AFL 2022: Every club’s predicted 22 for round 12 of the AFL season

Will the bye help your club bring some reinforcements in? Does your side need to make wholesale changes? See every club’s predicted 22 for their next game.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is coming off a big game in the VFL. Picture: Getty Images

Round 12 sees the first of three bye rounds in the AFL and that means sides can refresh and regain some momentum after a break. See every side’s predicted side for this week’s matches and for those who have the bye.

ADELAIDE

B: N.Murray, B.Frampton, M. Hinge

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

C: J.Hately, B.Keays, J.Soligo

HF: J.Dawson, R.Thilthorpe, J.Rachele

F: S.McAdam, D.Fogarty, T. Walker

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, S.Berry

INT: J.Rowe, N.McHenry, M.Crouch, W. Hamill

In: B.Frampton, T.Walker, J.Rachele

Out: J.Butts (concussion, L.Murphy (omitted), L. Brown (H&S protocol)

The Crows should get some handy inclusions as they seek to snap a losing streak against the struggling West Coast. Taylor Walker will be available after being in Covid-19 protocols while Josh Rachele was managed last week. Adelaide will lose Jordon Butts again after he entered the league’s concussion protocols after a head knock against Geelong.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

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Josh Rachele is expected to return this week. Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE

B: D. Gardiner, H. Andrews, D. Rich

HB: B. Starcevich, M. Adams, D. Zorko

C: H. McCluggage, J. Berry, Z. Bailey

HF: C. Rayner, E. Hipwood, L. McCarthy

F: D. Fort, D. McStay, C. Cameron

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

I/C: D. Robertson, C. Ah Chee, K. Coleman, N. Answerth

IN: H. McCluggage

OUT: J. Prior (omitted)

A really hard decision for Chris Fagan at the selection table with Hugh McCluggage expected to be available after a week off to nurse an injury. Jaxon Prior has been superb but Deven Robertson’s performance in his return game at senior level should see him given another go.

-Will Hogan

CARLTON (after the bye)

B: N.Newman, L.Plowman, S.Docherty

HB: A.Saad, L.Young, L.Stocker

C: G.Hewett, P.Cripps, M.Kennedy

HF: Z.Fisher, J.Silvagni, C.Durdin

F: M.Owies, C.Curnow, J.Martin

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Walsh, A.Cerra

INT: P.Dow, M.Cottrell, L.O’Brien, B.Kemp

IN: M.Kennedy, J.Martin, B.Kemp

OUT: J.Weitering (AC joint), J.Motlop, J.Newnes

This is a first preliminary squad as the Blues have the week off and a mid-season draft to change their outlook for the clash with Essendon in Round 13. Matt Kennedy and Jack Martin will be welcomed back, while Brodie Kemp might be used in defence as part of the early cover for Jacob Weitering. Caleb Marchbank looms as a future key defensive replacement, but the Blues will be cautious with him and he is likely to come back through the VFL next week. Carlton has an interest in former Kangaroo defender Sam Durdin (now with Glenelg) in Wednesday’s draft and he could fill a role in the coming weeks. The Blues are also looking at ex-Brisbane big man Connor Ballenden, who might provide some flexibility in the ruck, allowing Tom De Koning to spend time down back in the weeks ahead. We’ll have a clearer picture on the Blues 22 next week.

-Glenn McFarlane

Jacob Weitering suffered a shoulder injury against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, J.Noble

HB: S.Pendlebury, J.Howe, I.Quaynor

C: S.Sidebottom, T.Adams, J.Daicos

HF: J.De Goey, B.Mihocek, O.Henry

F: J.Ginnivan, M.Cox, J.Elliott

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

Inter: N.Daicos, T.Brown, N.Murphy, W.Hoskin-Elliott

NO CHANGE

This could be an easy selection week for Craig McRae and his coaching panel as they look ahead to taking on Hawthorn on Sunday. The Magpies turned in one of their best performances against the Blues, so unless there are any issues developing through the week, it will likely take the same team into what looks a winnable game. The likes of Caleb Poulter, Beau McCreery (sub last week) and Fin Macrae are pushing for selection, but there seems no need to change a winning formula.

