AFL Round 18 teams: All the ins, outs and selection news

Damien Hardwick has swung the axe after a Gold Coast loss which had him seeing red, while Adem Yze’s hopes of a Giant upset have been boosted by two key inclusions. See the full round 18 teams HERE.

Triple premiership midfielder Dion Prestia will bolster Richmond against GWS on Sunday as Tigers coach Adem Yze again axed Noah Cumberland from the side.

Samson Ryan will also return from injury in a move which could return Noah Balta to defence to grapple with Giants star Jesse Hogan.

Key defender Jacob Blight was dropped after he was subbed out of his second game against the Dockers, with Steely Green recalled for his third game and 2022 mid-season draft pick James Trezise returning for his first senior game since round 2.

The 22-year-old defender has endured a wretched run with injury in the VFL this season including a long-term ankle injury after he impressed in the final games of 2023.

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GWS tall defender Leek Aleer was dropped with Lachie Ash returning after missing the win over the Blues with calf tightness.

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick followed his post-game tirade by shaking up the Suns’ side with five changes ahead of a must-win home game against Port Adelaide.

Veterans David Swallow (managed) and Alex Sexton (omitted) will make way along with Tom Berry as Malcolm Rosas Jr, Connor Budarick, Lloyd Johnston and Alex Davies all return.

The plantar fascia injury to in-form tall Sam Day has paved the way for Jed Walter to be recalled after spending the last month in the VFL.

West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield has made a statement by dropping veteran forward Jack Darling for Sunday’s clash against Brisbane in Perth.

His omission from a forward line already featuring talls Jake Waterman, Oscar Allen and Jack Williams means the Eagles veteran can no longer reach the 300-game milestone before the end of the home and away season.

Ryan Maric will return in his place as Harry Edwards comes in for the injured Jeremy McGovern.

Zane Trew and Luke Edwards were also inclusions for the Eagles as Shadeau Brain earnt a recall for the Lions.

ROUND 18 TEAMS

Originally published as AFL Round 18 teams: All the ins, outs and selection news