AFL 2023: Every round 24 line-up, team news

With its first finals berth in a decade secured, Carlton is taking a no-risk approach to its final-round clash against GWS. FULL ROUND 24 TEAMS.

Sam Docherty.

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps will miss the club’s clash against GWS on Sunday night after failing to get through training with rib soreness.

In a major boost for GWS, the inspirational captain will be missing from the Blues side but is certain to be fit for the first final in two weeks time.

GWS needs to beat Carlton to secure passage to the finals in the last game of the home-and-away season.

And while the Western Bulldogs have been aided by a spate of Geelong injuries which will make their clash against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium easier, they do not have their finals destiny in their own hands.

They need to win and then hope the Giants lose to Carlton, who are on a nine-week win streak.

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Patrick Cripps won’t play against GWS. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

That task will be hard enough already with midfielders Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra and the newly re-signed Mitch McGovern returning to the Carlton side which shows no signs of complacency.

Cripps was named in the Carlton side on Thursday ahead of a night training session at the club’s headquarters as they trained under lights to simulate the 6.10pm start at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

It meant the Blues alerted the Giants on Friday night to the fact he had not got through training.

Voss was adamant on Thursday the Blues would not rest any players if they were fit to go on Sunday.

There is a minute chance the Blues could lose a home final with defeat but St Kilda would have to beat Brisbane and Sydney would need to make up 4.5 percentage points in beating Sydney.

But the Blues will know exactly what they have to play for in the late Sunday clash by the first bounce.

Voss said Cerra and Walsh were fit to play against the Giants in what will be their first hitout at AFL level in a month.

“They have trained well up until this time. We’ve been a bit conservative with their return and they’ve been pretty patient so they’ll be right to go,” he said.

“If a player is fit, they’ll play. If they’re not fit, they won’t play. We’re pretty determined to go the line as hard as possible. That gives us the best possible chance to win this game and that’s the way we play.”

On Friday night the Blues also dropped ruckman Marc Pittonet and defender Caleb Marchbank.

Only weeks ago coach Michael Voss had said he believed in the future of the Pittonet-Tom De Koning ruck combination.

But De Koning performed well in Pittonet’s absence before the pair reunited for the past four games, and has been given the chance to ruck one-out.

Melbourne recalled Bailey Fritsch for a perfect warm-up ahead of the finals after two months on the sidelines after a foot injury, with Adam Tomlinson and Bailey Laurie dropped.

Sydney recalled Joel Amartey for the clash against Melbourne, with Tom Papley training well and expected to play despite a tight hamstring.

Richmond named first-gamers Tom Brown and James Trezise for their clash against Port Adelaide, but dropped Marlion Pickett and Kamdyn McIntosh.

Both Pickett and McIntosh have hit contract triggers in recent weeks to play on next year but make way for mid-season selection Trezise and rebounding defender Brown.

CATS HAND BULLDOGS BIG BOOST IN FINALS RACE

Josh Barnes

The Western Bulldogs have received a mighty boost in their hopes of breaking a 20-year drought and keeping their finals hopes alive after Geelong swung seven changes for Saturday night’s clash.

Tanner Bruhn and Zach Tuohy were added to Geelong’s long list of outs, while ruck Toby Conway has been handed a debut.

Conway dominated in the VFL last week against GWS, taking five marks and collecting 21 disposals, plus 26 hitouts, in just his third game of the season.

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He will face a stiff test on debut against potential All-Australian Tim English.

The Cats previously flagged Jeremy Cameron (shoulder), Brad Close (ankle), Tom Hawkins (hamstring) and Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) would miss the season-closer, while Mitch Duncan was suspended.

Geelong opted not to push veteran Cam Guthrie into the AFL side after he played VFL last week and sent Mark Blicavs (shoulder) and Gary Rohan (ankle) off for surgery this week, prompting captain Patrick Dangerfield to quip that numbers at training were “a fair bit skinnier” than in previous weeks.

Ruck Rhys Stanley is fit to play, while Mitch Knevitt, Sam Menegola, Ollie Dempsey and OIsin Mullin were all brought in by the Cats, with Tuohy still listed as an emergency.

