The AFL season is in full swing, and with it comes a host of team changes and injuries. As we approach Round 12, several teams are making strategic moves to address their shortcomings and capitalize on their strengths. Here's a breakdown of the latest team news and injuries, along with expert commentary and analysis.
Team Tips and Changes
St Kilda vs. Hawthorn
- Injury Concerns: The Saints are dealing with injuries to Dougal Howard (calf) and Rowan Marshall (leg), with Howard expected to be sidelined until after the club's Round 16 bye. Jack Higgins, a livewire forward, is also out for 3-4 weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery.
- Team Selection: Despite the losses and injuries, the Saints are expected to make minimal changes, with Ross sticking to his guns. Liam Henry committed five clangers, but the team gave the Dockers a good run, so a shake-up is unlikely.
Hawthorn
- Key Players: Jack Gunston is recovering from a foot sprain, and Sam Mitchell made four axings at selection. Cam Nairn held his own in his debut, and Flynn Perez had a strong performance in the VFL, pressing his case for a recall.
- Team Selection: With a hard-fought win over the Crows, the Hawks are likely to stick with a settled lineup. Tom Barrass is still out with a hamstring injury.
Carlton vs. Geelong
- Injury Update: Matt Carroll suffered a devastating ruptured ACL, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Blake Acres, an out-of-favour veteran, could make a senior return.
- Team Strategy: Interim coach Josh Fraser is unlikely to make many changes after two straight wins, especially with the dominant performance against the Power. Ben Camporeale and Lewis Young stood out in the reserves.
Geelong
- Health and Performance: The Cats are in good health, with no major injuries. Tyson Stengle is returning to the club and could soon play VFL games. James Worpel and Jack Bowes starred in the VFL, while Rhys Stanley and Oli Wiltshire were emergency selections.
- Team Selection: Chris Scott is expected to make minimal changes, with the team in good shape. Tanner Bruhn is likely to return after being managed.
Sydney Swans vs. Richmond
- Injury Concerns: Tom Papley (calf tightness) and Malcolm Rosas (ankle) are the latest injury concerns. Dean Cox will consider changes after a loss to Geelong, with Tom Hanily and Caiden Cleary performing well.
- Team Strategy: Cox may consider giving Brodie Grundy a chop-out in the ruck, with Pete Ladhams impressing in the VFL.
Richmond
- Injury Setback: Jonty Faull was ruled out with a concussion, and Tom Lynch sustained a larynx injury. Tom Sims suffered a serious knee injury, avoiding an ACL tear but missing an extended period.
- Team Selection: Liam Fawcett is the frontrunner to replace Faull, while Adem Yze may give Samson Ryan a reprieve to replace Lynch. Maurice Rioli and Sam Banks are set to return, as is Dion Prestia.
Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle
- Selection Speculation: Chris Fagan is expected to make a selection statement after a blowout loss to GWS. Noah Answerth, Dayne Zorko, and Jarrod Berry are in the frame to return.
- Team Dynamics: Will McLachlan, James Tunstill, Conor McKenna, and Sam Marshall are typically on the fringe, but this could be the week Fagan makes a ruthless call.
Fremantle
- Injury Returns: The Dockers are welcoming back Hayden Young from concussion protocols, but Caleb Serong may need another week or two on the sidelines. Alex Pearce and Sean Darcy are closing in on their returns.
- Team Selection: Justin Longmuir is unlikely to tinker with his mix after a 10th-straight win. Oscar McDonald may make way for Pearce, while Chris Scerri could be replaced by Young.
Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood
- Injury Returns: The Bulldogs might finally welcome back some stars, with chatter about recalling Cody Weightman after 20 months on the sidelines. Tim English is in concussion protocols but could clear them.
- Team Selection: Luke Cleary suffered a concussion, forcing Luke Beveridge into a change. Rory Lobb may shift back to defense, while Lachlan Smith, Harvey Gallagher, and Oskar Baker put their hands up for a recall.
Collingwood
- Injury Setback: Jamie Elliott (ACL), Darcy Moore (hamstring), and Will Hayes (shoulder) are out, forcing the Magpies to call on reinforcements. Angus Anderson, Jack Buller, and Tim Membrey are likely to be recalled.
- Team Strategy: Harvey Harrison, Sam Swadling, and Tew Jiath are in the frame for their AFL debuts.
Melbourne vs. GWS Giants
- Injury Concerns: Jake Lever suffered a concussion, ruling him out against the Giants. Tom McDonald is a likely inclusion candidate, while Xavier Taylor could return.
- Team Selection: Jake Melksham and Andy Moniz-Wakefield pressed their cases, with the latter standing out in the VFL.
GWS Giants
- Team Stability: Adam Kingsley is unlikely to make many changes after a historic drubbing of the Lions. Jack Buckley injured his hamstring, and Lachie Whitfield was a late withdrawal.
- Team Selection: Jack Ough is in the frame for a longer run, while Sam Taylor and Leek Aleer are sidelined by injuries.
West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon
- Team Strategy: Andrew McQualter might not make many changes after a hearty performance against Collingwood. West Coast didn't pick up any injuries, but Cooper Duff-Tytler and out-of-favour midfielders could be considered.
- Injury Returns: Jordan Ridley, Lewis Hayes, and Saad El-Hawli are set to return.
Essendon
- Injury Setback: Brad Scott's sacking followed a carnage of injuries, with Sam Durham (concussion), Andy McGrath (broken jaw), Matt Guelfi (hamstring), Archer May (ribs), and Jye Caldwell (ankle) all ruled out.
- Team Selection: Will Setterfield and Elijah Tsatas were withdrawn from the VFL clash, shaping as inclusions. Nik Cox and Huss El Achkar responded to their omissions with strong performances.
Final Thoughts
The AFL season is a rollercoaster, with teams making strategic moves to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. As we approach the halfway point, the competition is heating up, and the race for the top spots is intensifying. Stay tuned for more thrilling action and expert analysis as the season unfolds!
