The Swans have a few selection questions to answer with their two biggest superstars in the wars with injury.
Plus, a few dilemmas for the Tigers to work through in a mixed bag. Read more in AFL Team Tips!
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ROUND 1 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)
HAWTHORN v SYDNEY
Thursday, March 19, 7.30pm at the MCG
Hawks’ Round 1 team
B: K.Amon, T.Barrass, J.Impey
HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick
C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, M.D’Ambrosio
HF: S.Butler, M.Lewis, N.Watson
F: C.Macdonald, M.Chol, J.Gunston
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe (c), C.Nash
I/C: J.Scrimshaw, J.Ginnivan, J.Ward, J.Weddle, N.Reeves
EMG: H.Morrison, N.Mraz, B.Macdonald
Team Tips: Hard to imagine Sam Mitchell making any changes from the team that obliterated Essendon last Friday night. Trialling a different look to Opening Round with the two rucks together, it worked as well as Hawthorn could’ve hoped, with the Hawks dominating the midfield battle and Ned Reeves even getting on the scoreboard with two goals. Both Lloyd Meek and Reeves played under 60 per cent game time against Essendon, and they should do the same in a tougher assignment against Brodie Grundy.
Swans’ Round 1 team
B: C.Mills (c), T.McCartin, D.Rampe
HB: L.Melican, N.Blakey, J.Serong
C: R.Bice, J.McInerney, M.Roberts
HF: M.Rosas, J.Rowbottom, T.Papley
F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, I.Heeney
FOLL: B.Grundy, E.Gulden, Ch.Warner
I/C: S.Wicks, A.Sheldrick, J.Jordon, J.Lloyd, L.McDonald
EMG: Co.Warner, P.Ladhams, H.McLean
Team Tips: Forced into at least one change with Errol Gulen to undergo surgery that will sideline the superstar for around four months, in a massive blow. They might need to replace Isaac Heeney (hamstring), too, pending the severity of his setback – with SEN’s Sam Edmund reporting on Monday night that Heeney has been “cleared of serious damage”. But while he’s “perhaps unlikely” to play against Hawthorn due to Sydney’s short turnaround, he’s set to be a “test” to play this week. Harry Cunningham is nearing his return from a quad issue and could come straight back into the senior team, while Taylor Adams could be another option for Dean Cox to ponder. The Swans could also look to their younger brigade for reinforcements like Corey Warner and Caiden Cleary, while Jesse Dattoli is on the verge of a return. Sydney might also consider bringing in Peter Ladhams or Hayden McLean to combat Hawthorn’s Lloyd Meek-Ned Reeves duo and to ensure Brodie Grundy stays fresh.
ADELAIDE CROWS v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Friday, March 20, 7.40pm at Adelaide Oval
Crows’ Round 1 team
FB: J.Butts, J.Worrell, H.Bond
HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, R.Laird
C: L.Nankervis, J.Dawson (c), C.Jones
HF: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, L.Pedlar
FF: B.Keays, T.Walker, D.Fogarty
FOLL: L.McAndrew, C.Edwards, J.Rachele
I/C: B.Cook, Z.Taylor, J.Borlase, B.Dowling, T.Murray, L.Sholl, M.Marsh, M.Michalanney
EMG: O.Ryan, A.Ludowyke, R.O’Brien, F.Maley
Team Tips: Set to welcome back Izak Rankine from suspension in a massive boost after a win over Collingwood. But who makes way for Rankine isn’t super obvious. Toby Murray could be the odd man out after only paying 32 per cent ruck against Collingwood as ruck support for Lachlan McAndrew. If Matthew Nicks wants to stick with the same structure and play two rucks against Tim English, it could be Luke Pedlar or Hugh Bond who find themselves vulnerable. Looms as the Crows’ only change, with their other key names like Dan Curtin and Mark Keane still a ways off from returning.
Bulldogs’ Round 1 team
B: L.Jaques, B.Khamis, R.Lobb
HB: C.Budarick, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale
C: S.Davidson, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams
HF: R.West, S.Darcy, J.Freijah
F: W.Lewis, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore
FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E. Richards
I/C: M.Sellwood, O.Baker, C.Hynes, R.Sanders, L.Bramble
EMG: H.Gallagher, L.Kennedy, L.Emmett
Team Tips: There will be a watch on Jordan Croft (back) and Arthur Jones (concussion) to further boost a humming Dogs outfit that demolished the Giants. If Croft is ready to return, he should slot straight back in for Will Lewis, who had six disposals and passed a concussion test after a head clash. Cooper Hynes could be the unlucky one to go for Jones, though Lewis could be first out if Croft isn’t ready. Adam Treloar played in the club’s VFL practice match on the weekend, but the midfielder will likely continue to build reps in the twos.
RICHMOND v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday March 21, 1.15pm at the MCG
Tigers’ Round 1 team
B: N.Balta, B.Miller, N.Broad
HB: S.Grlj, S.Banks, J.Short
C: K.McAuliffe, S.Lalor, H.Ralphsmith
HF: R.Mansell, S.Campbell, M.Rioli,
F: H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, J.Faull
FOLL: T.Nankveris, T.Taranto, J.Ross
I/C: J.Gibcus, J.Trezise, J.Hopper, S.Green, C.Gray
EMG: T.Brown, L.Trainor, T.Sonsie
Team Tips: The Tigers will take plenty out of their tight loss to the Blues, given they would have triumphed with straighter kicking. However, on a sour note, dynamic forward Rhyan Mansell came away from the match with a fractured wrist, with the club announcing he’ll miss the next three to four weeks. That’s after young forward Jonty Faull was hit with a one-match suspension for striking Jacob Weitering. However, veteran star Nick Vlastuin is set to make his season debut after he was managed out of the Blues game, while Dion Prestia has also been deemed available – though his return could come at VFL level first. Liam Fawcett – who kicked three goals in the VFL side’s final tune-up – and Mykelti Lefau, back available after suspension, will be considered to replace Faull. Zane Peucker was lively at VFL level with two goals to put his hand up for a debut, but Tyler Sonsie, the held-over emergency last Thursday, seems likelier to take Mansell’s spot in the side. Campbell Gray – despite his competitiveness against the Blues – could be the unlucky casualty to make way for Vlastuin, with Tom Brown still likely out of favour to start the year.
Suns’ Round 1 team
B: M.Andrew, B.Uwland, S.Collins
HB: J.Noble, D.Rioli, J.Jeffrey
C: L.Weller, W.Powell, S.Clohesy
HF: T.Miller, J.Rogers, W.Graham
F: E.Read, B.King, L.Lombard
FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), C.Petracca
I/C: A.Davies, B.Long, Z.Uwland, O.Adams, J.Farrar
EMG: J.Walter, N.Moyle, C.Graham
Team Tips: Gold Coast continued its ominous start to the season, trouncing the Eagles in the first hour on Sunday before taking its foot off the brake in the second half. It’s an incredibly hard team to get into, and you wouldn’t imagine there’ll be many changes made to it, heading into an MCG clash with Richmond. Jed Walter continues to stake his claim for a recall after he was overlooked following his one-game suspension, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan lined up in the VFL side’s final preseason tune-up against Palm Beach Currumbin. Ethan Read and Jy Farrar were the Suns’ two lowest-rated players against the Eagles. Key defender Charlie Ballard is one step closer to a return from his long injury lay-off after again playing VFL minutes, with Oscar Adams the likely casualty once that time comes.
GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA
Saturday March 21, 4.15pm at ENGIE Stadium
Giants’ Round 1 team
B: J.Laverde, J.Buckley, C.Idun
HB: L.Ash, L.Whitfield, J.Fonti
C: H.Thomas, C.Oliver, R.Angwin
HF: P.Gothard, J.Riccardi, S.Coniglio
F: J.Stringer, J.Hogan, M.Gruzewski
FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan
I/C: H.Himmelberg, H.Rowston, J.Delana, X.O’Halloran, C.Brown
EMG: C.Stone, J.Leake, O.Hannaford
Team Tips: Expect a couple of changes after the Bulldogs sent the Giants crashing back down to earth last Saturday. Phoenix Gothard was quiet in his second AFL appearance – the side’s second-lowest rated player – and could be a casualty at selection with Ollie Hannaford a travelling emergency. Joey Delana, too, was rarely heard from. There’ll be a watch on defender Harry Himmelberg, who sustained a chin injury against the Dogs. Aaron Cadman (pelvis) and Toby Bedford (hamstring) are nearing returns but won’t be available this week.
Saints’ Round 1 team
B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti
HB: A.Tauru, B.Hill, N.Wanganeen-Milera
C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, D.Wilson
HF: M.Phillipou, H.Boxshall, M.Owens
F: L.Ryan, C.Sharman, J.Higgins
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair
I/C: J.Macrae, I.Keeler, J.Carroll, M.Wood, H.Garcia
EMG: L.Stocker, A.Dodson, C.Banfield
Team Tips: A couple of changes likely coming for the Saints after falling to 0-2, with ruckman Rowan Marshall set to return after his concussion – pending his exiting protocols – and Isaac Keeler likely to be dropped as a like-for-like. In injury concerns, young midfielder Matteas Phillipou exited the Dees game with a corked quad, while forward Liam Ryan came away with a corked shoulder. First-year midfielder Charlie Banfield was in last week’s 23-man squad, seemingly on the precipice of an early debut. Liam Stocker has been an emergency for the first two weeks and could be considered again for a call-up.
FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE
Saturday March 21, 7.35pm at Optus Stadium
Dockers’ Round 1 team
B: K.Worner, O.McDonald, H.Chapman
HB: J.Clark, A.Pearce (c), J.McVee
C: C.Wagner, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson
HF: I.Dudley, P.Voss, S.Switkowski
F: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Reid
FOLL: S.Darcy, L.Jackson, C.Serong
I/C: B.Walker, J.Amiss, N.O’Driscoll, N.Erasmus, H.Young
EMG: M.Cox, B.Banfield, H.Davies
Team Tips: The Dockers pushed the Cats for most of Saturday’s clash, so despite the disappointing fadeout loss, there shouldn’t be a world of change at selection. Brennan Cox could return after a calf injury kept him out of the Geelong game, while Hugh Davies, an emergency last week, could be an option to consider if the Dockers want an alternative tall option in defence. Veteran Luke Ryan, overlooked by Justin Longmuir to start the season, missed out on playing in Peel’s practice match at the weekend due to illness.
Demons’ Round 1 team
B: H.Petty, J.Lever, B.Howes
HB: C.Jiath, D.Turner, C.Salem
C: X.Lindsay, J.Steele, E.Langdon
HF: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, T.Sparrow
F: B.Fritsch, B.Mihocek, K.Chandler
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), C.Windsor, H.Langford
I/C: K.Tholstrup, J.Culley, T.Rivers, H.Sharp, L.Pickett
EMG: J.Melksham, T.McDonald, M.Heath
Team Tips: After a tremendous start to life under Steven King, not a lot of change is expected at the selection table, heading into a big clash with Fremantle. But Jake Melksham could be an inclusion after booting four first-half goals in Casey’s final preseason hitout, while Bailey Laurie was impressive with three majors of his own. Tom Sparrow was one of the Dees’ quieter players with six disposals, but it’s hard to tip any omissions after such a stirring win. There are no immediate injury returns for the Demons, with Jack Viney and Jack Bowey still months away.
