AFL Round 6 teams: Selection news and dilemmas

Collingwood will unleash a host of young guns on Anzac Day after making huge changes to its Round 6 team. Check out all the Sunday sides here.

Caleb Daniel is back for the Bulldogs. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Essendon will recall big man Andrew Phillips for its Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood in a bid to quell the influence of star Magpies ruckman Brodie Grundy.

Phillips has proved his fitness at VFL level and will play his first senior match of the season on the MCG, which will allow former Gold Coast forward Peter Wright to play closer to goal against the Magpies.

“Flip did a great job last year on Brodie so we’ll probably more than likely bring Flip back in,” Bombers coach Ben Rutten said on Friday.

“Pete’s done a fantastic job for us over the last couple of weeks in the ruck, but we got Pete here to be a big, strong forward for us, which he’s done really well.

“Flip’s been in great form in the VFL and he’s been training really well, so we’ll bring him back into the team.”

SCROLL DOWN FOR ROUND 6 TEAMS AS THEY ARE NAMED

Former Saint Nick Hind had a calf knock last week, but he’ll be available for selection.

The Bombers will face the Magpies minus defender Jordan Ridley, who will miss due to concussion.

Collingwood will also be making a number of forced changes, with stars Jordan De Goey and Jeremy Howe among their outs.

Rutten said his side would be prepared for wherever Magpie swingman Darcy Moore plays on Sunday.

“They’ve got a fair few forced changes and going on last week (Moore) will probably play forward, but we’re well aware that he’s a pretty serious defender as well,” Rutten said.

“We’re preparing for both and where he plays we’re not sure, but we understand the calibre of player he is.

Andrew Phillips will go head-to-head with Brodie Grundy on his return to the Essendon side.

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“It’s certainly a different looking Collingwood outfit, but not a team that we’re going to underestimate by any stretch.

“We have another opportunity to go out there and improve our game, and Anzac Day is one of those levellers where both teams understand the significance of it and we just need to get the best out of ourselves.”

Rutten said there was still no return date for defender Michael Hurley, who continues to recover from a hip infection.

“He’s continually getting better and that’s what we’re after,” he said.

“We’re seeing progress and he’s moving much more freely getting to do more exercise and he’s building up his strength.

“We still don’t have a return date for him or when he’s going to be training.

“We’ll take that pressure off him and it’s about him getting healthy and being physically able to keep improving.”

ROUND 6 TEAMS

HAWTHORN v ADELAIDE CROWS

Sunday April 25, 12:30pm at UTAS Stadium

HAWKS

B: H.Morrison, K.Hartigan, C.Jiath

HB: B.Hardwick, S.Frost, J.Impey

C: O.Hanrahan, T.Mitchell, J.Cousins

HF: S.Burgoyne, J.Koschitzke, J.O’Meara

F: C.Wingard, M.Lewis, L.Breust

FOLL: B.McEvoy, L.Shiels, J.Worpel

I/C: J.Scrimshaw, D.Moore, T.Phillips, T.O’Brien

EMG: C.Downie, F.Maginness, M.Hartley, C.Nash

IN: M.Lewis

OUT: D.Howe (injured), C.Nash (omitted)

CROWS

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

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

C: L.Sholl, B.Keays, N.McHenry

HF: J.Rowe, E.Himmelberg, R.Thilthorpe

F: S.McAdam, T.Walker, L.Murphy

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, P.Seedsman

I/C: D.Fogarty, H.Schoenberg, J.Hately, A.McPherson

EMG: T.Lynch, C.Jones, J.Worrell, B.Frampton

IN: E.Himmelberg, R.Thilthorpe, J.Hately

OUT: B.Frampton, T.Lynch, N.Murray (all omitted)

COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON

Sunday April 25, 3:20pm at the MCG

MAGPIES

B: B.Maynard, J.Roughead, W.Kelly

HB: J.Crisp, I.Quaynor, J.Noble

C: N.Murphy, S.Pendlebury, W.Hoskin-Elliott

HF: D.Cameron, D.Moore, B.McCreery

F: C.Brown, B.Mihocek, J.Thomas

FOLL: B.Grundy, J.Daicos, S.Sidebottom

I/C: T.Ruscoe, J.Rantall, F.Macrae, J.Madgen

EMG: T.Brown, M.Cox, C.Poulter, B.Sier

IN: W.Kelly, N.Murphy, W.Hoskin-Elliott, T.Ruscoe, J.Rantall

OUT: B.Sier (omitted), M.Keane (suspension), J.Howe (injured), C.Mayne (injured), J.De Goey (injured), L.Greenwood (injured)

