AFL 2026: Round 6 Team Tips, predicted sides and squads, ins and outs, team changes, injuries, latest team news

The Hawks and Power suffer big body blows, while help is on the way for Carlton, and there’s mixed news for the Bulldogs.

And there’s pressure rising on some stars. More below in Round 6 Team Tips!

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ROUND 6 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

CARLTON v COLLINGWOOD

Thursday April 16, 7.30pm at the MCG

Blues’ Round 5 side

B: J.Boyd, L.Young, O.Florent

HB: L.Cowan, N.Haynes, N.Newman

C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps (c), M.Carroll

HF: F.Evans, M.McGovern, B.Ainsworth

F: E.Hollands, H.McKay, B.Kemp

FOLL: M.Pittonet, J.Smith, S.Walsh

I/C: W.Derksen, A.Cerra, Z.Williams, T.Byrne, H.O’Keeffe

EMG: F.Young, G.Hewett, B.Acres

Team Tips: Reinforcements are on the way to help the Blues as they eye their second win of 2026. In the back half, both Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean will be available after exiting concussion protocols, while Cooper Lord (illness) and Will Hayward (suspension) are also expected back. So who comes out of Michael Voss’ side after a relatively encouraging performance against Adelaide? Given there’s two key backs coming in, Wade Derksen and Nick Haynes are the two obvious names to make way, though the former was solid in Gather Round. Unless they change their structure up. Hudson O’Keeffe and Talor Byrne were quiet against the Crows; the latter as a backup ruck. With the VFL bye, unfortunately George Hewett didn’t get a chance to respond to his shock axing.

Magpies’ Round 5 side

B: B.Frampton, J.Howe, B.Maynard

HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, H.Perryman

C: R.Steele, A.Anderson, S.Sidebottom

HF: B.McCreery, J.De Goey, L.Schultz

F: J.Elliott, T.Membrey, D.McStay

FOLL: O.Steene, N.Daicos (c), N.Long

I/C: P.Lipinski, I.Quaynor, S.Pendlebury, D.Cameron, J.Crisp

EMG: W.Parker, J.Buller, W.Hayes

Team Tips: Back to the drawing board for Craig McRae and company after they just came up short against Fremantle. One man who will definitely hold his spot is Angus Anderson, who impressed on debut. Jordan De Goey, however, will be forced out with concussion. Steele Sidebottom will also be sidelined for the match, McRae revealed on Tuesday. “He’s got a knock in the hip-pointer,” McRae told reporters at his weekly press conference. “We have a six-day break, and there’s actually quite a lot of bleeding there, so he won’t play.” McRae added that the injury occurred in a knock to the back just before half-time of the Fremantle game. The absences pave the way for the likes of Will Hayes, Lachie Sullivan or Ed Allan to return. Allan was probably the most unlucky to get dropped last week, though Hayes was named an emergency against the Dockers. Might be their only change, unless they looked to tinker with their struggling front mix. Jack Buller will get another crack at some stage and fellow key Charlie West is waiting in the wings too, while Oscar Steene has been quiet since that brilliant debut against GWS and played almost exclusively as a forward last weekend.

GEELONG CATS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday April 17, 7.20pm at GMHBA Stadium

