Selection squeeze to send shivers through rivals; contenders’ timely boosts: AFL Team Tips

Sydney is flying high but only now hitting full strength in the midfield, making their selection calls even tougher.

Plus which contenders will be bolstered for must-win clashes amid a dramatic six-week sprint to September?

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 19 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 19 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

ESSENDON v ADELAIDE CROWS

Friday July 19, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Essendon’s Round 18 team

B: J.Ridley, B.McKay, D.Heppell

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

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

HF: M.Guelfi, H.Jones, N.Caddy

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

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

I/C: D.Shiel, J.Gresham, N.Cox, J.Kelly, N.Hind

EMG: W.Setterfield, J.Laverde, T.Goldstein

Team Tips: While the Bombers have lost two of their last three games, there aren’t many, if any unforced changes that scream out off of the team sheet. And with none of their five players on the injury list returning this week, any change looks set to be unforced. Todd Goldstein looks to be the first big discussion to be had, with his presence certainly missed against a ruck-less Melbourne last Saturday night, while defender Jayden Laverde was managed last week and could return. Nick Hind was a burst of energy when injected into the game as sub, and may be an option in the starting 22 to replace the likes of a Matt Guelfi or Nik Cox. In the reserves against Casey on Sunday, Ben Hobbs had 30 disposals and 11 tackles – but is he the replacement they’re looking for? Elijah Tsatas went one better for his 34 touches and 14 clearances, while Jye Menzie and Jayden Davey kicked three goals each. In short, there are no obvious changes that need making for Brad Scott, but he may feel inclined to make some sort of selection statement.

Adelaide’s Round 18 team

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

HB: M.Michalanney, L.Nankervis, B.Smith

C: L.Sholl, R.Laird, B.Dowling

HF: B.Keays, J.Rachele, J.Dawson – C

F: E.Himmelberg, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, S.Berry

I/C: H.Bond, B.Cook, L.Murphy, Z.Taylor, R.Thilthorpe

EMG: J.Borlase, C.Jones, H.Schoenberg

Team Tips: The Crows were strong in victory against the Saints amid awful conditions, but there is still one glaringly obvious inclusion that will come from Matthew Nicks at selection. Sub Riley Thilthorpe kicked two goals from seven disposals in just one quarter on Saturday night, and it would be incomprehensible to leave him out of the starting 22 again. Should Thilthorpe be included, how the Crows structure their forward line with four talls will be intriguing to say the least. Debutant Hugh Bond may not have have much of the ball, but wore his direct opponents like a glove down in defence. However, with Mitch Hinge’s impending return from an adductor injury he may be stiffly forced back to the reserves. Dan Curtin was the Crows’ only strong performer in the SANFL last Saturday afternoon with 22 disposals and two goal – can the Crows somehow squeeze him in? It’s unlikely given his track record of games this season, but the young Crow certainly is making a good case.

GWS GIANTS v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday July 20, 1:45pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS’ Round 18 team

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

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

C: C.Ward, T.Green, I.Cumming

HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, A.Cadman

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, T.Bedford

FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, F.Callaghan

I/C: J.Fonti, H.Thomas, D.Jones, T.McMullin, J.Peatling

EMG: L. Aleer, X.O’Halloran, J.Wehr

Team Tips: The biggest concern for the Giants out of their win against Richmond on Sunday will be the shoulder injury to Stephen Coniglio. Having already spent a month on the sidelines this year after dislocating the same shoulder, GWS will be praying it isn’t as severe this time around. There weren’t many passengers against the Tigers in what was a solid team effort; so any of the 22 would be unlucky to be dropped. The Giants’ VFL side had a bye over the weekend, but Nick Haynes and Xavier O’Halloran would be the two players you could imagine knocking the door down the hardest for a recall. The former would make more sense to return this weekend, given he is a more direct swap for Coniglio. Sam Taylor remains at least another week away from a potential return from a nasty testicle injury.

