Round 17 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, latest team news

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ROUND 17 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

GEELONG CATS vs. BRISBANE LIONS

Thursday July 2, 7:30pm at GMHBA Stadium

SIDES ANNOUNCED HERE.

SYDNEY SWANS vs. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday July 3, 7:40pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 16 side

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

HB: J.Hamling, N.Blakey, J.Serong

C: J.Lloyd, A.Sheldrick, E.Gulden

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

F: C.Cleary, C.Curnow, J.Amartey

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

I/C: H.Cunningham, S.Wicks, P.Ladhams, R.Bice, L.McDonald

EMG: H.Kyle, H.McLean, M.Roberts

Team Tips: Sydney coach Dean Cox confirmed at least two changes on Thursday morning, with Hayden McLean and Dane Rampe locked in to return against the Bulldogs on Friday night. They’ll replace Joel Amartey (Achilles) and Sam Wicks (hamstring). Amartey has a partial Achilles tear, with the free agent forward set to spend at least 10 weeks on the sidelines, putting his finals series in jeopardy. McLean booted six goals in the VFL side’s thumping win over Sandringham last weekend. Up against the Bulldogs, Cox might opt to make other changes as the Swans look to get back to winning ways, with his match committee to again consider the Brodie Grundy–Pete Ladhams tandem, while the likes of Caiden Cleary and Harry Cunningham could come under some selection pressure. Harry Kyle and Matt Roberts were among the emergencies last week, and the latter was everywhere in the reserves with 37 disposals, eight tackles, five clearances and a goal. Billy Cootee was the major ball-winner in the VFL with 38 disposals, two goals and eight clearances. Jevan Phillipou put his hand up for an AFL debut with 5.2 from 13 possessions, while Corey Warner booted 3.2 from 32 disposals. Meanwhile, Lewis Melican made a VFL return from injury last weekend, while Tom Papley (calf) and Braeden Campbell (shin) are as close as one week away.

Bulldogs’ Round 15 side

B: N.Coffield, B.Khamis, M.Sellwood

HB: C.Budarick, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale

C: J.Freijah, M.Bontempelli (c), L.Bramble

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

F: W.Lewis, A.Naughton, R.West

FOLL: T.English, T.Liberatore, E.Richards

I/C: R.Sanders, L.McNeil, R.Lobb, L.Kennedy, M.Kennedy

EMG: S.Davidson, L.Vandermeer, O.Baker

Team Tips: After a well-deserved break, the Bulldogs will need to come out charging on Friday night at the SCG — a venue they’ve beaten Sydney at in their last two meetings. Small forward Cody Weightman should return straight back into the fold, which could see Lachie McNeil squeezed out of the senior side with the club’s injury in excellent nick. Riley Garcia and Bailey Williams remain another week away from a likely run in the reserves, but beyond them, only Sam Darcy is sidelined. In Footscray’s last outing before their own mid-season bye, Josh Dolan and 2026 mid-season draftee Caleb May were among the best performers. Round 15 emergencies Sam Davidson and Oskar Baker are also ever-reliable options coach Luke Beveridge can turn to.

WEST COAST EAGLES vs. ADELAIDE CROWS

Friday July 3, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 16 side

B: L.Duggan, R.Bazzo, B.Starcevich

HB: M.Herbert, T.Young, L.Baker (c)

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

HF: T.Cole, J.Shanahan, R.Maric

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

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

I/C: J.Graham, T.McCarthy, B.Hough, H.Davis, J.Hutchinson

EMG: J.Lindsay, T.Gross, J.Williams

Team Tips: Midfielder Tim Kelly is set to return from a minor hamstring injury to face Adelaide, granted he gets through training this week. But the Eagles will be without Pick 4 Cooper Duff-Tytler, who sustained a calf injury against Carlton. Duff-Tytler won’t play against the Crows – and he could be out for longer, with coach Andrew McQualter on Monday night telling 7 News Perth: “We’ll work through how much longer it will be after that.” It’s unlikely the Eagles would do a straight Kelly-for-Duff-Tytler swap, so expect multiple changes. One of those will be rewarding a youngster with a debut. The Eagles confirmed on Thursday that midseason draftee Oliver Francou would make his AFL debut on Friday night. In his most recent WAFL game, Francou totalled 30 disposals and 10 tackles. The Eagles could turn back to Jack Williams to replace Duff-Tytler, although he had his first foray as a defender in the WAFL on the weekend. And West Coast hasn’t had a look at Matt Flynn and Bailey Williams in the same side so far this year, but Flynn has strung together a strong patch of form at WAFL league level this year. Jack Hutchinson was quiet upon return to the AFL side, while Elijah Hewett might be vulnerable to a move back to the WAFL. Others to impress in the WAFL loss to East Perth were Finlay Macrae (30 disposals), Lucca Grego (27 disposals, 8 marks) and Harvey Johnston (15 disposals, 5 tackles).

