AFL Team Whispers Round 20

Shaun Grigg

Richmond v Essendon

Shaun Grigg is in the box seat to replace suspended Reece Conca following his commanding 36-disposal game in the VFL. That's likely to be the only change at Tigerland.

Essendon forward Patrick Ambrose will miss a fortnight as he recovers from surgery to mend his broken jaw. Ariel Steinberg, upgraded to the senior list last week, would be the logical replacement.

GWS v North Melbourne

The GWS reserves team has won nine straight NEAFL matches, big man Jonathan Giles has been a key driver of their success and is line to play against the Kangaroos in Canberra on Saturday.

The Kangaroos finally have Nathan Grima, Daniel Wells, Jamie Macmillan and Joel Tippett out of the medical room and onto the park. None of the above will play against GWS, rather in the VFL.

But expect the Roos to still make changes after their loss to Geelong. Liam Anthony (36 touches for North Ballarat) could be an option to replace the inconsistent Aaron Mullett. The Roos could also name Kayne Turner to make his debut.

Carlton v Gold Coast

Carlton will blood another Irishman this weekend with Ciaran Sheehan set to make his debut. Mick Malthouse claimed Jeff Garlett would have been picked if not for his late night adventure, but we are not so sure.  

It looked as though Chris Judd's season might have been over when he limped off last week, but reports suggest his ankle has heeled fast enough for him to play on Saturday.

Troy Menzel is racing the clock, but should return from knee bruising. Big-bodied youngster Matthew Watson looms as a possible replacement for Lachie Henderson who is out for the season with a fractured eye socket.

For the Suns, small forward Brandon Matera (adductor) is set to return. Kade Kolodjashnij is trying to shake a hamstring injury but might have to wait another week.

Hawthorn v Melbourne



Sam Mitchell (flu) is certain to return for the premiers after he and Isaac Smith (calf) were late withdrawals from the win over the Western Bulldogs. Smith will probably miss again, while Jack Gunston (knee) will need to be replaced.

Jonathon Ceglar will be recalled and Tim O'Brien is also in the frame.

Brad Sewell will likely play a half in the VFL as he returns from a chronic hamstring injury.

For the down and out Dees, Daniel Cross should be included after making a rapid recovery from a leg fracture. Viv Michie was best on ground in the VFL and ruckman Max Gawn is another potential in.

Jay Kennedy-Harris was stone cold against the Lions and is headed for another stint at Casey. Luke Tapscott is also in selection strife, and Chris Dawes must be testing the patience of Paul Roos.

Port Adelaide v Sydney

Jackson Trengove will return from ankle surgery against but Matt White (groin) could spend another week on the sidelines. Don't be surprised Jake Neade wins a call-up following his three goals in the SANFL.

Swans onballer Dan Hannebery, who injured his knee against the Power in Round 13, is expected to play. So is Lance Franklin, with last week's late inclusion Tim Membrey set to make way.  

Geelong v Fremantle

The main debate at Cats selection will be over who plays as the ruckman. Dawson Simpson was dropped last week for Hamish McIntosh, before the latter was a late withdrawal.

McIntosh is reportedly over his ankle soreness but Simpson's solid performance upon his reprieve against the Kangaroos could mean he keeps his spot.

Despite last week's head knock, Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich is preparing to play on Saturday night.

Defender Tendai Mzungu will miss the game due to a hamstring injury and Colin Sylvia has been ruled out for several weeks because of his own hamstring injury.

Matt Taberner is on standby for Pavlich and Anthony Morabito could be an option to replace Mzungu, although he may not be trusted just yet after his shocking game against St Kilda. Hayden Crozier is another Docker pushing for a game but returning Michael Walters needs to find match fitness in the WAFL.

Brisbane Lions v Adelaide

Lions leading goalkicker Josh Green must prove he has overcome the effects of concussion ahead of Sunday's clash.

Matthew Leuenberger has now played two matches at NEAFL level after a long lay-off and could come into consideration to ruck alongside Stefan Martin,  but the former Demons big man is doing a mighty job on his own.

Concussion also has Crows defender Daniel Talia in doubt, while Scott Thompson is no certainty as he deals with his chronic hamstring issue.

Adelaide might consider playing fringe forward Tom Lynch, who had a solid SANFL display last week. Brent Reilly, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Charlie Cameron also have selection claims.

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs

Luke Dunstan is out for the Saints.  Seb Ross and Cameron Shenton will be considered, as will Sam Dunell who needs a strong finish to the season for his career's sake.

Daniel Giansiracusa and Easton Wood will be considered for the Dogs, but there is strong depth at the kennel at the moment so spots are hard to come by.

West Coast v Collingwood

The Eagles are coming off their best win of the season and are unlikely to make a change, with Dean Cox to remain sidelined.

We expect the Pies to replace Taylor Adams with either Luke Ball or Alan Toovey.  Paul Seedsman and Ben Kennedy are also likely to travel with the 25-man squad. 

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