Gold Coast’s Round 18 team

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

HB: C.Ballard, B.Uwland, J.Jeffrey

C: N.Holman, N.Anderson – C, S.Clohesy

HF: B.Humphrey, M.Rosas, B.Ainsworth

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

FOLL: N.Moyle, S.Flanders, M.Rowell

I/C: A.Davies, J.Walter, C.Budarick, L.Johnston, W. Graham

EMG: A. Sexton. T. Berry, D. Swallow

Team Tips: The Suns will need to make at least two changes for their match against the Giants, with both Alex Davies and Malcolm Rosas Jnr copping suspensions for hits against Port Adelaide. Their absence could open the door for any of emergency trio Alex Sexton, David Swallow and Tom Berry to return after their dropping last week. Sexton and Berry both played sizeable games in the VFL against Richmond, while Swallow didn’t play any football. Ruck Jarrod Witts also could return for the match and replace an unlucky Ned Moyle if his back is back to normal. Forward Jed Walter was soundly beaten up forward, and registered just one disposal for the Suns on Sunday. Former Kangaroo Jack Mahony also played well in the reserves, accumulating 28 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances and a goal. Usual suspects Brayden Fiorini and Rory Atkins had truckloads of the ball too, but don’t seem to be appealing options to Hardwick in recent weeks.

ST KILDA v WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday July 20, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 18 team

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

HB: J.Sinclair, R.Bonner, J.Webster

C: N.Wanganeen-Milera, H.Clark, M.Wood

HF: R.Byrnes, L.Henry, M.Owens

F: J.Higgins, T.Membrey, C.Sharman

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

I/C: Z.Jones, D.Butler, D.Wilson, A.Schoenmaker, B.Paton

EMG: H.Garcia, T.Campbell, A.McLennan

Team Tips: After a poor showing last Saturday night, the Saints will be hoping to welcome back Brad Hill (personal reasons) to their lineup first and foremost. Conditions were ultra-tough in Adelaide, but recalled forward Tim Membrey was still soundly beaten for his four disposals and no scores. Riley Bonner looks like he could become vulnerable at the selection table too after being subbed out. In the VFL for Sandringham, Matt Allison kicked his second bag of five for the season, but hasn’t found a huge amount of consistency at the level this year. Liam Stocker was strong for the Zebras, while veteran Seb Ross brought the pressure with 14 tackles at DSV Stadium.

West Coast’s Round 18 team

B: B.Hough, T.Barrass, A.Witherden

HB: T.Cole, H.Edwards, L.Duggan

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

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

F: J.Hutchinson, O.Allen – C, J.Williams

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

I/C: L.Edwards, Z.Trew, J.Jones, R.Maric, T.Brockman

EMG: J. Darling, J. Rotham, J. Culley

Team Tips: Unfortunately for the Eagles, they will need to make at least one forced change in Liam Duggan (concussion) – if not two with Tyler Brockman and his ankle injury from Sunday. Jamaine Jones was quiet again the Eagles, and may benefit from a run in the WAFL if caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield looks elsewhere for run and carry. Thankfully thought, all of Jeremy McGovern, Matt Flynn, Jack Petruccelle and Dom Sheed could return to the senior side if they can prove their fitness throughout the week – with the latter racking up 31 disposals and 10 marks in the reserves. In the same game, veteran forward Jack Darling responded to his dropping with 17 disposals, six inside 50s and two goals in a solid outing. AFL emergency Jai Culley kicked 2.2 from his own 23 disposals, and may also be up for a recall to the top team.

HAWTHORN v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday July 20, 4:35pm at the MCG

Hawthorn’s Round 18 team

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

HB: J. Weddle, J.Sicily – C, J.Impey

C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, C.Nash

HF: J.Ward, M.Chol, W.Day

F: N.Watson, L.Breust, M.D’Ambrosio

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Worpel, J.Newcombe

I/C: K.Amon, C.Jiath, C.Macdonald, C.Dear, H. Morrison

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

Team Tips: Defender Massimo D’Ambrosio was the only casualty during last weekend’s close win in Tasmania, after rolling his ankle in the second quarter. There is hope he will be given the all clear to play this weekend, meaning it may only be unforced changes Mitchell could choose to make for the massive clash with the Magpies. Josh Ward was quiet in his game against Fremantle, but may survive given the few standout performances in the reserves. Finn Maginness was busy as always in the VFL, and is a smoky to be recalled to help tame Nick Daicos as he done before with success. Emergency Jack Gunston didn’t play at any level on the weekend, and may be considered for extra firepower up forward.

