Round 24 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, latest team news

The final weekend of the home-and-away season throws up selection curveballs each year, and it could see one of the AFL’s biggest stars rested in a divisive move.

Plus, selection intrigue grows at Melbourne with a key figure expected to miss multiple weeks through suspension as a forgotten veteran makes a successful return to football. More in Round 24 Team Tips!

ROUND 24 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

ST KILDA v GOLD COAST SUNS

Thursday August 20, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 23 side

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), L.O’Connell

HB: A.Hastie, M.Windhager, L.Stocker

C: D.Wilson, M.Owens, H.Boxshall

HF: R.Byrnes, J.Higgins, B.Hill

F: C.Sharman, R.Marshall, D.Butler

FOLL: T.De Koning, J.Macrae, M.Hall

I/C: T.Travaglia, M.Phillipou, A.Tauru, H.Garcia, C.Lake

EMG: L.Ryan, C.Banfield, A.Caminiti

In: - A.Hastie, D.Butler, J.Macrae, T.Travaglia, A.Tauru

Out: - M.Wood (Injured), N.Wanganeen-Milera (Injured), A.Caminiti (Omitted), H.Clark (Managed), L.Ryan (Managed)

Team Tips: With their finals hopes officially gone, there’s a chance any Saints that have been playing underdone get put on ice. The likes of Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning battled through to play in recent weeks but might sit out the final game and get sent in for any operations required. Alix Tauru looked sore but played out the win over Richmond after a thigh knock and could also be a watch. Liam Henry (32 disposals, one goal), Kyle Fincher (29 touches, 11 marks) and Jack Carroll (26 disposals) were among their standout VFL performers and Hunter Clark and Liam Ryan were both managed as other options to come in.

Suns’ Round 23 side

B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: D.Rioli, W.Powell, J.Noble

C: S.Clohesy, N.Anderson (c), B.Addinsall

HF: C.Petracca, B.Humphrey, L.Gulbin

F: L.Lombard, J.Walter, B.King

FOLL: N.Moyle, M.Rowell, T.Miller

I/C: C.Ballard, J.Jeffrey, E.Read, B.Long, J.Rogers

EMG: N.Holman, J.Witts, J.Murray

In: - S.Collins, B.Addinsall

Out: - Z.Uwland (Omitted), J.Farrar (Personal Reason)

Team Tips: They’ve been reasonably stable in recent weeks ... but do they send their best team to Melbourne? Zeke Uwland responded to his axing with 30 disposals and a goal in the VFL and Ben Jepson had 36 touches, while Jai Murray (32 disposals), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (four goals) and Dylan Patterson (23 touches) were also running around in the twos. A win could see them leapfrog North Melbourne, so it wouldn’t be a shock if a few Suns were rested for their final hit-out of 2026.

COLLINGWOOD v BRISBANE LIONS

Friday August 21, 7:40pm at the MCG

Magpies’ Round 23 side

B: L.Puncher, B.Frampton, N.Howes

HB: I.Quaynor, D.Houston, S.Swadling

C: H.Harrison, E.Allan, J.Crisp

HF: B.McCreery, A.Anderson, L.Schultz

F: D.McStay, T.Membrey, C.West

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, N.Daicos (c)

I/C: J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, W.Hayes, N.Long, R.Steele

EMG: L.Sullivan, J.Buller, H.Harrison

In: - J.De Goey, S.Pendlebury

Out: - L.Sullivan (Omitted), S.Sidebottom (Illness)

Team Tips: To rest or not to rest? The former might seem the obvious choice with an MCG final against either Carlton or the Western Bulldogs locked in next week. And with Steele Sidebottom (illness), Pat Lipinski (calf), Brayden Maynard (knee/hamstring) and Jeremy Howe (arm) all in the frame to return. It could also make selection easier after a youthful Pies side’s impressive showing against Hawthorn. The likes of Nick Daicos, Josh Daicos, Darcy Cameron, Dan McStay, Billy Frampton and Scott Pendlebury could be given a spell if any need a rest before finals. That could put Harry DeMattia (26 touches), Tyan Prindable (22 disposals, eight tackles, one goal) and Harrison Coe (15 touches, 44 hit-outs) in the frame to debut after encouraging VFL showings.

Lions’ Round 23 side

B: N.Answerth, H.Andrews (c), R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, D.Gardiner, D.Zorko

C: J.Berry, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey

HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, O.Allen

F: E.Hipwood, C.Rayner, K.Lohmann

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: S.Draper, J.Fletcher, L.Ashcroft, D.Annable, C.McKenna

EMG: L.McCarthy, Z.Zakostelsky, J.Tunstill

In: Nil

Out: Nil

Team Tips: Chris Fagan won’t be stuffing around at selection with a top four spot very much on the line. Basically at full strength outside of Hugh McCluggage (calf), who they’ve already confirmed won’t return until finals. Ty Gallop is due back from suspension in an intriguing call for selection committee. You sense Gallop will be brought through the VFL despite playing 17 games prior to that Round 20 suspension, though Fagan’s side has been undermanned for a fair chunk of the season. Keidean Coleman (27 touches, one goal), James Tunstill (two goals from 32 disposals, 11 tackles) and Bruce Reville (33 touches) among their best in the VFL team’s 103-point domination of Gold Coast, but hard to see them wanting to change much.

CARTLON v FREMANTLE

Saturday August 22, 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium

Blues’ Round 23 side

B: L.Cowan, J.Weitering, B.Wilson

HB: M.McGovern, H.Dean, O.Florent

C: M.Cottrell, P.Cripps (c), A.Cerra

HF: T.Byrne, H.McKay, B.Ainsworth

F: C.Lord, B.Kemp, F.Evans

FOLL: M.Pittonet, G.Hewett, S.Walsh

I/C: N.Haynes, J.Smith, W.Hayward, W.Derksen, B.Acres

EMG: J.Ison, L.Young, J.Boyd

In: - J.Weitering

Out: - L.Young (Omitted)

Team Tips: Finals are locked in to complete the club’s stunning turnaround under caretaker coach Josh Fraser, who’s won the role on a full-time basis. A win could see the Blues avoid a trip to Adelaide Oval to face the Crows in finals, so you’d expect Fraser rolls out his best side, unless some players need a rest. There will be a watch on Will Hayward (ankle) after he failed to finish the draw with the Bulldogs. If reinforcements are required, Ollie Hollands (31 touches, one goal), Lucas Camporeale (32 disposals) and Lachie Fogarty (25 touches) played well in the twos to put their hand up for a recall. But spots are tight in Fraser’s side right now.

Dockers’ Round 23 side

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman

HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner

C: M.Johnson, A.Brayshaw, M.Frederick

HF: S.Bolton, I.Dudley, S.Switkowski

F: P.Voss, J.Amiss, J.Treacy

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, H.Young

I/C: M.Cox, C.Scerri, N.Erasmus, N.O’Driscoll, O.McDonald

EMG: J.McVee, T.Murray, T.Whan

In: - A.Pearce, C.Scerri

Out: - M.Reid (Injured), J.McVee (Omitted)

Team Tips: In no surprise, Justin Longmuir’s side clinched top spot on the ladder. But also won’t play their qualifying final for another fortnight, so there’s no real incentive to rest players outside of protecting them from injury. Could be wise to wrap some stars in cotton wool until September, particularly the likes of Hayden Young, who’s been marred by soft tissue injuries, and Alex Pearce, who seemed hampered by a knock to his heavily-strapped left knee. Longmuir on Tuesday believed Murphy Reid would be unlikely to come back into the frame following a nasty testicle blow in Round 22. Sean Darcy won’t be back, however, after the ruckman suffered a calf injury in the WAFL; though the initial hope is it isn’t serious. Meanwhile, a strong twos performance from Jeremy Sharp (33 disposals, seven tackles) has put him in contention for a recall and his first senior showing since Round 8.

MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday August 22, 4:15pm at the MCG

Demons’ Round 23 side

B: J.Bowey, J.Lever, D.Turner

HB: C.Salem, T.McDonald, C.Jiath

C: H.Sharp, T.Sparrow, H.Langford

HF: K.Pickett, M.Jefferson, E.Langdon

F: K.Tholstrup, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler

FOLL: M.Gawn (c), J.Steele, C.Windsor

I/C: B.Laurie, T.Rivers, B.Fritsch, H.Petty, J.Fitzgerald

EMG: X.Taylor, M.Heath, P.Cross

In: Nil

Out: Nil

Team Tips: Another compelling showing from Steven King’s Demons against Port Adelaide has them in great shape heading into September. Still in the running for top four and to avoid dropping to a wildcard spot, so they’ll put their best foot forward at the MCG. And while they may have got through its trip to Adelaide Oval unscathed, the absence of Jacob van Rooyen looms large after being handed a three-game suspension after a marking contest left opponent Aliir Aliir concussed. Utility Tom McDonald makes the most logical sense to be swung forward for the Demons, which could see Xavier Taylor recalled down back. Jack Viney had 20 disposals (12 contested) with a goal in the VFL to give King something to ponder, though the Melbourne coach said the veteran midfielder wouldn’t be an automatic recall to the senior team. Jake Melksham (3.3 from 15 touches) and Xavier Lindsay (25 touches, one goal) also impressed at the lower level as potential reinforcements. But there’s every chance they go in unchanged for a second-straight week.

Bulldogs’ Round 23 side

B: M.Sellwood, B.Khamis, L.Carmichael

HB: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Williams

C: S.Davidson, J.Freijah, C.Hynes

HF: C.Weightman, L.Emmett, A.Jones

F: J.Dolan, A.Naughton (c), J.Croft

FOLL: R.Lobb, R.Sanders, E.Richards

I/C: L.Jaques, L.Kennedy, M.Kennedy, T.Liberatore, R.West

EMG: J.Busslinger, O.Baker, L.McNeil

In: - L.Carmichael, L.Emmett, L.Kennedy

Out: - N.Coffield (Omitted), M.Bontempelli (Managed), T.English (Injured)

Team Tips: Just like last week, finals are again for Luke Beveridge’s crew. Though a loss to Melbourne could mean the Dogs have to visit the Crows at Adelaide Oval in their wildcard game. Marcus Bontempelli is no guarantee to return after the banged-up superstar was managed in the draw with Carlton. Tim English (MCL) has already been ruled out, but Bailey Dale (shoulder) and Connor Budarick (ankle) will push to make their returns. That could put halfbacks Lachlan Carmichael and Lachie Jaques under selection pressure. Jedd Busslinger (32 touches, 10 marks), Luke Cleary (28 disposals, nine marks) and Oscar Baker (26 touches, 10 marks) staked their claim for a recall with strong VFL performances.

GEELONG v RICHMOND

Saturday August 22, 7:45pm at the MCG

Cats’ Round 23 side

B: T.Stewart, C.O’Sullivan, L.Humphries

HB: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, T.Bruhn

C: O.Dempsey, B.Smith, M.Blicavs

HF: G.Miers, O.Henry, B.Close

F: P.Dangerfield (c), S.Neale, J.Polkinghorne

FOLL: M.Edwards, T.Atkins, O.Mullin

I/C: J.Clark, M.O’Connor, J.Worpel, O.Wiltshire, S.Mannagh

EMG: J.Martin, M.Knevitt, R.Stanley

In: - P.Dangerfield, M.Edwards

Out: - S.De Koning (Injured), J.Martin (Managed)

Team Tips: A couple of injury concerns going into what should be a simple assignment with a top six spot on the line. James Worpel (hamstring) and Oliver Wilthsire (foot) both failed to finish the win against North. Sam De Koning also missed the game due to a bursa in his knee in a watch this week. Jack Martin should be good to return from a rest, while George Stevens (35 touches, one goal), Rhys Stanley (two goals from 19 touches) and Mitch Knevitt (one goal, 27 disposals) were among their best in the VFL. Jeremy Cameron could also come into frame with that AC joint injury, though you suspect the club would play a cautious approach with the star forward and ensure he’s fit for finals.

Tigers’ Round 23 side

B: N.Broad, B.Miller, K.Annand

HB: T.Brown, S.Banks, N.Vlastuin

C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto, J.Clarke

HF: S.Campbell, S.Green, H.Ralphsmith

F: T.Lynch, S.Lalor, M.Lefau

FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), J.Ross, D.Prestia

I/C: J.Short, S.Grlj, T.Hotton, L.Trainor, H.Armstrong

EMG: M.Rioli, S.Ryan, T.Sonsie

In: - L.Trainor, H.Armstrong

Out: - T.Sonsie (Omitted), S.Ryan (Omitted)

Team Tips: Adem Yze sure wasn’t happy with his side’s effort in last week’s loss to St Kilda. They’re set two lose two experienced names, after Dion Prestia and Nathan Broad played their farewell games against the Saints. There will be a pressure on a few more Tigers including Harry Armstrong, Steely Green and Luke Trainor after they had limited influence on the weekend as the club’s three lowest-rated players. Kane McAuliffe (28 touches) and Samson Ryan (four goals) should be at the front of the queue for a recall as two of their best in a VFL win over St Kilda.

ADELAIDE v GWS GIANTS

Saturday August 22, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 23 side

B: J.Borlase, J.Worrell, M.Michalanney

HB: I.Cumming, M.Keane, B.Cook

C: J.Peatling, J.Dawson (c), C.Ah Chee

HF: L.Nankervis, R.Thilthorpe, J.Rachele

F: H.Hall-Kahan, D.Fogarty, D.Curtin

FOLL: L.McAndrew, I.Rankine, J.Soligo

I/C: R.Laird, B.Keays, Z.Taylor, S.Berry, T.Murray

EMG: B.Dowling, C.Jones, T.Walker

In: - J.Borlase, L.Nankervis, D.Fogarty, L.McAndrew, J.Soligo, T.Murray

Out: - A.Neal-Bullen (Personal Reason), T.Walker (Managed), R.O’Brien (Omitted), A.Ludowyke (Omitted), B.Dowling (Omitted), O.Ryan (Omitted)

Team Tips: The Crows should welcome back Alex Neal-Bullen and Taylor Walker to a brave side that took Fremantle all the way at Optus Stadium. Wayne Milera will also be in the mix to return from a hamstring injury in a potential triple boost for Matthew Nicks’ as his crew fights desperately to jump out of a wildcard spot. Toby Murray is front of the line to make way for Walker, while the likes of Max Michalanney will also feel selection heat and could get squeezed out.

Giants’ Round 23 side

B: J.Fonti, S.Taylor, C.Idun

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

C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas

HF: S.Coniglio, M.Gruzewski, C.Stone

F: J.Stringer, A.Cadman, C.Brown

FOLL: N.Madden, T.Greene (c), H.Rowston

I/C: J.Delana, C.Angove, R.Hamilton, T.McMullin, K.Briggs

EMG: J.Ough, J.Riccardi

In: - C.Angove, T.McMullin, C.Stone

Out: - J.Laverde (Injured), X.O’Halloran (Injured), T.Bedford (Injured)

Team Tips: A potential chance to put any sore bodies on ice for the Giants’ last game of the season with finals officially out of reach. That could also mean leaving out those injured players who missed last week and getting more experience into the club’s younger crop. Speaking of youth, Jack Ough (32 disposals) and Harrison Oliver (22 touches, eight marks) could get called up for the last game of the season as two that will hope to take on bigger roles in 2027. It could be the last time we see a few Giants who are out of contract, including skipper Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Kieren Briggs and Jake Stringer.

ESSENDON v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday August 23, 12:20pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 23 side

B: A.McGrath (c), Z.Reid, M.Redman

HB: J.Prior, A.Roberts, J.Artemis

C: M.Kondogiannis, W.Setterfield, A.Clarke

HF: J.Caldwell, N.Caddy, A.Day-Wicks

F: I.Kako, P.Wright, K.Langford

FOLL: V.Visentini, Z.Merrett, D.Sharp

I/C: J.Farrow, A.Perkins, H.Jones, N.Bryan, R.Unwin

EMG: E.Tsatas, H.El Achkar, L.Blakiston

In: - A.Clarke, H.Jones, N.Bryan

Out: - S.Durham (Injured), Z.Johnson (Omitted), H.El Achkar (Managed)

Team Tips: Midfielder Darcy Parish remains the only player who could return from injury this weekend to see off a hellish 2026 season for the Bombers. They thankfully got away from Sunday evening’s loss to Sydney mostly unscathed, though the recovery of six-time best-and-fairest winner Zach Merrett could be a watch, after a nasty knock to the cheek brought major swelling. Sam Durham’s season is also expected to be over, as he continues to manage groin soreness. Having been out of the senior side since Round 12, Jade Gresham kicked five more majors off the back of four in the VFL the week before to put his hand up one final time for selection. Tom Edwards (22 disposals, three goals, three contested marks) was also impressive in their 27-point win, while Elijah Tsatas racked up 34 or more disposals for the ninth time this season in the same game. Angus Clarke, Harrison Jones and Jaxon Artemis were among the quieter types at senior level who could be replaced.

Power’s Round 23 side

B: J.Lai, H.Ramm, M.Bergman

HB: B.O’Brien, A.Aliir, L.Jones

C: J.Wehr, J.Horne-Francis, J.Burgoyne

HF: X.Bamert, T.Marshall, J.Richards

F: C.Durdin, M.Georgiades, J.Whitlock

FOLL: J.Sweet, O.Wines, W.Drew (c)

I/C: T.Anastasopoulos, M.Zadow, A.Van Wyk, J.Berry, D.Visentini

EMG: J.Mead, W.Lorenz, X.Walsh

In: - L.Jones, X.Bamert, J.Richards, M.Georgiades

Out: - D.Byrne-Jones (Suspension), C.Moraes (Omitted), J.Mead (Omitted), W.Lorenz (Omitted)

Team Tips: Port Adelaide’s tumultuous, injury-affected season is nearly over. All eyes will be on restricted free agent Zak Butters as he desperately tries to return from a nasty syndesmosis injury sustained in Round 18. However, the initial expectation is an appearance will be one bridge too far for the superstar midfielder to cross. They could also be without star key defender Aliir Aliir, whose season is over after a concussion amid the 76-point drubbing at the hands of Melbourne last Saturday night. Out-of-contract back Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is an obvious like-for-like replacement, who could be recalled for his fifth and final AFL game for 2026. The Power had a number of lowly-rated players in their 76-point drubbing at the hands of Melbourne, but with little selection pressure coming from the SANFL, bulk changes look unlikely. That said, the omitted Christian Moraes (24 disposals, six marks) and former Docker Will Brodie (26 disposals, 11 clearances) may be next in line, as could Will Lorenz (28 disposals, 10 intercepts).

SYDNEY v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday August 23, 3:20pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 23 side

B: C.Mills (c), T.McCartin, D.Rampe

HB: N.Blakey, R.Bice, J.Hamling

C: M.Roberts, E.Gulden, J.Serong

HF: J.Lloyd, L.McDonald, B.Campbell

F: T.Papley, C.Curnow, J.Jordon

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, Ch.Warner

I/C: H.Kyle, S.Wicks, B.Cootee, J.Dattoli, W.Green

EMG: H.McLean, C.Cleary, A.Sheldrick

In: - D.Rampe, B.Grundy

Out: - L.Melican (Omitted), H.McLean (Omitted)

Team Tips: Given Sydney’s shocking sexual assault probe that came to light on Monday morning, their team dynamic is extremely difficult to predict this early in the week. That being said, the quartet of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice — who have all been questioned by police on the matter — appear unlikely at this stage to take on the Kangaroos. In the instance they don’t play, the likes of Caiden Cleary and Angus Sheldrick, who were both emergencies in Round 23, look likely inclusions; particularly the former who had a whopping 30 disposals, 16 tackles and a goal in the VFL. Veteran defender Harry Cunningham would also be a logical inclusion down back, while Corey Warner and Tom Hanily will also be around the mark. Plus, pending fitness tests at training this week, Justin McInerney should return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for multiple months. Under the circumstances, you wouldn’t expect too many unforced changes; though Dean Cox may revert back to playing just the one ruckman in Brodie Grundy — leaving two-gamer Will Green in selection jeopardy.

Roos’ Round 23 side

B: A.Corr, C.Comben, L.Parker

HB: R.Hardeman, C.Daniel, C.McKercher

C: F.O’Sullivan, L.Davies-Uniacke, D.Stephens

HF: C.Spargo, C.Trembath, J.Simpkin

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), P.Curtis

FOLL: T.Xerri, G.Wardlaw, H.Sheezel

I/C: W.Dawson, G.Logue, J.Darling, T.Blamires, Z.Banch

EMG: B.Scott, J.Goater, M.Whitlock

No changes

Team Tips: After missing just two games in across his four-year career to date, Harry Sheezel is all but certain to miss North’s season finale this Sunday, after sustaining a broken cheekbone that looks likely to require surgery as per the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. Veteran Luke McDonald could be a straight swap for the star midfielder, as Alastair Clarkson ponders just how many changes to make to his valiant side. Tall Wil Dawson has limited impact with four disposals from 57% game time, and may be slightly vulnerable as a second ruck given a number of huge performances at VFL level. Father-son Cooper Harvey had an eye-watering 43 disposals and 13 marks in the reserves’ loss to the Cats, while perennial VFL ball-winner Bailey Scott went past the 40-disposal mark for the second time in three games. Up forward, mid-season draftee Ollie Griffin kicked three or more goals for the sixth time in nine matches to surely earn himself an AFL contract beyond 2026.

WEST COAST v HAWTHORN

Sunday August 23, 7:20pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 23 side

B: B.Starcevich, R.Bazzo, B.Hough

HB: L.Baker, T.Young, M.Herbert

C: W.Duursma, E.Yeo, L.Duggan (c)

HF: T.Gross, J.Shanahan, J.Graham

F: M.Murdock, J.Waterman, C.Duff-Tytler

FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly

I/C: J.Lindsay, T.McCarthy, T.Cole, J.Williams, H.Davis

EMG: M.Flynn, B.Allan, H.Schoenberg

In: - H.Davis

Out: - B.Allan (Managed)

Team Tips: The Eagles’ last rodeo for 2026 is unlikely to see too many changes, despite a very poor outing in western Sydney. Among the lower-rated players for the match were Cooper Duff-Tytler, Jack Williams and Hamish Davis, who may be vulnerable at selection. After being managed for Round 23, second-year player Bo Allan could be brought back to finish his year in the senior side, while Elijah Hewett didn’t play at any level over the weekend due to a nagging corked calf. In the WAFL side’s gritty 11-point win over Peel Thunder, tall Harry Barnett had his most impactful game in a while with three goals, while emergency Harry Schoenberg was busy with 23 disposals and 10 tackles.

Hawks’ Round 23 side

B: J.Sicily (c), T.Barrass, B.Hardwick

HB: J.Impey, B.Macdonald, J.Battle

C: H.Morrison, W.Day, M.D’Ambrosio

HF: D.Moore, M.Chol, M.Beattie

F: N.Watson, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, C.Mackenzie

I/C: J.Weddle, J.Ginnivan, J.Ward, C.Macdonald, K.Amon

EMG: N.Reeves, F.Maginness, S.Butler

In: - B.Macdonald, M.Beattie

Out: - N.Reeves (Omitted), S.Butler (Omitted)

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