Dusty headlines return of AFL superstars; Crows to swing axe, Dogs blow: Team Tips

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

HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich

C: J.Fletcher, C.Rayner, J.Berry

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

F: K.Lohmann, J.Daniher, Z.Bailey

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

I/C: C.Ah Chee, L.Morris, C.McKenna, B.Reville, N.Answerth

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

Team Tips: There weren’t many changes that needed to be made to Brisbane’s 23 from last Friday night against the Bulldogs with a performance that could catapult them into form for the second half of 2024. With no players coming back from injury, only the inclusion of ultra-strong performances in the VFL look set to change Chris Fagan’s now-settled side. Jarryd Lyons was enormous in Brisbane’s reserves win over the Bulldogs on Friday evening, amassing 32 disposals, 10 inside 50’s, nine clearances and three goals in a nuclear performance. Young ruck Henry Smith (3.2) and recruit Brandon Ryan (3.1) were also busy around goals, while defender Jaxon Prior was great off half-back for his 28 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and 10 marks. Mid-season recruit Luke Beecken was solid in his debut for his new side, collecting 22 disposals, five inside 50’s and three contested marks.

St Kilda’s Round 13 side:
B: J.Battle, D.Howard, C.Wilkie

HB: J.Webster, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair

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

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

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

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, P.Dow

I/C: S.Ross, H.Clark, D.Butler, T.Membrey, R.Bonner

EMG: B.Crouch, A.Schoenmaker, T.Campbell

Team Tips: They may have won last Saturday, but there’s still need for plenty of changes at the Saints. Dougal Howard will certainly miss the clash with a hamstring injury, while sub Seb Ross was still awfully quiet despite being injected into the game during the first quarter. Defender Zaine Cordy looks the most logical replacement for Howard down back, who successfully got through the VFL on the weekend after a niggling knee issue. Forgotten ruck Tom Campbell was best afield for Sandringham in the reserves, accumulating 29 disposals, 31 hitouts, 12 clearances and most oddly – seven free kicks. He absolutely becomes an option this Friday night, with the Saints coming off a six-day break and Rowan Marshall looking sore at times against the Suns. As far as Ross’ replacement goes, Brad Crouch continues to be the overwhelmingly obvious solution, playing his fourth straight game in the VFL for 27 or more disposals – with far more impact than just a stacked stat sheet. Hugo Garcia kicked another three goals in the match, and when paired with his 15 disposals and 11 score involvements, looks a great option for some energy in the side.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE

Saturday June 15, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

Western Bulldogs’ Round 13 side:
B: L.Bramble, L.Jones, A.Keath

HB: T.Duryea, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale

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

HF: R.Garcia, R.Lobb, J.Macrae

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

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

I/C: J.Freijah, H.Gallagher, B.Khamis, L.McNeil, R.Sanders

EMG: L.Cleary, O.Baker, C.Poulter

Team Tips: The injury front at the Dogs could well have caught up with them last Friday night against the Lions, and the dominoes continue to fall at Whitten Oval. As per Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary, Alex Keath’s hamstring is worse than most – with the key defender expected to miss north of six weeks after his wound in the dying stages last weekend. Despite hurting his ankle also in the match, Rory Lobb is expected to be okay and again prove he can be a massive asset to the Dogs’ forward line. Running gun Ed Richards should return from a stint on the sidelines with concussion, while Anthony Scott could also return to the senior side after his VFL return from a head knock with 30 disposals and a goal. Untried defender Jedd Busslinger had a timely 27 disposals, a whopping 14 intercept possessions and 10 marks in the Friday evening clash, and looks primed for a debut with Keath’s injury. Fringe winger Oskar Baker had 28 disposals and a goal to remind coach Luke Beveridge he is still up for another crack at AFL level before the bye.

Fremantle’s Round 12 side:

B: H.Chapman, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper

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

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

HF: J.O’Meara, S.Switkowski, M.Frederick

F: J.Treacy, J.Amiss, L.Jackson

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

I/C: M.Walters, B.Walker, B.Banfield, S. Sturt, C.Wagner

EMG: T.Emmett, M.Johnson, N.Erasmus

Team Tips: Fresh off their Round 13 bye, the Dockers have had plenty of time to soak up their 92-point trouncing of Melbourne in Alice Springs. Key defender Brennan Cox is fully fit from a long-term hamstring injury, but is expected to return via the WAFL given his long period off. With Cox’s returning impending, the heat may be on the likes of Josh Draper and Brandon Walker to retain their place in the side, despite having very serviceable seasons so far. Tom Emmett is probably the most likely to receive a recall from the list of emergencies in Round 12, however all of him, Matt Johnson and Neil Erasmus have been in solid form across both the seniors and reserves.

