AFL Team Whispers Round 19

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Luke Ball

Sydney v Essendon

After four weeks out with a twisted ankle, Rhys Shaw will return for Sydney but gun midfielder Dan Hannebery, also battling an ankle problem, will miss again.

 First-year ruckman Toby Nankervis, midfield prodigy Tom Mitchell and veteran Ryan O'Keefe each have selection claims – but John Longmire is usually hesitant to alter his team.

The Bombers will make limited changes. Tom Bellchambers will play this weekend but it’s a line-ball on whether it will be in the VFL or AFL.

Adelaide v West Coast



The Crows have some injury headaches. Patrick Dangerfield (knee) looked sore last weekend and playing Scott Thmpson (hamstring) might be a risk. If they are named tonight, don't be surprised either are late withdrawals on Saturday because Adelaide might figure it can beat the Eagles without them. There's also doubt over defenders Ben Rutten, subbed out last week with concussion, and Daniel Talia (corked buttock).

For West Coast, expect Scott Lycett to come in for Dean Cox (concussion). Jamie Bennell could come in for Luke Shuey who is racing the clock to get his sprained ankle right.

Richmond v Greater Western Sydney

Midfielder Shaun Grigg will return from his hamstring injury. Ben Griffiths and Liam McBean are in a two-way battle to replace the suspended Tyrone Vickery. Steve Morris (hand) will be sidelined for at least a week, with Ricky Petterd to come in - if he can proves he's overcome a finger injury.

The Giants will make at least two changes, with Tim Mohr (knee) and Jeremy Cameron (shoulder) out for the season. Heath Shaw is very likely to return from concussion, while Sam Frost is logical replacement for Mohr in defence.

Gold Coast v St Kilda

For the out-of-form Suns, Zac Smith (ankle) and Charlie Dixon (quad) will both miss. But two quality players - Trent McKenzie (hamstring) and Michael Rischitelli (quad) - are likely recalls. Tom Murphy is also in the mix after serving his suspension.

The Saints forward line appears settled, with Tom Lee and Aaron Siposs each having their seasons ended by shoulder injuries while Beau Maister has retired from AFL footy. That leaves Rhys Stanley with a golden chance to continue his form as a forward target. Clinton Jones and Darren Minchington are pushing for a game, but spots might be hard to come by.

North Melbourne v Geelong

Aaron Black, Ryan Bastinac and Leigh Adams are all in the gun following North's loss to Carlton last round. Forward Ben Brown (finger) was a late withdrawal against the Blues, but should be available.  Aaron Mullett and youngster Mason Wood are at the front of the queue to win a spot should Brad Scott wield the axe. 



The Cats will bring back ruckman Mark Blicavs and midfielder Allen Christensen. On the chopping block is ruckman Dawson Simpson and youngster Brad Hartman.

Melbourne v Brisbane Lions

The Demons found the right balance against Port Adelaide. Crumbers Sam Blease and Jay Kennedy-Harris came in and provided a spark in attack and Melbourne still managed to keep the normally high-scoring Power to 10 goals.

We don't expect the Lions to make a change either.

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

The Hawks have some big calls to make. Brad Sewell is on the verge of returning from a hamstring strain. But picking the dual premiership veteran would be a risk because one more setback could end his season. We think proven finals performer David Hale will finally won his spot back, at the expense of fellow ruckman Jonathan Ceglar.

Shaun Higgins leads a growing pack of fringe Bulldogs who deserve a recall. The player to definitely miss is Mitch Wallis. The onballer is done for the year because of a foot injury.

Collingwood v Port Adelaide

The Magpies are set to regain Luke Ball after he trained strongly on Wednesday, but Alan Toovey, who did not train, will miss.

Port will regain key players Alipate Carlile and Angus Monfries but contested ball winner Matt White has been ruled out with a groin injury.

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