AFL Round 14: Predicted teams for every match

The biggest name in the game is unlikley to play the biggest game of the week. How will Richmond handle it? See the round 14 predicted teams.

Andy McGrath is poised to return for Essendon after missing the loss to Carlton.

The last of the bye rounds for 2022 will present an opportunity for Carlton to enhance its top-four claims and Richmond to continue its push for a finals berth.

While that huge Thursday clash is one of the highlights of Round 14, Port Adelaide’s clash with St Kilda holds significance for both clubs and Western Bulldogs badly need a victory against GWS.

Gold Coast can also stay in touch with the top eight if it overcomes Adelaide.

See the most likely changes for Round 14 in our predicted teams.

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ADELAIDE

B: M. Hinge, J.Butts, L.Brown

HB: B.Smith, T.Doedee, W. Hamill

C: J.Dawson, J. Hately, J. Soligo

HF: N.McHenry, T. Walker, S. McAdam

F: J.Rachele, D.Fogarty, R. Thilthorpe

FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, R. Laird

I/C: S. Berry, M.Crouch, L. Murphy, W. Milera

IN: L. Brown, J. Butts, J. Rachele

OUT: P. Parnell, J. Rowe, N. Murray (omitted)

Jordon Butts, Josh Rachele and Luke Brown are all in the frame to return for Adelaide’s clash with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

Butts and Brown have emerged from Covid protocols, while Rachele has been battling a corked thigh.

It could be a tight call as to which small forward would lose their spot for Rachele.

Patrick Parnell would be a bit unlucky to lose his position after a solid debut against West Coast.

-Matt Turner

Could Josh Rachele return for the Crows this weekend? (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

BRISBANE (after the bye)

B: N. Answerth, H. Andrews, D. Rich

HB: B. Starcevich, M. Adams, D. Zorko

C: J. Berry, Z. Bailey, H. McCluggage

HF: C. Rayner, E. Hipwood, M. Robinson

F: D. McStay, J. Daniher, C. Cameron

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

I/C: D. Robertson, L. McCarthy, J. Payne, K.Coleman

IN: J. Payne

OUT: D. Gardiner (injured)

The Lions revealed on Monday that Dayne Zorko will be assessed over the bye period and is still a chance to play Melbourne in the top of the table clash in a fortnight’s time. But it wasn’t good news for Darcy Gardiner who will miss the next 4-5 weeks after a heavy knock against the Saints. Aside from that, it’s hard to see coach Chris Fagan tinker with the side too much.

-Will Hogan

CARLTON

B: L.Plowman, Le.Young, N.Newman

HB: A Saad, S. Durdin, S.Docherty

C: S.Walsh, P.Cripps, L.O’Brien

HF: J.Martin, H.McKay, M.Owies

F: Z.Fisher, C.Curnow, C.Durdin

FOLL: T.De Koning, M.Kennedy, G.Hewett

INTER: J.Newnes, J.Silvagni, J.Boyd, P.Dow

SUB: W. Hayes

IN: P.Dow, S. Durdin

OUT: A.Cerra (hamstring), MARCHBANK (knee).

The Blues have two good options for Adam Cerra, who will miss a few weeks with hamstring soreness. The like-for-like is Paddy Dow, who could slot back into the midfield brigade after a solid VFL showing. The other option is bringing in Will Hayes for his first game in navy blue — on the wing. That would see Sam Walsh move into the midfield coalface. Matt Cottrell was solid as the sub last week and could also be an outside chance to make his return to the 22. Caleb Marchbank will miss with a knee injury, with Sam Durdin a likely inclusion. Brodie Kemp is an outside chance.

-Glenn McFarlane

COLLINGWOOD (after the bye)

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, J.Noble

HB: S.Pendlebury, J.Howe, I.Quaynor

C: S.Sidebottom, T.Adams, J.Daicos

HF: N.Daicos, B.Mihocek, J.De Goey

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

FOLL: D.Cameron, P.Lipinski, J.Crisp

INTER: O.Henry, B.McCreery, N.Murphy, W.Hoskin-Elliott

Collingwood gets the bonus of a break after four successive wins with no changes expected to the team that knocked off reigning premiers Melbourne. Craig McRae is sticking to his winning formula and will likely do so again when they tackle the Giants in Round 15.