Crows’ Round 16 side

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

HB: I.Cumming, J.Worrell, H.Hall-Kahan

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

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

F: Z.Taylor, T.Walker, A.Neal-Bullen

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

I/C: D.Fogarty, B.Keays, J.Peatling, L.Nankervis, R.Laird

EMG: N.Murray, B.Dowling, F.Maley

Team Tips: While Adelaide’s Showdown 60 loss would frustrate them a great deal, there shouldn’t be too many reactionary changes. The club will give in-form defender Wayne Milera another week to return from a very low-grade hamstring strain; an obvious decision given the six-day turnaround and travel to Perth. Key defender Jordon Butts got through unscathed in the SANFL in his return from a calf injury, though is no guarantee to return straight away given the club’s stacked defensive line. Rebounder Mitch Hinge wasn’t as lucky in the same reserves game however, succumbing to yet another injury — this time in the form of a hamstring strain. If the Crows were looking to rest Lachie McAndrew, this would be the week to do so. Second ruck Toby Murray was enormous with four goals and 20 disposals, but if they’re looking for an out-and-out ruck to make the trip west, Reilly O’Brien has been in undeniable form all season playing reserves. Forgotten winger Lachie Sholl had 26 disposals and one goal on Saturday evening in the SANFL, while Sid Draper was one of the best on ground with 25 disposals, eight clearances and a goal of his own. Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) won’t be too far away from his latest injury setback, and has also been listed as one week away from a potential return.

HAWTHORN vs. MELBOURNE

Saturday July 4, 1:15pm at UTAS Stadium

Hawks’ Round 16 side

B: J.Sicily, J.Battle, F.Perez

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

C: M.D’Ambrosio, W.Day, H.Morrison

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

F: B.Hardwick, M.Lewis, N.Watson

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe (c), C.Mackenzie

I/C: C.Dear, N.Reeves, J.Ward, C.Macdonald, J.Dalton

EMG: W.McCabe, B.Ryan, S.Butler

Team Tips: The Hawks will unearth rugby league convert and Category B signing Matt Hill for his AFL debut after they confirmed Nick Watson (hamstring awareness) would miss. The Katherine product Hill, 22, who used to be part of the Melbourne Storm Academy and Brisbane Broncos development squad, would replace Watson in Sam Mitchell’s 23. But he won’t be the only Hawthorn debutant down in Tasmania on Saturday, with key defender Noah Mraz also set to run out for the first time, per the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. Meanwhile, the Hawks are set for a veteran boost, with Mitchell saying on Thursday that he was “much more optimistic” this week about Jack Gunston’s chances of returning from a foot injury. It comes after he said on Monday night on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 that he was “more likely than unlikely” to face the Demons on Saturday after missing the past three games. It’s likely Gunston would replace Calsher Dear, although the Hawks might look to give Dear a more sustained run at AFL level. Bodie Ryan, Will McCabe and Sam Butler were the emergencies for last week’s game – and all three impressed for Box Hill against the Giants in the VFL. Butler kicked two goals from 26 disposals, eight clearances and seven tackles.

Demons’ Round 15 side

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

HB: B.Howes, T.Rivers, K.Tholstrup

C: H.Langford, T.Sparrow, P.Cross

HF: K.Pickett, K.Chandler, H.Sharp

F: J.Melksham, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch

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

I/C: C.Windsor, M.Jefferson, T.McDonald, L.Kentfield, J.Fitzgerald

EMG: C.Jiath, M.Heath, J.Henderson

Team Tips: As the Demons charge into the back end of their home-and-away season off the bye, it’s unlikely they’ll have too much change to their starting 23 — if they can help it — this weekend. Melbourne coach Steven King said Harrison Petty (hamstring) trained fully in a session over the weekend and is “tracking well” to return for Saturday’s game in Tasmania. That could come at the expense of Luker Kentfield, who’s yet to really make his mark in three AFL games, while Jake Melksham was also quiet in the loss to Adelaide a fortnight ago. Meanwhile, King was hopeful that Christian Salem (foot), Jack Viney (Achilles) and Xavier Lindsay (hip/groin) would return by the end of the season, with Salem as close as a week away barring any further setbacks. Though you sense Salem might be more likely to return via the VFL after an extended lay-off. Melbourne’s VFL side also had a bye over the weekend, but Bailey Laurie, Latrelle Pickett and Changkuoth Jiath could also come into the senior mix.

GWS GIANTS vs. FREMANTLE

Saturday July 4, 1:35pm at Corroboree Group Oval Manuka, Canberra

Giants’ Round 16 side

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

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

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

HF: P.Gothard, M.Gruzewski, T.Bedford

F: J.Stringer, A.Cadman, T.Greene (c)

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

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

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

Team Tips: The Giants are set for two changes from the side that went down to Hawthorn after untimely blows to Max Gruzewski (patella tendon) and Brent Daniels (calf) that continued the club’s horror injury run in 2026. Gruzewski’s setback comes with Jesse Hogan facing a potential season-ending finger injury, so Adam Kingsley will have to get creative in reshaping his forward line. The club has done just that, with Category B rookie Riley Hamilton confirmed to make his AFL debut by the club on Thursday afternoon after stellar form in the VFL. The 19-year-old has kicked at least two goals in nine of his last 11 outings in the reserves. Jack Buckley (hamstring) is listed as a test in what would be a handy reinforcement to the backline, though it’s the other end of the ground where GWS is undermanned. Could it prompt Harry Himmelberg to return to attack? Ruck Nick Madden (knee) will return via the reserves, giving Kieren Briggs one last chance to prove his place in the senior side. Jack Ough should come into the mix for his AFL debut after gathering 29 disposals (20 contested) in the VFL, while Harry Rowston had 26 touches in the twos.

Dockers’ Round 16 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: H.Young, M.Johnson, I.Dudley, S.Darcy, J.McVee

EMG: J.O’Meara, C.Wagner, C.Scerri

Team Tips: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it — and right now, the Dockers couldn’t be more put together if they tried. Their decision to swap in Sean Darcy for veteran Mason Cox looked to work well, with the former playing 59% time on ground against the respectable ruck duo of Ned Moyle and Jarrod Witts. For the reserves, winger Jeremy Sharp was best afield with 25 disposals and 3.3 for Peel Thunder in their 88-point win over West Perth. The Dockers’ inaugural father-son pick Jaren Carr was also among the better performers with 27 disposals and a goal, while Bailey Banfield, emergency Jaeger O’Meara and veteran utility Oscar McDonald also found plenty of ball. The only player on Fremantle’s injury list with senior experience remains Sam Sturt, who didn’t play over the weekend after aggravating his quad last week.

GOLD COAST SUNS vs. COLLINGWOOD

Saturday July 4, 4:15pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 16 side

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

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

C: J.Noble, B.Addinsall, J.Murray

HF: B.Humphrey, T.Miller, C.Petracca

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

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

I/C: N.Holman, L.Lombard, C.Ballard, J.Witts, B.Jepson

EMG: D.Patterson, Z.Evans, O.Adams

Team Tips: After five straight losses for the first time since 2019, it’s panic stations at Carrara for Damien Hardwick’s side. Damien Hardwick knows he’s got to pull some levers to get more out of his group, and on Thursday, it was confirmed that top draftee Dylan Patterson would debut this Saturday against Collingwood. He had 18 disposals, one goal and a dozen tackles in the VFL last weekend. Elsewhere, after being recalled to the senior side, Charlie Ballard was very quiet and looks a chance to be sent straight back to the VFL, though he was far from the only poor performer. Forgotten key defender Caleb Graham — who remarkably hasn’t played at the top level since 2022 — has been in strong form for a little while now in the reserves, and can’t be far away from a long-awaited recall. Uncapped Category B rookie Zak Evans remains very close to making his senior debut. Both Ned Moyle and Jarrod Witts failed to have an impact against the league’s most daunting ruck duo, and could leave more questions over their longevity as a pair. Veteran Nick Holman was one of the side’s better-rated players on a tough evening, but his spot may be on shaky ground with younger types waiting in the wings.

