of returning. Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel is poised to revive his stalled career against Collingwood on Friday night after mounting an irresistible case for selection in the VFL. “I thought he looked like the Dylan Shiel we all know and love on the weekend in the VFL, I thought it was his best performance for the year,” Scott said. Elsewhere, Ben Hobbs didn’t play at reserves level at the weekend after being held over as an emergency, shaping as an inclusion candidate. The same goes for first-year forward Nate Caddy, who was on the emergency list after being dropped, while Alwyn Davey Jnr was also a just-in-case option. Elijah Tsatas, who has managed just seven senior games this year, notched a game-high 38 disposals and 11 clearances in the VFL, while Will Setterfield (26 possessions, six tackles) was also impactful against the VFL Magpies.

NORTH MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST

Saturday July 6, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

North Melbourne’s Round 16 side

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

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

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

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

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

FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Shiels, J.Simpkin

I/C: C.Taylor, D.Stephens, Z.Fisher, W.Phillips, K.Dawson

EMG: R.Hardeman, T.Sellers, R.Hansen Jr

Team Tips: Surely Colby McKercher returns this week for the Roos, after a dominant 26-disposal display which included two goals in the VFL. Charlie Lazzaro had 25 touches and ten tackles to put his name in the frame for a recall. Dylan Stephens was the sub against the Dogs and is probably first on the chopping block. Defender Zac Fisher was subbed out of the contest against the Dogs with a “midfoot sprain” and will be assessed later in the week to determine his availability for the Suns game. If he doesn’t get up, Riley Hardeman would be a like-for-like inclusion. Key defender Griffin Logue has had a fortnight of action in the VFL and will also press his case for senior selection during Thursday’s main training.

Gold Coast’s Round 16 side

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

HB: S.Flanders, W.Powell, B.Uwland

C: W.Graham, T.Miller – C, S.Clohesy

HF: D.Swallow, S.Day, T.Berry

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

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

I/C: N.Holman, A.Sexton, B.Ainsworth, B.Humphrey, J.Jeffrey

EMG: B.Fiorini, S.Lemmens, D.Macpherson

Team Tips: Recently re-signed young ruck Ned Moyle absolutely stuffed the stat sheet against the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL, racking up 21 disposals, two goals and a whopping 70 hitouts. He’s likely to replace co-captain Jarrod Witts who will miss this week with a fractured vertebrae before a clearer return to play timeline is established the following week. Rory Atkins (30 disposals) and Brayden Fiorini (19 touches and 11 tackles) were also strong state league performers but expect Damien Hardwick to go in relatively unchanged after a superb win against the Pies.

PORT ADELAIDE v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday July 6, 1:45pm at Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s Round 16 side

B: K.Farrell, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman

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

C: T.Boak, C.Rozee – C, W.Drew

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

F: Z.Butters, O.Lord, M.Georgiades

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, J.Mead

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

EMG: J. McEntee, D. Williams, D. Visentini

Team Tips: The Power scraped over the line against St Kilda on Sunday, with spots still certainly up for grabs. Small forward Willie Rioli is available after struggling with illness, while Lachie Jones (knee) and Jase Burgoyne (hamstring) are both tests this week. Forwards Ollie Lord and Todd Marshall were quiet, with the latter subbed out in the third quarter. But you would think the Power stick with their tall brigade moving forward, with Lord’s development critical. Second-gamer Logan Evans showed glimpses of promise, but would be the first to make way with the potential return of Jase Burgoyne from his hamstring injury. In the SANFL, Francis Evans (15 disposals, eight tackles, two goals) and Dante Visentini (20 disposals, 44 hitouts, one goal) were named in the best; as was dropped pressure forward Jed McEntee who registered 17 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances. Visentini and McEntee were both named emergencies for the Saints match, indicating they aren’t far off a recall.