RICHMOND v HAWTHORN

Saturday June 15, 4:35pm at MCG

Richmond’s Round 13 side:

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

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

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

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

FF: S. Bolton, S. Ryan, N. Cumberland

FOLL: T. Nankervis, T. Taranto, D. Prestia

I/C: T. Sonsie, J. Koschitzke, K. McAuliffe, T. Dow, J. Short

EMG: J. Blight, S. Banks, K. Smith

Team Tips: In a shock to no one, the return of Dustin Martin for his 300th game this weekend is the headline act of the clash between the Tigers and Hawks. Who he comes in for remains less clear, after solid effort all-round from the yellow and black for an away win in Adelaide. Jacob Koschitzke, Hugo Ralphsmith and Samson Ryan were the quietest of a good bunch, and each could be under the pump – especially with the expected inclusion of Tom Lynch back from a hamstring injury. History at the selection table suggests Koschitzke is the most likely of the trio to make way for Lynch. Dion Prestia was off the ground late last Thursday with a tight calf, but there is yet to be an indication he will miss the match just yet. Despite not much to pick from in the reserves, Sam Banks put his hand up to be included for the big game with a massive 37 disposals, 10 inside 50’s and goal in their side’s 49-point win over Port Melbourne.

Hawthorn’s Round 13 side:

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

HB: K.Amon, J.Sicily – C, J.Scrimshaw

C: W.Day, D.Moore, J.Weddle

HF: C.Mackenzie, J.Gunston, C.Macdonald

F: J.Ginnivan, L.Breust, B.Hardwick

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel

I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Jiath, C.Nash, C.Dear, M.Chol

EMG: N.Watson, M.Ramsden, H.Morrison

Team Tips: It was a tough win for the Hawks down in Launceston over the Giants, but nonetheless – they got another crucial four points. Ruck Ned Reeves was subbed out in the third quarter of the match with a back issue, with no indication yet on his immediate availability. Seamus Mitchell was quiet in the win with just four disposals for the match, however could well keep his spot for continuity purposes among other things. Winger Harry Morrison again out in a monster VFL performance, with his 31 disposals, 13 marks and 10 score involvements sure to catch the eye of Hawks senior coaches. After such a good run without injury in the last few weeks, Chad Wingard has had a minor setback with calf tightness in the clash, and won’t be back until after the Hawks’ bye. Nick Watson kicked another four goals in the reserves, and looks ready to return back to AFL level after a quiet start to 2024. Midfielders Finn Maginness (29 disposals) and Jai Serong (27 disposals) were both busy with ball in hand too, while Max Ramsden backed up last week’s big performance with another three goals and 15 disposals.

ADELAIDE v SYDNEY

Saturday June 15, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide’s Round 13 side:

B: B. Smith, J. Butts, M. Hinge

HB: W. Hamill, M. Keane, M. Michalanney

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

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

FF: L. Murphy, C. Burgess, J. Borlase

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

I/C: N. McHenry, B. Dowling, L. Nankervis, H. Schoenberg, S. Berry

EMG: Z. Taylor, L. Gollant, R. O’Brien

Team Tips: Matthew Nicks is likely to swing the axe at selection given the Crows’ form woes at the present time. Kieran Strachan was subbed out with a groin issue against the Tigers, which would pave the way for an immediate recall for Reilly O’Brien. The Crows could get dangerous duo Taylor Walker (back) and Izak Rankine (hamstring) back for their clash against the Swans which would give the side a much-needed boost. Nick Murray was sound in the SANFL as he continues to recover from a knee injury, while Luke Pedlar, Charlie Edwards and Zac Taylor were also strong contributors. Chris Burgess, Lachie Murphy and Harry Schoenberg are just some of the names who might face the axe.

