Collingwood appears in line for some boosts, while a Hawthorn star is “in doubt”, and there’s a watch on Bailey Smith’s health.
More below in Round 11 Team Tips!
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ROUND 11 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
HAWTHORN v KUWARNA
Thursday May 21, 7:30pm at UTAS Stadium
Hawks’ Round 10 side
B: J.Sicily, J.Battle, J.Impey
HB: K.Amon, B.Hardwick, B.Ryan
C: M.D’Ambrosio, H.Hustwaite, J.Weddle
HF: D.Moore, C.Dear, M.Ramsden
F: C.Macdonald, M.Lewis, N.Watson
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe – C, C.Mackenzie
I/C: H.Morrison, J.Ward, N.Reeves, F.Maginness, J.Ginnivan
EMG: C.Nairn, W.McCabe, S.Butler
Team Tips: Should welcome a few back from the injury list as they look to respond to a humbling loss to the Demons. Connor Nash (concussion) and Mabior Chol (hamstring) should be good to go, but Jack Gunston (foot) is “in doubt” for Thursday’s Tassie fixture after not training on Tuesday, according to AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich. will also need to prove his fitness on the track. Will Day (shoulder) is also set to be available, but the Hawks have said the star midfielder will come back through the VFL. The looming returns of their key forwards likely spells the end of Calsher Dear and Max Ramsen’s gigs in the senior team. Though Lloyd Meek has had limited impact this season and the team’s drop off might have Sam Mitchell considering changing up his ruck setup and general structure. Henry Hustwaite might be vulnerable with Nash back and Finn Maginness, who did a good job containing Kysaiah Pickett, probably gets the job on Izak Rankine this week. Flynn Perez (29 touches, one goal), Jack Dalton (three goals from 24 touches) and Oliver Greeves (33 touches, one goal), were among their best in the VFL to give Mitchell and company a little more to ponder.
Crows’ Round 10 side
B: J.Worrell, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney
HB: R.Laird, J.Butts, W.Milera
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson – C, B.Cook
HF: I.Rankine, L.Nankervis, D.Curtin
F: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays
FOLL: L.McAndrew, J.Rachele, J.Peatling
I/C: L.Pedlar, T.Murray, S.Berry, J.Soligo, Z.Taylor
EMG: H.Bond, N.Murray, L.Nankervis
Team Tips: All eyes are on Riley Thilthorpe (back soreness)after the star forward missed the 68-point domination of North Melbourne. The Crows won’t take any risks with Thilthorpe, and with a bye next week, could be extra cautious and hold him out. But a week off might be all Thilthorpe needed and Thursday’s game is clearly crucial. Thilthorpe could replace Isaac Cumming, who the club is yet to provide an update on. Taylor Walker is also in the frame to return, but it could also make sense to keep the 36-year-old in cotton wool through the bye. Callum Ah Chee had 16 disposals and a goal in his SANFL injury comeback as another option to come in and Mitch Hinge (hamstring) shouldn’t be far off. However, you sense Matthew Nicks won’t want to change much after his side’s most dominant performance in some time. Luke Nankervis was a late in for Nick Murray, and despite kicking two goals, remains on the fringe. Billy Dowling (30 disposals) continued his strong SANFL form and should get a senior call up eventually.
