Blues’ savage blows for ladder leader showdown; more Dogs shocks coming? AFL Team Tips (2024)

After an action-packed round five, the attention quickly turns to another weekend of footy, with some big decisions on the cards.

Will Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs swing the axe? And just how many big names are fit to return elsewhere?

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 6 in AFL Team Tips!

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Round 6

AFLApr 18 7:30pm AESTSt KildaBulldogsMATCH CENTRE

$1.77

$2.05

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AFLApr 19 7:40pm AESTAdelaideEssendonMATCH CENTRE

$1.50

$2.60

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AFLApr 20 1:45pm AESTCollingwoodPort AdelaideMATCH CENTRE

$1.73

$2.10

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AFLApr 20 4:35pm AESTCarltonGreater Western SydneyMATCH CENTRE

$1.80

$2.00

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AFLApr 20 7:30pm AESTBrisbaneGeelongMATCH CENTRE

$1.50

$2.60

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AFLApr 20 8:10pm AESTWest CoastFremantleMATCH CENTRE

$5.50

$1.15

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AFLApr 21 1:00pm AESTSydneyGold CoastMATCH CENTRE

$1.32

$3.40

See Also

What they got right and wrong: Each club’s wins and woes from Round 5

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AFLApr 21 4:00pm AESTNorth MelbourneHawthornMATCH CENTRE

$2.95

$1.40

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ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Thursday April 18, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 5 side

B: J. Battle, Z. Cordy, C. Wilkie

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

C: R. Byrnes, S. Ross, B. Hill

HF: J. Higgins, C. Sharman, M. Owens

F: A. Caminiti, M. King, T. Membrey

FOLL: R. Marshall, J. Steele, M. Windhager

I/C: R. Bonner, M. Phillipou, D. Butler, D. Wilson, H. Garcia

EMG: L. Collard, A. Hastie, T. Campbell

Team Tips: The Saints will be sweating on the fitness of star forward Max King who suffered a knee injury against the Giants, but the club is hopeful he will be fit to take his place in the starting side. Ross Lyon’s side could be bolstered by the returns of Dougal Howard (hamstring) and Paddy Dow (knee) from injury this week, while Zak Jones (29 disposals) and Arie Schoenmaker (31 disposals, one goal) were strong performers at VFL level. The pressure might be on Dan Butler who was subbed out of the contest with GWS with just one disposal, with Lance Collard waiting in the wings.

Western Bulldogs’ Round 5 side

B: E. Richards, L. Jones, B. Williams

HB: T. Duryea, B. Khamis, J. Johannisen

C: J. Macrae, A. Treloar, H. Gallagher

HF: L. Bramble, A. Naughton, R. West

F: S. Darcy, J. Ugle-Hagan, C. Weightman

FOLL: T. English, M. Bontempelli, T. Liberatore

I/C: J. O’Donnell, R. Sanders, O. Baker, L. Vandermeer, B. Dale

EMG: C. Daniel, R. Lobb, R. Garcia

Team Tips: Let’s be honest, trying to predict a Western Bulldogs side at the moment is like throwing darts blindfolded. You’d imagine that Luke Beveridge makes a few changes as he seeks a winning formula with pressure mounting on his side. Tom Liberatore has already been ruled out with concussion, which could pave the way for Caleb Daniel (26 disposals) to make his return to the senior side. Riley Garcia (36 disposals) was dominant in the reserves, while James Harmes (28 disposals) could also be in the frame to return. Oskar Baker, James O’Donnell and Laitham Vandermeer are just some names who could feel the heat at selection.

ADELAIDE CROWS v ESSENDON

Friday April 19, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide’s Round 5 side

B: L. Nankervis, J. Butts, B. Smith

HB: J. Worrell, M. Keane, M. Michalanney

C: M. Hinge, J. Dawson, C. Jones

HF: J. Soligo, I. Rankine, J. Rachele

F: B. Cook, D. Fogarty, T. Walker

FOLL: R. O’Brien, R. Laird, B. Keays

I/C: W. Hamill, L. Gollant, M. Crouch, N. McHenry, S. Berry

EMG: B. Dowling, J. Borlase, C. Burgess

Team Tips: Expect Sam Berry to be elevated to the 22 as a direct replacement for Matt Crouch (suspension) this week, but otherwise you’d imagine Matthew Nicks backs in a relatively similar squad to the one that secured their first win of 2024 last week. Billy Dowling, Lachie Sholl and Dan Curtin were solid for the SANFL side. Lachie Gollant struggled to have an impact, putting Chris Burgess in the frame for an immediate recall after being the holdover emergency.

Essendon’s Round 5 side

B: D. Heppell, B. McKay, J. Menzie

HB: N. Martin, M. Redman, A. McGrath

C: H. Jones, D. Parish, J. Kelly

HF: S. Durham, K. Langford, A. Davey Jnr

F: J. Gresham, J. Laverde, N. Cox

FOLL: T. Goldstein, S. Draper, Z. Merrett

I/C: J. Caldwell, B. Hobbs, J. Stringer, X. Duursma, N. Hind

EMG: E. Tsatas, S. Weideman, N. Caddy

Team Tips: It’s hard to see Brad Scott making too many changes to the side that convincingly beat the Dogs in round five. Elijah Tsatas was pulled out of the VFL game at half time which perhaps hints at his inclusion in the senior side this week, while Lewis Hayes (22 disposals) has been pressing his case for a number of weeks. Jye Menzie looks like he needs a spell in the VFL and Jayden Laverde would be the logical omission for Hayes.

COLLINGWOOD v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday April 20, 1:45pm at the MCG

Collingwood’s Round 4 side

B: B. Maynard, J. Howe, B. Frampton

HB: J. Noble, I. Quaynor, D. Moore

C: P. Lipinski, S. Pendlebury, J. Daicos

HF: N. Daicos, L. Schultz, B. Mihocek

F: B. Hill, J. Elliott, R. McInnes

FOLL: D. Cameron, T. Mitchell, J. De Goey

I/C: J. Crisp, B. McCreery, W. Hoskin-Elliott, M. Cox, S. Sidebottom

EMG: F. Macrae, J. Richards, H. Harrison

Team Tips: Fringe mid Finlay Macrae responded to his omission with 29 touches in the VFL and could be Scott Pendlebury’s replacement if he is unable to overcome a rib injury suffered against the Hawks in Gather Round. The week off will have done the Pies a world of good as they seek their third win of the campaign.

Port Adelaide’s Round 5 side

B: A. Allir, B. Zerk-Thatcher, E. Ratugolea

HB: D. Houston, R. Burton, K. Farrell

C: J. Burgoyne, W. Drew, M. Bergman

HF: S. Powell-Pepper, D. Byrne-Jones, C. Rozee

F: W. Rioli, T. Marshall, C. Dixon

FOLL: I. Soldo, Z. Butters, J. Horne-Francis

I/C: L. Jones, O. Wines, M. Georgiades, J. McEntee, J. Mead

EMG: J. Sinn, J. Sweet, T. McKenzie

Team Tips: Veteran Travis Boak will fight to prove his fitness this week after dealing with a back issue of late. Francis Evans booted two goals and had 22 disposals in the SANFL and could come in at the expense of Jed McEntee, who was subbed out with just six touches. Josh Sinn (22 disposals, one goal) had a strong outing at reserves level as well.

CARLTON v GWS GIANTS

Saturday April 20, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium

Carlton’s Round 5 side

B: J. Weitering, B. Kemp, M. McGovern

HB: A. Saad, Z. Williams, N. Newman

C: O. Hollands, P. Cripps, B. Acres

HF: M. Cottrell, E. Hollands, C. Durdin

F: H. McKay, M. Owies, C. Curnow

FOLL: T. De Koning, G. Hewett, S. Walsh

I/C: J. Boyd, M. Kennedy, O. Fantasia, M. Pittonet, J. Carroll

EMG: J. Binns, L. Cowan

Team Tips: Key trio Adam Cerra, Adam Saad and Mitch McGovern are all in serious doubt to face the Giants this week, each dealing with hamstring issues respectively. It likely opens the door for young duo Jaxon Binns and Lachie Cowan, while Jesse Motlop, David Cuningham and Caleb Marchbank are also nearing their return from injury. Alex Cincotta was managed out of the VFL on the weekend and would be a like-for-like replacement for Saad.

GWS’ Round 5 side

B: H. Perryman, S. Taylor, C. Idun

HB: L. Whitfield, J. Buckley, L. Ash

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

HF: B. Daniels, J. Ricciardi, T. Bedford

F: T. Greene, J. Hogan, C. Brown

FOLL: K. Briggs, S. Coniglio, T. Green

I/C: X. O’Halloran, H. Thomas, H. Himmelberg, A. Cadman, J. Peatling

EMG: N. Haynes, M. Gruzewski, R. Angwin

Team Tips: Veteran Callan Ward made a superb return from injury in the VFL and will come into calculations as a replacement for Stephen Coniglio (knee). Sam Taylor “still has a slight bit of dizziness”, coach Adam Kingsley told AFL 360 on Monday night, and he’ll miss through the concussion protocols. Josh Fahey and Harry Rowston were also strong contributors in the VFL, but it’s unlikely that Adam Kingsley will make any other changes given his sides unbeaten start to the season.

BRISBANE LIONS v GEELONG CATS

Saturday April 20, 7:30pm at the Gabba

Brisbane’s Round 5 side

B: B. Starcevich, J. Payne, R. Lester

HB: D. Wilmot, H. Andrews, D. Gardiner

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

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

F: C. Rayner, J. Daniher, D. Zorko

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

I/C: K. Lohmann, C. Ah Chee, Z. Bailey, N. Answerth, J. Tunstill

EMG: L. Morris, J. Lyons, D. Fort

Team Tips: Star forwardCharlie Cameron will contest his one-match ban at the Tribunal on Tuesday evening, but if his bid to overturn fails, the club has an array of players dominating in the VFL to call upon. Jarryd Lyons (37 disposals) continues to rack up numbers, while Deven Roberston (33 disposals, one goal), Jimmy Tunstill (28 disposals, one goal) and Harry Sharp (23 disposals, one goal) were all strong performers. Could Logan Morris be handed a debut? Conor McKenna is also not too far away from a return from a hamstring injury.

Geelong’s Round 5 side

B: T. Stewart, S. De Koning, C. O’Sullivan

HB: Z. Guthrie, J. Henry, M. Holmes

C: Z. Tuohy, T. Bruhn, T. Atkins

HF: B. Close, T. Stengle, G. Miers

F: J. Cameron, S. Neale, O. Henry

FOLL: R. Stanley, J. Bowes, M. Blicavs

I/C: O. Dempsey, B. Parfitt, M. O’Connor, M. Duncan, J. Clark

EMG: J. Kolodjashnij, S. Mannagh

Team Tips: Veteran Tom Hawkins (managed) will return for the clash against the Lions, probably at the expense of late inclusion Shannon Neale. Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield is a test to return which would be a massive boost to a side who are absolutely flying. Jhye Clark might be on his way to the VFL to accommodate Dangerfield.

WEST COAST v FREMANTLE

Saturday April 20, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

West Coast’s Round 5 side

B: A. Witherden, T. Barrass, J. Rotham

HB: B. Hough, J. McGovern, L. Duggan

C: J. Hunt, T. Kelly, C. Chesser

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

F: L. Edwards, J. Darling, J. Petruccelle

FOLL: B. Williams, E. Yeo, H. Reid

I/C: T. Brockman, J. Williams, R. Ginbey, T. Cole, R. Maric

EMG: A. Gaff, L. Rawlinson

Team Tips: Forward Liam Ryan made his return from a serious hamstring injury through the club’s WAFL side and played in a new role in defence. Luke Edwards will miss with concussion which could pave the way for one of Dom Sheed (25 disposals) or Andrew Gaff (21 disposals) to return after continuing to press their cases for a recall. However, expect Adam Simpson to back in the majority of a side who won secured the club its first win of 2024.

Fremantle’s Round 5 side

B: J. Aish, A. Pearce, J. Draper

HB: B. Walker, L. Ryan, J. Clark

C: M. Johnson, N. Fyfe, J. Sharp

HF: M. Walters, B. Banfield, S. Switkowski

F: J. Treacy, J. Amiss, M. Taberner

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

I/C: T. Emmett, H. Young, J. O’Meara, E. Hughes, N. Erasmus

EMG: W. Brodie, H. Davies, L. Reidy

Team Tips: The big inclusion for the Dockers would be ruck Sean Darcy, who is on the verge of a return from a knee injury. Matt Taberner’s position could come under scrutiny after just three touches and a goal. Michael Frederick was dealing with a low-grade hamstring last week, while Karl Worner will be hoping to exit the concussion protocols to press his case for selection.