Magpies’ Round 16 side

B: H.Perryman, J.Howe, B.Frampton

HB: I.Quaynor, D.Houston, J.Daicos

C: S.Sidebottom, N.Long, R.Steele

HF: B.McCreery, J.De Goey, L.Schultz

F: D.McStay, T.Membrey, J.Buller

FOLL: D.Cameron, P.Lipinski, N.Daicos (c)

I/C: S.Pendlebury, E.Allan, J.Crisp, S.Swadling, H.Harrison

EMG: H.DeMattia, M.Podhajski, L.Puncher

Team Tips: Collingwood will hope Brayden Maynard is right to return from his shoulder injury for an important trip north to play Gold Coast. The gun defender will push hard to return but might need one more week, though if he does get up, Sam Swadling could be an unlucky omission despite slotting smoothly into Craig McRae’s side two weeks ago. The Pies on Thursday afternoon did however confirm the debut of mid-season draftee Liam Puncher, who was an emergency last week. Isaac Quaynor’s fitness with an ankle niggle is again a watch, listed as a ‘test’ for Saturday evening. Meanwhile, there’s no timeline still on Darcy Moore’s return from his hamstring/bursa injury, with McRae not overly confident last week as he admitted there’s a chance the Pies skipper doesn’t play again this year. Angus Anderson was a top performer at VFL level — totalling 32 disposals, 11 clearances and two goals — but it’s been a tough side to get into at the moment. He could get a look-in against the Suns’ midfield, while Harry DeMattia continues to bang down the door for a debut, settling into a half-forward role of late. Could Harvey Harrison, who was quiet against Richmond, come out for a spell? Will Hayes (shoulder) and Noah Howes (shoulder) are nearing returns to the field.

RICHMOND vs. CARLTON

Saturday July 4, 7:35pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 16 side

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

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

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

HF: M.Rioli, S.Campbell, S.Green

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

FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), D.Prestia, J.Ross

I/C: T.Hotton, K.Annand, S.Grlj, R.Mansell, S.Cumming

EMG: K.Smith, T.Sonsie, O.Hayes-Brown

Team Tips: A reasonably gallant effort by Adem Yze’s Tigers last Saturday might mean they go into a clash against the in-form Blues with a similar line-up. One unforced change, though, if deemed fit, is Tom Lynch’s return after a larynx injury. They’ve sorely lacked a dominant forward presence, with his inclusion likely to come at the expense of a smaller type — unless Yze thinks it’s time to give Mykelti Lefau a spell after one effective kick in 87 per cent time on ground vs. the Pies. Taj Hotton sustained a corked quad against the Magpies but was able to play out the match. The second-year livewire gave Richmond some centre-bounce flair in the absence of Jacob Hopper, who’s without a return timeline for an ankle stress fracture. Out-of-favour rebounder Kaleb Smith, who was again named among the emergencies, again gave the coaching staff something to think about after amassing 37 disposals in the VFL. Luke Trainor, who overcame a hip issue, made a nice return to the field with 23 possessions and 10 marks in the reserves’ loss to Collingwood. Tyler Sonsie, who was dropped for Jack Ross last week, responded with 24 touches and seven clearances, while Kane McAuliffe got through another VFL contest. Harry Armstrong and Judson Clarke are edging ever closer to a return to the field.

Blues’ Round 16 side

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

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

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

HF: M.Cottrell, M.McGovern, 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: O.Hollands, Z.Williams, F.Riley

Team Tips: There’s an argument to be made that Carlton hasn’t entirely missed Jacob Weitering, who last week suffered a “slight recurrence” of his calf injury to remain shelved. Just what his recovery timeline looks like will be a watch, while Harry Dean and Wade Derksen hold down the fort for Josh Fraser. The Blues were unchanged for last Saturday’s clash with West Coast, and after a sixth-straight win, there’s little reason to expect unforced change at selection heading into their second meeting with Richmond. Ollie Hollands is one to watch as a potential inclusion at some stage — having been named among the emergencies last week — as Blake Acres and Adam Cerra currently man the flanks. Cooper Lord is another of the names that can’t get onto the senior team sheet, but he pressed his claim in the reserves with a team-high 31 disposals and a goal. Zac Williams — who was held out of the VFL clash with Werribee last Saturday — and Flynn Riley were Fraser’s other emergencies for the West Coast fixture. Rebounding defender Jordan Boyd collected 26 disposals in his VFL return from a shoulder injury.

ESSENDON vs. ST KILDA

Sunday July 5, 3:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 16 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, H.Jones

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

I/C: J.Farrow, D.Parish, I.Kako, H.El Achkar, L.Blakiston

EMG: N.Cox, S.El-Hawli, T.Edwards

Team Tips: The Dons had several reinforcements for last weekend, and it still wasn’t close to enough against a scrappy North Melbourne outfit. One of those inclusions was Isaac Kako, who while wasn’t on the receiving end of exemplary delivery inside forward 50, still only had four disposals and was the side’s lowest-rated player. Tall Harrison Jones was thrown down to defence and was neither here nor there for the Bombers, which could see him vulnerable at selection among a couple others. In positive news, omitted duo Elijah Tsatas (36 disposals, 11 clearances) and Nik Cox (15 disposals, three contested marks, two goals) responded well and have given themselves some chance of an instant recall. Young defender Archie Roberts seems keen to return as soon as possible from his shoulder dislocation in Round 14, but a return date remains undisclosed.

Saints’ Round 15 side

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

HB: J.Sinclair, M.Windhager, R.Byrnes

C: D.Wilson, J.Macrae, B.Hill

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

F: R.Marshall, C.Sharman, M.Owens

FOLL: T.De Koning, H.Garcia, N.Wanganeen-Milera

I/C: L.Stocker, D.Butler, A.Hastie, M.Wood, C.Lake

EMG: P.Dow, A.Tauru, H.Boxshall

Team Tips: In a big blow for the run home, Jack Sinclair (calf) will miss the remainder of the season, confirmed on Thursday morning by Ross Lyon. The absence of Tom De Koning (lung, ribs), who’ll miss multiple weeks, will make for at least two forced changes to the side that lost to the Western Bulldogs in Round 15. Lyon told reporters on Thursday that De Koning thinks he can be back in a fortnight, while St Kilda doctors think it’s more likely a three-to-four-week spell. In addition, Rowan Marshall is nursing an AC joint issue but is expected to line up on Sunday against the Dogs. Dan Butler and Angus Hastie could be vulnerable given the most recent performances of a handful in the reserves. Before the VFL side’s own mid-season bye, axed South Australian Mattaes Phillipou was one of several fringe Saints to go huge, racking up 42 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal in their 37-point win over Footscray. Lyon suggested ahead of match committee that Phillipou will get a reprieve. “We think he’ll get an opportunity this week … I’d be surprised if it doesn’t go his way,” he said on Thursday. Jack Carroll had a lazy 46 disposals and a goal of his own, while Liam Henry (26 disposals, nine clearances, three goals), Tobie Travaglia (29 disposals — 15 contested, eight tackles, one goal) and Lance Collard (30 disposals, seven inside 50s) were all prevalent in the same fixture. Emergency Alix Tauru is unavailable for selection until at least Round 21, after yet another suspension for a high hit.

PORT ADELAIDE vs. NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday July 5, 3:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Power’s Round 16 side

B: L.Evans, 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, J.Wehr, O.Wines, J.Mead, D.Visentini

EMG: J.Watkins, C.Moraes, H.Ramm

Team Tips: Off the back of a shock Showdown 60 victory win over cross-town rivals Adelaide, the Power has little reason to majorly shake up their line-up this Sunday evening. That being said, they still had a few quiet performers. Second ruck Dante Visentini had five disposals from 69% game time, while Jacob Wehr’s quieter run of form continued. 2026 SSP signing Mitch Zadow kicked one goal from his four touches, and may also be vulnerable at selection. Utility Miles Bergman remains an outside chance to return for the first time since Round 9, as he overcomes a nagging toe issue. In the reserves’ loss to the Crows in the SANFL Showdown, exiled tall Todd Marshall kicked three goals, while Will Brodie had another 30 disposals and 17 contested possessions.

Kangaroos’ Round 16 side

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

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

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

HF: F.O’Sullivan, J.Darling, J.Konstanty

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), Z.Duursma

FOLL: C.Coleman-Jones, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel

I/C: C.Spargo, W.Dawson, C.Trembath , J.Goater, C.Harvey

EMG: L.McDonald, R.Hardeman, T.Goad

Team Tips: How much does Alastair Clarkson feel the need to change a winning formula? For the first time in over six years, his Roos have won three games on the trot and sit in ninth place with eight rounds to play. First ruck Tristan Xerri is a chance to return after jaw surgery last week, and if fit, would almost certainly see Callum Coleman-Jones omitted. Veteran defender Luke McDonald was managed for last Sunday’s win over Essendon, and should also return — though his replacement Josh Goater was notable in his first game at AFL level for 834 days. Zane Duursma has now gone four games straight without a goal, and has registered just two tackles across that stretch. Is he due for a run in the VFL? Mid-season draftee Oli Griffin kicked another three goals, and continues to put pressure on figures in the senior side’s front half, while forgotten winger Bailey Scott had 31 disposals and a goal. Tom Powell looks to have got through unscathed in his return to football from a groin injury, and may also put his hand up for selection.