Geelong and Collingwood have key selection calls after two brutal injury setbacks.

Plus Brisbane could be set to be boosted by ex-skipper Dayne Zorko in the Lions’ bid to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Port.

AFL ROUND 2 FIXTURE AND TEAMS (All times AEDT)

CARLTON V GEELONG

Thursday March 23, 7:20pm at the MCG

Blues Round 1 team

B: Le. Young, J. Weitering, A. Saad

HB: S. Docherty, M. McGovern. L. Cowan

C: B. Acres, P. Cripps (c), O. Hollands

HF: J. Martin, H. McKay, J.Silvagni

F: M. Owies, C. Curnow, Z. Fisher

FOLL: T. De Koning, M. Kennedy, G. Hewett

I/C: N. Newman, A. Cerra, E. Curnow, J. Motlop, L. O’Brien (sub)

EMER: J. Honey, L. Plowman, M. Pittonet

Team Tips: The big Blues match committee watch will surround their ruck set-up. They opted for Tom De Koning to go as the main ruck against Richmond with pinch-hit support from Jack Silvagni. But commentators though De Koning tired in the last quarter and struggled to match it with Toby Nankervis. It’s highly likely Marc Pittonet, who was named as an emergency for last week’s game, will come into the side, as the Cats are a strong chance to name two specialised rucks. Elsewhere, Paddy Dow pushed his case for a senior re-call with four goals in a VFL practice match, while small forward Corey Durdin is expected to be available for selection after missing Round 1 with a hamstring issue. But you’d expect Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands to hold their spots in the side after crucial moments respectively on debut.

B: M. O’Connor, S. De Koning, E. Ratugolea

HB: I. Smith, T. Stewart, Z. Guthrie

C: M. Blicavs, M. Holmes, Z. Tuohy

HF: T. Stengle, J. Cameron, G. Miers

F: O. Henry, T. Hawkins, G. Rohan

FOL: R. Stanley, C. Guthrie, P. Dangerfield

I/C: J. Bews, T. Atkins, T. Bruhn, B. Close, B. Parfitt

EMG: J. Ceglar, S. Simpson, C. Whyte

Team Tips: Four-time All-Australian defender Tom Stewart will be sidelined for Thursday night’s match against Carlton with an MCL knee injury. With Jack Henry and Jake Kolodjashnij both unavailable due to injury, the Cats could swing Mark Blicavs into a defensive role and name a second ruck in Jon Ceglar. The other option – and more likely one – would be replacing Stewart with Geelong’s third trade period acquisition in Jack Bowes. Assistant coach Shaun Grigg told the To the Final Bell podcast on Monday that Bowes, who played a half a VFL practice match last weekend, was “really close to playing Round 1” and now “looks primed and ready to put his hand up for selection”. Bowes could play as a defender or a midfielder, so would give the Cats some selection versatility. Sam Simpson is another option to play in the senior team after a strong VFL practice match outing. He could be an alternative sub option after Brandan Parfitt struggled against Collingwood.

BRISBANE LIONS V MELBOURNE

Friday March 24, 7:55pm at the Gabba

Lions Round 1 team

B: B. Starcevich, J. Payne, D. Rich

HB: C. McKenna, H. Andrews, D. Wilmot

C: W. Ashcroft, Z. Bailey, T. Berry

HF: C. Cameron, J. Gunston, H. McCluggage

F: C. Rayner, J. Daniher, E. Hipwood

FOL: O. McInerney, J. Dunkley, L. Neale

I/C:D. Robertson, L. McCarthy, K. Coleman, J. Tunstill, J. Prior

EMG: H. Sharp, D. Fort, D. Joyce

Team Tips: After a loss like the one Brisbane had against Port Adelaide, usually you wouldn’t be surprised if the match committee makes a ruthless call or two. But coach Chris Fagan, usually, doesn’t make massive unforced selection statements after big losses – and that mantra is unlikely to change this week. Keidan Coleman is unlikely to play due to a concussion, likely to be replaced by ex-skipper Dayne Zorko, if he’s fit to play. Elsewhere, James Tunstil or Deven Robertson would make way after quiet performances. Callum Ah Chee and Darcy Gardiner both might spend another week on the sidelines.

