Fitness update on Tigers defensive duo; Lions’ four-fold selection dilemma — AFL Team Tips

Brisbane has been thrown several selection curveballs just one week into its pursuit of a third-straight premiership.

Meanwhile at Princes Park, a handful of fitness tests look set to determine the strength of Carlton’s side. Read more in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 1 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

CARLTON v RICHMOND

Thursday March 12, 7:30pm at the MCG

Blues’ Opening Round side:

B: O.Florent, J.Weitering, L.Young

HB: H.Dean, M.McGovern, A.Saad

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps (c), W.Hayward

HF: L.Fogarty, H.McKay, B.Ainsworth

F: J.Smith, B.Kemp, A.Moir

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

I/C: Z.Williams, L.Reidy, E.Hollands, C.Chesser, C.Lord

EMG: T.Byrne, H.O’Keeffe, J.Boyd

Team Tips: Dashing defender Adam Saad is expected to miss Carlton’s annual blockbuster against Richmond with a low-end hamstring strain, after finishing with just 64 per cent game time in his side’s Opening Round loss to Sydney. While not a like-for-like replacement, his absence could be somewhat negated by the return of Nick Haynes from an ankle injury, though he for now remains an outside chance to come straight back. The in-form Francis Evans (knee) is similarly considered unlikely, but not improbable to be parachuted into the starting 23. The trio of Blake Acres, Lachie Cowan and Matthew Carroll all successfully got through the club’s VFL practice match against Footscray late last week, with the side kicking a wayward 6.22 to ultimately go down by 21 points. It would be stiff to be dropped after just one match, but like most clubs early in the season, it will be intriguing to see if Michael Voss continues to deploy a two-ruck strategy with Liam Reidy as support to Marc Pittonet.

Tigers’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: J.Gibcus, B.Miller, N.Broad

HB: J.Short, S.Grlj, J.Trezise

C: K.McAuliffe, S.Lalor, T.Sonsie

HF: S.Green, M.Rioli, S.Campbell

FF: H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, R.Mansell

FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Ross

I/C: T.Brown, H.Ralphsmith, J.Hopper, S.Cumming, C.Gray, S.Banks, L.Trainor, L.Fawcett

EMG: P.Retschko, K.Smith, J.Alger, Z.Peucker

Team Tips: The main selection watch will be on veteran defender Nick Vlastuin, who’s a test ahead of Richmond’s season opener against Carlton. Vlastuin (management) remains no certainty after his broken ankle recovery led to a few other niggles this preseason. In more positive news, key defender Noah Balta was removed from the club’s injury report ahead of Round 1 after overcoming a minor hamstring worry. The Tigers, however, says Dion Prestia (hamstring) remains at least a week away, given his age and history with soft-tissue ailments, while Mykelti Lefau (suspension) isn’t available until Round 2. It’d be a surprise at this stage if half-back rebounder Sam Grlj didn’t debut against the Blues. Defender Campbell Gray could be a left-field second ruck choice at selection for Adem Yze, given Carlton has Marc Pittonet and Liam Reidy at its disposal.

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN

Thursday March 13, 7:40pm at the MCG

Bombers’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: B.McKay, Z.Reid, A.McGrath (c)

HB: J.Nguyen, Z.Johnson, M.Redman

C: B.Fiorini, Z.Merrett, J.Prior

HF: D.Parish, P.Wright, A.Perkins

FF: K.Langford, N.Caddy, A.May

FOLL: L.Blakiston, J.Caldwell, S.Durham

I/C: J.Farrow, D.Sharp, A.Roberts, X.Duursma, M.Kondogiannis, H.El Achkar, A.Clarke, S.El-Hawli

EMG: E.Tsatas, J.Gresham, V.Visentini, M.Guelfi

Team Tips: While in a better spot injury-wise than what they were for most of last year, Brad Scott’s side will still be missing plenty of personnel to start their 2026 campaign. Nick Bryan (ACL) and Will Setterfield (foot) are still a while away from returning to senior level, while it’s a month-long wait still for Jordan Ridley as he continues rehab on a calf injury. Scott revealed on Monday that small forward Isaac Kako is up against it to feature this week, after being one of just several Bombers who played every AFL game in 2025. Second-year South Australian Angus Clarke is also set to miss an extended period with a syndesmosis injury. In a more positive light, Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp are going to be mighty hard to keep out of Brad Scott’s side from the get-go, while Hussien El Achkar and Max Kondogiannis have hardly put a foot wrong in pre-season play. First-year draftee Sullivan Robey is also expected to have recovered from a back injury as early as this week, but has missed most of pre-season.

