AFL Team Lists Finals: Chopping Block - Collingwood conundrum, Carlton headache

05-09-2023
6 min read
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Collingwood faces a selection dilemma with their small forwards ahead of Thursday night's qualifying final against Melbourne.

While Carlton has to decide between midfielders with several coming back into the team for the Sydney clash on Friday night.

GWS will be hoping Sam Taylor passes a fitness test and the Power could regain a couple of key big men.

The Sporting News has all the latest AFL team selection news.

MORE: AFL trade news and rumours latest: Mabior Chol shaping up for Gold Coast exit

Collingwood vs Melbourne teams - First Qualifying Final

Collingwood should welcome back key defenders Darcy Moore (hamstring) and Nathan Murphy (back) from injury.

Both need to pass fitness tests but are tipped to be available.

Billy Frampton should come out of the team for at least one of the returning backmen, while Finlay Macrae could be squeezed out if both return.

The Magpies also face a selection dilemma with Beau McCreery (suspension) now available.

Jack Ginnivan took his chance against Essendon and would be stiff to come out.

Nick Daicos (knee) is ruled out of the Magpies' first final but is expected to be fit for their second final - whether that is a semi or preliminary.

Melbourne will suffer a blow in losing Jake Melksham to an ACL injury, with the majority of their selection to centre around his replacement.

Melksham, who has kicked 16 goals in his last nine games, was a strong marking target for the Demons recently, so it's likely an aerial presence will be selected.

Tom McDonald appears to be the obvious choice, while Ben Brown (knee) would have to pass a fitness test to be considered.

The Demons could also opt to replace Melksham with a midfielder such as James Harmes or James Jordon, and then push Christian Petracca forward more often.

- Kieran Francis

Carlton vs Sydney teams - First Elimination Final

It could be a selection headache for Carlton, who will regain captain Patrick Cripps (managed), veteran Sam Docherty (managed), and Jesse Motlop (illness).

Blues wingman Blake Acres and midfielder Matt Kennedy are also facing tests, and should be available before Friday night. 

Fringe forwards Lachie Fogarty and Corey Durdin will likely make way, while youngster Ollie Hollands could be axed in favour of an Acres, Zac Fisher wing combination. 

With Carlton's midfield depth and Paddy Dow's recent performances, Kennedy could find himself stuck on the sidelines. 

Sydney midfielder-forward Tom Papley missed with a hamstring concern in Round 24, but is expected to return to Sydney’s Elimination Final team. 

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Midfielder Justin McInerney (calf) is also nearing a return and should be fit before Friday. 

Swans pair Braeden Campbell (six disposals) and Ryan Clarke (nine disposals), who weren’t impactful against Melbourne, are at risk of omission. 

- Bryn Wakefield

 

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St Kilda vs GWS teams - Second Elimination Final

Sam Taylor (hamstring) is fighting a battle to be fit for the Saints match, needing to pass a test in the lead-up.

St Kilda forward Max King kicked four goals in a win against a Taylor-less GWS earlier this season.

If Taylor gets up, Nick Haynes could be the unlucky tall squeezed out of the squad.

Toby Bedford is currently suspended but is set to appeal his ban prior to the final.

Finn Callaghan (Achilles) is also pushing for selection and if fit, could replace Toby McMullin or Ryan Angwin.

St Kilda will welcome King back into the team, after resting him in the final round, with either Jack Hayes (knee) to be the straight swap.

Josh Battle will exit concussion protocols with the aid of bye, while Dougal Howard (wrist) has been declared fit.

Seb Ross (hamstring) is considered unlikely.

If Howard or Ross return then Zaine Cordy and Hunter Clark's positions would be most under threat.

- Kieran Francis

Brisbane vs Port Adelaide teams - Second Qualifying Final

Brisbane will enter the AFL Finals with a healthy side, having Will Ashcroft (ACL) and Jack Gunston (MCL) as its most notable losses. 

Small forward Lincoln McCarthy is expected to return from a calf concern, with Jarryd Lyons likely to move into a substitute role. 

Port Adelaide, on the other hand, is racing to regain ruckman Scott Lycett and defender Trent McKenzie

Lycett has played two SANFL matches since undergoing minor knee surgery and should make his AFL comeback on Saturday night in favour of Sam Hayes

If McKenzie were to return, it would push the retiring Tom Jonas out of the side and leave the captain on the sidelines for his club’s premiership campaign. 

- Bryn Wakefield