Every club’s predicted 22 for round 7 of the AFL season

Injuries and suspensions have opened up a number of spots for round 7 with eager debutants hungry for their first go. Who comes in? PREDICTED TEAMS

Will Mason Cox win a reprieve for the Pies? Picture: Phil Hillyard

We are getting to the quarter mark of the season, and already a number of highly fancied clubs are dropping off the pace.

It is a must-win weekend for Port Adelaide, Essendon and even Richmond if they want to stay in finals contention.

So who takes the risks at the selection table for Round 6?

Our experts have turned selectors to give you the early heads up. Let us know your changes in the comments section.

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ADELAIDE

B: T.Doedee, J.Butts, B.Frampton

HB: B.Smith, J.Dawson, L.Brown

C: B.Cook, R.Laird, L.Sholl,

HF: J.Rachele, L.Murphy, N.McHenry

F: S.McAdam, T.Walker, E.Himmelberg

FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, S.Berry

I/C: L.Gollant, J.Hately, M.Crouch, C.Jones

IN: None

OUT: W.Hamill (medi-sub)

Expect Adelaide to make no changes as the Crows look to keep their winning streak going. The Crows had no injuries from the thrilling one-point upset of the Western Bulldogs. Luke Pedlar had 23 disposals in the SANFL but is still behind Sam Berry and Jackson Hately, Darcy Fogarty kicked two goals and had 21 disposals to further push his case. Riley Thilthorpe kicked two goals but had just four disposals.

- Simeon Thomas-Wilson

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BRISBANE

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

HB: B.Starcevich, D.Rich, N.Answerth

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

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

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

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

Inter: C.Rayner, K Coleman, B.Ah Chee, B.Coleman

Sub: Prior

IN: B.Coleman

OUT: K.Lohmann

Brisbane fears Kai Lohmann has suffered a syndesmosis tear but even if his ankle injury is only a ligament issue he will be out for some time. The Lions were in withering form and would be unlikely to make selection changes apart from injury so the replacement will likely come from Rhys Mathieson (36 possessions) or Blake Coleman (3.2, 18 possessions) who were both excellent in the VFL win.

- Jon Ralph

Kai Lohman will be out for some time with a suspected syndesmosis tear Picture: Russell Freeman

CARLTON

B: J.Weitering, Z.Williams, N.Newman

HB: A.Saad, L.Young, S.Docherty

C: M.Cottrell, G.Hewett, M.Kennedy

HF: J.Motlop, J.Martin, C.Curnow

F: Z.Fisher, H.McKay, Silvagni

FOLL: De Koning, Walsh, Cerra

I/C: Cripps, Durdin, Parks, Setterfield

IN: Jack Silvagni, Matthew Kennedy, Jesse Motlop

OUT: Marc Pittonet, Jack Newnes, Matt Owies, Jordan Boyd (medi-sub)

All eyes are on a sore full-forward Harry McKay, although even if he gets up the hyped battle of the twin brothers is still set to fall over after North Melbourne defender Ben McKay was offered a one-match suspension. Jack Silvagni should come in to help in the ruck after Marc Pittonet’s knee injury while Matthew Kennedy is also likely to slot back in. Jack Newnes appears likely to make way and on 193 games it might be a struggle to reach 200 from here. Jesse Motlop, who attended the same high school as Patrick Cripps and is the son of ex-Power and Roos goalkicker Daniel Motlop, is in the frame although Jack Caroll’s 23 VFL disposals would also demand consideration.

- Sam Landsberger

COLLINGWOOD

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

HB: B.Maynard, J.Howe, N.Daicos

C: J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, S.Sidebottom

HF: W.Hoskin-Elliott, B.Mihocek, T.Adams

F: J.De Goey, M.Cox, J.Ginnivan

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

Inter: B.McCreery, J.Noble, T.Bianco, O.Henry

In: M.Cox, T.Bianco, O.Henry

Out: B.Grundy (knee), N.Kreuger (shoulder), R.McInnes

Huge blow for Collingwood with Brodie Grundy set to miss up to three months after having scans for a PCL injury following the Anzac Day win over Essendon. It just adds to the merit of his desperate last quarter tackle. Add that to the loss of Nathan Kreuger (shoulder) potentially for the rest of the season, and it highlights the Magpies’ diminishing big man stocks. This looks likely to give Mason Cox a reprieve and he can be expected to share the forward/ruck work with Darcy Cameron. Trent Bianco (five goals in the VFL) and Ollie Henry (two goals) have put their names into contention for a recall. Tyler Brown was good in the VFL, while Callum Brown was the medi-sub.

