Richmond vs Collingwood
MCG, 7:20PM (AEDT) Thursday March 28
Team News:
Richmond
Ins: Jason Castagna, Brandon Ellis, Oleg Markov
Outs: Noah Balta, Bachar Houli, Alex Rance
Unfortunately, Alex Rance’s season is over with an ACL injury. Bachar Houli will miss with a hamstring injury and Noah Balta could consider himself unlucky to be omitted after a few nervous moments on debut. Small forward Jason Castagna and running defenders/wing players Brandon Ellis and Oleg Markov come into the 22.
Collingwood
Ins: Levi Greenwood.
Outs: Callum Brown.
Callum Brown has been omitted and replaced by Levi Greenwood who will likely play a lockdown role on Dustin Martin.
Taylor Adams looks set to return from a finger injury in round four, while Lynden Dunn will take another step in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained in round 15 last year when he lines up in a VFL practice match for Collingwood on Thursday afternoon.
Josh Caddy is still a few weeks away after an interrupted pre-season, while Ryan Garthwaite (achilles) will play his second consecutive match in the VFL this week as he looks to push for the key defender position left vacant by Alex Rance.
Prediction: Flip a coin but I’ll back Collingwood to bounce back after a narrow loss to the Cats last week, although 80% of Superbru tipsters have backed the yellow and black.Look for Greenwood to play a role on Dustin Martin in the middle of the ground Collingwood by 5.
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Sydney vs Adelaide
SCG, Friday 7:50pm (AEDT) Friday March 29
Team News: There were no injuries for the Swans last week but the shock loss to the Western Bulldogs might leave a few players nervous when it comes to team selection. Nick Smith (test) is a chance to return and if he does, will likely get the job on Eddie Betts.
Daniel Menzel suffered a slight setback in his return from a groin injury and will miss another month. Sam Naismith is still recovering from an ACL injury suffered in 2018 and as a result of a minor knee clean up; his return date is still unknown.
For Adelaide, Doedee (ACL) will miss the rest of the season and will likely be replaced by Kyle Hartigan or Andy Otten. Paul Seedsman has recovered from a finger injury and looks set to take his place in the side, with Richard Douglas set to miss due to a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for multiple weeks. After only 11 disposals last week and limited forward pressure, Lachie Murphy is a chance to be omitted. Tyson Stengle might be in line to make his Adelaide debut after a few impressive weeks at the lower level.
Hugh Greenwood has played 2 SANFL games since returning from an abdomen injury but according to Don Pyke, needs another week before being available for AFL selection. Shane McAdam injured his calf in the SANFL and will miss about a month of footy.
Prediction: Another hard one to get a read on, however, 77 per cent of tipsters think the Swans will be too good at home. We'll back Rory Sloane to beat the Hewett tag and lead the Crows to his first win as captain. Adelaide by 10.
Essendon vs St Kilda
Marvel Stadium, 4:35pm (AEDT) Saturday March 30
Team News: After a shocking start to their 2019 campaign, Essendon might decide to make multiple changes. Shaun Mckernan will be on the edge after only five disposals last week, with Zac Clarke a chance to make his debut for Essendon. Emergency last week, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is in line to make his debut.
Martin Gleeson returned from a serious ankle injury in the VFL last week but will need a few more weeks at the lower level before making his return. Jake Stringer hurt his foot in the last quarter against the Giants but has been cleared of structural damage and should be fit to play this week.
No injuries last week in what was a much needed win for the Saints. Lewis Pearce struggled in the ruck and after starring in JLT2, Rowan Marshall may be called upon to bolster that division. Nathan Brown will return from suspension, which may come at the cost of Darragh Joyce, who intercepted well but gave away 6 free kicks. Hunter Clark was extremely unlucky to not be selected in round 1 and should return to the side in the next few weeks. Mature draftees Matthew Parker and Callum Wilkie should hold their place after very impressive debuts.
Paddy McCartin is still experiencing symptoms from the concussion he suffered in JLT2 but is starting to show signs of improvement. There is still no timeframe on Dan Hannebery’s return, as he deals with soreness and tightness when running due to a lack of conditioning.
Prediction: Look for Essendon to bounce back this week against an undermanned St Kilda side that crawled over the line against a beat up Gold Coast side last week. The punters are struggling for a winner here, with 54 per cent swaying towards the Bombers. Essendon by 24.
Port Adelaide vs Carlton
Adelaide Oval, 5:10pm (AEDT) Saturday March 30
Team News: Port Adelaide look set to unveil an unchanged line up with Ollie Wines (shoulder) and Hamish Hartlett (knee) both likely another week away. Hartlett will play in the SANFL this week for the second week in a row. Todd Marshall (concussion) needs to pass a concussion test before being considered fit to play.
There is no timeframe on Charlie Dixon’s return from a badly broken leg/ankle after more minor ankle surgery.
No injuries last week in an encouraging display against the 2017 premiers, so expect minimal changes. Alex Fasolo struggled in his first game in the navy blue but should be better for the run. Matthew Kreuzer (test) is an outside chance of being available after minor knee surgery in the pre-season.
Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Kreuzer and Jack Silvagni (Carlton) are all listed as tests and will be put through fitness tests in the coming days. Aside form Kreuzer, they may be forced to return through the VFL.
