Help is on the way for Carlton. Plus mixed news for the Bulldogs as they prepare to lose, but also welcome back, some stars.
And there’s pressure rising on some stars. More below in Round 6 Team Tips!
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Cripps optimistic after poor Blues start | 02:39
ROUND 6 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)
CARLTON v COLLINGWOOD
Thursday April 16, 7.30pm at the MCG
Blues’ Round 5 side
B: J.Boyd, L.Young, O.Florent
HB: L.Cowan, N.Haynes, N.Newman
C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps (c), M.Carroll
HF: F.Evans, M.McGovern, B.Ainsworth
F: E.Hollands, H.McKay, B.Kemp
FOLL: M.Pittonet, J.Smith, S.Walsh
I/C: W.Derksen, A.Cerra, Z.Williams, T.Byrne, H.O’Keeffe
EMG: F.Young, G.Hewett, B.Acres
Team Tips: Reinforcements are on the way to help the Blues as they eye their second win of 2026 against their arch rivals. Particularly in the back half, with Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean set to return from concussion, while Cooper Lord (illness) and Will Hayward (suspension) are also due back. So who comes out of Michael Voss’ side after a relatively encouraging performance against Adelaide? Given there’s two key backs coming in, Wade Derksen and Nick Haynes are the two obvious names to make way. Unless they change their structure up. Hudson O’Keeffe and Talor Byrne were quiet against the Crows, though O’Keeffe was playing as a backup ruck. With the VFL bye, unfortunately George Hewett didn’t get a chance to respond to his shock axing on field.
Magpies’ Round 5 side
B: B.Frampton, J.Howe, B.Maynard
HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, H.Perryman
C: R.Steele, A.Anderson, S.Sidebottom
HF: B.McCreery, J.De Goey, L.Schultz
F: J.Elliott, T.Membrey, D.McStay
FOLL: O.Steene, N.Daicos (c), N.Long
I/C: P.Lipinski, I.Quaynor, S.Pendlebury, D.Cameron, J.Crisp
EMG: W.Parker, J.Buller, W.Hayes
Team Tips: Back to the drawing board for Craig McRae and company after they just came up short against Fremantle. One man who will definitely hold his spot is Angus Anderson, who impressed on debut. Jordan De Goey, however, will be forced out by concussion. It paves the way for one of Will Hayes, Lachie Sullivan or Ed Allan to return. Allan was probably the most unlucky to get dropped last week, though Hayes was named an emergency against the Dockers. Might be their only change, unless they looked to tinker with their front mix. Jack Buller will get another crack at some stage and fellow key Charlie West is waiting in the wings too, while Oscar Steene has been quiet since that brilliant debut against GWS and played near exclusively as a forward last weekend.
Butters referred to Tribunal | 02:02
GEELONG CATS v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Friday April 17, 7.20pm at GMHBA Stadium
Cats’ Round 5 side
B: S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie, C.O’Sullivan
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart (c), O.Mullin
C: J.Bowes, B.Smith, O.Dempsey
HF: S.Mannagh, S.Neale, B.Close
F: O.Wiltshire, J.Cameron, O.Henry
FOLL: M.Edwards, T.Atkins, M.Holmes
I/C: J.Kolodjashnij, M.O’Connor, T.Bruhn, G.Miers, J.Worpel
EMG: J.Henry, M.Knevitt, J.Martin
Team Tips: Set for a triple veteran boost after Mark Blicavs, Jack Henry and Jack Martin were all rested for Gather Round. Mark O’Connor is set to be the only forced omission after the Irishman copped a one-match ban for a bump on Willem Duursma. Otherwise, Jake Kolodjashnij would be an obvious name to come out of the team that defeated West Coast by 46 points to make way for the defensive reinforcements. Meanwhile pressure is building on Shaun Mannagh, who was quiet again with just eight disposals, while Oliver Wiltshire is another Cat on the fringes at risk of being a victim of the selection squeeze.
