AFL Teams Finals: Chopping Block - Collingwood star in doubt

Kieran Francis

AFL Teams Finals: Chopping Block - Collingwood star in doubt image

After a 25-round season, AFL finals are finally here with four blockbuster matches across the opening week.

Will Jordan De Goey get up for Collingwood's first final against Adelaide?

MOREAll the latest AFL injury news

Read on for all the latest finals team news and tips:

Adelaide vs. Collingwood team news, selection, injuries

Adelaide

On the Chopping Block: Hugh Bond, Sid Draper, Billy Dowling

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: Lachlan Sholl (hamstring)

Potential ins: Brayden Cook, Max Michalanney, Luke Pedlar

Max Michalanney will likely come straight into the line-up after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Hugh Bond should be the player that makes way if that's the case.

Brayden Cook kicked six goals for Adelaide's SANFL team and could be included at the expense of Sid Draper or Billy Dowling.

 

Collingwood

On the Chopping Block: Roan Steele, Daniel McStay

New injuries: Jeremy Howe (groin)

Facing fitness test: Jordan De Goey (leg)

Potential ins: Mason Cox, Wil Parker, Ed Allan

Jordan De Goey hurt his left leg during training and will need to pass a fitness test before Thursday night's match.

Beau McCreery will be named despite picking up a foot issue against Melbourne.

Mason Cox is set to be considered as a forward replacement for Dan McStay, while Wil Parker could fill in for the injured Jeremy Howe.

Bobby Hill will not be named against the Crows.

 

Geelong vs. Brisbane team news, selection, injuries

Geelong

On the Chopping Block: Jed Bews, Mitch Knevitt

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: None

Potential ins: Shannon Neale, Mark O'Connor

The Cats incredibly only have one player on their injury list - backup ruckman Toby Conway.

Shannon Neale will return from a one-match suspension, while Mark O'Connor could come back in after being a late withdrawal in Round 25.

Jed Bews and Mitch Knevitt seem most at risk of being dropped for the above two players.

 

Brisbane

On the Chopping Block: Sam Marshall, James Tunstill

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: None

Potential ins: Lachie Neale, Jarrod Berry

Lachie Neale and Jarrod Berry will return from injury to significantly bolster the Lions midfield.

Youngsters Sam Marshall and James Tunstill are the likely unlucky candidates to be axed.

 

GWS vs. Hawthorn team news, selection, injuries

GWS

On the Chopping Block: Leek Aleer, Maz Gruzewski, Harvey Thomas, Jacob Wehr, Ryan Angwin, Harry Rowston

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: Jack Buckley (calf), Jesse Hogan (foot) Jake Stringer (hamstring), Josh Kelly (calf), Stephen Coniglio (concussion)

Potential ins: Brent Daniels

The Giants could have up to six ins with the likes of Jesse Hogan, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Jack Buckey and Jake Stringer all facing fitness tests.

There is likely to some unlucky players at selection, headed by a group including Leek Aleer, Maz Gruzewski, Harvey Thomas, Jacob Wehr, Ryan Angwin and Harry Rowston.

 

Hawthorn

On the Chopping Block: Changkuoth Jiath, Mitch Lewis, Connor Macdonald

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: Harry Morrison (quad)

Potential ins: Josh Weddle, Cam McKenzie

Gun Hawks utility Josh Weddle got through his most recent VFL match and could be a welcome addition to the team.

Harry Morrison could be passed fit after missing the last two games of the season, while Cam McKenzie is pushing for selection.

Several players could be facing the axe with Changkuoth Jiath under pressure if Weddle returns, while Mitch Lewis has struggled to impact matches.

 

Fremantle vs. Gold Coast team news, selection, injuries

Fremantle

On the Chopping Block: Jaeger O'Meara

New injuries: Corey Wagner (pec)

Facing fitness test: Sam Switkowski (knee)

Potential ins: Matthew Johnson, Jeremy Sharp, Brandon Walker, Nathan O'Driscoll

There will be one forced change for the Dockers with Corey Wagner out for the season with a pec injury.

Matthew Johnson seems like the best candidate to come in, but Nathan O'Driscoll and Jeremy Sharp will also be discussed.

Sam Switkowski should come back in if he passes a fitness test.

 

Gold Coast

On the Chopping Block: Jy Farrar, Connor Budarick, Jake Rogers

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: None

Potential ins: David Swallow, Daniel Rioli, Jed Walter

Damien Hardwick has confirmed that David Swallow will play in his first career final.

Daniel Rioli will also be fit to play after missing the last few weeks with a leg fracture.

It's more difficult to see who could come out of the team with Jy Farrar, Connor Budarick and Jake Rogers likely feeling the most nervous.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.