The AFL season is heating up, and with it, the anticipation for crucial matches and player selections. As teams prepare for the final rounds, the focus is on key injuries, debut calls, and the potential for upsets. In this article, I'll delve into the latest team tips and provide my insights and commentary on the upcoming fixtures.
Collingwood vs Geelong
The Magpies are set to face the Cats, with a few key players in the spotlight. Brayden Maynard, the vice-captain, has been cleared of serious knee damage, providing relief for fans. However, his availability for the match against Geelong remains uncertain. If Maynard doesn't play, Sam Swadling is likely to step up, having performed well in the reserves. The Pies' defense will be crucial, and the return of Lachie Schultz could be a game-changer.
Geelong, on the other hand, has some injury concerns of its own. Patrick Dangerfield, a star player, is under watch after looking sore in the previous game. The Cats' health is generally good, except for long-term injuries to Jeremy Cameron and Max Holmes. The selection committee has some tough decisions to make, especially with the potential returns of Jack Bowes and George Stevens.
Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs
In a highly anticipated match, the Dockers will take on the Bulldogs. After missing the Derby due to illness, Hayden Young is set to return. However, finding a spot for him won't be easy, as Corey Wagner and Oscar McDonald are also in contention. The Dockers' key defenders will be crucial, especially with the Bulldogs' strong attack. Sean Darcy, a standout performer in the WAFL, could make a significant impact.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are relieved to have an injury-free weekend. Laitham Vandermeer's impressive performance in the VFL has put him in the running for an AFL recall. With just 12 disposals, Sam Davidson might make way if the Dogs decide to reward VFL form. The Bulldogs' defense will be tested, and the return of Jordan Croft and Josh Dolan could be pivotal.
St Kilda vs Sydney Swans
The Saints are facing a challenging match against the Swans, with key injuries to Max King and Rowan Marshall. King's unfortunate hamstring setback has ruled him out for the rest of the season, while Marshall's neck spasm has forced him to withdraw. The late blow to Marshall has given Anthony Caminiti a reprieve, and Cooper Sharman is set to return for King. The Swans, on the other hand, are relatively settled, with a dominant win over GWS. They are slowly getting closer to full strength, and players like Joel Hamling and Angus Sheldrick are pressing their case for a return.
Hawthorn vs North Melbourne
Hawthorn is set to face North Melbourne, with an interesting selection call for Sam Mitchell. Mitch Lewis, a key forward, has sustained a concussion, creating a chance for Calsher Dear or Aidan Schubert to step up. Schubert and Dear managed a goal apiece in the VFL, but Schubert's influence and body of work make him a strong contender. The Hawks have named several debutants this year, and Schubert could be the eighth.
North Melbourne, led by Alastair Clarkson, is monitoring Charlie Comben's chest injury after he was taken to hospital. Despite a disappointing finish to the game, Clarkson may not make many changes. In the reserves, Tom Blamires and Wil Dawson have impressed, with Blamires kicking a goal from 32 disposals and Dawson booting 3.1 in a ruck-forward role.
Port Adelaide vs GWS Giants
Port Adelaide, fresh from a disappointing second-half fadeout against Brisbane, will take on the GWS Giants. Balyn O'Brien, a second-gamer, could get sent back to the lower level after a quiet performance. The Power might regain Jack Lukosius from a Baker's cyst injury, providing a boost to their undermanned side. The Giants, on the other hand, are dealing with worsening injury troubles, with Finn Callaghan ruled out for the rest of the season.
Carlton vs Brisbane Lions
Carlton is set to face the Brisbane Lions, with a watch on Harry McKay and his meniscus injury. McKay's availability is crucial, and if he can't play, Lewis Young is likely to step up. The Blues have some options from the VFL, including Jack Ison and Liam Reidy. The Lions, meanwhile, are dealing with the potential loss of Ty Gallop, cited for serious misconduct. Shadeau Brain and Darragh Joyce could be in line for a promotion to the AFL.
Richmond vs West Coast Eagles
Richmond, still reeling from a blowout loss, will take on the West Coast Eagles. The Tigers missed the presence of Ben Miller and Noah Balta in defense, and the club hopes at least one can return on Sunday. Steely Green, if symptom-free, will be eligible to return from a concussion. At VFL level, Kane McAuliffe and James Trezise have shown promise, with McAuliffe tallying 22 disposals and Trezise contributing 20 touches.
The Eagles, led by Andrew McQualter, are set to make a few changes. Midseason draftee Oli Francou will unfortunately come out of the side due to a knee injury. However, captain Liam Baker is eligible to return from suspension, providing a boost to the team. Jack Graham, an ex-Tiger, is set to return to the lineup against his former club.
Gold Coast Suns vs Melbourne
The Suns, struggling with a losing skid, will face Melbourne. Damien Hardwick is searching for answers at selection, and a few changes might be on the horizon. Caleb Lewis, who played just 35% of the game, could be in danger of relegation to the twos. At VFL level, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Clohesy have shown promise, with Ugle-Hagan booting three goals and Clohesy amassing 32 disposals.
Melbourne, on the other hand, is looking to make a few changes after a loss to Geelong. Latrelle Pickett will come out of the side after sustaining a concussion, and Kade Chandler will be monitored for a hand injury. Caleb Windsor is set to return against Gold Coast, and Changkuoth Jiath could return from a leg issue.
Essendon vs Adelaide Crows
Essendon will face Adelaide, with forced changes after Jordan Ridley and Sullivan Robey sustained injuries. Ridley has a minor Lisfranc joint sprain, and Robey has a partial medial ligament tear. Kyle Langford is eligible to return from suspension, and Jye Caldwell should return. At VFL level, Jade Gresham and Elijah Tsatas have impressed, with Gresham kicking two goals and Tsatas amassing 34 possessions.
Adelaide, led by Matthew Nicks, is dealing with criticism after a second-half collapse against Collingwood. Finnbar Maley and Toby Murray had little impact, and the former might make way if Archie Ludowyke gets a debut opportunity. Mark Keane is expected to return from illness, and Nick Murray is likely to make way. The Crows' SANFL side didn't play, but Callum Ah Chee is close to a recall after a reconditioning period.
As the AFL season reaches its climax, the focus is on player health, strategic selections, and the potential for upsets. The upcoming matches promise to be thrilling, with teams battling for crucial wins and players pushing for a spot in the final rounds. The AFL is a dynamic and unpredictable sport, and the final weeks of the season are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.