-Glenn McFarlane

ESSENDON (after the bye)

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

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

C: A.McGrath, D.Parish, S.Durham

HF: B.Hobbs, H. Jones, J.Stringer

F: A.Waterman, P.Wright, A.Perkins

FOLL: S.Draper, Z.Merrett, D.Shiel

INT: N.Hind, N. Martin , A. Phillips, S.Draper

IN: M.Redman, J.Stringer, J. Stewart

OUT: T.Wanganeen (omitted), Z.Reid (omitted), D.Smith (omitted)

The Bombers should get some handy inclusions after they resume their season following their mid-season bye. Jake Stringer headlines this as he should return from his hamstring issue. Mason Redman will return after suspension, while Matt Guelfi will also be in the mix as he looks to return from a hamstring injury.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

It’s been a horror start to the season for the Bombers. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

B: H.Young, A.Pearce, G.Logue

HB: B.Cox, L.Ryan, J.Aish

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

HF: N, Fyfe, M.Taberner, T.Colyer

F: M.Walters, R.Lobb, L.Schultz

FOLL: S.Darcy, W.Brodie, C.Serong

I/C: D.Mundy, M.Frederick, H.Chapman, S.Switkowski

IN: S.Switkowski,

OUT: D.Tucker (omitted)

Adding a two-time Brownlow medallist to a side that just broke the reigning premier’s 17-game winning streak – now that’s handy. But it will be a return through the reserves for champion Nat Fyfe. Josh Treacy, who slotted three goals in the WAFL, should be on standby for key forward Matt Taberner after he was subbed out with back spasms. However, coach Justin Longmuir said he has encountered this before and generally recovers quickly. Tucker was an inclusion last week and may be the unlucky one to small forward Switkowski, who will return from suspension. If the Dockers want to play taller against the Lions’ forward line, the injury-hampered Joel Hamling may enter the frame after 20 disposals and 10 intercepts in his second game back in the WAFL. The former Bulldogs premiership defender has played just two senior games in the past two seasons.- Dan Batten

GEELONG

B: T. Stewart, S. De Koning, M. O’Connor

HB: J. Kolodjashnij, Z. Guthrie, J. Bews

C: M. Duncan, C. Guthrie, C. Stephens

HF: I. Smith, J. Cameron, S. Neale

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

FOLL: M. Blicavs, J. Selwood, B. Parfitt

I/C: Z. Tuohy, T. Atkins, F. Evans, G. Miers

NO CHANGE

Both Rhys Stanley (ankle) and Gary Rohan (hamstring) will be tested later this week with both eyeing debutant Shannon Neale’s spot in the Cats’ side. A bye is looming, so an extra week off may suit both veterans and Neale showed enough against Adelaide to earn another go and try and stretch the Western Bullogs tall defensive stocks. The Cats are eyeing an influx of first choice players after next weekend’s bye with Sam Menegola (knee), Jack Henry (foot), Patrick Dangerfield (calf), Esava Ratugola (ankle), Max Holmes (ankle), Shaun Higgins (soreness) and Jonathon Ceglar (foot) all not far away.

-Josh Barnes

The Cats are flying after two big wins. Picture: Getty Images

GOLD COAST

B: W. Powell, S. Collins, C. Graham

HB: L. Weller, C. Ballard, C. Budarick

C: B. Ellis, T. Miller, N. Anderson

HF: B. Ainsworth, L. Casboult, J. Jeffrey

F: M. Rosas, M. Chol, I. Rankine

FOLL: J. Witts, M. Rowell, D. Swallow

I/C: N. Holman, A. Davies, O. Markov, J. Sharp

NO CHANGE

The Suns were excellent in Darwin on Saturday night and there’s no reason why they need to make any wholesale changes. Brayden Fiorino dominated in his VFL outing after being dropped but Stuart Dew might want to back this group in again against North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

- Will Hogan

GWS (after the bye)

B: J. Riccardi, H. Himmelberg, I. Cumming

HB: C. Idun, S. Taylor, L. Ash

C: H. Perryman, T. Green, J. Kelly

HF: J. Peatling, M. Flynn, L. Whitfield

F: T. Bruhn, J. Hogan, T. Greene

FOL: B. Preuss, S. Coniglio, T. Taranto

I/C: J. Wehr, A. Kennedy, J. Brander, C. Ward

IN: T. Taranto, L. Whitfield, A. Kennedy, B. Preuss

OUT: M. de Boer (omitted), B. Hill (personal reasons), L. Keeffe (omitted), Z. Sproule (omitted)

The Giants head into the bye after two solid games in a row under interim coach Mark McVeigh. They should get a raft of quality players back too for their clash against North Melbourne in a fortnight’s time with Lachie Whitfield and Tim Taranto getting a solid break to nurse niggling injuries. Daniel Lloyd and Phil Davis also won’t be far away from being available in the second half of the year

-Will Hogan

Tim Taranto is set to return after the bye. Picture: AFL Photos

HAWTHORN

B: K.Hartigan, B.Hardwick, J.Impey

HB: C.Jiath, J.Sicily, L.Bramble

C: D.Moore, J.Newcombe, D.Howe

HF: S.Butler, T.Mitchell, J.Koschitzke

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

FOLL: M.Lynch, W. Day, C.Wingard

INT: J.O’Meara, L.Shiels, D.Grainger-Barras, H.Morrison

In: J.O’Meara, M.Lynch, K.Hartigan

Out: J.Scrimshaw (concussion), S.Frost (suspension), C.Nash (omitted)

The Hawks should not only have a recognised ruckman for their clash against Collingwood with Max Lynch and Ned Reeves set to be available but they should also get star Jaeger O’Meara back. Jack Scrimshaw was concussed against Gold Coast, while Sam Frost has copped a one-match ban from the MRO.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

MELBOURNE

B: J.Bowey, A.Tomlinson, T.Rivers

HB:, H.Petty, J.Lever, C.Salem

C: A.Brayshaw, J.Viney, E.Langdon

HF: B.Fritsch, L.Jackson, T.McDonald

F: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Brown, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, C.Petracca

I/C: T.Bedford, J.Harmes, C.Spargo, J.Jordon

IN: C. Salem,T. McDonald, E.Langdon, A. Tomlinson, J.Harmes

OUT: S.May (injured), S. Weideman (omitted), J.Melksham (omitted), J.Hunt (omitted), T.Sparrow (omitted)

Melbourne will be significantly bolstered after its first loss of the season with coach Simon Goodwin expecting Salem (knee), McDonald (ankle), Harmes (hamstring) and Langdon (ribs) to face Sydney on Saturday night. Salem is set to play his first game since round 1 and it will force the Demons to make a tough call on either Hunt or Trent Rivers, with Hunt having a quiet night with eight touches against the Dockers. Goodwin confirmed post-match that Tomlinson will replace May in defence coming off 28 disposals in the VFL, while the return of McDonald, Langdon and Harmes will create some more headaches at selection. Spearhead Ben Brown was kept to a paltry two touches last week – his lowest return since his debut season of 2014 – but it would be a surprise to see him dropped.

-Dan Batten

Steven May suffered a concussion against the Dockers. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: L. Young, J. Walker, A. Corr

HB: L. McDonald, B. McKay, B. Scott

C: C. Taylor, J. Simpkin, F. Perez

HF: T. Thomas, T. Xerri, P. Curtis

F: J. Ziebell, N. Larkey, J. Horne-Francis

FOL: T. Goldstein, J. Anderson, L. Davies-Uniacke

I/C: H. Greenwood, K. Turner, T. Powell, J. Stephenson

IN: B. McKay, J. Stephensom

OUT: K. Hayden (omitted), C. Zurhaar (injured)

Ben McKay should be a crucial inclusion for the Roos as they look to bolster their defence. Rebounding defender Aaron Hall also can’t be too far away from a hamstring injury but may need one more week. Jaidyn Stephenson had 23 disposals in the VFL and looms as the likely replacement for the injured Cam Zurhaar.

-Rebecca Williams

PORT ADELAIDE (after the bye)

B: T.Jonas, A.Aliir, D.Houston

HB: R.Burton, T.Clurey, D.Byrne-Jones

C: K.Amon, W.Drew, T.Dumont

HF: Z.Butters, T.Marshall, C.Rozee

F: R.Gray, C.Dixon, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: J.Finlayson, O.Wines, T.Boak

INT: S.Motlop, S.Hayes, R.Bonner, K.Farrell

NO CHANGE

If the Power don’t cop any injuries during their mid-season break expect them to go in unchanged to take on Richmond at the MCG. Charlie Dixon is back, meaning Mitch Georgiades is the unlucky one to be out of the side while the Power are looking for more from Xavier Duursma, Jackson Mead and Miles Bergman in the SANFL. Orazio Fantasia suffered another setback with a strained quad while Scott Lycett and Trent McKenzie are still some weeks away.

-Simeon Thomas-Wilson

RICHMOND (after the bye)

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

HB: D.Rioli, N.Balta, N.Vlastuin

C: M.Pickett, J.Short, K.McIntosh

HF: H.Ralphsmith, J.Riewoldt S.Bolton

F: D.Martin, I.Soldo, S.Edwards

FOLL: T.Nankervis, D.Prestia, T.Cotchin

I/C: N.Broad, J.Graham, L.Baker, M.Rioli

IN: Balta, M.Pickett

OUT: J.Castagna, J.Ross (both omitted)

Richmond has the bye this week but looking ahead to round 13, the Tigers could have a major boost to their tall stocks with Balta and Tom Lynch in the frame to return from their respective hamstring injuries. Balta appears more likely than Lynch to return post-bye and will help the Tigers match up better against Port Adelaide’s three-pronged key forwards, after conceding five goals to Lance Franklin. Balta can also be swung forward to support Jack Riewoldt if Lynch isn’t back. Tarrant could be in consideration to be axed again, but he looms as the best match-up for Charlie Dixon. You would expect Pickett to return after being a late withdrawal, while his replacement Hugo Ralphsmith should hold his spot after two goals against the Swans. It means Castagna may be getting the tap on the shoulder after just two handballs and five touches last week.

-Dan Batten

Marlion Pickett is set to return for Richmond this week. Picture: Michael Klein

ST KILDA (after the bye)

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

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

C: D. McKenzie, S. Ross, B. Long

HF: M. Wood, T. Membrey, J. Higgins

F: R. Marshall, M. King, J. Gresham

Foll: P. Ryder, Z. Jones, B. Crouch

IC: N. Wanganeen-Milera, J. Webster, M. Owens, M. Windhager

IN: J. Higgins

OUT: C. Sharman (omitted)

Jack Higgins should be back after the bye with his concussion but don’t expect too many other changes from the Saints. Marcus Windhager and Mitchito Owens deserve to keep their place in the side leaving Jack Billings and Dan Butler to remain in the VFL. That’s despite Butler kicking five goals and amassing 23 disposals at the weekend.

-Rebecca Williams

SYDNEY

B: J. Lloyd, P. McCartin, D. Rampe

HB: N. Blakey, T. McCartin, J. McInerney

C: D. Stephens, C. Mills, E. Gulden

HF: S. Wicks, L. McDonald, W. Hayward

F: P. Ladhams, S. Reid, T. Papley

FOLL: T. Hickey, I. Heeney, L. Parker

I/C: C. O’Riordan, J. Rowbottom, C. Warner, O. Florent

IN: T. Hickey, N. Blakey, D. Stephens

OUT: L. Franklin (suspended), M. Roberts (omitted), B. Campbell (omitted)

Tom Hickey is a chance to return for the Swans who look set to be without Lance Franklin unless he gets off at the tribunal tonight. Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean both impressed in the VFL but suspect Hickey returns while Peter Ladhams and Sam Reid did more than enough against the Tigers. Dylan Stephens deserves another go at senior level after 37 disposals in the reserves.

-Will Hogan

WEST COAST

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

HB: L.Duggan, H.Edwards, J.Nelson

C: J.Redden, T.Kelly, B.Hough

HF: J.Cripps, J.Darling, C.West

F: J.Waterman, J.Kennedy, I.Winder

FOLL: B.Williams, L.Shuey, A.Gaff

I/C: S.Petrevski-Seton, J.Culley, H.Dixon, G.Clark

IN: H.Dixon, S.Hurn, J.Culley

OUT: J.McGovern (injured), C.Jamieson (omitted), J.Jones (omitted)

The depleted Eagles may lose another star with McGovern subbed out with nerve damage, while Luke Shuey remains in some doubt after a rib injury, but he did play out the match. They should welcome back veteran defender Hurn, but coach Adam Simpson indicated post-match that midfielders Elliot Yeo and Dom Sheed will need to build fitness in the reserves until at least their round 13 bye. Tim English took the Eagles’ ruckmen to the cleaners and with Reilly O’Brien coming off 28 disposals against the Cats, it may mean Dixon gets a look in as a second ruck/forward after kicking half of the Eagles’ six goals in the WAFL. Don’t be surprised to see the club’s mid-season draftees come straight into their line-up, with No.1 pick contender Jai Culley, a ready-to-go 193cm inside midfielder, right in the mix.

-Dan Batten

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is coming off a big game in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: E.Richards, R.Gardner, T’O’Brien

HB: T.Duryea, A.Keath, B.Dale

C: B.Williams, R.West, A.Scott

HF: L.McNeil, J.Ugle-Hagan, T.Liberatore

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

FOLL: T.English, J.Dunkley, A.Treloar

INT: B.Smith, J.Sweet, J.Macrae, C.Daniel

IN: B.Smith, J.Ugle-Hagan

OUT: R.McComb (omitted), B.Khamis (omitted)

Bailey Smith has declared himself fit to return after missing last weekend’s win over West Coast with the flu. There were no other injuries out of the clash with the Eagles. Forward Jason Johannisen played three quarters in the VFL last weekend and kicked two goals in his return from a calf injury but might need another week in the seconds to build some fitness. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked six goals in the VFL, putting him in the mix for senior selection again.

-Chris Cavanagh

Originally published as AFL 2022: Every club’s predicted 22 for round 12 of the AFL season