Prediction: The Power will be too strong at home buoyed by the growth of their four debutants, as agreed upon by 95 per cent of tipsters. Port Adelaide by 32.
Geelong vs Melbourne
GMHBA Stadium, 7:25 (AEDT) Saturday March 30
Team News: Cam Guthrie is chance of returning from a calf complaint that kept him out of round 1, while it appears that Zach Tuohy might still be another week away from returning from a knee injury. Quinton Narkle performed strongly in the VFL and is a chance to be elevated into the senior team.
Scott Selwood is likely to miss another month of footy as he recovers from a hamstring issue, while Jed Bews (groin) looks set to return in the VFL this weekend.
Steven May will return from his suspension likely at the expense of debutant Marty Hore or key defenders Oscar McDoanld and Sam Frost. Debutants Tom Sparrow and Corey Wagner performed well and should hold their spots in the side. Newly signed Jay Lockhart will reportedly make his debut.
Jordan Lewis will miss 3-4 weeks of footy due to a hamstring injury suffered in the clubs final practice session before their season opener against Port Adelaide last week. Jeff Garlett is still a couple of weeks away from returning from a shoulder injury.
Prediction: Looking for Max Gawn to produce a similar performance to his break out game against Geelong at the cattery in round 12 2015, where he amassed 19 disposals, 8 marks, 44 hit-outs and a goal. 90 per cent of punters think the Cats will be too good in Geelong. Melbourne by 6.
West Coast vs GWS
Optus Stadium, 8:10pm (AEDT) Saturday March 30
Team News: Josh Kennedy will return from his foot injury in the premier’s first game at Optus Stadium since the big win. Jaime Cripps (toe) is an outside chance to face GWS, while ruck duo Tom Hickey and Nathan Vardy will be looking over their shoulders after amassing five disposals between them against Brisbane.
Willie Rioli suffered a stress fracture in his foot and there is currently no timeframe on his return. Andrew Gaff will return in round 3 after serving his suspension for his hit on Andrew Brayshaw.
Josh Kelly (hip/knee) and Nick Haynes (back) are hopeful of returning this week after missing round 1. However, Perryman will miss several weeks with a punctured lung sustained against Essendon on the weekend.
Callan Ward is still at least a fortnight away from returning from the knee injury he suffered in the pre-season. Lachie Keefe played through a knee injury last week but will face a fitness test before being cleared to head west. Shane Mumford will likely return in round 3 after completing his club imposed suspension.
Prediction: Hard to call, but will back the reigning premiers at home with the inclusion of Kennedy, along with 58 per cent of tipsters. West Coast by 10.
North Melbourne vs Brisbane
Marvel Stadium, 1:10PM (AEDT) Sunday March 31
Team News: Ed Vickers-Willis (ACL) is done for the year after hurting his knee against Fremantle last week. Scott Thompson is available after suspension and will be called upon to bolster the Kangaroo’s defence. After being overlooked for selection last week after a strong JLT series, look for Paul Ahern to return to the line up this week.
For North Melbourne, Jed Anderson (hamstring) and Sam Wright (quad) both look set to be available in 2-3 weeks. Ben Jacobs is out indefinitely with sinusitis.
After a stunning victory against the reigning premiers on Saturday, the Lions look set to go into this contest unchanged.
Recruit Marcus Adams (Brisbane) is about a month away from returning from a knee injury.
Prediction: Jumping on the bandwagon like 57 per cent of punters. Brisbane by 19.
Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs
MCG, 3:20pm (AEDT) Sunday March 31
Team News: The only question mark regarding the Hawk’s team selection is Chad Wingard. If he’s fit, does he play AFL or VFL?
Tim Mohr will miss the season with a knee injury suffered in a VFL practice match. Tom Scully is a chance to play in the VFL this weekend after recovering from an ankle injury.
If Matthew Suckling is able to recover from a minor ankle injury sustained in last weeks win, look for the Bulldogs to go in unchanged for the first time in over a year.
Jason Johannisen is still 2-4 weeks away from returning from an ankle injury, while Tom Boyd (back) and Lin Jong (hamstring) are 3-5 weeks away.
Prediction: Saw Hawthorn dismantle the Crows live last week, so will back them to replicate a similar performance on the wider expanses of the MCG, and 86 per cent of tipsters are with me. Hawthorn by 18.
Gold Coast vs Fremantle
Metricon Stadium, 4:40pm (AEDT) Sunday March 31
Team News: Ben Ainsworth will miss about a month of footy with a knee injury sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, while David Swallow (knee) and Sam Collins (concussion) both face fitness tests. Nick Holman, Corey Ellis and Aaron Young are now available for selection and may be considered.
Izak Rankine is still 4-6 weeks away with a hamstring injury and Sean Lemmens is 3-5 weeks away with an ankle issue.
There are unlikely to be many changes at Fremantle but a call will be made on Jesse Hogan’s availability by medical staff later in the week. Hayden Ballantyne will miss several weeks with a hamstring injury, which may open the door for mature age recruit Brett Bewley to make his debut.
Griffin Logue faces a fitness test this week in a bid to return from a hamstring injury, while Connor Blakely (hamstring) and Brennan Cox (hamstring) are both still 3-4 weeks away.
Prediction: Fremantle will be too strong for a bruised Gold Coast line up, and 87 per cent of punters agree. Fremantle by 35.