-Glenn McFarlane

ESSENDON

B: J.Ridley, Z.Reid, J.Laverde

HB: M.Redman, J.Kelly, N.Hind

C: D.Heppell, Z.Merrett, J.Caldwell

HF: D.Shiel, M.Guelfi, J. Stewart

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

FOLL: A.Phillips, D.Parish, N.Martin

I/C: A. McGrath, A.Perkins, B.Hobbs, S.Draper, M. D’Ambrosio

IN: J. Stewart, M. D’Ambrosio, A. McGrath

OUT: T. Cutler, A. Waterman, S. Durham

James Stewart looks ready to play as a third tall alongside Harry Jones and Peter Wright, who hasn’t kicked a goal in three weeks, and if Stewart comes in do the Dons really need to play two rucks? Andy McGrath should be ready to play against the club that’s trying to recruit him after being a late withdrawal last week. Mid-season draftee Massimo D’Ambrosio’s 33 disposals and 112 SuperCoach points on return from a shoulder injury showed he is ready to rock. He doesn’t need another VFL game and would desperately help the ball movement bursting out of the backline. The wildcard is Tom Hird, the son of Essendon legend James. Tom’s 16 disposals, a goal and 94 SuperCoach points in the VFL last week were another sign he is almost ready for AFL footy. Will the Bombers consider bringing him in this week?

-Sam Landsberger

Andy McGrath is set to return to Essendon’s team.

FREMANTLE (after the bye)

B: H. Young, A. Pearce, G. Logue

HB: B. Cox, L. Ryan, B. Walker

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

HF: S. Switkowski, L. Schultz, T. Colyer

F: N. Fyfe, R. Lobb, M. Walters

FOLL: S. Darcy, D. Mundy, C. Serong

I/C: W. Brodie, M. Frederick, E. Hughes, B. Banfield

IN: M. Frederick

OUT: B. Acres (injured)

Sean Darcy copped a knock to the knee in the match against the Hawks but the extra week off might give him enough time to recover. Michael Frederick should return from his one-game club suspension with Blake Acres out with a hamstring injury. Connor Blakely, Mitch Crowden and Darcy Tucker will all also be in the mix.

-Will Hogan

GEELONG

B: Stewart, De Koning, Blicavs

HB: Tuohy, Z. Guthrie, Bews

C: Duncan, C. Guthrie, Stephens

HF: Smith, Cameron, Rohan

F: Stengle, Hawkins, Close

FOLL: Stanley, Selwood, Atkins

I/C: Kolodjashnij, Menegola, O’Connor, Miers

EMG: Ratugolea, Narkle, Higgins, Dahlhaus

IN: Menegola, Kolodjashnij

OUT: Parfitt (hand), Dahlhaus (omitted)

The question on selectors minds at Kardinia Park this week is how many additions is too many? A host of Cats are on the way back in the next fortnight and Chris Scott’s team will have to wade through how many to insert into a side that was firing heading into the mid-season break. Jake Kolodjashnij (Covid protocols) should be right to play, Tom Stewart (concussion) has ticked all the boxes so far and Sam Menegola (knee) played full minutes in the VFL two weeks ago. Patrick Dangerfield will take another week to build up his fitness, while Jack Henry (foot), Max Holmes (ankle) and Esava Ratugolea (ankle) will all be tested before the trip to play West Coast. Brandan Parfitt (hand) will come out.

-Josh Barnes

GOLD COAST

B: W. Powell, S. Collins, C. Graham

HB: J. Farrar, C. Ballard, C. Budarick

C: J. Bowes, T. Miller, B. Ellis

HF: B. Ainsworth, L. Casboult, N. Anderson

F: I. Rankine, M. Chol, N. Holman

FOLL: J. Witts, M. Rowell, D. Swallow

I/C: A. Davies, O. Markov, J. Jeffrey, M. Rosas

IN: J. Bowes, L. Casboult

OUT: L. Weller (injured), S. Day (omitted)

The Suns are coming off the bye and should regain Levi Casboult who missed the week before with a calf complaint. Lachie Weller is out for the season after requiring ACL surgery but the Suns should get Jack Bowes back who can help fill the void of Weller who is a massive loss.

-Will Hogan

GWS

B: H. Himmelberg, S. Taylor, I. Cumming

HB: A. Kennedy, L. Keeffe, C. Ward

C: J. Riccardi, T. Green, J. Peatling

HF: C. Hamilton, Z. Sproule, L. Whitfield

FF: J. Wehr, J. Hogan, T. Greene

FOL: B. Preuss, J. Kelly, S. Coniglio

I/C: N. Haynes, T. Bruhn, C. Idun, L. Ash

IN: B. Preuss, N. Haynes

OUT: H. Perryman (injured), M. Flynn (omitted)

Interim coach Mark McVeigh flagged the possibility of big man Braydon Preuss to return to the side after missing the past few weeks due to illness and the form of Matt Flynn. Flynn has been serviceable but expect the Giants to make the change for their intriguing clash against the Dogs. Harry Perryman will be on the sidelines indefinitely after scans revealed he suffered four broken ribs - Nick Haynes should come in for him. Youngster Cooper Hamilton showed some impressive signs earlier this year at AFL level earning him a recall at the expense of Matt De Boer who is out with concussion.

-Will Hogan

Braydon Preuss would be a popular inclusion for SuperCoach owners. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

HAWTHORN (after the bye)

B: H. Morrison, B. Hardwick, K. Hartigan

HB: J. Scrimshaw, J. Sicily, L. Bramble

C: W. Day, J. Newcombe, D. Howe

HF: D. Moore, M. Lewis, J. O’Meara

F: L. Breust, J. Koschitzke, J. Gunston

Foll: M. Lynch, T. Mitchell, C. Wingard

I/C: N. Reeves, J. Impey, C. Jiath, C. Nash

IN: J. Impey, M. Lynch, J. Gunston, M. Lewis

OUT: J. Callow (omitted), S. Butler (omitted), L. Shiels (omitted), S. Frost (injured)

Impey could return after being managed against the Dockers, while the forward stocks should also be boosted with the return of Mitch Lewis and Jack Gunston after the bye. The Hawks were also hopeful Max Lynch could return after the bye after missing a third game through concussion protocols. Sam Frost was subbed out with a knee injury against the Dockers.

-Rebecca Williams

MELBOURNE

B: C. Salem, S. May, J.Bowey

HB: J.Jordan, J.Lever, A.Brayshaw

C: T.Sparrow, A.Neal-Bullen, E.Langdon

HF: M.Brown, B.Fritsch, C.Petracca

F: C.Spargo, B.Brown, K.Pickett

Foll: M.Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney

Int: James Harmes, L.Jackson, M.Hibberd, H.Petty

IN: S. May
OUT: D. Turner (injured)

After serving his one-match club-imposed sanction – following his time out under concussion protocols, for his altercation with teammate Jake Melksham, Steven May should return for the Demons’ clash against the Brisbane Lions after the bye – provided an AFL integrity department investigation does not add to his penalty.

-Rebecca Williams

Steven May. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

NORTH MELBOURNE (after the bye)

B: Luke McDonald, Aidan Corr, Kane Turner

HB: Kyron Hayden, Josh Walker, Hugh Greenwood

C: Aaron Hall, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Flynn Perez

HF: Charlie Lazzaro, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis

F: Tom Powell, Callum Coleman-Jones, Curtis Taylor

R: Todd Goldstein, Jy Simpkin, Jed Anderson

I/C Bailey Scott, Tristan Xerri, Jackson Archer, Tarryn Thomas

IN: Charlie Lazzaro, Jackson Archer, Callum Coleman-Jones, Tarryn Thomas

OUT: Jason Horne-Francis (suspended), Lachie Young (suspended), Jack Ziebell (injured), Jaidyn Stephenson (omitted)

It’s time for a feel-good story and Jackson Archer, the son of club legend Glenn, should be handed his debut after showing consistent form in the VFL. Like his old man he is a hard nosed small defender and his selection will at least bring some positive energy to the Roos. Small forward Charlie Lazzaro was sub last week and also deserves another crack while big man Callum Coleman-Jones had 19 touches, seven marks and 13 hit-outs in the VFL so might be worth another crack. Once again Jaidyn Stephenson should be headed to the reserves after hardly touching the ball against GWS while Tarryn Thomas could come in for skipper Jack Ziebell who is out for a month with a facial injury.

-Scott Gullan

PORT ADELAIDE

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

HB: R. Bonner, A. Aliir, D. Byrne-Jones

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

HF: Z.Butters, T. Marshall, C.Rozee

F: M. Georgiades, C. Dixon, R. Gray

FOLL: J. Finlayson, W.Drew, T.Boak

I/C: S. Powell-Pepper, X.Duursma, K. Farrell, L. Jones

IN: M. Georgiades, X. Duursma

OUT: S. Motlop (omitted), T. Dumont (calf)

To play a recognised ruckman or not – that will be among the big selection questions for the Power this week.

Key forward Jeremy Finlayson filled the role admirably against Richmond, supported by fellow spearhead Charlie Dixon, but seven-gamer Sam Hayes (17 disposals, 115 Champion Data ranking points) and mid-season recruit Brynn Teakle (three goals, 13 touches) pushed their cases if Port Adelaide wanted to revert to a more typical line-up against Sydney on Saturday.

Tom Hickey being a chance to return for the Swans may come into their consideration.

Forward Mitch Georgiades also banged on the selection door with a game-high four majors.

Port Adelaide needs more from its small forwards with Orazio Fantasia still sidelined.

Steven Motlop was almost unsighted with just three disposals as well as two frees against, while Robbie Gray (six touches) was ineffective.

Could the Power move Connor Rozee back into attack and bring either wingman Xavier Duursma or midfielder Jackson Mead into the 22?

Ex-Kangaroo Trent Dumont is unavailable due to a calf injury.

-Matt Turner

RICHMOND

B: Josh Gibcus, Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant

HB: Daniel Rioli, Nick Vlastuin, Liam Baker

C: Marlion Pickett, Jayden Short, Kamdyn McIntosh

HF: Judson Clarke, Tom Lynch, Shai Bolton

F: Noah Balta, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards

R: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Trent Cotchin

I/C: Ivan Soldo, Jack Graham, Nathan Broad, Kane Lambert

IN: Tom Lynch, Kane Lambert

OUT: Dustin Martin (illness), Hugo Ralphsmith (omitted)

The timing of Tom Lynch’s return after three weeks out with a hamstring strain is perfect given Carlton’s depleted backline stocks. Kane Lambert was the medical sub last week and should be ready to return, most likely to fill the gap created by superstar Dustin Martin who is sick with the flu.

-Scott Gullan

ST KILDA

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

HB: B.Paton, J.Battle, J.Webster

C: J. Billings, S.Ross, B.Hill

HF: B.Long, M.Wood, C. Sharman

F: R.Marshall, M.King, T.Membrey

FOLL: P.Ryder, J. Gresham, B.Crouch

I/C: J.Higgins, D.Butler, R. Byrnes, H. Clark

IN: H. Clark, J. Billings, R. Byrnes, C. Sharman

OUT: M. Owens (concussion), D. McKenzie (concussion), M. Windhager (omitted), Z. Jones (hamstring)

Thought the Saints should’ve played Clark and Billings at the Gabba, particularly given the struggles of some of the kids. They simply must take on Essendon on Friday night as the courageous Dan McKenzie and Mitchito Owens miss through concussion. Alarmingly for the Saints, with Jack Steele absent and now Zak Jones injured their engine room work has plummeted. Round 10-13 has seen the Saints fall to 18th for clearance differential (-9.3) and 16th for points from stoppages (23pts). Jones escaped serious damage and is an outside chance to play, but given his history a cautious approach is most likely. How do they get some of that snarl back at stoppages? It will be interesting to see whether they play Clark on ball or return him to halfback and go with Sinclair in the middle.

