Round 18 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, latest team news

The surging Lions are set to get even stronger. Plus a skipper could face the axe in a selection shock.

All the latest team and injury news ahead of Round 18 in Team Tips!

Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

ROUND 18 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

FREMANTLE vs. SYDNEY SWANS

Thursday July 9, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 17 side

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

HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner

C: N.O’Driscoll, A.Brayshaw, N.Erasmus

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

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

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, S.Bolton

I/C: J.McVee, M.Johnson, H.Young, I.Dudley, S.Darcy

EMG: J.O’Meara, C.Wagner, C.Scerri

Team Tips: They’ll need to replace Hayden Young (groin) after another injury setback to the star midfielder, despite an otherwise clean run of health for the Dockers after their 14-game winning streak was snapped by GWS. Last week’s emergencies, Jaeger O’Meara, Corey Wagner and Chris Scerri would appear at the front of the queue for a recall. Wagner was among Peel Thunder’s best with 29 disposals to go with a goal, while Hugh Davies (33 disposals, 10 marks) also put his hand up for a gig. There will be ongoing talk around the backup ruck role, too, and if Mason Cox should come back in for Sean Darcy. But you sense Justin Longmuir and company won’t overreact too much to one loss.

Swans’ Round 17 side

B: C.Mills (c), W.Edwards, T.McCartin

HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, H.Cunningham

C: J.Lloyd, E.Gulden, J.Serong

HF: J.Jordon, T.Hanily, J.Rowbottom

F: C.Cleary, C.Curnow, H.McLean

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, Ch.Warner

I/C: H.Kyle, D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, J.Hamling, Co.Warner

EMG: R.Bice, B.Cootee, L.Melican

Team Tips: Back on the winners list after making six changes against the Western Bulldogs — including Logan McDonald, Peter Ladhams, Joel Amartey and Sam Wicks missing through injury. Of those names, there’s yet to be a more firm update on McDonald (quad) and Ladhams (groin), with the others set for long stints on the sidelines. Hard to see Dean Cox making too many changes, though Tom Papley and Braeden Campbell are back into full training and should be in the selection mix. Riley Bice responded to his axing most emphatically with 35 disposals in the VFL, while Malcolm Rosas (25 touches) and Billy Cootee (one goal from 27 touches) also played well in the twos. Joel Hamling, if Ladhams or McDonald are available, and Tom Hanily might be the most vulnerable at selection as Sydney’s two lowest-rated players against the Dogs.

COLLINGWOOD vs. NORTH MELBOURNE

Friday July 10, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Magpies’ Round 17 side

B: B.Maynard (c), J.Howe, B.Frampton

HB: H.Perryman, J.Daicos, D.Houston

C: S.Sidebottom, A.Anderson, P.Lipinski

HF: L.Schultz, H.Harrison, B.McCreery

F: J.Buller, N.Daicos, T.Membrey

FOLL: D.Cameron, E.Allan, J.De Goey

I/C: L.Puncher, N.Long, J.Crisp, S.Swadling, D.McStay

EMG: R.Steele, C.West

Team Tips: There will be a watch on Scott Pendlebury (calf) and Isaac Quaynor (ankle) after they missed the spirited win over Gold Coast, while Brayden Maynard (ribs) might also be one to monitor after that cheap shot from Ben Long. It could make for a selection headache at Collingwood after the club’s best win for the season over Gold Coast in a game several youngsters impressed. Jack Buller was quiet and might find himself vulnerable, depending on how they weigh up selection integrity against positional needs. If it’s the latter, Liam Puncher would be the obvious one to make for Quaynor, if he’s ready, despite Puncher impressing on debut. Lachie Sullivan had 32 disposals with a goal in the VFL to put his name up, while mid-season draftee Harrison Coe is sitting there ready to be deployed if Craig McRae did want to shake up his ruck mix and provide a chop out to Darcy Cameron.

Kangaroos’ Round 17 side

B: A.Corr, C.Comben, L.Parker

HB: J.Goater, C.Daniel, C.McKercher

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

HF: F.O’Sullivan, C.Trembath, J.Konstanty

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

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

I/C: L.McDonald, C.Spargo, W.Dawson, C.Harvey, T.Blamires

EMG: Z.Duursma, G.Logue, Z.Banch

Team Tips: Unfortunately there’s concerns of another hamstring setback to George Wardlaw (hamstring) that caused him to exit the loss to Port Adelaide late in the fourth quarter. If Wardlaw misses, it should be a straight swap for Paul Curtis in his return from suspension. North’s VFL team had a bye on the weekend, but the likes of Riley Hardeman and Tom Powell should come into the selection mix. Jacob Konstanty and Charlie Spargo were among North’s lower-rated players against Port to potentially make them vulnerable at selection.

