Round 16 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, latest team news

Sydney are set to welcome back a superstar to kickstart the second half of their home and away season, as their top-of-the-table rivals ponder pulling the trigger on one of their age-old selection questions.

Plus, a slight sigh of relief for an interim coach as a trio of senior figures poise themselves for a return from injury. Read all the latest team and injury news ahead of Round 16 in Team Tips!

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ROUND 16 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

BRISBANE LIONS vs. SYDNEY SWANS

Thursday June 25, 7:30pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 14 side

B: N.Answerth, H.Andrews (c), D.Gardiner

HB: D.Wilmot, T.Gallop, B.Reville

C: J.Berry, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey

HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, L.Ashcroft

F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, K.Lohmann

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: J.Fletcher, C.McKenna, J.Tunstill, E.Hipwood, S.Brain

EMG: L.Beecken, S.Marshall, D.Joyce

Team Tips: The Lions will be well rested after their Round 15 bye and should welcome back Ryan Lester (calf). But the likes of Dayne Zorko (quad), Hugh McCluggage (hamstring), Keidean Coleman (hamstring), Oscar Allen (foot) and Lincoln McCarthy (calf) remain a few weeks away yet. Lester probably comes in for Shadeau Brain. Otherwise Chris Fagan Shouldn’t change much from the side that defeated Richmond in Hobart a fortnight ago, but won’t take selection lightly in such a big game.

Swans’ Round 14 side

B: C.Mills (c), J.Hamling, W.Edwards

HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, S.Wicks

C: J.Serong, Ch.Warner, J.Jordon

HF: J.Lloyd, J.Rowbottom, M.Rosas

F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, L.McDonald

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, A.Sheldrick

I/C: R.Bice, H.Kyle, H.Cunningham, C.Cleary, H.McLean

EMG: Co.Warner, P.Ladhams, P.Snell

Team Tips: Dean Cox’s side are set for a couple of huge ins off their bye, with Errol Gulden (shoulder) and Tom McCartin (concussion) due to return from injury for Thursday night’s blockbuster. Swans coach Dean Cox confirmed on SEN radio that Gulden would face Brisbane and expected McCartin to also return. Dane Rample (calf) will make his comeback via the VFL, but Tom Papley (calf) and Justin McInerney (hamstring) face longer stints on the sidelines. Two of Joel Hamling, Will Edwards and Harry Kyle probably make way for their defensive reinforcements, while Harry Cunningham or Caiden Cleary likely come out for Gulden. Sydney’s VFL side also had a bye last weekend.

HAWTHORN vs. GWS GIANTS

Friday June 26, 7:40pm at the MCG

Hawks’ Round 15 side

B: J.Sicily, J.Battle, J.Impey

HB: K.Amon, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick

C: M.D’Ambrosio, W.Day, H.Morrison

HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.Ginnivan

F: C.Macdonald, M.Lewis, N.Watson

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe (c), J.Ward

I/C: J.Weddle, N.Reeves, C.Mackenzie, C.Nairn, B.Macdonald

EMG: C.Dear, J.Dalton, F.Perez

Team Tips: A couple of forced outs from the side that knocked off the Suns. Jarman Impey (hamstring) is set for a stint on the sidelines, while Josh Weddle copped a three-match ban for his bump on Daniel Rioli. Jack Gunston looks unlikely to overcome a foot issue that’s bothered him in recent weeks, which would save Sam Mitchell from some magnet shifting for another week. Bodie Ryan is the other inclusion to help cover the defensive voids. Though the likes of Henry Hustwaite (40 disposals, three goals), Finn Maginness (37 disposals, two goals), Sam Butler (32 disposals, three goals) and Oliver Greeves (34 disposals, one goal) were among the VFL team’s best in a smashing of Gold Coast to put their names in the mix. A timeline on Conor Nash’s return from a neck issue remains up in the air.

