An Eagles All-Australian hopeful and veteran Giant has been ruled out of their respective matches this Saturday, while a Collingwood forward is being strongly considered to return on the back of a remarkable 300-day recovery from an ACL injury.

Also, an Essendon spearhead could be on the selection chopping block this Thursday, and an out-of-favour midfielder has been tipped to return on Friday night.

Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 19 in AFL Team Tips!

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ROUND 19 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)

ESSENDON v ADELAIDE CROWS

Friday July 19, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Essendon’s Round 18 team

B: J.Ridley, B.McKay, D.Heppell

HB: N.Martin, M.Redman, A.McGrath

C: X.Duursma, S.Durham, A.Perkins

HF: M.Guelfi, H.Jones, N.Caddy

F: J.Stringer, P.Wright, K.Langford

FOLL: S.Draper, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: D.Shiel, J.Gresham, N.Cox, J.Kelly, N.Hind

EMG: W.Setterfield, J.Laverde, T.Goldstein

Team Tips: The Bombers have lost two of their past three games, and it seems changes are coming. The Age’s Jake Niall reports Brad Scott’s match committee is strongly considering omitting key forward Peter Wright, who has managed just seven goals across his past seven games. Considering the dilemma already facing the Bombers, as well as trying to navigate a forward-line also comprising Kyle Langford, Harrison Jones and the emerging Nate Caddy, a big call on Wright could come ahead of Friday night’s meeting with the Crows. Niall also reported Ben Hobbs — who had 30 disposals and 11 tackles at VFL level las weekend — was a likely inclusion this Thursday. Goldstein’s presence was certainly missed against a ruck-less Melbourne last Saturday night, with the ex-Roo tipped to be Wright’s replacement if ‘Two-Metre Peter’ is in fact shunned. Meanwhile, defender Jayden Laverde was managed last week and could return. Nick Hind was a burst of energy when injected into the game as sub, and may be an option in the starting 22 to replace the likes of a Matt Guelfi or Nik Cox. In the reserves against Casey on Sunday, Elijah Tsatas also won plenty of the ball for his 34 touches and 14 clearances, while Jye Menzie and Jayden Davey kicked three goals each.

Adelaide’s Round 18 team

B: M.Keane, N.Murray, J.Butts

HB: M.Michalanney, L.Nankervis, B.Smith

C: L.Sholl, R.Laird, B.Dowling

HF: B.Keays, J.Rachele, J.Dawson – C

F: E.Himmelberg, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, S.Berry

I/C: H.Bond, B.Cook, L.Murphy, Z.Taylor, R.Thilthorpe

EMG: J.Borlase, C.Jones, H.Schoenberg

Team Tips: The Crows were strong in victory against the Saints amid awful conditions, but there is still one glaringly obvious inclusion that will come from Matthew Nicks at selection. Sub Riley Thilthorpe kicked two goals from seven disposals in just one quarter on Saturday night, and it would be incomprehensible to leave him out of the starting 22 again. Should Thilthorpe be included, how the Crows structure their forward line with four talls will be intriguing to say the least. Debutant Hugh Bond may not have have much of the ball, but wore his direct opponents like a glove down in defence. However, with the Crows expecting to regain Mitch Hinge from an adductor injury, he may be stiffly forced back to the reserves. Dan Curtin was the Crows’ only strong performer in the SANFL last Saturday afternoon with 22 disposals and two goal – can the Crows somehow squeeze him in? It’s unlikely given his track record of games this season, but the young Crow certainly is making a good case.

GWS GIANTS v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday July 20, 1:45pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS’ Round 18 team

B: C.Idun, J.Buckley, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, H.Perryman

C: C.Ward, T.Green, I.Cumming

HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, A.Cadman

F: T.Greene – C, J.Hogan, T.Bedford

FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, F.Callaghan

I/C: J.Fonti, H.Thomas, D.Jones, T.McMullin, J.Peatling

EMG: L. Aleer, X.O’Halloran, J.Wehr

Team Tips: The biggest concern for the Giants out of their win against Richmond on Sunday was the shoulder injury to Stephen Coniglio, who has been ruled out of the crucial clash against the Suns on Saturday according to ABC Sport’s Daniel Garb on Thursday morning.