PORT ADELAIDE v ESSENDON
Sunday March 22, 7.35pm at Adelaide Oval
Power’s Round 1 team
B: L.Jones, E.Ratugolea, T.Marshall
HB: M.Bergman, A.Aliir, K.Farrell
C: J.Burgoyne, C.Rozee (c), J.Wehr
HF: J.Horne-Francis, M.Georgiades, J.Berry
F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, J.Richards
FOLL: D.Visentini, Z.Butters, W.Drew
I/C: C.Durdin, O.Lord, E.Mackinlay, L.Evans, J.Watkins
EMG: J.Mead, J.Lukosius, J.Sweet
Team Tips: After a baptism of fire for senior coach Josh Carr, changes are likely coming ahead of the Power’s clash with Essendon. One of them could be forced, with Todd Marshall sustaining an ankle injury – however, reports suggest there’s crucially no structural damage. Will Brodie was impressive in the SANFL side’s final preseason tune-up – booting a team-high three goals – as was Jack Lukosius, who was overlooked for selection last week and could come into calculations this week. There will be a conversation going forward around whether Dante Visentini should remain the number one option over Jordon Sweet, who was also an emergency last week.
Bombers’ Round 1 team
B: J.Prior, B.McKay, Z.Reid
HB: A.Roberts, M.Redman, A.McGrath (c)
C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, B.Fiorini
HF: S.Durham, N.Caddy, A.Perkins
F: H.El Achkar, P.Wright, K.Langford
FOLL: L.Blakiston, D.Parish, Z.Merrett
I/C: D.Sharp, A.May, M.Kondogiannis, Z.Johnson, J.Nguyen
EMG: J.Farrow, M.Guelfi, S.El-Hawli
Team Tips: An uninspiring display against the Hawks will prompt change at selection this week. The Bombers took caution with Isaac Kako’s hamstring injury, but the electric forward should come into calculations this Thursday. Jade Gresham booted five goals in the Bombers VFL’s final preseason hitout, while fledgling midfielder Elijah Tsatas pressed his case for a senior recall after a best-on-ground effort. There could be some names vulnerable in defence after last Friday’s result, with highly-rated rebounder Jacob Farrow on the precipice of an AFL debut. Jordan Ridley (calf) could come back into the frame next week, while top draftee Sullivan Robey played VFL minutes at the weekend and will press his case at some stage.
WEST COAST EAGLES v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday March 22, 7.35pm at Adelaide Oval
Eagles’ Round 1 team
B: R.Ginbey, T.Young, B.Allan
HB: L.Duggan (c), B.Hough, J.Lindsay
C: H.Davis, E.Yeo, D.Robertson
HF: J.Graham, J.Shanahan, W.Duursma
F: A.Reid, J.Waterman, J.Cripps
FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, T.McCarthy
I/C: C.Duff-Tytler, R.Maric, T.Cole, J.Newton, M.Murdock
EMG: T.Kelly, R.Bazzo, F.Macrae
Team Tips: Despite a promising second-half effort against the Suns, there’s a decent likelihood of unforced changes at the selection table. Harry Edwards seems likely to return to Andrew McQualter’s side after his concussion, while Liam Baker and Harry Schoenberg are eligible to return after suspensions. Tim Kelly will be considered for inclusion after being overlooked by Andrew McQualter, while Fin Macrae was also named as an emergency last Sunday.
Kangaroos’ Round 1 team
B: T.Pink, G.Logue, C.Comben
HB: F.O’Sullivan, C.Daniel, T.Blamires
C: J.Simpkin, T.Powell, D.Stephens
HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, J.Konstanty
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), L.Dovaston
FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.SheezelI
I/C: Z.Duursma, C.McKercher, L.McDonald, L.Parker, J.Darling
EMG: C.Coleman-Jones, Z.Banch, R.Hansen Jr
Team Tips: It was a terrific start to the season for the Kangaroos, and after getting through unscathed from an injury perspective, there won’t be reason for much change at the selection table. That’s despite the likely availability of George Wardlaw after his hamstring injury, with the club surely more likely to take a cautious approach with its hard-nosed ball-winner. Meanwhile, Riley Hardeman could press his case for inclusion after an ankle hiccup, performing strongly in the VFL side’s final preseason tune-up. Luke Urquhart, meanwhile, exited that clash with knee soreness.
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