Every club’s predicted 22 for round 6 of the AFL season

Which big names are returning this week? And, for a number of clubs struggling, who will face the axe? See your AFL club’s predicted side for Round 6.

We are getting to the quarter mark of the season, and already a number of highly fancied clubs are dropping off the pace.

It is a must-win weekend for Port Adelaide, Essendon and even Richmond if they want to stay in finals contention.

So who takes the risks at the selection table for Round 6?

Our experts have turned selectors to give you the early heads up. Let us know your changes in the comments section.

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Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has been ruled out for the year with an ACL injury.

ADELAIDE

B: T.Doedee, J.Butts, L.Brown

HB: B.Smith, B.Frampton, J.Dawson

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

HF: N.McHenry, E.Himmelberg, H. Schoenberg

F: J.Rachele, T.Walker, S.McAdam

FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, S.Berry

I/C: M.Crouch, L.Murphy, L.Gollant, C.Jones

EMG: M.Hinge, J.Rowe, R.Thilthorpe, J.Hately

IN: H. Schoenberg

OUT: R. Sloane (knee), J. Rowe (medi-sub)

Who replaces Rory Sloane will be the biggest selection question for the Crows’ match committee this week after the captain’s season-ending knee injury. Jackson Hately, who was an emergency on Saturday and yet to feature at AFL level this season, pushed his case again with a 27-disposal effort on the SANFL loss to Glenelg. Harry Schoenberg is the other obvious contender after one week in the reserves. Riley Thilthorpe booted four goals to stay in the conversation for a forward spot, but how much will Adelaide want to tinker in the wake of its impressive win? Bringing in Hately and Schoenberg - one into the 22 and the other as medical substitute - seems a possibility.

- MATT TURNER

BRISBANE

B: D.Gardiner, H.Andrews, M.Adams

HB: B.Starcevich, D..Rich, C.Ah Chee

C: J.Berry, D.Zorko, H.McCluggage

HF: Z.Bailey, D.McStay, L.McCarthy

F: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, C.Cameron

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

I/C: K.Lohmann, M.Robinson, D.Fort, N.Answerth

EMG: N.Cockatoo

NO CHANGE

It’s hard to fiddle with a winning formula. So will coach Chris Fagan making many changes, if any, for the Q-clash this weekend? We’re saying “no”. Unchanged. His biggest concern will be getting game time into last week’s medi-sub Nakia Cockatoo. He could finding himself running around at a lower level.

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps will have a fitness test to play after a hamstring strain.

CARLTON

B: Z.Williams, L.Young, S.Docherty

HB: A.Saad, J.Weitering, W.Setterfield

C: S.Walsh, G.Hewett, J.Newnes

HF: M.Owies, C.Curnow, C.Durdin

F: Z.Fisher, H.McKay, J.Silvagni

FOLL: M.Pittonet, P. Cripps, A.Cerra

INT: M.Cotterell, N.Newman, J.Martin, M.Kennedy

IN: P.Cripps

OUT: L.Parks

Captain Patrick Cripps looks set to return against the Dockers after just one week off with a hamstring complaint in what would be a big boost for the 4-1 Blues.

- CHRIS CAVANAGH

COLLINGWOOD

B: I.Quaynor, D. Moore, J.Madgen

HB: B.Maynard, J.Howe, J.Crisp

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

HF: W.Hoskin-Elliott, B.Mihocek, N.Daicos

F: J.De Goey, N.Kreuger, J.Ginnivan

Foll: B.Grundy, P.Lipinski, T.Adams

Inter: R.McInnes, O.Henry, T.Brown, D.Cameron

Possible medi-sub: John Noble.

IN: B.Mihocek, J.Ginnivan, T.Brown, O.Henry

OUT: J. Roughead (finger) C.Brown, T.Wilson, M.Cox

Plenty of food for thought for Craig McRae as he looks towards a slight reshuffle of the top-heavy side that performed bravely against the Lions. Darcy Cameron remains a chance after hurting his ribs. Mason Cox could be on the outer again after a modest output last week. Brody Mihocek and Jack Ginnivan appear certain to return in attack, while Beau McCreery is almost recovered too. John Noble was the medi-sub last week and will be in the mix, while Tyler Brown (26 disposals), Ollie Henry (three goals), Caleb Poulter (22), Fin Macrae (25) and Trent Bianco (22) were good in the VFL.

- GLENN McFARLANE

Essendon’s Devon Smith is expected to be in sights of Bombers selectors.

