Pies to rest multiple stars; AFL envies juggernaut’s ‘embarrassment of riches’ — Team Tips

The reigning premiers are about to get stronger with a couple of star defenders on the cusp of returning, while Geelong faces a similar prospect.

Meanwhile, Collingwood has confirmed mass changes for its Thursday clash with Fremantle, plus there’s ample intrigue around Richmond and West Coast ahead of their Sunday clash

Stay up to date with the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 9 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 9 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

FREMANTLE v COLLINGWOOD

Thursday May 8, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 8 side:

B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce – C, B.Cox

HB: K.Worner, J.Draper, J.Clark

C: J.Sharp, H.Young, M.Johnson

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

F: L.Jackson, J.Treacy, J.Amiss

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: M.Reid, H.Chapman, C.Wagner, I.Dudley, Q.Narkle (sub)

EMG: O.McDonald, L.Reidy, N.Erasmus

Team Tips: As if the events of Friday night weren’t bad enough, gun midfielder-forward Hayden Young looks to have suffered another costly hamstring strain. It’s already his third such injury of the year as he’s set to miss another period on the sidelines. There were plenty of quiet Dockers on a horror night at Docklands, with Sean Darcy, Heath Chapman, Jye Amiss, Sam Switkowski, Quinton Narkle, Isaiah Dudley, Shai Bolton and Josh Treacy all recording eight or fewer disposals, while Andrew Brayshaw (five) was the only one to notch more than three score involvements. In the WAFL, fringe midfielders Will Brodie (20 disposals and four inside-50s) — who returned from a calf issue — and Neil Erasmus (16 disposals and four inside-50s) were among the busiest in a Peel Thunder loss. Forwards Bailey Banfield and Patrick Voss are eligible to return after serving suspensions, while Nathan O’Driscoll might only be another week away from a return from his ankle injury.

Magpies’ Round 8 side:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, D.Houston

HB: H.Perryman, B.Frampton, J.Daicos

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

HF: B.Hill, T.Membrey, J.Elliott

F: B.McCreery, M.Cox, J.De Goey

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos – C

I/C: S.Pendlebury, B.Mihocek, L.Schultz, I.Quaynor, W.Hoskin-Elliott (sub)

EMG: E.Allan, L.Sullivan, O.Markov

Team Tips: It was an agonising loss for the Pies in Jack Crisp’s milestone match against Geelong. And with only a five-day break for Thursday night’s trip to Perth to face the Dockers, several stars are set to be rested. Scott Pendlebury, Brayden Maynard and Jordan De Goey will all be managed, while Brody Mihocek, fresh off a four-goal display, will also be kept in Melbourne. Jeremy Howe is set to return from being rested himself. Meanwhile Charlie West is in line to make his debut, pending the results of scans on a foot issue. Ed Allan figures to get another opportunity, while Lachie Sullivan and Oleg Markov were the Pies’ other emergencies last weekend.

ST KILDA v CARLTON

Friday May 9, 7:40pm at the MCG

Saints’ Round 8 side:

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

HB: R.Byrnes, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair

C: D.Wilson, L.Stocker, L.Connell

HF: H.Garcia, B.Hill, M.Owens

F: C.Sharman, A.Caminiti, J.Higgins

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Macrae, J.Steele – C

I/C: L.Collard, M.Hall, M.Windhager, H.Boxshall, T.Travaglia (sub)

EMG: L.Henry, H.Boyd

Team Tips: It was an emphatic and desperately-needed win for St Kilda last Friday night, with not many unforced changes expected after its 61-point belting of Fremantle. Mattaes Phillipou looked set to make his season debut against the Dockers, having initially been selected in Ross Lyon’s side, before being ruled out late with a corky. He’ll put his hand up again this Thursday, given he passes all fitness testing. Tobie Travaglia came into the side for Phillipou but curiously went unused. Ironically, given the events of the Saints’ Round 7 embarrassment against Brisbane, young midfielder Hugo Garcia bounced back to his early subbing by earning the round’s Rising Star nomination after notching 19 disposals, 10 tackles, five clearances and a goal against Fremantle. Hunter Clark was last week listed as a test to return from his abdominal issue but was not named, and with Sandringham having a bye at the weekend he did not play at all and will instead put his hand up this week.

Blues’ Round 8 side:

B: M.Carroll, J.Weitering, A.Saad

HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, B.Acres

C: E.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, O.Hollands

HF: S.Walsh, H.McKay, J.Motlop

F: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, L.Young

FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

I/C: W.White, C.Lord, C.Durdin, S.Docherty, L.Cowan (sub)

EMG: F.Evans, J.Binns, M.Pittonet

Team Tips: After a promising few weeks, the Blues came crashing back down to earth in a 60-point loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval. Jack Silvagni could be ready to return from a hand issue, while the extent of Matt Cottrell’s ankle injury that forced him out of the Adelaide loss is unclear. Marc Pittonet (16 disposals, one goal, eight tackles, 34 hit-outs), Jaxon Binns (28 touches, one goal) and Jordan Boyd put their hands up for a recall after strong VFL performances, with several Blues down on form against Adelaide at vulnerable at selection.

MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN

Saturday May 10, 1:20pm at the MCG

Demons’ Round 8 side:

B: J.Bowey, S.May, T.Rivers

HB: C.Windsor, T.McDonald, J.McVee

C: T.Sparrow, J.Viney, X.Lindsay

HF: K.Tholstrup, J.Melksham, E.Langdon

F: B.Fritsch, K.Chandler, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Petracca, H.Langford

I/C: C.Spargo, C.Salem, H.Petty, D.Turner, H.Sharp (sub)

EMG: J.van Rooyen, B.Laurie, B.Howes

Team Tips: The Dees were dealt a small scare by the Eagles last Saturday, but Simon Goodwin’s men pulled through for their third-straight win. Harrison Petty was concussed in a relatively bizarre marking contest incident that also saw Jeremy McGovern concussed and Jake Melksham cleared of any wrongdoing, meaning Petty is in the protocols and will miss against Hawthorn. Clayton Oliver figures to return from a week off with personal issues and should slot straight back in for Petty, unless the Dees really wanted to bring in a tall. If that’s the case, Jacob van Rooyen would be the obvious name to come back in and another Demon could come out for Oliver. Don’t expect too many changes though given Melbourne has built into form and seems keen to continue to develop its youngsters.

Hawks’ Round 8 side:

B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily – C

HB: J.Battle, J.Impey, J.Weddle

C: C.Macdonald, J.Ward, M.D’Ambrosio

HF: H.Morrison, N.Watson, J.Ginnivan

F: J.Gunston, M.Chol, D.Moore

R: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, H.Hustwaite

I/C: J.Worpel, L.Breust, F.Maginness, C.Jiath, B.Macdonald (sub)

EMG: M.Ramsden, J.Serong, S.Frost

Team Tips: Sam Mitchell’s side is in great shape after another strong win over Richmond, with several members of its best 23 still to return. Karl Amon and Jack Scrimshaw both missed on the weekend after suffering concussions against West Coast the week prior. While they’d both be technically cleared of 12-day protocols for this Saturday’s game, Scrimshaw suffered a concussion earlier this season and thus could be more carefully managed. Cam Mackenzie was a late withdrawal last weekend with a broken hand and could be in the frame to instantly return.

ESSENDON v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday May 10, 4:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 8 side:

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley

HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, J.Prior

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett – C, H.Jones

HF: J.Gresham, N.Caddy, N.Martin

F: K.Langford, P.Wright, I.Kako

FOLL: T.Goldstein, B.Hobbs, S.Durham

INT: E.Tsatas, W.Setterfield, A.Perkins, A.Roberts, J.Menzie (sub)

EMG: L.Hayes, S.El-Hawli, A.Day-Wicks

Team Tips: Essendon came away with a thrilling win against North Melbourne last Thursday, but it came at a significant cost, with three troops struck down by injury. Harrison Jones was the victim of a gruesome dislocated ankle, with his timeline to return unclear but it’s likely he’ll miss numerous weeks. Similar could go for gun defender Jordan Ridley, who strained his hamstring against the Roos, while Jade Gresham succumbed to a groin injury. The good news is that Jye Caldwell should be ready to return from a hamstring issue to beef-up Essendon’s midfield. Meanwhile Lewis Hayes appears in the frame to debut after he was held out of the VFL last week following the AFL side’s injury carnage. Saad El-Hawli would also be in contention for a recall.

Swans’ Round 8 side:

B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, M.Roberts

HB: D.Rampe, N.Blakey, S.Wicks

C: J.Lloyd, I.Heeney, O.Florent

HF: B.Campbell, A.Francis, J.Jordon

F: W.Hayward, H.McLean, Co.Warner

FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom – C

I/C: J.Hamling, R.Bice, C.Cleary, J.McInerney, A.Sheldrick (sub)

EMG: T.Hanily, N.Bowman, P.Ladhams

Team Tips: It was a stirring derby win for the struggling Swans, but Lewis Melican is set to be shelved for the next three matches after being hit with a three-match suspension for a strike on GWS’ Toby Bedford. It leaves Dean Cox’s already depleted key positions stocks even thinner, with Peter Ladhams the most likely to earn a reprieve to provide some size. Of the key names on the club’s lengthy injury list, only Taylor Adams and Callum Mills are closing in on returns, with Adams seemingly closer. Given the Swans snapped a three-game losing streak and played as well as they have in some time, don’t expect too many changes.

GOLD COAST SUNS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday May 10, 7:35pm at TIO Stadium

Suns’ Round 8 side:

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

HB: J.Noble, W.Powell, D.Rioli

C: N.Holman, M.Rowell, T.Miller

HF: B.Ainsworth, L.Weller, S.Flanders

F: W.Graham, E.Read, B.King

FOLL: J.Witts, B.Humphrey, N.Anderson – C

I/C: J.Jeffrey, J.Walter, C.Budarick, D.Swallow, J.Rogers (sub)

EMG: B.Fiorini, N.Moyle, S.Clohesy

Team Tips: A bit for Damien Hardwick to ponder after the Suns were convincingly beaten by Brisbane in a Q-Clash that didn’t quite live up to the hype. Ben Long was a late out with a hamstring injury, so depending on the severity, the forward is likely to miss more time. And Brayden Fiorini surely gets a look in after another huge VFL performance with video game numbers and an AFL triple-double. Fiorini racked up 47 disposals, 10 marks and 11 tackles and booted three goals in a two-point loss to Brisbane. Sam Clohesy also put his hand up for an AFL re-call with 24 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and a goal in the twos.

Bulldogs’ Round 8 side:

B: L.Cleary, J.O’Donnell, L.Bramble

HB: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah

HF: J.Harmes, B.Khamis, M.Kennedy

F: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, R.West

FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli – C, T.Liberatore

I/C: S.Davidson, L.McNeil, A.Treloar, L.Vandermeer, J.Busslinger (sub)

EMG: J.Dolan, T.Duryea, C.Hynes

Team Tips: The Dogs thumped Port Adelaide by 90 points in one of their best performances under Luke Beveridge in some time. As such, expect the Dogs to stick with the current mix. The Dogs’ VFL side similarly produced a massive 72-point win over Collingwood, with Caleb Poulter (26 disposals, seven marks, 3.3), Taylor Duryea (26 disposals, 13 marks) and Harvey Gallagher (27 touches, two goals) prolific. But good luck finding names to take out of that dominant Ballarat victory, so you sense Beveridge will stick with the same 23.

PORT ADELAIDE v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday May 10, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval

Power’s Round 8 side:

B: La.Jones, A.Aliir, M.Bergman

HB: C.Rozee – C, E.Ratugolea, K.Farrell

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

HF: J.Mead, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli

F: S.Powell-Pepper, O.Lord, J.Richards

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

I/C: L.Evans, D.Byrne-Jones, J.Berry, W.Lorenz, J.Finlayson (sub)

EMG: C.Moraes, R.Atkins, R.Burton

Team Tips: After an embarrassing 90-point loss to the Bulldogs, will the Power make big calls at the selection table? Top 2024 draftee Joe Berry might be vulnerable after being subbed out at half-time with three touches. And do the Power reassess their ruck set-up? Despite being outplayed by Tim English, Jordon Sweet has established himself as the No. 1 ruck. But do the Power move Jeremy Finlayson into the 22 – instead of making him the starting sub – or consider turning back to Dante Visentini, who’s strung together a decent SANFL run? Despite a SANFL loss, there were a few standouts for the Port Magpies who pushed their cases for an AFL re-call. Rory Atkins (31 disposals) and Ryan Burton (22) were busy across half-back/wing, while fourth-year midfielder Hugh Jackson kicked two goals from 27 disposals. First-year player Christian Moraes, who was the travelling emergency last weekend, will also be considered, while Josh Sinn could also be available to return from concussion protocols.

Crows’ Round 8 side:

B: J.Worrell, J.Butts, R.Laird

HB: W.Milera, M.Keane, M.Michalanney

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, D.Curtin

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, L.Nankervis

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

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, I.Rankine

I/C: Z.Taylor, J.Rachele, B.Smith, J.Peatling, S.Berry (sub)

EMG: S.Draper, C.Burgess, B.Cook

Team Tips: Reckon it’ll be a tough match committee at West Lakes this week. Firstly could Sam Berry be elevated into the starting 22? He was excellent when he replaced Luke Nankervis in the third quarter, finishing with 10 disposals, six score involvements and three clearances from just 30 per cent game time. But the Crows will also be keen to bring in Mitch Hinge after serving his one-match ban, while Matt Crouch (hip) and Sid Draper (omitted) also missed out against the Blues. And then there’s Lachie Murphy, Chayce Jones and Harry Schoenberg, who were among the Crows SANFL team’s best players on the weekend. Brodie Smith and Jordon Butts, though, were impressive in their return AFL games. A good problem to have for Matthew Nicks.

RICHMOND v WEST COAST

Sunday May 11, 1:10pm at the MCG

Tigers’ Round 8 side:

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

HB: J.Short, N.Broad, L.Trainor

C: H.Ralphsmith, T.Dow, S.Banks

HF: S.Campbell, J.Ross, S.Green

F: J.Faull, T.Lynch, R.Mansell

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

I/C: M.Rioli, T.Brown, K.McIntosh, S.Lalor, J.Trezise (sub)

EMG: C.Gray, J.Bauer, T.Sonsie

Team Tips:Noah Balta picked up an ankle concern against the Hawks but provided he gets through all requisite testing, he’ll play against the Eagles, with his 10pm curfew unaffected by the 1.10pm start time. Maurice Rioli was subbed out tactically against Hawthorn and might see his spot come under threat after having managed six or fewer disposals and two or fewer tackles for the third time in four games. Overall, could Sunday’s game against West Coast present the Tigers with an opportunity to give fans a different look? Kaleb Smith (31 disposals, 10 marks) and Kane McAuliffe (2.0, 22 disposals, 11 tackles) were both busy in Richmond VFL team’s win over Box Hill, while Judson Clarke had 16 disposals in his second game back and Jacob Blight and Jacob Koschitzke were solid in defence. Jasper Alger booted 3.0 to take his VFL season tally to 9.9 from six games.

Eagles’ Round 8 side:

B: R.Maric, J.McGovern, L.Baker

HB: L.Duggan, O.Allen -C, J.Hunt

C: B.Hough, T.Kelly, R.Ginbey

HF: J.Graham, J.Waterman, M.Owies

F: L.Ryan, A.Reid, J.Cripps,

FOLL: M.Flynn, J.Hutchinson, H.Reid

I/C: E.Hewett, T.Brockman, J.Williams, T.Cole, B.Allan (sub)

EMG: T.Gross, B.Williams, H.Davis

Team Tips: There’ll be a couple of forced Eagles changes from the team that lost to Melbourne, with debutant Bo Allan handed a one-game ban and premiership star Jeremy McGovern ruled out due to concussion. With Harry Edwards struggling with an ankle concern, Sandy Brock or Rhett Bazzo could come in for McGovern, while the likes of Tom Gross, Hamish Davis, Clay Hall and Tyrell Dewar – the latter two impressed in the Eagles’ WAFL win on the weekend – will also be considered. Coach Andrew McQualter, too, will also weigh up re-calling ruck Bailey Williams after Matt Flynn was soundly beaten by Melbourne superstar Max Gawn and Williams’ two-goal, 17-disposal, 26-hitout performance in the WAFL. Williams could come in anyway for Archer Reid, who was seen doing gentle run-throughs at training on Tuesday due to an ankle concern.

GEELONG v GWS GIANTS

Sunday May 11, 3:20pm at GMHBA Stadium

Cats’ Round 8 side:

B: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, M.Blicavs

HB: L.Humphries, M.O’Connor, Z.Guthrie

C: M.Duncan, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

HF: B.Close, S.Mannagh, T.Stengle

F: J.Cameron, P.Dangerfield – C, S.Neale

FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.Atkins

I/C: J.Bowes, O.Mullin, O.Henry, J.Clark, O.Wiltshire (sub)

EMG: T.Clohesy, G.Stevens, J.Kolodjashnij

Team Tips: Not only will the Cats be missing Rhys Stanley (hamstring) against the Giants, they’ll also be without gun small defender Lawson Humphries, who experienced delayed concussion against Collingwood. It’s likely Mark Blicavs will move to the No.1 ruck position – with support from Sam De Koning and Shannon Neale – so the Cats could bring in multiple defenders to sure up their backline. Five-time All-Australian Tom Stewart, clearly, would be an ideal inclusion, although you sense the Cats won’t take any risks with his knee injury. Same goes for Jack Henry (hamstring), but the Cats say he’s a chance to return against GWS. Premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij, who was an emergency last weekend, will also be considered. There were positive signs on Tuesday for star forward Gryan Miers, who trained with the main group after missing the last two matches with concussion. Oli Wiltshire could be upgraded from the sub role to the starting 22, although Mitch Knevitt (foot), Ted Clohesy and George Stevens are all on the cusp of selection.

Giants’ Round 8 side:

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

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

C: J.Wehr, F.Callaghan, C.Ward

HF: D.Jones, A.Cadman, X.O’Halloran

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, H.Thomas

FOLL: K.Briggs, T.Bedford, T.Green

I/C: T.McMullin, C.Brown, J.Fonti, J.Delana, J.Stringer (sub)

EMG: M.Gruzewski, C.Angove, L.Aleer

Team Tips: There remains a watch on Toby Bedford, who was subbed out of Sunday’s derby due to blurred vision in one eye. Should be unavailable, the Giants could simply move Jake Stringer from sub into the starting 22 – although the powerful forward thrived late in the game, booting three final-term goals to spark a Giants surge. Elsewhere, it’ll be interesting to see whether the Giants give debutant Josaia Delana a second straight game, finishing with three touches – but crucially laying five tackles. Harvey Thomas didn’t have his best game but kicked one goal in each of his previous three outings. As for potential inclusions, the Giants will be hopeful Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio and Jake Riccardi will be available for selection after they missed the derby due to injury. They could also look to a couple of recent draftees, with Cody Angove (3 goals, 20 disposals) and Jack Ough (32 disposals, 10 clearances, 8 inside 50s) brilliant for the club’s VFL team on the weekend. Harry Rowston (25 disposals) continues to push his case, too.

NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS

Sunday May 11, 4:40pm at Ninja Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 8 side:

B: C.Comben, K.Dawson, J.Archer

HB: L.McDonald, C.Daniel, T.Powell

C: F.O’Sullivan, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.McKercher

HF: D.Stephens, N.Larkey, H.Sheezel

F: C.Zurhaar, J.Darling, J.Konstanty

FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Parker, J.Simpkin – C

INT: Z.Duursma, R.Hardeman, W.Phillips, F.Maley, B.Scott (sub)

EMG: A.Corr, D.Tucker, R.Hansen Jr

Team Tips: The Kangaroos will be without Jackson Archer, who was subbed out with a hamstring injury against Essendon – an injury that will see him miss around eight weeks. If fit to return from a corked thigh, George Wardlaw will come straight back into the side. Archer was replaced on the night by Bailey Scott, who could come into the 22 to face the Lions, but arguably didn’t put forward the most convincing case during his time on the field on Thursday night. Other contenders to return include Darcy Tucker and Zac Fisher, who had 22 and 28 touches respectively in the VFL, while Aidan Corr and Wil Dawson could also be in the mix after strong outings against Essendon’s VFL team.

Lions’ Round 8 side:

B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester

HB: N.Answerth, H.Andrews – C, D.Wilmot

C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey

F: C.Rayner, S.Day, C.Ah Chee

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

I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, C.McKenna, D.Gardiner, W.McLachlan (sub)

EMG: T.Doedee, J.Tunstill, D.Fort

Team Tips: Make that seven wins from eight games and top spot on the ladder for the Lions, who reminded everyone the Suns are still ‘little brother’ in QLD. Exciting rebounder Keidean Coleman made a triumphant return to the field, doing as he pleased at VFL en route to 28 disposals, five intercept marks and five tackles, while fellow defender Tom Doedee continues to press his case for a Brisbane debut. It’s an ‘embarrassment of riches’ for the reigning premiers, says the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. Coleman would seem likely to be afforded another few trots in the VFL before a senior recall is a consideration.