Western Bulldogs’ Round 16 side

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

HB: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale

C: H.Gallagher, A.Treloar, R.Sanders

HF: C.Weightman, A.Naughton, J.Macrae

F: J.Ugle-Hagan, M.Bontempelli – C, R.West

FOLL: T.English, E.Richards, T.Liberatore

I/C: O.Baker, S.Darcy, J.Freijah, R.Lobb, L.Vandermeer

EMG: C.Daniel, B.Khamis, A.Scott

Team Tips: The Dogs ticked a box on Saturday against North, with no obvious need for an influx of changes. Sub Oskar Baker was very impressive once injected into the game, with perhaps the likes of Harvey Gallagher or James O’Donnell at risking of donning the green vest. James Harmes and Nick Coffield look to have come back from injury successfully in the VFL, while Riley Garcia put in another strong performance for his 25 disposals and seven clearances. Dropped All-Australian Caleb Daniel kicked 2.1 from his 22 disposals and eight tackles, casting a level of intrigue again at the selection table heading into this Saturday’s match.

GEELONG v HAWTHORN

Saturday July 6, 4:45pm at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong’s Round 16 side

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

HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: Z.Tuohy, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

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

F: T.Stengle, S.Neale, G.Rohan

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

I/C: J.Bowes, J.Clark, M.Duncan, M.Knevitt, M.O’Connor

EMG: R.Stanley, B.Parfitt, C.O’Sullivan

Team Tips: Forward Ollie Henry will return for the Cats this week after missing the win against Essendon. The Cats will be hoping veteran Cam Guthrie is available for selection after dealing with a lingering Achilles injury, while mature-age recruit Shaun Mannagh was electric in the VFL, booting six goals from 21 touches. Jhye Clark is one name who could come under selection heat, with players such as Brandan Parfitt in the reserves as well.

Hawthorn’s Round 16 side

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

HB: K.Amon, J.Sicily – C, W.Day

C: H.Morrison, J.Worpel, D.Moore

HF: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Gunston, C.Dear

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

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

I/C: J.Weddle, C.Nash, C.Mackenzie, C.Macdonald, N. Watson

EMG: J. Ward, F. Maginness, J. Serong

Team Tips: The Hawks are the hottest team in footy, having claimed seven of their past eight, and it’s unlikely they’ll tinker too much with a winning formula. The major question mark this week surrounds the fitness of captain James Sicily, who suffered another shoulder injury in the win over West Coast. He has avoided serious injury and will be a test for this week’s clash against Geelong. Mitch Lewis has now played two games at VFL level and is nearing a return to AFL level. Young gun Calsher Dear was subbed out with minimal impact and could be a straight swap for Lewis. Luke Breust should also be available, while if Sicily doesn’t get up, expect Jai Serong, who was an emergency last week, to be among the names considered for a recall.

GWS GIANTS v CARLTON

Saturday July 6, 7:30pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS’ Round 16 side

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

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

C: H.Perryman, T.Green, F.Callaghan

HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, C.Brown

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, T.Bedford

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

I/C: C.Ward, T.McMullin, H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski, I.Cumming

EMG: R.Angwin, X.O’Halloran, J.Peatling

Team Tips: The Giants are horribly out of touch at the moment, so expect coach Adam Kingsley to start making some difficult selection calls. The Giants will be without vice-captain Josh Kelly for the next four to five weeks after the star midfielder suffered yet another calf injury. It’s the opposite calf that kept him sidelined for four weeks from rounds 10-13. Meanwhile, gun defender Sam Taylor is still a month away after rupturing his testicle a number of weeks ago against Port Adelaide. On a more positive note, young forward Aaron Cadman responded to his omission with a bag of five in the VFL, while James Peatling (34 disposals) and Xavier O’Halloran (26 disposals, 14 tackles) were as busy as ever at state league level. Irishman Callum Brown has just two goals in his four games since returning from suspension and Max Gruzewski struggled to impact against the Crows before being subbed out. Toby McMullin has been the sub three out of the last four weeks so could return to state league level for more minutes and Harvey Thomas might also need a rest after a big first season. Veteran defender Nick Haynes is also a test for this week as he overcomes a hamstring injury.

