Round 23 Team Tips, squads, predictions, ins and outs, injuries, dropped players, Supercoach, latest news | Fitness tips of the day
A Carlton star is set to make his shock early return from injury.
Plus Collingwood’s big call on who replaces Darcy Moore and the Cats could turn to a trusty veteran — in a unique role.
Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 23 in AFL Team Tips!
Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
NEW FOX FOOTY PODCAST — 12 contenders left with 2 rounds to play
Listen below or subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Spotify
ROUND 23 TEAMS (all times AEST)
COLLINGWOOD v BRISBANE
Friday August 18, 7.50pm Marvel Stadium
MAGPIES
B: J.Howe, D.Moore – C, I.Quaynor
HB: B.Maynard, N.Murphy, W.Hoskin-Elliott
C: J.Noble, J.Crisp, J.Daicos
HF: S.Pendlebury, B.Mihocek, T.Adams
F: J.Elliott, D.McStay, B.McCreery
FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, T.Mitchell
I/C: P.Lipinski, B.Frampton, B.Hill, O.Markov
EMG: E.Allan, J.Ginnivan, A.Johnson, M.Cox
In: W.Hoskin-Elliott, B.Frampton
Out: S.Sidebottom (Injured), N.Daicos (Injured), A.Johnson (Omitted)
Team Tips: The injury hits keep coming at Collingwood, with skipper and star defender Darcy Moore the latest casualty due to a hamstring issue sustained against Geelong. With Billy Frampton back in the side and the potential for Jeremy Howe to swing back to defence, Craig McRae has flexibility and options to replace his captain with. Jack Ginnivan did all the right things to warrant a recall into the 22 in a strong team-orientated role up forward after coming on for Moore as the sub. Meanwhile Mason Cox had another big day out on the VFL with 17 disposals, five marks and 52 hit-outs. You sense it’ll either be Ginnivan or Cox coming into the 22 for Moore. Otherwise, Finlay Macrae (25 disposals, seven tackles), Trent Bianco (23 touches, one goal) and Reef McInness (four goals)were all prominent in the VFL showings, while Trey Ruscoe would be the more similar type to potentially allow Howe to stay forward. John Noble and Jordan De Goey both suffered niggles against the Cats, though there’s no suggestion either are in doubt.
LIONS
B: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews, J.Payne
HB: C.McKenna, R.Lester, D.Wilmot
C: H.McCluggage, J.Dunkley, D.Zorko
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, L.McCarthy
F: C.Rayner, J.Daniher, J.Gunston
FOLL: O.McInerney, L.Neale – C, J.Berry
I/C: D.Robertson, C.Ah Chee, J.Prior, Z.Bailey
EMG: J.Lyons, J.Fletcher, D.Fort, D.Joyce
In: O.McInerney
Out: J.Fletcher (Sub), D.Fort (Omitted)
Team Tips: Chris Fagan will be forced to make at least one change for Friday night’s blockbuster against the Pies after Jack Gunston’s knee setback. Keidean Coleman should be fit to come straight back into the side after a face injury, though if the Lions want to replace Gunston with a forward, Kai Lohmann would be at the front of the queue after a four-goal performance in the VFL. Harry Sharp (29 disposals, one goal, Jarryd Lyons (30 touches, six tackles) and Rhys Mathieson (32 touches, one goal) could also come into consideration, with Deven Robertson, Callum Ah Chee and Jaxon Prior potentially most vulnerable to come out.
