Power’s Round 7 team

B: K.Farrell, E.Ratugolea, B.Zerk-Thatcher

HB: La.Jones, A.Aliir, D.Houston

C: M.Bergman, O.Wines, W.Drew

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, C.Rozee – C

F: S.Powell-Pepper, C.Dixon, W.Rioli

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

I/C: J.Mead, J.Burgoyne, T.Boak, M.Georgiades, D.Williams

EMG: D.Visentini, F.Evans, T.Clurey

Team Tips: All of a sudden, it’s injuries galore at Alberton – with forward Sam Powell-Pepper heartbreakingly rupturing his ACL against St Kilda on Friday night. Aliir Aliir will miss the Showdown in concussion protocols, while captain Connor Rozee has remarkably been deemed available for the clash, despite a low-grade hamstring strain. Key tall Jeremy Finlayson has served his three-match suspension for a homophobic slur back in Round 4, and should come into the starting 22. Forward Jed McEntee, defender Ryan Burton and key back Tom Clurey were all late withdrawals from the SANFL side’s match last Saturday due to the aforementioned injuries, with McEntee and Clurey the two most likely to come in as replacements for Powell-Pepper and Aliir.

CARLTON v COLLINGWOOD

Friday May 3, 7:40pm at the MCG

Blues’ Round 7 team

B: L.Cowan, Le.Young, B.Kemp

HB: Z.Williams, J.Weitering, N.Newman

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres

HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell

F: M.Owies, T.De Koning, C.Curnow

FOLL: M.Pittonet, S.Walsh, G.Hewett

I/C: J.Boyd, M.Kennedy, J.Carroll, C.Durdin, J.Binns

EMG: S.Durdin, A.Cincotta

Team Tips: While there’s no shame in the Blues falling to the undefeated Cats, Michael Voss labelled the performance “unacceptable” and has a bit to ponder after going into the game unchanged – outside of Jaxon Binns being a late inclusion for Orazio Fantasia (illness). Adam Cerra, David Cunningham and Mitch McGovern would be in the mix to return from injury, with Cerra seemingly the most likely to be ready. Matthew Owies or Jack Carroll likely make way for Cerra, while Fantasia might have to settle for the sub role. Defender Zac Williams has also come under fire for his underwhelming start to 2024, and is no certainty to hold his spot in the 22. Voss was particularly critical of his side’s defensive efforts, but that’s not necessarily exclusive to the back six, so every Blue should be on high alert. The VFL Blues didn’t have many standouts in a 101-point loss to Geelong.

Magpies’ Round 7 team

B: B.Maynard, I.Quaynor, B.Frampton

HB: J.Noble, J.Crisp, D.Moore – C

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

HF: L.Schultz, P.Lipinski, B.Mihocek

F: B.Hill, J.Elliott, M.Cox

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

I/C: T.Mitchell, B.McCreery, W.Hoskin-Elliott, H.Harrison, J.Howe

EMG: R.McInnes, L.Sullivan, O.Markov
Team Tips: Craig McRae has confirmed both Jordan De Goey (groin) and Tom Mitchell (foot soreness) will miss Friday night’s blockbuster clash in a significant blow to the reigning premiers, particularly against Carlton’s star-studded midfield. Mitchell has plantar fascia while De Goey “wasn’t even close to training” on Monday according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph on Midweek Tackle. Fin Macrae would be the obvious inclusion, staking his claim for a recall against the Blues after racking up 30 touches and a goal in the VFL, while it could open the door for mature-aged Lachlan Sullivan (19 disposals, one goal) to make his AFL debut. Charlie Dean (23 disposals) and Ash Johnson (two goals from 18 possessions, eight marks) also impressed in the twos. Harvey Harrison (seven disposals, one goal in one quarter) could also come into the 22 too after providing great energy after coming on as sub on Anzac Day.

SYDNEY SWANS v GWS GIANTS

Saturday May 4, 1:45pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 7 team

B: N.Blakey, T.McCartin, L.Melican

HB: H.Cunningham, O.Florent, J.Lloyd

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

HF: J.Jordon, L.McDonald, T.Adams

F: T.Papley – C, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom

I/C: R.Fox, M.Roberts, S.Wicks, H.McLean, B.Campbell

EMG: P.Ladhams, J.Konstanty, A.Francis

Team Tips: Fresh off a dominant win over the Hawks, there isn’t much change needed for the Swans this weekend heading into their ‘Battle of the Bridge’. That being said, the addition of Luke Parker seems likely, after returning from a broken arm in style with 34 disposals and seven inside 50’s in the VFL. How he squeezes into the side remains a mystery, however it’s likely sub Braeden Campbell drops out of the 23. Dane Rampe looks likely to return from a hamstring injury, and if he does, will likely be at the expense of an unlucky Robbie Fox. Fringe players Aaron Francis and Angus Sheldrick again performed well in the reserves, but look set to continue biding their time for further opportunity; until an injury or vast drop in form allows for them to play.

Giants’ Round 7 team

B: H.Perryman, H.Himmelberg, C.Idun

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash

C: J.Wehr, J.Kelly – C, F.Callaghan

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Bedford

F: J.Riccardi, J.Hogan, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, C.Ward, T.Green

I/C: X.O’Halloran, H.Thomas, L.Aleer, D.Jones, J.Peatling

EMG: T.McMullin, R.Angwin, M.Gruzewski

Team Tips: The Giants could have as many as three big ins this weekend, while their VFL side continues to provide insane individual performances. Captain Toby Greene is the one certainty to return, having served his one-week suspension. Stephen Coniglio and Sam Taylor are more likely than not to be available after their respective injuries, with Taylor the more probable of the two to play. Nick Madden was again monstrous in the reserves, accumulating a whopping 31 disposals, 33 hitouts, 14 clearances and seven inside 50’s – an absurd set of numbers for a ruckman. Eternal performer in the second team Josh Fahey had 39 disposals and 10 marks, while intercept defender Nick Haynes had a crazy 36 disposals and 17 marks. Lachie Keefe kicked 4.3 up forward, while Conor Stone and last week’s emergency Max Gruzewski kicked three goals each. Isaac Cumming made a successful return from a calf injury with 21 disposals, and may be considered for a return at the top level this Saturday.