Every club’s predicted 22 for round 3 of the AFL season

Dropped by North Melbourne after a lacklustre Round 1 game, injuries have opened the door for Jaidyn Stephenson to return. See every club’s predicted Round 3 side.

Jaidyn Stephenson was dropped by the Roos last week. Picture: Getty Images

How many changes will your club make this week?

We’ve gone through every side’s likely changes and looked at how each team could line up.

Did we get it right? Let us know your own changes in the comments section below.

ADELAIDE

B: N.Murray, J.Butts, L.Brown

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

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

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

F: J.Rachele, D.Fogarty, L.Gollant

FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, R.Laird

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

IN: R.Laird

OUT: L.Pedlar (omitted)

The Crows will get a big boost with reigning club champion Rory Laird set to return from a broken hand for the winless Adelaide outfit. Luke Pedlar did kick his first AFL goal against Collingwood but didn’t get all that much of the ball. Riley Thilthorpe was surprisingly dropped and could come straight back in for the clash but expect the Crows to back in Elliot Himmelberg.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

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Rory Laird will be a welcome addition for the Crows. Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE

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

HB: B.Starcevich, D.Rich, C.Ah Chee

C: M.Robinson, D.Zorko, H.McCluggage

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

F: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, C.Cameron

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

I/C: N.Cockatoo, J.Berry, D.Fort, N.Answerth

EMG: H.Sharp, J.Prior, T.Fullarton, R.Mathieson

The Lions have made it two-from-two and will welcome back Mitch Robinson this week following his one match suspension. It will likely see Harry Sharp drop out of the 22.

IN: M. Robinson

OUT: H. Sharp (omitted)

-Chris Honnery

CARLTON

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

HB: Z. Williams, M. McGovern, N.Newman

C: M.Kennedy, P.Cripps, L.O’Brien

HF: Z.Fisher, C.Curnow, J. Martin

F: M.Owies, H.McKay, J.Silvagni

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Walsh, G.Hewett

I/C: A. Cerra, C.Durdin, M.Pittonet, L. Plowman

IN: A. Cerra, L. Plowman, J. Martin

OUT: L. Fogarty, O. McDonald (back), W. Setterfield

Plowman was substituted in for McDonald at halftime last week and should hold his spot while Adam Cerra and probably Jack Martin walk back into the 22. Oh, and don’t forget Michael Voss, who will coach his second game for the Blues.

-Sam Landsberger

COLLINGWOOD

B: I.Quaynor, D.Moore, B.Maynard

HB: S.Pendlebury, J.Howe, N.Daicos

C: W.Hoskin-Elliott, T.Adams, S.Sidebottom

HF: J.De Goey, B.Mihocek, T.Brown

F: O.Henry, J.Elliott, J.Daicos

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

I/C: J.Ginnivan J.Noble, D.Cameron, J.Madgen

IN: D.Cameron, B.Maynard

OUT: N.Krueger (shoulder), B.McCreery (hip flexor)

Defender Brayden Maynard is available to return after serving a two-week suspension for a striking charge stemming from the AAMI Community Series. Darcy Cameron was the medical substitute last week and would be in the mix to replace the injured Nathan Krueger.

-Chris Cavanagh

Pies defender Brayden Maynard should return this week. Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON

B: J.Stewart, M.Redman, J.Kelly

HB: N.Hind, A.Francis, J. Ridley

C: D.Heppell, A. McGrath, N. Martin

HF: D.Shiel, J.Stringer, A.Perkins

F: J.Laverde, P.Wright, D.Smith

FOLL: S.Draper, J.Caldwell, D.Parish

I/C: K. Baldwin, T.Cutler, S.Durham, M.Guelfi

IN: N. Martin, K Baldwin

OUT: Z. Merrett, Nik Cox (both ankle)

The watch is on Devon Smith – would the Bombers make a statement by dropping him? – as injury bites. Merrett and Cox both suffered ankle injuries in the final two minutes of the loss to Brisbane. Merrett is out for two months while Cox is touch and go for Friday night. Nic Martin never had Covid but as a close contact had to sit out last week after a five-goal debut. Welcome back.

FREMANTLE

B: L. Ryan, A.Pearce, G.Logue

HB: H.Young, J. Hamling, J.Clark

C: H. Chapman, A.Brayshaw, B.Acres

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

F: M. Taberner, R.Lobb, M.Walters

FOLL: L.Meek, C.Serong, W. Brodie

I/C: N. Wilson, J.Aish, N. O’Driscoll, D. Tucker

IN: D. Mundy, M. Taberner, N. O’Driscoll, N.Wilson,

OUT: B. Banfield (omitted), S. Darcy (injured), M.Frederick (omitted)

Expect the Dockers to make a few changes after the disappointing loss to St Kilda. Matt Taberner and Nathan Wilson could return and will add some much needed experience. David Mundy is still in isolation while youngster Nathan O’Driscoll deserves a full game after impressing as sub. Sean Darcy at this stage unlikely to overcome an ankle injury but will be sweating on scan results. Michael Frederick and Bailey Banfield have both had a quiet two weeks and slip out.

-Will Hogan

GEELONG

B: M.O’Connor, M.Blicavs, J.Kolodjashnij

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

C: Z.Tuohy, M.Duncan, I.Smith

HF: T.Stengle, T.Hawkins, B.Parfitt

F: J.Cameron, E.Ratugolea, B.Close

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

I/C: J.Selwood, S.de Koning, M.Holmes, J.Bews

IN: M.O’Connor, S.De Koning

OUT: L.Dahlhaus (omitted), Z.Guthrie (omitted), Q.Narkle (medical sub)

Defender Mark O’Connor played well in the VFL on Saturday with 17 disposals and eight marks. Key position defender Sam de Koning missed the loss to Sydney under concussion protocols, but will be available to return if he passes tests this week.

-Chris Cavanagh

Will Sam de Koning come straight back into the Cats’ 22 after suffering concussion in round 1? Picture: Getty Images

GOLD COAST

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

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

C: J.Sharp, 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.Davies, B.Fiorini, C.Graham, A.Sexton

IN: L. Weller, I. Rankine

OUT: R.Atkins (omitted), S.Flanders (omitted)

The Suns put in a good performance against the Demons last weekend and will be boosted by the return of Lachie Weller, who missed round 2 because of Covid protocols.

-Chris Honnery

GWS GIANTS

B: C.Idun, N.Haynes, I.Cumming

HB: L.Whitfield, S.Taylor, H.Perryman

C: X.O’Halloran, C.Ward, L.Ash

HF: T.Taranto, H.Himmelberg, T.Green

F: B.Hill, J.Riccardi, J.Hogan

FOLL: M.Flynn, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly

I/C: J.Brander, T.Bruhn, F. Callaghan, B.Pruess

IN: F. Callaghan, B.Pruess

OUT: P.Davis (injured), D.Lloyd (injured)

Phil Davis injured his hamstring in the loss to Richmond, while Daniel Lloyd was substituted out of the game with a shoulder injury. Nick Haynes could play more of a lockdown role with the former skipper out with youngster Finn Callaghan a chance to debut after 34 disposals in the VFL. Braydon Pruess is in line to make his debut for the Giants.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

HAWTHORN

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

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

C: J.Ward, C.Nash, J.O’Meara

HF: D.Moore, B.McEvoy, L.Breust

F: J.Gunston, M.Lewis, C.Wingard

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe, T.Mitchell

I/C: J.Worpel, H.Morrison, W. Day, C.MacDonald

IN: W. Day

OUT: F. Maginness (omitted)

The Hawks will be sweating on the fitness of Chad Wingard but he looks set to play despite being subbed off with a hamstring injury against Port. If Will Day is right he will come straight back in for the unlucky Finn Maginness.

– Will Hogan

Will the Hawks look at bringing back exciting youngster Will Day after an injury lay off? Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

B: A.Tomlinson, S.May, J.Hunt

HB: T.Rivers, J.Smith, J.Bowey

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

HF: K.Pickett, B.Brown, J.Harmes

F: B.Fritsch, T.McDonald, A.Neal-Bullen

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

I/C: L.Jackson, C.Spargo, J.Jordon, T.Sparrow

NO CHANGE

With Michael Hibberd and Jake Lever still unavailable it is hard to see much change to these settled stars. Mitch Brown booted seven in the VFL while ex-Saint Luke Dunstan had 25 touches and kicked a goal. But they are in every sense of the word emergency types and there are little emerging problems for the premiers.

-Sam Landsberger

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: J.Ziebell, B. McKay, K.Turner

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

C: J.Polec, T. Powell, B. Scott

HF: C.Taylor, N.Larkey, J.Mahony

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

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

I/C: J. Stephenson, K. Hayden, E. Ford, A.Corr

IN: B. McKay, E. Ford, J. Stephenson, K.Hayden

OUT: L. Davies-Uniacke (concussion), T. Thomas (injured), C.Lazzaro (omitted), A. Bonar (medical sub)

Two forced changes with Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tarryn Thomas both set to miss. A quick reprieve for Jaidyn Stephenson, who collected 21 disposals in the VFL. Emerging forward Eddie Ford snagged five in the reserves and he gets a call-up over high profile recruit Callum Coleman-Jones. Ben McKay is an important in for the Roos as they take on a red hot Brisbane outfit.

-Will Hogan

PORT ADELAIDE

B: R.Burton, S.Skinner, L.Jones

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

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

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

F: J.Finlayson, C.Dixon, R. Gray

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

I/C: S. Powell-Pepper, X.Duursma, J.Sinn, S.Motlop

IN: C.Dixon, R. Gray

OUT: T.Marshall (omitted), T.McKenzie (injured)

Charlie Dixon and Robbie Gray will be extremely welcome additions to the Power’s line-up if they both pass fitness tests as they seek to win their first game of the season. Todd Marshall has only had four kicks in both of his games so far and would benefit from a stint in the SANFL while Trent McKenzie suffered another injury, but is still a chance to take on the Crows.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

Jaidyn Stephenson was dropped from the Roos round one side. Picture: Michael Klein

RICHMOND

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

HB: J.Short, D.Rioli, N.Broad

C: K.McIntosh, T.Cotchin, S.Edwards

HF: J.Castagna, J.Riewoldt, L.Baker

F: S.Bolton, T.Lynch, N.Balta

FOLL: T.Nankervis, J.Ross, J.Graham

I/C: I.Soldo, H.Ralphsmith M.Parker, M.Pickett

IN: D.Grimes, J.Riewoldt

OUT: B.Miller (omitted), T.Dow (knee), J.Aarts (medical sub)

Coach Damien Hardwick has declared Dylan Grimes and Jack Riewoldt a chance to return this week after missing the Round 2 win over Greater Western Sydney. Dion Prestia is also considered a chance to be available, although the Tigers are unlikely to take any risks with the injury-prone midfielder.

-Chris Cavanagh

ST KILDA

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

HB: J.Sinclair, D.McKenzie, J.Webster

C: N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Higgins, B.Hill

HF: J.Gresham, T.Membrey, B.Paton

F: D.Butler, M.King, J.Hayes

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

I/C: B.Crouch, P.Ryder, D.Joyce, R.Byrnes

IN: P.Ryder, D.Howard

OUT: J.Lienert, M.Wood, C.Sharman (medical sub)

Ruckman Paddy Ryder played about three-and-a-half quarters in the VFL on Sunday and was impressive, putting his hand up for an AFL return. He would be a handy inclusion alongside Rowan Marshall against the Tigers, who boast a two-pronged ruck attack with Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo. Key defender Dougal Howard missed against the Dockers under health and safety protocols, but is available to return.

-Chris Cavanagh

Dylan Grimes is a certain starter for this week’s game. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

SYDNEY

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

HB: B.Campbell, T.McCartin, J.Kennedy

C: N.Blakey, L.Parker, D.Stephens

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

F: E.Gulden, L.Franklin, L.McDonald

FOLL: T.Hickey, C.Mills, J.Rowbottom

I/C: J.Lloyd, C.Warner, O.Florent, J.McInerney

IN: J.McInerney

OUT: S.Wicks (omitted)

The Swans are flying so John Longmire won’t want to make too many changes. Justin McInerney missed the win over Geelong with a knee injury but should be able to return and provide them with run on the wings. Sam Wicks performed strongly against the Cats but could be an unlucky omission.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: E.Richards, A.Keath, H.Crozier

HB: C.Daniel, Z. Cordy, B.Dale

C: R.Smith, J.Dunkley, B. Smith

HF: T. Liberatore, J. Ugle-Hagan, A.Treloar

F: L.Vandermeer, T. English, C. Weightman

FOLL: S. Martin, J.Macrae, M.Bontempelli

I/C: T.Duryea, R. McComb, L. Hunter, M.Hannan

IN: R. McComb, B. Smith, S. Martin

OUT: A, Naughton (calf), R. Gardner, A. Scott

The limp on Aaron Naughton in the rooms post-match suggested he was in extreme doubt for this match, and if he misses then the Dogs could look to play Stefan Martin in the ruck and throw Tim English forward. The other option would be to recall Josh Schache, although he mostly played as a defender in the VFL. Tim O’Brien’s limited VFL minutes suggest he isn’t quite ready for an AFL match. Bailey Smith will return while fringe defender Ryan Gardner’s place in the backline is likely to be talked about after tailing Charlie Curnow. Buku Khamis could be the wildcard to come in as an intercepting defender. Robbie McComb banged the door down for an AFL debut with 36 disposals.

-Sam Landsberger

WEST COAST

B: S.Hurn, T. Barrass, L.Duggan

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

C: S.Petrevski-Seton, T.Kelly, J. Redden

HF: J. Jones, J. Kennedy, W.Rioli

F: L.Ryan, J.Darling, Z. Langdon

FOLL: N. Naitanui, A. Gaff, L.Shuey

I/C: H. Edwards,H. Dixon, J. Rotham, P. Naish

IN: A. Gaff, T. Barrass, J. Redden, Z. Langdon, J. Kennedy, N. Naitanui, J. Rotham, J. Jones, H. Edwards, H. Dixon

OUT: B.Williams (HS protocols), C. Jamieson (omitted), S. Giro (omitted), J. Williams (omitted), A.Black (omitted), A.Dewar (omitted), X. O’Neill (omitted), J. Petruccelle (omitted), B. Ainsworth (injured), J. Nelson (injured), D. Mountford (medical sub)

A suite of changes for the Eagles who should get all the players back from health and safety protocols. But most will return on Thursday or Friday, giving them limited time to prepare before Sunday’s derby. However, Bailey Williams, who rucked in Nic Naitanui’s absence last week, has been ruled out under health and safety protocols. Will more players miss due to Covid-19? If so, there could be further selection headaches for coach Adam Simpson.

-Will Hogan