AFL Team Whispers - Round 2

Cyril Rioli

Essendon v Hawthorn
Preview

The Bombers look unlikely to make any changes after their strong showing last week. Courtenay Dempsey and Jason Winderlich are at least another week away, while Jake Melksham has another match to serve on his suspension.

The Hawks will welcome back star Cyril Rioli from suspension with Derick Wanganeen the one likely to make way. Key defender Angus Litherland or journeyman Matt Spangher are looming as another possible inclusion to help combat the Dons' key forwards.

St Kilda v GWS
Preview

Two big additions for the Saints with Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna returning from suspension. Jimmy Webster and David Armitage will both be assessed, but should be right to go. Debutants Jack Billings and Eli Templeton could be squeezed out.

The Giants will make at least two changes with Phil Davis and Rhys Palmer out injured. Number two draft pick Josh Kelly is already confirmed to make his debut, while Adam Tomlinson is looking like the other inclusion.

Port Adelaide v Adelaide
Preview

The Power will monitor Dom Cassisi's progress, but don't be surprised if he is a late out. Alipate Carlile has recovered from his quad injury and is an automatic inclusion. Tom Clurey could be the unlucky one to make way.

The Crows will be boosted by the surprise early return of Richard Douglas. Matt Crouch is right on the cusp of selection, while Brent Reilly will need another week or two as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Sydney v Collingwood
Preview

The Swans will welcome back co-captain Kieren Jack after he was a late out in the shock loss to the Giants. Ryan O'Keefe will retain his place so it's hard to see who will go out. Doubts remain over the fitness of LRT, which could pave the way for former Tiger Tom Derickx to make his debut.

The Pies will make a number of changes to the side that was smashed by Fremantle last week. Jesse White has been given the all clear to make his club debut, while Jarryd Blair and Sam Dwyer will also come in after impressing at VFL level.

Fremantle v Gold Coast
Preview

Ross Lyon has a selection quandary with Zac Clarke ready to play after his solid outing in the WAFL last week. That spells bad news for Jack Hannath, who looks likely to make way. Nick Suban has served his suspension, but might not be an automatic selection.

Rory Thompson is a confirmed starter in a massive boost for the Suns. He will replace the injured Jack Martin, while exciting prospect Kade Kolodjashnij will make his AFL debut after collecting 45 touches in the reserves last week.

Brisbane v Geelong
Preview

Potential debutant Nick Robertson is the favourite to replace to suspended midfielder Tom Rockliff. The young Lions performed admirably last week against the Hawks so it's unlikely we'll see too many changes.

Geelong rarely go into a match unchanged, but that is shaping as a real possibility this week. The only issue is whether they go with two ruckmen again. George Horlin-Smith is the next cab off the rank should Chris Scott make any changes.

Melbourne v West Coast
Preview

The Demons have question marks surrounding Jack Fitzpatrick and Tom McDonald. With a lack of tall options, Max Gawn is a certain inclusion, while Sam Blease should also get a chance.

The high-flying Eagles have a healthy list and are coming off a massive victory so don't expect to see too many changes. Sam Butler and Jacob Brennan should come into the 25, but are unlikely to make the final cut.

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
Preview

Ryan Griffen has been given the all clear to play this week and captain the side for the first time. The Dogs may look at Liam Jones or Ayce Cordy to bolster their forward line after the struggles in Perth last week.

Todd Goldstein will also be given until the final minute, with Daniel Currie his replacement should he fail to prove his fitness. Sam Wright, Scott McMahon, Brad McKenzie and Luke McDonald are all in the gun with Liam Anthony and Levi Greenwood ready to step in if Brad Scott wields the axe.

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