Huge Pies blow; watch on Blues star as Swans to abandon experiment: Team Tips: AFL Round 7 Team Tips
A big Collingwood blow for its blockbuster Anzac Day clash with Essendon.
Plus Sydney will abandon Tom McCartin’s forward experiment, an injury watch on one of Carlton’s biggest stars and Richmond is set to unveil a debutant.
Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 7 in AFL Team Tips!
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ROUND 6 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
MELBOURNE v RICHMOND
Thursday April 24, 7:30pm at the MCG
Demons’ Round 6 side
B: J.Bowey, H.Petty, T.McDonald
HB: X.Lindsay, B.Howes, C.Salem
C: C.Windsor, J.Viney, E.Langdon
HF: K.Tholstrup, T.Fullarton, K.Pickett
F: K.Chandler, D.Turner, C.Spargo
FOLL: M.Gawn - C, C.Petracca, H.Langford
I/C: C.Oliver, J.Melksham, T.Rivers, T.Sparrow, H.Sharp (sub)
EMG: B.Fritsch, J.Henderson, J.Adams
Team Tips: Simon Goodwin swung the axe ahead of their clash with Fremantle last Saturday, and on face value — it worked! Club debutant Tom Fullarton was quiet up forward, but it’s hard to not him them a second crack this Anzac Day Eve given their eventual victory. Fellow inclusion Daniel Turner was concussed however, and will make way at least for one week. Jacob Van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsch were both quiet for a goal apiece in the VFL for the Casey Demons, with neither making a super strong case. How Steven May will fare after being a late out remains to be seen as he continues to recover from a minor groin strain, however the club is hopeful he will return — and would replace Turner, who played in defence last Saturday. Beyond May, it’s hard to see too many changes being made in what should be a reward for victory to the 23 who took on the Dockers.
Tigers’ Round 6 side
B: B.Miller, N.Balta, N.Vlastuin
HB: S.Banks, J.Short, N.Broad
C: J.Trezise, T.Dow, H.Ralphsmith
HF: S.Campbell, S.Lalor, S.Green
F: M.Rioli, T.Lynch, J.Faull
FOLL: T.Nankervis - C, T.Taranto, J.Hopper
I/C: T.Brown, K.McIntosh, J.Ross, S.Ryan, L.Trainor (sub)
EMG: T.Sonsie, J.Bauer, C.Gray
Team Tips: The elephant in the room this Thursday night is Noah Balta, who after returning from a four-match suspension absence for one round, will be unavailable due to the 10pm curfew aspect of the correction order he received on Tuesday. This will be a weekly point of contention until his order expires, while the Tigers confirmed Balta won’t play VFL either after a big week for the defender. However in exciting news for Tigers fans, former mid-season draftee and key key defender Campbell Gray will make his debut for Adem Yze’s side a week after it pulled off a stunning upset win over Gold Coast. If Rhyan Mansell’s shoulder injury has cleared, the 24-year-old should return from his suspension this weekend, though it’d be tough to make too many changes. Samson Ryan was subbed out tactically, but has since pulled up sore with a fascia plantar complaint, and will miss at least the next fortnight. Elsewhere, you’d think Luke Trainor will return into the starting 22 after being managed as the sub against the Suns. Jacob Bauer booted four goals in the VFL side’s 25-point loss to Frankston at the weekend, while Tyler Sonsie put his name firmly in consideration for a recall, raking in a game-high 35 disposals, five marks and a goal.
COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON
Friday April 25, 3:20pm at the MCG
Magpies’ Round 6 side
B: B.Maynard, B.Frampton, J.Howe
HB: J.Daicos, D.Moore – C, H.Perryman
C: J.Crisp, S.Sidebottom, P.Lipinski
HF: B.Hill, B.Mihocek, W.Hoskin-Elliott
F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, J.Elliott
FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos
I/C: J.De Goey, I.Quaynor, S.Pendlebury, M.Cox, E.Allan (sub)
EMG: T.Membrey, O.Markov, M.Cox
Team Tips: In a big blow to the Pies, Craig McRae has confirmed Darcy Moore will miss Anzac Day with an ear issue after copping a friendly fire knock from teammate Jeremy Howe last Thursday night against Brisbane. Collingwood could call on Charlie Dean as a like-for-like type, but it could just as easily make Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard and Harry Perryman play taller. They’re already set to get boosted by the return of Dan Houston to their back six as he the All-Australian defender returns from suspension. Elsewhere, the Pies at the last minute decided to manage Lachie Sullivan off a six-day break, meaning Mason Cox got his second game at AFL level this year. There’s no doubt the 211cm giant gave McRae’s side structure in the front half, but will his goalless eight-disposal game be enough to keep his spot? Tim Membrey was also managed and is waiting in the wings, while Lachie Schultz will miss another week from his hamstring niggle. First-year player William Hayes was strong in the VFL’s one-point loss to Brisbane last Friday, kicking three goals from his 14 disposals to put his hand up for higher honours in the coming weeks.
Bombers’ Round 6 side
B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley
HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, J.Prior
C: X.Duursma, D.Shiel, A.Roberts
HF: J.Gresham, N.Caddy, N.Martin
F: H.Jones, P.Wright, I.Kako
FOLL: S.Draper, Z.Merrett - C, S.Durham
I/C: B.Hobbs, W.Setterfield, A.Perkins, J.Menzie, S.El-Hawli (sub)
EMG: E.Tsatas, T.Goldstein, A.Day-Wicks
Team Tips: In heartbreaking news, a ruptured Achilles looks to have ended the 2025 of Sam Draper. It poses head coach Brad Scott with a very interesting call at the ruck selection table, given second ruck Nick Bryan is already out for the year with an ACL injury. Surely it means Essendon fans see 36-year-old veteran Todd Goldstein feature for the first time at AFL level this season, in what is incredibly his 19th season as an AFL player. Kyle Langford is expected to return for the blockbuster Anzac Day clash after a hamstring injury, while Xavier Duursma will be available after a knock to the ribs against the Eagles. The Bombers only just scraped across the line against West Coast, and if you looked solely at Friday night’s clash, both of Jade Gresham and Jye Menzie could be in the firing line if Brad Scott wanted to make a selection statement. Alwyn Davey Jnr kicked three goals in the reserves’ 16-point win over Port Melbourne on Saturday to pose a genuine case for his first AFL game since Round 22 last year. Key defenders Jayden Laverde and the uncapped Lewis Hayes were strong too in the VFL, however the former has since been suspended for headbutting. Matt Guelfi and Nik Cox are still another week away from returning from respective injuries.
FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE
Friday April 25, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium
Dockers’ Round 6 side
B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce - C, B.Cox
HB: J.Draper, K.Worner, J.Clark
C: J.Sharp, H.Young, J.O’Meara
HF: M.Frederick, S.Switkowski, S.Bolton
F: M.Reid, J.Treacy, J.Amiss
FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: O.McDonald, B.Banfield, M.Johnson, J.Aish, I.Dudley (sub)
EMG: N.Erasmus, L.Reidy
Team Tips: The Dockers slipped up at the MCG against the Demons, and the late out of defender Heath Chapman with illness shouldn’t be undersold. Ideally, he’ll come straight back into Justin Longmuir’s best 23 for the Anzac Day clash with Adelaide, likely at the expense of his last-minute replacement James Aish. In a blow to their midfield, Jaeger O’Meara looked to injure his hamstring, and seems likely to miss at least Round 7. Fans have been calling for a full game out of substitute Isaiah Dudley, but he looks to be pretty settled in his impact role as the 23rd man. In the WAFL, SSP recruit Quinton Narkle accumulated 38 disposals and eight inside 50s, while ruck Liam Reidy gave his Peel Thunder midfielders first look with 53 hitouts. Corey Wagner also successfully returned from a calf complaint for 27 touches and nine rebound 50s.