Carlton’s Round 16 side

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

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

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: L.Fogarty, H.McKay, Z.Williams

F: E.Hollands, C.Curnow, M.Owies

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

I/C: B.Kemp, M.Kennedy, A.Cincotta, O.Fantasia, G.Hewett

EMG: C.Marchbank, J.Motlop, M.Pittonet

Team Tips: The Blues well and truly took care of business against the Tigers but the versatile Matthew Kennedy is a test for this week after suffering a minor MCL injury. Ruck Tom De Koning will come straight back in, but mystery still remains as to whether the Blues roll with both De Koning and Marc Pittonet or not. Young midfielders Jack Carroll (27 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (26 disposals) were strong performers in the VFL and are in line to replace Kennedy.

FREMANTLE v RICHMOND

Saturday July 6, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Fremantle’s Round 16 side:

B: H.Chapman, J.Draper, H.Davies

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

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

HF: S.Sturt, L.Jackson, M.Frederick

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

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

I/C: B.Banfield, M.Johnson, J.O’Meara, J.Aish, B.Walker

EMG: N.Erasmus, P.Voss, E.Hughes

Team Tips: The Dockers claimed a tremendous win over the ladder-leading Sydney Swans last Saturday, going into a home return against a lowly Richmond with plenty of confidence. Despite the absence of Alex Pearce (arm), Fremantle’s defence stood tall against Sydney’s late barrage and emerged unscathed from an injury perspective. Brennan Cox is likely to put his hand up for AFL selection after coming back from a serious hamstring injury via the WAFL. Teammate Andy Brayshaw said on Monday that Cox “ticked a lot of boxes” in his 18-disposal, eight-mark outing and is a “potential” inclusion this week. Michael Walters (hamstring) could put his hand up at selection but is probably still a week away from contention. There isn’t much scope for unforced change at the Dockers this week, but Hugh Davies’ spot could be in some danger if Cox is ready for a call-up.

Richmond’s Round 16 side

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

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

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

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

F: S.Bolton, D.Martin, J.Koschitzke

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

I/C: T.Sonsie, K.McAuliffe, J.Short, S.Banks, J. Blight

EMG: T. Dow, K. Smith, N. Cumberland

Team Tips: The big selection question at Tigerland is whether or not Dustin Martin travels to Perth to play the Dockers. Martin was subbed out of last Sunday’s loss to Carlton with back soreness and is no certainty to make the cross-country trip — in fact, he’s more unlikely than likely. Tom Lynch (hamstring) will likely miss another week before attempting a return, while Dion Prestia (calf) and Samson Ryan (ankle) could put their hands up this week, depending on their fitness levels. Steely Green booted a game-high five goals in Richmond’s reserves win over the Blues, while mid-season draftee Campbell Gray slotted four of his own, and dropped midfielder Thomson Dow collected 26 disposals and eight clearances. Seth Campbell (five disposals) had his quietest game of the year against the Blues and seems likely to lose his spot to Green, who is of Western Australian origin and is deserving of a call-up.

MELBOURNE v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday July 7, 1:10pm at the MCG

Melbourne’s Round 16 side

B: J.Lever, S.May, J.McVee

HB: A.Moniz-Wakefield, A.Tomlinson, T.Rivers

C: A.Neal-Bullen, C.Windsor, K.Tholstrup

HF: K.Chandler, H.Petty, E.Langdon

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

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, C.Oliver

I/C: T.McDonald, T.Sparrow, D.Turner, T.Woewodin, K.Brown

EMG: B.Laurie, M.Jefferson

Team Tips: The Dees will giving defenders Christian Salem and Jake Bowey “every opportunity” to be available for the clash against the Eagles after dealing with minor injury concerns last week. A couple of stars had light sessions on the track during Monday’s Open Training session, including Jake Lever and Jack Viney, with the club taking a no risk policy there. Meanwhile, forward Harrison Petty ran laps in what was a very light session as he deals with an ankle concern. Forgotten man Jake Melksham could make his return from an ACL injury via the VFL as early as this week. Kynan Brown and Taj Woewodin are two guys who might make way if Salem and Bowey are both fit.