Hawks’ Opening Round side:

B: B.Hardwick, T.Barrass, J.Scrimshaw

HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily (c), J.Weddle

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

HF: F.Maginness, J.Ginnivan, N.Watson

F: M.Lewis, M.Chol, J.Gunston

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Ward

I/C: C.Macdonald, H.Morrison, M.D’Ambrosio, S.Butler, K.Amon

EMG: F.Perez, N.Mraz, N.Reeves

Team Tips: Hawthorn’s midfield was a big focus coming out of their 27-point loss to GWS last Saturday evening, but it looks set to receive a small boost with the return of Cam Mackenzie from concussion this weekend. It would be unlike Sam Mitchell to react heavily at the selection table, particularly given the Giants’ frankly exceptional performance at ENGIE Stadium. That being said, Finn Maginness was quiet during his 56 per cent time on ground, and may be the one who makes room for Mackenzie’s return. SSP signing Flynn Perez will remain a close watch in the coming weeks after a stellar pre-season for his new club. After being a test last week for a back niggle, Tom Barrass copped a heavy blow in the region, and may be on lighter duties this week as a result.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GWS GIANTS

Saturday March 14, 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Opening Round side:

B: L.Jaques, B.Khamis, R.Lobb

HB: C.Budarick, J.O’Donnell, L.Bramble

C: S.Davidson, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams

HF: C.Hynes, S.Darcy, J.Freijah

F: J.Croft, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore

FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: M.Sellwood, O.Baker, R.West, A.Jones, B.Dale

EMG: H.Gallagher, W.Lewis, L.Kennedy

Team Tips: There was only one sour note to come out of the Bulldogs’ epic win over the reigning premiers last Saturday night, with Artie Jones placed in concussion protocols after a wayward elbow from Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews landed a heavy blow to his face. Small forward Lachie McNeil was among Footscray’s best in their pre-season win over Carlton, and looks the most obvious like-for-like replacement for Jones in Luke Beveridge’s front half. All things going well, Ryley Sanders is a chance to exit concussion protocols and slot back into the best 23, while key defender Ryan Gardner remains a possibility to be available from a groin complaint. Tall forward Jordan Croft played just 42 per cent game against the Lions, creating intrigue over how Beveridge will utilise his 23rd player in 2026 off the bench.

Giants’ Opening Round side:

B: J.Laverde, J.Buckley, C.Idun

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

C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas

HF: P.Gothard, J.Riccardi, J.Delana

F: T.Greene (c), J.Hogan, J.Stringer

FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, F.Callaghan

I/C: H.Himmelberg, H.Rowston, X.O’Halloran, C.Brown, M.Gruzewski

EMG: J.Leake, N.Madden, O.Hannaford

Team Tips: An absolutely stunning win from the ‘Big, Big Sound’ on Saturday evening was the perfect reponse to critics already writing off their 2026 due to February’s injury crisis. Subsequently, it feels unlikely we’ll see coach Adam Kingsley make many, if any, changes to his 23-man side. That being said, the final call looks likely to be dependant on just how weel a trio of hopefuls fare at training this week. Toby Bedford, Toby McMullin (both hamstring) and Leek Aleer (groin) were all listed as one round away from a return heading into Opening Round, and plan on taking part in full training this week. Small forward Josaia Delana had just the six disposals from lesser game time, but was impactful at times to finish with five score involvements — one of which was a goal assist. Clayton Oliver was great on club debut through the midfield as he stepped up from the get-go in the absence of Tom Green (ACL), while Jayden Laverde also held down the fort well in defence.

