AFL round 6 line-ups: See all the team news as it drops

Hawthorn have recalled a three-time premiership star but have dropped a top-10 draft pick, while North Melbourne have managed one of their young guns.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on March 22, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Melbourne young gun George Wardlaw has been rested in a surprise move ahead of the Kangaroos’ crucial clash with Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The 19-year-old on-baller will be an emergency for the Hawks clash after five consecutive games to begin the season, with Will Phillips to play his first match since round 24 last year.

The former No. 3 pick was among the Roos’ best with 26 disposals in that game, an upset win over Gold Coast, but was left out of the senior side when the season began.

Phillips will be joined in the side by Cam Zurhaar, who could take on the second-ruck duties in his return from a calf complaint after Hugh Greenwood was dropped.

Hawthorn dropped former top 10 pick Josh Ward for the clash along with Max Ramsden and Sam Butler as Jack Gunston, Harry Morrison and Jai Serong came into the side.

Josh Ward (L) has been dropped. Picture: Michael Klein

Diminutive Gold Coast midfielder Jake Rogers will make his debut against Sydney after he was the only change, replacing Malcolm Rosas Jr (hamstring).

The Swans also only made one change, with forward Sam Wicks returning for his first game since round 2 at the expense of recent debutant Caleb Mitchell.

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After regaining veterans Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins, the Cats have swung two other changes against the Lions, with Rhys Stanley and Zach Tuohy managed as Toby Conway returns following an impressive game against Hawthorn on Easter Monday along with Jake Kolodjashnij.

Brisbane has recalled Jarryd Lyons to replace Zac Bailey, who is out for four to six weeks with an ankle injury.

Essendon’s former No. 5 pick Elijah Tsatas will play his seventh game on Friday night against Adelaide after he was named to replace small forward Jye Menzie (shoulder), but there was no room for Dylan Shiel.

Adelaide has replaced injured key defender Jordon Butts with James Borlase, while Lachie Sholl returns for the suspended Matt Crouch.

Collingwood will field an unchanged side against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday, while the Power have managed spearhead Charlie Dixon and brought in Jordon Sweet for his first game for the club.

Fremantle star Sean Darcy will play his first game of the season in the Western Derby after overcoming a knee injury, as will Sam Sturt as Matt Taberner was dropped and Sam Switkowski ruled out due to injury.

West Coast veteran Dom Sheed will replace Luke Edwards (concussion).

Carlton named like-for-like replacements for hamstrung duo Mitch McGovern and Adam Saad, with Lewis Young recalled and Lachie Cowan picked for his first game for the season.

Carlton was not able to call on fellow interceptor Caleb Marchbank to fill McGovern’s role as he continues his recovery from a back fracture.

GWS also made two changes for the Saturday afternoon clash, with Leek Aleer and Callan Ward replacing Sam Taylor (concussion) and Stephen Coniglio (knee).

Originally published as AFL round 6 line-ups: See all the team news as it drops