Round 24 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, returns, latest team news

The Blues could be set for a huge boost at selection, while the Hawks will push towards the finals without one of their most important players.

Port Adelaide could get back a pair of key talls, but it’s mixed news on the injury front for the Dockers.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 24 in AFL Team Tips!

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MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD

Friday August 23, 7:40pm at the MCG

Melbourne’s Round 23 team

B: J.Lever, A.Tomlinson, J.McVee

HB: M.Hore, T.McDonald, C.Salem

C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, A.Neal-Bullen

HF: J.Billings, H.Petty, K.Chandler

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

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, T.Sparrow, T.Rivers

I/C: J.Bowey, B.Howes, K.Tholstrup, D.Turner, J.Melksham

EMG: M.Jefferson, T.Woewodin, K.Brown

Team Tips: The major injury concern for the Dees is around midfielder Tom Sparrow, who was subbed out after injuring his ankle in the win over the Gold Coast last week. Father-son young gun Kynan Brown would be a like for like replacement for Sparrow, having recorded 21 disposals after being an emergency last week. Defender Andy Moniz-Wakefield was a strong performer in the VFL as well, racking up 35 disposals and nine marks in a heavy defeat. Ben Brown booted six goals in the reserves, while Shane McAdam kicked four. Both Jake Bowey (illness) and Steven May (ribs) are tests for this week, but the duo might not return given the Dees’ finals hopes are dashed for 2024.

Collingwood’s Round 23 team

B: B.Frampton, D.Moore – C, B.Maynard

HB: J.Noble, W.Hoskin-Elliott, I.Quaynor

C: S.Sidebottom, J.Crisp, J.Daicos

HF: B.Hill, L.Schultz, J.Elliott

F: B.McCreery, D.McStay, J.Howe

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Daicos, S.Pendlebury

I/C: P.Lipinski, J.Bytel, W.Parker, M.Cox, N.Long

EMG: H.DeMattia, E.Allan, J.Richards

Team Tips: The Pies are still a mathematical chance of featuring in September, but that is extraordinarily unlikely. Last week’s emergencies Fin Macrae (34 disposals), Ed Allan (26) and Joe Richards (23 and two goals) were among the best in the VFL, but it’s hard to see Craig McRae making too many changes at selection. Wil Parker, Ned Long and Jack Bytel would be among the names to make way if changes were made.

GEELONG v WEST COAST

Saturday August 24, 1:45pm at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong’s Round 23 team

B: L.Humphries, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: M.Holmes, M.Blicavs, Z.Guthrie

C: S.Mannagh, T.Atkins, O.Dempsey

HF: T.Stengle, B.Close, G.Miers

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

FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Stewart

I/C: M.Knevitt, J.Bowes, G.Rohan, O.Mullin, M.Duncan

EMG: J.Bews, Z.Tuohy, M.Hardie

Team Tips: The Cats will be hopeful that Tanner Bruhn (concussion) and Sam De Koning (knee) are available for the must-win clash against West Coast, while the club were “optimistic” that retiring veteran Tom Hawkins could press his case as well. Zach Tuohy was managed last week and is in the frame to return, while Brandan Parfitt (28 disposals, ten tackles), Mitch Hardie (26 disposals, ten tackles, two goals) and Jed Bews (22 disposals and one goal) were all solid for the VFL side. There were no fresh injury concerns out of the loss to St Kilda, but Gary Rohan, Mitch Knevitt, Oisin Mullin and Shannon Neale are some of the names who could fall victim to Chris Scott’s axe.

West Coast’s Round 23 team

B: T.Cole, H.Edwards, B.Hough

HB: L.Duggan – C, J.McGovern, J.Hunt

C: A.Gaff, T.Kelly, R.Ginbey

HF: J.Cripps, J.Waterman, T.Dewar

F: J.Darling, O.Allen, L.Ryan

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

I/C: A.Witherden, H.Johnston, Z.Trew, J. Williams, J.Petruccelle

EMG: C. Hall, R. Maric, J.Hutchinson

Team Tips: In potentially his last game for the club Tom Barrass (back/hamstring) is in the frame to return this week in what would be a much-needed boost for Jarrod Schofield’s side, who quite frankly were embarrassed against Carlton on Sunday. Veteran Andrew Gaff has retired so that’s at least one forced change, but don’t be surprised to see Schofield swing the axe. The problem is the Eagles’ WAFL side were smashed by 58 points on the weekend as well, so it’s not like they have players banging down the door at selection. Ryan Maric (19 disposals) was an emergency for the AFL side, as was Clay Hall, while Campbell Chesser and Jai Culley both played WAFL footy on the weekend too.