GEELONG CATS v FREMANTLE

Saturday March 14, 4:15pm at GMHBA Stadium

Cats’ Opening Round side:

B: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, J.Henry

HB: Z.Guthrie, T.Stewart (c), L.Humphries

C: O.Dempsey, M.Holmes, M.O’Connor

HF: B.Close, S.Mannagh, G.Miers

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

FOLL: M.Blicavs, T.Atkins, B.Smith

I/C: T.Bruhn, O.Mullin, M.Knevitt, J.Worpel, J.Clark

EMG: J.Polkinghorne, L.Hofmann, M.Edwards

TeamTips: Chris Scott’s side will be backing themselves in to put last Friday night’s nightmare on the Gold Coast behind them this week, and they’ll need to do so coming up against a potent Fremantle outfit. The expected return of Jeremy Cameron (quad) and captain Patrick Dangerfield (calf) will go a long way to getting back to their best, as will a game under the belt of Bailey Smith and Gryan Miers, who themselves were under an injury cloud for Opening Round. While asked to negate the Suns’ stars throughout last week’s loss, Oisin Mullin was still very quiet and may be forced to make way for Dangerfield at selection. Up forward, one of Mitch Knevitt or Jhye Clark look a chance of also being omitted, despite the latter’s decent hitout from just half a game. Knevitt too looked solid at times, so if either were to be dropped, there’s little doubt they’ll be given another firm crack in the short-term. After playing 15 of Geelong’s 26 matches last year, you suspect Ollie Henry keeps his place after two goals and a decent showing up forward. After missing the entire 2025 season through injury, defender Jake Kolodjashnij may not be far from a return to senior level.

Dockers’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: H.Chapman, O.McDonald, H.Davies

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

C: J.O’Meara, C.Serong, C.Wagner

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

FF: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss

FOLL: L.Jackson, A.Brayshaw (c), H.Young

I/C: T.Murray, M.Cox, N.Erasmus, N.O’Driscoll, B.Walker, J.Draper, M.Johnson, I.Dudley

EMG: L.Ryan, J.Sharp, B.Banfield, C.Scerri

Team Tips: The Dockers were the only club heading into Opening Round without an official injury list, despite having a fair bit of news in the medical room. Captain Alex Pearce and fellow defender Brennan Cox (both calf) are expected to be available for their season opener at the Cattery, with Sam Switkowski (concussion) and Karl Worner (knee soreness) also likely to be available. The weekend before last, Sean Darcy and Luke Ryan successfully played managed minutes in the WAFL, and too should be ready to put their hand up. One player who has been ruled out however, is lively forward Minairo Frederick. Seven West’s Ryan Daniels reported on Monday that the 25-year-old South Australian will miss the opening few weeks of the season with an ankle issue. Hayden Young prematurely ended a main training last week with what seemed to be an ankle complaint, but has since been been cleared of any major concerns. Should one of Pearce of Cox be unavailable this weekend, young defender Hugh Davies showed positive signs in Fremantle’s pre-season win over Adelaide in their absence.

SYDNEY SWANS v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday March 14, 7:10pm at the SCG

Swans’ Opening Round side:

B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, D.Rampe

HB: C.Mills (c), N.Blakey, S.Wicks

C: J.Jordon, I.Heeney, M.Roberts

HF: M.Rosas, J.Rowbottom, T.Papley

F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, L.McDonald

R: B.Grundy, E.Gulden, Ch.Warner

I/C: R.Bice, J.McInerney, J.Serong, J.Lloyd, A.Sheldrick

EMG: P.Ladhams, Co.Warner, H.McLean

Team Tips: There’s not a lot of change expected at Sydney after it comprehensively dismantled the Blues in the second half of the season opener. Potentially a watch on Angus Sheldrick, who played just over half the game against Carlton and was named last on the interchange, though it’s hard to tip omissions after last Thursday night. Peter Ladhams and Hayden McLean were emergencies against Carlton and could be called upon if Dean Cox wants more height to combat Brisbane’s Darcy Fort and Zane Zakostelsky. Taylor Adams is available after an Achilles injury limited him in the pre-season, while fellow veteran Harry Cunningham could put his hand up after a quad issue. Youngsters Jesse Dattoli and Jevan Phillipou might each still be a week away from availability.

Lions’ Opening Round side:

B: K.Coleman, D.Gardiner, R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, D.Zorko

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

HF: C.Cameron, O.Allen, Z.Bailey

F: W.Ashcroft, L.Morris, T.Gallop

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley (c), L.Neale

I/C: K.Lohmann, L.Ashcroft, C.Rayner, Z.Zakostelsky, B.Reville

EMG: L.McCarthy, D.Annable, D.Joyce

Team Tips: The Lions could be without four Opening Round starters for their blockbuster bout with Sydney. Hugh McCluggage will miss with a calf issue — but should return after their Round 2 bye — while Harris Andrews (three games), Darcy Gardiner and Zac Bailey (both one game) were all dealt suspensions from the Bulldogs loss last Saturday. The former two will challenge their bans at the Tribunal, though the club has accepted Bailey’s sanction. Given the defensive outs, Darragh Joyce seems a near-certain inclusion in the back half after being an emergency against the Dogs, while Dan Annable could come in for his AFL debut with McCluggage and Bailey missing. Sam Draper seems more on the unlikely side to return from his foot injury against the Swans, meaning Zane Zakostelsky could retain his spot alongside Darcy Fort after a positive debut against the Dogs. He played less than half a game, but given his defensive versatility could come in handy with Andrews out, you’d think he’s likely to line up against the Swans. Noah Answerth should be fit for a senior return after playing VFL practice match minutes recently. Tom Doedee (wrist) might need another week on the sidelines, while Jack Payne (knee) doesn’t currently have a timeline.

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday March 14, 7:35pm at the MCG

Magpies’ Opening Round side:

B: B.Frampton, I.Quaynor, B.Maynard

HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, H.Perryman

C: W.Parker, N.Daicos (c), R.Steele

HF: L.Schultz, S.Sidebottom, B.McCreery

F: T.Membrey, J.Elliott, D.McStay

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, J.De Goey

I/C: P.Lipinski, S.Pendlebury, E.Allan, N.Long, J.Buller

EMG: O.Steene, J.Cochran, L.Sullivan

Team Tips:Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe (both calf) could return against the Crows, with the former more likely given Howe was last week listed as 1-2 weeks on the injury report. If Moore is deemed fit this week, one of Wil Parker, Ed Allan or Roan Steele could be vulnerable at selection, with Billy Frampton likely needed against Adelaide for height purposes. Jack Buller was rarely sighted in his Magpies debut but could be given a reprieve against a tall Crows defence. Otherwise, Oscar Steene was an emergency for the Saints game. Reef McInnes (knee) is still at least three weeks away, while Bobby Hill remains without a timeline for return.

Crows’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: J.Butts, J.Worrell, H.Bond

HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, R.Laird

C: L.Nankervis, J.Dawson (c), C.Jones

HF: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, L.Pedlar

FF: B.Keays, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: L.McAndrew, C.Edwards, J.Rachele

I/C: B.Cook, Z.Taylor, J.Borlase, B.Dowling, T.Murray, L.Sholl, M.Marsh, M.Michalanney

EMG: O.Ryan, A.Ludowyke, R.O’Brien, F.Maley

Team Tips: A few injuries to monitor in the lead-up to the Crows’ season opener against Collingwood, with midfielder James Peatling (hamstring) a likely test, while defender Mitch Hinge (hip) should be available. Ball-winner Jake Soligo should also be available after undergoing a minor heart operation. Izak Rankine (suspension) will be available in Round 2. Lachie McAndrew and Toby Murray appears the preferred ruck combination to start the season, with veteran Reilly O’Brien left out as a result. Peatling’s fitness could determine either Luke Nankervis or Chayce Jones’ spots in the side, while Soligo coming back in could be costly for Zac Taylor or Billy Dowling. And you’d think James Borlase and Mitch Marsh are on the outside looking in.

NORTH MELBOURNE v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday March 15, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: C.Comben, T.Pink, G.Logue

HB: F.O’Sullivan, H.Sheezel, C.Daniel

C: J.Simpkin, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens

HF: L.Dovaston, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar

FF: Z.Duursma, N.Larkey (c), P.Curtis

FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, L.Parker

I/C: B.Scott, L.Urquhart, C.Coleman-Jones, C.Harvey, J.Konstanty, R.Hansen Jr, C.Trembath, T.Blamires

EMG: W.Dawson, Z.Banch, M.Whitlock, Z.Fisher

Team Tips: The Kangaroos look set to unveil top pick Lachy Dovaston against the Power after an impressive first preseason, while SSP signing Tom Blamires will also be in the frame after looking the part in the Community Series. Luke Urquhart showed signs, but it’s a busy midfield at Arden Street, while Callum Coleman-Jones looks like the preferred second ruck to Tristan Xerri. Defensive pair Colby McKercher (finger) and Luke McDonald (wrist) appear likely to be available to play Port Adelaide, while Riley Hardeman (ankle) could be available, though he’s more likely to need another week on the sidelines. George Wardlaw (hamstring) might still be a fortnight away from a return to play.

Power’s AAMI Community Series side:

FB: A.Aliir, H.Ramm, T.Marshall

HB: L.Evans, L.Jones, K.Farrell

C: J.Wehr, W.Drew, E.Mackinlay

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Richards, J.Berry

FF: O.Lord, M.Georgiades, J.Whitlock

FOLL: D.Visentini, C.Rozee (c), Z.Butters

I/C: J.Burgoyne, C.Durdin, J.Mead, J.Watkins, J.Horne-Francis, W.Lorenz, M.Zadow, E.Ratugolea

EMG: W.Brodie, C.Moraes, J.Sweet, J.Sinn

Team Tips: There’s a fair bit of intrigue at Alberton heading into their season opener against the Kangaroos, with a number of club debuts on the table. Former Giant Jacob Wehr and old Blue Corey Durdinlook likely to play their first game since thier arrival at the Power, while mature-age rookie selection Jack Watkins remains right in the frame to play alongside best mate Zak Butters on Sunday. Last year’s mid-season draftees Harrison Ramm and Ewan Mackinley look to be a duo the club will build around for years to come, having each made their AFL debut in Round 24 for Ken Hinkley’s final farewell. You’d say they’re each likely to make the travel over to Melbourne, which could leave the likes of Will Lorenz and SSP signing Mitch Zadow on the outer, given Miles Bergman (shoulder) and Jack Lukosius (groin) are set to be available after missing Port’s pre-season match against West Coast.

MELBOURNE v ST KILDA

Sunday March 15, 3:15pm at the MCG

Demons’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: B.Howes, J.Lever, D.Turner

HB: X.Lindsay, C.Salem, C.Jiath

C: H.Langford, J.Steele, T.Sparrow

HF: E.Langdon, L.Kentfield, K.Chandler

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

FOLL: M.Gawn (c), C.Windsor, T.Rivers

I/C: H.Petty, T.McDonald, K.Tholstrup, L.Pickett, H.Sharp, B.Laurie, X.Taylor, T.Matthews

EMG: J.Melksham, J.Adams, M.Heath, R.Mentha

Team Tips: The left-of-centre injury to monitor in the lead-up to the Dees’ season opener is that of Bayley Fritsch, who required surgery on an infected dog bite. He’ll be racing the clock to prove his fitness, as will emerging midfielder Jai Culley, who’s in the latter stages of recovery from a fractured arm after putting in an impressive preseason to be in the selection frame. Young forward Luker Kentfield is likely a month and a half away from a return after the knee injury he suffered in the Community Series against Richmond, while Jack Viney (Achilles) is two months away. Latrelle Pickett looks in line for a first-up AFL debut against the Saints, and it’d be a deserved nod after an eye-catching first preseason. Top draftee Xavier Taylor is also every chance of a debut, while former St Kilda captain Jack Steele and Changkuoth Jiath are all but certain to play their first match in the red and blue.