ST KILDA vs. PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday July 11, 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 17 side

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti

HB: B.Hill, A.Hastie, R.Byrnes

C: D.Wilson, L.Stocker, M.Windhager

HF: J.Higgins, L.Ryan, M.Hall

F: M.Wood, C.Sharman, M.Owens

FOLL: R.Marshall, H.Garcia, N.Wanganeen-Milera

I/C: T.Travaglia, L.Henry, M.Phillipou, C.Lake, L.O’Connell

EMG: J.Macrae, D.Butler, A.Dodson

Team Tips: Don’t expect much change after one of their most dominant performances this season over Essendon. Max King’s (hamstring) return shouldn’t be too far away, though it could be via the VFL. Hugh Boxshall (30 disposals, 17 contested), Paddy Dow (30 touches, 14 contested) and Dan Butler (three goals from 15 disposals) were among the best in the VFL, with Butler omitted after from the senior side after the club’s bye. Jack Macrae was managed but listed as an emergency, so he mightn’t be a lock to return.

Power’s Round 17 side

B: M.Bergman, B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Lai

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

C: J.Lukosius, J.Horne-Francis, J.Burgoyne

HF: X.Bamert, M.Georgiades, J.Berry

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

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

I/C: M.Zadow, O.Wines, J.Mead, D.Visentini, L.Evans

EMG: J.Wehr, J.Watkins, A.Van Wyk

Team Tips: Hard to see Josh Carr wanting to tinker with his mix after Port registered consecutive wins for the first time this year. Sam Powell-Pepper (illness) left his second game back in the SANFL early and he’ll likely continue to build reps in the twos. Will Brodie (42 disposals), Jack Watkins (35 touches) and Christian Moraes (one goal from 27 disposals) were among their best in the twos as hopefuls to potentially get a look in against St Kilda, while Todd Marshall has returned to his old role as a forward at the lower level.

GWS GIANTS vs. GEELONG CATS

Saturday July 11, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ Round 17 side

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

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

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

HF: S.Coniglio, T.Greene (c), R.Hamilton

F: A.Cadman, J.Stringer, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Bedford, F.Callaghan

I/C: H.Oliver, J.Ough, H.Rowston, C.Stone, J.Delana

EMG: J.Leake, T.McMullin, C.Angove

Team Tips: In an otherwise great day for the Giants as they snapped Fremantle’s winning streak, GWS will need to replace Lachie Whitfield (concussion) to leave a big void in Adam Kingsley’s side. Phoenix Gothard and Leek Aleer were managed and both players should slot straight back into the 23, while Jack Buckley (hamstring) and Jayden Laverde (hamstring) might also be ready to return. Depending on how many they get back, Riley Hamilton, Harrison Oliver and Josaia Delana were the three lowest-rated Giants on the weekend as the players that could make way.

Cats’ Round 17 side

B: C.O’Sullivan, J.Henry, O.Mullin

HB: J.Kolodjashnij, T.Stewart, M.O’Connor

C: O.Dempsey, B.Smith, M.Blicavs

HF: P.Dangerfield (c), J.Cameron, O.Wiltshire

F: O.Henry, S.Neale, J.Martin

FOLL: M.Edwards, M.Holmes, T.Atkins

I/C: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, T.Bruhn, L.Humphries, S.Mannagh

EMG: J.Bowes, G.Miers, G.Stevens

Team Tips: A bit for Chris Scott and company to ponder after a fourth loss from their last five games, despite having virtually a full strength list to choose from. Gryan Miers recorded 27 disposals in the VFL as he looks for a reprieve after coming in and out of the senior side following a partially torn ACL injury. Chris Scott said the management of Miers was “complicated” but “he’s very much in our plans.” Mitch Knevitt (three goals from 30 disposals), Jhye Clark (30 touches), Jack Bowes (27 disposals) and George Stevens (34 touches) also put played well in the twos, while Rhys Stanley and Bradley Close are other options to come in. The Cats probably can’t afford to get too cute and rest anyone, unless Jeremy Cameron is genuinely hampered by injury, while Ollie Henry, Mark O’Connor and Jake Kolodjashnij could be nervous at selection.

