Every club’s predicted 22 for round 4 of the AFL season

A Pies star has been ruled out under health and safety protocols, while the Power should get at least one key player back. Every club’s predicted Round 4 team.

How will your club line up this week?

The SuperFooty experts have gone through all 18 teams and picked the best available 22 for Round 4.

Did we get it right? Check out every team and let us know your changes in the comments section.

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ADELAIDE

B: B.Frampton, J.Butts, L.Brown

HB: B.Smith, T.Doedee, C.Jones

C: J.Dawson, R.Laird, L.Sholl

HF: N.McHenry, E.Himmelberg, J.Rowe

F: J.Rachele, T.Walker, L.Gollant

FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, M.Crouch

I/C: H.Schoenberg, R.Sloane, B.Cook, M.Hinge

IN: T.Walker, R.Sloane

OUT: D.Fogarty, L.Murphy

Adelaide will get two of its biggest names back as the Crows seek to build on their thrilling win over Port Adelaide in the Showdown.

Taylor Walker is able to play again following his six-game suspension for racial vilification and is likely to come straight back in despite no match practice while Rory Sloane sat out the thrilling win with an adductor issue.

Darcy Fogarty only had five disposals and would be an easy omission for Walker while Lachie Murphy hurt his neck winning that free kick in that amazing finish against the Power.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

Taylor Walker is expected to return this week.

BRISBANE

B: D.Gardiner, H.Andrews, M.Adams

HB: B.Starcevich, D.Rich, M.Robinson

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

HF: Z.Bailey, D.McStay, L.McCarthy

F: T.Fullarton, J.Daniher, C.Cameron

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Lyons, L.Neale

I/C: C.Ah Chee, N.Cockatoo, C.Rayner, N.Answerth

IN: T.Fullarton

OUT: O.McInerney (suspended)

The Lions best 22 is set to remain relatively the same following their monster win over North Melbourne last weekend. However, the Lions will be without ruckman Oscar McInerney after he accepted a one-match ban. Off-season recruit Darcy Fort will replace McDonald in the middle, with support from developing tall Tom Fullarton.

-Chris Honnery

CARLTON

B: Z. Williams, L. Young, N. Newman

HB: A. Saad, J. Weitering, S. Docherty

C: S. Walsh, P. Cripps, L.O’Brien

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

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

Foll: M. Pittonet, M.Kennedy, A. Cerra

Inter: G. Hewett, J.Boyd, T. De Koning, W. Setterfield

In: A. Saad

Out: L. Plowman

The squeeze for positions is on for the unbeaten Blues with Adam Saad back after a week off due to Covid protocols. Lachie Plowman might be the one to make way for him in defence. Jack Martin would be line-ball after being the sub last week. Paddy Dow is finally pushing closer for selection after another strong performance in the VFL (30 touches and two goals) and his inclusion wouldn’t surprise. Liam Stocker was solid in his return game from injury via the VFL, while Lachie Fogarty had 27 disposals after being dumped from the Hawks’ game. The Blues’ early belief is that Marc Pittonet will be fit to play.

-Glenn McFarlane

COLLINGWOOD

MAGPIES

B: I.Quaynor, D.Moore, J.Roughead

HB: J.Crisp, J.Howe, B.Maynard

C: O.Henry, S. Pendlebury J.Daicos

HF: N.Daicos B.Mihocek, S.Sidebottom

F: A. Johnson D.Cameron, J.Ginnivan

FOLL: B.Grundy, P.Lipinski, J.Elliott

I/C: J.Noble, W.Hoskin-Elliott, T.Brown, R.McInnes

IN: A.Johnson, J. Roughead, T.Brown (medi-sub)

OUT: T.Adams (Health and Safety Protocols), J. DeGoey (suspended), J. Madgen

All eyes for the Pies will be on whether Jordan Roughead can beat the clock and make an unexpected return against the Eagles, which would put Jack Madgen in jeopardy. D-Day will be Thursday’s session for Roughead. Nathan Kreuger is likely to be ready for the following week. The Pies are getting closer to unveiling Ash Johnson, who kicked four goals in the VFL last week and while he was only on light duties on Tuesday, he still rates a chance.

