https://www.afl.com.au/news/462397/in-the-mix-who-s-pushing-for-selection-in-round-six-
In the mix: Who's pushing for selection in round six?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
By Staff writers - 3 hrs ago
The Crows will have a revamped set-up in attack with
Darcy Fogarty (shoulder) ruled out again and former captain
Taylor Walker (knee) to miss 1-2 weeks.
Tyson Stengle has served his four-game disciplinary suspension and performed well in last week's scratch match, so will be in contention for a call-up.
Andrew McPherson is another chance in defence, while
Riley Knight continues to build up his match conditioning.
Elliott Himmelberg and
Fischer McAsey, both dropped last week, remain in the mix.
Verdict: Stengle to come straight in for Lachlan Murphy, who has been suspended from last week. Himmelberg could come back to replace Walker.
- Callum Twomey
Captain
Dayne Zorko has recovered quicker than expected and will only need to pass training to prove he's over a calf strain. He would appear the likely replacement for
Cam Ellis-Yolmen. If Zorko doesn't get up,
Ely Smith could be considered for a debut. Given the five-day break, there will be several sore bodies, but Fagan has proven he's willing to back in a winning line-up.
Callum Ah Chee was quiet but should be retained, while
Ryan Lester and
Tom Berry did enough.
Alex Witherden continues to push for a recall and
Mitch Hinge,
Allen Christensen,
Keidean Coleman and
Rhys Mathieson aren't far away.
Verdict: Zorko in for Ellis-Yolmen. -
Mitch Cleary
The Blues will finally regain
Zac Fisher, who was set to return from a syndesmosis injury last week before being ruled out at the last minute due to a bout of gastro.
Jack Silvagni should also recover from a fractured rib.
Sam Philp looks set to make way, having only been a late inclusion for last week's loss to the Saints, while
Jack Newnes is another who could see his spot come under the microscope after a quiet couple of weeks. Could the Blues even consider resting
Eddie Betts, as they manage the veteran through the season?
Verdict: Expect Fisher and Silvagni to return from respective injury setbacks for the clash with the Dogs, with Philp and either Newnes or Betts to make way. -
Riley Beveridge
The Pies will have to restructure their forward line, with
Jordan De Goey set to miss Friday night's clash with the Hawks having broken the AFL's quarantine protocols while being investigated for an indecent assault charge. They could either go tall, and opt for
Darcy Cameron, or small, with
Josh Thomas set to put his hat in the ring for a recall.
Mason Cox was quiet last week, held to just two disposals, but looks set to be given more time having only just been recalled to the senior team.
Tyler Brown was also well held, with
Brayden Sier in contention for his first appearance of the season should Nathan Buckley look to beef up his midfield.
Verdict: Thomas to replace De Goey, with Sier on standby for Tyler Brown. -
Riley Beveridge
Zach Merrett is an automatic inclusion after serving his one-week suspension, but will the Bombers make more unforced changes after last week's win over Collingwood?
Conor McKenna performed well in his first game back in last week's scrimmage with the Pies, and his inclusion as a half-forward would release
Orazio Fantasia back to the forward line.
Aaron Francis could also return after missing last week with back spasms.
Matt Guelfi,
Ned Cahill and
Dylan Clarke are others in with a shot.
Tom Bellchambers was managed last week but his ruck replacement
Andrew Phillips should hold his spot, however the Bombers will need to cover for the injured
Jake Stringer (ankle) in attack.
Verdict: Merrett, McKenna and Francis to come in with Stringer to miss and
Jayden Laverde and
David Zaharakis, who found only two disposals last week, left out.
- Callum Twomey
The Dockers will make at least three changes for Saturday's clash with St Kilda after
Reece Conca (hamstring),
Jesse Hogan (calf) and
Griffin Logue (toe) all suffered injuries in their first win of the season against Adelaide.
Travis Colyer was a late out with a migraine and was replaced by
Taylin Duman, but will be available for selection, as will
Brennan Cox (hip) and superstar skipper
Nat Fyfe, who has made a quick recovery from his hamstring injury.
Blake Acres impressed on the wing in Sunday's reserves clash with the Crows and will put his hand up for a Freo debut.
Verdict: If passed fit, Fyfe, Acres, Cox and Colyer in for Conca, Hogan, Logue and Duman.
Liam Henry to build minutes in Friday's reserves scratch match with Gold Coast.
- Chris Corre
The Cats have admitted they should've been more proactive in resting
Gary Ablett last year. So, off a five-day break following game 350, will this be the week?
Lachie Fogarty is a like-for-like, while
Sam Simpson,
James Parsons and
Brad Close are in the frame given
Tom Atkins will miss again.
Harry Taylor returned last week after being managed and, while he may not be a lock anymore, will be needed to contend with Lions talls Oscar McInerney, Eric Hipwood and Dan McStay. The Cats are desperate to get
Lachie Henderson into the side but who he replaces will be a tough call as long as
Jed Bews (ankle) proves his fitness.
Jordan Clark continues to bang down the door, but spots are at a premium. With a number of players sore,
Jack Steven might be a consideration for a rest after a limited preparation.
Verdict: Fogarty in for Ablett. -
Mitch Cleary
The Suns will need to replace first-year sensation
Matt Rowell as he deals with his shoulder injury from last week's loss to Geelong, but it's hard to see too many more changes given they performed solidly against the Cats on the road.
Brayden Fiorini could come back in the side as Rowell's replacement, while youngsters
Sam Flanders and
Izak Rankine continue to press claims for a debut. If Gold Coast is keen to change its forward mix,
Peter Wright and
Josh Corbett will be a chance from outside last week's 22.
Verdict: Fiorini in for Rowell.
- Callum Twomey
Callan Ward could come back into the Giants' midfield after being a late out last week due to soreness. But there will also be others on the club's mind despite a strong win over Hawthorn on Sunday.
Jy Caldwell dominated in the Giants' practice game with four goals from the midfield, with
Zac Langdon,
Bobby Hill and
Sam Jacobs among the other strong performers.
Verdict: Tom Sheridan seems likely to make way for Ward if the former co-captain is ready for a return to action.
Brent Daniels could also be under some pressure after only six disposals and one tackle last week.
- Callum Twomey