Collingwood’s Round 18 side

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, I.Quaynor

HB: J.Noble, O.Markov, W.Hoskin-Elliott

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

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

F: N.Long, P.Lipinski, J.Elliott

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, N.Daicos

I/C: B.Frampton, J.Crisp, J.Richards, H.Harrison, R.McInnes

EMG: F.Macrae, L.Sullivan, A.Johnson

Team Tips: Small forward Lachie Schultz will miss the clash in concussion protocols after his collision with Tom Stewart on Friday night. 211cm tall Mason Cox is a chance to be available if he proves his knee injury is no longer an issue as coach Craig McRae searches desperately for a key presence up forward. Harvey Harrison and Ned Long were quiet against the Cats, but should hold their spots given their roles in the side. SSP pick-up Jack Bytel was best afield in the club’s VFL match last Saturday afternoon, gathering 33 disposals, nine inside 50s and a goal during their 29-point loss to Geelong. Friday night’s sub Reef McInnes also impressed in his double appearance on the weekend, finishing with 18 disposals and eight marks. Key tall Dan McStay made a successful return from an ACL injury on managed minutes, but will likely play another game in the reserves before playing in the senior side.

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday July 20, 7:30pm at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong’s Round 18 team:

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

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

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

HF: T.Stengle, G.Rohan, G.Miers

F: S.Mannagh, S.Neale, J.Cameron

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

I/C: J.Bowes, B.Close, L.Humphries, J.Clark, O.Henry

EMG: J.Bews, M.Knevitt, R.Stanley

Team Tips: In terms of unforced changes, there aren’t many needed at the Cattery as they sit unbeaten in their last three matches. Forward Gary Rohan was perhaps quiet, but given how well their forward line functioned you wouldn’t expect him to lose his spot. Tanner Bruhn could return as early as this weekend from a wrist injury, but may be another round away. Usual VFL suspect Ted Clohesy had his normal two goals and 31 disposals last weekend, while Mitch Hardie, Brandon Parfitt, Rhys Stanley, Mitch Knevitt and Jed Bews all had great games – in particular Stanley and Parfitt. Chris Scott evidently has at least half a dozen strong performers to call upon if needed from his reserves, but it’s unlikely he’ll need them if they keep up this form.

Western Bulldogs’ Round 18 team
B: T.Duryea, B.Khamis, N.Coffield

HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: E.Richards, R. Sanders, B.Williams

HF: L.Vandermeer, J.Ugle-Hagan, J.Macrae

F: C.Weightman, S.Darcy, R.West

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

I/C: J.Freijah, H.Gallagher, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, R.Garcia

EMG: A.Keath, C.Daniel

Team Tips: If his injury has as subtle as suggested in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Luke Beveridge’s first point of call will be to recall late out Adam Treloar back into his midfield. In addition, he could also regain Aaron Naughton and James O’Donnell from their respective concussions. Should O’Donnell return, it will be fascinating what it means for Rory Lobb not just in defence, but potentially his place in the team after filling a defensive void of late. In a bizarre move, Treloar’s last-minute replacement Riley Garcia wasn’t used as sub, but the young gun proved his worth in the best way possible – amassing a humungous 34 disposals, 17 tackles, 10 clearances and two goals in another gigantic VFL outing on Sunday. Harvey Gallagher wasn’t overly impactful either for his five disposals, and may re-join the reserves if Beveridge decides to select Garcia instead. The exiled Caleb Daniel had 29 touches and nine tackles of his own for Footscray, but may found himself out of the side again this week with the expected inclusions.

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND

Saturday July 20, 7:30pm at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s Round 18 team

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

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

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

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, J.Finlayson

F: O. Lord, C. Dixon, C.Rozee – C

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

I/C: J. Mead, J.Burgoyne, La.Jones, Q.Narkle, F.Evans

EMG: W. Lorenz, J. McEntee, D. Visentini

Team Tips: It looks as though the Power will be without Lachie Jones (concussion) and Todd Marshall (hip) for the clash against Richmond after both failed to play out the match on Sunday. Esava Ratugolea and Ryan Burton loom as options to replace Jones if fit, while Mitch Georgiades is a straight swap replacement for Marshall. Willie Rioli booted three goals in the SANFL also.

Richmond’s Round 18 team

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

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

C: H.Ralphsmith, D.Prestia, K.McIntosh

HF: R.Mansell, L.Baker, T.Sonsie

F: J.Koschitzke, S.Bolton, S.Ryan

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

I/C: J.Graham, S.Green, S.Banks, J.Short, J.Trezise

EMG: N.Cumberland, T. Dow, J. Blight

Team Tips: Important mid Tim Taranto will miss the clash against Port Adelaide after suffering a concussion against the Giants, rotten luck for a player who was starting to build some continuity after missing the middle part of the year through injury. Thomson Dow (19 disposals in VFL) looms as a likely replacement after being omitted last week, while Jacob Blight had 17 disposals in the VFL and is also hunting a recall. Seth Campbell was managed and could return, potentially at the expense of Tyler Sonsie or James Trezise.