-Glenn McFarlane

Ash Johnson is closing in on a Collingwood debut. Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON

B: J.Stewart, J.Laverde, J.Kelly

HB: M.Redman, D.Heppell, N.Hind

C: A.McGrath, J.Caldwell, N. Cox

HF: J.Stringer, M.Guelfi, N.Martin

F: A.Perkins, P.Wright, T.Wanganeen

FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, D. Shiel

I/C: J.Ridley, T.Cutler, B.Hobbs, A.Phillips

IN: Nik Cox, Ben Hobbs

OUT: Sam Durham (omitted), Brayden Ham (omitted)

Nik Cox (ankle) couldn’t make the six-day turnaround to face the Demons on Friday night but should slot back in to face Adelaide on Sunday. First-round pick Ben Hobbs is banging the door down at VFL level while Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (personal leave) will be back soon after a two-goal return in the VFL but will likely need more time to build match fitness. That should give Tex Wanganeen another shot in the pressure-forward role. Devon Smith, notably dropped for round three, couldn’t press his case for re-selection given he was unused as the medical sub. Harrison Jones might need more time to recover from an ankle injury.

-Owen Leonard

FREMANTLE

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce, B.Walker

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

C: J.Clark, A.Brayshaw, B.Acres

HF: N.Erasmus M.Taberner, L.Schultz

F: S.Switkowski, R.Lobb, M.Frederick

FOLL: S.Darcy, W.Brodie, M.Walters

I/C:B. Banfield, N.O’Driscoll, T.Colyer, H.Chapman

IN: S.Darcy, B. Banfield

OUT: L.Meek (omitted), D.Tucker (injured)

The Dockers could have star ruckman Sean Darcy back for a test with GWS after he limped off against St Kilda in Round 2.

Caleb Serong (knee) was restricted to walking laps at training on Wednesday morning and looks set for at least another week on the sidelines.

Lloyd Meek has performed well in his absence but can the two play together?

Darcy Tucker was stretchered off during the Derby win with a neck injury.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

GEELONG

B: J.Bews, S.De Koning, T.Stewart

HB: T.Atkins, M.Blicavs, Z.Tuohy,

C: M.Duncan, J.Selwood, I.Smith

HF: L. Dahlhaus, T.Hawkins, S.Higgins

F: T. Stengle, J.Cameron, B.Close

FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield, C.Guthrie

I/C: J.Kolodjashnij, B.Parfitt, M.Holmes, J.Henry

IN: Luke Dahlhaus (sub last week)

OUT: Esava Ratugolea (ankle)

Esava Ratugolea (ankle) avoided a long-term injury despite being subbed out of the Cats’ come-from-behind win over Collingwood and could yet face the Lions on Friday night, but a six-day turnaround poses as a problem. Gryan Miers put in a strong VFL showing as he continued his comeback from the dreaded syndesmosis injury but Luke Dahlhaus will almost certainly keep his spot after an inspired final term as the activated sub. Mark O’Connor, Quinton Narkle and Zach Guthrie will all be discussed at selection with the trio prolific in the reserves.

-Owen Leonard

Esava Ratugolea is expected to miss for Geelong after an ankle injury. Picture: Getty Images

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, I.Cumming

HB: L.Whitfield, N.Haynes, H.Perryman

C: X.O’Halloran, C.Ward, L.Ash

HF: T.Taranto, H.Himmelberg, S.Coniglio

F: B.Hill, J.Hogan, M.de Boer

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

I/C: J.Peatling, T.Bruhn, L.Keeffe, J.Stein

NO CHANGE

Crucial Giants defender Nick Haynes was subbed out in the final quarter against the Suns and could miss this week but aside from that there will be minimal changes. Prized draftee Finn Callaghan followed up his 34 disposals in his first VFL hit out with a 17 disposal, two goal game on Saturday.

-Will Hogan

GOLD COAST

B: D.Swallow, S.Collins, S.Lemmens

HB: L.Weller, C.Ballard, W.Powell

C: R.Atkins, T.Miller, B.Ellis

HF: N.Holman, L.Casboult, J.Lukosius

F: I.Rankine, M.Chol, B.Ainsworth

FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, N.Anderson

I/C: A.Sexton, B.Fiorini, C.Graham, A.Davies

EMG: C.Burgess, J.Corbett, D.Macpherson, J.Farrar

INS: I. Rankine

OUTS: J.Sharp (omitted)

Young gun Izak Rankine is edging closer to returning to the AFL squad after suffering a corked quad earlier in the season. If he gets through this week’s fitness test, he will be considered for selection for Sunday’s clash against Carlton.

-Chris Honnery

HAWTHORN

B: B.Hardwick, S.Frost, D. Grainger-Barras

HB: C.Jiath, J.Sicily, C. Nash

C: W.Day, J.Worpel, J.Ward

HF: C.Macdonald, J.Gunston, F.Maginness

F: L.Breust, M.Lewis, D.Moore

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.O’Meara, T.Mitchell

I/C: T. Phillips, M. Lynch, H.Morrison, J.Newcombe

IN: T. Phillips, M. Lynch

OUT: C.Wingard (injured), J. Scrimshaw (injured)

Tom Phillips has continued to bang the door down and another 27 disposals in the VFL following his strong form as sub in the AFL should see him return to the best 22. Chad Wingard will miss round 4 with calf tightness while Jack Scrimshaw suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to the Blues. Big man Max Lynch is out of concussion protocols and should return to help share the ruck load with Ned Reeves given skipper Ben McEvoy will be on the sidelines.

-Will Hogan

Tom Phillips had a big day in the VFL last week. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

B: T.Rivers, J. Lever, J. Smith

HB: J.Hunt, S. May, J.Jordon

C: T.Sparrow, C.Petracca, E.Langdon

HF: L.Jackson, T.McDonald, J.Viney

F: B.Fritsch, S. Weideman, C.Spargo

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, K.Pickett

I/C: J.Harmes, A.Brayshaw, J.Bowey, A.Neal-Bullen

IN: J. Lever

OUT: A. Tomlinson (omitted)

It’s a tough week at the selection table for Simon Goodwin and he’s hinted star forward Ben Brown might need a week through the VFL after being in the AFL’s Health and Safety protocols. That will give the premiership coach another look at Sam Weideman who was fantastic for the Dees last Friday. Jake Lever should come straight back in for Adam Tomlinson. Michael Hibberd (calf) is still a fortnight from returning but fellow premiership defender Harry Petty (calf) is set to playabout three quarters in the VFL this week.

-Will Hogan

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: J.Ziebell, B.McKay, A.Corr

HB: L.McDonald, J.Walker, A.Hall

C: B.Scott, H.Greenwood, C. Taylor

HF: K.Turner, N.Larkey, J.Stephenson

F: J.Horne-Francis, T.Goldstein, C.Zurhaar

FOLL: T.Xerri, J.Simpkin, L. Davies-Uniacke

I/C: J.Mahony, La. Young, A.Bonar, E.Ford

IN: L.Davies-Uniacke, A.Bonar

OUT: J.Polec (omitted), T. Powell (omitted)

Coach David Noble will resist the urge to make wholesale changes after North’s 108-point drubbing at the hands of Brisbane, again calling for patience on Wednesday morning. Luke Davies-Uniacke will return after serving the mandatory 12-day concussion break, while Noble confirmed Aiden Bonar – last week’s sub – Atu Bosenavulagi, Flynn Perez and possible debutant Miller Bergman were all in the mix for the starting lineup.

PORT ADELAIDE

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

HB: R.Bonner, T.Jonas, D.Byrne-Jones

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

HF: Z.Butters, M.Georgiades, C.Rozee

F: J.McEntee, T.Marshall, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: S.Lycett, W.Drew, T.Boak

I/C: S.Motlop, S.Mayes, L.Jones, J.Mead

IN: T.Clurey

OUT: S.Skinner (ankle)

The Power will be seething after going down to the Crows after the siren in the Showdown and now face the reigning premiers.

Robbie Gray comes out of the AFL’s Covid protocols on Thursday but it will be too soon to front the Demons that night, coach Ken Hinkley has confirmed.

Tom Clurey will return after recovering from pre-season knee surgery, with Sam Skinner (ankle) set to miss. Skinner could play in the SANFL on Saturday but couldn’t recover in time for a six-day turnaround to face the Demons.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

Robbie Gray will be a welcome addition for Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Images

RICHMOND

B: J.Gibcus, R.Tarrant, D Rioli

HB: J.Short, N.Broad, K McIntosh

C: M Parker, T.Cotchin, M.Pickett

HF: J.Castagna, S.Edwards, L.Baker

F: T.Lynch, J Riewoldt, N.Balta

FOLL: T.Nankervis, J.Graham, S Bolton

I/C: I.Soldo, T Dow, J.Ross, T Sonsie

IN: J. Riewoldt, T. Sonsie, D.Prestia

OUT: D. Grimes (injured), H. Ralphsmith (omitted), J. Ross (omitted)

EMG: J Aarts, H Ralphsmith, B Miller, R Mansell

Jack Riewoldt returns to try and spark a spluttering forward line but that is counterbalanced by the loss of co-captain Dylan Grimes. While Ben Miller is the obvious replacement as the next tall defender for Grimes, with the Dogs smaller than most in the forward half the Tigers may opt to instead blood draftee Tyler Sonsie, a silky midfielder, who was best again in the VFL. Dion Presita (hamstring) has been progressing strongly with the veteran midfielder set to be available for selection if he gets through main training on Thursday. Nick Vlastuin has ramped up training recently but is another week away.

