The early edge in afl footy tipping round 5 shifted on Wednesday as Carlton and Adelaide confirmed changes for Thursday night’s Gather Round opener at Adelaide Oval. The Blues have dropped veteran midfielder George Hewett, while the Crows have again left out ruck Reilly O’Brien for the Round Five clash. It is a sharp reset for both sides, with Carlton seeking a response after a 1-3 start and Adelaide adjusting after last week’s loss to Fremantle.
Selection shock gives Round 5 an instant twist
Carlton’s call on Hewett is the headline move. He led the Blues for disposals with 22 in the loss to North Melbourne on Good Friday, but has been omitted as the club looks to shake up its midfield. Hewett played every game last season and won Carlton’s John Nicholls Medal as best-and-fairest, making his omission a significant statement in afl footy tipping round 5.
Nick Haynes returns for his first game of the season, with Zac Williams and ruck Hudson O’Keeffe also coming in. Adam Saad remains out, while defender Jacob Weitering is sidelined by concussion and recruit Will Hayward is unavailable through suspension.
Adelaide make changes of their own
Adelaide has brought back key defender Rory Laird, who is available after overcoming a minor soleus strain, along with Isaac Cumming, Mitch Hinge and Luke Nankervis. Cumming had been a late withdrawal last week because of illness, but has been cleared to return.
The Crows’ injury picture is still active. Darcy Fogarty will not play this week after back soreness kept him out of Round Four, and Luke Pedlar has entered concussion protocols. He must be symptom-free for 12 days before he is eligible again.
What the officials are saying
Adelaide General Manager High Performance Ian McKeown said Laird “will be available for selection, as will Isaac Cumming who was a late withdrawal last week with sickness. ” He added that a clearer timeline for Fogarty’s return will come as he progresses through rehab this week.
The team sheet also confirms the Crows have left out Hugh Bond, Chayce Jones and Reilly O’Brien. O’Brien was recalled for last week’s game against Fremantle, but is out again for Thursday night.
Why Round 5 matters now
This opener arrives at a point where both clubs are still trying to settle rhythm and selection balance. Carlton’s changes point to a search for energy and control after a slow start, while Adelaide’s returns strengthen its backline for a high-pressure Gather Round stage.
With Thursday night set for Adelaide Oval and the Round Five picture already shifting, afl footy tipping round 5 now has a cleaner shape: changes, returns, and a short runway to prove they work. The next update will come in the final team check before bounce at 7. 10pm ACST, and afl footy tipping round 5 could move again if either side adjusts late.