-Sam Landsberger

Jack Billings playing in the VFL. (Photo by Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

SYDNEY

B: B. Campbell, P. McCartin, D. Rampe

HB: N. Blakey, T. McCartin, J. Loyd

C: J. McInerney, L. Parker, O. Florent

HF: S. Wicks, S. Reid, J. Rowbottom

F: T. Papley, L. Franklin, L. McDonald

FOLL: T. Hickey, C. Mills, I. Heeney

I/C: P. Ladhams, C. Warner, E. Gulden, W. Hayward

IN: B. Campbell, L. Franklin, T. Hickey

OUT: R. Fox (omitted), C. O’Riordan (omitted), J. Amartey (omitted)

Lance Franklin and Tom Hickey loom as big ins for the Swans but it’s still uncertain what structure John Longmire goes with. Brisbane faced the same issue last week and dropped in form ruck Darcy Fort but does Tom Hickey, Peter Ladhams, Lance Franklin, Logan McDonald and Sam Reid all fit in? We will find out soon enough

-Will Hogan

WEST COAST

B: S.Hurn, T.Barrass, H.Edwards

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

C: A.Gaff, T.Kelly, D.Sheed

HF: J.Cripps, J.Darling, L.Ryan

F: J.Waterman, J.Kennedy, W.Rioli

FOLL: B. Williams, J.Redden, L.Shuey

I/C: C.West, C. Jamieson, J.Nelson, G.Clark

IN: J.McGovern, L.Ryan, W.Rioli, D.Sheed

OUT: L.Foley (omitted), B.Hough (omitted), S.Petrevski-Seton (omitted), I.Winder (injured)

It’s a good list of probable ins for the Eagles who look like they’re set to field one of their strongest sides in recent weeks. Dom Sheed has shown plenty in the WAFL after his long lay off from injury while Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli should both return. The big boost will also come from Jeremy McGovern down back. Does the Eagles’ luck finally turn?

-Will Hogan

Dom Sheed hasn’t played since Round 23 last year. Pic: Michael Klein

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: E.Richards, R.Gardner, T.O’Brien

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

C: B.Williams, J.Macrae, A.Scott

HF: J. Schache, B.Khamis, T.Liberatore

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

FOLL: T.English, J.Dunkley, A.Treloar

I/C: R.West, T.Duryea, J. Johannisen, L.McNeil

IN: J. Schache, J. Johannisen

OUT: B. Smith (suspension), R. McComb (omitted)

There are so many questions to be answered at match committee this week. Does Tim English require ruck support if Braydon Preuss plays for Greater Western Sydney? If so, is Jordon Sweet the man or can Josh Schache – who split his time between forward and ruck in the VFL last week – a more attractive option? Is Jason Johannisen ready after two VFL games? He’s had 13 and eight disposals playing limited minutes before last week’s bye. What about Lachie Hunter? The premiership star and best-and-fairest winner returned to the club last week but hasn’t played since Good Friday. Hunter’s first half against Sydney in round 3 was a big factor in the Dogs’ first win for the season. Does he come straight in? Hayden Crozier hasn’t been seen since that heart scare in round 2. The rebounding halfback has had at least 25 disposals in four out of his past five VFL games, including 151 SuperCoach points in the match before the bye. Josh Bruce is close to a VFL return, and last year the Dogs felt more confident playing Jamarra Ugle-Hagan as a third tall behind Bruce and Aaron Naughton because they could shield him. When Bruce did his ACL it also meant Ugle-Hagan fell out of the team. With Jamara’s defensive game and tackle pressure improving, does Bruce’s imminent return boost his selection hopes in the second half of the season? Ugle-Hagan and Buku Khamis aren’t necessarily fighting for one spot, given Buku is more than capable of going back as an intercept defender. There’s a lot to mull over at Whitten Oval ahead of a must-win clash against the relatively new foe, rather than the old foe, at the Giants.

-Sam Landsberger

Originally published as AFL Round 14: Predicted teams for every match