There weren’t many passengers against the Tigers in what was a solid team effort; so any of the 22 would be unlucky to be dropped. The Giants’ VFL side had a bye over the weekend, but Nick Haynes and Xavier O’Halloran would be the two players you could imagine knocking the door down the hardest for a recall. The latter would make more sense to return this weekend, given he is a more direct swap for Coniglio. Sam Taylor remains at least another week away from a potential return from a nasty testicle injury, despite pushing for selection.

Gold Coast’s Round 18 team

B: S.Collins, W.Powell, M.Andrew

HB: C.Ballard, B.Uwland, J.Jeffrey

C: N.Holman, N.Anderson – C, S.Clohesy

HF: B.Humphrey, M.Rosas, B.Ainsworth

F: B.King, B.Long, J.Lukosius

FOLL: N.Moyle, S.Flanders, M.Rowell

I/C: A.Davies, J.Walter, C.Budarick, L.Johnston, W. Graham

EMG: A. Sexton. T. Berry, D. Swallow

Team Tips: The Suns will need to make at least three changes for their match against the Giants, after Ben Ainsworth was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury and both Alex Davies and Malcolm Rosas Jnr copped suspensions. Their absence could open the door for any of emergency trio Alex Sexton, David Swallow and Tom Berry to return after their dropping last week. Sexton and Berry both played sizeable games in the VFL against Richmond, while Swallow didn’t play any football. Ruck Jarrod Witts also could return for the match and replace an unlucky Ned Moyle if his back is back to normal. Forward Jed Walter was soundly beaten up forward, and registered just one disposal for the Suns on Sunday. Former Kangaroo Jack Mahony also played well in the reserves, accumulating 28 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances and a goal. Usual suspects Brayden Fiorini and Rory Atkins had truckloads of the ball too, but don’t seem to be appealing options to Hardwick in recent weeks.

ST KILDA v WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday July 20, 1:45pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda’s Round 18 team

B: J.Battle, D.Howard, C.Wilkie

HB: J.Sinclair, R.Bonner, J.Webster

C: N.Wanganeen-Milera, H.Clark, M.Wood

HF: R.Byrnes, L.Henry, M.Owens

F: J.Higgins, T.Membrey, C.Sharman

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, M.Phillipou

I/C: Z.Jones, D.Butler, D.Wilson, A.Schoenmaker, B.Paton

EMG: H.Garcia, T.Campbell, A.McLennan

Team Tips: The Saints have been dealt a big blow with young gun Mattaes Phillipou ruled out for three to four weeks with a hip injury. After a poor showing last Saturday night, the Saints will be hoping to welcome back Brad Hill (personal reasons) to their lineup first and foremost. Conditions were ultra-tough in Adelaide, but recalled forward Tim Membrey was still soundly beaten for his four disposals and no scores. Riley Bonner looks like he could become vulnerable at the selection table too after being subbed out. In the VFL for Sandringham, Matt Allison kicked his second bag of five for the season, but hasn’t found a huge amount of consistency at the level this year. Liam Stocker was strong for the Zebras, while veteran Seb Ross brought the pressure with 14 tackles at DSV Stadium.

West Coast’s Round 18 team

B: B.Hough, T.Barrass, A.Witherden

HB: T.Cole, H.Edwards, L.Duggan

C: R.Ginbey, T.Kelly, J.Hunt

HF: J.Cripps, J.Waterman, L.Ryan

F: J.Hutchinson, O.Allen – C, J.Williams

FOLL: B.Williams, E.Yeo, H.Reid

I/C: L.Edwards, Z.Trew, J.Jones, R.Maric, T.Brockman

EMG: J. Darling, J. Rotham, J. Culley

Team Tips: Unfortunately for the Eagles, they will need to make at least three forced changes in Liam Duggan (concussion), Jake Waterman (thigh/knee) and Tyler Brockman (ankle). As per Channel 9’s Alexia Pesce, Waterman didn’t train of Thursday morning due to a sore iliotibial band (ITB) and has been ruled out.

Jamaine Jones was quiet again the Eagles, and may benefit from a run in the WAFL if caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield looks elsewhere for run and carry. Thankfully though, all of Matt Flynn, Jack Petruccelle and Dom Sheed could return to the senior side if they can prove their fitness throughout the week – with the latter racking up 31 disposals and 10 marks in the reserves. In the same game, veteran forward Jack Darling responded to his dropping with 17 disposals, six inside 50s and two goals in a solid outing. AFL emergency Jai Culley kicked 2.2 from his own 23 disposals, and may also be up for a recall to the top team.