The Dogs brought back Tom Liberatore (concussion), Toby McLean and Hayden Crozier for the must-win match but will have to salute in Geelong for the first time since 2003 without Bailey Smith (illness), Taylor Duryea (suspended) and Jack Macrae (concussion).

Even if the Dogs do beat the Cats, they will rely on GWS losing to Carlton to make the top eight.

Carlton will be without Sam Docherty in round 24. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Carlton has loaded up ahead of that clash, bringing in Mitch McGovern, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra, Lachie Fogarty and Corey Durdin to an extended squad as the Blues look to lock in a home final.

Veteran Sam Docherty, who battled a corked calf last week, was ruled out of Sunday’s season-closer while Ed Curnow was also left out of the squad.

Melbourne could give Tom McDonald one last shot to fill Simon Goodwin’s never-ending forward line conundrum after he was brought into the Demons’ squad for Sunday’s game against Sydney, alongside the returning Bayley Fritsch.

McDonald hasn’t played since round 11 due to an ankle injury but booted three goals in the VFL last weekend.

Collingwood duo Bobby Hill (hamstring) and Jordan De Goey (glute) returned as expected to face Essendon on Friday night.

The Bombers have added Sam Weideman and Nick Bryan among a host of changes, with stars Sam Draper, Jake Stringer and Peter Wright all to miss.

Already assured a place in the top eight, St Kilda has managed Max King’s sore shoulder, with Jack Hayes in for his first game of the season to face Brisbane.

Jai Newcombe (hamstring) and Brandon Ryan (illness) both return for Hawthorn to face Fremantle.

And Tiger youngster Tom Brown could make his debut after being added to Richmond’s extended squad, with Dion Prestia managed for Sunday’s meeting with Port Adelaide.

Rory Atkins has been dropped by the Suns. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

SUNS SWING CHANGES FOR LAST MATCH BEFORE DIMMA ERA

Callum Dick

Injured forward Lincoln McCarthy is the only change to Brisbane’s line-up ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash against St Kilda at the Gabba.

With a top two spot and home qualifying final up for grabs, Chris Fagan has stuck fat with the side that toppled Collingwood at Marvel Stadium last weekend.

McCarthy suffered a calf strain against the Magpies and was not able to train on Tuesday leaving him unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile Gold Coast has been forced into a double change with Jack Lukosius (Achilles) and Bailey Humphrey (finger) both set to miss the season finale against North Melbourne in Hobart.

Interim coach Steven King revealed Lukosius had struggled running on his ankle and required surgery, while Humphrey was sent under the knife this week to repair a ruptured tendon in his finger.

Spearhead Ben King has not featured since the round 21 loss to the Crows and has again been rested with knee soreness.

Rory Atkins has been dropped for the Kangaroos clash, with Chris Burgess and Alex Davies recalled from the VFL.

Fresh from securing his second consecutive VFL leading goal kicker award, Burgess will feature in just his third AFL game of the season in place of Lukosius while Davies comes in for his first start since round 14.

Tom Papley has been named after being under an injury cloud. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images.

AMARTEY BACK, PAPLEY OVERCOMES INJURY CONCERN TO FACE DEES

Lachlan McKirdy

The Swans have welcomed back key forward Joel Amartey from a hamstring issue as they prepare to fight for a home final.

Sydney takes on Melbourne on Sunday afternoon and a win could lock in an elimination final at the SCG – if the Lions win at home against St Kilda on Saturday.

Amartey will be joined in the Swans’ forward line by Tom Papley who has also overcome the hamstring tightness which saw him subbed out of the controversial win against Adelaide.

The pair both trained strongly on Friday, being put through their paces by Sydney’s medical staff with a focus on explosive speed and change of direction.

Aaron Francis will be the unlucky man to make way again. Sydney’s Mr Fix-It in 2023 was deployed upfront against the Crows, taking four marks and kicking his first goal in Swans colours.

The Swans are still being cautious with Justin McInerney’s return but the speedster also ran well on Friday and should be ready for the first week of the finals.

Across town, the Giants have only made one change for their trip to Melbourne as they prepare to take on Carlton.

Ryan Angwin comes back into the team for his 15th game of the season. He was a late omission for the Giants’ loss to Port Adelaide through illness.

“We welcome back Ryan Angwin who has played some great roles for us across the season, and will no doubt do so again on Sunday,” Adam Kingsley said.

