Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has signalled that more of his senior players may be given time off in the coming weeks, following the decision to rest key defender Tom Barrass for round nine. Mitchell, who is focused on long-term player management, said that while Barrass could technically play against Melbourne on Saturday at the MCG, the coaching staff has chosen to manage his workload to ensure he remains in top form for the rest of the season. Barrass has featured in all eight of the Hawks’ games this year following his high-profile move from West Coast, but the 29-year-old will now take a breather. Veteran teammate Jack Gunston could also be rotated out in future weeks, with Karl Amon named to take Barrass’s spot this round.
Elsewhere, several AFL clubs have been forced into major selection changes. Melbourne will welcome back Clayton Oliver, who missed last week’s game due to personal reasons. However, they lose Jack Viney to delayed concussion symptoms following a knock to the face against West Coast. To strengthen their forward setup, Jacob van Rooyen returns to the lineup, while Jake Melksham (managed) and Harrison Petty (concussion) are sidelined.
The Western Bulldogs have suffered a setback with Adam Treloar, who returned from a calf injury last week, ruled out again due to calf tightness ahead of their clash with the Gold Coast Suns. The Suns have brought in Malcolm Rosas Jnr for his first appearance of 2025 and also recalled Ben Long as part of four changes. Among the outs are Lachie Weller (hamstring) and Connor Budarick (omitted).
Port Adelaide and Essendon have both made sweeping adjustments with five changes each. Port forward Willie Rioli will miss the high-stakes Showdown against Adelaide after receiving a one-game suspension for sending a threatening message to an opponent. Following a 90-point thrashing by the Bulldogs, Port has dropped Will Lorenz, Jordon Sweet, Logan Evans and Joe Berry. Adelaide, meanwhile, brings back Mitch Hinge from suspension, replacing Brodie Smith.
Essendon will blood two debutants—Lewis Hayes and Archer Day-Wicks—against Sydney, with Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell also returning. However, the Bombers lose Jordan Ridley, Jade Gresham, and Harrison Jones to injury, while Jye Menzie and Elijah Tsatas have been dropped. Sydney, for its part, replaces the suspended Lewis Melican with Ben Paton.
Carlton has made a bold selection call by dropping Sam Docherty but will be buoyed by the return of star forward Charlie Curnow, who has been cleared despite a collision at training. Jack Silvagni also comes back into the side after recovering from a hand injury. On the other side, St Kilda welcomes back young gun Mattaes Phillipou for his first AFL game of the year, setting the stage for an intense Friday night clash.
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