HAWTHORN v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday July 20, 4:35pm at the MCG

Hawthorn’s Round 18 team

B: J.Scrimshaw, S.Frost, B.Hardwick

HB: J. Weddle, J.Sicily – C, J.Impey

C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, C.Nash

HF: J.Ward, M.Chol, W.Day

F: N.Watson, L.Breust, M.D’Ambrosio

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Worpel, J.Newcombe

I/C: K.Amon, C.Jiath, C.Macdonald, C.Dear, H. Morrison

EMG: J.Serong, J.Gunston, F.Maginness

Team Tips: According to the club, the Hawks are ‘in line’ to recall small forward Jack Ginnivan for their clash with his former side, Collingwood, this Saturday. The premiership Pie has missed the past two games with a minor hairline crack in his fibula. Elsewhere, defender Massimo D’Ambrosio was the only casualty during last weekend’s close win in Tasmania, after rolling his ankle in the second quarter. There is hope he will be given the all clear to play this weekend, meaning it may only be unforced changes Mitchell could choose to make for the massive clash with the Magpies. Josh Ward was quiet in his game against Fremantle, but may survive given the few standout performances in the reserves. Finn Maginness was busy as always in the VFL, and is a smoky to be recalled to help tame Nick Daicos as he done before with success. Emergency Jack Gunston didn’t play at any level on the weekend, and may be considered for extra firepower up forward.

Collingwood’s Round 18 side

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore – C, I.Quaynor

HB: J.Noble, O.Markov, W.Hoskin-Elliott

C: S.Sidebottom, S.Pendlebury, J.Daicos

HF: B.Hill, N.Kreuger, L.Schultz

F: N.Long, P.Lipinski, J.Elliott

FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, N.Daicos

I/C: B.Frampton, J.Crisp, J.Richards, H.Harrison, R.McInnes

EMG: F.Macrae, L.Sullivan, A.Johnson

Team Tips: Small forward Lachie Schultz will miss the clash in concussion protocols after his collision with Tom Stewart on Friday night. 211cm tall Mason Cox is a chance to be available if he proves his knee injury is no longer an issue as coach Craig McRae searches desperately for a key presence up forward. Harvey Harrison and Ned Long were quiet against the Cats, but should hold their spots given their roles in the side. SSP pick-up Jack Bytel was best afield in the club’s VFL match last Saturday afternoon, gathering 33 disposals, nine inside 50s and a goal during their 29-point loss to Geelong. Friday night’s sub Reef McInnes also impressed in his double appearance on the weekend, finishing with 18 disposals and eight marks. Key tall Dan McStay made a successful return from an ACL injury on managed minutes, and is now a strong chance of making his return 302 days after his last AFL match, according to Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary. Both Nathan Kreuger and Jeremy Howe missed training on Thursday due to illness, but are expected to be available.

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday July 20, 7:30pm at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong’s Round 18 team:

B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: M.Duncan, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie

C: Z.Tuohy, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

HF: T.Stengle, G.Rohan, G.Miers

F: S.Mannagh, S.Neale, J.Cameron

FOLL: M.Blicavs, P.Dangerfield – C, T.Atkins

I/C: J.Bowes, B.Close, L.Humphries, J.Clark, O.Henry

EMG: J.Bews, M.Knevitt, R.Stanley

Team Tips: In terms of unforced changes, there aren’t many needed at the Cattery as they sit unbeaten in their last three matches. Forward Gary Rohan was perhaps quiet, but given how well their forward line functioned you wouldn’t expect him to lose his spot. Tanner Bruhn could return as early as this weekend from a wrist injury, but may be another round away. Usual VFL suspect Ted Clohesy had his normal two goals and 31 disposals last weekend, while Mitch Hardie, Brandon Parfitt, Rhys Stanley, Mitch Knevitt and Jed Bews all had great games – in particular Stanley and Parfitt. Chris Scott evidently has at least half a dozen strong performers to call upon if needed from his reserves, but it’s unlikely he’ll need them if they keep up this form.

Western Bulldogs’ Round 18 team
B: T.Duryea, B.Khamis, N.Coffield

HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: E.Richards, R. Sanders, B.Williams

HF: L.Vandermeer, J.Ugle-Hagan, J.Macrae

F: C.Weightman, S.Darcy, R.West

FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli – C, T.Liberatore

I/C: J.Freijah, H.Gallagher, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, R.Garcia

EMG: A.Keath, C.Daniel

Team Tips: If his injury has as subtle as suggested in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Luke Beveridge’s first point of call will be to recall late out Adam Treloar and Aaron Naughton back into his side – with both listed as a ‘test’ on the club’s injury list for Round 19. And while Beveridge would have also liked to bring back James O’Donnell from his concussion, hamstring tightness has set back his return for at least a fortnight. Treloar’s last-minute replacement Riley Garcia wasn’t used as sub, but the young gun proved his worth in the best way possible – amassing a humungous 34 disposals, 17 tackles, 10 clearances and two goals in another gigantic VFL outing on Sunday. Harvey Gallagher wasn’t overly impactful either for his five disposals, and may re-join the reserves if Beveridge decides to select Garcia instead. The exiled Caleb Daniel had 29 touches and nine tackles of his own for Footscray, but may found himself out of the side again this week with the expected inclusions.

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND

Saturday July 20, 7:30pm at the Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide’s Round 18 team

B: K.Farrell, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman

HB: L.Evans, A.Aliir, D.Houston

C: T.Boak, O.Wines, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, J.Finlayson

F: O. Lord, C. Dixon, C.Rozee – C

FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters

I/C: J. Mead, J.Burgoyne, La.Jones, Q.Narkle, F.Evans

EMG: W. Lorenz, J. McEntee, D. Visentini

Team Tips: Port Adelaide have ruled out key forward Jeremy Finlayson for the remainder of 2024 with a nasty spleen injury. And they’ll also be without Lachie Jones (concussion) and Todd Marshall (hip) for the clash against Richmond, with both forced to sit out the second half of their match on Sunday. In addition, the club has also ruled out winger and booming kick Kane Farrell with a low-grade hamstring strain. Subsequently, Esava Ratugolea and Ryan Burton now certainly loom as options to replace Jones or Farrell if fit, while Mitch Georgiades is a straight swap replacement for Marshall. Willie Rioli booted three goals in the SANFL also, with the Power a chance to bring him back into the team and play a smaller-than-usual forward line.

Richmond’s Round 18 team

B: B.Miller, N.Broad, N.Balta

HB: T.Brown, D.Rioli, N.Vlastuin

C: H.Ralphsmith, D.Prestia, K.McIntosh

HF: R.Mansell, L.Baker, T.Sonsie

F: J.Koschitzke, S.Bolton, S.Ryan

FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, J.Hopper, T.Taranto

I/C: J.Graham, S.Green, S.Banks, J.Short, J.Trezise

EMG: N.Cumberland, T. Dow, J. Blight

Team Tips: Important mid Tim Taranto will miss the clash against Port Adelaide after suffering a concussion against the Giants, rotten luck for a player who was starting to build some continuity after missing the middle part of the year through injury. Channel 9’s Tom Morris reported on Tuesday afternoon that Dustin Martin will need to pass a fitness test on Thursday before being cleared to play, but the 301-gamer since being ruled out by Adem Yze on Thursday morning. Thomson Dow (19 disposals in VFL) looms as a likely replacement after being omitted last week, while Jacob Blight had 17 disposals in the VFL and is also hunting a recall. Seth Campbell was managed and could return, potentially at the expense of Tyler Sonsie or James Trezise.

BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY SWANS

Sunday July 21, 1:10pm at the Gabba

Brisbane’s Round 18 team

B: D.Zorko, D.Joyce, R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews, C.McKenna

C: Z.Bailey, C.Rayner, W.Ashcroft

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage

F: K.Lohmann, J.Daniher, L.Morris

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale – C

I/C: C.Ah Chee, J.Berry, J.Fletcher, S.Brain, B.Reville

EMG: D. Fort, J.Prior, D.Robertson

Team Tips: Star forward Charlie Cameron is unavailable for three weeks after being suspended for a tackle that left Eagles captain Liam Duggan concussed, but Brandon Starcevich should return from his own concussion in more positive news. Noah Answerth (shoulder) could also be available, while Jaxon Prior and Deven Robertson are also in the mix for senior opportunities. The Lions are on a tear at the moment, so you can’t imagine coach Chris Fagan would be too trigger happy at selection.

