Despite suggestions Tom Stewart passed a fitness test on Wednesday, Chris Scott conceded Stewart was always unlikely to play given the hamstring … regardless of the flu

As Essendon searches for ways to break its 20 year finals win drought, a large contingent of Bombers players will head to the ‘G tonight to take in the Dogs v Hawks. Jake Stringer, Sam Weideman + Todd Goldstein are the only current Bombers to have won a final at the ‘G

And there’s a couple more at Werribee to keep an eye on this September. Jack Henderson averages more than 22 disposals in his last three VFL finals - all against AFL reserves sides 👀

President Kate Roffey has resigned from Melbourne 7NEWS Melbourne 7AFL

Coming up shortly on 7NEWS Melbourne - we speak to Jack Ginnivan ahead of #AFLDogsHawks. Live inside the MCG from 6pm

Jack Ginnivan speaks to 7NEWS Melbourne

First-year key forwards just aren’t meant to compete as well as Calsher Dear does in the air. Rarely gets outmarked #AFLDogsHawks #AFLFinals

Live now on 7Plus / 7mate - Geelong VFL v Southport. Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie’s bid for an AFL prelim final. Among five AFL premiership players out there for the Cats 7AFL

Tom De Koning in the mix as Carlton sub tonight. Will be interesting to see which way they go for the make-up of the final 23 with Pittonet + Lewis Young named 7NEWS Melbourne

No late changes. Tom De Koning sub confirmed for Carlton. Conor McKenna sub for the Lions. Expecting Sam Docherty to play wing tonight

Dayne Zorko, the All-Australian, has game-high score involvements form half-back and Carlton chose not to play the guy who has proven he can adequately shutdown attacking half-backs #AFLLionsBlues

Prelim weekend… Friday Sept 20 Sydney v Port Adelaide/Hawthorn SCG, 7.40pm Saturday Sept 21 Geelong v GWS/Brisbane MCG, likely twilight to allow Giants/Lions to fly home Sat night should they progress to GF

Michael Voss’ explanation on Tom De Koning as sub. Carlton kicked 11 goals v 7 after he came on. Easy to say in hindsight, but if he only had 60-70mins, starting such an influential player had to be the way to go. And then either sub him 3QT or play him deep/off the bench Q3/4

MASSIVE News out of Sydney Swans AFLW. Chloe Molloy out for the season with ACL injury at training. Will be a late out for today’s game. John Tabellione #AFLW

Geelong forward Gary Rohan has confirmed he suffered a fractured skull in the VFL yesterday and will undergo surgery 7NEWS Melbourne

Exclusive - a Melbourne backflip. The Demons are embarking on an external review

Details on the 20-year All Blacks manager set to be a key part of Melbourne’s external review. He’s an expert in leadership and the Demons’ favourite term - culture. It will focus mostly on the football department + take in other parts of the club. Senior leaders on notice.

Frost Ball has been one of the most important contributors to Hok Ball. Now Sam Mitchell has to rewire his backline… again. The three contenders to replace Frost + hear from Luke Breust ahead of game 300