Seasons are on the line for clubs as they jostle for a ticket to September and with only seven rounds to go some tough decisions are going to need to be made at the selection table.
West Coast has slipped from first to third and could find themselves within a game of being out of the top eight if they lose on the road to Collingwood on Sunday.
So it’s no surprise to see the Eagles’ three best forwards suddenly in contention ahead of schedule.
Expect to see both Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling named to take on the Magpies, but Mark LeCras is another week away. Defender Tom Barrass will also come in.
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Collingwood also has concerns and will be unlikely to risk Will Hoskin-Elliott after the former Giant hurt his foot against Essendon last week. Flynn Appleby will also miss, opening the door for veteran Travis Varcoe and uncontracted big man Darcy Moore to return.
Greater Western Sydney is only half a game out of the eight but come up against ladder-leaders Richmond and will lose sight of finals if they don’t get a win at home on Saturday.
There’s talk the Giants could name both Toby Greene and Brett Deledio but ‘Lids’ is extremely doubtful to face his old club. Greene could make a big difference though and GWS will be keen to have his skills and aggressiveness back on the field.
A goal out of nothing from Toby Greene! #AFLGiantsSwans pic.twitter.com/ORrwvZVbSO
— AFL (@AFL) July 15, 2017
The Tigers are also forced to swing some changes after injuries to premiership trio Jack Graham, Nathan Broad and Dan Butler, but it should be a smooth transition with Nick Vlastuin back from a one-match suspension, Bachar Houli fit after a long lay-off, and the highly-skilled Shai Bolton knocking down the door in the VFL recently, although the premiers could name rookie Liam Baker for his debut. It seems only fair Bolton gets another chance to kick the sealer against the Giants after being denied on debut.
Shai Bolton was nearly the hero, but he was denied glory in his debut game. #AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/4nvmP5NFow
— AFL (@AFL) May 20, 2017
It may be too late for Essendon to save its season and losing star recruit Jake Stringer to a calf injury for three or four weeks won’t help. Expect James Stewart to replace the Package, and Darcy Parish to return to the side.
Orazio Fantasia is a line-ball decision and I expect the Bombers to name him – who knows, a big win over Gold Coast and there may be a flicker of light still at the end of the tunnel.
Sydney’s season has also stalled, losing the past two games and heading out on the road again to face a desperate North Melbourne. Experienced trio Kieren Jack, Dan Hannebery and Jarrad McVeigh are all out and will be replaced by Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley and Gary Rohan.
Shai Bolton was nearly the hero, but he was denied glory in his debut game. #AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/4nvmP5NFow
— AFL (@AFL) May 20, 2017
In other selection news the Western Bulldogs lose one star and welcome back another with Marcus Bontempelli to miss at least a fortnight after having his appendix removed this week, just as ball-magnet Jack Macrae returns to continue his spectacular season. Carlton will get back veteran star Kade Simpson for the Friday night 'bargain-basement blockbuster' against St Kilda, and there will be interest as to who replaces injured ruckman Andrew Phillips. My money is on Harry McKay after the youngster’s omission was questioned in various circles this week – it won’t be the first time Brendon Bolton has made selection choices based on outside pressure. The Saints are bolstered by arguably their best player returning in Jake Carlisle, and will also bring in Rowan Marshall to replace the luckless Paddy McCartin. Hawthorn will cover injured ruckman Ben McEvoy with tall utility Tim O’Brien.