RICHMOND v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday August 24, 2:10pm at the MCG

Richmond’s Round 23 team

B: B.Miller, N.Balta, N.Vlastuin

HB: N.Broad, J.Trezise, D.Rioli

C: J.Ross, D.Prestia, S.Banks

HF: R.Mansell, J.Graham, S.Campbell

F: S.Bolton, J.Koschitzke, H.Ralphsmith

FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, T.Taranto, J.Hopper

I/C: J.Short, J.Bauer, M.Coulthard, J.Blight, K. McIntosh

EMG: T.Dow, K.Smith, S.Ryan

Team Tips: The Tigers got through unscathed on an injury front against Hawthorn on Sunday, but they’ll still be very disappointed with their efforts. Matt Coulthard played his second game for 2024 and failed to have an impact, registering just three disposals and a goal assist before being subbed out in the third quarter. His replacement Kamdyn McIntosh was strong once injected into the gamer, and will be hopeful of retaining his place in the starting 22 against the Suns. Admittedly though, coach Adem Yze may be inclined to play the kids and not look into form too much as his side hopes to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder. Whether Yze and co decide to play Liam Baker on the back of a two-week stint on the sidelines with concussion remains to be seen, but if fit, it would make sense for him to slot straight back in. Of the AFL-listed players in the reserves on Sunday morning, Thomson Dow, Tyler Sonsie and Maurice Rioli were among the best, and are all a chance of sneaking in one final game at the top level before season’s end.

Gold Coast’s Round 23 team

B: S.Lemmens, S.Collins, L.Weller

HB: B.Uwland, C.Ballard, W.Powell

C: N.Holman, N.Anderson, S.Clohesy

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

F: M.Rowell, M.Andrew, B.King

FOLL: J.Witts, S.Flanders, T.Miller – C

I/C: A.Davies, B.Long, W.Graham, C.Budarick, D.Swallow

EMG: A.Sexton, D.Macpherson, N.Moyle

Team Tips: Gold Coast will have only one focus this weekend – winning their second game straight away from home, and finishing 2024 on a high after a very mediocre season. Ben Long and Jake Rogers failed to have an impact in the forward line for Damien Hardwick’s side last weekend, but admittedly weren’t alone in that regard. How Hardwick selects his side for Saturday will be extremely fascinating, with several senior players on the playing list quite possibly looking at their last ever round as an AFL-listed player. And there was no shortage of stuffed stat sheets in the reserves’ monster 88-point win over Casey on Saturday morning, with the Suns kicking a whopping 27.13. The dropped Jack Lukosius (25 disposals, 19 score involvements, 14 marks, five goals) had an astonishing match up forward, with axed teammate Alex Sexton (22 disposals, 13 score involvements, 11 marks, five goals) not far behind. Outside ball pig Rory Atkins had his second straight game with 40 disposals, with 16 of those resulting in a score involvement. It feels a bit ridiculous listing all of the top performers given just how many there are, but Hewago Oea (28 disposals, 17 score involvements, two goals), Ned Moyle (23 disposals, 29 hitouts, 15 score involvements, three goals), Jack Mahony (22 disposals, two goals), Will Rowlands (13 disposals, five goals) and Brayden Fiorini (35 disposals, nine clearances) all deserve recognition for filling their boots in one of the more remarkable VFL games in recent years.

HAWTHORN v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday August 24, 4:35pm at UTAS Stadium

Hawthorn’s Round 23 team

B: K.Amon, S.Frost, H.Morrison

HB: J.Scrimshaw, J.Sicily – C, W.Day

C: J.Weddle, D.Moore, J.Impey

HF: J.Newcombe, C. Dear, J.Gunston

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, C.Mackenzie

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Worpel, C.Macdonald

I/C: B.Hardwick, M.D’Ambrosio, N.Watson, C.Nash, L.Breust

EMG: F.Maginness, J. Serong, J. Ward

Team Tips: The Hawks were dealt a double injury blow in their big win over the Tigers with both Will Day (collarbone) and Jack Scrimshaw (finger) hurt. Thankfully there is a solid chance Scrimshaw plays after a cleanout operation – Jai Serong would be a straight swap – while Changkuoth Jiath (calf), Finn Maginness (20 disposals), Josh Ward (20 disposals, ten tackles) or Seamus Mitchell (37 disposals, 12 marks, two goals) could be recalled for Day. Expect the star midfielder to be in a race against time for the elimination final, should they get there as expected.