CARLTON vs. HAWTHORN

Saturday July 11, 7:35pm at the MCG

Blues’ Round 17 side

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

HB: L.Cowan, M.McGovern, B.Wilson

C: A.Cerra, S.Walsh, O.Hollands

HF: M.Cottrell, L.Young, B.Ainsworth

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

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

I/C: W.Hayward, N.Newman, G.Hewett, J.Ison, F.Evans

EMG: F.Young, F.Riley, B.Acres

Team Tips: After their seventh win in a row, the Blues will be keen to welcome back key defender Harry Dean after he missed against Richmond. His replacement against the Tigers, Lewis Young, was concussed last Saturday night, so the club will hope its Rising Star candidate can come straight back in. Carlton only just got over the line against Richmond, but again there shouldn’t be too much unforced change heading into a defining clash with Hawthorn. Jacob Weitering remains a little while away with his nagging calf issue, listed as ‘TBC’ on last week’s Carlton injury report. Flynn Riley again had an impact in the reserves, winning 43 hit-outs to go with 17 disposals and four marks. Out-of-favour midfielder Cooper Lord continues to press for a recall, tallying 27 possessions, a goal and six clearances, while small forward Lachie Fogarty remains around the fringes – kicking a goal from 28 touches and seven clearances in the win over the VFL Tigers.

Hawks’ Round 17 side

B: J.Sicily, J.Battle, B.Hardwick

HB: N.Mraz, T.Barrass, B.Macdonald

C: M.D’Ambrosio, W.Day, H.Morrison

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

F: M.Hill, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

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

I/C: F.Perez, C.Mackenzie, W.McCabe, J.Dalton, C.Macdonald

EMG: C.Dear, B.Ryan, C.Nairn

Team Tips: Hawthorn was missing a host of key names in its shock blowout loss to Melbourne last Saturday, with Nick Watson headlining that list. Watson, sidelined by hamstring tightness, was held out of the Demons clash as a precaution, and he was sorely missed. Pending a setback, the expectation is that he’ll retake his place in the side against Carlton. Josh Battle’s (appendicitis) situation is less clear after undergoing surgery last week, though developing key back Noah Mraz performed admirably in his AFL debut. Conor Nash doesn’t have a timeline for his return from a complex neck injury, but Karl Amon and Jarman Impey are set to be back in the selection frame, while Ned Reeves (knee) may require another week on the sidelines. In the VFL, Henry Hustwaite got busy in the midfield, totalling 23 disposals, a goal, eight clearances and 10 tackles in the win over Tasmania. Fellow ball-winner Cody Anderson kicked 2.2 from 25 possessions, while young key forward Aidan Schubert kicked 3.1 from 17 disposals and five marks.

ADELAIDE CROWS vs. GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday July 11, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 17 side

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

HB: H.Hall-Kahan, J.Worrell, R.Laird

C: J.Soligo, J.Dawson (c), L.Nankervis

HF: I.Rankine, T.Walker, J.Rachele

F: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays

FOLL: L.McAndrew, J.Peatling, D.Curtin

I/C: T.Murray, S.Berry, B.Cook, Z.Taylor, B.Dowling

EMG: N.Murray, S.Draper

Team Tips: Adelaide got back to winning ways against West Coast in Perth, and ahead of a favourable home clash with the struggling Suns, it should regain star forward Riley Thilthorpe. The key-position spearhead was a late withdrawal before the Eagles game but should be right to reclaim his spot. Meanwhile, if they prove themselves fit, the Crows could be bolstered by the returns of Wayne Milera and Cal Ah Chee, who are both nursing hamstring injuries. The latter, though, could be eased back in through the SANFL. And if they can get themselves off the injury report, it’ll be just Mitch Hinge (ankle) and Luke Pedlar (hamstring) in a clean Adelaide injury ward. Elsewhere, Charlie Edwards pressed his claim for a recall after 30 disposals and two goals in the SANFL. Isaac Cumming notched 20 disposals and seven marks, meanwhile, after he was dropped last week.

Suns’ Round 17 side

B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: J.Noble, Z.Uwland, W.Powell

C: J.Murray, N.Anderson (c), B.Addinsall

HF: B.King, J.Walter, B.Humphrey

F: C.Petracca, L.Lombard, B.Long

FOLL: N.Moyle, T.Miller, M.Rowell

I/C: N.Holman, J.Jeffrey, E.Read, D.Patterson, B.Jepson

EMG: C.Ballard, J.Witts, Z.Evans

Team Tips: It’s a dire situation at the moment for Damien Hardwick’s Suns, who are in free fall amid a six-game losing streak. They still can’t cultivate a winning formula, despite changes, so where Hardwick goes next at selection is a point of intrigue. But one tweak that will be made, pending an appeal, is the exclusion of important forward Ben Long, who faces a two-match suspension for hitting Brayden Maynard off the ball last Saturday. In terms of possible inclusions, Sam Clohesy is due back from suspension this week, while a host of names could put themselves back in the selection mix. Alex Davies, Will Graham, Jy Farrar and Lachie Gulbin were all last week listed as one week away. Jarrod Witts and Charlie Ballard were dropped last week, while fellow exiled Sun Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked 1.1 from 14 disposals in the reserves.

WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday July 12, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 17 side

B: N.Coffield, J.O’Donnell, B.Khamis

HB: C.Budarick, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: R.Sanders, M.Bontempelli (c), L.Bramble

HF: C.Hynes, J.Croft, A.Jones

F: W.Lewis, A.Naughton, C.Weightman

FOLL: T.English, J.Freijah, E.Richards

I/C: M.Sellwood, T.Liberatore, M.Kennedy, L.Kennedy, L.McNeil

EMG: J.Busslinger, S.Davidson, R.West

Team Tips: The Bulldogs’ already threadbare defence took another hit out of an ugly loss to the Swans, with Connor Budarick (ankle) and Nick Coffield (concussion) to miss a vital clash with West Coast. According to reports, Budarick will miss eight or more weeks with a high-grand syndesmosis injury, putting his season in doubt. Adding to the Dogs’ woes, Matt Kennedy will need to be replaced after copping a one-match suspension for a high bump, but the Bulldogs will challenge the ban at the AFL tribunal. The blows down back could open the door for Jedd Busslinger to return for his first AFL appearance since Round 10 after a strong 19-disposal showing in the Dogs’ VFL win over Williamstown, while at the other end of the ground, Rhylee West is all but certain to return from his surprise axing after a best-afield performance as a frontline midfielder. Wingmen Sam Davidson and Oskar Baker (23 disposals apiece) are likely the next cabs off the rank, though with the Bulldogs’ forward pressure a concern against the Swans, Laitham Vandermeer (16 disposals) and Josh Dolan (18 and a goal) did enough in the VFL to be considered. The Dogs could also welcome back Bailey Williams (hamstring) in a welcome boost. Tim English will be a fascinating watch after being moved from the ruck to defence in the second half amid reports of back soreness, but it would be a shock to see him left out. Youngster Luke Kennedy was quiet in his third AFL match with only ten disposals, while Will Lewis went goalless – but with three forced outs, the Bulldogs scarcely have the cattle to drop either.

Eagles Round 17 side

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

HB: T.McCarthy, T.Young, L.Baker

C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, B.Allan

HF: T.Kelly, J.Shanahan, J.Graham

F: M.Murdock, J.Waterman, J.Hutchinson

FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, O.Francou

I/C: B.Hough, T.Cole, J.Williams, H.Davis, M.Herbert

EMG: J.Lindsay, T.Gross, S.Brock

Team Tips: They couldn’t drop their skipper, could they? Co-captain Liam Duggan has been a mainstay for near on a decade, but with 24 oft-shaky disposals, particularly late, in the loss to the Crows and young rebounder Josh Lindsay (19 disposals) impressing in the WAFL, a bombshell call to back in youth from Andrew McQualter could be an outside chance. Though the Eagles mightn’t have the luxury with where they’re currently at. Ryan Maric (24 disposals) and Elijah Hewett (26) responded well to being axed in the Eagles’ win over East Fremantle, as did former Crow Harry Schoenberg (28 disposals, eight inside 50s). Elliot Yeo could be due a spell after looking banged-up and mustering just seven disposals against the Crows on Friday night; while Jack Williams (11 disposals, four hit-outs and a goal) did enough to support Bailey Williams in the ruck for Cooper Duff-Tytler’s calf injury to be further managed.

MELBOURNE vs. RICHMOND

Sunday July 12, 3:15pm at the MCG

Demons’ Round 17 side

B: J.Bowey, D.Turner, J.Lever

HB: B.Howes, C.Jiath, K.Tholstrup

C: H.Langford, T.Sparrow, C.Windsor

HF: K.Pickett, K.Chandler, M.Jefferson

F: L.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch

FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Steele, E.Langdon

I/C: B.Laurie, T.Rivers, H.Sharp, H.Petty, J.Fitzgerald

EMG: T.McDonald, J.Henderson, L.Kentfield

Team Tips: With no injuries out of a topsy-turvy win over Hawthorn in Launceston, Steven King will be hard pressed to make any changes as his side begins an unlikely push for a top-four berth. Christian Salem might need one more week or even a stint in the VFL as he closes in on a return from a foot injury, while Max Heath appears ready to return from shoulder problems if Max Gawn needs his minutes managed. King remains confident Jack Viney (Achilles) and Xavier Lindsay (hip/groin) will return to the team before season’s end, but given the Dees’ form neither needs to be rushed. Should changes be made, Caleb Windsor (9 disposals) was quiet against the Hawks, while Bailey Laurie remains on the fringes with seven disposals from just 56 per cent game time. After 19 disposals and seven marks for Casey, veteran Tom McDonald remains an option if the Dees want to go taller against Richmond on Sunday.

Tigers’ Round 17 side

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

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

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

HF: S.Cumming, S.Campbell, S.Green

F: N.Balta, T.Lynch, J.Alger

FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Hotton, J.Ross

I/C: M.Lefau, K.Annand, H.Ralphsmith, R.Mansell, K.McAuliffe

EMG: K.Smith, T.Sonsie, Z.Peucker

Team Tips: At least one change will be required when Richmond take on Melbourne, with Jack Ross’ second concussion for the season sidelining the hard-nosed midfielder. Sam Lalor is closing in on a return from his Achilles injury, and would be a welcome return in his place, but Dion Prestia, who was managed out of the Blues clash, makes for a like-for-like swap regardless of the No.1 pick’s availability. After being rested from their loss to Carlton on Saturday night, Sam Grlj would also be expected to slot back in. A 35-point VFL loss to the Blues saw few listed Tigers put their hands up for an AFL recall, with Judson Clarke and Harry Armstrong’s returns from foot and knee injuries respectively a welcome sight as the injury list continues to thin.

BRISBANE LIONS vs. ESSENDON

Sunday July 12, 4:40pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 17 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, R.Lester

EMG: S.Marshall, H.Smith, S.Brain

Team Tips: Luckless defender Darcy Gardiner looks set for another stint on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury late in the Lions’ win over Geelong. Darragh Joyce looms as the likeliest inclusion should the Lions wish to stay tall after a 24-disposal, 11-mark performance in the VFL win over Collingwood. Chris Fagan’s hardest job looms as squeezing stars Dayne Zorko and Hugh McCluggage back into a winning team, with both looming as ready to take on the Bombers following long-term injury lay-offs. James Tunstill is likely to be one to make way after tallying just nine disposals against the Cats, while Eric Hipwood could be due a rest after three quiet games on return from his knee injury. Zac Bailey was taken off in the dying minutes with hamstring tightness, but with a 10-day break, is expected to recover in time. Premiership player Sam Marshall did his chances of a recall no harm with 30 disposals in the seconds, but such are the Lions’ riches that even Keidean Coleman could be forced to bide his time after returning from a hamstring injury via the VFL.

Bombers’ Round 17 side

B: A.McGrath (c), Z.Reid, J.Prior

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

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

HF: D.Sharp, N.Caddy, J.Caldwell

F: S.Robey, B.McKay, P.Wright

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

I/C: J.Farrow, D.Parish, I.Kako, N.Cox, S.El-Hawli

EMG: H.Jones, M.Kondogiannis, L.Blakiston

Team Tips: Dean Solomon could be forgiven for ringing the changes after an insipid performance against St Kilda; if the axe is wielded, Archie Perkins and Will Setterfield could have their spots in jeopardy after quiet performances, with Setterfield moved out of the midfield rotation after a brief stint tagging Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. Even Darcy Parish might not be safe after his 15 disposals against the Saints featured a team-high six clangers. The VFL team fared better with a 25-point win over the Saints, with Elijah Tsatas (29 disposals, six clearances) the standout if the AFL midfield needs rejigging. Youngster Angus Clarke impressed with 21 disposals and two goals roaming from half-back to half-forward and must be in line for his first senior game of the season after an injury-riddled run. Liam McMahon’s four-goal haul puts him in the running to replace Ben McKay in attack, who registered a late goal from just five disposals at Marvel Stadium.