Giants’ Round 15 side

B: J.Laverde, S.Taylor, C.Idun

HB: L.Ash, L.Whitfield, J.Fonti

C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas

HF: J.Stringer, A.Cadman, P.Gothard

F: T.Bedford, J.Hogan, T.Greene (c)

FOLL: K.Briggs, B.Daniels, F.Callaghan

I/C: H.Himmelberg, L.Aleer, S.Coniglio, C.Stone, C.Brown

EMG: H.Oliver, J.Delana, H.Rowston

Team Tips: An intriguing week at selection after the Giants lowered their colours against the Blues. They’ll likely need to replace Jayden Laverde (hamstring) in an untimely blow after the recruit has had a good season in defence. Jack Buckley would be the ideal replacement but remains another week or two away. It could open the door for James Leake to earn a reprieve if they opted for size. If not, Harrison Oliver, Josaia Delana and Harry Rowston should also be in the mix, while Riley Hamilton (18 disposals, three goals) and Jack Ough (28 disposals) could be in the mix to debut after encouraging VFL showings.

CARLTON vs. WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday June 27, 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Blues’ Round 15 side

B: O.Florent, W.Derksen, N.Haynes

HB: L.Cowan, H.Dean, B.Wilson

C: A.Cerra, S.Walsh, B.Acres

HF: W.Hayward, M.McGovern, B.Ainsworth

F: B.Kemp, H.McKay, T.Byrne

FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Cripps (c), J.Smith

I/C: N.Newman, G.Hewett, J.Ison, F.Evans, M.Cottrell

EMG: C.Lord, L.Fogarty, F.Riley

Team Tips: With the Josh Fraser freight train still rolling after a fifth-straight win under the caretaker coach, you’d expect they’ll continue with this same mix. The one looming change is the return of Jacob Weitering, who’s missed the last two games with a calf issue. That would likely come at the expense of Wade Derksen, which would be tough call after he was impressive against GWS. Ollie Hollands (ankle) gathered 26 disposals in his VFL return on the weekend but will likely be made to earn his spot back, while Cooper Lord (23 disposals, one goal) has been in good touch in the twos but probably also needs to wait for a senior opening.

Eagles’ Round 14 side

B: L.Duggan (c), R.Bazzo, B.Starcevich

HB: M.Herbert, T.Young, L.Baker

C: H.Davis, E.Yeo, B.Allan

HF: T.Cole, J.Shanahan, T.Gross

F: M.Murdock, J.Waterman, C.Duff-Tytler

FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly

I/C: J.Lindsay, E.Hewett, B.Hough, R.Maric, H.Johnston

EMG: M.Flynn, C.Hall, S.Brock

Team Tips: The bye would’ve helped Tom McCarthy (hamstring) and Willem Duursma (calf) get extra rest in their bids to return from minor setbacks. Jack Graham (shoulder) could also be ready to return and Hamish Davis (concussion) should technically have cleared concussion protocols after suffering that head knock in West Coast’s last game against North Melbourne. Tom Gross and Harvey Johnston would appear vulnerable at selection, whole Bo Allan also hasn’t been setting the world on fire. West Coast’s WAFL side also had a bye last weekend, but Oliver Francou has impressed at the lower level and could join fellow mid-season recruit Marcus Herbert in the 23.

COLLINGWOOD vs. RICHMOND

Saturday June 27, 4:35pm at the MCG

Magpies’ Round 15 side

B: S.Swadling, J.Howe, B.Frampton

HB: H.Perryman, J.Daicos, I.Quaynor

C: P.Lipinski, S.Sidebottom, J.Crisp

HF: B.McCreery, N.Long, L.Schultz

F: J.Buller, M.Podhajski, T.Membrey

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, N.Daicos (c)

