AFL 2022: Predicted teams for round 16 of the AFL season
The pressure is rising at the Saints. What impact will that have at selection? Check out our predicted teams for every club in round 16.
A couple of big men are set to return for their teams along with a key pillar of Carlton’s midfield resurgence and a Covid affected Swan. See every team’s predicted side for this week’s matches.
ADELAIDE
B: T.Doedee, J.Butts, L.Brown
HB: B.Smith, N.Murray, C.Jones
C: J.Hately, R.Laird, J.Dawson
HF: N.McHenry, D.Fogarty, J.Soligo
F: R.Thilthorpe, T.Walker, J.Rowe
FOLL: R.O’Brien, B.Keays, S.Berry
I/C: H.Schoenberg, J.Rachele, M.Hinge, W.Milera
IN: R.Thilthorpe, C.Jones, L.Brown
OUT: S.McAdam (ankle), W.Hamill (concussion), P.Parnell (omitted)
The Crows will be forced into at least one change for their clash with reigning premiers Melbourne. Will Hamill suffered the fifth concussion of his career against North Melbourne so will miss. Shane McAdam could join him after spraining his ankle and with a six-day turnaround to take on the Demons his chances look slim. Riley Thilthorpe should be able to return, while Luke Brown could add some experience as the Crows seek to cause an upset. Matt Crouch had 42 disposals in the SANFL but could spend more time in the state league.
-Simeon Thomas-Wilson
BRISBANE
B: J. Payne, H. Andrews, D. Rich
HB: B. Starcevich, M. Adams, N. Answerth
C: J. Berry, J. Lyons, H. McCluggage
HF: C. Rayner, E. Hipwood, D. Robertson
F: L. McCarthy, J. Daniher, C. Cameron
FOLL: O. McInerney, Z. Bailey, L. Neale
I/C: D. Zorko, C. Ah Chee, D. McStay, K. Coleman
IN: Z. Bailey, D. Zorko, C. Ah Chee
OUT: J. Tunstill (omitted), T. Berry (omitted), M. Robinson (omitted)
The Lions get some key cavalry back for their Thursday night clash against the Western Bulldogs and might look to swing the axe after last week’s disappointing loss. Rhy Mathieson has been banging down the door in the VFL after another sublime performance (40 disposals, two goals) but suspect coach Chris Fagan might only make the three changes. Darcy Fort is another who could come into contention but it might hinder the Lions structure too much.
-Will Hogan
CARLTON
B: N.Newman, L.Young, B.Kemp
HB: A.Saad, L.Plowman, S.Docherty
C: L.O’Brien, P.Cripps, S.Walsh
HF: C.Durdin, C.Curnow, M.Kennedy
F: J.Silvagni, H.McKay. Z.Fisher
Foll: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett
Inter: M.Cottrell, J.Honey, J.Newnes, L.Stocker
IN: A.Cerra, L.Stocker
OUT: J.Boyd (inj), J.Motlop (omitted)
Jacob Weitering is pushing to take on the Saints on Friday night, but the Blues have conceded he is more than likely set to wait an extra week to take on West Coast. Adam Cerra will return and big watches will be on Jack Martin and last week’s late withdrawal Matt Owies. Both would be considered a chance to play and will be tested later in the week.
-Glenn McFarlane
COLLINGWOOD
B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, I.Quaynor
HB: N.Murphy, J.Howe, N. Daicos
C: S.Sidebottom, S.Pendlebury, J.Daicos
HF: J.De Goey, B.Mihocek, P.Lipinski
F: J.Ginnivan, M.Cox, J.Elliott
Foll: D.Cameron, J.Crisp, T.Adams
Inter: J.Noble, O.Henry, B.McCreery, W.Hoskin-Elliott
IN: J.De Goey
OUT: I.Chugg (omit)
Craig McRae has left the door ajar for Jordan De Goey to make a return in Saturday night’s clash with Gold Coast. The Magpies will make a decision later in the week on whether De Goey is back playing, but a Metricon game might be the best option to ease him back in after the controversy of the past fortnight. If he plays, Isaac Chugg is likely to be the omission.
-Glenn McFarlane
ESSENDON
B: J.Kelly, J.Laverde, J.Ridley
HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, N.Hind
C: W.Snelling, Z.Merrett, N.Martin
HF: D.Shiel, K.Langford, M.Guelfi
F: P.Wright, J.Stringer, H.Jones
FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, J.Caldwell
INT: N.Bryan, A.Perkins, M.D’Ambrossio, D.Heppell
IN: D.Parish, Z.Reid
OUT: S.Durham, B.Hobbs
The Bombers had no injury concerns out of last weekend’s loss to West Coast. Midfielder Darcy Parish is expected to return from a corked calf, after missing the clash with the Eagles. Defender Zach Reid is also available to return, having played VFL on the weekend after overcoming an ankle injury.
- Chris Cavanagh
FREMANTLE
B: B.Walker, A.Pearce, H.Young
HB: B.Cox, L.Ryan, E.Hughes
C: J.Aish, A.Brayshaw, J.Clark
HF: L.Henry, L.Schultz, T.Colyer
F: N.Fyfe, R.Lobb, G.Logue
FOLL: S.Darcy, W.Brodie, C.Serong
INT: M.Taberner, D.Mundy, M.Crowden, B.Banfield
IN: M.Crowden
OUT: M.Frederick (omitted)
The Dockers laid just 43 tackles in their disappointing loss to Carlton and could call up last week’s sub Crowden for his first full senior game of the year, having shown strong form in the WAFL this season. Last week’s inclusion Frederick was the only Dockers small forward who failed to lay a tackle nor hit the scoreboard. A call will be made on star Walters (calf) later in the week, who has been listed a test on Fremantle’s injury list, while footy boss Peter Bell said Heath Chapman is set to miss another week with a hamstring injury.
-Dan Batten
GEELONG
B: J. Henry, S. De Koning, M. O’Connor
HB: M. Duncan Z. Guthrie, J. Bews
C: M. Blicavs, C. Guthrie, S. Menegola
HF: I. Smith, J. Cameron, M. Holmes
F: T. Stengle, T. Hawkins, B. Close
FOLL: T. Conway, P. Dangerfield, T. Atkins
I/C: G. Rohan, J. Kolodjashnij, Z. Tuohy, G. Miers
IN: G. Rohan, P. Dangerfield, T. Conway
OUT: Stewart (suspended), J. Selwood (rest), R. Stanley (rest)
Geelong will spend the early part of this week planning its way around a five-day break into a huge clash with Melbourne in round 17. Expect the Cats to ease players through the tough turnaround with North Melbourne on the agenda this week. Patrick Dangerfield should finally return, and Gary Rohan (illness) should come in with Tom Stewart to be suspended. Joel Selwood may be due another rest, while the Cats are desperate to give young ruck Toby Conway a crack. Could this be the week?
-Josh Barnes
GOLD COAST
B: C. Budarick, S. Collins, C. Graham
HB: O. Markov, C. Ballard, J. Farrar
C: D. Swallow, N. Anderson, B. Ellis
HF: B. Ainsworth, M. Chol, N. Holman
F: I. Rankine, L. Casboult, C. Burgess
FOLL: J. Witts, M. Rowell, T. Miller
I/C: J. Bowes, B. Fiorini, S. Flanders, M. Rosas
IN: B. Fiorini, C. Budarick
OUT: A. Davies (injured), S. Lemmens (omitted)
Izak Rankine copped a heavy knock in the heartbreaking loss to Port Adelaide but did return to the field and will be assessed ahead of this week. The possible return of Conor Budarick from a hamstring injury would be huge for the Suns while Brayden Fiorini looms as the most likely replacement for Alex Davies who was subbed out against Port.
-Will Hogan
GWS
B: N. Haynes, H. Himmelberg, I. Cumming
HB: A. Kennedy, S. Taylor, L. Ash
C: L. Whitfield, T. Green, C. Ward
HF: S. Coniglio, J. Riccardi, X. O’Halloran
F: D. Lloyd, J. Hogan, T. Greene
FOLL: B. Preuss, J. Kelly, T. Taranto
I/C: J. Wehr, C. Idun, T. Bruhn, P. Davis
IN: B. Preuss
OUT: L. Keeffe (omitted)
Interim coach Mark McVeigh flagged the possibility of ruck Braydon Preuss returning to the side after serving his one-game suspension. There’s a possibility fellow big man Matt Flynn could also return but that might upset the Giants structure up forward. The long injury list remains at the NSW club so suspect there’ll be minimal changes.
-Will Hogan
HAWTHORN
B: B.Hardwick, J.Sicily, L. Bramble
HB: C.Jiath, J. Blanck, W.Day
C: J.Ward, J.Scrimshaw, J. Worpel
HF: S.Butler, L.Breust, D.Moore
F: J.Koschitzke, M.Lewis, C.Macdonald
FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe, J.O’Meara
INT: T.Mitchell, C.Nash, J.Impey, H.Morrison
IN: W.Day, J.Ward
OUT: L.Shiels, D.Howe
The Hawks got through last Friday night’s loss to the Western Bulldogs injury-free, with medical substitute Josh Morris going unused. Will Day will be available after missing last week under health and safety protocols, while Josh Ward (17 disposals) was solid at VFL level and will also be considered. Forward Chad Wingard’s availability is unclear after missing last week with a calf complaint.