“We’re really focused on controlling what we can control and heading into Sunday’s game with a huge amount of excitement.”

Angwin replaces Josh Fahey who had a career-best 13 disposals in the record win against Essendon.

Finn Callaghan (Achilles) and Xavier O’Halloran (thumb) were both left out of the initial squad named on Thursday but could come into contention should the Giants make the finals.

Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins both won’t play against the Bulldogs. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

FULL ROUND 24 TEAMS

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD

Friday August 25, 7:50pm at the MCG

BOMBERS

B: N.Hind, B.Zerk-Thatcher, D.Heppell

HB: M.Redman, J.Laverde, A.McGrath

C: E.Tsatas, A.Perkins, N.Martin

HF: S.Durham, K.Langford, N.Cox

F: A.Phillips, S.Weideman, B.Hobbs

FOLL: N.Bryan, D.Parish, Z.Merrett - C

I/C: W.Snelling, W.Setterfield, K.Baldwin, J.Menzie

EMG: L.Hayes, A.Davey Jnr, P.Voss, A.McDonald-Tipungwuti

In: S.Weideman, N.Bryan, W.Snelling, W.Setterfield, K.Baldwin

Out: J.Caldwell (Injured), M.Guelfi (Injured), P.Wright (Injured), S.Draper (Injured), J.Stringer (Injured), J.Kelly (Injured)

MAGPIES

B: O.Markov, B.Frampton, I.Quaynor

HB: B.Maynard - C, S.Pendlebury, J.Crisp

C: W.Hoskin-Elliott, T.Adams, J.Daicos

HF: B.Hill, B.Mihocek, J.Howe

F: J.Elliott, D.McStay, J.De Goey

FOLL: D.Cameron, P.Lipinski, S.Sidebottom

I/C: T.Mitchell, J.Noble, J.Ginnivan, M.Cox

EMG: E.Allan, F.Macrae, J.Carmichael, R.McInnes

In: B.Hill, J.De Goey

Out: N.Murphy (Injured), J.Ryan (Injured), B.McCreery (Suspension)

HAWTHORN v FREMANTLE

Saturday August 26, 1:45pm at the MCG

HAWKS

B: J.Weddle, J.Blanck, J.Sicily - C

HB: H.Morrison, B.Hardwick, J.Impey

C: K.Amon, J.Newcombe, C.Nash

HF: F.Maginness, L.Breust, H.Hustwaite

F: D.Moore, J.Koschitzke, C.Macdonald

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Worpel, W.Day

I/C: J.Scrimshaw, B.Ryan, J.Ward, J.Serong

EMG: T.Brockman, C.Mackenzie, L.Meek, S.Mitchell

In: J.Newcombe, B.Ryan

Out: N.Long (Omitted), D.Grainger-Barras (Injured), M.Ramsden (Omitted)

DOCKERS

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce - C, C.Wagner

HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, H.Young

C: L.Henry, M.Johnson, J.Aish

HF: S.Switkowski, J.Treacy, L.Schultz

F: M.Frederick, J.Amiss, M.Walters

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: J.Hamling, T.Emmett, S.Sturt, K.Worner

EMG: L.Reidy, N.Erasmus, N.O’Driscoll, T.Colyer

In: M.Walters, J.Hamling

Out: N.Erasmus (Sub), J.O’Meara (Injured), B.Banfield (Injured)

NORTH MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday August 26, 1:45pm at Blundstone Arena

KANGAROOS

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

HB: M.Bergman, H.Sheezel, D.Tucker

C: C.Taylor, W.Phillips, B.Scott

HF: K.Turner, E.Ford, T.Powell

F: T.Thomas, N.Larkey, P.Curtis

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

I/C: C.Lazzaro, T.Goldstein, J.Goater, F.Perez

EMG: A.Bonar, D.Howe, B.Drury, La.Young

In: K.Dawson, M.Bergman, C.Lazzaro

Out: D.Howe (Omitted), L.McDonald (Injured), J.Ziebell (Retired), B.Drury (Sub)