Bulldogs’ Round 5 side
B: C.Budarick, B.Khamis, R.Lobb
HB: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale
C: O.Baker, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams
HF: R.Sanders, S.Darcy, J.Freijah
F: J.Croft, A.Naughton, R.West
FOLL: L.Emmett, M.Kennedy, E.Richards
I/C: C.Hynes, J.Dolan, M.Sellwood, S.Davidson, H.Gallagher
EMG: W.Lewis, L.McNeil, L.Jaques
Team Tips: Can’t take a trick on the injury front at the moment. Ed Richards (ankle), Aaron Naughton (hand)and Connor Budarick (lower log) are all under injury clouds going into Friday night’s game.The Richards injury looked much worse, so the fact he’s a test after being cleared of structural damage is a win in the bigger picture. In more wins, Tom Liberatore is likely tp return from a hamstring strain and Tim English is surprisingly in the mix after missing just one game with an MCL injury. You’d expect Lachie Jaques to slot straight back into the back six after the defender was rested in their 40-point loss to Hawthorn in Gather Round. Lot of moving parts.
Lyon calls from improvement despite win | 09:26
SYDNEY SWANS v GWS GIANTS
Friday April 17, 7.50pm at the SCG
Swans’ Round 5 side
B: J.Hamling, T.McCartin, C.Mills (c)
HB: R.Bice, N.Blakey, D.Rampe
C: J.Serong, I.Heeney, M.Roberts
HF: Co.Warner, T.Papley, J.Jordon
F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, J.Lloyd
FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.McInerney
I/C: S.Wicks, M.Rosas, J.Rowbottom, H.Cunningham, L.McDonald
EMG: P.Ladhams, T.Hanily, H.McLean
Team Tips: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Hard to see Sydney making too many changes after a resounding 32-point win over Gold Coast. Angus Sheldrick is eligible to return from suspension and could come into the side for Corey Warner. Other than missing Errol Gulden, however, Sydney is at full strength and arguably the form team of the competition.
Giants’ Round 5 side
B: J.Laverde, C.Idun, J.Buckley
HB: L.Ash, L.Whitfield, J.Fonti
C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas
HF: P.Gothard, B.Daniels, T.Bedford
F: J.Hogan, J.Stringer, A.Cadman
FOLL: N.Madden, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan
I/C: H.Himmelberg, S.Coniglio, X.O’Halloran, J.Riccardi, O.Hannaford
EMG: J.Leake, L.Aleer, J.Delana
Team Tips: Can’t seem to go a week without getting multiple injuries. Add Stephen Coniglio and Aaron Cadman to that list of casualties after the pair suffered concussion setbacks against Richmond, with Cadman only just returning from a pelvic injury. Max Gruzewski or Callum Brown likely get a reprieve for Cadman. As for Coniglio, it could open the door for Harry Rowston to return to the side, while James Leake and Josaia Delana should also be in the mix. Nick Madden will keep his hold on the No. 1 ruck spot after an impressive return to the senior side for Kieren Briggs.
Saints spoil Port at Gather Round | 02:06
GOLD COAST SUNS v ESSENDON
Saturday April 18, 1.15pm at People First Stadium
Suns’ Round 5 side
B: B.Uwland, S.Collins, M.Andrew
HB: J.Noble, C.Ballard, D.Rioli
C: L.Weller, W.Powell, Z.Uwland
HF: T.Miller, J.Walter, W.Graham
F: E.Read, B.King, L.Lombard
FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), M.Rowell
I/C: A.Davies, J.Jeffrey, B.Long, S.Clohesy, L.Gulbin
EMG: N.Moyle, B.Jepson, O.Adams
Team Tips: Does Damien Hardwick make a statement at selection after a two-game slump? Jarrod Witts has had a rough fortnight against Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn and the Suns have looked better when Mac Andrew has played in the ruck, while Ned Moyle is waiting in the wings, if required. The Suns are set for two big ins, with Bailey Humphrey due back from suspension and Christian Petracca looming to return from a hamstring issue. Lachlan Gulbin was quiet against Sydney but very impressive the week prior, while Leo Lombard and Alex Davies could also come under pressure. Jake Rogers could also make his return from concussion.