Crows’ Round 6 side
B: J.Worrell, N.Murray, R.Laird
HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, M.Michalanney
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson - C, D.Curtin
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine
F: D.Fogarty, T.Walker, A.Neal-Bullen
FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, M.Crouch
I/C: Z.Taylor, M.Hinge, L.Nankervis, S.Draper, S.Berry (sub)
EMG: L.Sholl, J.Butts, L.Pedlar
Team Tips: It’s still mostly smooth sailing for the Crows, with only one injury concern for them coming out of Saturday’s three-goal win over GWS.Darcy Fogarty is at this stage questionable to take on the Dockers on Anzac Day, as he continues to recover from a strain in his sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder. It could lead to an intriguing watch on the selection of star veteran Taylor Walker, who the club may have otherwise considered managing for the match in Perth. In better news, James Peatling will return from his one-week suspension — possibly at the expense of his replacement Sam Berry, who was substitute. Top draft pick Sid Draper was quiet for just six disposals before being subbed out, who conditions and delivery didn’t suit second-year player Dan Curtin. In the SANFL, Billy Dowling (23 disposals — eight intercepts, two goals) was busy, while forgotten former Sun Chris Burgess (12 disposals, two goals) could be an option up forward should Fogarty and Walker both find themselves out of the starting 23 for injury and management respectively. Keep an eye on the progress of Josh Rachele on the training track this week too, with the livewire a 50/50 chance of returning from a rib injury. The 22-year-old has begun contact training, with the club optimistic he could line up on April 25.
ST KILDA v BRISBANE
Saturday April 26, 1:20pm at Marvel Stadium
Saints’ Round 6 side
B: R.Byrnes, C.Wilkie, J.Webster
HB: A.Schoenmaker, N.Wanganeen-Milera, M.Windhager
C: B.Hill, J.Sinclair, M.Wood
HF: M.Hall, D.Wilson, M.Owens
F: C.Sharman, A.Caminiti, J.Higgins
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Macrae, J.Steele - C
I/C: L.Collard, L.Stocker, L.Henry, H.Garcia, Z.Jones (sub)
EMG: T.Travaglia, H.Boyd, A.Hastie
Team Tips: The Saints’ late change to include Zak Jones as the sub intrigued many, as the originally selected Angus Hastie was sent to the VFL at the last minute. Jones had 11 disposals from 40 per cent game time — 10 of which were handballs — and probably didn’t bring the pressure Saints fans would have hoped for from their sub. In his AFL return for 2025, Liam Henry was impact-less for his singular disposal before being subbed out in place of Jones, while Lance Collard went his second game without a goal and much impact. Hugh Boxshall continues to impress for Sandringham this year as he awaits senior selection, collecting 33 disposals — 21 contested, 11 clearances and nine tackles against Footscray on Sunday. Top draft pick Tobie Travaglia responded well to his axing in the same game, as did Hastie, with the pair each gathering 26 touches. Hunter Clark is unlikely to return straight into the senior side coming off an abdominal injury, and is likely to be given the extra week as the reserves enjoy a bye this weekend.
Lions Round 6 side
B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester
HB: N.Answerth, H.Andrews – C, D.Wilmot
C: J.Fletcher, Z.Bailey, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage
F: C.Rayner, S.Day, C.Ah Chee
FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, L.Morris, J.Tunstill, S.Marshall (sub)
EMG: D.Robertson, D.Gardiner, D.Fort
Team Tips: Despite their shock 52-point loss to Collingwood last Thursday night, Brisbane’s line-up should remain settled. Kai Lohmann will be hopeful of returning from a nagging ankle injury, which could see debutant and sub Sam Marshall slide out of the senior side. James Tunstill was notable on his return to AFL level, and would be unlucky to lose his spot in the best 23. Reserve ruck Darcy Fort led the way in the reserves’ heart-stopping one-point win over Collingwood, finishing with 28 disposals — 21 contested 28 hitouts, 16 clearances (!) and a goal. Ty Gallop’s four goals were also instrumental, while Deven Robertson’s minutes in the midfield paid maximum dividends amid his 35 disposals and 11 clearances.
PORT ADELAIDE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday April 26, 4:15pm at Adelaide Oval
Power’s Round 6 side
B: J.Sinn, A.Aliir, M.Bergman
HB: La.Jones, E.Ratugolea, K.Farrell
C: C.Moraes, C.Rozee - C, J.Burgoyne
HF: J.Mead, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli
F: S.Powell-Pepper, O.Lord, T.Cochrane
FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters
I/C: W.Drew, O.Wines, T.Boak, D.Byrne-Jones, R.Atkins (sub)
EMG: J.Finlayson, J.Berry
Team Tips: That’s two massive wins in a row for the Power, and all of a sudden they’re back on track. The sour note to come out of the clash at the SCG was more heart concerns for Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines, who was subbed out at half time with heart issues. It’s not the first time Wines has had the complaints mid-game, but both he and the club will be hopeful it won’t keep him sidelined. Off-season recruit Joe Richards was also a late out for the clash with illness, and should come back in — but his replacement Rory Atkins was commendable on club debut, and could well hold his spot. It means that first-year players Tom Cochrane and Christian Moraes may be considered for a run back in the SANFL.Tall forward Ollie Lord was also quiet in the front half, but will hold his spot. First-round draft pick Joe Berry responded excellently to his axing last round, gathering 23 disposals and two goals for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the reserves against South Adelaide. Ryan Burton and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher are outside chances to return this weekend, but look more likely to start back in the SANFL.