Cats’ Round 5 side

B: S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie, C.O’Sullivan

HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart (c), O.Mullin

C: J.Bowes, B.Smith, O.Dempsey

HF: S.Mannagh, S.Neale, B.Close

F: O.Wiltshire, J.Cameron, O.Henry

FOLL: M.Edwards, T.Atkins, M.Holmes

I/C: J.Kolodjashnij, M.O’Connor, T.Bruhn, G.Miers, J.Worpel

EMG: J.Henry, M.Knevitt, J.Martin

Team Tips: The Cats could well welcome back a veteran quartet this Friday night at GMHBA Stadium! Mark Blicavs and Jack Martin were both rested for Gather Round, and will slot straight back in — the former for AFL game 300 in an incredible milestone. Jack Henry was also rested, but has since discovered a minor oblique strain that has been listed as a ‘test’ alongside captain Patrick Dangerfield, who is hopeful of finally returning from multiple calf complaints. Mark O’Connor is set to be the only forced change to Chris Scott’s side, after the Irishman copped a one-match ban for his bump on Willem Duursma. Otherwise, Jake Kolodjashnij is a name who may need to make way for defensive reinforcements. Despite a strong fortnight back in the senior side, Oliver Wiltshire is at risk of being a victim of the selection squeeze.

Bulldogs’ Round 5 side

B: C.Budarick, B.Khamis, R.Lobb

HB: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale

C: O.Baker, M.Bontempelli (c), B.Williams

HF: R.Sanders, S.Darcy, J.Freijah

F: J.Croft, A.Naughton, R.West

FOLL: L.Emmett, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: C.Hynes, J.Dolan, M.Sellwood, S.Davidson, H.Gallagher

EMG: W.Lewis, L.McNeil, L.Jaques

Team Tips: Can’t take a trick on the injury front at the moment. Ed Richards (ankle) and Aaron Naughton (hand) are all under injury clouds going into Friday night’s game, while Connor Budarick (hamstring) has been ruled out for the next three to four weeks.Richards’ injury thankfully looked much worse than what it actually was, with the club clearing him of any bone damage. It means the 26-year-old star will train on Wednesday morning despite some swelling still present. In more wins, Tom Liberatore is likely to return from a hamstring strain and Tim English is surprisingly in the mix after missing just one game with an MCL injury. Intriguingly, the club listed the latter as a ‘TBC’ on their injury report, noting that he needs to train first on Wednesday before his availability is officially determined. Forward Laitham Vandermeer has exited concussion protocols and is available for Friday night. You’d expect Lachie Jaques to slot straight back into the back six after the defender was rested in their 40-point loss to Hawthorn in Gather Round.

SYDNEY SWANS v GWS GIANTS

Friday April 17, 7.50pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 5 side

B: J.Hamling, T.McCartin, C.Mills (c)

HB: R.Bice, N.Blakey, D.Rampe

C: J.Serong, I.Heeney, M.Roberts

HF: Co.Warner, T.Papley, J.Jordon

F: J.Amartey, C.Curnow, J.Lloyd

FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.McInerney

I/C: S.Wicks, M.Rosas, J.Rowbottom, H.Cunningham, L.McDonald

EMG: P.Ladhams, T.Hanily, H.McLean

Team Tips: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Hard to see Sydney making too many changes after a resounding 32-point win over Gold Coast. Angus Sheldrick is eligible to return from suspension and could come into the side for Corey Warner. Other than missing Errol Gulden, however, Sydney is at full strength and arguably the form team of the competition. At this stage, it looks like only veteran Taylor Adams could return from injury inside the next two months.

Giants’ Round 5 side

B: J.Laverde, C.Idun, J.Buckley

HB: L.Ash, L.Whitfield, J.Fonti

C: R.Angwin, C.Oliver, H.Thomas

HF: P.Gothard, B.Daniels, T.Bedford

F: J.Hogan, J.Stringer, A.Cadman

FOLL: N.Madden, T.Greene (c), F.Callaghan

I/C: H.Himmelberg, S.Coniglio, X.O’Halloran, J.Riccardi, O.Hannaford

EMG: J.Leake, L.Aleer, J.Delana

Team Tips: Adam Kingsley’s side can’t seem to go a week without getting multiple injuries. Both Stephen Coniglio and Aaron Cadman suffered concussion setbacks against Richmond, with the latter only just returning from a pelvic injury. Max Gruzewski or Callum Brown likely get a reprieve for Cadman, while as for Coniglio, it could open the door for Harry Rowston to return to the side. Youngsters James Leake and Josaia Delana should also be in the mix. Nick Madden will keep hold of the number ruck spot after an impressive return to the senior side for Kieren Briggs. Star defender Sam Taylor won’t return from a hamstring injury for at least another month, and will resume his running program this week.

GOLD COAST SUNS v ESSENDON

Saturday April 18, 1.15pm at People First Stadium

Suns’ Round 5 side

B: B.Uwland, S.Collins, M.Andrew

HB: J.Noble, C.Ballard, D.Rioli

C: L.Weller, W.Powell, Z.Uwland

HF: T.Miller, J.Walter, W.Graham

F: E.Read, B.King, L.Lombard

FOLL: J.Witts, N.Anderson (c), M.Rowell

I/C: A.Davies, J.Jeffrey, B.Long, S.Clohesy, L.Gulbin

EMG: N.Moyle, B.Jepson, O.Adams

Team Tips: The Suns have been dealt a considerable blow four days out from their Saturday afternoon bout with the Bombers, with captain Noah Anderson ruled out due to appendix removal surgery. He’ll miss at least this weekend, with his status beyond that uncertain. “Noah is now recovering following a successful operation on Monday to remove his appendix. He won’t be available for selection this weekend, and we will continue to monitor his progress over the coming weeks,” Suns Head Physiotherapist Andrew Weller said on Tuesday. Otherwise, does Damien Hardwick make a statement at selection after a two-game slump? Jarrod Witts has had a rough fortnight against Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn and the Suns have looked better when Mac Andrew has played in the ruck, while Ned Moyle is waiting in the wings, if required. The Suns are set for two big ins, with Bailey Humphrey due back from suspension and Christian Petracca cleared to return from a hamstring issue. Lachlan Gulbin was quiet against Sydney but very impressive the week prior, while Leo Lombard and Alex Davies could also come under pressure. Jake Rogers could also make his return from concussion, while recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been listed as a ‘test’ after minor knee surgery. Academy selections Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall could also return to the reserves should be prove themselves over their respective leg and hamstring injuries.

Bombers’ Round 5 side

B: J.Ridley, B.McKay, A.McGrath (c)

HB: A.Roberts, Z.Reid, J.Farrow

C: X.Duursma, J.Caldwell, A.Day-Wicks

HF: S.Durham, N.Caddy, K.Langford

F: I.Kako, P.Wright, A.May

FOLL: L.Blakiston, D.Parish, Z.Merrett

I/C: E.Tsatas, S.Robey, J.Gresham, J.Prior, T.Edwards

EMG: N.Cox, Z.Johnson, S.El-Hawli

Team Tips: The Bombers have gone from having selection pressure for the first time in a long time, according to Brad Scott, to now feeling settled after their first win of 2026! As a result, they shouldn’t make many, if any changes from that victory over the Demons. The only potential one to watch is whether they’re ready to bring back Nick Bryan in his road back from an ACL injury he sustained in Gather Round 12 months ago. Bryan will replace Lachie Blakiston as the number one ruck at some stage, but if they opt to play the former in the reserves another week, he’ll join Will Setterfield and first-year player Dyson Sharp. The duo have been cleared to return after their respective foot injuries.

HAWTHORN v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday April 18, 4.15pm at Marvel Stadium

Hawks’ Round 5 side

B: J.Weddle, T.Barrass, J.Impey

HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick

C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Mackenzie, F.Perez

HF: S.Butler, M.Lewis, N.Watson

F: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.Gunston

FOLL: N.Reeves, J.Newcombe (c), J.Ward

I/C: K.Amon, C.Macdonald, J.Ginnivan, C.Nash, L.Meek

EMG: W.McCabe, J.Scrimshaw, J.Dalton

Team Tips: A hamstring injury to Mabior Chol was the only dampener from Saturday night’s huge victory over the Bulldogs. Confirmation came through on Tuesday that Chol will miss at least the next four weeks with a “moderate-grade” strain. It opens the door for draftee Aiden Schubert to make his debut, or the Hawks could look to recall Calsher Dear. So far in 2026, Schubert has seemingly been ahead in the pecking order all year and had better VFL form, and that sentiment may have been amplified after kicking another five goals fro Box Hill over the weekend.. Jack Scrimshaw was managed over Gather Round, and should come back into the side. It won’t be a surprise if the club again opts to rest one of their other key players.

Power’s Round 5 side

B: J.Burgoyne, L.Jones, M.Bergman

HB: L.Evans, A.Aliir, K.Farrell

C: E.Mackinlay, J.Horne-Francis, J.Wehr

HF: J.Lukosius, M.Georgiades, J.Berry

F: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Whitlock, J.Richards

FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters (c), W.Drew

I/C: C.Durdin, O.Wines, J.Watkins, T.Marshall, J.Lai

EMG: M.Zadow, B.Zerk-Thatcher, D.Visentini

Team Tips: Plenty of focus on Zak Butters in the fallout from the incident with umpire Nick Foot. But attention will, eventually, need to turn to selection and Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn. Port will be forced to replace Jack Lukosius, with the forward sidelined by a groin issue that continues to flare up. Despite playing out the loss to St Kilda, Lukosius is expected to miss at least two months. Jack Watkins and Josh Lai were quiet in that loss to the Saints and could come under selection pressure. There’s not necessarily a long list of Port players on the outer pressing to come back in, but the likes of Mitch Zadow, Jackson Mead, Will Lorenz or Christian Moraes could come into consideration. In positive news, promising young defender Harrison Ramm is now less than a month away from returning to football after a pre-season ankle injury.

ADELAIDE CROWS v ST KILDA

Saturday April 18, 7.35pm at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 5 side

B: J.Borlase, N.Murray, M.Michalanney

HB: R.Laird, J.Worrell, W.Milera

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson (c), B.Cook

HF: B.Keays, T.Walker, Z.Taylor

F: A.Neal-Bullen, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine

FOLL: L.McAndrew, S.Berry, J.Peatling

I/C: M.Hinge, J.Soligo, L.Nankervis, J.Rachele, F.Maley

EMG: H.Bond, T.Murray, B.Dowling

Team Tips:Mitch Hinge was the only confirmed casualty from last Thursday’s win over Carlton, just as the utility made his return to the side. However, midfielder Jake Soligo will still need to pass fitness tests this week after rolling his ankle in the third quarter of their Gather Round victory. The Crows expect both Jordon Butts and Luke Pedlar to be cleared from concussion protocols, but key forward Darcy Fogarty won’t join them back in the side this weekend with his ongoing back issue. The club believes the 26-year-old is “starting to turn the corner” with his setback, but is yet to put a timeline on his return. Hugh Bond will continue to press his case for a recall as arguably the most unlucky omission at last week’s selection, while 10-gamer Billy Dowling remains close to a call-up. The key duo of Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) and Daniel Curtin (knee) are expected back in the next two to three weeks.

Saints’ Round 5 side

B: J.Silvagni, C.Wilkie (c), A.Tauru

HB: J.Sinclair, B.Hill, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: H.Boxshall, M.Hall, D.Wilson

HF: M.Wood, L.Ryan, M.Owens

F: J.Higgins, C.Sharman, R.Marshall

FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Flanders, M.Windhager

I/C: H.Clark, D.Butler, J.Carroll, M.Phillipou, H.Garcia

EMG: D.Howard, A.Hastie, L.O’Connell

Team Tips: The Saints are getting close to having a healthy list to choose from, though a duo will still need to prove their fitness for this weekend. Former Bulldog Jack Macrae (knee) and Liam Stocker (concussion) haven’t been given the all-clear just yet, but in promising news, the pair of Liam Henry and Paddy Dow both successfully returned from injury via a VFL Scratch match last weekend. Unfortunately in the same match though, utility Isaac Keeler injured his hamstring and is expected to miss the best part of a month. Key forward Max King remains a few weeks off yet, and is the main player they’ll be hoping to re-inject into their forward mix.

NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND

Sunday April 19, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium

Kangaroos’ Round 5 side

B: L.McDonald, G.Logue, C.Comben

HB: C.McKercher, C.Daniel, T.Blamires

C: J.Simpkin, T.Powell, D.Stephens

HF: P.Curtis, C.Trembath, Z.Duursma

F: C.Zurhaar, N.Larkey (c), J.Darling

FOLL: C.Coleman-Jones, L.Davies-Uniacke, H.Sheezel

I/C: A.Corr, G.Wardlaw, C.Spargo, L.Parker, Z.Banch

EMG: W.Dawson, T.Pink, J.Konstanty

Team Tips: Alastair Clarkson’s side has a fair old crack at the Lions, in an overall promising showdown from the improved Kangaroos. Callum Coleman-Jones hasn’t been overly impressive as the number one ruck so far, which could create an opening for Wil Dawson with Tristan Xerri still another week off from suspension. That being said, the 26-year-old South Australian would be within his rights to expect one more crack at the role. Young gun Finn O’Sullivan remains at least another week off a return after jaw surgery, while small forward Robert Hansen Jnr has recently been sidelined with a groin injury. Lachy Dovaston has suddenly found himself outside the senior team after being managed a fortnight ago, but he and Jacob Konstanty could come into the frame to replace Charlie Spargo or Zac Banch. The club has listed young trio Riley Hardeman (ankle), Luke Urquhart (knee) and Josh Goater (quad) all as a ‘test’ this week.

Tigers’ Round 5 side

B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, N.Balta

HB: N.Broad, J.Short, S.Grlj

C: S.Banks, D.Prestia, T.Sonsie

HF: S.Campbell, J.Ross, S.Green

F: J.Faull, L.Fawcett, M.Lefau

FOLL: O.Hayes-Brown, T.Taranto (c), S.Lalor

I/C: T.Brown, L.Trainor, M.Rioli, C.Gray, J.Hopper

EMG: K.McAuliffe, P.Retschko, Z.Peucker

Team Tips: A bit for Adem Yze and the Tigers to ponder after a heavy loss to GWS. Samson Ryan could well slot straight back in for Oliver Hayes-Brown after the debutant was pretty well beaten by Nick Madden on debut last week. Hard to see Richmond going to two rucks given the Roos won’t have Tristan Xerri. Luke Trainor, Campbell Gray and Jonty Faull were all quiet against the Giants and could come under scrutiny, with Kane McAuliffe, Patrick Retschko and Zane Peucker waiting in the wings. Josh Gibcus could also come into the frame for his first game since Round 1 after being sidelined with soreness. Veteran Tom Lynch (hamstring) is inching closer to a return and could be available as soon as next week, but there’s no fast-tracked return at this stage for captain Toby Nankervis with the same injury — at least another four rounds away.

MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS

Sunday April 19, 3.15pm at the MCG

Demons’ Round 5 side

B: H.Petty, J.Lever, C.Salem

HB: C.Windsor, T.McDonald, B.Howes

C: H.Langford, J.Steele, X.Lindsay

HF: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, K.Chandler

F: J.Melksham, B.Mihocek, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn (c), E.Langdon, T.Sparrow

I/C: K.Tholstrup, D.Turner, J.Culley, L.Pickett, H.Sharp

EMG: B.Laurie, M.Heath, J.Henderson

Team Tips: Steven King said he was excited to see how his team responds to a shock loss to Essendon. But how does he first respond at selection? Christian Salem (ankle) and veteran Jake Melksham (syndesmosis) will force a change in personnel at either end of the field, in a frustrating setback for the duo out of Gather Round. After his dropping last week, Bailey Laurie may be the first one recalled to replace Melksham. Changkuoth Jiath (calf) would’ve been the ideal replacement but he’s at least another week or two away, while Jake Bowey (foot) isn’t too far off either from his longer-term setback. Trent Rivers won’t re-join the senior side after his omission for another forntight at least, as he overcomes a knee concern.

