SYDNEY has swung a late change for its game against Port Adelaide, with Joel Amartey replaced in the side by Peter Ladhams.
The club has not yet given a reason for the change.
POWER v SWANS Follow it LIVE
After a fast start to the season which peaked with a nine-goal game against Adelaide in round 14, Amartey’s form has tapered off in recent weeks.
The key forward has managed just four goals in the six games since that starring role.
Ladhams last played in round 10, 2023, but good form in the VFL has seen him handed another opportunity as the Swans try to reverse their recent form to hold on to top spot.
Meanwhile, old rivals Collingwood and Carlton meet at the MCG on Saturday night in Scott Pendlebury's 400th game.
Both sides have been shaken by form and fitness issues, but they still have plenty to play for in the run home.
MAGPIES v BLUES Follow it LIVE
Collingwood (9-8-2) snapped a four-match losing streak with an improved performance against bottom side Richmond to keep its finals hopes alive.
But the Magpies remain in 12th place on the ladder, a game and significant percentage adrift from the top eight.
The Pies will need to bring their best to challenge the Blues and disrupt their old foes' top-four hopes, all while celebrating their former skipper's milestone match in style.
Fourth-placed Carlton (12-7) is heading in the wrong direction after three defeats to finals contenders in its past four matches, with its lack of midfield depth being exposed.
Collingwood v Carlton at the MCG, 7.30pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Patrick Lipinski
Carlton: Matthew Kennedy
But the Blues will hope to at least match their arch-rivals in that area, while facing them at a venue where they have won 11 of their past 13, in a bid to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Some big guns are back for the blockbuster clash, with Carlton regaining Harry McKay and Collingwood naming Jordan De Goey.
The Blues have also recalled Jack Martin from the VFL, with Blake Acres overcoming a foot injury to play.
While the Blues have omitted three players to face Collingwood, the Magpies have done likewise, with De Goey back from a groin problem and Beau McCreery from a calf complaint.
In the second of the Saturday night matches, Port Adelaide (12-7) hosts top-of-the-table side Sydney at Adelaide Oval.
The Power have put a mini form slump behind them to win four of their past five matches, and they now sit outside the top four on percentage only.
POWER v SWANS Follow it LIVE
But in a pointer to how tight it is at the top, the Power need to beat the ladder-leaders for the eighth time in a row to be sure of holding onto their place in the top eight.
Sydney (14-5) looked unstoppable as it surged to a 13-1 record this season, but warning bells have started ringing with four defeats in its past five matches including a heavy loss to the Western Bulldogs last week.
The Swans have been made to pay for injuries to key players but could all but sew up a top-four finish with their first win over the Power since 2016.
Sydney has James Rowbottom back to bolster its midfield against an unchanged Port.
Port Adelaide v Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 7pm ACST
LATE CHANGES
Sydney: Joel Amartey replaced in selected side by Peter Ladhams
SUBSTITUTES
Port Adelaide: Quinton Narkle
Sydney: Luke Parker
Geelong v Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium, 4.35pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Jack Bowes
Adelaide: Dan Curtin
CATS v CROWS Full match coverage and stats
North Melbourne v Richmond at Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Robert Hansen jnr
Richmond: Kamdyn McIntosh
KANGAROOS v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats
