AFL Teams Round 12: Chopping Block - St Kilda selection integrity?

Kieran Francis

AFL Teams Round 12: Chopping Block - St Kilda selection integrity? image

St Kilda's selection will be closely watched after another abject performance has heaped the pressure on Ross Lyon.

Collingwood and Richmond have huge injury lists to negotiate, while the Bulldogs have a couple of key outs.

The Sporting News has all the latest AFL team selection news.

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Port Adelaide vs. Carlton teams

The Power will be hoping for the availability of skipper Connor Rozee (ankle), but he did miss training on Thursday.

Ivan Soldo (knee) came back through the SANFL last week and is a likely addition for second ruckman Jordon Sweet.

The loss of in-form small forward Willie Rioli (calf) is a huge blow, with Francis Evans a likely replacement.

Charlie Dixon was managed last week and should return for the blockbuster clash, with Jeremy Finlayson a possible omission.

There won't be many changes at the Blues this week, with only Jesse Motlop returning through the VFL last week.

Motlop struggled for impact and might be given at least another week to build form and fitness.

Jaxon Binns continues to be in Carlton's best VFL players week in, week out and must be close to an opportunity,

The likes of Jack Carroll, Orazio Fantasia and Alex Cincotta could be squeezed out if Binns is selected.

Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs teams

Collingwood will lose plenty out of their forward line with Jordan De Goey, Brody Mihocek, Joe Richards and Mason Cox all injured from last week's draw against Fremantle.

But Jeremy Howe (groin) could return to provide relief in attack, as could Jack Bytel (concussion) through the midfield.

Despite Collingwood having a VFL bye last weekend, Nathan Krueger and Ash Johnson could be considered for forward line selection with the dearth of attacking players.

Last week's debutants Wil Parker and Ed Allan could find their positions under threat if forwards come into the team.

The Bulldogs will lose three players, headlined by Aaron Naughton (knee), and twin concussion protocol absentees in Ed Richards and Anthony Scott.

Rory Lobb will fill the void from Naughton's absence, while Luke Cleary and James O'Donnell will be pushing for a senior return.

Oskar Baker and Jedd Busslinger were strong VFL performers also.

Hawthorn vs. Adelaide teams

The high-flying Hawks won't make too many forced changes after beating Brisbane last weekend.

Lloyd Meek tweaked his ankle and will be replaced by Ned Reeves if he doesn't get up for the game.

Nick Watson (managed) could find his way back into the team, with Seamus Mitchell the most at threat of being axed.

Expect Adelaide to also make minimal changes after a thumping win over West Coast.

Nick Murray is ready for a return but should come back through the SANFL before threatening the senior position of James Borlase.

West Coast vs. St Kilda teams

West Coast should make extensive changes after being battered by the Crows.

The axe could come for many players but Tyrell Dewar, Dom Sheed and Jack Williams will be especially looking over their shoulder.

Andrew Gaff and Zane Trew both had 30-plus possessions in the WAFL, while Jai Culley and Harry Edwards also performed strongly.

Will there be selection integrity at St Kilda this week after another horrific performance?

Non-contributors against Melbourne include Lance Collard, Cooper Sharman, Liam Stocker and Anthony Caminiti, while others could be dropped.

In past weeks, players struggling to find the ball haven't come out of the team, while lean VFL performances have also been rewarded.

Brad Crouch and Hunter Clark were available last week but have to be certainties to return on Saturday after 30-plus possession VFL performances.

Tim Membrey (managed) kicked six goals in the VFL, while untried utility Oli Hotton drilled five in the same match.

Dan Butler also got through his first VFL game since being injured but can expect another run there.

Will Ross Lyon make sweeping changes or continue to back his underperfoming players?

Geelong vs. Richmond teams

Five defeats in a row is a concern for Geelong but relief should come in playing against struggling Richmond.

Gary Rohan (adductor) and Rhys Stanley (knee) should be available after missing the defeat against GWS, while omitted Mark O'Connor should figure in selection chats.

Mark Blicavs and Jhye Clark have been given one match bans,  while young talls Shannon Neale and Toby Conway face the axe after underwhelming performances in the seniors.

This could open the door for Brandan Parfitt and Mitch Hardie, who both performed strongly at VFL level, while Shaun Mannagh kicked three goals.

More injuries at Richmond with Shai Bolton (concussion), Tylar Young and Sam Naismith (both ACL) all ruled out.

Jack Graham and Rhyan Mansell should be fit enough to return from injury, while Jacob Koschitzke finally had a solid VFL game.

Melbourne vs. Fremantle teams

The Demons won't make too many changes after cruising past St Kilda, but the form of Harrison Petty must be worrying.

Petty was subbed out with a foot issue as well, meaning he could be struggling for fitness for this weekend.

Ben Brown kicked three goals in the VFL, while untried key forward Matthew Jefferson kicked a bag of five and could make his senior debut.

Michael Frederick (concussion) should come straight back into the Fremantle team, with Tom Emmett or Corey Wagner coming out.

Neil Erasmus will be first in line for senior selection out of the WAFL after dominating recently, while Will Brodie and Karl Worner should also be considered.

Gold Coast vs. Essendon teams

Gold Coast small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr. (hamstring) is available after an extended period on the sidelines but might come back through the VFL.

Rory Atkins picked up 40 disposals in the VFL, while Brayden Fiorini collected 37 touches and Will Graham performed strongly.

Future stars Jed Walter and Jake Rogers are the likely omissions after struggling to find the ball against Carlton.

Essendon should welcome back Harrison Jones (suspension) with debutant Nate Caddy likely going out.

Don't expect many changes at the Bombers, but Dylan Shiel could come back in after missing VFL through sickness last week.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.