Sydney’s Round 18 team

B: D.Rampe, T.McCartin, L.Melican

HB: O.Florent, N.Blakey, M.Roberts

C: J.Lloyd, Ch.Warner, E.Gulden

HF: J.Jordon, L.McDonald, R.Fox

F: T.Papley, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

FOLL: B.Grundy, L.Parker, J.Rowbottom

I/C: B.Campbell, C.Mills – C, J.McInerney, T.Adams, H.McLean

EMG: S.Wicks, L.McAndrew

Team Tips: The Swans will welcome back superstar Isaac Heeney from suspension and gee, this side is looking scarily good. In fact their problem now is too many midfield options with Luke Parker cleanly replacing Heeney last week; which mid gets moved either forward or back, or dare we suggest, back into the VFL? The versatile Justin McInerney seems to have suffered a PCL injury which is a big blow, but Harry Cunningham (hamstring) isn’t far off returning. The Swans have a big challenge on their hands against an in-form Lions outfit as they look to keep their noses in front of the pack in top spot.

FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE

Sunday July 21, 3:20pm at Optus Stadium

Fremantle’s Round 18 team

B: H.Chapman, B.Cox, J.Draper

HB: C.Wagner, L.Ryan, J.Clark

C: H.Young, N.Fyfe, J.O’Meara

HF: S.Sturt, P.Voss, M.Frederick

F: J.Treacy, J.Amiss, S.Switkowski

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong – C, A.Brayshaw

I/C: B.Banfield, J.Sharp, M.Johnson, M.Walters, J.Aish

EMG: W.Brodie, B.Walker, L.Reidy

Team Tips: Ruck Sean Darcy looks set to slot straight back into the side that got pipped by the Hawks in Launceston, as could captain Alex Pearce, assuming both are passed fit later this week. That likely means Patrick Voss makes way for Darcy, but who goes out for Pearce remains a point of intrigue. Pearce will renew his partnership with Brennan Cox in defence, is there room for Josh Draper as well? Sam Sturt and Corey Wagner were both quiet against Hawthorn and might find themselves on the outer.

Melbourne’s Round 18 team

B: T.McDonald, S.May, J.McVee

HB: T.Rivers, J.Lever, J.Bowey

C: E.Langdon, C.Oliver, A.Neal-Bullen

HF: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, T.Sparrow

F: K.Chandler, B.Fritsch, J.Melksham

FOLL: H.Petty, J.Viney – C, C.Salem

I/C: C.Windsor, K.Tholstrup, T.Woewodin, D.Turner, A.Moniz-Wakefield

EMG: B.Laurie, A.Tomlinson, T.Fullarton

Team Tips: Could captain Max Gawn return ahead of schedule for the Dees this week? Gawn participated in main training on Thursday and is pushing to play for this weekend’s clash against Fremantle in Perth, extremely positive news for Demons fans. Melbourne prevailed over Essendon in the VFL clash as well and there were plenty of strong contributors if Simon Goodwin wants to make some changes. Jack Billings and Bailey Laurie had 29 disposals and two goals apiece, while Blake Howes and Adam Tomlinson were busy in defence. Andy Moniz-Wakefield was subbed out of the clash against the Bombers and Taj Woewodin was the sub once more and both could be on thin ice for senior roles this weekend.

CARLTON v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday July 21, 4:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Carlton’s Round 18 team

B: L.Cowan, J.Weitering, B.Kemp

HB: A.Saad, C.Marchbank, N.Newman

C: M.Cottrell, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: A.Cincotta, C.Curnow, Z.Williams

F: H.McKay, T.De Koning, L.Fogarty

FOLL: M.Pittonet, S.Walsh, A.Cerra

I/C: J.Boyd, E.Hollands, O.Hollands, M.Kennedy, M.Owies

EMG: S.Durdin, J.Motlop, G.Hewett

Team Tips: Carlton’s midfield depth has been exposed in the last few weeks and after another poor showing against the Bulldogs, it’s time for Michael Voss to make some tough calls at selection. George Hewett was immense in the VFL with 33 disposals, 11 clearances, ten tackles and a goal, while Jack Carroll also pressed his case for a recall with 29 touches. Defender turned forward Zac Williams had a hamstring issue which is a big blow, while his potential replacement Orazio Fantasia (calf) hurt himself as well on the weekend. Livewire forward Jesse Motlop is a chance to get the call up, as is David Cuningham. Mitch McGovern might return from a hip flexor problem which would put Caleb Marchbank on the chopping block. Matthew Cottrell is another who failed to assert himself on the contest against the Bulldogs.