SUNS

B: C.Ballard, S.Collins, M.Andrew

HB: L.Johnston, C.Budarick, D.Macpherson

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

HF: M.Rosas, C.Burgess, S.Flanders

F: B.Ainsworth, M.Chol, L.Casboult

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

I/C: A.Davies, B.Ellis, S.Lemmens, A.Sexton

EMG: R.Atkins, O.Faulkhead, N.Moyle, J.Tsitas

In: C.Burgess, A.Davies

Out: R.Atkins (Omitted), J.Lukosius (Injured), B.Humphrey (Injured)

BRISBANE LIONS v ST KILDA

Saturday August 26, 4:35pm at the Gabba

LIONS

B: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews, J.Payne

HB: C.McKenna, R.Lester, K.Coleman

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

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, J.Berry

F: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, Z.Bailey

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

I/C: D.Robertson, C.Ah Chee, J.Fletcher, D.Wilmot

EMG: K.Lohmann, H.Sharp, D.Gardiner, D.Fort

In: None

Out: L.McCarthy (Injured)

SAINTS

B: J.Battle, C.Wilkie, J.Webster

HB: Z.Cordy, J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: M.Windhager, H.Clark, M.Wood

HF: J.Gresham, B.Hill, M.Owens

F: J.Hayes, T.Membrey, J.Higgins

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele - C, B.Crouch

I/C: L.Stocker, D.Butler, M.Phillipou, C.Sharman

EMG: N.Coffield, R.Byrnes, J.Billings, T.Campbell

In: J.Hayes

Out: S.Ross (Injured), M.King (Managed)

GEELONG CATS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday August 26, 7:25pm at GMHBA Stadium

CATS

B: J.Bews, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: M.Knevitt, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: S.Menegola, T.Atkins, M.O’Connor

HF: G.Miers, O.Dempsey, I.Smith

F: O.Henry, S.Neale, T.Stengle

FOLL: T.Conway, P.Dangerfield - C, M.Holmes

I/C: J.Bowes, R.Stanley, O.Mullin, B.Parfitt

EMG: Z.Tuohy, M.Hardie, S.Simpson, T.Clohesy

In: M.Knevitt, S.Menegola, O.Dempsey, T.Conway, R.Stanley, O.Mullin

Out: M.Duncan (Suspension), E.Ratugolea (Injured), B.Close (Injured), J.Cameron (Injured), T.Hawkins (Injured), T.Bruhn (Injured), Z.Tuohy (Sub)

BULLDOGS

B: A.Keath, L.Jones, H.Crozier

HB: B.Dale, J.O’Donnell, E.Richards

C: C.Poulter, M.Bontempelli - C, B.Williams

HF: C.Weightman, A.Naughton, C.Daniel

F: R.Lobb, J.Ugle-Hagan, R.West

FOLL: T.English, A.Treloar, T.Liberatore

I/C: T.McLean, L.Vandermeer, A.Scott, O.Baker

EMG: L.McNeil, R.Garcia, L.Cleary, J.Sweet

In: H.Crozier, T.Liberatore, T.McLean

Out: T.Duryea (Suspension), B.Smith (Illness), J.Macrae (Injured), L.McNeil (Sub)

WEST COAST EAGLES v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday August 26, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

EAGLES

B: A.Witherden, J.McGovern, S.Hurn

HB: T.Cole, J.Rotham, L.Duggan

C: A.Gaff, T.Kelly, J.Hunt

HF: R.Maric, J.Darling, N.Long

F: J.Cripps, O.Allen, J.Petruccelle

FOLL: B.Williams, E.Hewett, L.Shuey - C

I/C: S.Petrevski-Seton, L.Edwards, B.Hough, J.Williams

EMG: C.Chesser, Z.Trew, J.Jones, R.Bazzo

In: S.Hurn, L.Shuey, B.Hough

Out: J.Jones (Omitted), C.Chesser (Omitted), Z.Trew (Omitted), E.Yeo (Injured)

CROWS

B: B.Smith, J.Borlase, M.Keane

HB: M.Michalanney, J.Worrell, W.Milera

C: J.Soligo, J.Dawson - C, H.Schoenberg

HF: B.Keays, D.Fogarty, L.Gollant

F: J.Rachele, T.Walker, I.Rankine

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, M.Crouch

I/C: P.Parnell, M.Hinge, L.Pedlar, L.Murphy

EMG: L.Nankervis, N.McHenry, S.Berry, R.Thilthorpe

In: L.Gollant, P.Parnell

Out: S.McAdam (Injured), R.Sloane (Injured), R.Thilthorpe (Omitted)