Sydney’s Round 13 side:

B: D.Rampe – C, T.McCartin, L.Melican

HB: O.Florent, N.Blakey, J.Lloyd

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

HF: S.Wicks, L.McDonald, T.Adams

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

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

I/C: M.Roberts, H.Cunningham, H.McLean, J.Jordon, B.Campbell

EMG: C.Cleary, A.Francis, P.Ladhams

Team Tips: The Swans are absolutely flying at the moment and are clearly the team to beat in 2024. From Sunday’s five-goal win over the Cats, it’s hard to pick out any players who look vulnerable to a dropping. AFL journeyman Joel Hamling was the standout performer at VFL level, booting five goals in his new role as a forward – but it’s unlikely John Longmire will change a winning formula. Emergencies Aaron Francis (20 disposals, eight intercept possessions) and Peter Ladhams (23 disposals, 20 hitouts) have kept up their solid form in the reserves, fit and ready if required. Robbie Fox could return from a shoulder injury, but given the side’s success of late, may even be forced to come back through the reserves.

NORTH MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD

Sunday June 16, 1pm at Marvel Stadium

North Melbourne’s Round 13 side:

B: A.Corr, C.Comben, K.Dawson

HB: Z.Fisher, H.Sheezel, L.McDonald

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

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

F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, T.Pink

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

I/C: E.Ford, J.Archer, T.Powell, W.Dawson, B.Scott

EMG: Z.Duursma, D.Stephens, R.Hardeman

Team Tips: The Roos secured their first win of the season last week to finally give their supporters something to smile about. Youngster Wil Dawson hurt his shoulder early in the game and was immediately subbed out, which could open the door for Biggie Nyuon’s return to the top level, if he can overcome a corked hip suffered in the VFL on the weekend. Riley Hardeman (23 disposals, ten marks), Hugh Greenwood (27 disposals, eight tackles) and Charlie Lazzaro (33 disposals) all did their chances of an AFL recall no harm but you’d expect Alastair Clarkson to back in a winning side.

Collingwood’s Round 13 side:

B: B. Maynard, D. Moore, C. Dean

HB: I. Quaynor, B. Frampton, J. Noble

C: S. Sidebottom, F. Macrae, J.Daicos

HF: B. Hill, L. Schultz, W. Hoskin-Elliott

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

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

I/C: N. Kreuger, J. Bytel, L. Sullian, H. Harrison, O. Markov

EMG: E. Allan, T. Jiath, A. Johnson

Team Tips: The Pies are unlikely to make many changes after a comprehensive victory over Melbourne on King’s Birthday. That being said, Billy Frampton was again quiet up forward for his one goal and four disposals. Ed Allan responded to his axing with a strong showing at VFL level, while former Dandenong Stingrays product Harry DeMattia (23 disposals, eight intercept possessions) continues to press his case for an AFL debut. Tew Jiath isn’t far off a debut himself either, despite not playing at any level over the long weekend. There will be a watch on superstar Nick Daicos during the week after he was subbed out with a corked calf, although the initial belief is he finished the game on the bench as a precaution and nothing more.

GWS v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday June 16, 4pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS’ Round 13 side:

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, N.Haynes

C: X.O’Halloran, T.Green, J.Wehr

HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, T.Bedford

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, C.Ward

I/C: T.McMullin, R.Angwin, H.Thomas, A.Cadman, J.Peatling

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

Team Tips: The Giants have the cavalry arriving, with Josh Kelly, Jack Buckley, Adam Kennedy and Isaac Cumming all in the frame to make their return from injury this weekend. Could this be the week the Giants finally unleash Max Gruzewski too? Gruzewski has booted 20 goals from nine outings at VFL level this season as he seeks an elusive AFL debut. Expect him to put pressure on the likes of Callum Brown, who was quiet in the loss to the Hawks in Tasmania. Ryan Angwin, Toby Bedford and Leek Aleer also struggled to make an impact. Toby McMullin could well be promoted from the sub role, after solid consecutive outings in the sub vest.

Port Adelaide’s 12 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 – C, C.Dixon, La.Jones

FOLL: I.Soldo, J.Horne-Francis, J.McEntee

I/C: J.Mead, J.Finlayson, F.Evans, R.Burton, J.Burgoyne

EMG: J.Sweet, T.Clurey, T.Anastasopoulos

Team Tips: Port Adelaide are coming off the bye this week, so expect them to come out strongly against the Giants. It’s highly likely that Connor Rozee will return for the Power in a must-win match, while Willie Rioli could also be available – a huge plus given their injury concerns. The Power’s SANFL side also had the bye on the weekend, which made it hard for fringe players to press their case for selection. If Rozee and Rioli are available, players such as Francis Evans, Jed McEntee and Ryan Burton could be in the gun.