Bombers’ Round 5 side
B: J.Ridley, B.McKay, A.McGrath (c)
HB: A.Roberts, Z.Reid, J.Farrow
C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, A.Day-Wicks
HF: S.Durham, N.Caddy, K.Langford
F: I.Kako, P.Wright, A.May
FOLL: L.Blakiston, D.Parish, Z.Merrett
I/C: E.Tsatas, S.Robey, J.Gresham, J.Prior, T.Edwards
EMG: N.Cox, Z.Johnson, S.El-Hawli
Team Tips: The Bombers have gone from having selection pressure for the first time in a long time, according to Brad Scott, to now feeling settled after their first win of 2026! Shouldn’t make many, if any changes, from that victory over the Demons. The only potential one to watch is whether they’re ready to bring back Nick Bryan in his road back from an ACL injury. Bryan will replace Lachie Blakiston as the No. 1 ruck at some stage. But no VFL game on the weekend combined with Essendon winning complicates that.
“SA tourism are gonna sign you up” | 00:51
HAWTHORN v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday April 18, 4.15pm at Marvel Stadium
Hawks’ Round 5 side
B: J.Weddle, T.Barrass, J.Impey
HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick
C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Mackenzie, F.Perez
HF: S.Butler, M.Lewis, N.Watson
F: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.Gunston
FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe (c), J.Ward
I/C: K.Amon, C.Macdonald, J.Ginnivan, C.Nash, L.Meek
EMG: W.McCabe, J.Scrimshaw, J.Dalton
Team Tips: A hamstring injury to Mabior Chol the only dampener on Saturday night’s huge victory over the Bulldogs. It opens the door for Aiden Schubert to make his debut, or the Hawks could look to recall Calsher Dear. Though Schubert has seemingly been ahead in the pecking order all year and had better VFL form, by all reports. Jack Scrimshaw was managed for the clash with the Dogs and should come back into the side. Don’t be surprised if they opt to manage one of their other key players.
Power’s Round 5 side
B: J.Burgoyne, L.Jones, M.Bergman
HB: L.Evans, A.Aliir, K.Farrell
C: E.Mackinlay, J.Horne-Francis, J.Wehr
HF: J.Lukosius, M.Georgiades, J.Berry
F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters (c), W.Drew
I/C: C.Durdin, O.Wines, J.Watkins, T.Marshall, J.Lai
EMG: M.Zadow, B.Zerk-Thatcher, D.Visentini
Team Tips: Plenty of focus on Zak Butters in the fallout from the incident with umpire Nick Foot. But attention will soon need to turn to selection and Saturday’s clash with St Kilda. Josh Carr’s team looks relatively settled though and they were right in Sunday’s loss to St Kilda including a particularly strong second half. Jack Watkins and Josh Lai were quiet in that game and could come under selection pressure. Though there’s not necessarily a long list of Port players on the outer pressing to come back in, with the likes of Mitch Zadow, Jackson Mead, Will Lorenz and Christian Moraes to potentially come under consideration.
ADELAIDE CROWS v ST KILDA
Saturday April 18, 7.35pm at Adelaide Oval
Crows’ Round 5 side
B: J.Borlase, N.Murray, M.Michalanney
HB: R.Laird, J.Worrell, W.Milera
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson (c), B.Cook
HF: B.Keays, T.Walker, Z.Taylor
F: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine
FOLL: L.McAndrew, S.Berry, J.Peatling
I/C: M.Hinge, J.Soligo, L.Nankervis, J.Rachele, F.Maley
EMG: H.Bond, T.Murray, B.Dowling
Team Tips:Mitch Hinge was the only casualty from last Thursday’s win over Carlton, just as the utility made his return to the side. If Jordon Butts is cleared from concussion protocols, he should slot straight back in, while Luke Pedlar has also been in concussion protocols. Depending on Butts’ status, Hugh Bond should also press his case for a recall as arguably the most unlucky omission at last week’s selection. Meanwhile the club is still working through a timeline for Darcy Fogarty (back), with his status up in the air.