North Melbourne’s Round 23 team

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

HB: J.Archer, D.Tucker, C.McKercher

C: B.Scott, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens

HF: Z.Fisher, B.Teakle, E.Ford

F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, C.Zurhaar

FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, J.Simpkin – C

I/C: G.Wardlaw, L.Shiels, K.Dawson, R.Hansen Jr, M.Bergman

EMG: Z. Duursma, W.Phillips, T.Pink

Team Tips: North Melbourne will be hopeful that superstar youngster Harry Sheezel is available this week after dealing with an ankle issue. The Roos will be without swingman Charlie Comben and defender Miller Bergman this week though, after both suffered concussions in the heavy loss to the Bulldogs. That opens the door for Toby Pink to return and potentially Will Phillips or Zane Duursma. Jaidyn Stephenson, Charlie Lazzaro and Hugh Greenwood were among the best in the VFL and could be called upon if coach Alastair Clarkson chooses to chop and change his side for the last game of the year. There was no shortage of quiet performers in the loss to the Dogs.

BRISBANE LIONS v ESSENDON

Saturday August 24, 7:25pm at the Gabba

Brisbane’s Round 23 team

B: D.Zorko, H.Andrews – C, B.Starcevich

HB: D.Wilmot, R.Lester, D.Joyce

C: J.Fletcher, W.Ashcroft, H.McCluggage

HF: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, J.Berry

F: C.Cameron, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: K.Lohmann, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey, S.Brain, H.Sharp

EMG: D.Robertson, J.Madden, H.Smith

Team Tips: Are changes needed for the Lions, or are they just in the midst of a slight form blip? Either way, they could gain Jack Payne back from his foot injury if they feel the need to play him as soon as possible. And Jarrod Berry looks set to miss the next couple of weeks at least with his first quarter hamstring injury against Collingwood. Eric Hipwood didn’t have his desired impact in his first game back, but it would be a massive call to omit him on the eve of finals – especially given how high his ceiling is. In the VFL’s eight-point loss to Collingwood, Jarryd Lyons (41 disposals, 10 clearances, nine marks, eight tackles) and Darcy Fort (26 disposals, 30 hitouts, 12 clearances, six inside 50s, two goals) were enormous, with both legitimate options at the selection table. Lyons and Fort have only played two full games each this season, but the former is firming as a genuine choice to provide further stability in Brisbane’s side come crunch time. Neither were named as emergencies last week, but does Fagan now turned to experienced, in-form campaigners ahead of the promising young guns like Henry Smith and Bruce Reville (pending fitness)?

Essendon’s Round 23 team

B: J.Kelly, B.McKay, J.Laverde

HB: N.Martin, M.Redman, A.McGrath

C: A.Perkins, D.Parish, A.Roberts

HF: H.Jones, N.Caddy, S.Durham

F: K.Langford, J.Stringer, D.Shiel

FOLL: S.Draper, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: B.Hobbs, S.Weideman, J.Gresham, N.Bryan, J.Menzie

EMG: E.Tsatas, W.Setterfield, P.Wright

Team Tips: First and foremost, will Dyson Heppell get his farewell game, even if it isn’t in front of his Essendon faithful at Marvel Stadium? You really would hope so, as the club veteran has been more than serviceable in 2024. They don’t have anything but pride to play for this Saturday night, but Jordan Ridley (hip flexor), Matt Guelfi (hamstring) and Nik Cox (concussion) are all likely to be available to play should be get through training this week. That almost certainly leaves sub Jye Menzie and Sam Weideman vulnerable at the selection table; perhaps mainstay Jake Kelly as well. In the VFL side’s 38-point win over Coburg, fringe youngster Elijah Tsatas tore it up for his 41 disposals, 13 score involvements, eight clearances and a goal. Nick Hind and Will Setterfield were also among the best, and fresh off a contract extension, could Saad El-Hawli make his debut as he continues to impress?

SYDNEY SWANS v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday August 24, 7:40pm at the SCG

Sydney’s Round 23 team

B: D.Rampe, T.McCartin, N.Blakey

HB: L.Melican, H.Cunningham, O.Florent

C: J.Lloyd, C.Mills – C, E.Gulden

HF: L.Parker, H.McLean, J.Jordon

F: L.McDonald, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom

I/C: M.Roberts, B.Campbell, C.Cleary, T.Adams, Co.Warner

EMG: A.Francis, P.Ladhams, C.Mitchell

Team Tips: With the minor premiership all but sown up, does John Longmire play the smart – but perhaps unethical – game of resting some key stars? You would probably throw all of Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Brodie Grundy and maybe Nick Blakey into that conversation, and you’re probably not bringing back Chad Warner from his minor calf complaint. It doesn’t seem like something Longmire would do, but hey – the option’s there. Corey Warner responded well after only playing 16 per cent game time as sub last Friday night, putting up 27 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal for his side’s loss. Fellow young mid Angus Sheldrick also had 28 disposals and 12 clearances of his own, and seems to be ripe for the picking if his recent stat sheets are anything to go by. Despite speculation the Swans could rush him back, Tom Papley won’t be returning this weekend from his ankle injury.

Adelaide’s Round 23 team

B: M.Michalanney, M.Keane, M.Hinge

HB: H.Bond, N.Murray, J.Worrell

C: B.Keays, R.Laird, L.Sholl

HF: D.Curtin, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine

F: S.Berry, D.Fogarty, J.Rachele

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson – C, M.Crouch

I/C: L.Nankervis, L.Gollant, J.Soligo, L.Murphy, Z.Taylor

EMG: C.Jones, B.Dowling, J.Borlase

Team Tips: After his controversial concussion in Showdown 56, Izak Rankine’s season is over and will need replacing this Saturday night. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Taylor Walker will return from laser surgery on his eye, with the Crows perhaps inclined to play it safe with their season over. The showing of Walker’s replacement Lachie Gollant was disappointing on the back of his eight-goal haul the week before, but he probably deserves a second crack – especially if Walker doesn’t play. Veteran Brodie Smith had 34 disposals in the reserves’ big win over the Port Magpies, and may be called upon with his future beyond 2024 uncertain. Young gun Billy Dowling had 30 disposals and a goal in the same game, and could find himself finishing the year in the seniors if Nicks looks to blood youth in the dead-rubber.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GWS GIANTS

Sunday August 25, 12:30pm at Mars Stadium

Western Bulldogs’ Round 23 team

B: T.Duryea, L.Jones, B.Khamis

HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: J.Freijah, A.Treloar, B.Williams

HF: E.Richards, A.Naughton, L.McNeil

F: C.Weightman, J.Ugle-Hagan, L.Vandermeer

FOLL: S.Darcy, M.Bontempelli – C, T.Liberatore

I/C: C.Daniel, H.Gallagher, J. O’Donnell, R.West, J.Macrae

EMG: A. Jones, A. Keath, C. Poulter

Team Tips: They smoked North Melbourne without him, but Tim English is no certainty to return this weekend for their match against the Giants in Ballarat. They managed to get by against Tristan Xerri, but the orange tsunami last week played both Kieran Briggs and Lachie Keefe, which would pose more problems than last Sunday if Keefe is named. Jason Johannisen is also pushing to return from a calf injury, but it seems far more likely he’ll return through the VFL if fit. There weren’t many passengers in the AFL side’s win over the Kangaroos, with Rhylee West subbed out in the third quarter – his replacement Jack Macrae having a blinding 17 disposals and two goals from just 38 per cent game time. In the reserves, Ryley Sanders had 35 disposals and seven clearances, while Riley Garcia continues to do no wrong out of the side for his 29 touches and nine clearances. Dominic Bedendo was the best up forward of the AFL-listed players for Footscray, kicking three goals from 16 possessions.

GWS’ Round 23 team

B: L.Ash, S.Taylor, C.Idun

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, H.Perryman

C: C.Ward, T.Green, F.Callaghan

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.McMullin

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, T.Greene – C

FOLL: K.Briggs, J.Kelly, S.Coniglio

I/C: T.Bedford, L.Keeffe, J.Peatling, H.Himmelberg, C.Stone

EMG: X.O’Halloran, H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski

Team Tips: The Giants keep getting it done, and thanks to the closeness of the 2024 season, are now arguably premiership favourites after last Saturday’s win. There were no injuries to speak of, but Lachie Ash was suspended for one week after his tackle on Docker Hayden Young, and will need replacing if their tribunal challenge fails. In terms of unforced changes, there isn’t anyone that urgently needs a run in the reserves – although Toby McMullin was quiet before being subbed off in the final quarter. Will Adam Kingsley persist with Lachlan Keefe as the side’s second ruck? There’s no doubt he deserves a spot in the starting 22, but how it looks logistically and structurally will be an important realisation before they hit the ground running in finals. 2022 mid-season draftee Wade Derksen has continued his consistent run of form in front of goal in the VFL, kicking two goals for the third week running to go with his 25 touches and 12 marks. Emergency Xavier O’Halloran had 26 disposals, 13 inside 50s and a goal also in an impressive midfield display. Leek Aleer (20 disposals, 10 marks, nine intercept possessions) was impressive down back, and could be a left-field option to replace Ash if required.

