Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
AFL Round 18 Team Tips are headlined by Brisbane preparing to welcome back two premiership stars, while West Coast captain Liam Duggan could face a surprise selection call after another disappointing performance. Several clubs are also weighing key injury returns as the race for finals intensifies ahead of another pivotal round.
Brisbane appears poised to become even stronger despite extending its impressive winning run, while Gold Coast faces more disruption during its six game losing streak and several contenders are close to regaining important players.
Brisbane set for massive boost
The reigning premiers could regain two of their biggest stars against Essendon.
Dayne Zorko and Hugh McCluggage are both expected to be available after lengthy injury layoffs, handing coach Chris Fagan a welcome selection headache as Brisbane looks to continue its surge.
Darcy Gardiner is expected to miss with a hamstring injury sustained against Geelong, with Darragh Joyce the leading replacement after an outstanding VFL performance.
James Tunstill is among the players under pressure to make way, while Eric Hipwood could also be managed after three quiet matches since returning from injury.
The Lions' depth remains one of the competition's greatest strengths, with Keidean Coleman and Sam Marshall also pressing for senior opportunities.
Duggan under pressure at West Coast
West Coast captain Liam Duggan finds himself under unusual scrutiny following another difficult outing in the loss to Adelaide.
While the experienced defender collected 24 disposals, his ball use came under question, opening discussion about whether the rebuilding Eagles should continue prioritising youth.
Josh Lindsay strengthened his case with another strong WAFL display, while Ryan Maric, Elijah Hewett and Harry Schoenberg all responded impressively after recent omissions.
Despite the speculation, dropping Duggan would represent one of the biggest selection calls of Andrew McQualter's tenure.
Elliot Yeo could also be managed after looking physically restricted against the Crows.
Fremantle and Sydney weigh key changes
Fremantle must replace midfielder Hayden Young after another groin injury setback.
Jaeger O'Meara, Corey Wagner and Chris Scerri are among the leading candidates, while the Dockers are unlikely to make sweeping changes despite having their 14 game winning streak ended by GWS.
Sydney could receive an important boost with Tom Papley and Braeden Campbell returning to full training.
Riley Bice pushed strongly for a recall after collecting 35 disposals in the VFL, while Joel Hamling and Tom Hanily may come under selection pressure.
Collingwood faces welcome selection dilemma
Collingwood may regain Scott Pendlebury and Isaac Quaynor after missing the win over Gold Coast.
Brayden Maynard will also be monitored after suffering sore ribs during the fiery contest.
Craig McRae's biggest challenge will be balancing returning stars with rewarding younger players who impressed in one of the Magpies' best victories of the season.
Jack Buller appears the most vulnerable if changes are made, while Lachie Sullivan continues to press for another AFL opportunity following an excellent VFL performance.
Gold Coast searching for answers
Gold Coast's season continues to unravel after six consecutive defeats.
Ben Long is expected to miss through suspension unless the Suns successfully challenge his two match ban at the AFL Tribunal.
Sam Clohesy returns from suspension, while Alex Davies, Will Graham, Jy Farrar and Lachie Gulbin are nearing availability.
Former captain Jarrod Witts and Charlie Ballard remain in contention after being omitted last week as Damien Hardwick searches for a winning formula.
Other clubs to watch
Carlton is expected to welcome back Harry Dean, while Adelaide should regain star key forward Riley Thilthorpe after he missed last week's victory over West Coast.
Hawthorn hopes to recover several important players, including Nick Watson, Karl Amon and Jarman Impey following its heavy defeat to Melbourne.
The Western Bulldogs have fresh injury concerns after losing Connor Budarick and Nick Coffield, while Matt Kennedy also faces suspension unless his Tribunal challenge succeeds.
Geelong could make changes following a fourth loss in five matches, with Gryan Miers, Jack Bowes and Mitch Knevitt among those pushing for recalls after strong VFL performances.
Melbourne is unlikely to alter a winning lineup after defeating Hawthorn, while Richmond will be forced into at least one change after Jack Ross entered concussion protocols.