I/C: D.Houston, R.Steele, E.Allan, H.Harrison, D.McStay

EMG: W.Parker, A.Anderson, J.Ryan

Team Tips: Collingwood battled to a gritty, much-needed win against Port Adelaide on Saturday, but there’s set to be at least one change going into a favourable matchup with Richmond. Scott Pendlebury is set to return to Craig McRae’s side after being rested against the Power, while Collingwood could tweak his key forward set-up after Jack Buller and Mitch Podhajski combined for 0.5 in front of goal (albeit, on a wet night that didn’t favour key forwards). One could make way for Charlie West, who kicked three goals from 21 disposals and eight marks in the VFL side’s one-point loss to Frankston. Brayden Maynard (shoulder) could also return, depending on his prognosis, but the Pies mightn’t risk him against Richmond. After managing Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom over their last two games, could they look to keep that cycle going and rest another veteran? Wil Parker, Angus Anderson and Jakob Ryan were emergencies last Saturday, with the latter busy in the reserves with 24 disposals and six tackles. There could be a firmer timeline this week on Darcy Moore’s hamstring injury, while Will Hayes (shoulder) is nearing availability.

Tigers’ Round 15 side

B: N.Broad, B.Miller, T.Brown

HB: N.Vlastuin, J.Short, S.Banks

C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto, J.Trezise

HF: T.Sonsie, S.Campbell, S.Green

F: N.Balta, M.Lefau, J.Alger

FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), D.Prestia, S.Cumming

I/C: L.Fawcett, K.Annand, S.Grlj, M.Rioli, T.Hotton

EMG: O.Hayes-Brown, K.Smith, N.Roberts-Thomson

Team Tips: There’ll be changes made at Richmond this week after a highly disappointing loss to North Melbourne last Sunday. Forward Rhyan Mansell is a near certainty to return for Saturday’s clash with Collingwood after kicking three goals in the VFL, with the likes of Maurice Rioli and Steely Green seemingly in danger of losing their spot, while Taj Hotton struggled to make an impact in his return game. Jack Ross (concussion) will be a watch as the Tigers anticipate his graduation from protocols, while Hugo Ralphsmith is back available for selection after serving his VFL suspension. Sam Banks and Tom Brown had poor moments on Sunday, but given that Luke Trainor (hip) was held out of the VFL last weekend, he might need a week or two in the reserves before getting a senior call-up. Kane McAuliffe managed a dozen disposals in managed minutes in his VFL return from an Achilles injury. He may need another week in the twos before being a realistic chance of a call-up. Elsewhere in the reserves, Kaleb Smith (34 disposals) — who was an emergency last Sunday — continues to press for a senior return, having not played at AFL level this year. The Tigers sorely lacked a formidable tall forward presence against the Roos, but Tom Lynch is set to miss at least one more week with his throat issue sustained back in the Dreamtime game. Judson Clarke and Harry Armstrong are nearing returns to the field, while Sam Lalor is slowly edging closer but could still be as much as a month away.

PORT ADELAIDE vs. ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday June 27, 7:35pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 15 side

B: L.Evans, E.Ratugolea, T.Marshall

HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, L.Jones

C: E.Mackinlay, J.Horne-Francis, J.Burgoyne

HF: T.Cochrane, M.Georgiades, J.Berry

F: C.Durdin, J.Whitlock, J.Richards

FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters (c), W.Drew

I/C: J.Lai, J.Lukosius, X.Bamert, J.Mead, H.Ramm

EMG: C.Moraes, D.Visentini, M.Zadow

Team Tips: Counting the cost of Saturday’s MCG loss to Collingwood, with Esava Ratugolea (patella tendon) and Ewan Mackinlay (knee) both ruled out for the season in a couple of brutal blows. In better news, Jack Lukosius is a chance to face the Crows in the Showdown after scans confirmed a ruptured Baker’s cyst behind his knee — not a calf injury, as initially feared. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was withdrawn from the SANFL on Sunday to signal he’s the man that will come in to replace Ratugolea in defence. Meanwhile Sam Powell-Pepper will return from an ACL injury via the SANFL, with foxfooty.com.au understanding the club intends to play the 28-year-old on managed minutes for at least a half against Adelaide’s reserves. Will Brodie (29 disposals, one goal), Christian Moraes (20 disposals, two goals), Will Lorenz and Jack Watkins (26 disposals) could come into the mix for a senior call up after solid showings in the reserves.