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND

Sunday August 27, 12:30pm at Adelaide Oval

POWER

B: L.Jones, A.Aliir, D.Houston

HB: K.Farrell, T.Jonas - C, R.Burton

C: Z.Butters, W.Drew, X.Duursma

HF: W.Rioli, T.Marshall, J.McEntee

F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Finlayson, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: S.Hayes, O.Wines, C.Rozee

I/C: T.Boak, J.Horne-Francis, M.Bergman, O.Lord

EMG: D.Visentini, D.Williams, B.Teakle, F.Evans

In: None

Out: D.Williams (omitted)

TIGERS

B: J.Trezise, D.Grimes, T.Young

HB: J.Short, N.Broad, N.Vlastuin

C: S.Banks, T.Taranto, J.Ross

HF: S.Bolton, L.Baker, D.Rioli

F: N.Balta, D.Martin, J.Bauer

FOLL: T.Nankervis - C, T.Dow, J.Hopper

I/C: J.Graham, I.Soldo, T.Brown, M.Rioli

EMG: M.Pickett K.McIntosh, R.Mansell, B.Miller

In: J.Trezise, S.Banks, J.Bauer, T.Brown

Out: K.McIntosh (Omitted), M.Pickett (Omitted), D.Prestia (Managed), J.Riewoldt (Retired), T.Cotchin (Retired)

SYDNEY SWANS v MELBOURNE

Sunday August 27, 3:20pm at the SCG

SWANS

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

HB: O.Florent, N.Blakey, J.Lloyd

C: E.Gulden, Ch.Warner, D.Stephens

HF: W.Hayward, H.McLean, I.Heeney

F: L.McDonald, J.Amartey, T.Papley

FOLL: T.Hickey, L.Parker - C, C.Mills

I/C: R.Fox, J.Rowbottom, S.Wicks, B.Campbell

EMG: M.Roberts, R.Clarke, L.Melican, A.Francis

In: J.Amartey

Out: R.Clarke (Sub), A.Francis (Omitted)

DEMONS

B: J.Bowey, S.May, T.Rivers

HB: J.McVee, J.Lever, C.Salem

C: L.Hunter, J.Viney, A.Brayshaw

HF: K.Chandler, J.Melksham, A.Neal-Bullen

F: E.Langdon, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn - C, C.Oliver, C.Petracca

I/C: J.Smith, B.Fritsch, T.Sparrow, D.Turner

EMG: B.Laurie, A.Tomlinson, T.McDonald, T.Woewodin

In: B.Fritsch, D.Turner

Out: A.Tomlinson (Omitted), B.Laurie (Omitted), J.Schache (Sub)

CARLTON v GWS GIANTS

Sunday August 27, 6:10pm at Marvel Stadium

BLUES

B: A.Cincotta, J.Weitering, B.Kemp

HB: N.Newman, M.McGovern, A.Saad

C: B.Acres, S.Walsh, O.Hollands

HF: J.Martin, H.McKay, D.Cuningham

F: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, M.Owies

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

I/C: Z.Fisher, M.Cottrell, P.Dow, J.Motlop,

EMG: C.Marchbank, M.Pittonet, C.Durdin, E.Curnow

In: M.McGovern, S.Walsh, A.Cerra, L.Fogarty

Out: M.Pittonet (Omitted), C.Marchbank (Omitted), S.Docherty (Injured), P.Cripps (Injured), E.Curnow (Sub)

GIANTS

B: J.Buckley, S.Taylor, C.Idun

HB: L.Ash, H.Himmelberg, L.Whitfield

C: J.Kelly, T.Green, I.Cumming

HF: T.Bedford, J.Riccardi, B.Daniels

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

FOLL: K.Briggs, C.Ward, S.Coniglio

I/C: R.Angwin, H.Perryman, L.Keeffe, C.Brown,

EMG: T.McMullin, N.Haynes, J.Fahey, M.Flynn

In: R.Angwin

Out: J.Fahey (Omitted), T.McMullin (Sub)

Originally published as AFL 2023: Every round 24 line-up, team news