See the Round 22 teams and get expert SuperCoach advice

HAWTHORN has pulled a selection surprise, picking Jaeger O’Meara after his strong return in the VFL, while Essendon’s finals hopes were dealt a blow. SEE ALL THE TEAMS

ESSENDON’S finals hopes have been dealt a massive blow with star defender Michael Hurley potentially to miss the remainder of the home-and-away season.

Hurley experienced tightness in his calf during the loss to Adelaide last weekend and the 27-year-old will miss tomorrow’s clash with the Gold Coast and could also be sidelined for the last round game against Fremantle. Hurley is one of six outs for the Bombers, with the club choosing to rest former skipper Jobe Watson. R22 FORMGUIDE: WHO ARE THE SUPERCOACH DOWNHILL SKIERS? TEAM WHISPERS: MORRIS SET FOR ANOTHER MIRACLE RETURN? Matthew Leuenberger misses with an ankle injury while Ben Howlett, Travis Colyer and Matt Dea have been omitted. Zach Merrett leads the list of ins after his one-game suspension. Hawthorn has pulled a selection surprise, picking Jaeger O’Meara for the club’s clash with Carlton. O’Meara hasn’t played in the AFL since Round 6. He made his return from a knee injury in the VFL last week, having 29 touches and kicking three goals. Premiership forward Paul Puopolo also returns in place of Teia Miles and Conor Glass. Hawthorn’s general manager of football operations Jason Burt said the pair had been rewarded for dedication and determination through lengthy rehab programs. “It’s really exciting for Hawks fans to see both these guys back out there,” he told the club website. “Jaeger and Paul have both had extended periods on the sidelines but have completed really strong conditioning blocks, including game time at Box Hill, and are ready for a senior recall.” The Hawks face Carlton on Saturday night with the Blues celebrating their 1987 premiership. Ciaran Byrne for Denis Armfield is the only change. Collingwood will finally unveil son of a gun Josh Daicos. After being an emergency on several occasions this season, the son of Magpies legend Peter will make his AFL debut against Geelong on Saturday. Coach Nathan Buckley forecast the selection on Thursday as the club made three changes. Daicos, Josh Smith and Tim Broomhead come in for Tyson Goldsack, Alex Fasolo and Jordan de Goey. “Obviously (Daicos) has been on the cusp ... and has had really solid form through the VFL,” Buckley said. “Our VFL program has been in good nick so we know that the guys that will be called upon will have opportunities to fulfil a role and they’ll be in form.” “It’s not all about kicks, marks and handballs, but it is about the ability play a role for the side and continue to develop to a point where you’re ready to take that step.” Geelong has made two changes with Mitch Duncan returning from suspension as Wylie Buzza earns a recall. Rhys Stanley and Brandan Parfitt are out. AFL betting promo Meanwhile at Hawthorn, Jaeger O’Meara makes a surprise return to AFL level after just one game in the VFL. The former Sun shone in three quarters for Box Hill last weekend as he collected 29 disposals and kicked three goals. Also on Sunday night, Essendon travels to Metricon Stadium to face Gold Coast with both clubs making six changes. The Bombers have lost a wealth of experience with Michael Hurley revelling he’s suffered a minor calf injury while Jobe Watson has been rested. Matthew Leuenberger (ankle), Ben Howlett, Travis Colyer and Matt Dea are also out with Zach Merrett, Craig Bird, Tom Bellchambers, Michael Hartley and Mark Baguley recalled while Josh Begley will make his AFL debut. Reigning premier the Western Bulldogs have received a double boost ahead of a must-win clash against Port Adelaide in Ballarat with Dale Morris and Jason Johannisen back. Morris has completed a miracle return after breaking his arm against Gold Coast three weeks ago. The Power will debut young forward Todd Marshall while Sam Powell-Pepper and Riley Bonner are recalled as Jasper Pittard, Brendon Ah Chee and Jarman Impey go out. Finally, the return of Harley Bennell at Fremantle has been confirmed with the injury-cruelled midfielder to play his first game since Round 22, 2015. Bennell, Hayden Crozier and Ryan Nyhuis have come in for Lachie Neale, Danyle Pearce and Shane Kersten. The Tigers have lost Josh Caddy to a hamstring injury and dropped Corey Ellis and Ivan Soldo while recalling Jacob Townsend and Oleg Markov with Jack Graham to make his debut.

Originally published as See the Round 22 teams and get expert SuperCoach advice

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