Brodie Smith kicks the ball during round five, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

ADELAIDE has been forced into a late change for its clash against Hawthorn with Brodie Smith ruled out due to illness.

Smith has been replaced in the Crows' side by Dan Curtin, who will start as their substitute.

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Finn Maginness will start as Hawthorn's sub.

The Crows (7-10-1) got a healthy dose of revenge when snatching victory with three goals in the dying stages against Essendon to make it three wins in their past four matches.

02:16

Adelaide might realistically be out of reach of the top eight, but can look to make an impact on which teams progress with five matches against finals hopefuls still to come.

Hawthorn (10-8) has continued to edge up the ladder with nine wins in its past 11 matches while conceding the fewest points in the competition during their hot streak, but the Hawks are yet to break into the top eight.

Adelaide v Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval, 3.40pm ACST

LATE CHANGE
Adelaide:
Brodie Smith (illness) replaced by Dan Curtin

SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide:
Dan Curtin
Hawthorn:
Finn Maginness

The Hawks might have lost on their previous two visits to Adelaide Oval this season, but they are now playing with energy and enthusiasm that makes them a frightening prospect anytime and anywhere.

Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson is a big loss but Taylor Walker returns, alongside Chayce Jones and James Borlase, against the unchanged Hawks.

Sydney will welcome an in-form Western Bulldogs for a huge Sunday afternoon clash at the SCG.

The Swans (14-4) still hold a healthy lead at the top of the ladder, even if their form and three losses from their past four matches have allowed the chasing pack to close in.

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Each of those defeats has been by under a goal, but rather than concerns over their ability to win the close contests, the Swans' worries will surely be focused more on a mounting injury list that includes Will Hayward, Dane Rampe, Tom Papley and James Rowbottom.

The Western Bulldogs (10-8) have quickly flipped from being one of the most inconsistent sides to one of the most in-form with back-to-back wins over top-four outfits, but the Swans present a far greater test.

Sydney v Western Bulldogs at the SCG, 3.20pm AEST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Sydney:
Luke Parker
Western Bulldogs:
Caleb Daniel

The Dogs challenged the Swans the last time they met and appear to be getting the ladder-leaders at a good time, with form and fitness issues suddenly revealing chinks in their armour. 

Callum Mills and Sam Wicks return for the Swans in place of injured pair Dane Rampe and Tom Papley, while Dogs trio Jack Macrae, Ryley Sanders and Joel Freijah have been managed, with Liam Jones, Caleb Daniel and Riley Garcia coming into the team.

01:53

Collingwood v Richmond at the MCG, 1.10pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Collingwood: Joe Richards (illness) replaced in selected side by Lachie Sullivan
Richmond: None

SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Lachie Sullivan
Richmond: Thomson Dow