Saints’ Opening Round side:

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Caminiti

HB: A.Tauru, B.Hill, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, D.Wilson

HF: M.Phillipou, H.Boxshall, M.Owens

F: R.Marshall, C.Sharman, J.Higgins

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair

I/C: J.Macrae, J.Carroll, L.Ryan, M.Wood, H.Garcia

EMG: L.Stocker, I.Keeler, C.Banfield

Team Tips:Rowan Marshall is the casualty to come from the Saints’ season-opening loss to Collingwood after sustaining a concussion. Isaac Keeler shapes as the like-for-like replacement if Ross Lyon wants to stay tall against Melbourne and Max Gawn. Cal Wilkie and Jack Silvagni promisingly got through against the Pies despite coming in under injury clouds. Second-year midfielder Hugh Boxshall had one effective kick in 67 per cent game time, while veteran Jack Macrae played a smidge over half the match on Sunday night. First-year midfielder Charlie Banfield was named as an emergency for the Pies clash. Spearhead forward Max King (calf) is still 3-4 weeks away from training with the main group.

GOLD COAST SUNS v WEST COAST

Sunday March 15, 6:1opm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Opening Round side:

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

HB: J.Noble, D.Rioli, J.Jeffrey

C: L.Weller, W.Powell, S.Clohesy

HF: C.Petracca, B.Humphrey, W.Graham

F: E.Read, B.King, L.Lombard

FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), T.Miller

I/C: A.Davies, B.Long, Z.Uwland, O.Adams, J.Farrar

EMG: N.Moyle, L.Gulbin, C.Graham

Team Tips: The Suns couldn’t have asked for a better start to their 2026 campaign, and their side are only going to get stronger hosting West Coast this weekend. Young key forward Jed Walter is now available after serving his suspension last weekend, while fellow forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked six goals in the VFL side’s pre-season match against Southport on Friday evening. The latter is likely to stay in the reserves for a couple more weeks despite his strong form, but may leave Jy Farrar on the outer in place of Walter, despite some good forward pressure and a goal assist against Geelong. Intercept defender Charlie Ballard successfully returned from his ACL injury in the same reserves fixture as Ugle-Hagan, and won’t be far off either. Academy product Dylan Patterson remains in the wings, though given he wasn’t named an emergency for Opening Round, may have a few weeks before making his AFL debut.

Eagles’ AAMI Community Series side:

FB: T.Cole, H.Edwards, S.Brock

HB: J.Lindsay, T.Young, L.Baker (c)

C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, D.Robertson

HF: J.Cripps, J.Shanahan, J.Newton

FF: H.Schoenberg, J.Waterman, A.Reid

FOLL: M.Flynn, H.Reid, T.McCarthy

I/C: R.Maric, F.Macrae, C.Duff-Tytler, M.Owies, H.Davis, L.Grego, H.Barnett, T.Williams

EMG: B.Allan, C.Hall, R.Bazzo, J.Williams

Team Tips: Top draftees Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler at this stage look all but certain to make their AFL debuts this Sunday evening in Queensland. Additionally, Josh Lindsay was one of the side’s better contributors in their heavy pre-season loss to Port Adelaide with 22 disposals, which could see him also lock up a spot in Andrew McQualter’s side. Second-year midfielder Hamish Davis looks likely to line up on a wing, while last year’s mid-season draftee Jacob Newton also continues to put his hand up to add to his two games at AFL level. Key defender Harry Edwards is a test to play after a concussion against the Power, with Liam Duggan (head knock), Reuben Ginbey (toe), Jack Graham (hamstring) and Tim Kelly (hamstring) also needing to prove their fitness. However, as per Seven West’s Ryan Daniels, two-time Brisbane premiership player and star recruit Brandon Starcevich has been ruled out as he continues to recover from a calf complaint. Co-captain Liam Baker and SSP signing Harry Schoenberg are unavailable until next weekend as they serves their respective suspensions.