Why call was right in Dees v Blues | 03:12
RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday August 19, 1.45pm at the MCG
TIGERS
B: N.Balta, T.Young, D.Grimes
HB: D.Rioli, N.Vlastuin, J.Short
C: K.McIntosh, T.Taranto, J.Ross
HF: M.Coulthard, J.Graham, L.Baker
F: J.Riewoldt, D.Martin, J.Bauer
FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, D.Prestia, S.Bolton
I/C: N.Broad, I.Soldo, T.Dow, M.Pickett,
EMG: R.Mansell, S.Ryan, S.Banks, H.Ralphsmith,
In: D.Grimes, D.Martin, T.Dow
Out: S.Banks (Omitted), J.Hopper (Injured), N.Cumberland (Injured), R.Mansell (Sub)
Team Tips: The Tigers are set to welcome back Trent Cotchin for a farewell match alongside Jack Riewoldt that’s sure to give Andrew McQualter’s side plenty of extra zip when it takes on the Roos. Richmond could also be bolstered by the return of Jacob Hopper from his concussion in a welcome return to the midfield as well as Ben Miller from the same issue as it looks to bounce back from a disappointing performance against St Kilda. Dan Rioli has battled an ankle injury in recent times and could be a watch on the training tack, while Ivan Soldo and Matthew Coulthard could also be in danger of missing,
KANGAROOS
B: A.Corr, B.McKay, J.Archer
HB: J.Goater, T.Thomas, L.McDonald – C
C: D.Tucker, L.Davies-Uniacke, B.Scott
HF: K.Turner, H.Sheezel, J.Stephenson
F: E.Ford, N.Larkey, P.Curtis
FOLL: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, J.Simpkin
I/C: T.Xerri, C.Taylor, J.Ziebell, G.Wardlaw
EMG: W.Phillips, C.Lazzaro, D.Howe, M.Bergman
In: B.Cunnington, G.Wardlaw
Out: W.Phillips (Omitted), R.Hansen Jr (Omitted), C.Lazzaro (Sub)
Team Tips: Retired champ Ben Cunnington will come out of the side after playing his farewell match against the Bombers and Jackson Archer could be in doubt after getting subbed off after a head clash. The Roos had a bye in the VFL last weekend, but expect the likes of Will Phillips and Tom Powell, if he’s fully fit after a leg injury, to return as Alastair Clarkson looks to develop his next wave of midfielders.
Dimma set to sign Suns deal | 02:25
GOLD COAST v CARLTON
Saturday August 19, 2.10pm at Heritage Bank Stadium
SUNS
B: C.Ballard, S.Collins, M.Andrew
HB: N.Anderson, R.Atkins, D.Macpherson
C: J.Lukosius, S.Flanders, B.Ellis
HF: M.Rosas, N.Holman, B.Ainsworth
F: J.Farrar, S.Day, L.Casboult
FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, T.Miller – C
I/C: E.Hollands, B.Humphrey, S.Lemmens, D.Swallow
EMG: M.Chol, B.Fiorini, B.Long, J.Tsitas
In: S.Day, T.Miller
Out: W.Powell (Injured), B.King (Injured), J.Tsitas (Sub)
Team Tips: The Suns were brave against the Swans, though there’s no shortage of options to come into the side after their VFL team smashed Sydney by 68 points with several big individual performances. They were headlined by Brayden Fiorini (34 disposals and four goals), Charlie Constable (36 touches) and Alex Sexton (four goals from 18 possessions). Meanwhile look for Ben King to come back in for Sam Day. Steven King has been reasonably steady with his line-up, but Elijah Hollands might miss after being subbed off for a second-straight week.
BLUES
B: A.Cincotta, J.Weitering, A.Saad
HB: N.Newman, C.Marchbank, B.Kemp
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps – C, O.Hollands
HF: J.Martin, T.De Koning, D.Cuningham
F: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, M.Owies
FOLL: M.Pittonet, S.Docherty, G.Hewett
I/C: Z.Fisher, P.Dow, M.Cottrell, J.Motlop
EMG: J.Boyd, J.Honey, E.Curnow, S.Durdin
In: None
Out: E.Curnow (Sub)
Team Tips: Michael Voss’ side is set to recall Harry McKay to make his shock early return from a knee injury that was originally expected to sideline him for six weeks. Jack Silvagni is also expected to be available in another potential boost to the Blues’ forward line. Meanwhile star midfielders Sam Walsh and Adam Cerra (both hamstring) will both miss at least another week, so too Matt Kennedy (knee) and Mitch McGovern (hamstring). As for who comes out for this weekend, it’s a selection conundrum for Voss and company, with the club in the midst of an eight-game winning streak to continue its resurgence. Sam Docherty is set to be assessed later in the week due to a calf issue, while you’d think one of Tom De Koning or Marc Pittonet would need to come out for McKay, most likely the latter.