Crows’ Round 15 side

B: M.Keane, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney

HB: R.Laird, N.Murray, W.Milera

C: D.Curtin, J.Dawson (c), B.Cook

HF: I.Rankine, R.Thilthorpe, J.Rachele

F: D.Fogarty, T.Walker, A.Neal-Bullen

FOLL: L.McAndrew, J.Peatling, S.Berry

I/C: B.Keays, Z.Taylor, J.Soligo, L.Nankervis, H.Hall-Kahan

EMG: H.Bond, B.Dowling, T.Murray

Team Tips: It’s a selection conundrum at West Lakes! Mitch Hinge (ankle) and Isaac Cumming (hamstring) are expected to be available for the senior side this week, while key defender Jordon Butts (calf) remains an outside chance at this stage of also putting his hand up. In any case, it means changes in the Crows’ back half that will see at least one, if not more unlucky omissions. Given how good a form James Borlase has been in lately, Nick Murray could be the unfortunate player to miss — despite a strong game against Melbourne last Saturday afternoon. The return of Izak Rankine across the weekend saw Jake Soligo lose almost all of his midfield minutes and as a result, an underwhelming performance. In the forward half, Luke Nankervis and Zac Taylor continue to execute team-first roles to a high standard, but as their injury list gets thinner, one of them may also be brutally stiff. In the reserves’ 11-goal loss to Norwood, Finnbar Maley was valiant with 2.3 from 10 disposals and three contested marks, while perennial SANFL performer Billy Dowling kicked a goal from 28 disposals and seven clearances.

NORTH MELBOURNE vs. ESSENDON

Sunday June 28, 3:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 15 side

B: L.McDonald, C.Comben, L.Parker

HB: T.Blamires, C.Daniel, C.McKercher

C: J.Simpkin, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens

HF: F.O’Sullivan, C.Trembath, C.Spargo

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), J.Darling

FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel

I/C: A.Corr, Z.Duursma, T.Goad, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty

EMG: R.Hardeman, G.Logue, R.Hansen Jr

Team Tips: The Roos have broken even with their win-loss record! And it may mean little change for Alastair Clarkson’s side after a scrappy win over Richmond last Sunday. Second-gamer Taylor Goad played just 29 per cent game time as an occasional chop-out for Tristan Xerri in the ruck, but the method seemed to work well enough and could be deployed again this weekend to keep giving him exposure at the top level. While he had three shots on goal, Zane Duursma’s quiet run of form continued for another weekend and could see him dropped to the VFL in search of confidence. It could open the door for mid-season draftee Ollie Griffin, who kicked four goals for the Kangaroos’ VFL side to push his claim for an AFL debut. His fellow forwards in Matt Whitlock and Zac Banch kicked three apiece in a 63-point win over Richmond, with 12-gamer Josh Goater and omitted key defender Griffin Logue also among the best. Riley Hardeman had 26 disposals in his return from concussion protocols, and could be another selection consideration.

