Collingwood is set to welcome back key players Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury for their Friday night clash against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval. Daicos, who withdrew from the previous game due to a corked calf, is expected to be fit after a fitness assessment today. The Magpies will also see Darcy Moore and Harry Perryman listed in their expected lineup.
Meanwhile, Carlton faces a significant team adjustment, with reigning club best and fairest winner George Hewett reportedly being omitted from their side for the Gather Round opener against Adelaide. This marks a notable call for the Blues.
In other team news, Brisbane is poised to bolster its defense with the return of Harris Andrews, who has completed a three-match suspension. First-year player Angus Anderson is also slated to make his AFL debut against Fremantle.
Read More: North Melbourne beats Carlton on Good Friday after Carlton's poor start to 2026 season
GATHER ROUND SET FOR ADELAIDE
This round, all 18 AFL teams descend upon Adelaide for what's being dubbed 'Gather Round III', with matches spread across Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval, and Barossa Park. The action commences Thursday evening with Adelaide hosting Geelong, followed by the Collingwood versus Fremantle encounter.
FIXTURES AND TEAM LISTINGS
Collingwood vs. Fremantle
Collingwood Expected: B: B.Frampton, J.Howe, B.Maynard (c); HB: D.Houston, J.Daicos, H.Perryman; C: J.Crisp, L.Sullivan, S.Sidebottom; HF: L.Schultz, J.De Goey, B.McCreery; F: J.Elliott, T.Membrey, D.McStay; FOLL: O.Steene, N.Long, P.Lipinski; I/C: I.Quaynor, D.Cameron, L.Sullivan, W.Hayes, R.Steele.
Fremantle Expected: B: B.Cox, A.Pearce (c), H.Chapman; HB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, J.McVee; C: J.O’Meara, A.Brayshaw, M.Johnson; HF: S.Bolton, P.Voss, S.Switkowski; F: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, M.Reid; FOLL: S.Darcy, L.Jackson, C.Serong; I/C: C.Scerri, I.Dudley, N.Erasmus, C.Wagner, K.Worner.
Essendon vs. Melbourne
Melbourne Expected: Bayley Fritsch is a watch for foot soreness.
Sydney Swans vs. Gold Coast Suns
Gold Coast Team News: Malcolm Rosas is a watch due to a calf issue.
Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs Team News: Set for significant reinforcements, potentially including players from a side that previously defeated Collingwood.
Adelaide Crows vs. Carlton
Carlton Team News: George Hewett's omission is a key talking point.
Adelaide Expected: J.Borlase, N.Murray, M.Michalanney; HB: H.Bond, J.Worrell, W.Milera; C: I.Rankine, J.Dawson (c), C.Jones; HF: B.Keays, T.Walker, L.Pedlar; F: J.Soligo, R.Thilthorpe, F.Maley; FOLL: L.McAndrew, S.Berry, J.Rachele; I/C: R.O’Brien, A.Neal-Bullen, J.Peatling, B.Cook, Z.Taylor.
Geelong vs. West Coast Eagles
Geelong Team News: Patrick Dangerfield is being monitored for a calf injury.
St Kilda vs. GWS Giants
St Kilda Team News: Jack Steele and Liam Henry are set for returns.
GWS Giants Team News: Stephen Coniglio is expected back.
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Predictions for Round 5 are varied, with several pundits tipping teams like Adelaide, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Carlton, and Brisbane to secure wins. There is an acknowledgment of Collingwood's experience, even with their aging list.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This Gather Round format, now in its third iteration, brings all clubs to a centralized location. Last season's Gather Round also saw significant team movements and intense matchups across multiple venues.
Read More: Talia Gibson Reaches Indian Wells Quarter-Finals After Beating Older Player
