Richmond will have two big inclusions to cover the loss of crucial premiership stars.

While Sydney’s medical team could deliver another miracle in time for a crunch clash with Melbourne.

That and more in Round 8’s edition of AFL Team Tips!

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RICHMOND v GEELONG CATS

Friday May 7, 7.50pm at the MCG

Last week’s Tigers team

B: D.Astbury, N.Balta, D.Grimes

HB: N.Broad, R.Mansell, J.Short

C: K.McIntosh, T.Cotchin, M.Pickett

HF: D.Rioli, S.Edwards, J.Aarts

F: T.Lynch, S.Bolton, J.Riewoldt

FOLL: T.Nankervis, J.Ross, J.Graham

I/C: B.Houli, R.Collier-Dawkins, J.Castagna, L.Baker

SUB: P.Naish

Team Tips: Two guns in, two guns out? The Tigers will lose captain Trent Cotchin for the Grand Final rematch with a “small” hamstring strain; but given his history with soft tissue injuries, the club will be careful and he may miss up to a month. Dylan Grimes presented with concussion symptoms last Saturday and will also miss Friday night. However Dustin Martin is back from a short trip to New Zealand to visit his dad, and as long as he clears the concussion protocols he‘ll be available, likewise Nick Vlastuin (knee) who just needs to get through main training on Wednesday.

Last week’s Cats team

B: L.Henderson, M.Blicavs, J.Henry

HB: T.Atkins, T.Stewart, J.Clark

C: I.Smith, Q.Narkle, Z.Tuohy

HF: L.Dahlhaus, J.Cameron, B.Parfitt

F: G.Rohan, T.Hawkins, B.Close

FOLL: R.Stanley, M.Duncan, J.Selwood

I/C: J.Bews, C.Guthrie, S.Menegola, G.Miers

SUB: Z.Guthrie

Team Tips: The Cats were more bruised mentally than physically after the loss to Sydney, with only Gryan Miers (corked lower leg) under an injury cloud. But they‘ll have some potential inclusions for the Grand Final rematch, including recruit Shaun Higgins (thumb/hamstring) who said late last week he expected to be available to face Richmond. Mark O'Connor (hamstring) is likely another week or two away, but Jake Kolodjashnij (knee) could be fit. The Cats weren‘t happy with Rhys Stanley's performance in the ruck against Tom Hickey – could Darcy Fort, who looked excellent at VFL level, replace the athletic but inconsistent big man?

GWS GIANTS v ESSENDON

Saturday May 8, 1.45pm at Giants Stadium

Last week’s Giants team

B: J.Buckley, S.Taylor, L.Keeffe

HB: S.Reid, I.Cumming, L.Ash

C: J.Kelly, J.Hopper, H.Perryman

HF: B.Hill, T.Greene, B.Daniels

F: J.Hogan, J.Finlayson, H.Himmelberg

FOLL: S.Mumford, T.Taranto, C.Ward

I/C: C.Idun, X.O’Halloran, L.Whitfield, T.Green

SUB: M.Buntine

Team Tips: Giants coach Leon Cameron was “touching wood” that Brent Daniels' latest hamstring injury wasn‘t too bad, but then referenced getting him ready “for the back half of the year”, so expect him to miss at least a month. Matt Buntine came on as the sub but was concussed, meaning he‘ll certainly miss Round 8. Sam Reid played through a hamstring injury, being sent to full-forward, and will miss several weeks as well. Daniel Lloyd (quad) is ready to return though it‘s a matter of whether he comes through the VFL or AFL. In the seconds, Jake Riccardi was spectacular while trialled in defence, and Tanner Bruhn also impressed.

Last week’s Bombers team

B: J.Laverde, M.Redman, M.Guelfi

HB: D.Heppell, J.Ridley, N.Hind

C: K.Langford, Z.Merrett, N.Cox

HF: D.Smith, C.Hooker, A.Perkins

F: J.Stringer, H.Jones, A.McDonald-Tipungwuti

FOLL: N.Bryan, D.Parish, A.McGrath

I/C: J.Stewart, W.Snelling, B.Ham, P.Wright

SUB: D.Zaharakis

Team Tips: The Bombers are hopeful young star Nik Cox (shoulder) can hold his spot after leaving the ground hurt during the loss to Carlton, but returning to play out the contest. Aaron Francis (ankle) couldn‘t get up for Sunday but should be ready for Round 8, while Andrew Phillips (soreness) is a chance to regain his spot in the ruck.

GOLD COAST SUNS v ST KILDA

Saturday May 8, 2.10pm at Metricon Stadium

Last week’s Suns team

B: H.Greenwood, S.Collins, W.Powell

HB: O.Markov, C.Ballard, J.Farrar

C: B.Ellis, D.Swallow, S.Lemmens

HF: N.Holman, C.Graham, J.Corbett

F: I.Rankine, B.King, S.Flanders

FOLL: C.Burgess, J.Lukosius, T.Miller

I/C: B.Ainsworth, N.Anderson, J.Bowes, L.Weller

SUB: A.Sexton

Team Tips: Why change a winning formula? The Suns went in unchanged for Saturday‘s win over Collingwood, and we’re expecting the same for Round 8’s clash with the Saints. However Zac Smith is pretty much ready if Stuart Dew wants a recognised ruckman to go against St Kilda‘s deadly duo of Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder. Jacob Townsend (facial fracture) is another week or two away.

Last week’s Saints team

B: D.Joyce, C.Wilkie, D.Howard

HB: J.Webster, J.Sinclair, N.Coffield

C: D.Butler, B.Crouch, B.Hill

HF: R.Marshall, S.Ross, J.Billings

F: J.Higgins, T.Membrey, M.King

FOLL: P.Ryder, Z.Jones, J.Steele

I/C: J.Battle, R.Byrnes, J.Bytel, J.Clark

SUB: M.Wood

Team Tips: Hard to have many complaints after a nice 69-point win. James Frawley is a chance to return after having 12 disposals in his VFL return match from a hamstring injury, while Daniel McKenzie is available after serving a one-match ban. Luke Dunstan (35 disposals, three goals) and Jack Lonie (22 disposals, three goals) are also pushing for senior selection.

NORTH MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday May 8, 4.35pm at Marvel Stadium

Last week’s Kangaroos team

B: A.Bonar, B.McKay, S.Atley

HB: J.Ziebell, J.Walker, A.Hall

C: L.Young, J.Simpkin, J.Stephenson

HF: K.Turner, C.Taylor, C.Zurhaar

F: J.Mahony, N.Larkey, T.Thomas

FOLL: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, T.Powell

I/C: A.Bosenavulagi, W.Phillips, C.Lazzaro, T.Campbell

SUB: C.Menadue

Team Tips: The Kangaroos keep inching closer and closer to a breakthrough win, so we‘re not expecting too many changes, though Aidan Bonar (corked thigh) could be a forced omission. Luke Davies-Uniacke missed last week due to personal reasons, so it‘ll be up to him to determine when he’s ready to return. Trent Dumont played his first game back from a lengthy calf injury in the VFL last Thursday; however he was restricted, not based on game time but his number of high-intensity efforts, meaning he only played six minutes after halftime.

Last week’s Magpies team

B: B.Maynard, J.Roughead, I.Quaynor

HB: J.Crisp, M.Keane, J.Noble

C: N.Murphy, S.Pendlebury, C.Poulter

HF: D.Cameron, D.Moore, B.McCreery

F: C.Brown, J.De Goey, J.Thomas

FOLL: B.Grundy, J.Daicos, S.Sidebottom

I/C: W.Hoskin-Elliott, F.Macrae, B.Mihocek, C.Mayne

SUB: J.Rantall

Team Tips: The one positive out of Saturday was a lack of any new injuries, but Collingwood‘s big guns like Taylor Adams and Jamie Elliott remain a couple of months away, while Jeremy Howe probably needs another week or two. If Nathan Buckley wants to make a statement, or just inject more youth into the team, he has options with Ollie Henry and the yet-to-debut Reef McInnes both impressing in a VFL win over Gold Coast. Brayden Sier and Jack Madgen also looked solid.

MELBOURNE v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday May 8, 7.25pm at the SCG

Last week’s Demons team

B: J.Lever, S.May, M.Hibberd

HB: C.Salem, A.Tomlinson, J.Hunt

C: A.Brayshaw, C.Petracca, E.Langdon

HF: J.Jordon, T.McDonald, J.Melksham

F: C.Spargo, B.Brown, B.Fritsch

FOLL: M.Gawn, O.Baker, C.Oliver

I/C: L.Jackson, T.Rivers, A.Neal-Bullen, K.Pickett

SUB: N.Jones

Team Tips: Melbourne will be forced to shuffle the backline after Adam Tomlinson suffered a nasty ACL injury against North Melbourne. The Dees have a number of options which could include pushing Tom McDonald into the defence and bringing forward Sam Weideman into the team. Key defender Harrison Petty is also an option for Simon Goodwin, while Bayley Fritsch has copped a one-game ban from the tribunal. Jack Viney was a late out against the Roos, but will miss a fortnight due to a hot spot in his foot. Tom Sparrow had 33 touches in the reserves and could press his case for selection.

Last week’s Swans team

B: H.Cunningham, L.Melican, C.O’Riordan

HB: J.Dawson, T.McCartin, J.Lloyd

C: O.Florent, J.Kenedy, J.McInerney

HF: W.Hayward, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom

F: S.Wicks, H.McLean, T.Papley

FOLL: C.Sinclair, L.Parker, C.Mills

I/C: T.Hickey, C.Warner, D.Stephens, E.Gulden

SUB: R.Clarke

Team Tips: Sydney could be boosted by two huge inclusions ahead of their trip to the MCG with Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and Dane Rampe both in the mix to return from injuries. While the club will be wary about rushing the pair back, a solid foundation of training will hold them in good stead to play. Defender Lewis Melican won’t feature against the Demons after being subbed out of the game due to a hamstring injury. Young gun Braeden Campbell pushed his case for an AFL return with 25 disposals and seven tackles against Geelong’s VFL team.

PORT ADELAIDE v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday May 8, 7.40pm at the Adelaide Oval

Last week’s Power team

B: R.Burton, T.Clurey, A.Aliir

HB: H.Hartlett, T.Jonas, D.Byrne-Jones

C: D.Houston, O.Wines, K.Amon

HF: O.Fantasia, T.Marshall, S.Motlop

F: C.Rozee, C.Dixon, R.Gray

FOLL: S.Lycett, S.Powell-Pepper, W.Drew

I/C: M.Frederick, M.Bergman, B.Woodcock, M.Georgiades

SUB: S.Mayes

Team Tips: Port Adelaide pair Ryan Burton and Travis Boak have been cleared to play in the Showdown on Saturday. Burton was subbed out with a rib injury against Brisbane, but is expected to face Adelaide after scans cleared him of structural damage. Boak missed the Brisbane match due to a minor quad injury, but is all but certain to face the Crows. Tom Rockliff was one of the best in the SANFL, but sprained his MCL and will be out for two months.

Last week’s Crows team

B: J.Kelly, J.Butts, A.McPherson

HB: T.Doedee, B.Smith, D.Mackay

C: L.Sholl, B.Keays, P.Seedsman

HF: J.Rowe, E.Himmelberg, R.Thilthorpe

F: N.McHenry, T.Walker, L.Murphy

FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, J.Hately

I/C: S.McAdam, H.Schoenberg, N.Murray, S.Berry

SUB: D.Fogarty

Team Tips: After managing just four goals against GWS, Matthew Nicks could be tempted to make a number of chances for the Showdown. One big inclusion is on the cards with captain Rory Sloane training strongly on Tuesday; he’ll play if an eye specialist clears him. Tom Lynch (toe) won’t be returning. Josh Worrell was again impressive with 22 touches in the SANFL and won’t be far away from an AFL debut, while Chayce Jones had 20 disposals in the loss to Sturt. Darcy Fogarty had 18 disposals and seven clearances, which could see him return to the starting 22.

HAWTHORN v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday May 9, 1.10pm at the MCG

Last week’s Hawks team

B: B.Hardwick, K.Hartigan, J.Scrimshaw

HB: H.Morrison, S.Frost, C.Jiath

C: J.Cousins, J.Worpel, T.Phillips

HF: D.Moore, J.Gunston, L.Shiels

F: J.Koschitzke, T.O’Brien, E.Jeka

FOLL: B.McEvoy, T.Mitchell, L.Breust

I/C: M.Lewis, O.Hanrahan, F.Maginness, J.Impey

SUB: D.Greaves

Team Tips: Hawthorn produced one of their most disappointing performances for the season against St Kilda, with a few players putting their hand up for an inclusion in the VFL. Daniel Howe had a team-high 30 disposals in the win over Sandringham, while Tyler Brockman booted two majors. Conor Nash is another who might come into Clarkson’s thoughts with some quiet performances at AFL. Veteran Shaun Burgoyne didn’t feature against the Saints after an ankle injury and should be primed to face the Eagles.

Last week’s Eagles team

B: A.Witherden, H.Edwards, B.Sheppard

HB: T.Cole, J.Rotham, L.Duggan

C: J.Redden, T.Kelly, J.Waterman

HF: J.Petruccelle, J.Darling, Z.Langdon

F: J.Cripps, J.Kennedy, O.Allen

FOLL: N.Naitanui, D.Sheed, A.Gaff

I/C: J.Brander, N.Vardy, J.Nelson, J.Jones

SUB: B.Ainsworth

Team Tips: There weren’t too many standouts in the WAFL as the Eagles were smashed by Peel Thunder. Xavier O’Neill (28 disposals) and Jarrod Cameron (three goals) were among those to press their case. Jamie Cripps finished the game on the bench against Fremantle and will be monitored, while Shannon Hurn has had a calf setback.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON

Sunday May 9, 3.20pm at Marvel Stadium

Last week’s Bulldogs team

B: T.Duryea, A.Keath, E.Wood

HB: C.Daniel, Z.Cordy, B.Dale

C: B.Smith, M.Bontempelli, L.Hunter

HF: A.Treloar, A.Naughton, R.West

F: J.Schache, J.Bruce, M.Hannan

FOLL: S.Martin, J.Macrae, T.Liberatore

I/C: A.Scott, J.Johannisen, H.Crozier, P.Lipinski

SUB: L.McNeil

Team Tips: Will Jamarra Ugle-Hagan play against the Blues? Don’t expect it. Tim English is set to straight swap for Josh Schache after the No.2 pick failed to fire against Richmond. There are some questions on the Bulldogs’ defensive structure, which could see Lewis Young come into consideration. Louis Butler was again strong in the VFL, while Mitch Wallis had 28 disposals and might return to the senior side. Zippy utility Laitham Vandermeer is listed as a test for Sunday.

Last week’s Blues team

B: L.Plowman, LJones, A.Saad

HB: S.Docherty, J.Weitering, L.Parks

C: D.Cunningham, S.Walsh, J.Newnes

HF: L.Casboult, M.McGovern, L.Fogarty

F: M.Gibbons, H.McKay, M.Owies

FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Cripps, E.Curnow

I/C: E.Betts, M.Cottrell, P.Dow, L.Stocker

SUB: S.Petrevski-Seton

Team Tips: The Blues will be without Mitch McGovern for the short term after the forward suffered a hamstring injury against the Bombers on Sunday. It paves the way for Jack Silvagni to return to the team after his shoulder injury against Gold Coast. Sam Petrevski-Seton could return to the starting 22 after a fine performance as the sub, while the Blues will monitor Paddy Dow after he suffered a knock to the eye. Will Setterfield was among the best in the VFL with a goal from 26 disposals, while Nic Newman had 23 touches. David Teague will also consider bringing Tom De Koning in for the underperforming Levi Casboult. Jack Martin is likely another week away from returning.

FREMANTLE v BRISBANE LIONS

Sunday May 9, 4.40pm at Optus Stadium

Last week’s Dockers 22

B: E.Hughes, G.Logue, R.Conca

HB: H.Chapman, B.Cox, N.Wilson

C: B.Acres, A.Brayshaw, J.Aish

HF: M.Frederick, R.Lobb, M.Crowden

F: L.Schultz, M.Taberner, M.Walters

FOLL: S.Darcy, N.Fyfe, D.Mundy

I/C: C.Serong, T.Colyer, D.Tucker, T.Watson

SUB: T.Duman

Team Tips: Taylin Duman looms as the obvious inclusion for Ethan Hughes after he was subbed out with a shoulder concern. Young gun Heath Chapman played out the game but will be assessed during the week after an early scare. Josh Treacy booted five majors after being dumped to the WAFL, while Sam Sturt (three goals) and Brett Bewley (22 disposals) were also strong against the Eagles.

Last week’s Lions 22

B: D.Rich, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich

HB: J.Prior, R.Lester, G.Birchall

C: D.Zorko, Z.Bailey, C.Ah Chee

HF: H.McCluggage, J.Daniher, L.McCarthy

F: D.McStay, E.Hipwood, C.Cameron

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Lyons, M.Robinson

I/C: D.Robertson, M.Adams, R.Mathieson, J.Madden

SUB: T.Berry

Team Tips: Expect Brisbane’s team to be pretty settled after an outstanding 49-point win over Port Adelaide, but Jarrod Berry and Darcy Gardiner would be the prime candidates to return after missing the Power clash through injury. Keidean Coleman was the best in the reserves with 28 disposals and two goals, while Tom Berry had 25 disposals on Sunday after being named as the sub against the Power.