- Glenn McFarlane

ESSENDON

B: B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Laverde, J.Kelly

HB: M.Redman, J.Ridley, D.Heppell

C: N.Martin, Z.Merrett, D.Shiel

HF: B.Hobbs, P.Wright, J.Caldwell

F: A.Waterman, N.Cox, J.Stringer

Foll: S.Draper, D.Parish, A.McGrath

Inter: A.Perkins, S.Durham, M.Guelfi, K.Baldwin

No change, depending on whether Jayden Laverde (knee) and Darcy Parish (ankle) prove their fitness. Zach Reid and Devon Smith could be on standby if they don’t.

It was a slightly better effort from the Bombers, but still not good enough. Ben Rutten was preaching about connection and continuity after the Anzac Day loss, saying he wanted to bed players down in an effort to extract some confidence. This will largely be dependent on whether Jayden Laverde and Darcy Parish are right to go off a six-day break. Neither is a certainty to play. Zach Reid (17 disposals and eight marks in the VFL) could be a chance if Laverde is not right, while Devon Smith (28 disposals) might be an option if Parish is out. Kaine Baldwin could still make way, while Nick Hind was the medi-sub. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti still needs more time in the VFL, Nick Bryan was good in the VFL, while category B rookie Tom Hird impressed with 26 disposals and two goals. Aaron Francis, Harry Jones and Tex Wanganeen were managed and didn’t play VFL on the weekend.

- Glenn McFarlane

FREMANTLE

B: B.Cox, C.Pearce, H.Chapman

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

C: N.O’Driscoll, M.Walters, B.Acres

HF: ABrayshaw, M.Taberner, M.Frederick

F: S.Switkowski, R.Lobb, L.Schultz

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

I/C: D.Tucker, D.Mundy, B.Walker, T.Colyer

IN: L.Meek, H.Young, H.Chapman

OUT: S.Darcy, G.Logue, J.Aish

The Dockers will be without star ruckman Sean Darcy for a tough test at Geelong as Fremantle seeks to further establish its premiership credentials. Darcy was concussed in the win over Carlton. Josh Treacy kicked four in the WAFL but Lloyd Meek should be the one to come in for Darcy. Heath Chapman and Hayden Young missed out through Covid-19 protocols and Justin Longmuir did say it would be hard to find a spot for the two in the 5-1 Dockers’ side.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

Sean Darcy will miss for the Dockers. Picture: Getty Images

GEELONG

B: De Koning, M.Blicavs, J.Bews

HB: J.Kolodjashnij, T.Stewart, Z.Tuohy

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

HF: S.Higgins, J.Cameron, O.Dempsey

F: T.Stengle, T.Hawkins, B.Close

FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Parfitt, C.Guthrie

I/C: T.Atkins, M.O’Connor, M.Holmes, P.Dangerfield

EMG: Z.Guthrie, E.Ratugolea, L.Dahlhaus, G.Miers

IN: P.Dangerfield

OUT: G.Miers (omitted)
Cats coach Chris Scott expects Patrick Dangerfield (calf) to be passed fit and if he is, the superstar won’t want to spend a second week on the sidelines. Esava Ratugolea (ankle) continues to step up his fitness but may be a week off, Sam Menegola (concussion) should return in the VFL and Jack Henry (foot) will be tested but may need another week off. The hard thing to predict will be whether a senior player is tapped on the shoulder for a rest, but against a finals-bound Fremantle leaving star talent out is a risk. Gryan Miers has found the ball in his three AFL games but was sloppy on Sunday and first-gamer Ollie Dempsey did enough to hold his spot.

- Josh Barnes

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: W.Powell, S.Collins, S.Lemmens

HB: L.Weller, S.Ballard, C.Burgess,

C: D.Swallow, T.Miller, B.Ellis

HB: B.Ainsworth, L.Casboult, I.Rankine

F: N.Holman, M.Chol, J.Lukosius

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

I: I.Markov, C.Budarick, B.Fiorini, J.Corbett

Medisub: A.Davies

IN: J.Lukosius

Out: A.Davies (medisub), J.Sharp

The Suns weren’t able to consider Malcolm Rosas and Jack Lukosius with injury this week so both will need to train well on Thursday to prove themselves. Davies was elevated from medi-sub into the team and emergency Burgess then came in and played down back after six goals the previous week. So Davies will likely be relegated to the medi-sub again and after a VFL bye the hope will be Lukosius can come back in.

- Jon Ralph

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

B: L.Keefe, S.Taylor, I.Cumming

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

C: A.Kennedy, C.Ward, L.Ash

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

F: F.Callaghan, T.Greene, M.Flynn

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

INT: T.Bruhn, C.Idun, B.Hill, J.Hogan

IN: J.Hogan

OUT: J.Stein

Key forward Jesse Hogan should be back for the Giants after being managed against St Kilda last Friday night. Jake Stein was thrown around in a few positions against the Saints – including the forward line – and managed just five disposals which could see him be the unlucky one to go out.