BOMBERS

B: M.Guelfi, B.Zerk-Thatcher, A.Francis

HB: N.Hind, D.Heppell, J.Laverde

C: A.Perkins, Z.Merrett, N.Cox

HF: A.McDonald-Tipungwuti, C.Hooker, K.Langford

F: B.Ham, J.Stringer, D.Smith

FOLL: A.Phillips, A.McGrath, W.Snelling

I/C: M.Redman, D.Parish, P.Wright, H.Jones

EMG: D.Zaharakis, N.Cahill, A.Waterman, T.Cutler

IN: B.Zerk-Thatcher, A.Phillips

OUT: Z.Reid (illness), J.Ridley (injured), A.Waterman (omitted)

PORT ADELAIDE v ST KILDA

Sunday April 25, 6:40pm at Adelaide Oval

POWER

B: R.Burton, T.Clurey, A.Aliir

HB: H.Hartlett, T.Jonas, D.Byrne-Jones

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

HF: O.Fantasia, M.Georgiades, S.Motlop

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

FOLL: S.Lycett, T.Boak, C.Rozee

I/C: T.Marshall, W.Drew, B.Woodcock, M.Frederick

EMG: T.Rockliff, S.Mayes, J.Lienert, P.Ladhams

IN: M.Frederick

OUT: S.Mayes (omitted), L.Jones (injured)

SAINTS

B: D.Howard, C.Wilkie, B.Long

HB: H.Clark, J.Carlisle, N.Coffield

C: J.Sinclair, B.Crouch, B.Hill

HF: D.Butler, J.Battle, J.Higgins

F: T.Membrey, J.Billings, M.King

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

I/C: D.Joyce, D.McKenzie, Z.Jones, J.Lonie

EMG: J.Bytel, T.Highmore, M.Wood, S.McKernan

IN: R.Marshall, D.Joyce, Z.Jones

OUT: J.Bytel (omitted), P.Hunter (omitted), L.Dunstan (omitted), J.Webster (injured)

GWS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday 7.50pm at Manuka Oval

GIANTS

B: J. Buckley, S. Taylor, L. Keeffe

HB: H. Perryman, I. Cumming, L. Ash

C: X. O’Halloran, J. Hopper, N. Haynes

HF: B. Hill, T. Greene, B. Daniels

F: J. Kelly, J. Finlayson, H. Himmelberg

R: M. Flynn, T. Taranto, C. Ward

Int: C. Idun, C. Stone, J. Riccardi, T. Green

Emer: M. Buntine, T. Bruhn, S. Mumford, J. Hogan

In:M. Flynn, H. Perryman

Out: M. Buntine, S. Mumford (injured), S. Reid (injured)

Last week’s sub: M. Buntine (replaced S. Reid)

DOGS

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

HB: L. Vandermeer, A. Naughton, L. Hunter

C: C. Daniel, B. Smith, B. Dale

HF: A. Treloar, Z. Cordy, J. Dunkley

F: T. English, J. Bruce, M. Bontempelli

R: S. Martin, J. Macrae, T. Liberatore

Int: A. Scott, J. Johannisen, H. Crozier, L. Jong

Emer: J. Schache, B. Khamis, L. McNeil, R. Smith

In: S. Martin, Z. Cordy, L. Vandermeer, C. Daniel, L. Jong

Out: B. Williams (collarbone), L. Young, B. Cavarra, P. Lipinski, L. McNeil, J. Sweet

Last week’s sub: B. Cavarra (replaced B. Williams)

GEELONG CATS v WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday April 24, 1:45pm at GMHBA Stadium

CATS

B: L.Henderson, M.Blicavs, J.Henry

HB: T.Atkins, J.Kolodjashnij, T.Stewart

C: I.Smith, C.Guthrie, S.Menegola

HF: L.Dahlhaus, J.Cameron, B.Parfitt

F: G.Rohan, T.Hawkins, B.Close

FOLL: R.Stanley, M.Duncan, J.Selwood

I/C: J.Bews, G.Miers, Z.Tuohy, M.O’Connor

EMG: J.Clark, Z.Guthrie, Q.Narkle, J.Jenkins

IN: J.Cameron, M.O’Connor

OUT: P.Dangerfield (injured), S.De Koning (omitted), J.Clark (omitted)

EAGLES

B: T.Cole, T.Barrass, A.Witherden

HB: B.Sheppard, J.McGovern, J.Nelson

C: J.Redden, D.Sheed, L.Duggan

HF: X.O’Neill, J.Darling, J.Cripps

F: J.Waterman, O.Allen, J.Jones

FOLL: N.Naitanui, T.Kelly, A.Gaff

I/C: Z.Langdon, J.Brander, N.Vardy, J.Rotham

EMG: L.Foley, B.Williams, B.Ainsworth, H.Edwards

IN:

OUT: J.Kennedy (injured)

GOLD COAST SUNS v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday April 24, 1:45pm at Metricon Stadium

SUNS

B: J.Bowes, S.Collins, W.Powell

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

C: L.Weller, D.Swallow, N.Anderson

HF: N.Holman, C.Graham, J.Corbett

F: I.Rankine, B.King, S.Flanders

FOLL: C.Burgess, J.Lukosius, T.Miller

I/C: B.Ainsworth, B.Ellis, H.Greenwood, S.Lemmens

EMG: B.Fiorini, J.Harbrow, M.Rosas, A.Sexton

IN: C.Ballard, S.Lemmens

OUT: D.MacPherson, J.Harbrow, A.Sexton (all omitted)

SWANS

B: H.Cunningham, L.Melican, J.Lloyd

HB: J.Dawson, K.Brand, G.Hewett

C: O.Florent, C.Mills, N.Blakey

HF: C.Warner, I.Heeney, W.Hayward

F: T.Papley, S.Reid, E.Gulden

FOLL: C.Sinclair, L.Parker, J.Rowbottom

I/C: H.McLean, J.Kennedy, J.McInerney

EMG: B.Campbell, L.McDonald, J.Bell, R.Clarke

IN: K.Brand, I.Heeney, C.Sinclair, J.Rowbottom, H.McLean

OUT: L.McDonald (omitted), D.Stephens (omitted), B.Campbell (omitted), T.McCartin (injured), L.Franklin (injured), T.Hickey (injured)

CARLTON v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday April 24, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium

BLUES

B: L.Plowman, L.Jones, S.Petrevski-Seton

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

C: J.Newnes, E.Curnow, S.Walsh

HF: L.Fogarty, M.McGovern, M.Murphy

F: M.Gibbons, H.McKay, L.Casboult

FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Cripps, Z.Williams

I/C: D.Cunningham, M.Cottrell, E.Betts, L.Stocker

EMG: M.Kennedy, T.Williamson, P.Dow, M.Owies

IN: D.Cunningham, L.Stocker

OUT: T.Williamson, M.Kennedy, P.Dow (all omitted)

LIONS

B: D.Rich, H.Andrews, C.Ah Chee

HB: D.Gardiner, R.Lester, G.Birchall

C: D.Zorko, Z.Bailey, M.Robinson

HF: H.McCluggage, J.Daniher, L.McCarthy

F: D.McStay, E.Hipwood, C.Cameron

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

I/C: D.Robertson, J.Prior, M.Adams, B.Starcevich

EMG: T.Berry, H.Sharp, R.Mathieson, C.Ballenden

IN: D.Robertson

OUT: J.Berry (injured), T.Berry (omitted)

MELBOURNE v RICHMOND

Saturday April 24, 7:25pm at the MCG

DEMONS

B: A.Tomlinson, S.May, T.Rivers

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

C: E.Langdon, C.Petracca, A.Brayshaw

HF: K.Pickett, T.McDonald, A.Neal-Bullen

F: J.Melksham, L.Jackson, B.Fritsch

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, J.Viney

I/C: N.Jones, M.Hibberd, C.Spargo, J.Jordon

EMG: S.Weideman, H.Petty, T.Sparrow, K.Chandler

IN: S.May, B.Fritsch

OUT: H.Petty, T.Sparrow, M.Brown (all omitted)

TIGERS

B: D.Astbury, N.Balta, D.Grimes

HB: N.Broad, B.Houli, J.Short

C: K.McIntosh, T.Cotchin, M.Pickett

HF: D.Rioli, K.Lambert, J.Castagna

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

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

I/C: R.Mansell, S.Bolton, J.Aarts, L.Baker

EMG: J.Ross, R.Collier-Dawkins, C.Coleman-Jones, M.Rioli

IN:

OUT: J.Ross (omitted)

FREMANTLE v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday April 24, 8:15pm at Optus Stadium

DOCKERS

B: E.Hughes, B.Cox, G.Logue

HB: R.Conca, L.Ryan, N.Wilson

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

HF: T.Colyer, R.Lobb, M.Frederick

F: L.Schultz, M.Taberner, M.Walters

FOLL: S.Darcy, N.Fyfe, D.Mundy

I/C: J.Treacy, C.Serong, M.Crowden, H.Chapman

EMG: D.Tucker, T.Watson, C.Blakely, L.Meek

IN:

OUT: Cerra (injured)

KANGAROOS

B: A.Bonar, B.McKay, S.Atley

HB: J.Ziebell, J.Walker, A.Bosenavulagi

C: C.Taylor, J.Simpkin, J.Stephenson

HF: K.Tuner, C.Zurhaar, L.Davies-Uniacke

F: J.Mahony, N.Larkey, T.Thomas

FOLL: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, T.Powell

I/C: La.Young, W.Phillips, C.Menadue, T.Campbell

EMG: T.Garner, B.Scott, D.Tyson, E.Ford

IN: C.Zurhaar, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.Menadue

OUT: B.Scott (omitted), K.Hayden (injured), A.Hall (injure), C.Lazzaro (managed)

SAINT’S HIDDEN INJURY, TWO STARS TO RETURN

St Kilda has revealed wingman Jack Billings played through a torn plantar fascia he suffered in the warm-up before last week’s thrashing by Richmond.

Although, Billings is remarkably set to face Port Adelaide on Sunday off the aid of a 10-day break.

He’ll be joined on Adelaide Oval by incoming pair Zak Jones (soreness) and ruckman Rowan Marshall, who will return from the same injury Billings is now facing.

“He (Marshall) tore his plantar fascia (in Round 4 against West Coast) … so did Jack Billings before in the warm-up last week,” coach Brett Ratten said on Thursday.

“He tore it and still played, which was a fantastic effort for him to get through under duress.

“Marshall’s fine (and) if that game was an extra two days and it was a seven-day (break), he would’ve played against Richmond.

“Jones would’ve played as well, it’s just too risky and he was too sore.”

Hunter Clark is battling the flu and has been sent for a COVID test, while Jimmy Webster (groin) is a “50-50” proposition.

Jack Billings played through a serious injury last week. Picture: Getty Images

“The good thing for us is we’re going to get two back this week, we’ll get two back next week so roughly we’re going to get some soldiers back and quality soldiers too,” Ratten said.

“(Paddy) Ryder will play in the VFL this week and then probably play against Hawthorn, which will be really pleasing.”

Boom recruit Brad Hill, who is in the second year of a lucrative six-year deal, registered only 10 disposals in his side’s 86-point thrashing by the Tigers.

Ratten immediately declared the former Hawk and Docker would not be dropped post-game last week, and the Saints coach doubled down in his defence of Hill when asked on Thursday why he was not playing at his optimum level.

“I think he’s one of a few, but his West Coast game was pretty good,” Ratten said.

“Twenty-five possessions and he used the ball pretty well.

“I could put five or six blokes in that category (who underperformed against Richmond) as well and the Essendon game you could put 15 in there.

“His Melbourne game he didn’t use the ball that well but he won 22 possessions and it’s unlike him to kick the ball like that.

“And I think he was pretty solid against GWS in wet conditions where he used the ball in conditions that probably didn’t suit him, so he’s had two down days and one poor skill game.

“He’s about 50-50 at the moment, but I think everyone focuses on Brad and there’s a few others in the team that need to lift.”

Jack Billings and the Saints are coming off a horror loss to Richmond. Picture: Getty Images

Ratten said his players this week had not shirked what went so spectacularly wrong against Richmond last Thursday night.

“We haven’t wiped it clean, we’ve got to address things that aren’t happening,” he said.

“It’s a long season and it’s about momentum and sometimes you’re up and down through a year, and I think when you look back last year at times we had a month where we were a little bit inconsistent in spots.

“But for us it’s about making sure we’re consistent in all aspects of the game, so we’re 2-3 and two of our losses have been really poor.

“It was around the contest and we were second in that space.”