Bombers’ Round 14 side

B: A.Roberts, Z.Reid, J.Prior

HB: X.Duursma, J.Ridley, M.Redman

C: A.Perkins, S.Durham, A.Day-Wicks

HF: D.Sharp, N.Caddy, S.Robey

F: B.McKay, K.Langford (c), H.Jones

FOLL: N.Bryan, Z.Merrett, W.Setterfield

I/C: J.Farrow, E.Tsatas, N.Cox, H.El Achkar, L.Blakiston

EMG: M.Kondogiannis, S.El-Hawli, T.Edwards

Team Tips: Fresh off their mid-season bye, interim coach Dean Solomon will first and foremost be looking at who replaces Archie Roberts off half-back, as he recovers from a shoulder dislocation, while Kyle Langford (quad) also got hurt against the Demons. Does it keep former captain Zach Merrett in the defensive half, or do they try to find an alternate option? Saad El-Hawli looms as one of a couple of options to be the designated distributor out of defence, but they could also look elsewhere. In better news, all of Jye Caldwell, captain Andrew McGrath, ball magnet Darcy Parish and small forward Isaac Kako should return from their respective niggles to provide some much-needed experience. Omitted key forward Thomas Edwards was again busy in the VFL before the bye despite his wayward 1.3, finding the footy 20 times. He may be looked upon as a replacement for Harrison Jones, who was very quiet with just three disposals from 88 per cent time on ground in the AFL side’s Round 14 loss to Melbourne.

FREMANTLE vs. GOLD COAST

Sunday June 28, 5:10pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 15 side

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman

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

C: N.Erasmus, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson

HF: S.Bolton, M.Frederick, S.Switkowski

F: P.Voss, J.Amiss, J.Treacy

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, H.Young

I/C: K.Worner, M.Reid, N.O’Driscoll, I.Dudley, M.Cox

EMG: C.Wagner, J.O’Meara, O.McDonald

Team Tips: No injuries, no major form concerns with personnel and 13 straight wins — life can’t get much better if you’re a Freo fan. In fact, going by last week’s club health report, general forward Sam Sturt is the only player set to be left in doubt at any level this weekend, and even then, he could well return for Peel Thunder this weekend. Their incredible health aside, all attention now turns to who plays as the Dockers’ second ruck this weekend — Mason Cox or Sean Darcy? You suspect it’s about time for the latter to return, after some strong WAFL form these last few weeks and a quiet patch for Cox. But will Justin Longmuir tinker with a winning formula? Clearly, it’s an excellent problem to have, but there’s no doubt now that we’re past the point of ‘trying to balance Darcy’s ruck time’. Luke Jackson’s form is simply too good now to dethrone him as the primary ruck, which means we could be seeing a lot more of ‘Swag’ Darcy up forward. In the reserves, Jeremy Sharp racked up 35 disposals and two goals, while emergency and veteran utility Oscar McDonald was excellent.

Suns’ Round 15 side

B: O.Adams, S.Collins, M.Andrew

HB: J.Noble, B.Uwland, D.Rioli

C: Z.Uwland, C.Petracca, T.Miller

HF: B.Humphrey, B.Long, L.Lombard

F: J.Witts, B.King, J.Walter

FOLL: N.Moyle, N.Anderson (c), M.Rowell

I/C: N.Holman, J.Jeffrey, S.Clohesy, J.Murray, B.Addinsall

EMG: C.Ballard, Z.Evans, L.Gulbin

Team Tips: There are a lot of questions at the selection table for the Suns this week after four straight losses, and they’ll have at least one forced change for this Sunday’s trip to Perth. Running defender Daniel Rioli is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks with a jaw injury after a crude hit from Hawthorn’s Josh Weddle. Their own Sam Clohesy will be out through suspension for a fortnight also, which could open the door for Category B rookie and former professional cricketer Zak Evans to make his AFL debut. The 26-year-old was one of the Suns’ few performers in a 97-point loss to Box Hill, and after being listed as an emergency last week, must be close now. Elsewhere, Ben Jepson was the designated distributor off half-back and recorded 35 disposals, while Dylan Patterson was good on-ball after quarter time. The omitted Charlie Ballard was very quiet on a wing, while Ethan Read looked a touch off the pace in his return from injury — as did Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. You suspect Damien Hardwick will again roll with the two-ruck combination of Jarrod Witts and Ned Moyle, though the former’s form is a slight concern. Luke Jackson poses just too great a risk right now to go in with Moyle, so there’s unlikely to be changes there.

BYE: Geelong, Melbourne, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs