AFL Round 16 Team News: Injury Updates and Selection Shifts
AFL clubs are finalizing their squads for Round 16, with Sydney welcoming back key stars Errol Gulden and Tom McCartin, while Collingwood remains cautious regarding Darcy Moore’s recovery timeline. According to team reports, several clubs are managing forced changes due to injury and suspension, creating a high-stakes selection environment ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.
How Are Sydney and Brisbane Preparing for Their Gabba Clash?
Sydney is set to regain significant personnel for Thursday night’s match against Brisbane at the Gabba. Coach Dean Cox confirmed to media that Errol Gulden (shoulder) and Tom McCartin (concussion) are expected to return to the lineup. Dane Rampe is also poised to play following a calf issue, while Lewis Melican remains a test.
Conversely, Brisbane will be bolstered by the return of Ryan Lester (calf) after their Round 15 bye. However, the Lions remain without Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage, and Keidean Coleman, who are all currently sidelined with soft-tissue injuries.
What Is the Latest on Collingwood’s Injury List?
Collingwood has provided a status update on their defensive stocks, confirming that Brayden Maynard (shoulder) will be sidelined for an additional one-to-two weeks. While Maynard has begun non-contact training, the club stated that Darcy Moore’s hamstring injury currently lacks a firm return date.
To offset recent form, Scott Pendlebury is expected to return to the senior side after being rested against Port Adelaide. The Magpies are reportedly considering further adjustments to their forward line after a low-scoring outing from Jack Buller and Mitch Podhajski last weekend.
Which Players Are Missing for Hawthorn and GWS?
Hawthorn enters Friday’s match at the MCG with two forced changes following their win over the Suns. Josh Weddle is unavailable due to a three-match suspension for a bump, and Jarman Impey is out for two-to-three weeks with a hamstring injury.
GWS faces a significant challenge replacing Jesse Hogan, who is set for a stint on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a fractured finger. The Giants have confirmed Hogan’s status is currently “TBC.” Recruit Jayden Laverde is also out with a hamstring injury, forcing coach Adam Kingsley to look toward VFL prospects like James Leake or debutant contenders for defensive depth.
How Are North Melbourne and Essendon Handling Mid-Season Changes?
North Melbourne’s ruck department faces a major hurdle with Tristan Xerri ruled out this weekend following jaw surgery, according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary. Second-gamer Taylor Goad is expected to see increased time in the ruck to cover the vacancy.
Essendon, returning from a bye, faces a defensive reshuffle following a shoulder injury to Archie Roberts and a quad issue for Kyle Langford. Interim coach Dean Solomon is expected to rotate leadership, with veterans like Andrew McGrath and Darcy Parish potentially returning to provide stability against the Kangaroos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jesse Hogan playing this week?
No. The GWS Giants confirmed Hogan will miss the match against Hawthorn after undergoing surgery for a fractured finger.
When will Brayden Maynard return for Collingwood?
Collingwood states Maynard is one-to-two weeks away as he continues non-contact skills training.
Why is Tristan Xerri out for the Kangaroos?
Xerri will miss the match against Essendon after undergoing surgery for a jaw injury, as reported by Seven.
Who is replacing Daniel Rioli at Gold Coast?
Rioli is out for several weeks with a jaw injury. The Suns are yet to confirm his replacement, though Category B rookie Zak Evans is in contention for a debut.
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