Demons’ Round 1 team

B: H. Petty, J. Lever, J. McVee

HB: J. Harmes, A. Tomlinson, J. Bowey

C: L. Hunter, C. Oliver, E. Langdon

HF: K. Chandler, B. Brown, C. Spargo

F: K. Pickett, B. Grundy, A. Neal-Bullen

FOL: M. Gawn, T. Sparrow, C. Petracca

I/C: A. Brayshaw, B. Laurie, T. Rivers, T. McDonald, J. Melksham

EMG: J. Van Rooyen, M. Hibberd, J. Jordon

Team Tips: Simon Goodwin confirmed premiership quartet Steven May, Jack Viney, Bayley Fritsch and Christian Salem were all set to be available for selection ahead of Friday night’s clash against Brisbane – although a decision had not been made on whether Salem would play in the AFL or VFL after overcoming a pre-season thyroid issue. It seems more likely Salem will return via the VFL first. Bailey Laurie appears the player most likely to make way for Viney, while Fritsch will replace the suspended Kysaiah Pickett. Who May comes in for could be tough as Judd McVee impressed on debut, but he’s the most likely exclusion at this stage.

COLLINGWOOD V PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday March 25, 1:45pm at the MCG

Magpies’ Round 1 team

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

HB: W. Hoskin-Elliott, D. Moore, N. Daicos

C: J. Noble, J. Crisp, S. Sidebottom

HF: T. Mitchell, J. De Goey, B. Hill

F: B. Mihocek, J. Elliott, D. McStay

FOL: Cameron, J.Daicos, Adams

I/C: S. Pendlebury, B. McCreery, N. Murphy, M. Cox, R. McInnes

EMG: B. Frampton, J. Carmichael, O. Markov

Team Tips: A brutal broken arm setback to Jeremy Howe leaves a key defensive void at Collingwood as the only sour note from its big upset win over the Cats. All signs point to Billy Frampton replacing Howe, with the former Crow only narrowly missing Round 1 selection in favour of Nathan Murphy. Maybe the bigger question is whether or not Reef McInnes has forced his way into the side after kicking two goals — and nearly another — after subbing on For Howe. Unfortunately for McInnes though, it’s hard to see any other Magpies making way after such a strong team performance.

Power’s Round 1 team

B: R. Burton, T. Jonas, T. McKenzie

HB: D. Byrne-Jones, A. Aliir, D. Houston

C: M. Bergman, W. Drew, X. Duursma

HF: M. Georgiades, T. Marshall, C. Rozee

F: Z. Butters, C. Dixon, S. Powell-Pepper

FOL: S. Lycett, O. Wines, J. Horne-Francis

I/C: K. Farrell, O. Fantasia, J. Rioli, L. Jones, F. Evans

EMG: R, Bonner, J. McEntee, J. Burgoyne

Team Tips: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Power enjoyed a blistering Round 1 win over Brisbane and thus should go into their clash with the Magpies unchanged. Jeremy Finlayson is nearing his return from an ankle injury, but likely makes his return via the SANFL.

ADELAIDE CROWS V RICHMOND

Saturday March 25, 4:35pm at the Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 1 team

B: T. Doedee, J. Butts, N. Murray

HB: B. Smith, J. Dawson, W. Milera

C: J. Soligo, R. Laird, M. Hinge

HF: J. Rachele, L. Pedlar, B. Keays

F: T. Walker, D. Fogarty, I. Rankine

FOL: R. O’Brien, R. Sloane, S. Berry

I/C: E. Himmelberg, H. Schoenberg, M. Michalanney, S. McAdam, T. Brown

EMG: P. Parnell, N. Murphy, R. Thilthorpe

Team Tips: Barring a tribunal miracle, Shane McAdam will have to be replaced after his brutal bump. Sub Tyler Brown could be the straight replacement. The Crows also believe Nick Murray will be available to face Richmond on Saturday, despite being subbed out against the Giants. Coach Matthew Nicks said the defender was suffering from cramp and was hopeful “there’s nothing long-term there”.

Tigers’ round 1

B: N. Balta, N. Vlastuin, D. Grimes (c)

HB: N. Broad, L. Baker, D. Rioli

C: K. McIntosh, D. Prestia, J. Short

HF: M. Rioli, J. Graham, S. Bolton

F: J. Riewoldt, D. Martin, T. Lynch

FOLL: T. Nankervis, T. Taranto, J. Hopper

I/C: B. Miller, M. Pickett, T. Cotchin, R. Mansell, J. Ross

EMER: S. Ryan, J. Clarke, T. Dow

Team Tips: Many Tigers fans were surprised Noah Cumberland wasn’t selected for last week’s match, with coach Damien Hardwick post-game suggesting he played a similar role for the team to Dustin Martin inside 50 and was working on adding a few more strings to his bow. There’s a good chance Cumberland comes in for Saturday’s match against Adelaide, possibly at the expense of Rhyan Mansell. There’ll be an injury watch this week on Robbie Tarrant (hip) and Ivan Soldo (foot) and whether they’ll be available to play, while the Tigers will no doubt have a close look at mature-age recruit Tylar Young, who was close to playing last week.

WESTERN BULLDOGS V ST KILDA

Saturday March 25, 7:25pm at Marvel Stadium

Bulldogs’ Round 1 team

B: T. Duryea, L. Jones, C. Daniel

HB: B. Dale, A. Keath, E. Richards

C: B. Williams, M. Bontempelli, J. Macrae

HF: B. Smith, A. Naughton, J. Ugle-Hagan

F: A. Scott, S. Darcy, R. Lobb

FOL: T. English, T. Liberatore, A. Treloar

EMG: B. Khamis, H. Crozier, J. Sweet, T. McLean

Team Tips: Minor knee surgery to Rory Lobb further compounded the Dogs’ loss to Melbourne, while Liam Jones (neck) is also in doubt. Given the Dogs line up much taller up forward, Toby McLean is the obvious replacement for Lobb, and Hayden Crozier one of Buku Khamis likely come in for Jones, if required. Mitch Hannan and Jason Johannisen are others that could face the selection axe after quiet showings against the Dees.

Saints’ Round 1 team

B: J. Battle, D. Howard, C. Wilkie

HB: L. Stocker, J. Sinclair, N. Wanganeen-Milera

C: M. Wood, J. Steele, R. Byrnes

HF: J. Higgins, B. Hill, M. Owens

F: Z. Cordy, J. Gresham, D. Butler

FOL: R. Marshall, B. Crouch, H. Clark

I/C: J. Bytel, J. Webster, M. Phillipou, A. Caminiti, B. Paton

EMG: M. Windhager, T. Campbell, C. Sharman

Team Tips: The Saints have been dealt two more injury blows, with Jimmy Webster (hand surgery) and Jack Bytel (knee complaint) set to miss this weekend. In better news however, Marcus Windhager will return and Seb Ross could too if he gets through training. If Ross doesn’t get up, sub Ben Patton should get the nod, while Cooper Sharman would also come into contention.

FREMANTLE DOCKRS V NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday March 25, 7:30pm at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 1 team

B: J. Clark, A. Pearce, L. Ryan

HB: B. Cox, H. Young, H. Chapman

C: E. Hughes, W. Brodie, J. Aish

HF: M. Frederick, L. Jackson, J. O’Meara

F: L. Schultz, N. Fyfe, S. Switkowski

FOL: S. Darcy, A. Brayshaw, C. Serong

I/C: L. Henry, M. Taberner, J. Treacy, N. Wilson, B. Banfield

EMG: B. Walker, M. Johnson, S. Sturt

Team Tips: An upset loss to the Saints could prompt changes despite Freo’s team being arguably as well settled as any. Nathan O’Driscoll (foot) and Michael Walters (achilles) played a WAFL practice match — Walters only a half — as they work their back from injury to put some pressure on selection. If O’Driscoll is brought into the senior side, Liam Henry or Ethan Hughes should make way. Matt Taberner was quiet against Sydney and eventually subbed off, but the Dockers seemingly need him up forward, while Josh Treacy booted one goal from three disposals. Sam Sturt could also come into the mix after impressing over the pre-season.

