AFL 2022: Predicted teams for round 16 of the AFL season

The pressure is rising at the Saints. What impact will that have at selection? Check out our predicted teams for every club in round 16.

Every club’s predicted 22 for round 16.

A couple of big men are set to return for their teams along with a key pillar of Carlton’s midfield resurgence and a Covid affected Swan. See every team’s predicted side for this week’s matches.

ADELAIDE

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

HB: B.Smith, N.Murray, C.Jones

C: J.Hately, R.Laird, J.Dawson

HF: N.McHenry, D.Fogarty, J.Soligo

F: R.Thilthorpe, T.Walker, J.Rowe

FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, S.Berry

I/C: H.Schoenberg, J.Rachele, M.Hinge, W.Milera

IN: R.Thilthorpe, C.Jones, L.Brown

OUT: S.McAdam (ankle), W.Hamill (concussion), P.Parnell (omitted)

The Crows will be forced into at least one change for their clash with reigning premiers Melbourne. Will Hamill suffered the fifth concussion of his career against North Melbourne so will miss. Shane McAdam could join him after spraining his ankle and with a six-day turnaround to take on the Demons his chances look slim. Riley Thilthorpe should be able to return, while Luke Brown could add some experience as the Crows seek to cause an upset. Matt Crouch had 42 disposals in the SANFL but could spend more time in the state league.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

Could Riley Thilthorpe return to the Crows senior side? Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE

B: J. Payne, H. Andrews, D. Rich

HB: B. Starcevich, M. Adams, N. Answerth

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

HF: C. Rayner, E. Hipwood, D. Robertson

F: L. McCarthy, J. Daniher, C. Cameron

FOLL: O. McInerney, Z. Bailey, L. Neale

I/C: D. Zorko, C. Ah Chee, D. McStay, K. Coleman

IN: Z. Bailey, D. Zorko, C. Ah Chee

OUT: J. Tunstill (omitted), T. Berry (omitted), M. Robinson (omitted)

The Lions get some key cavalry back for their Thursday night clash against the Western Bulldogs and might look to swing the axe after last week’s disappointing loss. Rhy Mathieson has been banging down the door in the VFL after another sublime performance (40 disposals, two goals) but suspect coach Chris Fagan might only make the three changes. Darcy Fort is another who could come into contention but it might hinder the Lions structure too much.

-Will Hogan

CARLTON

B: N.Newman, L.Young, B.Kemp

HB: A.Saad, L.Plowman, S.Docherty

C: L.O’Brien, P.Cripps, S.Walsh

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

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

Foll: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

Inter: M.Cottrell, J.Honey, J.Newnes, L.Stocker

IN: A.Cerra, L.Stocker

OUT: J.Boyd (inj), J.Motlop (omitted)

Jacob Weitering is pushing to take on the Saints on Friday night, but the Blues have conceded he is more than likely set to wait an extra week to take on West Coast. Adam Cerra will return and big watches will be on Jack Martin and last week’s late withdrawal Matt Owies. Both would be considered a chance to play and will be tested later in the week.

-Glenn McFarlane

Adam Cerra has been hampered by injury. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, I.Quaynor

HB: N.Murphy, J.Howe, N. Daicos

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

HF: J.De Goey, B.Mihocek, P.Lipinski

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Cox, J.Elliott

Foll: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, T.Adams

Inter: J.Noble, O.Henry, B.McCreery, W.Hoskin-Elliott

IN: J.De Goey

OUT: I.Chugg (omit)

Craig McRae has left the door ajar for Jordan De Goey to make a return in Saturday night’s clash with Gold Coast. The Magpies will make a decision later in the week on whether De Goey is back playing, but a Metricon game might be the best option to ease him back in after the controversy of the past fortnight. If he plays, Isaac Chugg is likely to be the omission.

-Glenn McFarlane

ESSENDON

B: J.Kelly, J.Laverde, J.Ridley

HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, N.Hind

C: W.Snelling, Z.Merrett, N.Martin

HF: D.Shiel, K.Langford, M.Guelfi

F: P.Wright, J.Stringer, H.Jones

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

INT: N.Bryan, A.Perkins, M.D’Ambrossio, D.Heppell

IN: D.Parish, Z.Reid

OUT: S.Durham, B.Hobbs

The Bombers had no injury concerns out of last weekend’s loss to West Coast. Midfielder Darcy Parish is expected to return from a corked calf, after missing the clash with the Eagles. Defender Zach Reid is also available to return, having played VFL on the weekend after overcoming an ankle injury.

- Chris Cavanagh

FREMANTLE

B: B.Walker, A.Pearce, H.Young

HB: B.Cox, L.Ryan, E.Hughes

C: J.Aish, A.Brayshaw, J.Clark

HF: L.Henry, L.Schultz, T.Colyer

F: N.Fyfe, R.Lobb, G.Logue

FOLL: S.Darcy, W.Brodie, C.Serong

INT: M.Taberner, D.Mundy, M.Crowden, B.Banfield

IN: M.Crowden

OUT: M.Frederick (omitted)

The Dockers laid just 43 tackles in their disappointing loss to Carlton and could call up last week’s sub Crowden for his first full senior game of the year, having shown strong form in the WAFL this season. Last week’s inclusion Frederick was the only Dockers small forward who failed to lay a tackle nor hit the scoreboard. A call will be made on star Walters (calf) later in the week, who has been listed a test on Fremantle’s injury list, while footy boss Peter Bell said Heath Chapman is set to miss another week with a hamstring injury.

-Dan Batten

GEELONG

B: J. Henry, S. De Koning, M. O’Connor

HB: M. Duncan Z. Guthrie, J. Bews

C: M. Blicavs, C. Guthrie, S. Menegola

HF: I. Smith, J. Cameron, M. Holmes

F: T. Stengle, T. Hawkins, B. Close

FOLL: T. Conway, P. Dangerfield, T. Atkins

I/C: G. Rohan, J. Kolodjashnij, Z. Tuohy, G. Miers

IN: G. Rohan, P. Dangerfield, T. Conway

OUT: Stewart (suspended), J. Selwood (rest), R. Stanley (rest)

Geelong will spend the early part of this week planning its way around a five-day break into a huge clash with Melbourne in round 17. Expect the Cats to ease players through the tough turnaround with North Melbourne on the agenda this week. Patrick Dangerfield should finally return, and Gary Rohan (illness) should come in with Tom Stewart to be suspended. Joel Selwood may be due another rest, while the Cats are desperate to give young ruck Toby Conway a crack. Could this be the week?

-Josh Barnes

Could Geelong unveil young ruck Toby Conway to play his first game? Picture: Alan Barber

GOLD COAST

B: C. Budarick, S. Collins, C. Graham

HB: O. Markov, C. Ballard, J. Farrar

C: D. Swallow, N. Anderson, B. Ellis

HF: B. Ainsworth, M. Chol, N. Holman

F: I. Rankine, L. Casboult, C. Burgess

FOLL: J. Witts, M. Rowell, T. Miller

I/C: J. Bowes, B. Fiorini, S. Flanders, M. Rosas

IN: B. Fiorini, C. Budarick

OUT: A. Davies (injured), S. Lemmens (omitted)

Izak Rankine copped a heavy knock in the heartbreaking loss to Port Adelaide but did return to the field and will be assessed ahead of this week. The possible return of Conor Budarick from a hamstring injury would be huge for the Suns while Brayden Fiorini looms as the most likely replacement for Alex Davies who was subbed out against Port.

-Will Hogan

GWS

B: N. Haynes, H. Himmelberg, I. Cumming

HB: A. Kennedy, S. Taylor, L. Ash

C: L. Whitfield, T. Green, C. Ward

HF: S. Coniglio, J. Riccardi, X. O’Halloran

F: D. Lloyd, J. Hogan, T. Greene

FOLL: B. Preuss, J. Kelly, T. Taranto

I/C: J. Wehr, C. Idun, T. Bruhn, P. Davis

IN: B. Preuss

OUT: L. Keeffe (omitted)

Interim coach Mark McVeigh flagged the possibility of ruck Braydon Preuss returning to the side after serving his one-game suspension. There’s a possibility fellow big man Matt Flynn could also return but that might upset the Giants structure up forward. The long injury list remains at the NSW club so suspect there’ll be minimal changes.

-Will Hogan

HAWTHORN

B: B.Hardwick, J.Sicily, L. Bramble

HB: C.Jiath, J. Blanck, W.Day

C: J.Ward, J.Scrimshaw, J. Worpel

HF: S.Butler, L.Breust, D.Moore

F: J.Koschitzke, M.Lewis, C.Macdonald

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe, J.O’Meara

INT: T.Mitchell, C.Nash, J.Impey, H.Morrison

IN: W.Day, J.Ward

OUT: L.Shiels, D.Howe

The Hawks got through last Friday night’s loss to the Western Bulldogs injury-free, with medical substitute Josh Morris going unused. Will Day will be available after missing last week under health and safety protocols, while Josh Ward (17 disposals) was solid at VFL level and will also be considered. Forward Chad Wingard’s availability is unclear after missing last week with a calf complaint.

-Chris Cavanagh

Josh Ward was solid at VFL level and will be considered. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

B: J.Harmes H.Petty S.May

HB: J.Jordon J.Lever C.Salem

C: A.Brayshaw C.Petracca E.Langdon

HF B.Brown B.Fritsch T.Sparrow

F: A.Neal-Bullen S.Weideman C.Spargo

FOLL: L.Jackson C.Oliver J.Viney

INT: T.Bedford M.Hibberd J.Bowey K.Pickett

NO CHANGE

Don’t expect many – if any – changes for the Demons after they returned to their bullocking best against Brisbane last week. Max Gawn (syndesmosis) is making significant strides in his recovery but remains unlikely to return against Adelaide this Saturday, which will give Luke Jackson at least one more match holding the ruck mantle. Forward Mitch Brown could be in contention after responding to his omission with a monster haul of 6.6 against Gold Coast, also recording team-highs for disposals and marks.

-Dan Batten

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: A.Bonar, J.Walker, A.Corr

HB: A.Hall, B.McKay, K.Turner

C: C.Taylor, L.Davies-Uniacke, L.McDonald

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

F: F.Perez, C.Coleman-Jones, P.Curtis

FOLL: T.Goldstein, J.Simpkin, J.Anderson

INT: J.Archer, T.Powell, H.Greenwood, L.Young

IN: L.Young, C.Coleman-Jones, F.Perez

OUT: B.Scott, T.Thomas, T.Xerri

Bailey Scott was subbed out of Sunday’s loss to Adelaide with a hip injury, while Tarryn Thomas might need a week off after managing just three touches against the Crows. Defender Lachie Young is available to return from suspension, while forward Callum Coleman-Jones put his hand up for a recall with 28 disposals, 27 hitouts, 12 clearances, four marks and a goal in the VFL. Tristan Xerri was solid in tandem with Todd Goldstein against the Crows, but it might be time for another look at Coleman-Jones. Flynn Perez was the medical substitute last week.

-Chris Cavanagh

Callum Coleman-Jones has only played a handful of AFL games this year. Picture: AAP Image

PORT ADELAIDE

B: R.Burton, T.Jonas, T.Clurey

HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, D.Houston

C: K.Amon, W.Drew, K.Farrell

HF: O.Fantasia, T.Marshall, C.Rozee

F: M.Georgiades, C.Dixon, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: S.Lycett, O.Wines, T.Boak

I/C: L.Jones, Z.Butters, J.Finlayson, S.Motlop

IN: Z.Butters, S.Lycett, D.Byrne-Jones, O.Fantasia, T.Clurey

OUT: R.Bonner (cheekbone), J.Mead (omitted), M.Frederick (omitted), X.Duursma (omitted), T.McKenzie (omitted)

The Power could welcome back some big names for their huge clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium. Orazio Fantasia got through the SANFL and is odds-on for his first AFL game of the season. Zak Butters is pushing to return from a medial ligament sprain and the Power could even get No. 1 ruckman Scott Lycett for his first game since Round 4 to take on Sean Darcy. Darcy Byrne-Jones and Tom Clurey will be out of Covid-19 protocols for the clash as well. Riley Bonner is out for three to four weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket in the Power’s thrilling win over Gold Coast.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

RICHMOND

B: D.Grimes, R.Tarrant, N.Broad

HB: N.Vlastuin, J.Gibcus, D.Rioli

C: M.Pickett, J.Short, K.McIntosh

HF: M.Rioli, J.Riewoldt, S.Bolton

F: D.Martin, T.Lynch, J.Castagna

FOLL: T.Nankervis, L.Baker, J.Ross

INT: S.Edwards, J.Graham, H.Ralphsmith, I.Soldo

IN: J.Castagna, I.Soldo (last week’s sub)

OUT: J.Clarke (omitted), D.Prestia (concussion)

The big question for Richmond will be who replaces Prestia after his highly publicised concussion at the hands of Tom Stewart’s hit. The Tigers were able to win the clearance battle after Prestia went off, much of that thanks to utility Liam Baker being thrown into the middle, and this may be the way they fill the void again, with none of their VFL midfielders had a major impact last weekend. Expect late out turned super sub Soldo to be in the 22 this week as the Tigers combat the likely return of Nic Naitanui, while Castagna had his best game since his demotion with three goals, nine tackles and 18 disposals last week in the reserves. Clarke booted a late goal against the Cats but was quiet with four touches and could make way. Kane Lambert appears a week-to-week proposition with his hip injury and would be in consideration if fit.

-Dan Batten

Supersub Ivan Soldo should find his way into the starting team this week. Picture: Getty Images

ST KILDA

B: C.Wilkie, D.Howard, J.Battle

HB: H.Clark, J.Sinclair, B.Hill

C: R.Byrnes, B.Crouch, J.Billings

HF: M.Windhager, T.Membrey, J.Gresham

F: D.Butler, M.King, T.Highmore

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

INT: Z.Jones, P.Ryder, J.Webster, N.Wanganeen-Milera

IN: P.Ryder, B.Hill, T.Highmore

OUT: C.Sharman, B.Long, B.Paton

It will be interesting to see what the Saints do at selection after a third-straight loss to Sydney last weekend. Paddy Ryder (managed) and Brad Hill (personal) are both expected to return, while Tom Highmore put his hand up for a recall in the VFL with 28 disposals and 10 marks for Sandringham on the weekend.

-Chris Cavanagh

SYDNEY

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

HB: N. Blakey, P. McCartin, J. Lloyd

C: J. McInerney, L. Parker, E. Gulden

HF: I. Heeney, S. Reid, D. Stephens

F: W. Hayward, L. Franklin, T. Papley

FOLL: T. Hickey, C. Mills, J. Rowbottom

I/C: C. Warner, L. McDonald, R. Fox, O. Florent

IN: H. Cunningham, J. McInerney

OUT: B. Campbell (omitted), R. Clarke (omitted)

A tough week at the selection table for John Longmire who has to fit usual starters Harry Cunningham and Justin McInerney back into a side fresh off a big win over the Saints. Inclusions for that match in Robbie Fox, Dylan Stephens and Ryan Clarke all performed well but Clarke looms as the unlucky omission despite his two goals. Peter Ladhams is also available after serving his one-game suspension but it’s hard to see Longmire changing that aspect of his team following the performance of Tom Hickey.

-Will Hogan

WEST COAST

B: S.Hurn, T.Barrass, L.Duggan

HB: J.Rotham, H.Edwards, E.Yeo

C: D.Sheed, T.Kelly, J.Redden

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

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

FOLL: N.Naitanui, L.Shuey, A.Gaff

I/C: C.West, J.Petruccelle, J.Jones, B.Williams

IN: N.Naitanui, H.Edwards, D.Sheed

OUT: C. Jamieson, B. Hough, R. Bazzo (omitted)

The band is back together at the Eagles and coming off the high of their first win since round four, they are set to welcome arguably their most important in ruck star Naitanui. The athletic big man made an eye-catching return from a long-term injury in the WAFL with 17 disposals, 26 hitouts and two goals in a performance marked by his characteristic high leaping marks and rundown tackles. Naitanui likely replaces Jamieson, who has shown some good signs this season but may need a run in the twos after managing two possessions and -4 SuperCoach points in the win over Essendon. West Coast will face a much sterner forward-50 test against the top-eight Tigers this week, and the 204cm Edwards can help tackle Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt after clunking a stunning 23 marks in the WAFL – nine of those from the opposition. Sheed was rested with shin soreness last week and should return pending fitness.

-Dan Batten

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: B.Williams, R.Gardner, T.O’Brien

HB: C.Daniel, A.Keath, B.Dale

C: L.Hunter, J.Macrae, A.Scott

HF: J.Johannisen, J.Ugle-Hagan, T.Liberatore

F: M.Bontempelli, A.Naughton, C.Weightman

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Dunkley, A.Treloar

I/C: R.West, H.Crozier, D. Bedendo, J.Schache

IN: D. Bedendo, L. Hunter

OUT: E.Richards (concussion), R. McComb (omitted)

The Bulldogs’ Thursday night clash against Brisbane will likely come too soon for gun ruckman Tim English after he sustained a concussion against GWS. English had a light training session over the weekend but was still experiencing some symptoms last week. Ed Richards will also miss after he was subbed out of the Bulldogs win over Hawthorn with a concussion. Lachie Hunter had 26 disposals for Footscray in the VFL and is primed for a return.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

Could we see the long awaited return of Lachie Hunter? Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as AFL 2022: Predicted teams for round 16 of the AFL season