RICHMOND v ESSENDON
Friday May 22, 7:45pm at the MCG
Tigers’ Round 10 side
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, C.Gray
HB: N.Vlastuin, J.Short, S.Grlj
C: P.Retschko, T.Taranto – C, J.Trezise
HF: T.Sonsie, S.Campbell, S.Green
F: J.Faull, T.Lynch, L.Fawcett
FOLL: N.Balta, J.Ross, S.Cumming
I/C: O.Hayes-Brown, T.Burton, L.Trainor, N.Roberts-Thomson, J.Hopper
EMG: S.Ryan, K.Smith, M.Lefau
Team Tips: The Tigers’ unprecedented injury situation has gotten so dire that there’s talk they might need to turn to VFL top-up players. Campbell Gray (hamstring) added to those woes; however, the club’s Round 11 injury report will assuage some of those concerns, with two players back in the frame to play this week at some level. And while there was initially a watch on Steely Green (hand/thumb) and Luke Trainor (thumb), they haven’t been named on this week’s injury list. Young forward Jasper Alger (knee) and ruck-forward Tom Sims (foot) have been labelled tests and could be named as emergencies, if necessary, with managed VFL game time. One who will certainly return to the side is forward Mykelti Lefau, who was managed for the loss to St Kilda and should replace Gray over Samson Ryan and Kaleb Smith – the only other options Adem Yze and the selection committee have. It comes after there were no AFL-listed players at VFL level last weekend. Lefau replacing Gray would throw the team balance off, however, and leave a void in defence, so Yze will need to get creative. Fingers crossed they can get a clean run this weekend! Tigers high-performance boss Ben Serpell also said that Taj Hotton (hip), Toby Nankervis (hamstring), Hugo Ralphsmith (knee) and Zane Peucker (ankle) “should be available for selection” come Richmond’s Tassie clash with Brisbane in Round 14.
Bombers’ Round 10 side
B: J.Prior, Z.Reid, A.McGrath – C
HB: A.Roberts, M.Redman, J.Farrow
C: X.Duursma, D.Parish, A.Day-Wicks
HF: J.Caldwell, N.Caddy, S.Robey
F: A.May, K.Langford, A.Perkins
FOLL: P.Wright, Z.Merrett, S.Durham
I/C: W.Setterfield, N.Cox, N.Bryan, J.Nguyen, L.Blakiston
EMG: E.Tsatas, J.Gresham, B.McKay
Team Tips: Back to the drawing board after a 43-point loss to the Dockers. There will be at least one forced change, with Scott confirming chief Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark’s report that Peter Wright is due for a stint on the sidelines with a PCL and MCL injury in a big blow. That should open the door for Ben McKay to get a reprieve after two weeks out of the senior side and Lachie Blakiston to support Nick Bryan in the ruck — where Wright has been playing — again. Brad Scott put the heat on his senior players after the Dockers loss, so could another selection statement be coming? Elijah Tsatas and Jade Gresham are sitting there as ready-made reinforcements that can come in.
Scott grilled on 2026 win-loss ratio | 04:03
WALYALUP v EURO-YROKE
Friday May 22, 8:30pm at Optus Stadium
Dockers’ Round 10 side
B: K.Worner, B.Cox, H.Chapman
HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, J.McVee
C: M.Frederick, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson
HF: M.Reid, J.Treacy, S.Switkowski
F: P.Voss, J.Amiss, I.Dudley
FOLL: L.Jackson, S.Bolton, C.Serong – C
I/C: M.Cox, N.Erasmus, O.McDonald, C.Scerri, N.O’Driscoll
EMG: J.Sharp, B.Banfield, H.Davies
Team Tips: As settled any any side right now amid a nine-game winning streak. Alex Pearce (leg), Hayden Young (concussion) and Corey Wagner (abductor) came out of the side due to injury and Pearce and Young should need at least another week on the sidelines. Hard to see the Dockers making any other moves with how well they’re travelling. There was a bye in the WAFL on the weekend to make it even harder for players outside the senior team, like Jeremy Sharp, Bailey Banfield, Hugh Davies, Brandon Walker and Nathan O’Driscoll, to try to force their way in.
Saints’ Round 10 side
B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie – C, A.Caminiti
HB: J.Carroll, B.Hill, L.O’Connell
C: M.Windhager, M.Hall, D.Wilson
HF: H.Garcia, M.Phillipou, J.Higgins
F: R.Byrnes, C.Sharman, D.Howard
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, J.Sinclair
I/C: J.Macrae, L.Stocker, R.Marshall, L.Henry, C.Banfield
EMG: A.Hastie, M.Wood, H.Boxshall
Team Tips: Missing a few key soldiers as Ross Lyon’s Saints build into form after a 36-point win over Richmond. Mitch Owens (calf) didn’t after pulling up sore from the club’s loss to Gold Coast in Darwin, but it doesn’t sound serious or that the forward will need to miss any more time. Meanwhile, Mason Wood responded to his axing with three goals from 28 disposals in a VFL win over Casey that could command a recall. Liam Henry was quiet in the win over the Tigers and seems the most vulnerable to come out of the side. You sense it won’t be Charlie Banfield after he impressed on debut.
NORTH MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday May 23 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium
Kangaroos’ Round 10 side
B: W.Dawson, G.Logue, C.Comben
HB: C.McKercher, C.Daniel, L.Parker
C: J.Simpkin, F.O’Sullivan, D.Stephens
HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, C.Spargo
F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey – C, Z.Duursma
FOLL: T.Xerri, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel
I/C: G.Wardlaw, L.McDonald, J.Darling, T.Blamires, J.Konstanty
EMG: R.Hardeman, M.Whitlock, C.Harvey
Team Tips: Alastair Clarkson certainly didn’t overreact to the loss to Adelaide and suggested it said more about Adelaide. But how will the North Melbourne coach respond at selection? Went unchanged last week but you imagine they could look to shake things up after their biggest defeat yet in 2026 and a four-game losing streak. Riley Hardeman hasn’t played an AFL game yet this year and it should only be a matter of time before he gets a crack. Meanwhile, Tom Powell (24 disposals), Callum-Coleman Jones (19 disposals, 26 hit-outs) and Lachie Dovaston (two goals) should also push for a recall after encouraging VFL performances. There’s a few in the team that would be nervous at selection.
Suns’ Round 10 side
B: O.Adams, S.Collins, M.Andrew
HB: B.Uwland, W.Powell, D.Rioli
C: L.Weller, C.Petracca, T.Miller
HF: W.Graham, M.Rowell, J.Walter
F: J.Ugle-Hagan, B.King, L.Lombard
FOLL: N.Moyle, N.Anderson – C, B.Humphrey
I/C: J.Noble, N.Holman, J.Jeffrey, Z.Uwland, L.Gulbin
EMG: A.Davies, J.Witts, B.Jepson
Team Tips: Injury blows to Will Graham (concussion) and Lachie Weller (hamstring) will force Damien Hardwick into two changes, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (ankle) was a late out. Jarrod Witts was supposed to be managed, but with Gold Coast having a bye next week, you’d think the ruckman will make the trip to Melbourne. If Ugle-Hagan is ready to go, Hardwick will have a conundrum in terms of what his key forward setup will look like after Jed Walter impressed in his best AFL game yet. Sam Clohesy is eligible to return from suspension and should slot straight back in and Alex Davies is the other that should be at the front of the queue.
GEELONG CATS v SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday May 23 4:15pm at GMHBA Stadium
Cats’ Round 10 side
B: M.O’Connor, C.O’Sullivan, T.Stewart
HB: L.Humphries, Z.Guthrie, J.Henry
C: T.Bruhn, B.Smith, O.Dempsey
HF: J.Cameron, S.Mannagh, B.Close
F: P.Dangerfield, S.Neale, J.Martin
FOLL: M.Edwards, M.Holmes, O.Mullin
I/C: S.De Koning, T.Atkins, G.Miers, M.Blicavs, O.Henry
EMG: R.Stanley, J.Kolodjashnij, O.Wiltshire
Team Tips: Bailey Smith is nursing a shoulder concern and is a watch in the lead-up to the Cats’ blockbuster bout with Sydney, reports Nine’s Joel Kennedy. How can Chris Scott possibly tinker with his mix after Geelong’s statement win over Brisbane? All the more impressive considering the Cats managed Jake Kolodjashnij, James Worpel, Rhys Stanley and Jack Bowes, with Stanley and Bowes playing VFL. Bowes erupted with two goals from 42 touches in his VFL stint against Brisbane to surely command a recall, while Stanley (23 touches, 28 hit-outs), Mitch Knevitt (33 disposals, one goal) and George Stevens (34 touches, one goal) also played well in the twos. The Cats could look to keep managing their list and potentially look to give some of their more experienced players, like Tom Stewart and Jack Martin, a spell if not others. But this also mightn’t be the week to get too cute in a high-stakes top-four clash. It comes amid reports Tyson Stengle plans on returning to Cats training next week in a positive step forward.
Swans’ Round 10 side
B: W.Edwards, T.McCartin, L.Melican
HB: S.Wicks, N.Blakey, C.Mills – C
C: J.Serong, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom
HF: M.Rosas, J.Jordon, J.Lloyd
F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, T.Papley
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.McInerney
I/C: H.Cunningham, A.Sheldrick, R.Bice, B.Cootee, L.McDonald
EMG: C.Cleary, H.McLean, P.Ladhams
Team Tips: Outside of Errol Gulden, the Swans are basically back to full strength. Dean Cox could yet consider rejigging his side after the Swans only narrowly escaped with a win over Collingwood. Corey Warner (28 touches, one goal), Joel Hamling (five goals), Caiden Cleary (two goals from 25 disposals), Tom Hanily (24 touches) and Peter Ladhams (20 disposals, 30 hit-outs) are among the Swans knocking on the door in the twos. Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd and Billy Cootee could come under some selection pressure as three of Sydney’s lowest-rated players against the Pies. But don’t expect too many changes to the ladder leaders, who’ve won seven on the trot and largely stuck with the same mix.
Pendlebury speaks on milestone match | 02:44
COLLINGWOOD v WAALITJ MARAWAR
Saturday May 23 4:35pm at the MCG
Magpies’ Round 10 side
B: B.Frampton, J.Howe, B.Maynard
HB: I.Quaynor, J.Daicos, W.Parker
C: R.Steele, S.Sidebottom, E.Allan
HF: J.De Goey, B.McCreery, L.Schultz
F: J.Buller, J.Elliott, D.McStay
FOLL: O.Steene, J.Crisp, N.Daicos – C
I/C: D.Houston, C.West, W.Hayes, A.Anderson, N.Long
EMG: T.Jiath, J.Ryan, H.Harrison
Team Tips: The Magpies are set for a few big ins, including Scott Pendlebury and Darcy Cameron, in Pendlebury’s record-breaking 433rd game. As captured by AFL Tonight’s Drew Jones, Cameron looked to be moving well at Collingwood training on Tuesday, while Darcy Moore and Patrick Lipinski, who’ve been in concussion protocols, also partook in the session. Tim Membrey (hamstring) is the other watch but seems less likely to return this weekend. A cruel ACL blow to young ruckman Oscar Steene is the only forced change to Craig McRae’s side. Then it gets tricky after an impressive performance across the board from a youthful Pies side that took Sydney all the way at the SCG. Wil Parker and Jack Buller had a limited impact against Sydney as Collingwood’s two lowest-rated players, but the omission of Buller would leave them undermanned up forward. And you’d think one of Will Hayes and Ed Allan would be the other out, even though the pair have shown promising signs. Unless Buller survives and Hayes and Allan are both casualties. It’s only a matter of time before Sam Swadling gets a call-up for his AFL debut after he amassed 40 disposals and kicked a goal in the twos to continue his strong VFL form.
Eagles’ Round 10 side
B: L.Duggan – C, R.Ginbey, B.Hough
HB: T.McCarthy, T.Young, L.Baker
C: H.Davis, E.Yeo, J.Hutchinson
HF: W.Duursma, J.Shanahan, R.Maric
F: M.Champion, J.Waterman, M.Murdock
FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly
I/C: J.Lindsay, H.Johnston, T.Cole, R.Bazzo, J.Williams
EMG: M.Flynn, B.Allan, T.Gross
Team Tips: Andrew McQualter isn’t likely to make too many unforced changes at selection after his side claimed its third win of the season. The Eagles emerged unscathed from their win over the Giants. Cooper Duff-Tytler could return for the Collingwood game after being managed, with Jack Williams the logical exclusion after going goalless. Defender Rhett Bazzo took eight marks and had four intercepts in his return to the side, while Jack Hutchinson and Harvey Johnston played the least amount of game time for West Coast, with youngster Bo Allan hovering in the emergencies last week. The WAFL Eagles didn’t play last weekend, but in promising news, McQualter confirmed on Seven Perth that Brandon Starcevich would play WAFL minutes this weekend after needing extended time getting over his calf issue.
‘U12s footy’ – Kingy RIPS Dons defence | 02:09
YARTAPUULTI v CARLTON
Saturday May 23 7:35pm at Adelaide Oval
Power’s Round 10 side
B: L.Evans, E.Ratugolea, L.Jones
HB: D.Byrne-Jones, A.Aliir, K.Farrell
C: E.Mackinlay, J.Horne-Francis, J.Burgoyne
HF: C.Moraes, M.Georgiades, J.Berry
F: C.Durdin, J.Whitlock, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters – C, W.Drew
I/C: D.Visentini, O.Wines, T.Anastasopoulos, J.Watkins, W.Lorenz
EMG: T.Marshall, J.Wehr, T.Cochrane
Team Tips: After it lost to the Suns, Port Adelaide will make at least one forced change for its clash with Carlton, with Lachie Jones suffering a concussion against Gold Coast last Friday. Todd Marshall, an emergency last week, could be recalled if Josh Carr wants to replace Jones with a bit more height, while Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is another option in defence. Ruckman Dante Visentini managed one disposal in 62 per cent game time, while midfielder Ollie Wines played just 60 per cent of the match. Will Lorenz and debutant Tom Anastasopoulos each had 16 disposals. Port Adelaide didn’t play at SANFL level last weekend, with Tom Cochrane among last Friday’s emergencies after a five-goal reserves performance the week prior. There are no immediate injury returns, with Jack Lukosius still likely a couple of weeks away from his groin injury.
Blues’ Round 10 side
B: O.Florent, J.Weitering, N.Haynes
HB: N.Newman, H.Dean, B.Wilson
C: M.Carroll, P.Cripps – C, Z.Williams
HF: W.Hayward, M.McGovern, J.Ison
F: B.Kemp, H.McKay, B.Ainsworth
FOLL: M.Pittonet, A.Cerra, S.Walsh
I/C: L.Cowan, G.Hewett, J.Smith, O.Hollands, F.Evans
EMG: F.Young, C.Lord, W.Derksen
Team Tips: After their first win since Round 1, Josh Fraser may opt not to make many unforced changes at selection ahead of a trip to play Port Adelaide. Adam Saad missed the win over the Bulldogs with what was described as a one-week hamstring strain, so the pacy rebounder could come back into consideration. Otherwise, the Blues have a healthy list, with the VFL side also winning strongly last weekend. Ashton Moir kicked 4.3 in the reserves, Blake Acres had 34 disposals and a goal, while Wade Derksen took 15 marks and had 23 possessions. And in a promising one for next year, Cody Walker kicked a goal from 23 touches.
GWS GIANTS v BRISBANE LIONS
Sunday May 24 12:30m at ENGIE Stadium
Giants’ Round 10 side
B: J.Laverde, C.Idun, H.Himmelberg
HB: J.Fonti, L.Whitfield, J.Leake
C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas
HF: T.Greene – C, P.Gothard, B.Daniels
F: J.Stringer, A.Cadman, J.Riccardi
FOLL: K.Briggs, L.Ash, F.Callaghan
I/C: H.Oliver, S.Coniglio, T.McMullin, T.Bedford, M.Gruzewski
EMG: C.Brown, J.Delana, O.Hannaford
Team Tips: A bad loss for the Giants against the Eagles – and there’s not a lot of short-term personnel relief coming. There’s a chance Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan returns from his hip issue against the Lions. If so, it’ll likely be at the expense of Jake Riccardi, who was scoreless from six disposals and one tackle against West Coast. Whether the Giants make many unforced changes remains to be seen. Their VFL side had a stirring win over the Sandringham Zebras, with Ollie Hannaford (3.2, 24 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 clearances) responding well to his demotion. Callum Brown kicked three goals from 18 disposals, while Jack Ough pushed his case with a whopping 39 disposals, nine tackles and seven intercepts.
Lions’ Round 10 side
B: K.Coleman, H.Andrews (c), R.Lester
HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, D.Zorko
C: H.McCLuggage, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft
HF: C.Cameron, C.Curtin, Z.Bailey
F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, L.Morris
FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I/C: K.Lohmann, S.Marshall, C.McKenna, D.Gardiner, B.Reville
EMG: J.Tunstill, S.Brain, D.Joyce
Team Tips: In the wake of his side’s bad loss to the Cats, coach Chris Fagan hinted “there might be a few guys coming back for us” to face the Giants. Fagan was hopeful of having Dayne Zorko available after he was a late withdrawal due to management. Jarrod Berry (calf), Noah Answerth (concussion), Ty Gallop (concussion/hamstring) and Linc McCarthy (hamstring) all could be in the mix, depending on how they train this week. As for who could come out, James Tunstill didn’t have a great night both with and without the ball, while it’s uncertain whether Sam Marshall would be given a second senior game. In the VFL, Darragh Joyce had a strong game in a losing cause, finishing with 22 disposals, 10 marks, seven intercepts and five tackles.
Is it time to worry about the Lions? | 07:55
WESTERN BULLDOGS v NARRM
Sunday May 24 3:15pm at Marvel Stadium
Bulldogs’ Round 10 team
B: J.Busslinger, B.Khamis, M.Sellwood
HB: C.Budarick, R.Lobb, B.Dale
C: L.Bramble, M.Bontempelli – C, B.Williams
HF: R.Sanders, W.Lewis, A.Jones
F: J.Freijah, A.Naughton, R.West
FOLL: L.Emmett, M.Kennedy, E.Richards
I/C: N.Coffield, S.Davidson, O.Baker, L.McNeil, C.Hynes
EMG: J.Dolan, L.Jaques, L.Smith
Team Tips: The Bulldogs’ injury list isn’t as lengthy as other teams, but the players sidelined are so crucial to their best 23. Their woes were compounded on Saturday night with winger Bailey Williams suffering a hamstring injury. As for who could return, there’ll be a watch on whether James O’Donnell will be fit after his hamstring injury, while the Dogs will be hopeful star ruck Tim English will clear concussion protocols. In the VFL, 2025 draftee Luke Kennedy put his hand up for a senior debut, booting one goal from 23 disposals, nine contested possessions and seven tackles, while Adam Treloar (27 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 6 tackles, 6 clearances) continues to rack up healthy digits at state league level. It’ll be interesting to see whether the Dogs go with Louis Emmett over Lachlan Smith again after Emmett had just 42 per cent game time against Carlton
Demons’ Round 10 team
B: J.Bowey, J.Lever, C.Jiath
HB: B.Howes, H.Petty, M.Jefferson
C: H.Sharp, H.Langford, K.Tholstrup
HF: E.Langdon, M.Heath, K.Pickett
F: L.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch
FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Steele, K.Chandler
I/C: D.Turner, B.Laurie, T.Rivers, T.Sparrow, P.Cross
EMG: J.Henderson, L.Kentfield, A.Moniz-Wakefield
Team Tips: Hard to see the Demons making too many unforced changes, although there was some chatter among punters whether Latrelle Pickett might benefit from a week or game for Casey. If so, Pickett could be replaced by veteran Jake Melksham, who could return from an ankle injury sustained in Gather Round. In the VFL, Tom McDonald continued his strong form with a monster game in the loss to St Kilda, finishing with a team-high 33 disposals, 14 intercepts, 15 rebound 50s and eight marks. Jack Henderson booted two goals from 19 disposals.