AFL Rosters Revealed for Round 13 Showdowns

AFL clubs face vital selection decisions ahead of Round 13's pivotal matchups. Key personnel returns across multiple teams promise to reshape on-field dynamics, while injury clouds hover over several premiership contenders. The Western Bulldogs regain integral midfield depth against Hawthorn. Adelaide and Brisbane prepare for a clash that could define their season trajectories. Port Adelaide's triple inclusion poses questions about team balance. These roster changes will determine which teams gain momentum heading into the season's essential phase.

Western Bulldogs Welcome Back Treloar and Darcy for Hawks Clash

As the Western Bulldogs prepare to face Hawthorn in their Round 13 encounter, Luke Beveridge's side will receive a significant boost with Adam Treloar cleared to return from injury alongside ruckman Tim English's likely inclusion. Treloar form restoration becomes vital following his spell on the sidelines, with the midfielder expected to inject much-needed dynamism into the Bulldogs' engine room. Darcy's health assessment continues as medical staff monitor his recovery progress, potentially offering additional ruck support. The Hawks, meanwhile, must cope without James Sicily's defensive leadership for at least two weeks, opening opportunities for Seamus Mitchell and Denver Grainger-Barras.

Adelaide Set to Restore Laird Against Brisbane's Depleted Forward Line

Adelaide's midfield structure receives crucial reinforcement this week with Rory Laird's anticipated return from injury, providing Matthew Nicks with enhanced ball-winning capacity against a Brisbane Lions outfit missing key forward Eric Hipwood for the next five weeks. The veteran's midfield maturity arrives as Brodie Smith, Matt Pedlar and Sam Berry face selection scrutiny. Brisbane counters with Oscar McInerney's potential return, though Joe Daniher shoulders increased responsibility among their attacking options. Chris Fagan must also determine whether Dayne Gardiner makes way, while Ryan Lester's defensive positioning and Callum Ah Chee's forward pressure remain integral to Brisbane's structural balance without their injured spearhead.

Richmond's Defensive Puzzle as Balta Returns to Face Sydney

Richmond's defensive structure faces significant reshuffling with Noah Balta's suspension ending, creating selection headaches for Damien Hardwick ahead of Thursday night's clash with Sydney at the MCG. Trainor's position appears most vulnerable after the youngster's recent inclusion, while veteran Kane McIntosh's job security also comes under scrutiny. The Tigers must balance experience against form, with Ben Miller and Nic Gray competing for spots alongside Balta. Sydney's potent forward line, potentially featuring Lance Franklin if fit, demands Richmond field their strongest defensive unit. The selection committee faces tough decisions with multiple players vying for limited positions in the backline.

Carlton's Star Duo Push for Selection Against North Melbourne

Patrick Cerra and Harry McKay headline Carlton's selection discussions ahead of Saturday's important clash against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. Cerra's form before injury showcased his elite midfield capabilities, making his potential return essential for Carlton's finals aspirations. McKay's target role as the Blues' premier forward creates significant structural implications if selected. Matt Stocker appears likely to retain his position following solid performances. North Melbourne face their own selection dilemmas with Ben Cunnington and Kayne Turner probable inclusions, potentially squeezing out Tristan Xerri and Jaidyn Mahony. Tarryn Thomas remains under fitness assessment following recent injury concerns.

Port Adelaide's Triple Boost for Crucial Fremantle Encounter

Three premiership players are set to strengthen Port Adelaide's lineup for their pivotal clash against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval. Travis Jonas, Ollie Wines, and Connor Rozee have all recovered from injuries and should bolster the Power's depth considerably. Their returns place pressure on Riley Byrne-Jones, who appears vulnerable for omission. Fremantle counters with their own reinforcements, welcoming back Michael Walters and Caleb Brayshaw, while Fyfe's fitness remains central to their midfield structure. Nat Fyfe's availability could prove decisive in this contest. Both teams face selection dilemmas with Luke Serong and Dylan Henry carrying injury concerns for the Dockers.

Essendon's Midfield Strengthens With Parish Return Against GWS

Essendon welcomes significant reinforcements for their match against GWS Giants, with Darcy Parish headlining the list of returning players. Parish's midfield impact will be essential after the Bombers' defensive struggles in recent weeks. Mason Redman and Dylan Shiel are also expected to return, bolstering Essendon's depth across the ground. Jake Stringer's position remains uncertain following inconsistent form. For GWS, monitoring continues on Jesse Hogan, Josh Kelly, and Harry Perryman's fitness. Callan Ward, Isaac Cumming, Tim Taranto, and Toby Greene face late fitness tests. James Peatling and Aaron Cadman push for selection as the Giants manage multiple injury concerns.

West Coast's Senior Players Ready for Geelong Challenge

Key midfield leaders Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo prepare to return from injury as West Coast faces Geelong, with Tim Kelly also expected to bolster the Eagles' engine room. Yeo's midfield return provides integral experience and contested ball-winning ability against the Cats' formidable onball brigade. Duggan's versatility allows coach Adam Simpson flexibility in defensive and midfield rotations. Young midfielder Elijah Langdon continues pressing for senior selection after strong WAFL performances. For Geelong, Patrick Dangerfield and Mark Blicavs face fitness tests, while Tyson Stengle pushes for recall. Jeremy Cameron's forward role remains uncertain following recent form struggles against quality opposition.

Melbourne and Collingwood Prepare for Queen's Birthday Battle

While Melbourne prepares to welcome back premiership stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca for the Queen's Birthday clash, Collingwood faces selection dilemmas with Taylor Adams, Jack Crisp, and Jordan Roughead all pushing for returns from injury. The Demons' defensive options could see Jake Lever's partner change if Adam Tomlinson returns, while Taj Woewodin and Bailey Laurie offer midfield depth. The Magpies' forward lineup remains uncertain with Jamie Elliott's form under scrutiny and Dan McStay's role questioned. Nick Daicos' midfield minutes may increase if Adams returns, potentially impacting John Noble's wing position. Both teams must balance experience with form heading into Monday's blockbuster.

Gold Coast and St Kilda Exchange Injury Blows Ahead of Clash

Three returning stars headline Gold Coast's selection boost as Matt Rowell, Sam Collins, and Ben Long prepare to face St Kilda, though the Suns must navigate the absence of suspended forward Ben King and injured midfielder Noah Anderson. The Suns defense questionable without key personnel, while St Kilda's preparations suffer with Rowan Marshall and Josh Battle racing against time to prove fitness. Saints offence lacking firepower, Tim Membrey's availability remains uncertain despite Brad Hill's likely return. Marcus Windhager faces scrutiny after recent performances, with Ross Lyon considering Hunter Clark's promotion. Both teams desperate to arrest concerning form slumps entering Round 13.

Demons Make Changes for Western Bulldogs Rematch

Melbourne enters their Round 13 rematch against the Western Bulldogs with strategic adjustments to their lineup, welcoming back Kozzy Pickett while Harrison Petty and Charlie Spargo return from injury layoffs. The Demons have addressed Kysiak's form concerns by omitting him from the squad, making way for fresh inclusions Jake Laurie and Joel Smith. Pickett's defensive role becomes vital as Melbourne seeks to counter the Bulldogs' attacking threats. The tactical reshuffle reflects the coaching staff's determination to rectify previous shortcomings. With key players returning to fitness, the Demons aim to execute a more balanced game plan against their formidable opponents this weekend.

Hawthorn Reshuffles Defense While Adelaide Eyes Key Returns

James Sicily's enforced absence creates significant defensive restructuring for Hawthorn ahead of their Round 13 clash with Adelaide, opening opportunities for Seamus Mitchell, James Butler, and Will Hustwaite to stake their claims. Scrimshaw's fitness remains under close monitoring while Hardwick's potential selection looms as another defensive option. Adelaide counter with their own reinforcements, as Matt Laird prepares to return following injury. The Crows face selection dilemmas with Smith, Pedlar, and Berry under pressure for their spots. Curtin and Soligo appear vulnerable while Peatling and Michalanney push for inclusion, with Murray's return also imminent for Adelaide's backline.

Brisbane Lions Adjust Structure as Richmond Welcomes Back Balta

Flexibility becomes paramount for Brisbane as they navigate Coleman's five-week absence, with McInerney's anticipated return creating a selection puzzle that could see Gardiner make way in their defensive structure. Gardner's impact has been serviceable, but McInerney's return offers superior versatility across multiple positions. Doedee continues pressing for senior selection, adding further pressure to defensive spots.

Richmond faces its own structural decisions with Balta eligible to return from suspension. His inclusion likely spells trouble for Trainor, whose position appears most vulnerable. The Tigers must balance their defensive mix between Balta, Gray, and Miller, while McIntosh's spot also remains under scrutiny amid mounting selection pressure.

Sydney and Port Adelaide Face Selection Dilemmas for Top Eight Showdown

While Sydney awaits pivotal fitness assessments on Papley, Mills, and Rowbottom, the Swans must prepare contingency plans for their clash against a resurgent Port Adelaide outfit. Papley's availability remains uncertain after missing recent matches, though Amartey stands ready as a capable replacement. The Power welcome back Jonas, Wines, and Rozee from injury, considerably bolstering their midfield depth. Byrne-Jones' vulnerability following inconsistent form could see him dropped despite his experience. Both teams face difficult selection calls, with Sydney monitoring Franklin and McLean's fitness while Port Adelaide must decide whether to persist with their current defensive