Kangaroos’ Round 6 side
B: C.Comben, A.Corr, G.Logue
HB: L.McDonald, C.Daniel, D.Tucker
C: F.O’Sullivan, T.Powell, C.McKercher
HF: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, H.Sheezel
F: C.Zurhaar, J.Darling, J.Konstanty
FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, J.Simpkin - C
I/C: G.Wardlaw, D.Stephens, Z.Fisher, L.Parker, Z.Duursma (sub)
EMG: R.Hardeman, B.Teakle, R.Hansen Jr
Team Tips: Where to now for Alastair Clarkson’s mob? After what looked to be a hot start to 2025, things have fallen south very quickly — and it might mean a few team changes. At least one change will be made, with Zac Fisher injuring his hamstring before half time to rule him out for the next little while. Form wise, top draft picks Finn O’Sullivan and Colby McKercher have been rather quiet in recent weeks, and may benefit from a run in the reserves to gain some confidence. There is a chance Clarkson makes a bigger statement with a Jack Darling type, but still feels slightly premature. Inside midfielder Will Phillips (23 disposals, 10 tackles) was among the best for the Kangaroos’ VFL side, as was ruck-forward Brynn Teakle for his 19 disposals, 23 hitouts and a goal.
GWS GIANTS v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Saturday April 26, 7:35pm at Manuka Oval
Giants’ Round 6 side
B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
C: H.Thomas, F.Callaghan, C.Ward
HF: D.Jones, J.Stringer, T.Bedford
F: T.Greene - C, J.Riccardi, A.Cadman
FOLL: K.Briggs, J.Kelly, T.Green
I/C: J.Wehr, C.Stone, C.Brown, T.McMullin, X.O’Halloran (sub)
EMG: H.Rowston, M.Gruzewski, L.Aleer
Team Tips: It was a tough old slog for the Giants in Adelaide over the weekend, but Adam Kingsley’s side will be hopefully they regain late out Jesse Hogan from calf tightness. The reigning Coleman Medallist’s absence was sorely felt in Round 6, but his potential inclusion could also be double bolstered by Stephen Coniglio and Brent Daniels, who are hoping to return from their respective glute and abdomen injuries. Jake Riccardi was quiet up forward for just six disposals against Adelaide, but it was far from an ideal game for Giants forwards. Emergency Max Gruzewski kicked five in the reserves against Casey, while Academy product and Category B rookie Nathan Wardius slotted four. Uncapped ruck Nick Madden was monumental as always for his 29 disposals, 33 hitouts, 13 clearances and a goal, but remains unlikely to slot into the senior side alongside Kieran Briggs just yet.
Bulldogs’ Round 6 side
B: B.Khamis, L.Jones, L.Bramble
HB: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb, B.Dale
C: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah
HF: L.McNeil, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore
F: J.O’Donnell, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli - C, M.Kennedy
I/C: L.Cleary, S.Davidson, J.Dolan, R.Sanders, C.Hynes (sub)
EMG: J.Busslinger, C.Poulter, O.Baker
Team Tips: First and foremost is the unfortunate long-term knee injury suffered by Sam Darcy against St Kilda, with swingmen James O’Donnell and Buku Khamis candidates to play more forward in his absence. Jedd Busslinger, Caleb Poulter and Oskar Baker were the Dogs’ emergencies last Sunday, with the untried Busslinger — who notched 32 disposals and eight marks against Sandringham in the VFL — surely near a debut, and he’d prospectively slot into the defensive spot left by O’Donnell or Khamis. Poulter booted three goals from 16 disposals in the reserves, while Baker had 24 possessions. Any of those three could come in also for Lachie McNeil, who has suffered a low-grade hamstring strain. Superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli not only got through unscathed in his return but dominated St Kilda under the roof. Former Dee James Harmes (foot) and Laitham Vandermeer (knee) have been listed as tests by the Bulldogs heading into Round 7, but Adam Treloar (calf) is at least another week away.
GOLD COAST SUNS v SYDNEY
Sunday April 27, 1:15pm at People First Stadium
Suns’ Round 6 side
B: W.Powell, S.Collins, B.Uwland
HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli
C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, T.Miller
HF: S.Flanders, J.Walter, B.Long
F: E.Read, B.King, B.Humphrey
FOLL: J.Witts, W.Graham, N.Anderson - C
I/C: N.Holman, B.Ainsworth, C.Budarick, J.Jeffrey, J.Rogers (sub)
EMG: N.Moyle, S.Clohesy, C.Graham
Team Tips: It was a shock loss, but will the Suns make big calls at the selection table? The obvious point of contention surrounds their tall forward set-up. Emerging forward-ruck Ethan Read was subbed out with just one disposal to his name, while Jed Walter kicked 1.1 from three touches. It’s hard to see the Suns dropping Walter, but Read might benefit from a VFL stint – even though the Suns like Read’s ability to be a second ruck. Could they turn to Ned Moyle, who’s put together three consistent weeks in the VFL. Fellow 2023 draftee Jake Rogers also had a tough night, with four disposals from a full game. David Swallow has been cleared to return from a knee injury, however what level he returns at remains to be seen. And do the Suns even dare turn back to Brayden Fiorini, who had a monstrous 47-disposal VFL outing against Southport after 43 touches against the Bullants the week before? Fiorini, however, has been out of favour at the Suns selection table since halfway through 2024.
Swans’ Round 6 side
B: J.Hamling, L.Melican, D.Rampe
HB: M.Roberts, N.Blakey, S.Wicks
C: J.Lloyd, I.Heeney, J.McInerney
HF: Co.Warner, H.McLean, J.Jordon
F: W.Hayward, T.McCartin, B.Campbell
FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom - C
I/C: R.Bice, C.Cleary, O.Florent, T.Hanily, A.Francis (sub)
EMG: P.Ladhams, A.Sheldrick, B.Paton
Team Tips: As his side looks to bounce back from consecutive losses, Dean Cox has confirmed Tom McCartin will return to his customary defensive role after being experimented forward in the early parts of this season. It included McCartin being held goalless for a fourth-straight week against Port Adelaide as Lewis Melican struggled with his positioning in defence in his return match. But Aaron Francis put on the super sub superman cape and kicked 3.1 from 14 disposals and 33 per cent game time, so it’d makes sense for the Swans to move McCartin into defence and Francis into the starting forward line. Elsewhere, Logan McDonald suffered a stress reaction in his ankle in the VFL last weekend in an injury setback as the key forward will now consult a specialist to determine his best course of action moving forward. McDonald was the only of Sydney’s injured players nearing a return, but wouldn’t be a surprise if the Swans make a few changes at selection otherwise. Corey Warner was limited to nine disposals and zero tackles against Port and Tom Hanily was subbed out with three touches and zero tackles — although both kicked two goals against the Pies in Gather Round, so they might be given another go. The interesting watch, though, will be around their tall set-up. In the VFL, Ben Paton (27 disposals) and Angus Sheldrick (26) found plenty of the ball.
CARLTON v GEELONG
Sunday April 27, 3:20pm at the MCG
Blues’ Round 6 side
B: J.Silvagni, J.Weitering, N.Haynes
HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, O.Hollands
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps - C, M.Carroll
HF: E.Hollands, L.Young, L.Fogarty
F: J.Motlop, C.Curnow, Z.Williams
FOLL: T.De Koning, G.Hewett, A.Cerra
I/C: M.Cottrell, S.Walsh, C.Durdin, W.White, C.Lord (sub)
EMG: J.Boyd, M.Pittonet, S.Docherty
Team Tips: There’s a watch on Jacob Weitering (knee), according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, with the star defender expected to be a test. The nine-day break between games should help Weitering, who had a knee-on-knee clash with Nick Larkey that sidelined him late im the Good Friday clash. Elsewhere, Coleman Medallist Harry McKay is a chance to return from concussion, but he’ll have to “tick all those boxes”, according to Michael Voss, in order to face the Cats. The star forward has been listed as a test by the club, and should play if he completes training this week. If he does get the tick of approval, Lewis Young might be the player that comes out, despite having 17 touches and a goal against the Roos in a decent outing. Outside of that, it’s hard to see the Blues making too many forced changes after an 82-point win. Elijah Hollands was subbed out in the fourth term, but the Blues seem more likely to build his confidence now at the top level. Lachie Cowan also should be available for selection, with the intent to complete full training after a hamstring niggle.
