AFL 2023 round 20 teams: All the ins, outs and latest selection news

Brodie Grundy will play in the VFL for a third-straight week, with defender Harry Petty named to play forward instead. So what does it mean for his future? See the full teams.

Tom De Koning could have a big role to play for the Blues. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne has overlooked superstar ruck recruit Brodie Grundy for a third-straight week, leaving a cloud hanging over the big man’s future at the club.

Inspirational captain Max Gawn will lead the ruck against Richmond on Sunday as Grundy continues to work on his forward craft for Casey against Williamstown in the VFL on Sunday.

Demons’ coach Simon Goodwin on Friday opted for defender Harrison Petty instead of Grundy, who has four years to run on his lucrative deal at Melbourne.

But the former Magpie’s form has plateaued this season, having polled only 12 AFL Coaches votes for the season and none since the Round 4 win over West Coast four months ago.

In comparison, Gawn has racked up 32 votes and has been the club’s best player going solo in the ruck over the past fortnight to lead the Demons to wins over Brisbane and Adelaide.

And the Demons’ scoring rate, contested possession success rate inside the forward half and clearance wins have all increased without Grundy, according to Champion Data.

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Brodie Grundy will play in the VFL again on Sunday. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos

Petty, 23, was named at full-forward alongside second-year star Jacob Van Rooyen, 20, for the clash with the Tigers, while Grundy was selected among the emergencies.

Petty has spent some time forward this season, but has kicked only four goals for the year and 11 across his 60-game career.

While Melbourne is adamant it has no interest in trading Grundy, the 202cm South Australian could reconsider his future in red and blue if he is left out of the team in the run home to finals.

A Grundy departure would force Melbourne to find a back-up ruck replacement and eventual successor for the superstar captain, Gawn, in October’s trade period.

Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans and Geelong could all have a strong interest in Grundy, who made clear he did not want to leave the city of Melbourne in trade time last year.

But the pull of family and friends in South Australia could become more of a factor as the Power also circle Geelong’s Esava Ratugolea and Essendon’s Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.

Recruiting sources are adamant Port Adelaide has prepared a long-term offer to Ratugolea which would be impossible to refuse for the Cat’s backman who is also playing VFL.

The Swans are also looking at ruckmen and Geelong could be tempted after considering Grundy last year.

Max Gawn has thrived with Grundy out of the side. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Grundy, 29, has not played a senior game since Round 17 against St Kilda when the former Magpie gathered 13 touches and 17 hit-outs in the 21-point Melbourne win at Marvel Stadium.

Gawn, 31, told the Herald Sun last week Grundy would be given a chance at senior level to re-establish his place in the senior team ahead of finals.

But Gawn said it would not be at the expense of Van Rooyen, if the youngster’s form remained strong.

“‘Goody’ is one of the smartest men I have met in footy,” Gawn said.

“He (Goodwin) seems to think bigger guys get bigger in finals, so I am happy to play two rucks.

“But I’m also happy playing with Jacob (van Rooyen) if he is playing his role.”

Mid-season draftees get their chance as Ross takes aim at Jade

- Ed Bourke

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has lost patience with Jade Gresham, leaving the restricted free agent out of his side to face Hawthornat Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Gresham, 25, has missed only one game this season while averaging 17 disposals and a goal per game, but poor ball use hascost him a spot as the Saints try to amend a slump in form.

A restricted free agent at the end of this season, Gresham’s omission adds intrigue to his future, with Carlton linked to him at times throughout the year.

At the Hawks, defender Jack Scrimshaw’s frustrating season has continued with the left-footer dropped for the third time this season,as coach Sam Mitchell turns to Lachie Bramble after a strong performance in the VFL.

*WHOLESOME SURPRISE* ☺️
Welcome Hawk No. 966 👔 pic.twitter.com/BTdwfeQ6aH

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 28, 2023

The Hawks will blood mature-age forward Brandon Ryan against the Saints, capping a meteoric rise to the senior level afterhe played local football at EDFL club Maribyrnong Park last year.

Mitchell said Ryan could become an immediate fan favourite at Hawthorn due to his unique style and long, gangly limbs.

The mid-season draft selection will play as a forward and provide back-up for fellow inclusion Lloyd Meek in the ruck as Ned Reeves misses due to suspension.

“He’s a little bit uncanny – I’m sure when he does make his debut he’ll be a crowd favourite, he’s got these long limbs andhe’s a bit uncanny in how he takes a mark and how he moves,” Mitchell said.

“He’s able to find the footy and he’s able to find shots on goal, and I think as a forward that’s important.”

Another mid-season draft selection, Robert Hansen Jr, will make his debut for North Melbourne in his home state against WestCoast.

Kangaroos VFL coach Tom Lynch said the electric small forward had earned his spot after seven goals in five games, forcingout father-son recruit Cooper Harvey.

“He has shown a real appetite to learn how we are looking to play and how he can improve his individual game,” Lynch said.

“From the five games he has now played in our reserves side, he has displayed a great workrate and selfless behaviour, oftenbringing teammates into the game.”

Pies illness claims another, Dons’ double injury blow

- Jay Clark

Collingwood will be without speedy forward Bobby Hill for Friday night’s blockbuster against Carlton after falling ill this week.

The virus which swept the club has claimed Hill but jet wingman Josh Daicos and All-Australian contender Isaac Quaynor who missed training this week have recovered and will play.

It will be the only change for the Magpies who have only two injuries on the club’s list (Finlay McRae and Charlie Dean) six weeks out from finals.

The Bombers have lost Jake Stringer to injury and Jordan Ridley (quad) for Saturday night’s clash against Sydney Swans.

Stringer will be replaced by clever goal kicker Jye Menzie who returned. Midfielder Dylan Shiel was again not selected amid a lower leg complaint.

Bobby Hill has been struck down by illness. Picture: Michael Klein.

The Western Bulldogs have welcomed back tall Rory Lobb in place of Buku Khamis for their clash against rival GWS Giants at Ballarat.

Lobb had been dropped to the VFL but has been given a golden opportunity to help cement a place for the run home against a Giants’ side featuring one of the best defenders in the competition, Sam Taylor.

Speedster Jason Johannisen also comes back for omitted playmaker Oskar Baker.

Geelong will be bolstered by the return of goal kicker Gary Rohan but has again overlooked in-demand key defender Esava Ratugolea.

Ratugolea has been frozen out of the senior side in recent weeks on form, potentially sealing his move to a rival such as Port Adelaide at season’s end.

Giants go tall as Suns recall livewire

– Lachlan McKirdy, Callum Dick

GWS Giants have turned to key defender Lachie Keeffe to help curb Western Bulldogs’ aerial power in Saturday’s clash in Ballarat.

The Bulldogs boast one of the most threatening key forward combinations in the game with recalled tall Rory Lobb forming a three-pronged attack alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

The Giants have welcomed back the 204cm Keeffe who is slated to support Sam Taylor and Harry Himmelberg in defence and Kieren Briggs in the ruck against the Dogs’ All-Australian contender Tim English.

GWs defender Nick Haynes was named among the emergencies amid speculation a rival club may target the intercepting backman who has been pushed up on to a wing in recent weeks.

The Giants remain in the mix for a finals berth as Adam Kingsley’s men shoot for a seventh-straight win as part of a remarkable bounce back in the second half of the season.

The Sydney Swans have named an unchanged line-up ahead of their clash against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The Bombers will be without gun forward Jake Stringer (injured) amid criticism of his physical conditioning following a quiet run of form.

The Swans are aiming for their third-straight win after knocking off Fremantle and Western Bulldogs over the past fortnight.

Lachie Keeffe, right, has been recalled by GWS. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Meanwhile, livewire forward Malcolm Rosas has been recalled from the wilderness to help save Gold Coast’s season with interim coach Steven King making two changes ahead of Saturday’s must-win battle with Brisbane.

Rosas was dropped after the Round 16 loss to Collingwood and has not been sighted since King took over from Stuart Dew.

But the 22-year-old starred in the VFL last weekend with 26 disposals and two goals to earn himself a QClash recall.

Defender Sean Lemmens has earned a surprise AFL return after been dropped from the senior side following the Round 10 loss to the Lions at the Gabba.

Hewago Oea and Ben Long were the two to make way for Rosas and Lemmens respectively.

Midfielder Brayden Fiorini remains out of favour despite racking up 45 touches, eight clearances and a goal in the Suns’ 40-point VFL win over GWS last weekend.

Meanwhile, Brisbane is yet to name a match day replacement for the injured Will Ashcroft.

Ashcroft, 19, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the dying stages of Brisbane’s 11-point win over Geelong last Saturday.

The Rising Star favourite had 30 disposals and a goal in his QClash debut earlier this year.

ROUND 20 AFL TEAMS

(All times AEST)

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON

Friday July 28, 7:50pm at the MCG

MAGPIES

B: J.Howe, D.Moore – C, I.Quaynor

HB: B.Maynard, N.Murphy, J.Crisp

C: S.Sidebottom, N.Daicos, O.Markov

HF: J.De Goey, B.Mihocek, P.Lipinski

F: J.Elliott, D.McStay, T.Adams

FOLL: D.Cameron, T.Mitchell, S.Pendlebury

I/C: J.Daicos, J.Noble, B.McCreery, M.Cox

EMG: B.Frampton, W.Hoskin-Elliott, J.Ginnivan, A.Johnson

In: None

Out: B.Hill (Illness)

BLUES

B: B.Kemp, J.Weitering, N.Newman

HB: S.Docherty, M.McGovern, A.Saad

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps – C, O.Hollands

HF: L.Fogarty, T.De Koning, D.Cuningham

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

FOLL: M.Pittonet, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

I/C: C.Marchbank, A.Cincotta, M.Cottrell, J.Motlop

EMG: Z.Fisher, L.Cowan, Le.Young, P.Dow

In: P.Cripps, J.Martin, M.Owies, M.Pittonet, A.Cerra, C.Marchbank

Out: L.Cowan (Omitted), P.Dow (Omitted), J.Honey (Omitted), E.Curnow (Omitted), S.Walsh (Injured), J.Silvagni (Injured), Le.Young (Sub)

GEELONG v FREMANTLE

Saturday July 29, 1:45pm at GMHBA Stadium

CATS

B: J.Kolodjashnij, J.Henry, G.Rohan

HB: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, T.Stewart

C: M.Duncan, I.Smith, M.Blicavs

HF: O.Henry, T.Hawkins, T.Stengle

F: Z.Tuohy, J.Cameron, B.Close

FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield – C, M.Holmes

I/C: J.Bowes, T.Atkins, T.Bruhn, G.Miers

EMG: M.O’Connor, O.Mullin, S.Menegola, E.Ratugolea

In: G.Rohan

Out: O.Mullin (Sub), M.O’Connor (Sub)

DOCKERS

B: J.Hamling, A.Pearce – C, E.Hughes

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

C: L.Henry, J.O’Meara, J.Aish

HF: S.Switkowski, J.Treacy, L.Schultz

F: S.Sturt, J.Amiss, M.Walters

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: M.Frederick, J.Corbett, N.Erasmus, C.Wagner

EMG: E.Stanley, M.Johnson, N.Wilson, T.Emmett

In: J.Aish

Out: M.Johnson (Managed), E.Stanley (Sub)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GWS

Saturday July 29, 1:45pm at Mars Stadium

BULLDOGS

B: L.Vandermeer, J.Bruce, T.Duryea

HB: B.Dale, A.Keath, E.Richards

C: C.Poulter, M.Bontempelli – C, A.Scott

HF: J.Macrae, A.Naughton, C.Daniel

F: C.Weightman, J.Ugle-Hagan, B.Smith

FOLL: T.English, A.Treloar, T.Liberatore

I/C: B.Williams, J.Johannisen, R.Gardner, R.Lobb

EMG: R.West, O.Baker, L.Cleary, J.Sweet

In: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb

Out: O.Baker (Omitted), R.West (Sub), B.Khamis (Omitted)

GIANTS

B: J.Buckley, S.Taylor, I.Cumming

HB: L.Ash, H.Himmelberg, L.Whitfield

C: J.Kelly, C.Ward, F.Callaghan

HF: D.Lloyd, J.Riccardi, T.Bedford

F: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene – C

FOLL: K.Briggs, H.Perryman, S.Coniglio

I/C: C.Brown, L.Keeffe, C.Idun, R.Angwin

EMG: N.Haynes, J.Fahey, M.Flynn, J.Wehr

In: L.Keeffe

Out: N.Haynes (Sub), J.Fahey (Sub)

GOLD COAST v BRISBANE

Saturday July 29, 4:35pm at Heritage Bank Stadium

SUNS

B: C.Ballard, S.Collins, M.Andrew

HB: D.Swallow, R.Atkins, S.Lemmens

C: W.Powell, S.Flanders, B.Ainsworth

HF: B.Humphrey, J.Lukosius, T.Miller

F: N.Holman, B.King, L.Casboult

FOLL: J.Witts – C, M.Rowell, N.Anderson

I/C: B.Ellis, E.Hollands, D.Macpherson, M.Rosas

EMG: C.Burgess, J.Farrar, J.Sharp, B.Fiorini

In: S.Lemmens, M.Rosas

Out: B.Long (Omitted), H.Oea (Omitted), J.Farrar (Sub)

LIONS

B: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews – C, J.Payne

HB: C.McKenna, R.Lester, K.Coleman

C: H.McCluggage, J.Dunkley, J.Berry

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

F: D.Zorko, J.Daniher, J.Gunston

FOLL: O.McInerney, L.Neale, C.Rayner

I/C: K.Lohmann, C.Ah Chee, J.Fletcher, D.Wilmot

EMG: J.Lyons, J.Tunstill, D.Fort, D.Joyce

In: None

Out: W.Ashcroft (Injured)

ESSENDON v SYDNEY

Saturday July 29, 7:25pm at Marvel Stadium

BOMBERS

B: A.McGrath, B.Zerk-Thatcher, J.Kelly

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

C: S.Durham, A.Perkins, N.Martin

HF: J.Caldwell, P.Wright, N.Cox

F: M.Guelfi, K.Langford, B.Hobbs

FOLL: A.Phillips, D.Parish, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: W.Snelling, N.Hind, N.Bryan, J.Menzie

EMG: E.Tsatas, K.Baldwin, A.Davey Jnr, A.McDonald-Tipungwuti

In: J.Menzie

Out: J.Ridley (Injured), J.Stringer (Injured)

SWANS

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

HB: J.Lloyd, N.Blakey, O.Florent

C: B.Campbell, L.Parker, E.Gulden

HF: I.Heeney, L.McDonald, S.Wicks

F: T.Papley, L.Franklin, J.Amartey

FOLL: H.McLean, Ch.Warner, C.Mills – C

I/C: R.Fox, J.McInerney, J.Rowbottom, W.Hayward

EMG: R.Clarke, A.Francis, J.Buller, D.Stephens

In: None

Out: R.Clarke (Sub)

ADELAIDE v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday July 29, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval

CROWS

B: B.Smith, J.Butts, M.Keane

HB: M.Michalanney, J.Worrell, W.Milera

C: C.Jones, J.Dawson – C, M.Hinge

HF: B.Keays, D.Fogarty, S.McAdam

F: L.Pedlar, T.Walker, H.Schoenberg

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, M.Crouch

I/C: R.Thilthorpe, R.Sloane, L.Murphy, L.Nankervis

EMG: J.Soligo, B.Cook, E.Himmelberg, N.McHenry

In: M.Keane, M.Michalanney, R.Laird

Out: B.Cook (Omitted), N.Murray (Injured), I.Rankine (Injured), J.Hately (Sub)

POWER

B: L.Jones, T.McKenzie, D.Houston

HB: K.Farrell, A.Aliir, R.Burton

C: M.Bergman, W.Drew, X.Duursma

HF: Z.Butters, T.Marshall, J.McEntee

F: D.Byrne-Jones, C.Dixon, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: D.Visentini, O.Wines – C, C.Rozee

I/C: D.Williams, J.Finlayson, J.Horne-Francis, F.Evans

EMG: J.Burgoyne, T.Boak, O.Lord, Q.Narkle

In: D.Byrne-Jones, D.Visentini

Out: T.Boak (Managed), W.Rioli (Suspension), S.Lycett (Managed)

HAWTHORN v ST KILDA

Sunday July 30, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium

HAWKS

B: B.Hardwick, S.Frost, S.Mitchell

HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily – C, F.Maginness

C: W.Day, J.Worpel, J.Weddle

HF: C.Nash, C.Wingard, T.Brockman

F: D.Moore, M.Lewis, L.Breust

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Ward

I/C: L. Bramble, C.Macdonald, C.Mackenzie, B.Ryan,

EMG: J.Scrimshaw, N. Long, F.Greene, J.Blanck

In: L.Meek, L.Bramble, C.Mackenzie, B.Ryan

Out: K.Amon (Injured), D.Grainger-Barras (Omitted), J.Scrimshaw (Omitted), N.Reeves (Suspension), N. Long (sub)

SAINTS

B: J.Battle, C.Wilkie, J.Webster

HB: M.Windhager, J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: R.Byrnes, Z.Jones, M.Wood

HF: J.Higgins, D.Butler, M.Phillipou

F: M.Owens, A.Caminiti, C.Sharman

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

I/C: H.Clark, L.Stocker, J.Billings, Z.Cordy

In: R.Byrnes, Z.Cordy, L.Stocker,

Out: D.Howard (Injured), B.Hill (Injured), J.Gresham, B.Hill (both omitted)

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE

Sunday July 30, 3:20pm at the MCG

TIGERS

B: N.Balta, D.Grimes – C, T.Young

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

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

HF: J.Graham, J.Hopper, L.Baker

F: J.Riewoldt, D.Martin, M.Pickett

FOLL: I.Soldo, D.Prestia, S.Bolton

I/C: S.Banks, B.Miller, T.Cotchin, R.Mansell

EMG: M.Coulthard, N.Cumberland, H.Ralphsmith, S.Ryan

In: None

Out: M.Coulthard (sub)

DEMONS

B: T.Rivers, S.May, J.Lever

HB: C.Salem, A.Tomlinson, J.Bowey

C: L.Hunter, J.Viney, E.Langdon

HF: K.Chandler, J.Melksham, J.Jordon

F: A.Neal-Bullen, J.van Rooyen, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn – C, A.Brayshaw, C.Petracca

I/C: J.Harmes, H.Petty, T.Woewodin, J.McVee

EMG: B.Grundy, C.Spargo, M.Hibberd, J.Smith

In: J.Harmes, H.Petty

Out: T.Sparrow (Injured), B.Brown (Omitted), J.Smith (sub)

WEST COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday July 30, 4:40pm at Optus Stadium

EAGLES

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

HB: B.Hough, A.Witherden, J.Hunt

C: A.Gaff, D.Sheed, C.Chesser

HF: L.Edwards, J.Darling, J.Cripps

F: N.Long, O.Allen – C, R.Maric

FOLL: B.Williams, T.Kelly, E.Hewett

I/C: J.Petruccelle, X.O’Neill, R.Bazzo, J.Williams,

EMG: E.Yeo, J.Rotham, G.Clark, C.Jamieson

In: L.Edwards

Out: L.Shuey (Injured), S.Petrevski-Seton (Suspension)

KANGAROOS

B: A.Corr, B.McKay, La.Young

HB: J.Goater, T.Thomas, L.McDonald

C: E.Ford, L.Davies-Uniacke, B.Scott

HF: C.Taylor, D.Tucker, J.Stephenson

F: W.Phillips, N.Larkey, P.Curtis

FOLL: T.Xerri, H.Sheezel, J.Simpkin – C

I/C (FROM): K.Turner, T.Goldstein, R.Hansen Jr, J.Archer

EMG: H.Greenwood, J.Ziebell, C.Harvey, D.Howe

In: J.Simpkin, K.Turner, R.Hansen Jr

Out: D.Howe, C.Harvey (both omitted), L.Shiels (Injured), J.Ziebell (managed)

Originally published as AFL 2023 round 20 teams: All the ins, outs and latest selection news