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Round 14 Team News: Predicted Lineups, Ins, Outs & Injuries

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Round 14 of the AFL Premiership Season brings significant selection headaches for clubs across the league, with forced changes hitting heavyweights like the Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats. As of June 9, 2026, teams are navigating a critical injury period, with key players ruled out for extended stints and debutants stepping up to fill the gaps in the senior lineup.

Why are the Sydney Swans facing a defensive crisis?

The Sydney Swans, currently sitting second on the ladder, will be without two key contributors for their clash against Port Adelaide. According to team reports, defender Tom McCartin is sidelined due to concussion, while Justin McInerney is set to miss up to 10 weeks following a hamstring injury sustained during the Round 13 shootout against St Kilda. Journalist Tom Morris confirmed the severity of McInerney’s injury, which comes during a career-best season for the midfielder. To bolster their defensive stocks, the Swans may look toward uncapped third-year defender Patrick Snell or consider moving Joel Hamling back into his former position.

Why are the Sydney Swans facing a defensive crisis?

How is Geelong managing the Tom Stewart concussion?

Geelong’s selection plans for the Friday night match against the Gold Coast Suns have been disrupted by Tom Stewart’s concussion. Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported on June 9 that Stewart is set to miss this week’s game and potentially the following Thursday against Fremantle. The club faces additional scrutiny regarding the timeline of his entry into concussion protocols, as news of the injury emerged five days after the Cats’ loss to Adelaide. Coach Chris Scott also continues to manage Jeremy Cameron, who has been playing through nerve complications stemming from arm surgery nine months ago.

How is Geelong managing the Tom Stewart concussion?

Which debutants and returnees are impacting Round 14?

The Western Bulldogs have confirmed that 2024 draftee Luke Kennedy will make his AFL debut on Thursday night against the Adelaide Crows. Kennedy earned his call-up after a standout VFL performance featuring 15 tackles and 15 disposals. Meanwhile, the Crows are dealing with their own personnel shifts; star veteran Taylor Walker is out through suspension, creating a direct opening for Riley Thilthorpe. Adelaide’s defensive depth is also being tested, with Jordon Butts ruled out due to a calf injury, likely paving the way for Mark Keane’s return from a leg fracture.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the “emergency” lists. Players like Adelaide’s Luke Pedlar, who kicked three goals in the SANFL last weekend, are often the first to be called upon when senior players suffer late-week training setbacks.

What is the status of the Richmond Tigers’ injury list?

Richmond’s roster remains heavily depleted as they prepare for their Sunday clash against the Brisbane Lions. The club announced on June 9 that young forward Jonty Faull will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to bone stress in his back. This adds to the ongoing absence of veteran Tom Lynch, who is currently sidelined with a throat injury and has no clear timeline for a return. Conversely, the Tigers will see Tom Brown, Taj Hotton, and Zane Peucker return to availability, providing some much-needed relief for a side coming off a heavy defeat.

SJOG Health Care Injury Update: Bye Round

Did you know?

Mid-season draftee Lukas Cooke has made an immediate impact for Melbourne’s reserves, recording 13 intercept possessions in his most recent outing. With Brody Mihocek undergoing surgery for a neck fracture, the Demons are actively looking for defensive reinforcements.

Did you know?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is making their AFL debut this week? Luke Kennedy will debut for the Western Bulldogs against the Adelaide Crows on Thursday night.
  • How long will Justin McInerney be out? According to reports from Tom Morris, the Swans midfielder is expected to miss up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury.
  • Is Taylor Walker playing this round? No, the Adelaide veteran is serving a suspension for his involvement in a marking contest push last week.
  • What is the latest on Tom Stewart? The Geelong star is in concussion protocols and is expected to miss at least the upcoming match against the Gold Coast Suns.

Stay up to date with all the latest team news and injury updates. Have a question about your team’s selection chances? Drop a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly AFL insights.

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Sport

AFL Free Agency News: Toby Greene, Lachie Neale and Zach Merrett Updates

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The AFL’s Free Agency Frenzy: Greene, Neale, and the Future of Sydney’s Giants

🔥 $2M vs. Flag Ambitions: Why Toby Greene’s Decision Could Define GWS’s Future

With a three-year, $2 million offer on the table from the Giants and whispers of a potential return to Victoria, Toby Greene’s future isn’t just about money—it’s about legacy. The 33-year-old captain, who turns 33 in September, faces a crossroads that could redefine the AFL’s western Sydney powerhouse. But is the Giants’ offer enough to keep him in Sydney, or will the lure of a premiership push him toward Geelong or Hawthorn?

Toby Greene: The $2M Gamble and the Race for a Flag

The Giants have made their move. In a bid to secure Toby Greene as a one-club player, the club has tabled a three-year, $2 million deal—a significant investment for a player entering his mid-30s. But here’s the catch: GWS won’t go higher, and they have a compelling reason. With Tom Green and Lachie Ash set to hit the unrestricted free agency market in 2027, the Giants are playing a high-stakes game of now or never.

Greene, however, has made it clear: “I’d be keen to return to Melbourne at some point.” The question is when. With Geelong and Hawthorn as the only Victorian clubs in the premiership conversation, the Giants are banking on Greene’s loyalty to Sydney—and his family’s current home base. But if the back-end of the 2026 season doesn’t deliver the goods, the temptation to chase a flag could prove too strong.

Pro Tip: Clubs often sweetened offers in the final months of a season if a player’s form or team performance dips. Greene’s decision could hinge on GWS’s ability to prove they’re still in the premiership hunt by year’s end.

Why Victoria? The Case for Geelong and Hawthorn

Hawthorn legend Jordan Lewis dropped a bombshell: “If he was to come home, I think you’ve got to put in Melbourne in terms of premiership contenders.” But the real wildcard? Geelong. The Cats have a history of attracting high-end talent—including Greene’s close friend, Jeremy Cameron—and their ability to reset after near-misses in recent years.

From Instagram — related to Lachie Neale, Geelong and Hawthorn

With only two teams—Geelong and Hawthorn—truly in the premiership hunt, the math is simple: Greene’s move to Victoria would be a calculated gamble on a flag. But can GWS match that ambition without breaking the bank?

Did You Know? Since 2015, only three non-Victorian clubs (GWS, Brisbane, and Richmond) have won the AFL premiership. Greene’s decision could be the first major test of whether Sydney can break that trend.

Lachie Neale’s Grand Tour: From Brisbane to Beyond

While Greene’s future hangs in the balance, another AFL icon is making waves. Lachie Neale, the reigning premiers and dual Brownlow medallist, is aggressively exploring offers from clubs across four states. With a potential $900,000 per season on the table, Neale’s move could redefine the AFL’s salary cap landscape.

But where would he go? Adelaide and Melbourne remain the frontrunners, with Collingwood emerging as a surprise suitor. Perth, however, is off the table. Neale has made it clear: “I don’t think he’s very interested in getting back to Perth.” The message to West Coast? The 32-year-old wants to win, and the Eagles’ recent struggles may not align with his ambitions.

The $900K Question: Is It Worth It?

For context, Neale’s current deal with Brisbane is reportedly around $600,000 per year. A jump to $900,000 would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league—but is it justified? Neale’s age (32) and the looming 2027 free agency window for younger stars like Tom Green and Lachie Ash raise questions about long-term value.

Yet, for a player of Neale’s caliber, the offer isn’t just about money—it’s about prestige, culture, and a fresh challenge. If Adelaide or Collingwood can sell him on a real shot at a flag, the $900K could be a steal.

Pro Tip: Clubs often use free agency to reset their roster. Neale’s move could signal a new era for whichever club lands him—think Jeremy Cameron’s impact at Geelong or Tom Liberatore’s arrival at Brisbane.

