Pies’ answer to crisis; why Cats coach could send message with shake-up — Team Tips

Collingwood has a big call to make in the ruck department as it prepares for life without Darcy Cameron.

Meanwhile the Cats have plenty to ponder after the reigning premiers’ 0-3 start to the season.

Get the latest AFL selection and injury news ahead of Round 4 in Team Tips!

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AFL ROUND 4 FIXTURE AND TEAMS (All times AEDT)

BRISBANE LIONS V COLLINGWOOD

Thursday April 6, 7:35pm at the Gabba

Lions’ Round 3 Team

B: B.Starcevich, J.Payne, D.Joyce

HB: C.McKenna, H.Andrews, D.Wilmot

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

HF: C.Cameron, J.Gunston, H.McCluggage

F: D.Zorko, J.Daniher, E.Hipwood

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: L.McCarthy, C.Rayner, K.Coleman, D.Fort

Team Tips: The big question for Chris Fagan is whether he needs the extra height against a Collingwood side facing a ruck crisis that will likely go into Thursday’s clash undersized. It comes as Daniel Rich should return from injury, meaning someone has to come out. The Lions couldn’t drop Joe Daniher or Eric Hipwood amid their indifferent starts to the season, could they? If it’s not either, or Darcy Fort,Darragh Joyce could be the unlucky one to make way, while Lincoln McCarthy has also been below his best form in 2023. Meanwhile Deven Robertson (23 disposals, 11 tackles, one goal) and Jarryd Lyons (31 touches, seven tackles) put their hands up for a recall after strong performances in the VFL.

Magpies’ Round 3 Team

B: N.Murphy, B.Frampton, B.Maynard

HB: J.Noble, D.Moore, S.Pendlebury

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

HF: B.Mihocek, D.Cameron, D.McStay

F: B.Hill, J.Elliott, J.De Goey

FOLL: A.Johnson, T.Adams, N.Daicos

I/C: I.Quaynor, J.Crisp, B.McCreery, W.Hoskin-Elliott

Team Tips: What the unbeaten Magpies do in the ruck with both Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox sidelined will be intriguing, with Craig McRae saying the club would get “creative” in its solution. Collingwood most likely replaces Cameron with a key forward line target, probably Reef McInnes (three goals in the VFL), and then plays Dan McStay and Ash Johnson as a ruck tandem with relief from Billy Frampton, as opposed to deploying 19-year old rookie Oscar Steene. Its’s the only forced change for Collingwood, while Jack Ginnivan got through his VFL return with one goal and Finlay Macrae (25 touches, two goals), Trent Bianco (29 disposals, seven tackles) and Ed Allan (25 possessions, one goal) also staked their claim for a senior berth.

NORTH MELBOURNE V CARLTON

Friday April 7, 4:20pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 3 Team

B: J.Ziebell, G.Logue, A.Corr

HB: J.Goater, L.McDonald, M.Bergman

C: T.Powell, L.Shiels, C.Taylor

HF: J.Stephenson, C.Comben, P.Curtis

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey, H.Greenwood

FOLL: T.Goldstein, L.Davies-Uniacke, B.Scott

I/C: K.Turner, B.Cunnington, H.Sheezel, W.Phillips

Team Tips: The Kangaroos should be boosted by the returns of both Jy Simpkin and Luke Davies-Uniacke to their midfield, providing the latter’s calf issue isn’t serious after he was a late out against Hawthorn. It leaves Daniel Howe, Hugh Greenwood and Will Phillips as the most vulnerable of coming out of the side if the club opts for like-for-like changes, while Darcy Tucker could also earn a promotion to the 22 after being the sub last week. Meanwhile if Griffin Logue’s tribunal challenge is unsuccessful, Alastair Clarkson flagged Kallan Dawson could replace the key defender, while Aiden Bonar could also get the call up to combat Carlton’s tall forward line. Pick 4 draftee George Wardlaw is also on the cusp of making his debut, picking up 23 disposals and six tackles in the VFL in his road back from injury.

Blues’ Round 3 Team

B: M.McGovern, J.Weitering, N.Newman

HB: S.Docherty, Le.Young, A.Saad

C: E.Curnow, P.Cripps, B.Acres

HF: M.Owies, H.McKay, J.Silvagni

F: C.Durdin, C.Curnow, Z.Fisher

FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

I/C: L.Cowan, O.Hollands, M.Pittonet, J.Motlop

Team Tips: The only injury concern at Ikon Park is Matthew Owies’ hamstring problem that caused the forward to be subbed out of the team’s win over GWS, with the extent of the setback unclear, while Blake Acres will also miss he can’t have his one-match ban overturned at the tribunal. Depending on the severity of Matthew Kennedy’s injury, the hard-noses midfielder will come straight back in, and last week’s substitute Lochie O’Brien should take Acres’ spot, if required. Alex Cincotta racked up 34 touches in the VFL and should get a senior opportunity at some stage, although it’s hard to see him getting a look in right now, while Brodie Kemp had 24 touches and one goal in the twos.

ADELAIDE V FREMANTLE

Saturday, April 8, 1:150pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 3 Team

B: T.Doedee, N.Murray, M.Michalanney

HB: B.Smith, J.Dawson – C, M.Hinge

C: B.Keays, R.Laird, L.Sholl

HF: J.Rachele, L.Pedlar, J.Soligo

F: T.Walker, L.Gollant, I.Rankine

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Sloane, S.Berry

I/C: J.Butts, W.Milera, L.Murphy, R.Thilthorpe

Team Tips: Matthew Nicks’ side could have two forced changes, with Luke Pedlar copping a one-match ban and Sam Berry under an injury cloud after getting a knock to his calf that caused the midfielder to get subbed out of the Showdown. Harry Schoenberg should be the frontrunner to earn a reprieve to the senior team after a big 34-disposal, three-goal performance in the SANFL, while Darcy Fogarty could return from a knee injury. If not, Chayce Jones and Ned McHenry will be in the mix to come in. You sense Patrick Parnell will get another week off with his concussion.

Dockers’ Round 3 Team

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce, H.Young

HB: H.Chapman, L.Ryan, N.Wilson

C: J.Clark, J.O’Meara, J.Aish

HF: M.Walters, L.Jackson, M.Frederick

F: L.Schultz, S.Switkowski, M.Taberner

FOLL: S.Darcy, A.Brayshaw, C.Serong

I/C: J.Amiss, E.Hughes, L.Henry, N.O’Driscoll

Team Tips: After the Dockers’ big Derby win over West Coast — their first win of 2023 — Justin Longmuir won’t feel inclined to make many — if any — changes. Nat Fyfe will come into calculations again as the former skipper looks to overcome a foot injury, with Nathan O’Driscoll seemingly the most vulnerable to come out of the team if so. Last week’s axing of Will Brodie turned heads, but it’s hard to see him getting a recall given how well the team performed, with James Aish and Sam Switkowski impressing with extra midfield opportunities.

RICHMOND V WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday, April 8, 4:35pm at MCG

Tigers’ Round 3 Team

B: N.Balta, D.Grimes, T.Young

HB: L.Baker, N.Vlastuin, D.Rioli

C: K.McIntosh, D.Prestia, M.Pickett

HF: M.Rioli, J.Graham, R.Mansell

F: S.Ryan, S.Bolton, T.Lynch

FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, T.Cotchin

I/C: J.Riewoldt, H.Ralphsmith, J.Clarke, J.Ross

Team Tips: The Tigers could get boosted by the returns of Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper for Saturday’s clash as they look to bounce back from last week’s loss to Collingwood, while Jayden Short might be another week away. Samson Ryan seems likely to make way, while the likes of Jack Graham, Hugo Ralphsmith, Judson Clarke and Rhyan Mansell will also feel pressure. Tyler Sonsie impressed in the VFL with 31 touches to also stake his claim for a recall.

Dogs’ Round 3 Team

B: Bruce, Jones, Crozier

HB: Dale, Keath, Richards

C: Williams, Bontempelli, Jones

HF: Smith, Ugle-Hagan, Treloar

F: Scott, Naughton, Lobb

FOLL: English, Liberatore, Macrae

I/C: Johannisen, Garcia, Daniel, Baker

Team Tips: Having notched their first win of 2023 in an impressive Friday night showing against Brisbane, it’s very possible the Dogs could go unchanged this week. Although Arthur Jones only picked up five disposals on debut, he provided a great spark up forward, and their other role players all performed well. Sam Darcy booted three goals from 18 disposals in the VFL, but he might be made to made to continue to build form in the VFL, while Rhylee West (three goals) and Tim O’Brien are also likely to remain on the outside looking in.

ST KILDA V GOLD COAST

Saturday, April 8, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

Saints’ Round 3 Team

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

HB: L.Stocker, J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: M.Wood, M.Windhager, R.Byrnes

HF: M.Phillipou, B.Hill, J.Higgins

F: Z.Cordy, J.Gresham, A.Caminiti

FOLL: R.Marshall, B.Crouch, S.Ross

I/C: J.Webster, H.Clark, M.Owens, D.Butler

Team Tips: The injuries keep coming at St Kilda, with Jimmy Webster set to miss several weeks with a fractured cheekbone, while the in-form Mason Wood is also in doubt with a shoulder issue. Jack Bytel registered 34 disposals with two goals in a big VFL win as the frontrunner to come into the senior side, although it could be as the sub if Ben Paton earns a promotion to the 22. Max Heath booted five goals in the twos in a strong performance, but you sense he’ll be made to wait to make his debut for Ross Lyon’s undefeated team.