-Chris Cavanagh
MELBOURNE
B: J.Harmes H.Petty S.May
HB: J.Jordon J.Lever C.Salem
C: A.Brayshaw C.Petracca E.Langdon
HF B.Brown B.Fritsch T.Sparrow
F: A.Neal-Bullen S.Weideman C.Spargo
FOLL: L.Jackson C.Oliver J.Viney
INT: T.Bedford M.Hibberd J.Bowey K.Pickett
NO CHANGE
Don’t expect many – if any – changes for the Demons after they returned to their bullocking best against Brisbane last week. Max Gawn (syndesmosis) is making significant strides in his recovery but remains unlikely to return against Adelaide this Saturday, which will give Luke Jackson at least one more match holding the ruck mantle. Forward Mitch Brown could be in contention after responding to his omission with a monster haul of 6.6 against Gold Coast, also recording team-highs for disposals and marks.
-Dan Batten
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: A.Bonar, J.Walker, A.Corr
HB: A.Hall, B.McKay, K.Turner
C: C.Taylor, L.Davies-Uniacke, L.McDonald
HF: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey, J.Stephenson
F: F.Perez, C.Coleman-Jones, P.Curtis
FOLL: T.Goldstein, J.Simpkin, J.Anderson
INT: J.Archer, T.Powell, H.Greenwood, L.Young
IN: L.Young, C.Coleman-Jones, F.Perez
OUT: B.Scott, T.Thomas, T.Xerri
Bailey Scott was subbed out of Sunday’s loss to Adelaide with a hip injury, while Tarryn Thomas might need a week off after managing just three touches against the Crows. Defender Lachie Young is available to return from suspension, while forward Callum Coleman-Jones put his hand up for a recall with 28 disposals, 27 hitouts, 12 clearances, four marks and a goal in the VFL. Tristan Xerri was solid in tandem with Todd Goldstein against the Crows, but it might be time for another look at Coleman-Jones. Flynn Perez was the medical substitute last week.
-Chris Cavanagh
PORT ADELAIDE
B: R.Burton, T.Jonas, T.Clurey
HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, D.Houston
C: K.Amon, W.Drew, K.Farrell
HF: O.Fantasia, T.Marshall, C.Rozee
F: M.Georgiades, C.Dixon, S.Powell-Pepper
FOLL: S.Lycett, O.Wines, T.Boak
I/C: L.Jones, Z.Butters, J.Finlayson, S.Motlop
IN: Z.Butters, S.Lycett, D.Byrne-Jones, O.Fantasia, T.Clurey
OUT: R.Bonner (cheekbone), J.Mead (omitted), M.Frederick (omitted), X.Duursma (omitted), T.McKenzie (omitted)
The Power could welcome back some big names for their huge clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium. Orazio Fantasia got through the SANFL and is odds-on for his first AFL game of the season. Zak Butters is pushing to return from a medial ligament sprain and the Power could even get No. 1 ruckman Scott Lycett for his first game since Round 4 to take on Sean Darcy. Darcy Byrne-Jones and Tom Clurey will be out of Covid-19 protocols for the clash as well. Riley Bonner is out for three to four weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket in the Power’s thrilling win over Gold Coast.
-Simeon Thomas-Wilson
RICHMOND
B: D.Grimes, R.Tarrant, N.Broad
HB: N.Vlastuin, J.Gibcus, D.Rioli
C: M.Pickett, J.Short, K.McIntosh
HF: M.Rioli, J.Riewoldt, S.Bolton
F: D.Martin, T.Lynch, J.Castagna
FOLL: T.Nankervis, L.Baker, J.Ross
INT: S.Edwards, J.Graham, H.Ralphsmith, I.Soldo
IN: J.Castagna, I.Soldo (last week’s sub)
OUT: J.Clarke (omitted), D.Prestia (concussion)
The big question for Richmond will be who replaces Prestia after his highly publicised concussion at the hands of Tom Stewart’s hit. The Tigers were able to win the clearance battle after Prestia went off, much of that thanks to utility Liam Baker being thrown into the middle, and this may be the way they fill the void again, with none of their VFL midfielders had a major impact last weekend. Expect late out turned super sub Soldo to be in the 22 this week as the Tigers combat the likely return of Nic Naitanui, while Castagna had his best game since his demotion with three goals, nine tackles and 18 disposals last week in the reserves. Clarke booted a late goal against the Cats but was quiet with four touches and could make way. Kane Lambert appears a week-to-week proposition with his hip injury and would be in consideration if fit.
