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AFL Teams Round 18 2026: Full Team Lists, Ins and Outs

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: Thu 09 Jul 2026 12:00

AFL Round 18, 2026, brings significant selection news for fans. Sydney regains Tom Papley for a blockbuster with Fremantle, while Hawthorn welcomes back experienced defenders against Carlton. Adelaide nears full strength in a crucial home clash. Brisbane is boosted by Zorko and McCluggage’s return, Geelong surprises with the omission of Mitch Edwards, and Bulldogs make broad changes. The article offers complete team lists, substitutions, and the latest selection information, spotlighting the key calls shaping this action-packed round.

Jeremy Darke 3 hours ago
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  • Tom Papley returns for Sydney’s clash with Fremantle, boosting their forward line.
  • Brisbane regains Zorko and McCluggage; Geelong omits young ruck Mitch Edwards.
  • Adelaide and Hawthorn approach full strength with key players back in their squads.
Hugh mcCluggage
AFL Teams Round 18 (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

AFL Round 18 Teams 2026: Full Team Lists, Ins and Outs, Selection News


Tom Papley is back for Sydney's top-of-the-table clash with Fremantle, Hawthorn welcomes back experienced defenders for a blockbuster against Carlton, while Adelaide continues to edge towards full strength ahead of a huge home clash with Gold Coast.

Elsewhere, Brisbane regains Dayne Zorko and Hugh McCluggage, Port Adelaide recalls Kane Farrell, Geelong has made the surprise decision to omit young ruck Mitch Edwards, and North Melbourne receives a welcome boost with the return of Paul Curtis.

Here are the confirmed team lists and biggest selection calls for every Round 18 match.

Fremantle vs Sydney Swans

Thursday, July 9, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Fremantle: Hayden Young's groin injury forces one change for the Dockers, with Jaeger O'Meara returning to the midfield, while Mason Cox replaces managed ruckman Sean Darcy. Justin Longmuir's side remains close to full strength as it looks to defend top spot.

Sydney: Tom Papley returns for his first AFL match in several weeks after overcoming a calf complaint, providing another dangerous option inside 50. Corey Warner is the only player to make way as the Swans prepare for a huge test in Perth.

FremantlePOSSydney Swans
B. Cox, A. Pearce, H. ChapmanBC. Mills, W. Edwards, T. McCartin
J. Clark, L. Ryan, K. WornerHBD. Rampe, N. Blakey, H. Cunningham
N. Erasmus, A. Brayshaw, J. O'MearaCM. Roberts, E. Gulden, J. Serong
M. Reid, J. Treacy, S. SwitkowskiHFJ. Jordan, H. McLean, J. Rowbottom
P. Voss, J. Amiss, M. FrederickFT. Papley, C. Curnow, J. Lloyd
L. Jackson, C. Serong, S. BoltonFOLLB. Grundy, I. Heeney, C. Warner
J. McVee, M. Johnson, N. O'Driscoll, I. Dudley, M. CoxI/CH. Kyle, J. Hamling, T. Hanily, A. Sheldrick, C. Cleary


Collingwood vs North Melbourne

Friday, July 10, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium

Collingwood: Scott Pendlebury returns after being managed last week, adding further experience to an already settled Magpies outfit. Harry Harrison drops out after his managed break.

North Melbourne: The Kangaroos regain Paul Curtis alongside Riley Hardeman, Zac Banch and Matthew Whitlock. George Wardlaw is unavailable through injury, while Josh Goater has been managed after last week's outing.

CollingwoodPOSNorth Melbourne
B. Maynard, J. Howe, L. PuncherBA. Corr, C. Comben, L. Parker
H. Perryman, J. Daicos, D. HoustonHBR. Hardeman, C. Daniel, C. McKercher
S. Sidebottom, S. Pendlebury, J. CrispCJ. Simpkin, L. Davies-Uniacke, D. Stephens
J. De Goey, S. Swadling, B. McCreeryHFP. Curtis, C. Trembath, Z. Banch
L. Schultz, D. McStay, T. MembreyFC. Zurhaar, N. Larkey, J. Darling
D. Cameron, N. Long, N. DaicosFOLLT. Xerri, F. O'Sullivan, H. Sheezel
P. Lipinski, E. Allan, B. Frampton, J. Buller, A. AndersonI/CL. McDonald, C. Spargo, M. Whitlock, C. Harvey, T. Blamires


St Kilda vs Port Adelaide

Saturday, July 11, 1:15pm at Marvel Stadium

St Kilda: Ross Lyon has opted for stability, naming an unchanged side following last week's performance. The Saints will take continuity into an important clash against Port Adelaide.

Port Adelaide: Kane Farrell returns after missing last week's match, replacing Brandon Zerk-Thatcher. The Power will be looking for greater run and ball movement from half-back with Farrell back in the side.

St KildaPOSPort Adelaide
J. Silvagni, C. Wilkie, A. CaminitiBK. Farrell, M. Bergman, J. Lai
B. Hill, A. Hastie, R. ByrnesHBD. Byrne-Jones, A. Aliir, L. Jones
D. Wilson, M. Windhager, L. O'ConnellCJ. Lukosius, J. Horne-Francis, J. Burgoyne
J. Higgins, L. Ryan, M. HallHFX. Bamert, M. Georgiades, J. Berry
M. Wood, C. Sharman, M. OwensFC. Durdin, J. Whitlock, J. Richards
R. Marshall, H. Garcia, N. Wanganeen-MileraFOLLJ. Sweet, Z. Butters, W. Drew
T. Travaglia, L. Stocker, L. Henry, M. Phillipou, C. LakeI/CM. Zadow, L. Evans, O. Wines, J. Mead, D. Visentini


GWS Giants vs Geelong Cats

Saturday, July 11, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

GWS: The Giants welcome back Jayden Laverde, Xavier O'Halloran and Phoenix Gothard but lose Lachie Whitfield after he entered concussion protocols. The trio of inclusions strengthens a side looking to bounce back at home.

Geelong: Jack Bowes returns, while young ruckman Mitch Edwards has been omitted in one of the more surprising selection calls of the round. Tom Stewart also slots back into the Cats' defence after overcoming concussion.

GWS GiantsPOSGeelong Cats
C. Idun, S. Taylor, J. LaverdeBC. O'Sullivan, J. Henry, Z. Guthrie
H. Himmelberg, L. Ash, J. FontiHBJ. Kolodjashnij, T. Stewart, M. O'Connor
R. Angwin, C. Oliver, H. ThomasCO. Dempsey, B. Smith, T. Bruhn
S. Coniglio, T. Greene, R. HamiltonHFP. Dangerfield, J. Cameron, O. Wiltshire
A. Cadman, J. Stringer, C. BrownFS. Mannagh, S. Neale, J. Martin
K. Briggs, T. Bedford, F. CallaghanFOLLS. De Koning, M. Holmes, O. Mullin
H. Oliver, J. Ough, H. Rowston, X. O'Halloran, P. GothardI/CL. Humphries, J. Bowes, T. Atkins, M. Blicavs, O. Henry


Carlton vs Hawthorn

Saturday, July 11, 7:35pm at the MCG

Carlton: Harry Dean returns to bolster the Blues' defence after Lewis Young was ruled out through injury. Michael Voss otherwise sticks with the side that has built strong momentum over recent weeks.

Hawthorn: Jarman Impey and Karl Amon return to provide valuable experience, while Ollie Greeves will make his AFL debut. The Hawks lose Jack Dalton through injury, with Bodie Ryan and Flynn Perez omitted ahead of one of the biggest games of the weekend.

CarltonPOSHawthorn
O. Florent, W. Derksen, N. HaynesBJ. Sicily, T. Barrass, B. Hardwick
N. Newman, H. Dean, B. WilsonHBJ. Impey, N. Mraz, B. Macdonald
A. Cerra, S. Walsh, O. HollandsCM. D'Ambrosio, W. Day, J. Ginnivan
W. Hayward, M. McGovern, B. AinsworthHFD. Moore, M. Chol, O. Greeves
B. Kemp, H. McKay, T. ByrneFM. Hill, M. Lewis, J. Gunston
M. Pittonet, P. Cripps, J. SmithFOLLL. Meek, J. Newcombe, C. Mackenzie
L. Cowan, M. Cottrell, G. Hewett, J. Ison, F. EvansI/CH. Morrison, W. McCabe, J. Ward, C. Macdonald, K. Amon


Adelaide Crows vs Gold Coast Suns

Saturday, July 11, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide: The Crows continue to strengthen ahead of a top-four battle, welcoming back Wayne Milera and Riley Thilthorpe. Billy Dowling has been omitted, while Hugo Hall-Kahan has been managed as Adelaide edges closer to a full-strength lineup.

Gold Coast: The Suns have made two changes with Will Graham and Oscar Adams returning. Ben Long misses through suspension after last week's incident, while Ben Jepson has been omitted as Damien Hardwick tweaks his side for a tough interstate challenge.

Adelaide CrowsPOSGold Coast Suns
M. Keane, J. Borlase, M. MichalanneyBM. Andrew, S. Collins, B. Uwland
B. Cook, J. Worrell, W. MileraHBJ. Noble, Z. Uwland, W. Powell
J. Soligo, J. Dawson, B. KeaysCJ. Murray, B. Addinsall, N. Holman
I. Rankine, R. Thilthorpe, J. RacheleHFL. Lombard, T. Miller, B. Humphrey
Z. Taylor, D. Fogarty, A. Neal-BullenFC. Petracca, J. Walter, B. King
L. McAndrew, S. Berry, D. CurtinFOLLN. Moyle, N. Anderson, M. Rowell
R. Laird, J. Peatling, T. Walker, L. Nankervis, T. MurrayI/CJ. Jeffrey, E. Read, W. Graham, D. Patterson, O. Adams


Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday, July 12, 1:10pm at Marvel Stadium

Western Bulldogs: Luke Beveridge has responded to last week's defeat with a host of changes. Despite speculation surrounding Tim English, the star ruckman has been named, while the Bulldogs regain several experienced players on an extended bench. Nick Coffield, Connor Budarick and Ryley Sanders are all unavailable through injury, while Will Lewis and Lachie McNeil have been omitted.

