AFL Round 7 Team Tips:
There’s more pain for the Sydney Swans after injuries to two stars.
But Collingwood and West Coast could regain crucial stars for big games.
GEELONG CATS v COLLINGWOOD
Thursday 16 July, 8.10pm at Optus Stadium
PREDICTED CATS 22
B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Mark Blicavs, Jack Henry
HB: Mark O’Connor, Harry Taylor, Jed Bews
C: Brandon Parfitt, Patrick Dangerfield, Cam Guthrie
HF: Zach Tuohy, Esava Ratugolea, Jack Steven
F: James Parsons, Tom Hawkins, Luke Dahlhaus
FOLL: Darcy Fort, Joel Selwood, Sam Menegola
I/C: Gary Ablett, Gary Rohan, Sam Simpson, Gryan Miers
PREDICTED MAGPIES 22
B: Jack Crisp, Jordan Roughead, Matt Scharenberg
HB: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor
C: Tom Phillips, Scott Pendlebury, Will Hoskin-Elliott
HF: Jaidyn Stephenson, Brody Mihocek, Callum Brown
F: Jordan De Goey, Mason Cox, Jamie Elliott
FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar
I/C: Travis Varcoe, Rupert Wills, Chris Mayne, Atu Bosenavulagi
Team tips: Given the short turn around between Geelong’s Round 5 and 6 matches, the Cats could be tempted to rest Gary Ablett despite his two goal feats against the Lions. Mitch Duncan and Quinton Narkle are both racing the clock to be fit for the clash after hamstring injuries on Thursday. Out of the pair, Duncan appears the most likely to plead his case. Jack Steven should be a simple inclusion. Jordan De Goey should come straight back in for the Magpies after being managed for the clash in Sydney, with tall Will Kelly (elbow) set to miss the remainder of the season. Flynn Appleby impressed in the club’s practice match and could push for Callum Brown’s spot. Jamie Elliott is expected to play despite finishing the game on the bench.
ESSENDON v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Friday 17 July, 7.50pm at Metricon Stadium
PREDICTED BOMBERS 22
B: Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Martin Gleeson
HB: Adam Saad, Jordan Ridley, Mason Redman
C: Brayden Ham, Andrew McGrath, Kyle Langford
HF: Darcy Parish, Jayden Laverde, Orazio Fantasia
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Shaun McKernan, Jacob Townsend
FOLL: Tom Bellchambers, Devon Smith, Zach Merrett
I/C: David Zaharakis, Will Snelling, Ned Cahill, Mitchell Hibberd
PREDICTED BULLDOGS 22
B: Bailey Williams, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel
HB: Jason Johannisen, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood
C: Ed Richards, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae
HF: Bailey Dale, Cody Weightman, Toby McLean
F: Mitch Wallis, Josh Bruce, Rhylee West
FOLL: Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith
I/C: Lachie Hunter, Hayden Crozier, Laitham Vandermeer, Patrick Lipinski
Team tips: Dylan Shiel is all but certain to miss Round 7, despite heading to the tribunal on Tuesday night to contest his charge. The star could be replaced by living forward Ned Cahill who booted five goals in the reserves, while a ruck swap could be on the agenda after a poor performance from Andrew Phillips. After a poor performance against Carlton, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Luke Beveridge swing the axe. Josh Schache had just two touches against the Blues, which could lead Cody Weightman making his AFL debut. Hayden Crozier could replace first-year player Louis Butler.
GWS GIANTS v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday 18 July, 1.45pm at Giants Stadium
PREDICTED GIANTS 22
B: Heath Shaw, Lachie Keeffe, Aidan Corr
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes
C: Harry Perryman, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly
HF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Brent Daniels
F: Harry Himmelberg, Jeremy Finlayson, Tom Green
FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Jacob Hopper, Matt de Boer
I/C: Lachie Ash, Callan Ward, Jye Caldwell, Tim Taranto
PREDICTED LIONS 22
B: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner
HB: Daniel Rich, Grant Birchall, Brandon Starcevich
C: Mitch Robinson, Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage
HF: Jarrod Berry, Eric Hipwood, Cameron Rayner
F: Zac Bailey, Daniel McStay, Charlie Cameron
FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Jarryd Lyons, Lachie Neale
I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Lincoln McCarthy, Stefan Martin, Alex Witherden
Team tips: After a poor run of form, the Giants are toying with the idea of dropping captain Stephen Coniglio according tofoxfooty.com.au senior reporter Tom Morris. Tim Taranto appears most likely to return, while youngster Jye Caldwell should come into the midfield mix. A ruck change may also be on the cards. Mitch Robinson and Hugh McCluggage both could play against the Giants, despite their injuries against the Cats. Noah Answerth and Alex Witherden could push back into the side, with Tom Berry (seven disposals) in the gun.
SYDNEY SWANS v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday 18 July, 4.35pm at SCG
PREDICTED SWANS 22
B: Kaiden Brand, Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd
HB: Callum Mills, Jordan Dawson, Ryan Clarke
C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Parker, Ollie Florent
HF: George Hewett, Hayden McLean, Nick Blakey
F: Lewis Taylor, Will Hayward, Tom Papley
FOLL: Callum Sinclair, James Rowbottom, Chad Warner
I/C: Ryley Stoddart, Harry Cunningham, Robbie Fox, Tom McCartin
PREDICTED SUNS 22
B: Connor Budarick, Sam Collins, Jack Lukosius
HB: Pearce Hanley, Charlie Ballard, Jarrod Harbrow
C: Lachie Weller, Hugh Greenwood, Brandon Ellis
HF: Noah Anderson, Sam Day, Alex Sexton
F: Izak Rankine, Ben King, Ben Ainsworth
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, David Swallow, Touk Miller
I/C: Jack Bowes, Brayden Fiorini, Nick Holman, Will Brodie
Team tips: Sydney has suffered two major injury blows after Josh Kennedy (six weeks) and Isaac Heeney (season) were ruled out following injuries in their loss to Richmond. It leaves a further strain on the Swans who are without a recognised ruck, especially after Aliir Aliir was remarkably dropped before the match due to poor form. Lewis Taylor appears a certainty to return to the side, while Justin McInerney may be another inclusion. The Swans are hopeful Tom McCartin and Callum Sinclair are available for selection. The Suns have no lingering issues from their loss to Melbourne, with Nick Holman available despite copping a hefty blow. Will Brodie and Jesse Joyce were two of the better Suns in their scratch match against Fremantle.