- Chris Cavanagh

Jesse Hogan is in the mix to return for the Giants. Picture: Getty Images

HAWTHORN

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

HB: J.Scrimshaw J.Sicily W.Day

C: J.Worpel, T.Mitchell, J.Ward

HF: C.Nash, L.Breust, J.O’Meara

F: D.Moore, M.Lynch, J.Gunston

FOLL: J.Koschitzke, J.Newcombe, C.Wingard

I/C: H.Morrison, C.Macdonald, N.Long, J.Callow

EMG:

IN: J.Callow, N.Long

OUT: J.Impey, L.Shiels (Sub)

The Hawks copped a few injuries last week, losing Mitch Lewis (hamstring), Ned Reeves (shoulder) and Changkuoth Jiath (hamstring). They would love all three back but it is hard to see them getting up this week. Lachie Bramble played at VFL level after returning from a foot injury and Sam Mitchell would be keen to see him get some games under his belt. Both Jackson Callow and Ned Long are due a chance. We can see them coming in for Jarmen Impey and Liam Shiels.

MELBOURNE

B: J.Hunt, S.May, H.Petty

HB: J.Bowey, Lever, T.Rivers

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

HF: K.Pickett, S.Weideman, A.Neal-Bullen

F: B.Fritsch, B.Brown, C.Spargo

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, T.Sparrow

I/C: J.Harmes, L.Jackson, J.Jordon, J.Viney

EMG: T.Bedford, J.Melksham A.Tomlinson, T.McDonald

IN: J.Lever, J.Viney

OUT: J.Smith, L.Dunstan

Two stars - Jack Viney and Jake Lever - return after HS protocols while Sam Weideman did enough with three goals against the Tigers to keep Tom McDonald in the VFL.

- Scott Gullan

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: A.Bosenavulagi, A.Corr, L.Young

HB: L.McDonald, J.Walker, J.Ziebell

C: H.Greenwood, L.Davies-Uniacke, B.Scott

HF: C.Taylor, N.Larkey, T.Thomas

F: J.Stephenson, C.Zurhaar, T.Goldstein

FOLL: C.Coleman-Jones, J.Simpkin, J.Horne-Francis

I/C: T.Powell, A.Bonar, E.Ford, P.Curtis

EMG: Turner, Xerri, Mahony, Perez

IN: J.Stephenson, C.Coleman-Jones, T.Powell. A.Bonar, E.Ford,

OUT: B.McKay (suspension), F.Perez, T.Xerri, K.Turner, J.Mahony

It’s clearly time to see if Callum Coleman-Jones was worth all the trouble during last year’s trade period. The Roos were pumping their chests about luring the big man away from Richmond but haven’t seen much for the investment yet. Coleman-Jones did the right thing in the Roos 44-point VFL loss to Frankston collecting 23 disposals, 37 hit-outs and eight clearances. Another highly rated draftee Tom Powell went back and had 28 possessions, nine clearances and eight tackles which given how bad the AFL team is going is clearly enough to get recalled.

- Scott Gullan

Callum Coleman-Jones is among the likely ins for North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

PORT ADELAIDE

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

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

C: D.Houston, W.Drew, K.Amon

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

F: R.Gray, T.Marshall, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: S.Hayes, O.Wines, T.Boak

I/C: K.Farrell, X.Duursma, S.Motlop, J.Finlayson

IN: X.Duursma

OUT: T.Dumont

The Power finally have their first win of 2022 and will be looking to keep the momentum going against St Kilda in Cairns. Karl Amon received a late reprieve after he was initially dropped on Thursday when Miles Bergman was ruled out with illness on the day of the win over West Coast. Amon had 25 disposals and 644m gained which should be enough to keep his spot. Xavier Duursma performed strongly in the SANFL and should come under consideration this week.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

RICHMOND

B: D.Grimes, R.Tarrant, N.Broad

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

C: J.Ross, T.Cotchin, K.McIntosh

HF: S.Bolton, L.Baker, T.Sonsie

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

FOLL: T.Nankervis, D.Prestia, K.Lambert

INT: J.Graham, J.Castagna, R.Collier-Dawkins, J.Gibcus

IN: K.Lambert, D.Grimes, T.Sonsie

OUT: T.Dow (Inj), R.Mansell, S.Edwards

Shane Edwards has been an often-underrated star for the Tigers for the better part of a decade, but he simply hasn’t been able to impact games this year. The 33-year-old managed just seven disposals against Melbourne on Sunday night. His average ranking points have plummeted from 86 points a game in 2020 to 54 points a game this year – his worst numbers since 2009. Coach Damien Hardwick has defended Edwards and has suggested he will likely have a chance to bounce back against the Eagles, but it might be time for a spell. After not playing at any level last weekend, it is hoped Kane Lambert will be ready for a long-awaited return from a hip injury, while Dylan Grimes is in the mix to return from a hamstring. First-year midfielder Tyler Sonsie has been close to selection in recent weeks and will come under strong consideration after another quality VFL showing. Thomson Dow was subbed out of the game with a corked thigh on Sunday night and is almost certain to miss.

- Chris Cavanagh

ST KILDA

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

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

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

HF: B.Long, T.Membrey, J.Higgins

F: M.Wood, M.King, D.Butler

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

INT: N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Webster, P.Ryder, Z.Jones

IN: P.Ryder, Z.Jones

OUT: J.Hayes (Inj), M.Windhager

Ruckman Paddy Ryder is due back from his two-match suspension. Midfielder Zak Jones did not play at any level at the weekenddue to AFL Health and Safety Protocols, but had impressed in his VFL return the previous week and will come under strong consideration to play his first AFL game for the year if he’s declared fit. St Kilda confirmed over the weekend that Jack Hayes suffered an ACL injury against the Giants last Friday night which will end his first season at the club.

- Chris Cavanagh

SYDNEY

B: H.Cunningham, D.Rampe, B.Campbell

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

C: N.Blakey, J.Rowbottom, O.Florent

HF: W.Hayward, L.Franklin, T.Papley

F: C.Warner, H.McLean, L.Parker

FOLL: P.Ladhams, C.Mills, I.Heeney

I/C: B.Ronke, E.Gulden, J.Bell, J.Kennedy

IN: T.Papley

OUT: P.McCartin, L. McDonald

The Swans will look to bring in exciting small Tom Papley (hamstring) for the big clash against Brisbane at the SCG this Sunday. Paddy McCartin will miss through concussion protocols. The other concern for coach John Longmire was big forward Logan McDonald (head knock) being subbed off in their Anzac Day clash against Hawthorn. While an update is still to come from the club, he’s got to be a realistic chance to miss. That would see Josh Kennedy be elevated from the medi-sub role into the starting 22.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: E.Richards, R.Gardner, T.Duryea

HB: C.Daniel, T.O’Brien, B.Dale

C: L.McNeil, J.Macrae, A.Scott

HF: T.Liberatore, Z.Cordy, A.Treloar

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

FOLL: J.Sweet, B.Smith, J.Dunkley

I/C: R.McComb, J.Ugle-Hagan, B.Khamis, B.Williams

EMG: H.Crozier, R.West, B.Khamis, S.Martin

IN: J.Sweet, B.Khamis

OUT: S.Martin, J.Schache

It’s a tough week for Bulldogs’ match committee, with limited options to call upon. Ruckman Jordan Sweet had 37 hit-outs for Footscray on a day where the VFL match was delayed in Southport after a cancelled flight. Sweet endured a turbulent April – he was concussed and placed in the AFL’s Covid protocols – but might be a more palatable option both short and long-term than 35-year-old Stef Martin. High-leaping defender Buku Khamis keeps kicking goals after a forward switch for Footscray and could help strengthen the connection after a dirty day in Ballarat where Adelaide (26 intercept marks) dominated aerially. Louis Butler’s 23rd disposal was a shot after the siren to salvage something for Footscray but he couldn’t convert. Nevertheless he remains a promising player on the edge while unused medical substitute Rhylee West could also come in as a pressure forward who can roll through the midfield. But training setbacks for Alex Keath, Jason Johannisen and Tim English are stinging. Keath might not be back until the halfway point of the season.

- Sam Landsberger

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: S.Hurn, T.Barrass, A.Witherden

HB: J.Nelson, J.McGovern, L.Duggan

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

HF: W.Rioli, J.Darling, J.Cripps

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

FOLL: B.Williams, L.Shuey, G.Clark

I/C: P.Naish, H.Edwards, C.West, L.Strnadica

IN: G.Clark, J.McGovern, A.Gaff

OUT: E.Yeo, L.Foley, X.O’Neill

The Eagles could get two much needed inclusions as they lick their wounds following a heavy loss to the previously winless Port Adelaide. Jeremy McGovern and Andrew Gaff could be chances to return for the struggling Eagles, who are set to lose Elliot Yeo after he was subbed out of the loss against the Power following a head clash.

Mature age recruit Greg Clark had a solid return from injury in the WAFL and is pushing for a debut.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson