There’s some big games and big names available this week as we get a quarter of the way through the season and the ladder starts to take a bit of shape.
Carlton are trying to avoid their first ever 0-6 start to a year and will have to be some chance against the Western Bulldogs, so expect them to name Matthew Kennedy and Caleb Marchbank. Jacob Weitering should also be available but I’m not seeing him as a definite inclusion.
The Dogs will get back Lachie Hunter from suspension but Luke Dahlhaus is likely to miss with a knee concern.
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Geelong and Sydney will both be keen to go 4-2, but it’ll be tough for the Swans. They’re heading to GMHBA Stadium without Lance Franklin and Dan Hannebery and there’s no gold about to fill their spots. Aliir Aliir should get a call-up though and cover some of Buddy’s missing height and dash.
The Cats will bring Tom Hawkins in after he was a late withdrawal against Port Adelaide with back worries, but Scott Selwood’s concussion is worse than Geelong’s been letting on and there’s no way he should be named.
She’s not a fan of Lindsay Thomas’ work #AFLPowerCats pic.twitter.com/1LeQ9w9dd4
— Kris Read (@DesignedToFade) April 21, 2018
Greater Western Sydney will aim to get back on the winners list against Brisbane and should include Josh Kelly, but I’m told Rory Lobb will be given one more week rather than be risked against Stefan Martin.
James Sicily’s suspension opens the door for veteran Shaun Burgoyne’s comeback, and Hawthorn will want all the class it can get on board against St Kilda, after a humiliating loss to North Melbourne that could ruin the Hawks’ finals chances.
James Sicily stomps on Shaun Atley #seriousmisconduct #tribunal pic.twitter.com/fp0BiWp3g4
— giantroo (@giantroo) April 23, 2018
Adelaide will have an interesting call to make on both Rory Sloane and Matt Crouch. If they were heading into a final this week then both would play, but the Crows are facing Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval and might prefer to give their stars another week.
However, I’m under the impression Sloane will return and Crouch will also be named if he gets through Thursday’s training comfortably.
Sunday’s ‘Disappointment Derby’ between Essendon and Melbourne is a must-win affair for both sides. They want their best 22, which theoretically they played in round five, but are coming off bad losses and short breaks.
The Bombers will name Orazio Fantasia as an upgrade on the injured Josh Green and Kyle Langford will come in too, but there may be more changes than that.
And Sunday’s other Victorian game between the flying Magpies and Tigers will also have it’s selection quandaries as both sides look for fresh legs but don’t want to mess with winning combinations.
Expect Richmond to bring in Josh Caddy, but Nick Vlastuin could be another week and Jack Graham is no guarantee. However, I expect Graham to come in as a tagging option for the Tigers to use on Steele Sidebottom.
Collingwood will bring in Taylor Adams and probably Alex Fasolo for his first game of the year. I fancy they’ll name Daniel Wells and Jamie Elliott on the extended bench but the pair could be in the twos for one more week.