SYDNEY v GOLD COAST

Sunday April 21, 1:05pm at the SCG

Sydney’s Round 4 side

B: J. Lloyd, T. McCartin, L. Melican

HB: H. Cunningham, N. Blakey, O. Florent

C: E. Gulden, C. Warner, J. McInerney

HF: W. Hayward, L. McDonald, T. Adams

F: T. Papley, H. McLean, R. Fox

FOLL: B. Grundy, I. Heeney, J. Rowbottom

I/C: J. Jordon, M. Roberts, B. Campbell, J. Amartey, C. Mitchell

EMG: P. Ladhams, C. Warner, A. Francis

Team Tips: The Swans are fresh off the bye so should be well rested and ready to go for a big game against the Suns. The biggest potential inclusion is gun Luke Parker, who has been dealing with an arm injury in the early part of the season, while Angus Sheldrick could also return if he can overcome a finger issue. Harry Cunningham and Caleb Mitchell would be two players who may be feeling nervous of holding their spots.

Gold Coast’s Round 5 side

B: J. Lukosius, C. Ballard, S. Collins

HB: W. Powell, S. Flanders, M. Andrew

C: B. Fiorini, T. Miller, S. Clohesy

HF: B. Ainsworth, E. Read, T. Berry

F: M. Rowell, B. King, M. Rosas

FOLL: J. Witts, N. Anderson, B. Humphrey

I/C: N. Holman, J. Walter, W. Graham, B. Uwland, D. Swallow

EMG: R. Atkins, A. Sexton, D. Macpherson

Team Tips: The Suns were dominant against the Hawks in round five so it’s likely that Damien Hardwick will stick with a winning formula. The seven players Hardwick omitted a fortnight ago all put in sound performances for the VFL side, most notably Rory Atkins (37 disposals) and Ben Long (five goals). However, the young kids are shining and he’ll likely back them in again against the Swans this week.

NORTH MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN

Sunday April 21, 4:05pm at Marvel Stadium

North Melbourne’s Round 5 side

B: C. Comben, A. Corr, B. Nyuon

HB: H. Sheezel, L. McDonald, G. Wardlaw

C: D. Tucker, L. Davies-Uniacke, B. Scott

HF: Z. Duursma, T. Powell, E. Ford

F: P. Curtis, N. Larkey, T. Sellers

FOLL: T. Xerri, D. Stephens, J. Simpkin

I/C: Z. Fisher, C. McKercher, B. Drury, H. Greenwood, C. Lazzaro

EMG: W. Phillips, J. Archer, R. Hansen Jnr

Team Tips: Forward Cam Zurhaar could return from a calf niggle in what looms as a massive opportunity to secure the club’s first win of 2024 this weekend. Kallan Dawson is another who will try to prove his fitness, while Will Phillips was reasonable in the reserves. Could Alastair Clarkson blood another debutant in Brayden George? Tasmanian product Colby McKercher is in some doubt with a rib injury. Tyler Sellers had just one kick on debut, while Hugh Greenwood could only muster five touches.

Hawthorn’s Round 5 side

B: M. D’Ambrosio, S. Frost, J. Sicily

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

C: K. Amon, J. Ward, C. Nash

HF: M. Ramsden, C. Mackenzie, S. Mitchell

F: J. Ginnivan, M. Chol, F. Maginness

FOLL: L. Meek, J. Worpel, D. Moore

I/C: J. Weddle, J. Newcombe, C. Macdonald, S. Butler, H. Hustwaite

EMG: N. Reeves, H. Morrison, J. Serong

Team Tips: Watch for Sam Mitchell to swing the axe in a big way at selection this week. There were far too many passengers in the horror loss to the Suns. Veteran star forwards Jack Gunston and Luke Breust could return, while the Hawks will be hoping Mitch Lewis can overcome a hamstring/knee issue. Changkouth Jiath is expected to play in the VFL this week after dealing with a complicated hamstring issue of his own early in 2024. Utility Harry Morrison, the uncapped Josh Bennetts and defender Jai Serong could be called upon to change things up. Only one Hawk had 20+ disposals against the Suns, so no one is safe this week. Sam Butler, Conor Nash, Max Ramsden, Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald are in the firing line.