Nic Naitanui announces his retirement | 00:39
GWS GIANTS v ESSENDON
Saturday August 19, 4.35pm at Giants Stadium
GIANTS
B: J.Buckley, S.Taylor, I.Cumming
HB: L.Ash, H.Himmelberg, L.Whitfield
C: J.Kelly, T.Green, N.Haynes
HF: C.Brown, L.Keeffe, J.Riccardi
F: D.Lloyd, J.Hogan, T.Greene – C
FOLL: K.Briggs, C.Ward, S.Coniglio
I/C: C.Idun, H.Perryman, T.McMullin, J.Fahey
EMG: J.Wehr, C.Stone, M.Flynn, A.Cadman
In: T.McMullin, J.Fahey
Out: B.Daniels (Suspension), T.Bedford (Suspension), R.Angwin (Illness)
Team Tips: The Giants will be boosted by the return of duo Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels, who have both served their one-match suspensions, while Finn Callaghan is also likely to return from injury. And Adam Kingsley might have no choice but to pick Aaron Cadman, who booted a whopping 8.3 from 21 disposals and 12 marks in the VFL against the Northern Bullants. James Peatling (38 disposals) and Harry Rowston (1.2, 25 disposals) also had big VFL outings. Nick Haynes was subbed out against the Power could be vulnerable to lose his spot, while Toby McMullin and Josh Fahey might be on the cusp.
BOMBERS
B: N.Hind, B.Zerk-Thatcher, K.Baldwin
HB: M.Redman, J.Laverde, A.McGrath
C: E.Tsatas, A.Perkins, N.Martin
HF: S.Durham, P.Wright, N.Cox
F: J.Menzie, K.Langford, B.Hobbs
FOLL: A.Phillips, D.Parish, Z.Merrett – C
I/C: J.Kelly, D.Heppell, N.Bryan, M.Guelfi
EMG: S.Weideman, W.Setterfield, A.Davey Jnr
In: K.Baldwin, W.Snelling
Out: J.Caldwell (Injured), A.Davey Jnr (Sub)
Team Tips: Essendon coach Brad Scott said he would watch Sam Draper and Jake Stringer “like a hawk” at training during the week to see whether he could bring the important duo back for the crucial away clash against GWS next Saturday. Draper’s availability will all hinge on the Bombers’ main training session this week, while the same went for Stringer after failing to show he was back at full power ahead of the Roos clash. Bombers midfielder Jye Caldwell could be another inclusion after missing the win over the Kangaroos with a hip complaint, while Will Setterfield could be a chance to return to the senior side. Jake Kelly and Matt Guelfi might be vulnerable to lose their sports, while Nick Bryan would likely make way if Draper is deemed fit.
‘What’s he thinking?’ | 01:04
ST KILDA v GEELONG
Saturday August 19, 7.25pm at Marvel Stadium
SAINTS
B: J.Battle, C.Wilkie, J.Webster
HB: Z.Cordy, J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera
C: M.Windhager, S.Ross, M.Wood
HF: J.Gresham, B.Hill, M.Owens
F: M.King, T.Membrey, C.Sharman
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, B.Crouch
I/C: M.Phillipou, J.Higgins, D.Butler, L.Stocker
EMG: H.Clark, J.Billings, R.Byrnes, B.Paton
In: S.Ross, T.Membrey
Out: R.Byrnes (Omitted), A.Caminiti (Omitted), H.Clark (Sub)
Team Tips: Hard to see St Kilda making too many changes after one of its most impressive wins of the season against Richmond. Hunter Clark was the sub against Richmond, while Ben Paton, Jack Billings and Ryan Byrnes were the other three emergencies and Anthony Caminiti was dropped.
CATS
B: J.Kolodjashnij, E.Ratugolea, J.Bowes
HB: Z.Guthrie, S.De Koning, T.Stewart
C: M.Duncan, T.Bruhn, I.Smith
HF: G.Miers, J.Cameron, O.Henry
F: B.Close, S.Neale, T.Stengle
FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Atkins
I/C: M.O’Connor, M.Holmes, Z.Tuohy, G.Rohan
EMG: B.Parfitt, O.Mullin, S.Menegola, J.Bews
In: S.Neale
Out: J.Henry (Injured), B.Parfitt (Sub)
Team Tips: A big night at selection looms. Rhys Stanley is in doubt for Saturday’s must-win clash with St Kilda, with his groin/adductor injury to be assessed through the week, while Gary Rohan has been ruled out with a moderate hamstring complaint that could see him miss multiple weeks. But in some good news for Geelong, star forward Tom Hawkins (hamstring) will be in the mix for a return to the line-up against the Saints, with a call to be made after he trains fully on Wednesday, while Cam Guthrie (toe) could end his 17-week absence. He’ll play “at some level” of football but the question is whether that’s VFL or AFL, and when clubs say that they usually mean the seconds – though the sub role has also been floated. If Hawkins is fit to return, he’d surely replace Shannon Neale. Mitch Knevitt (24 disposals) and Sam Menegola (28) had strong VFL outings and could be in the mix while ruck Toby Conway (rolled ankle) and forward Sam Simpson (hand) are available to return.
‘Unfathomable’: Dogs fight for finals | 02:37
ADELAIDE v SYDNEY
Saturday August 19, 7.40pm at Adelaide Oval
CROWS
B: B.Smith, J.Borlase, M.Keane
HB: M.Michalanney, J.Worrell, W.Milera
C: J.Soligo, J.Dawson – C, M.Hinge
HF: B.Keays, D.Fogarty, S.McAdam
F: L.Murphy, T.Walker, H.Schoenberg
FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, M.Crouch
I/C: R.Thilthorpe, L.Pedlar, R.Sloane, L.Nankervis
EMG: N.McHenry, B.Cook, E.Himmelberg, J.Rachele
In: L.Pedlar
Out: C.Jones (Injured), J.Rachele (Sub)
Team Tips: Star forward Izak Rankine looms as a likely inclusion for the must-win clash against Sydney, but will still undergo a fitness test later this week after missing the past few games with a hamstring injury. Should Rankine return, it could impact Josh Rachele’s chances of moving from the sub role into the starting 22. Defender Mitch Hinge will also undergo a fitness test later this week, despite scans on Monday confirming he hadn’t suffered any significant knee damage. Lachlan Gollant pushed his case for a re-call in the SANFL, booting six goals from 15 disposals against West Adelaide. Ned McHenry, Sam Berry, Jackson Hately and Patrick Parnell would be other options to come into the side.
SWANS
B: T.McCartin, A.Francis, R.Fox
HB: N.Blakey, O.Florent, J.Lloyd
C: E.Gulden, Ch.Warner, D.Stephens
HF: S.Wicks, H.McLean, I.Heeney
F: W.Hayward, J.Amartey, T.Papley
FOLL: T.Hickey, C.Mills – C, L.Parker
I/C: H.Cunningham, J.Rowbottom, M.Roberts, L.McDonald
EMG: J.Buller, H.Arnold, Co.Warner, R.Clarke
In: M.Roberts
Out: B.Campbell (Suspension), R.Clarke (Sub)
Team Tips: Sydney might have to make one forced change, with Joel Amartey subbed out against Gold Coast with a hamstring injury. Coach John Longmire said he was hopeful Amartey would be OK to play despite being tight, but if not the Swans could play smaller – Braeden Campbell is due to return after serving his one-game ban and Justin McInerney could return depending on his fitness – or turn to one of their VFL rucks – Lachlan McAndrew or Peter Ladhams – to come into the side. Dane Rampe (calf) and Lewis Melican (hamstring) would also be in the mix to come back after their respective injuries.
Should the Blues leave Harry out? | 02:14
WESTERN BULLDOGS v WEST COAST
Sunday August 20, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium
BULLDOGS
B: A.Keath, L.Jones, T.Duryea
HB: B.Dale, J.O’Donnell, E.Richards
C: C.Poulter, M.Bontempelli – C, B.Williams
HF: C.Weightman, A.Naughton, B.Smith
F: R.Lobb, J.Ugle-Hagan, R.West
FOLL: T.English, A.Treloar, T.Liberatore
I/C: A.Jones, J.Macrae, C.Daniel, L.Vandermeer
EMG: O.Baker, B.Khamis, L.Cleary, J.Sweet
In: A.Keath
Out: A.Scott (Injured), J.Johannisen (Injured)
Team Tips: Star midfielder Tom Liberatore will miss this week’s clash with the Eagles due to concussion in a big blow. The Bulldogs could turn to Toby McLean after his excellent one-goal, 28-disposal, nine-clearance VFL game against Box Hill, or move Oskar Baker into the starting 22 after a solid sub outing against Hawthorn. Anthony Scott, too, should be available for selection after spending last weekend in concussion protocols. While his pressure was good, Arthur Jones only had three touches against Hawthorn, so he could come out of the side. Tim O’Brien (hamstring) and Ryan Gardner (soreness) could be options to boost the Bulldogs’ backline, while Hayden Crozier’s decent VFL outing last week might have him in the frame to return to the AFL side.
WEST COAST
B: L.Duggan, J.McGovern – C, T.Cole
HB: E.Yeo, A.Witherden, L.Foley
C: L.Edwards, T.Kelly, J.Hunt
HF: C.Chesser, J.Darling, N.Long
F: J.Cripps, O.Allen, J.Williams
FOLL: B.Williams, E.Hewett, A.Gaff
I/C: S.Petrevski-Seton, X.O’Neill, J.Jones, J.Rotham
EMG: R.Bazzo, G.Clark
In: S.Petrevski-Seton, J.Jones, L.Foley
Out: R.Maric (Injured), J.Petruccelle (illness), B.Hough (illness) G.Clark (Sub)
Team Tips: Expect some action at match committee at West Coast. Oscar Allen suffered a knock to his elbow late in the derby loss to Fremantle and is in some doubt to play this week, while the severity of Tom Cole’s ankle injury remains unknown. Jack Petruccelle and Brady Hough would be in the mix to return after they were late withdrawals last week, while Ryan Maric would be a chance to return after missing the derby with a minor calf issue. Luke Foley could hold his spot after a 16 disposal outing from 93 per cent game time, but Luke Edwards might be vulnerable. While Shannon Hurn isn’t expected to travel to Melbourne – he’ll have a farewell game at home in Round 24 – outgoing skipper Luke Shuey could make the flight across to face the Dogs.
King kicks six as Saints beat Tigers | 01:50
MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN
Sunday August 20, 3.20pm at the MCG
DEMONS
B: C.Salem, S.May, T.Rivers
HB: J.Bowey, J.Lever, A.Brayshaw
C: L.Hunter, J.Viney, A.Neal-Bullen
HF: C.Petracca, J.Smith, K.Chandler
F: J.Melksham, J.van Rooyen, J.Jordon
FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Oliver, K.Pickett
I/C: B.Grundy, E.Langdon, T.Sparrow, J.McVee
EMG: J.Harmes, C.Spargo, M.Hibberd, J.Schache
In: C.Oliver, B.Grundy
Out: J.Harmes (Omitted), M.Hibberd (Sub), H.Petty (Injured)
Team Tips: Most of the intrigue – as it has been all season – will centre around the forward line. Brodie Grundy was re-called for the Carlton game but struggled in tough conditions for key forwards. But Fox Footy experts wouldn’t be surprised if one of Tom McDonald or Ben Brown come in to replace Grundy. Elsewhere, James Harmes, Charlie Spargo and Taj Woewodin were all strong in the VFL to push their re-call cases, with Jake Bowey and James Jordon possibly vulnerable.
HAWKS
B: J.Sicily – C, J.Scrimshaw, J.Blanck
HB: H.Morrison, J.Impey, B.Hardwick
C: J.Weddle, J.Worpel, F.Maginness
HF: C.Wingard, L.Breust, C.Nash
F: D.Moore, M.Lewis, C.Macdonald
FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe, W.Day
I/C: D.Grainger-Barras, K.Amon, J.Koschitzke, J.Ward,
EMG: N.Long, B.Macdonald, J.Serong, S.Mitchell
In: K.Amon, D.Grainger-Barras
Out: C.Mackenzie, S.Mitchell (Omitted), Brandon Ryan (illness)
Team Tips: Hawthorn will have to make one forced change, with Chad Wingard suffering a nasty Achilles rupture last weekend, and could be forced into another painful forward blow with Mitch Lewis a test following a mid-foot sprain suffered against the Dogs. He is currently immobile and “not doing much” in a worrying sign. The Hawks have won half of their games with both Lewis and James Sicily in the side across the course of the season. Tyler Brockman could come straight back into the team after returning via the VFL, while Seamus Mitchell would be another option. Although sub Bailey Macdonald did his chances of returning to the starting 22 no harm after his 15 disposals and two intercept marks from 63 per cent game time against Western Bulldogs. Assuming he’s right to return from illness, Brandon Ryan, who kicked three goals against Collingwood, should come back in for Denver Grainger-Barras.
Port win to secure top 4 spot | 02:18
FREMANTLE v PORT ADELAIDE
Sunday August 20, 4.40pm at Optus Stadium
DOCKERS
B: B.Cox, A.Pearce – C, C.Wagner
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, H.Young
C: L.Henry, M.Johnson, K.Worner
HF: S.Switkowski, J.Treacy, L.Schultz
F: J.Corbett, J.Amiss, M.Walters
FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
I/C: M.Frederick, S.Sturt, J.O’Meara, J.Aish
EMG: N.Erasmus, N.Wilson, E.Stanley, J.Hamling
In: K.Worner
Out: E.Hughes (Injured), N.Erasmus (Sub)
Team Tips: After a record 101-point Derby win over West Coast — and a game the Dockers got through unscathed — don’t expect many, if any, changes to Justin Longmuir’s side. Some strong performances at WAFL level will at least give the club something to think about including from Will Brodie (29 touches, six tackles) and Bailey Banfield (four goals from 16 disposals). Matt Taberner (two goals) is also on the outer and likely remains in the twos for now. Josh Corbett had limited impact against the Eagles before being subbed out as one who could make way.
POWER
B: D.Williams, A.Aliir, D.Houston
HB: K.Farrell, T.Jonas – C, R.Burton
C: Z.Butters, W.Drew, X.Duursma
HF: W.Rioli, T.Marshall, J.McEntee
F: D.Byrne-Jones, O.Lord, S.Powell-Pepper
FOLL: J.Finlayson, O.Wines, C.Rozee
I/C: S.Hayes, J.Horne-Francis, L.Jones, M.Bergman
EMG: J.Burgoyne, Q.Narkle, F.Evans
In: A.Aliir, K.Farrell, J.Finlayson, M.Bergman, L.Jones, S.Hayes
Out: J.Burgoyne (Omitted), R.Bonner (Omitted), F.Evans (Sub), J.Mead (Omitted), T.McKenzie (Injured), D.Visentini (Injured), T.Boak (illness)
Team Tips: The Power bounced back to their best form against the Giants to consolidate a spot in the top four, and there’s a watch on some potential inclusions. Providing he’s overcome an illness, Travis Boak might return, though the veteran midfielder isn’t the walk-up starter he once was and might have to settle for the sub role. Meanwhile Charlie Dixon (foot) and Scott Lycett (knee) could also come into the mix. If Lycett remains sidelined, the club has a call to make on Dante Visentini, who had been the No. 1 ruckman in the two previous games before being a late out against GWS with quad soreness, and Sam Hayes. Despite being subbed out against the Giants, Hayes might hold his spot given the team’s improved performance with him leading the ruck division. Dropped midfielder Jackson Mead meanwhile picked up 27 disposals in the SANFL to put his name into calculations.
