AFL Teams Finals: Chopping Block - Brisbane scramble to replace Neale

Kieran Francis

AFL Teams Finals: Chopping Block - Brisbane scramble to replace Neale image

Two wins for any of these teams from now and they are in the AFL grand final.

It's time for the AFL semi-finals.

MOREAll the latest AFL injury news

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

Adelaide vs. Hawthorn team news, selection, injuries

Adelaide

On the Chopping Block: Hugh Bond, Zac Taylor, Brodie Smith, Mitch Hinge

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: None

Potential ins: Josh Rachele, Sid Draper, Luke Nankervis, Jordon Butts

Adelaide are set to be boosted by the return of Josh Rachele up forward - which offsets the absence of Izak Rankine.

The likes of Hugh Bond and Zac Taylor will be nervous about their selection.

Mitch Hinge was subbed out tactically for Brodie Smith last week, but his omission would be a huge shock.

 

Hawthorn

On the Chopping Block: Changkuoth Jiath, Sam Butler

New injuries: Calsher Dear (hamstring)

Facing fitness test: None

Potential ins: Mitch Lewis, Henry Hustwaite, Cam McKenzie

Unlikely to see many changes at the Hawks but Mitch Lewis should come in for the injured Calsher Dear.

Henry Hustwaite and Cam McKenzie are pushing for selection, but that would require the Hawks to drop Sam Butler or sub Changkuoth Jiath.

 

Brisbane vs. Gold Coast team news, selection, injuries

Brisbane

On the Chopping Block: Sam Day, Ty Gallop, Darcy Fort

New injuries: Lachie Neale (calf), Eric Hipwood (knee)

Facing fitness test: None

Potential ins: Bruce Reville, Oscar McInerney, Conor McKenna, Will McLachlan

Losing Lachie Neale for the season is a huge blow for the Brisbane Lions, who also won't have Eric Hipwood returning..

It was clear their forward line didn't function well against Geelong, with both Sam Day and Ty Gallop struggling to impact the match.

Oscar McInerney looks in the frame for a recall as a ruck, allowing possibly for Darcy Fort to be the tall target.

We could see Conor McKenna or Will McLachlan come in if Chris Fagan decides to go with a shorter attack.

 

Gold Coast

On the Chopping Block: David Swallow, Ben Ainsworth, Jy Farrar

New injuries: None

Facing fitness test: Sam Clohesy (ankle), Will Graham (shoulder)

Potential ins: Jake Rogers

It's hard to see any unforced changes for the Suns, who will surely use David Swallow as their sub once again.

The likes of Ben Ainsworth and Jy Farrar weren't particularly effective but it would be a surprise to see Jake Rogers preferred at this stage.

Both Sam Clohesy and Will Graham are facing tests and have been first-choice at times during the season.

It will be interesting to see if Damien Hardwick tinkers.

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.