Lions’ Round 5 side

B: K.Coleman, H.Andrews, R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, D.Zorko

C: B.Reville, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, O.Allen, L.Ashcroft

F: S.Draper, C.Rayner, T.Gallop

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley (c), L.Neale

I/C: K.Lohmann, H.McCluggage, L.McCarthy, L.Morris, Z.Bailey

EMG: J.Tunstill, S.Brain, D.Joyce

Team Tips: Just as the reigning back-to-back premiers were getting to full strength, they’ve lost one of their most important soldiers. Dayne Zorko will miss a few weeks with a calf issue in an untimely blow for the 37-year old veteran, who’s body has held up remarkably will in recent seasons. Noah Answerth should be ready to return from concussion in the ideal replacement for Zorko, after training on Tuesday. If Answerth unexpectedly doesn’t get up, Darragh Joyce, James Tunstill or Sam Marshall loom as the most obvious ins.

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday April 19, 5.10pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 5 side

B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman

HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.Worner

C: J.O’Meara, A.Brayshaw, C.Wagner

HF: S.Bolton, M.Reid, S.Switkowski

F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss

FOLL: S.Darcy, L.Jackson, C.Serong

I/C: C.Scerri, I.Dudley, N.Erasmus, M.Johnson, J.McVee

EMG: M.Cox, B.Banfield, N.O’Driscoll

Team Tips: They got out of jail against Collingwood. But they’ll be forced to make at least one change after Sean Darcy got struck down with concussion. All signs point to Mason Cox making his Dockers debut, with the former Magpie already pressing to come into the side after strong WAFL form. But the Dockers also have Hayden Young (hamstring) and Michael Frederick (ankle) set to be available from injury in a welcome selection headache for Justin Longmuir. The Fremantle coach told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night that Cox was “definitely a chance” to play and allow them to stick to the two-ruck “model we’ve gone with for a while now”. But Longmuir said they’d weigh up team structure with “hopefully a couple of players returning.” One player who won’t be called upon for the Dockers however is Bailey Banfield, who sustained a concussion in the WAFL after flying to Gather Round as an emergency for last Friday night. Chris Scerri seems the most likely Docker to make way after a quiet fortnight. If Cox does come in and the Dockers stick with the two ruck-setup, picking the other omission is tricky.

Eagles’ Round 5 side

B: L.Duggan (c), T.Young, R.Ginbey

HB: B.Hough, S.Brock, L.Baker

C: W.Duursma, J.Graham, B.Allan

HF: T.Kelly, A.Reid, E.Hewett

F: H.Schoenberg, J.Waterman, J.Shanahan

FOLL: C.Duff-Tytler, H.Reid, D.Robertson

I/C: J.Lindsay, M.Owies, T.McCarthy, B.Williams, H.Davis

EMG: R.Maric, M.Flynn, M.Champion

Team Tips: Recruit Deven Robertson’s season is over in a cruel ACL setback just four games into his Eagles career. West Coast does have some reinforcements on the way though, with the club listing both Elliot Yeo (adductor), Milan Murdock (hamstring) and a ‘test’ ahead of this Sunday evening. New recruit Jack Graham will also be a watch after battling through Gather Round with a shoulder injury. Defender Harry Edwards remains in concussion protocols for a fourth straight week, however in positive news, will filter back into training imminently. Veteran Jamie Cripps was managed against Geelong, and will almost certainly return to Andrew McQualter’s best 23. Bo Allan and Cooper Duff-Tytler could meanwhile benefit from having a rest after a quiet fortnight.