-Dan Batten
ST KILDA
B: C.Wilkie, D.Howard, J.Battle
HB: H.Clark, J.Sinclair, B.Hill
C: R.Byrnes, B.Crouch, J.Billings
HF: M.Windhager, T.Membrey, J.Gresham
F: D.Butler, M.King, T.Highmore
FOLL: R.Marshall, S.Ross, J.Steele
INT: Z.Jones, P.Ryder, J.Webster, N.Wanganeen-Milera
IN: P.Ryder, B.Hill, T.Highmore
OUT: C.Sharman, B.Long, B.Paton
It will be interesting to see what the Saints do at selection after a third-straight loss to Sydney last weekend. Paddy Ryder (managed) and Brad Hill (personal) are both expected to return, while Tom Highmore put his hand up for a recall in the VFL with 28 disposals and 10 marks for Sandringham on the weekend.
-Chris Cavanagh
SYDNEY
B: D. Rampe, T. McCartin, H. Cunningham
HB: N. Blakey, P. McCartin, J. Lloyd
C: J. McInerney, L. Parker, E. Gulden
HF: I. Heeney, S. Reid, D. Stephens
F: W. Hayward, L. Franklin, T. Papley
FOLL: T. Hickey, C. Mills, J. Rowbottom
I/C: C. Warner, L. McDonald, R. Fox, O. Florent
IN: H. Cunningham, J. McInerney
OUT: B. Campbell (omitted), R. Clarke (omitted)
A tough week at the selection table for John Longmire who has to fit usual starters Harry Cunningham and Justin McInerney back into a side fresh off a big win over the Saints. Inclusions for that match in Robbie Fox, Dylan Stephens and Ryan Clarke all performed well but Clarke looms as the unlucky omission despite his two goals. Peter Ladhams is also available after serving his one-game suspension but it’s hard to see Longmire changing that aspect of his team following the performance of Tom Hickey.
-Will Hogan
WEST COAST
B: S.Hurn, T.Barrass, L.Duggan
HB: J.Rotham, H.Edwards, E.Yeo
C: D.Sheed, T.Kelly, J.Redden
HF: J.Cripps, J.Darling, W.Rioli
F: L.Ryan, J.Kennedy, J.Waterman
FOLL: N.Naitanui, L.Shuey, A.Gaff
I/C: C.West, J.Petruccelle, J.Jones, B.Williams
IN: N.Naitanui, H.Edwards, D.Sheed
OUT: C. Jamieson, B. Hough, R. Bazzo (omitted)
The band is back together at the Eagles and coming off the high of their first win since round four, they are set to welcome arguably their most important in ruck star Naitanui. The athletic big man made an eye-catching return from a long-term injury in the WAFL with 17 disposals, 26 hitouts and two goals in a performance marked by his characteristic high leaping marks and rundown tackles. Naitanui likely replaces Jamieson, who has shown some good signs this season but may need a run in the twos after managing two possessions and -4 SuperCoach points in the win over Essendon. West Coast will face a much sterner forward-50 test against the top-eight Tigers this week, and the 204cm Edwards can help tackle Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt after clunking a stunning 23 marks in the WAFL – nine of those from the opposition. Sheed was rested with shin soreness last week and should return pending fitness.
-Dan Batten
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: B.Williams, R.Gardner, T.O’Brien
HB: C.Daniel, A.Keath, B.Dale
C: L.Hunter, J.Macrae, A.Scott
HF: J.Johannisen, J.Ugle-Hagan, T.Liberatore
F: M.Bontempelli, A.Naughton, C.Weightman
FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Dunkley, A.Treloar
I/C: R.West, H.Crozier, D. Bedendo, J.Schache
IN: D. Bedendo, L. Hunter
OUT: E.Richards (concussion), R. McComb (omitted)
The Bulldogs’ Thursday night clash against Brisbane will likely come too soon for gun ruckman Tim English after he sustained a concussion against GWS. English had a light training session over the weekend but was still experiencing some symptoms last week. Ed Richards will also miss after he was subbed out of the Bulldogs win over Hawthorn with a concussion. Lachie Hunter had 26 disposals for Footscray in the VFL and is primed for a return.
-Simeon Thomas-Wilson
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