CARLTON v ST KILDA

Sunday August 25, 3:20pm at Marvel Stadium

Carlton’s Round 23 team

B: B.Kemp, J.Weitering, L.Cowan

HB: Le.Young, M.McGovern, N.Newman

C: J.Binns, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: O.Hollands, E.Hollands, Z.Williams

F: M.Owies, M.Kennedy, J.Motlop

FOLL: M.Pittonet, S.Walsh, G.Hewett

I/C: A.Cincotta, C.Lord, J.Carroll, C.Durdin, A.Moir

EMG: H.Lemmey, B.Wilson, D.Akuei

Team Tips: There will be plenty of intrigue surrounding Carlton’s injury report when that lands on Tuesday afternoon. Defender Mitch McGovern is the latest injury concern as he battles a hamstring complaint. According to AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge, Corey Durdin is “unlikely” to play after being subbed out with a dislocated shoulder in the win over West, while livewire Zac Williams is also touch and go with a hamstring issue of his own. In better news, the Blues are hopeful of regaining Adam Saad, while the forward trio of Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Jack Martin are all in a race against time to return for the Blues’ must-win clash against the Saints. Caleb Marchbank and Orazio Fantasia are other potential inclusions for Michael Voss’ side. It all depends on the availability of the players above, but the likes of Ashton Moir, Lewis Young, Jesse Motlop and Jack Carroll could be some of the names on the chopping block.

St Kilda’s Round 23 team

B: J.Battle, D.Howard, C.Wilkie

HB: N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair, L.Stocker

C: B.Hill, Z.Jones, R.Byrnes

HF: M.Wood, J.Higgins, M.Owens

F: A.Caminiti, T.Membrey, C.Sharman

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, H.Clark

I/C: P.Dow, D.Butler, D.Wilson, J.Webster, H.Garcia

EMG: B.Paton, T.Campbell, A.McLennan

Team Tips: The Saints will likely be without Brad Hill (back) and potentially Anthony Caminiti (shoulder) as well for their clash against Carlton on Sunday. Young gun Mattaes Phillipou could return from illness, while veteran Seb Ross (calf) is also a test. The Saints had a host of players perform strongly in Sandringham’s loss to Geelong, including Arie Schoenmaker (27 disposals, eight marks, one goal), Riley Bonner (26 disposals) and Angus McLennan (18 disposals). Ryan Byrnes, Paddy Dow and Dan Butler were quiet in the big win but don’t expect too many unforced changes given the form the Saints are in.

FREMANTLE v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday August 25, 6:10pm at Optus Stadium

Fremantle’s Round 23 team

B: L.Ryan, J.Draper, B.Cox

HB: B.Walker, H.Chapman, J.Clark

C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, J.Sharp

HF: B.Banfield, S.Switkowski, M.Frederick

F: J.Amiss, P.Voss, L.Jackson

FOLL: L.Reidy, C.Serong – C, A.Brayshaw

I/C: N.Fyfe, M.Johnson, C.Wagner, S.Sturt, N.O’Driscoll

EMG: K.Worner, N.Erasmus, M.Walters

Team Tips: The Dockers simply must win against the Power on Sunday – but there’s a chance their season is already over if results don’t go their way. The Dockers confirmed on Tuesday that star forward Josh Treacy would miss a third straight game with a PCL injury. Doubt still surrounds ruck Sean Darcy who trained lightly on Tuesday as he deals with an ongoing knee problem. If Darcy is fit, Liam Reidy would likely be the man to miss out at selection. Defender Karl Worner was the carryover emergency and is ready to go, while Neil Erasmus (27 disposals) and James Aish (30 disposals, one goal) had strong outings for Peel Thunder.

Port Adelaide’s Round 23 team

B: La.Jones, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman

HB: L.Evans, A.Aliir, D.Houston

C: J.Burgoyne, O.Wines, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, E.Ratugolea, W.Rioli

F: T.Boak, C.Dixon, C.Rozee – C

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters

I/C: R.Burton, K.Farrell, J.Mead, F.Evans, Q.Narkle

EMG: J.McEntee, W.Lorenz, D.Visentini

Team Tips: Port Adelaide could welcome back star forward duo Mitch Georgiades and Todd Marshall for their clash against the Dockers, assuming both pass fitness tests this week. Lachie Jones could be out with an Achilles issue, however. Will Lorenz (27 disposals, 12 tackles) and Josh Sinn (23 disposals, seven marks) were solid in their SANFL side’s heavy loss to Adelaide. Ryan Burton could be forced out if Georgiades and Marshall are both fit, while Quinton Narkle and Logan Evans are others that could make way.