Suns’ Round 3 Team

B: L.Weller, S.Collins, D.Macpherson

HB: B.Long, C.Ballard, J.Farrar

C: J.Lukosius, T.Miller, D.Swallow

HF: B.Ainsworth, L.Casboult, M.Rosas

F: N.Holman, B.King, E.Hollands

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

I/C: S.Flanders, J.Jeffrey, H.Oea, W.Powell

Team Tips: The Suns are finally close to full strength, and after coming off a big win over reigning premier Geelong, could stick with the same 22 this week. It could hinge on the severity of Sam Flanders’ knee setback, where Rory Atkins (27 touches, two goals) and Brayden Fiorini (28 disposals, three goals) figure to be the most likely reinforcements after big VFL outings. Mabior Chol and Charlie Constable look set to remain out of favour after their axings in recent weeks.

SYDNEY V PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday, April 8, 7:30pm at SCG

Swans’ Round 3 Team

B: T.McCartin, D.Rampe, P.McCartin

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

C: E.Gulden, L.Parker, D.Stephens

HF: I.Heeney, W.Hayward, J.Amartey

F: T.Papley, L.Franklin, L.McDonald

FOLL: P.Ladhams, J.Rowbottom, C.Mills

I/C: H.Cunningham, C.Warner, B.Campbell, J.McInerney

Team Tips: The Swans aren’t to make too many unforced changes. Although Angus Sheldrick is banging down the door at VFL level, with hauls of 29 and 34 disposals in his past two games. The Swans have given Braeden Campbell and Harry Cunningham a good run across the first three weeks of the season, but both have been quiet in recent weeks.

Power’s Round 3 Team

B: R.Bonner, T.Jonas, T.Clurey

HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, D.Houston

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

HF: J.Finlayson, T.Marshall, C.Rozee

F: Z.Butters, C.Dixon, S.Powell-Pepper

FOLL: S.Lycett, O.Wines, J.Horne-Francis

I/C: K.Farrell, T.Boak, J.Rioli, L.Jones

Team Tips: The Power are in good health from an injury perspective, with Trent McKenzie a chance to return from an ankle injury. If deemed fit, he could come in for Tom Clurey. Jeremy Finlayson, who returned from a syndesmosis injury, looked like he could do with a run in the SANFL, so whether Mitch Georgiades comes back into the side after being dropped will be interesting. Xavier Duursma was subbed out of the game, while Riley Bonner was statless in the final term as the Crows kicked away and Darcy Byrne-Jones went at 57 per cent by foot, so they could be vulnerable too. Jase Burgoyne would be a chance to come into the 22.

ESSENDON V GWS GIANTS

Sunday, April 9, 2:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 3 Team

B: M.Redman, J.Ridley, M.D’Ambrosio

HB: J.Kelly, J.Laverde, A.McGrath

C: D.Heppell, W.Setterfield, D.Shiel

HF: A.Davey Jnr, H.Jones, K.Langford

F: J.Stringer, S.Weideman, A.Perkins

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

I/C: J.Caldwell, S.Durham, N.Martin, J.Menzie

Team Tips: Is this the week the Bombers have a look at key forward Patrick Voss in the senior team? The Bombers rookie has kicked five and four goals from his first two VFL games this season. With Harry Jones kicking just one goal from his first three AFL matches, could Voss replace him? Brandon Zerk-Thatcher should also be available to return, so whether he comes in for another key-position player or replaces the under-fire Dyson Heppell remains unclear. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti might be available for selection, but he’d be more likely to return via the VFL.

Giants’ Round 3 Team

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, I.Cumming

HB: L.Whitfield, N.Haynes, L.Ash

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

HF: J.Peatling, H.Himmelberg, D.Lloyd

F: T.Greene, J.Hogan, B.Daniels

FOLL: M.Flynn, T.Green, S.Coniglio

I/C: J.Riccardi, H.Rowston, C.Ward, J.Buckley

Team Tips: Could the Giants debut two players? No. 1 pick Aaron Cadman will again be in the mix for an AFL debut after kicking three goals from 10 disposals and four tackles in the VFL. But 2021 draftee and academy graduate Josh Fahey was just as impressive against the Blues’ VFL side, finishing with 43 disposals and 12 marks in a dominant display. Cooper Hamilton was subbed out and could be vulnerable to losing his spot in the best 22, while it might be time to give James Peatling a look in the VFL. And the Giants could also consider dropping Jake Riccardi, who kicked two goals against Carlton but was the lowest rated player on the ground – which would open the door for Cadman.

WEST COAST V MELBOURNE

Sunday, April 9, 5:20pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 3 Team

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

HB: T.Cole, J.McGovern, J.Hunt

C: D.Sheed, T.Kelly, A.Gaff

HF: N.Long, J.Darling, J.Cripps

F: L.Ryan, O.Allen, J.Waterman

FOLL: B.Williams, R.Ginbey, L.Shuey

I/C: S.Petrevski-Seton, C.Chesser, A.Witherden, J.Jones

Team Tips: The derby injury carnage will force ample changes for the Eagles this weekend. Jamie Cripps was in hospital having a broken ankle attended to before the siren even sounded at Optus Stadium, while Luke Shuey (hamstring), Jeremy McGovern (hamstring) and Alex Witherden (suspected concussion) also didn’t finish the game. Those four plus Campbell Chesser (knee) will all miss the Dees clash, while there are doubts on Liam Ryan (hamstring/back) and Sam Petrevski-Seton (hand). Of the players that could come in, you’d suspect Elijah Hewett comes into the starting 22 after being the sub in the derby. Ideally Elliot Yeo returns, but whether he’s ticked off to return remains questionable as he continues to work his way back from a calf issue. Key defender Harry Edwards would be the best replacement for McGovern, while they could also consider Josh Rotham. Greg Clark, Brady Hough, Xavier O’Neill and Jai Culley will all be in the mix too.

Demons’ Round 3 Team

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

HB: K.Chandler, H.Petty, L.Hunter

C: J.Jordon, C.Oliver, E.Langdon

HF: T.Sparrow, B.Fritsch, A.Brayshaw

F: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Brown, C.Spargo

FOLL: B.Grundy, C.Petracca, J.Viney

I/C: J.van Rooyen, M.Hibberd, J.Bowey, J.McVee

Team Tips: Despite kicking 2.2 from 20 disposals and 11 marks in the VFL, it‘s hard to see Tom McDonald forcing his way back into the side after Jacob van Rooyen’s impressive debut that included three goals and six tackles. And even though Ben Brown was subbed out with a tight back against the Swans, coach Simon Goodwin said post-game the key forward should be right to face the Eagles. James Harmes missed last week due to personal reasons, so whether he’s right to return remains unclear. In the VFL, Adam Tomlinson responded to his demotion with an emphatic 34-disposal, 13-mark performance, while Blake Howes (34) and Luke Dunstan (33) also impressed.

GEELONG V HAWTHORN

Monday, April 10, 3.20pm at MCG

Cats’ Round 3 Team

B: J.Bews, S.De Koning, Z.Tuohy

HB: E.Ratugolea, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: M.Blicavs, T.Bruhn, I.Smith

HF: T.Stengle, J.Cameron, B.Close

F: G.Miers, T.Hawkins, T.Atkins

FOLL: J.Ceglar, C.Guthrie, P.Dangerfield

I/C: M.O’Connor, J.Bowes, O.Henry, M.Holmes

Team Tips: Chris Scott hasn’t been in a position to make unforced selection statements too often during his time at the Cats. But considering their 0-3 state, does Scott need to shake things up at match committee to send a message? What might make it easier to make changes is that there are several premiership players pushing for a return. Dual premiership Cat Mitch Duncan, who’s been sidelined with a calf injury so far this season, and Jake Kolodjahnij (concussion) are both set to play their first games of 2023, while Rhys Stanley (ribs) should be fit to return after a training session on the Gold Coast. Brandan Parfitt, who had 24 touches in a big VFL loss, is primed for another crack at senior level. And Gary Rohan would be a strong chance to come into the 22 after kicking two goals against the Suns as the sub. As for who comes out, Brad Close, Gryan Miers and Tyson Stengle are clearly well below their best, kicking just three goals between them across the first three rounds. It’d be a massive call to drop Stengle, who’s been goalless in his past two weeks, but Close didn’t lay a tackle against the Suns and his kicking efficiency has been off. Recruit Tanner Bruhn, too, has also struggled with 10 and 12 disposals in his past two matches. And the Cats are still yet to confirm whether Sam De Koning will be OK to face Hawthorn after he was subbed out against the Suns following a collision. A bit to ponder, to say the least.

Hawks’ Round 3 Team

B: C.Jiath, S.Frost, J.Scrimshaw

HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick

C: H.Morrison, C.Mackenzie, K.Amon

HF: T.Brockman, F.Greene, J.Worpel

F: D.Moore, L.Meek, L.Breust

FOLL: N.Reeves, W.Day, F.Maginness

I/C: J.Newcombe, C.Nash, J.Ward, C.Macdonald

Team Tips: The Hawks are hopeful Chad Wingard will be available to play his first game since Round 1 after missing the past two weeks with a calf issue. But Tyler Brockman surely won’t make way for Wingard after his three-goal haul against the Kangaroos – and it’s hard to see Jacob Koschitzke coming back into the side after the Hawks’ forward line worked so efficiently in Launceston.