-Scott Gullan

ST KILDA

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

HB: B.Hill, J.Battle, J.Sinclair

C: D.McKenzie, B.Crouch, N.Wanganeen-Milera

HF: M.Wood, T.Membrey, S.Ross

F: D.Butler, M.King, P.Ryder

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Gresham, J.Steele

I/C: J.Lienert, B.Long, B. Paton, J.Hayes

IN: Ben Long (sub last week)

OUT: Jack Higgins (concussion)

Mitch Owens enjoyed two goals and 20 touches with five tackles in the VFL and could fill a half-forward void left by Jack Higgins (concussion) but might get pipped by childhood friend and fellow draftee Marcus Windhager, whose reserves game (31 disposals, two goals) will be hard to overlook. Ben Long, however, likely did enough to keep his spot after being activated as the medical sub with two goals from 10 touches, which might keep Windhager on the outer for now. St Kilda could opt to omit Jack Hayes if the line-up is deemed too tall for the Hawthorn clash but his performance against the Tigers – a goal, 12 touches and seven score involvements – poses a firm counterargument.

-Owen Leonard

SYDNEY

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

HB: J.Lloyd, T.McCartin, J.Kennedy

C: N.Blakey, L.Parker, J. McInerney

HF: H.McLean, L.Franklin, W.Hayward

F: E.Gulden, I.Heeney, S.Wicks

FOLL: P. Ladhams, C.Mills, J.Rowbottom

I/C: B.Campbell, O.Florent, C.Warner, L. McDonald

IN: P. Ladhams, J. McInerney, L. McDonald

OUT: T. Hickey (injured), D. Stephens (omitted), J. Amartey (omitted)

Peter Ladhams is a confirmed starter to make his club debut for the Swans with Tom Hickey out for 6 weeks with an MCL injury. Justin McInerney will be a welcomed return with fellow youngster Dylan Stephens possibly the unlucky omission despite a strong start to the season. A strong return from Logan McDonald in the VFL might see the first round draft pick get a reprieve.

-Will Hogan

Dylan Stephens could be forced out of Sydney’s side. Picture: Getty Images

WEST COAST

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

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

C: S.Petrevski-Seton, L.Shuey, P.Naish

HF: W.Rioli, J.Darling, H. Dixon

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

FOLL: N.Naitanui, J.Redden, A.Gaff

I/C: L.Duggan, J.Nelson, C.West, J. Rotham

IN. L.Shuey, W.Rioli, T.Barrass, L.Duggan

OUT: Z. Langdon (omitted) L.Edwards (omitted), J.Jones (injured), B.Hough (omitted)

The Eagles will get some reinforcements after copping a pasting in the Derby.

Luke Shuey, Willie Rioli, Tom Barrass and Liam Duggan should all come back in for the undermanned Eagles after sitting out the heavy loss through the Covid-19 protocols.

Jamaine Jones was injured in the final quarter while Josh Rotham, Luke Edwards and Brady Hough could all come out.

Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo remain sidelined.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: E.Richards, A.Keath, T.Duryea

HB: C.Daniel, R.Gardner, B.Dale

C: J.Macrae, J.Dunkley, L.Hunter

HF: C.Weightman, M Wallis, B.Smith

F: M.Hannan, A.Naughton, J.Ugle-Hagan

FOLL: T.English, A.Treloar, M.Bontempelli

I/C: R.Smith, T.Liberatore, B Williams, L.Vandermeer

IN: Bailey Williams, Mitch Wallis

OUT: Zaine Cordy (concussion), Anthony Scott (omitted)

The main decision to be made at the Whitten Oval is whether to recall Bailey Williams or Hayden Crozier to replace Zaine Cordy who will miss with concussion. Crozier was held out last week after falling sick in Round 2 while Williams has been below form but only played a half in the VFL given he was the next one up for the AFL team. Mitch Wallis came on as medical sub and showed a bit forward so should be given another shot.

-Scott Gullan

Originally published as Every club’s predicted 22 for round 4 of the AFL season