ESSENDON

B: B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Laverde, J.Kelly

HB: N.Hind, J.Ridley, D.Heppell

C: S.Durham, A.McGrath, N.Martin

HF: N.Cox, A.Waterman, D.Shiel

F: B.Ham, P.Wright, M.Guelfi

FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, J.Caldwell

I/C: M.Redman, T.Wanganeen, B.Hobbs, K.Baldwin

IN: T.Wanganeen, K.Baldwin, B.Ham

OUT: A.Phillips (hamstring), D.Smith, A.Perkins

Ben Rutten needs a big scalp ahead of Monday’s Anzac Day clash after yet another embarrassing performance last weekend. And Devon Smith fits the bill. He was OK when playing as the sub a few weeks back but his lack of defensive efforts against the Dockers cannot go unnoticed. Rutten also wouldn’t have liked the way Smith demanded the ball from Sam Durham just 20 metres out on the weekend. A statement needs to be made and it might not just be him as far as the senior players go. Andrew Phillips is out with a hamstring injury, which will see Kaine Baldwin back after kicking five goals in the VFL. Tex Wanganeen deserves a recall, while Brayden Ham is a chance to return after having 20 disposals and six tackles at the lower level.

- GLENN McFARLANE

FREMANTLE

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce, J.Aish

HB: H.Young, L.Ryan, B.Walker

C: J.Clark, A.Brayshaw, B.Acres

HF: T.Colyer, M.Taberner, L.Schulz

F: M.Frederick, R.Lobb, B.Banfield

FOLL: S.Darcy, W.Brodie, D.Mundy

I/C: S.Switkowski, C.Serong, N.O’Driscoll, H.Chapman

EMG: M.Walters

IN: L.Schultz

OUT: M.Walters (medi-sub)

The Dockers will be keen to stick with a winning line-up, so changes will be at a minimal. We’d expect Lachie Schultz to come back from his Covid-enforced break, with Justin Longmuir needing to drop a forward. We reckon Michael Walters should be handed the medi-sub vest.

Geelong rested Jake Kolodjashnij for the Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn.

GEELONG

B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, T.Stewart

HB: J. Kolodjashnij, M.Blicavs, M.O’Connor

C: M.Duncan, J.Selwood, I.Smith

HF: M.Holmes, T.Hawkins, T.Stengle

F: G.Miers, J.Cameron, B.Close

FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield, C.Guthrie

I/C: T.Atkins, B.Parfitt, Z.Tuohy, L.Dahlhaus

EMG: Z.Guthrie, E.Ratugolea, S.Higgins

IN: J.Kolodjashnij

OUT: J. Bews

It’ll be a close watch on the Cats’ medical room as they lick their wounds, with Jack Henry (foot), Cam Guthrie (corked quad) and Jed Bews (shoulder) all to be closely looked at. Jake Kolodjashnij was rested on Monday and should slot straight back in, potentially at the expense of Bews. Patrick Dangerfield also poses an interesting prospect. Coach Chris Scott admitted there had been niggles for the Brownlow medallist – not enough to keep him out of a game. Yet, that is. We know the Cats don’t hesitate to rest players if they need it so he might be one in the next few weeks who could benefit from a freshen-up.

- LAUREN WOOD

GOLD COAST

B: W.Powell, S.Collins, S.Lemmens

HB: L.Weller, C.Ballard, D. Swallow

C: O.Markov, T.Miller, B.Ellis

HF: B.Ainsworth, L.Casboult, I.Rankine

F: J.Corbett, M.Chol, N.Holman

FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, N.Anderson

I/C: E.Hollands, J.Farrar, B.Fiorini, M.Rosas

EMG: R.Atkins, C.Burgess, C.Graham, D.Macpherson

IN: E. Hollands

OUT: A.Davies

The Suns will be sweating on an injury to big man Mabior Chol. He hurt his groin in the weekend’s loss to St Kilda but will be given every chance to train later in the week and put his hand up to play in the Q-clash at Metricon Stadium. Stuart Dew might look at bringing in Elijah Hollands, who has been good at VFL level, and axe Alex Davies. Izak Rankine gets another week.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

B: L.Keeffe, S.Taylor, F.Callaghan

HB: L.Whitfield, N.Haynes, H.Perryman

C: A.Kennedy, C.Ward, L.Ash

HF: T.Taranto, H.Himmelberg, S.Coniglio

F: B.Hill, J.Hogan, T.Greene

FOLL: J.Kelly, M.Flynn, T.Green

INT: B.Preuss, X.O’Halloran, C.Idun, T.Bruhn

IN: T.Greene, B.Preuss

OUT: J.Stein, M.de Boer

Toby Greene will be straight back in for the Giants after completing his six-match suspension for umpire contact which began in the finals series last year. Ruckman Braydon Preuss is also available to return after serving a one-match suspension.

- CHRIS CAVANAGH

Hawthorn big man Max Lynch is expected to replace Ned Reeves. Picture: Michael Klein

HAWTHORN

B: D.Grainger-Barras, S.Frost, B.Hardwick

HB: J.Koschitzke, J.Sicily, J.Impey

C: C.Jiath, D.Moore, H.Morrison

HF: C.Macdonald, J.Gunston, J.Ward

F: M.Lewis, L.Breust, T. Mitchell

FOLL: M. Lynch, J.Newcombe, J.O’Meara

I/C: J.Scrimshaw, L. Shiels, J. Worpel, C. Nash

EMG: F.Maginness, D.Howe

IN: M. Lynch

OUT: N. Reeves (injured)

It’s the ruck that poses the biggest challenge for the Hawks after they shocked the Cats, with big man Ned Reeves felled with a dislocated shoulder early in the game. He’ll be monitored this week, but Max Lynch might finally be available after a horror run of bad luck. Sam Mitchell might well tell him to stay locked in his bedroom before the game in Tasmania after a concussion, Covid and then an anaphylactic reaction to a beesting on the eve of the Geelong game. They say it comes in threes, so hopefully Lynch’s tough run is over with and he can get back on the park after a difficult month.

- LAUREN WOOD

MELBOURNE

B: J.Hunt, S.May, H.Petty

HB: T.Rivers, J.Lever, J.Harmes

C: E.Langdon, C.Petracca, J.Viney

HF: A.Brayshaw, S.Weideman, A.Neal-Bullen

F: K.Pickett, L.Jackson, B.Fritsch

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, T.Sparrow

I/C: C.Spargo, J.Bowey, J.Jordon, T.McDonald

EMG: T.Bedford, L.Dunstan, K.Chandler, J.Smith

NO CHANGE

Nothing to look at here. Unless Simon Goodwin wants to start resting some of his guns, there is no need to change a winning formula.

- SCOTT GULLAN

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: K.Turner, B.McKay, A.Corr

HB: L.McDonald, J.Walker, A.Bosenavulagi

C: La.Young, L.Davies-Uniacke, B.Scott

HF: C Zurhaar, N.Larkey, J.Stephenson

F: J.Horne-Francis, T.Goldstein, J.Ziebell

FOLL: T.Xerri, J.Simpkin, H Greenwood

I/C: C.Taylor, A.Bonar, P Curtis,T.Powell

EMG: C.Coleman-Jones, M.Bergman, W.Phillips, C Comben

IN: C.Zurhaar, A.Bonar, P.Curtis, T Powell

OUT: Hall (injured), J Mahony, F.Perez, E.Ford,

North clearly needs a spark and it could come in the form of draftee Paul Curtis. An exciting pressure forward, the teenager kicked four goals in the Roos win over Footscray in the VFL with coach Leigh Adams declaring him a “class above”. Big man Charlie Comben also kicked four goals including the matchwinner to push his case. Cam Zurhaar will return from concussion against the Cats.

- SCOTT GULLAN

Ollie Wines is expected to return this weekend after a dizzy spell in Round 4.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: R.Burton, A.Aliir, T.Clurey

HB: R.Bonner, T.Jonas, D.Byrne-Jones

C: D.Houston, O. Wines, K.Amon

HF: M.Bergman, M.Georgiades, C.Rozee

F: J.Finlayson, T.Marshall, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: S.Hayes, Z.Butters, T.Boak

I/C: R.Gray, W. Drew, S.Motlop, T.Dumont

EMG: J.McEntee, L. Jones, S.Mayes, J. Mead

IN: O. Wines

OUT: J. Mead (omitted)

Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas is confident Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines will return from his heart issue to face West Coast at home this Saturday. Wines sat out the thrilling loss to the Blues, having spent a night in hospital after the previous week’s defeat to Melbourne. Jackson Mead was quiet against Carlton and could make way. Defender Lachie Jones is expected to be available after clearing Covid protocols but he may have to work his way back via SANFL level.

- MATT TURNER

RICHMOND

B: N.Broad, R.Tarrant, J.Short

HB: N.Balta, N.Vlastuin, D.Rioli

C: J.Ross, T.Cotchin, M.Pickett

HF: J.Castagna, L.Baker, J.Graham

F: T.Lynch, S.Bolton, I.Soldo

FOLL: T.Nankervis, D.Prestia, S.Edwards

INT: J.Riewoldt, M.Parker, K.Lambert, K.McIntosh

IN: K.Lambert, K.McIntosh, I.Soldo

OUT: B.Miller, T.Dow, H.Ralphsmith (inj)

Triple-premiership midfielder Kane Lambert has had two games back from a long-term hip injury at VFL level and shone against Carlton on Sunday with 25 disposals and two goals. Kamdyn McIntosh would be expected to come straight back in after missing last week under Covid protocols. Ivan Soldo had 15 disposals and kicked two goals in the VFL and will come under consideration to team up with Toby Nankervis against the formidable Melbourne ruck duo of Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.

- CHRIS CAVANAGH

ST KILDA

B: C.Wilkie, D.Howard, B.Paton

HB: J.Battle, J.Lienert, D.McKenzie

C: Z. Jones, J.Sinclair, B.Hill

HF: B.Crouch, T.Membrey, D.Butler

F: J.Gresham, M.King, B.Long

FOLL: R.Marshall, S.Ross, J.Steele

I/C: J.Higgins, M.Wood, J.Webster, J.Hayes

EMG: R.Byrnes, T.Highmore, T.Campbell, L.Connolly

IN: Z. Jones, J. Webster

OUT: J.Lienert (omitted), N. Wanganeen-Milera (omitted)

It’s worth noting that this could well be an unchanged team given its prowess in recent weeks, with Zak Jones and Jimmy Webster the only potential inclusions. That’s of course dependent on whether they’re ready, with Jones having played just one VFL game on his return after a break for personal reasons and Webster returning to the fold after missing due to Covid rules. Jones proved strong at Sandringham, finishing with 27 touches and nine clearances in a narrow win. Rowan Marshall again holds the ruck load with Paddy Ryder still suspended and Jack Hayes should hold his spot. Watch this space – big indicators in the Saints’ game show that the surge can be sustained.

- LAUREN WOOD

SYDNEY

B: H.Cunningham, D.Rampe, P.McCartin

HB: J.Lloyd, T.McCartin, J.McInerney

C: N.Blakey, J.Rowbottom, O.Florent

HF: W.Hayward, S.Reid, J.Bell

F: B.Ronke, H.McLean, L.Parker

FOLL: P.Ladhams, C.Mills, I.Heeney

INT: L.McDonald, B.Campbell, C.Warner, E.Gulden

NO CHANGE

Not much need to change a winning formula for the Swans after a powerful 63-point win over West Coast last Friday night. If he is declared fit to return from a hamstring injury, Tom Papley would come straight back in. However, he might be another week away. Lance Franklin will miss another week with his finger injury.

- CHRIS CAVANAGH

Bulldog Mitch Wallis has impressed as the medi-sub. Picture: Michael Klein

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: E.Richards, R.Gardner, T.Duryea

HB: C.Daniel, T.O’Brien, B.Dale

C: J.Dunkley, J.Macrae, L.Hunter

HF: C.Weightman, Z.Cordy, A.Treloar

F: A.Scott, A.Naughton, T.Liberatore

FOLL: T.English, B.Smith, M.Bontempelli

I/C: J.Ugle-Hagan, L.McNeil, M Wallis B.Williams

EMG: R McComb, S.Martin, J.Schache, A.Jones

IN: M Wallis

OUT: R Garcia (injured)

Buku Khamis had a breakout game in the VFL with four goals while Robbie McComb had 28 touches but the pair will have to continue to bide their time. Veteran Mitch Wallis deserves to get a full game rather than being the medi-sub and could come in for youngster Riley Garcia who injured his knee against North Melbourne.

- SCOTT GULLAN

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: S.Hurn, T.Barrass, J.Rotham

HB: A.Witherden, J. McGovern, L.Duggan

C: J.Redden, T.Kelly, P.Naish

HF: W.Rioli, J.Darling, J.Cripps

F: J.Jones, J.Kennedy, L.Ryan

FOLL: B.Williams, E.Yeo, L.Shuey

I/C: Z.Langdon, L.Foley, J.Nelson, H.Dixon

IN: J. McGovern

OUT: H.Edwards

The Eagles will be looking for some consistency, so Adam Simpson will be hoping the Covid curse that has derailed their season is finally over. Jeremy McGovern is an instant selection, back from Covid-19 protocols, and we’d expect Willie Rioli to pass a fitness test on his leg. So Harry Edwards will be the card to fall and make way for McGovern.

Originally published as Every club’s predicted 22 for round 6 of the AFL season