Saints’ Round 5 side
B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Tauru
HB: J.Sinclair, B.Hill, N.Wanganeen-Milera
C: H.Boxshall, M.Hall, D.Wilson
HF: M.Wood, L.Ryan, M.Owens
F: J.Higgins, C.Sharman, R.Marshall
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, M.Windhager
I/C: H.Clark, D.Butler, J.Carroll, M.Phillipou, H.Garcia
EMG: D.Howard, A.Hastie, L.O’Connell
Team Tips: Getting close to having a healthy list to choose from, with Jack Macrae, Liam Henry and Paddy Dow all tracking towards being available. Not too many obvious openings in Ross Lyon’s side, however, with Hugh Boxshall and Hunter Clark both solid enough in their returns. Max King remains a few weeks off yet with as the big one they’ll be eying to re-inject into the mix.
Candid Carr rues Power’s slow start | 06:57
NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND
Sunday April 19, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium
Kangaroos’ Round 5 side
B: L.McDonald, G.Logue, C.Comben
HB: C.McKercher, C.Daniel, T.Blamires
C: J.Simpkin, T.Powell, D.Stephens
HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, Z.Duursma
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), J.Darling
FOLL: C.Coleman-Jones, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel
I/C: A.Corr, G.Wardlaw, C.Spargo, L.Parker, Z.Banch
EMG: W.Dawson, T.Pink, J.Konstanty
Team Tips: Had a fair old crack at the Lions in an overall promising showdown from the improved Kangaroos. Callum Coleman-Jones hasn’t been overly impressive as the number one ruck. It could create an opening for Will Dawson, with Tristan Xerri still another week off from suspension. Lachy Dovaston has suddenly found himself outside the senior team after being managed a fortnight ago, but he and Jacob Konstanty could come into the frame to replace Charlie Spargo or Zac Banch.
Tigers’ Round 5 side
B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, N.Balta
HB: N.Broad, J.Short, S.Grlj
C: S.Banks, D.Prestia, T.Sonsie
HF: S.Campbell, J.Ross, S.Green
F: J.Faull, L.Fawcett, M.Lefau
FOLL: O.Hayes-Brown, T.Taranto (c), S.Lalor
I/C: T.Brown, L.Trainor, M.Rioli, C.Gray, J.Hopper
EMG: K.McAuliffe, P.Retschko, Z.Peucker
Team Tips: A bit for Adem Yze and the Tigers to ponder after a heavy loss to GWS. Samson Ryan could well slot straight back in for Oliver Hayes-Brown after the debutant was pretty well beaten by Nick Madden last week. Hard to see Richmond going to two rucks given the Roos won’t have Tristan Xerri. Luke Trainor, Campbell Gray and Jonty Faull were all quiet against the Giants and could come under scrutiny, with the Kane McAuliffe, Patrick Retschko amd Zane Peucker waiting in the wings. Josh Gibcus could also come into the frame for his first game since Round 1 after being sidelined with soreness. But the likes of Toby Nankervis (hamstring) and Tom Lynch (hamstring) remain several weeks away yet.
Saints sink Port in Gather Round closer | 01:51
MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
Sunday April 19, 3.15pm at the MCG
Demons’ Round 5 side
B: H.Petty, J.Lever, C.Salem
HB: C.Windsor, T.McDonald, B.Howes
C: H.Langford, J.Steele, X.Lindsay
HF: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler
F: J.Melksham, B.Mihocek, K.Pickett
FOLL: M.Gawn (c), E.Langdon, T.Sparrow
I/C: K.Tholstrup, D.Turner, J.Culley, L.Pickett, H.Sharp
EMG: B.Laurie, M.Heath, J.Henderson
Team Tips: Steven King said he was excited to see how his team responds to a shock loss to Essendon. But how does he first respond at selection? Christian Salem (ankle) is the only forced out from the weekend to leave a void in Melbourne’s defence. Bailey Laurie might be the first one in and they reshuffle elsewhere. Changkuoth Jiath would’ve been the ideal replacement but he’s at least another week or two away, while Jake Bowey (foot) isn’t far off his longer-term setback.
Lions’ Round 5 side
B: K.Coleman, H.Andrews, R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, D.Zorko
C: B.Reville, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, O.Allen, L.Ashcroft
F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, T.Gallop
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley (c), L.Neale
I/C: K.Lohmann, H.McCluggage, L.McCarthy, L.Morris, Z.Bailey
EMG: J.Tunstill, S.Brain, D.Joyce
Team Tips: Just as the reigning back-to-back premiers were getting back to full strength, they’ve lost one of their most important soldiers. Dayne Zorko will miss a few weeks with a calf issue in an untimely blow for the 37-year old veteran, who’s body has held up remarkably will in recent seasons. Noah Answerth should be ready to return from concussion in the ideal replacement for Zorko. If Answerth doesn’t come up, Darragh Joyce, James Tunstill or Sam Marshall loom as the most obvious ins.
‘Does he know the song here or not?’ | 01:10
FREMANTLE v WEST COAST EAGLES
Sunday April 19, 5.10pm at Optus Stadium
Dockers’ Round 5 side
B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner
C: J.O’Meara, A.Brayshaw, C.Wagner
HF: S.Bolton, M.Reid, S.Switkowski
F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss
FOLL: S.Darcy, L.Jackson, C.Serong
I/C: C.Scerri, I.Dudley, N.Erasmus, M.Johnson, J.McVee
EMG: M.Cox, B.Banfield, N.O’Driscoll
Team Tips: They got out of jail against Collingwood. But they’ll be forced to make at least one change after Sean Darcy got struck down with concussion. All signs point to Mason Cox making his Dockers debut, with the former Magpie already pressing to come into the side after strong WAFL form. But the Dockers also have Hayden Young (hamstring) and Michael Frederick (ankle) set to return from injury in a healthy selection headache for Justin Longmuir and company. Longmuir said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 that Cox was “definitely a chance” to come in with the two-ruck “model we’ve gone with for a while now”. But Longmuir said with “hopefully a couple of players returning” they would weigh up team structure. Chris Scerri seems the most likely Docker to make way after a quiet fortnight. If Cox does come and the Dockers stick with the two ruck setup, picking the other omission is tricky.
Eagles’ Round 5 side
B: L.Duggan (c), T.Young, R.Ginbey
HB: B.Hough, S.Brock, L.Baker
C: W.Duursma, J.Graham, B.Allan
HF: T.Kelly, A.Reid, E.Hewett
F: H.Schoenberg, J.Waterman, J.Shanahan
FOLL: C.Duff-Tytler, H.Reid, D.Robertson
I/C: J.Lindsay, M.Owies, T.McCarthy, B.Williams, H.Davis
EMG: R.Maric, M.Flynn, M.Champion
Team Tips: Recruit Deven Robertson’s season us over in a cruel setback just four games into his Eagles career. West Coast does have some reinforcements on the way though, with potentially Elliot Yeo (adductor), Milan Murdock (hamstring) and Harry Edwards (concussion) all set to return from injury, while Jamie Cripps was managed against Geelong. Sandy Brock probably makes way for Edwards, if he’s ready. Bo Allan and Cooper Duff-Tytler could also benefit from having a rest after a quiet fortnight.