Trade Whispers: Ridley, Merrett, and the Domino Effect

The free agency drama doesn’t stop with Greene and Neale. Two other stars—Jordan Ridley (Essendon) and Zach Merrett (Gold Coast)—are set to explore trades, adding another layer to the 2026 AFL landscape.

Jordan Ridley: The Injury-Prone Star Seeking a Fresh Start

Ridley, sidelined for much of 2024 with calf injuries, has played just 21 games since 2024. With Brisbane again keen on his services, the question is: Will Essendon let him go? If Ridley’s form returns, he could be a game-changer for the Lions, but his injury history remains a concern.

Zach Merrett: The Suns’ Next Move

Gold Coast’s interest in Merrett—seven months after his failed move to Hawthorn—hints at a growing appetite for the 2027 free agent. While Merrett has said he’s not interested in moving north, the Suns’ roster construction could force his hand. If Gold Coast offers the right package, Merrett might just take the plunge.

Did You Know? Since 2020, 12 players have changed clubs via trade or free agency—nearly double the average of the previous decade. The AFL’s salary cap and rising star power are driving more movement than ever.

The Bigger Picture: What Greene, Neale, and the Trade Rumors Tell Us About AFL’s Future

These free agency battles aren’t just about individual players—they’re a microcosm of the AFL’s evolving landscape. Here’s what’s at stake:

1. The Rise of the $1M+ Player

Neale’s potential $900K deal is just the beginning. With Tom Liberatore earning $1.2M and Nick Dal Santo at $1.1M, the league is normalizing elite salaries. Clubs will increasingly pay for proven winners, even if it means sacrificing roster depth.

2. The Victoria vs. Sydney Power Struggle

Greene’s potential move to Geelong or Hawthorn would be a massive blow to GWS—but it would also signal a shift in AFL power dynamics. If Sydney’s best players keep leaving for Victoria, will we see a premiership drought for non-VFL clubs? Or will clubs like GWS double down on developing young talent to compete?

A day at the GWS Giants with Toby Greene

3. The Trade Market’s New Rules

With 2027 free agents like Ash and Green on the horizon, clubs are playing the long game. GWS’s reluctance to overpay Greene is a strategic move—but if other clubs follow suit, we could see a domino effect of trades and free agency shocks in 2027.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on salary cap flexibility. Clubs with young stars (like GWS) may hold firm on offers, while established sides (like Hawthorn) can afford to splash.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About AFL Free Agency Answered

❓ Will Toby Greene stay at GWS?

Maybe—but it depends on the 2026 season. If GWS finishes in the top 4, Greene may stay. If not, Victoria’s $ offers could be too tempting. Bookmark this space for updates.

❓ Where is Lachie Neale most likely to go?

Adelaide or Collingwood are the top contenders. Perth is off the table, and while Melbourne is an option, Neale’s ties to Brisbane may keep him closer to home—unless the right offer comes along.

❓ Where is Lachie Neale most likely to go?
Zach Merrett Updates Brisbane

❓ Could Jordan Ridley’s trade to Brisbane happen?

It’s possible—but Essendon won’t let him go cheap. If Ridley’s form returns, Brisbane could match his $600K+ salary, but Essendon may demand draft picks or trade chips in return.

❓ Will Zach Merrett move to Gold Coast?

Unlikely—but not impossible. Merrett has said he’s not keen on moving north, but if Gold Coast offers a long-term deal (like his failed Hawthorn move), he might reconsider.

❓ What does this mean for the 2027 free agency period?

A potential explosion. With players like Lachie Ash and Tom Green hitting the market, clubs will go all-in on retaining stars—or poaching rivals’ best. Expect blockbuster deals and high-stakes trades.

🚨 Don’t Miss the Next Big Move!

Free agency is just the beginning. To stay ahead of the curve:

  • 📅 Follow our AFL Trade Tracker for real-time updates on Greene, Neale, and more.
  • 🔔 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and predictions.
  • 💬 Join the conversation—what’s your take on Greene’s future? Will Neale go to Adelaide? Drop a comment below!

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