Kangaroos’ Round 1 team

B: L. McDonald, G. Logue, A. Bonar

HB: J. Goater, J. Ziebell, B. Scott

C: L. Shiels, T. Powell, J. Simpkin

HF: C. Zurhaar, C. Comben, J. Stephenson

F: H. Sheezel, N. Larkey, C. Taylor

FOL: T. Xerri, L. Davies-Uniacke, K. Turner

I/C: P. Curtis, H. Greenwood, M. Bergman, B. Cunnington, W. Phillips

EMG: La. Young, T. Goldstein, K. Dawson

Team Tips: Ankle surgery will force Tristan Xerri out of the Kangaroos side that defeated West Coast, which opens the door for Todd Goldstein, who was dominant in the VFL practice match, to return after the bold call to leave him out of the senior side. Will Phillips was solid upon getting subbed on for Xerri, but it’s hard to see him cracking into the North midfield that performed so strongly. Aidan Corr was also impactful to in the VFL practice match to potentially put some pressure on Josh Goater, while Aaron Hall also impressed in the twos but could be made to wait for a senior recall.

SYDNEY SWANS V HAWTHORN

Sunday March 26, 1:10pm at the SCG

Swans’ Round 1 team

B: T. McCartin, D. Rampe, P. McCartin

HB: H. Cunningham, J. Lloyd, O. Florent

C: C. Warner, C. Mills, J. McInerney

HF: W. Hayward, H. McLean, I. Heeney

F: T. Papley, L. Franklin, E. Gulden

FOL: P. Ladhams, L. Parker, J. Rowbottom

I/C: B. Campbell, N. Blakey, D. Stephens, L. McDonald, M. Roberts

EMG: A. Francis, L. McAndrew, A. Sheldrick

Team Tips:Lance Franklin is the only forced out for Sydney from its dominant win over Gold Coast after being a handed a one-match ban, with Joel Amartey the most obvious like-f0r-like replacement. Alternatively, the Swans could unearth Aaron Francis and deploy a smaller forward line against the Hawks. You sense John Longmire will otherwise take the same 22 into this week. Robbie Fox might be available to return, but it’s a tough side to crack into.

Hawks’ Round 1 team

B: C. Jiath, J. Blanck, S. Frost

HB: J. Impey, J. Sicily, W. Day

C: L. Bramble, J. Newcombe, K. Amon

HF: C. Mackenzie, J. Koschitzke, L. Breust

F: C. Wingard, F. Greene, D. Moore

FOL: Meek, Maginness, Worpel

I/C: N. Reeves, J. Ward, B. Hardwick, C. Macdonald, C. Nash

EMG: N. Long, T. Brockman, J. Scrimshaw

Team Tips: Perhaps the most underwhelming side from Round 1, how do the Hawks respond at selection? Harry Morrison should walk back into the side after he just missed last weekend with a hamstring injury, with Finn Magginness potentially at risk of coming out given Hawthorn likely needs Jacob Koschitzke and Fergus Greene up forward unless it restructures. Chad Wingard spent a lengthy period on the bench late in the game and it was revealed on Tuesday evening he would miss the trip north with a calf complaint.

ESSENDON V GOLD COAST SUNS

Sunday March 26, 3:20pm at Marvel Stadium

Bombers’ Round 1 team

B: M. Redman, J. Ridley, B. Zerk-Thatcher

HB: J. Kelly, J. Laverde, A. McGrath

C: D. Heppell, W. Setterfield, D. Shiel

HF: S. Durham, S. Weideman, K. Langford

F: A. Davey Jnr, H. Jones, A. Perkins

FOL: S. Draper, Z. Merrett, D. Parish

I/C: J. Caldwell, A. Phillips, N. Martin, J. Menzie, A. McDonald-Tipungwuti

EMG: W. Snelling, M. D’Ambrosio, K. Baldwin

Team Tips: Assuming Dylan Shiel’s shoulder issue is nothing serious, Brad Scott won’t feel obliged to make changes to the team that dismantled Hawthorn by 59 points in his first game at the helm. The Bombers likely need to stick with the two ruck structure with Peter Wright sidelined, and Ben Hobbs (calf) is the only Bomber who could return from injury, but likely doesn’t walk back into the side. Jake Stringer is probably another week away from his hamstring issue.

Suns’ Round 1 team

B: J. Farrar, S. Collins, D. Macpherson

HB: B. Long, C. Ballard, C. Constable

C: E. Hollands, T. Miller, B. Uwland

HF: J. Lukosius, M. Chol, D. Swallow

F: N. Holman, B. King, S. Flanders

FOL: J. Witts, M. Rowell, N. Anderson

I/C: B. Ainsworth, L. Casboult, A. Davies, J, Jeffrey, B. Fiorini

EMG: T. Berry, C. Graham, N. Moyle

Team Tips: Coming off a disappointing 50-point loss to Sydney, a few changes could loom. Connor Budarick (knee) and Branon Ellis (calf) were listed as tests last week, so mustn’t be far off from returning, while Lachie Weller (knee) and Bailey Humphrey (foot) would also be in the mix. the Suns would ideally bring back Budarick and Weller from their respective ACL injuries through the twos, but they mightn’t have that luxury. Levi Casboult was quiet against the Swans before getting subbed off, while Ben Long, Alex Davies, Elijah Hollands and Joel Jeffrey also struggled and could get left out With several half back/outsider runners set to return, you sense Bodhi Uwland and Charlie Constable may be on borrowed time, too.

WEST COAST EAGLES V GWS GIANTS

Sunday March 26, 6:20pm at Optus Stadium

Eagles’ Round 1 team

B: S. Hurn, T. Barrass, T. Cole

HB: L. Duggan, J. McGovern, J. Hunt

C: A. Gaff, T. Kelly, C. Chesser

HF: D. Sheed, J. Darling, J. Cripps

F: L. Ryan, O. Allen, N. Long

FOL: B. Williams, R. Ginbey, L. Shuey

I/C: A. Witherden, X. O’Neill, J. Jones, C. Jamieson, J. Petruccelle

EMG: A. Waterman, C. West, G. Clark

Team Tips: There’s plenty for Adam Simpson to ponder after his side went down to North Melbourne in their Round 1 encounter. Campbell Chesser and Noah Long were both quiet on debut, but Simpson did preach for patience with their young players, and development is clearly key. No matter, Long and Chesser could still be at risk of facing the axe and potentially backup ruckman Callum Jamieson, who struggled to have an impact before getting subbed off, as well as substitute Jack Petruccelle, who had just one handball from two quarters. It could open the door for Elijah Hewett and Brady Hough to get an opportunity. Meanwhile, Simpson was hopeful Elliot Yeo could return from a minor calf strain, however Nic Naitanui (calf soreness) appears less likely. Given the Eagles are in a rebuilding phase, could they make a bold call at selection and drop a senior player?

Giants’ Round 1 team

B: C. Idun, S. Taylor, I. Cumming

HB: L. Whitfield, N. Haynes, L. Ash

C: F. Callaghan, T. Green, J. Wehr

HF: C. Ward, H. Himmelberg, D. Lloyd

F: T. Greene, J. Hogan, J. Riccardi

FOL: M. Flynn, J. Kelly, S. Coniglio

I/C: J. Buckley B. Daniels, H. Perryman, J. Peatling, A. Kennedy

EMG: J. Buckley, C. Hamilton, C. Stone

Team Tips: Adam Kingsley’s side was hit harder than most on the injury front during its win over Adelaide, with Harry Perryman (hamstring), Lachie Whitfield and Josh Kelly (concussions) all set to come out of the side. Leek Aleer was a late out and should return providing his setback isn’t serious, and sub Adam Kennedy should also come into the starting side, while Jack Buckley, Cooper Hamilton and Conor Stone were all named on the extended bench last week as the other key contenders to come into the 22.