West Coast: The Eagles head east with an unchanged starting 22, although Ryan Maric, Harry Johnston and Sandy Brock have been added to the extended interchange. Andrew McQualter will be hoping continuity helps his young side build on recent performances.

Western BulldogsPOSWest Coast Eagles
M. Sellwood, J. O'Donnell, B. KhamisBL. Duggan, R. Bazzo, B. Starcevich
L. Cleary, R. Lobb, B. DaleHBT. McCarthy, T. Young, L. Baker
L. Bramble, M. Bontempelli, C. HynesCW. Duursma, E. Yeo, B. Allan
S. Davidson, J. Croft, A. JonesHFT. Kelly, J. Shanahan, J. Graham
R. West, A. Naughton, C. WeightmanFM. Murdock, J. Waterman, J. Hutchinson
T. English, J. Freijah, E. RichardsFOLLB. Williams, H. Reid, O. Francou
O. Baker, J. Busslinger, J. Dolan, L. Emmett, L. Kennedy, M. Kennedy, T. Liberatore, B. WilliamsI/CB. Hough, R. Maric, H. Johnston, T. Cole, J. Williams, H. Davis, S. Brock, M. Herbert


Melbourne vs Richmond

Sunday, July 12, 3:15pm at the MCG

Melbourne: The Demons have added Tom McDonald, Paddy Cross and Aidan Johnson to an extended bench and could head into Sunday's clash unchanged. Simon Goodwin has rewarded the group following last week's performance while keeping experienced depth available.

Richmond: Dion Prestia headlines the Tigers' inclusions after recovering from injury. Tom Burton, Samson Ryan and Sam Grlj have also been added, while Jack Ross is unavailable after suffering an injury last week.

MelbournePOSRichmond
J. Bowey, J. Lever, C. JiathBN. Broad, B. Miller, T. Brown
T. Rivers, D. Turner, B. HowesHBN. Vlastuin, J. Short, S. Banks
K. Tholstrup, T. Sparrow, H. SharpCP. Retschko, T. Taranto, J. Trezise
K. Pickett, K. Chandler, E. LangdonHFS. Cumming, S. Campbell, R. Mansell
L. Pickett, J. van Rooyen, B. FritschFN. Balta, T. Lynch, J. Alger
M. Gawn, J. Steele, H. LangfordFOLLT. Nankervis, T. Hotton, D. Prestia
C. Windsor, B. Laurie, M. Jefferson, T. McDonald, H. Petty, P. Cross, A. Johnson, J. FitzgeraldI/CM. Lefau, K. Annand, H. Ralphsmith, S. Green, K. McAuliffe, T. Burton, S. Ryan, S. Grlj


Brisbane Lions vs Essendon

Sunday, July 12, 4:40pm at the Gabba

Brisbane: Chris Fagan receives a significant boost with the return of former captain Dayne Zorko and star midfielder Hugh McCluggage. Keidean Coleman also returns as the Lions welcome back several experienced players, while Darcy Gardiner is sidelined through injury.

Essendon: The Bombers will be without Jordan Ridley after the defender was managed, while Will Setterfield has been omitted. Aaron Roberts, Archer Clarke, Harrison Jones, Max Kondogiannis and Liam Blakiston all come into the squad as Essendon looks to finish the round strongly against the ladder leaders.

Brisbane LionsPOSEssendon
N. Answerth, H. Andrews, R. LesterBA. McGrath, Z. Reid, J. Prior
D. Wilmot, T. Gallop, D. ZorkoHBX. Duursma, M. Redman, A. Roberts
J. Berry, W. Ashcroft, Z. BaileyCA. Clarke, S. Durham, A. Day-Wicks
C. Cameron, L. Morris, L. AshcroftHFD. Sharp, N. Caddy, J. Caldwell
S. Draper, C. Rayner, K. LohmannFS. Robey, P. Wright, A. Perkins
D. Fort, J. Dunkley, L. NealeFOLLN. Bryan, Z. Merrett, D. Parish
J. Fletcher, H. McCluggage, K. Coleman, C. McKenna, J. Tunstill, E. Hipwood, B. Reville, D. JoyceI/CJ. Farrow, I. Kako, N. Cox, H. Jones, M. Kondogiannis, B. McKay, S. El-Hawli, L. Blakiston


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