Cats’ Round 6 side
B: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, M.O’Connor
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie
C: B.Smith, P.Dangerfield, M.Blicavs
HF: B.Close, O.Henry, S.Mannagh
F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, G.Miers
FOLL: R.Stanley, M.Holmes, T.Atkins
I/C: O.Dempsey, T.Stengle, J.Bowes, M.Knevitt, T.Clohesy (sub)
EMG: G.Stevens, O.Wiltshire
Team Tips: You’ve got to feel a little for Ted Clohesy, who’s had a rollercoaster selection journey in 2025. He was the late in on Easter Monday for Oisin Mullin, who was a late withdrawal to a hip injury. It was the third time this season Clohesy had been a late inclusion for the Cats. And there’s every chance Mullin comes back in for Clohesy as the Cats like the Irishman’s rebounding run and defensive discipline. That being said, the forced change of Gryan Miers (concussion) may leave Clohesy as the 23rd man again for Chris Scott’s side! Otherwise, Mitch Knevitt is a potential option to be left out of the side to face Carlton. Jhye Clark had another productive week in the VFL with 26 touches, while Mitch Duncan (23 disposals), Patrick Retschko (21) and George Stevens (21) all found plenty of the footy.
HAWTHORN v WEST COAST
Sunday April 27, 4:45pm at Marvel Stadium
Hawks’ Round 6 side
B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily
HB: J.Battle, J.Impey, J.Wedddle
C: K.Amon, C.Mackenzie, M.D’Ambrosio
HF: H.Morrison, N.Watson, C.Macdonald
F: J.Gunston, M.Chol, D.Moore
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel
I/C: J.Scrimshaw, C.Nash, J.Ward, L.Breust, C.Jiath (sub)
EMG: S.Frost, F.Maginness, J.Ginnivan
Team Tips: The Hawks will have to find a replacement for Conor Nash, who’s facing a lengthy suspension for his swinging arm that collected Cats star Gryan Miers in the head. It’d be hard to overlook Jack Ginnivan – who was dropped for the Easter Monday clash but responded in brilliant fashion with four goals from 22 disposals in the VFL on Sunday – again, but Finn Maginness and Henry Hustwaite will also be considered to replace Nash. Maginness was the carryover emergency for Monday’s game, while Hustwaite has been in blistering VFL form, averaging 34.3 disposals from his past three matches. Elsewhere, Calsher Dear is expected to return via the VFL this weekend.
Eagles’ Round 6 side
B: R.Ginbey, H.Edwards, B.Hough
HB: L.Duggan - C, J.McGovern, L.Baker
C: J.Hutchinson, J.Graham, J.Hunt
HF: L.Ryan, J.Waterman, J.Cripps
F: J.Williams, A.Reid, M.Owies
FOLL: M.Flynn, T.Kelly, H.Reid
I/C: E.Hewett, R.Maric, H.Davis, T.Dewar, T.Gross (sub)
EMG: N.Long, B.Williams, S.Brock
Team Tips: The Eagles expect co-captain Oscar Allen will be ready to face Hawthorn, despite being granted time away from the club last week and having his loads managed in recent days. If Allen returns, it’d be hard for them to drop either Matt Flynn (19 disposals, 28 hit-outs) or Jack Williams (3.1, 15 disposals) after their strong showings. They’ve liked Archer Reid’s start to the season, but could he be given a WAFL stint considering Williams’ forward-ruck output? Despite a close loss to Essendon, the Eagles could be tempted to make a few other changes. Tyrell Dewar had just five touches and three tackles against Essendon after a quiet game against Carlton the week before. In the WAFL, Tom Cole (34 disposals) and Clay Hall (26) put their hands up for a re-call, while 2024 draftees Bo Allan (23) and Lucca Grego (22) continue to push for AFL debuts.