West Coast’s Round 16 side

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

HB: L.Duggan – C, J.McGovern, B.Hough

C: C.Chesser, T.Kelly, R.Ginbey

HF: T.Brockman, J.Waterman, J.Cripps

F: L.Ryan, O.Allen, J.Darling

FOLL: M.Flynn, E.Yeo, H.Reid

I/C: A.Gaff, J.Hunt, A.Witherden, J.Jones, B.Williams, R. Maric

EMG: A. Gaff, H. Edwards, J. Hutchinson

Team Tips: The Eagles had a day to forget against the Hawks and there’s every chance Adam Simpson makes a statement at selection because of that. Veteran Andrew Gaff had 31 touches and a goal in the WAFL, while Zane Trew found plenty of the footy with 33 disposals himself. Ruck Matthew Flynn looks set to spend some time on the sidelines, which could pave the way for Jack Williams (four goals in WAFL) to return if they continue to play ‘tall’. No name is safe from the axe after a dismal display.

ST KILDA v SYDNEY SWANS

Sunday July 7, 3:20pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 16 side:

B: J.Battle, C.Wilkie, A.Schoenmaker

HB: R.Bonner, N.Wanganeen-Milera, 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, H.Clark

I/C: S.Ross, P.Dow, D.Wilson, C.Sharman, J. Webster

EMG: Z. Jones, R. Byrnes, T. Campbell

Team Tips: Is this the week the Saints bring back Mattaes Phillipou? The prized youngster racked up 29 disposals, eight tackles and two goals for Sandringham in the VFL. Zak Jones (27 disposals) and Liam Stocker (24 disposals) were also strong contributors and could be called upon if Ross Lyon opts to change things up. Seb Ross was a late out for Tom Campbell (tactical) and hence would be right in the mix for a recall as well. Brad Hill exited the game early against the Power with a hip worry, while Paddy Dow and Cooper Sharman (starting sub) were quiet. Dougal Howard will test this week as he overcomes a hamstring concern.

Sydney’s Round 16 side

B: D.Rampe – C, T.McCartin, L.Melican

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

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

HF: H.McLean, 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, J.Jordon, C.Cleary

EMG: R.Fox, L.McAndrew, A.Francis

Team Tips: The Swans had their ten-match winning streak broken in round 16 against the Dockers, which makes for some intriguing selection dilemmas for John Longmire. Harry Cunningham was subbed out with a hamstring injury, which could open the door for youngster Matt Roberts to return to the lineup after his 21-disposal effort in the VFL. Caiden Cleary didn’t get much opportunity as the sub so could also face some selection heat.

BRISBANE LIONS v ADELAIDE CROWS

Sunday July 7, 4:10pm at the Gabba

Brisbane’s Round 16 side

B: D.Zorko, D.Joyce, R.Lester

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

C: J.Fletcher, 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, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey, B.Reville, D.Wilmot

EMG: D.Robertson, D.Fort, S.Brain

Team Tips: After clutching a win from the jaws of defeat against the Demons last Friday night, the Lions will only keep building heading into the back end of the home-and-away season. Logan Morris’ one-disposal game saw him subbed out in the third quarter, although the young forward has been impressive since his surprise debut. His in-game replacement Jaspa Fletcher looked lively, missing two shots on goal and keeping opponents on their toes. With no injuries coming off the list, any changes will look to be made on the back of strong form in the VFL. Mid-season draftee Luke Beecken racked up 29 disposals and 13 marks against Coburg, while James Tunstill had 27 touches and nine clearances to accompany his two goals.

Adelaide’s Round 16 side

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

HB: M.Michalanney, M.Keane, L.Nankervis

C: B.Dowling, J.Dawson – C, L.Sholl

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

F: I.Rankine, T.Walker, B.Keays

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, S.Berry

I/C: J.Soligo, W.Hamill, L.Murphy, E.Himmelberg, Z.Taylor

EMG: L.Gollant, J.Borlase

Team Tips: Chayce Jones was a late out with a back complaint last week so you’d imagine he’s right in the mix for a recall if required by coach Matthew Nicks. Veteran Brodie Smith had a nice outing in the SANFL, amassing 26 disposals, while Lachlan Gollant (four goals), Chris Burgess (three) and forgotten Crow Riley Thilthorpe (three) all hit the scoreboard. Debutant Zac Taylor was Jones’ replacement, while Elliot Himmelberg, Brayden Cook and Lachie Murphy were quiet. The Crows looked the best they had for a long time though, so it’s likely that Nicks backs in a similar 23 to the one that got the job done against the Giants in round 16.