AFL round 3 teams: Jack Gunston to be dropped, Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes ruled out, Jack Macrae recalled

Sam Mitchell is poised to make a ruthless call on one of his premiership teammates as he tries to ignite Hawthorn’s season on Easter Monday. FULL ROUND 3 TEAMS.

Hawthorn is expected to axe veteran Jack Gunston for the Easter blockbuster clash against Geelong as one of several unforced changes.

Gunston, 32, was relegated to the substitute role last week and is now expected to line up for Box Hill on Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium instead of on the MCG on Monday.

The Hawks are also set to give exciting youngster Henry Hustwaite his first crack at AFL level this season when they run out on the public holiday.

Hustwaite was recently re-signed for a further two seasons and has enjoyed a super summer as a 195cm midfielder.

“He’s shown a great ability to win clearances, find space with the footy and is a great user, especially by hand,” recruiting boss Mark McKenzie said.

It’s understood the Hawks are also considering omitting Finn McGuinness and ruckman Ned Reeves after the club’s 0-2 start to the season.

Lloyd Meek is likely to replace Reeves in the ruck while Harry Morrison and Max Ramsden are also being considered for AFL call-ups.

Former Cat Cooper Stephens has been given the green light to return from an achilles setback on managed minutes via the VFL.

Jack Gunston is set to be left out of Hawthorn’s Easter Monday team. Picture: Michael Klein

DUSTY, GRIMES OUT FOR INJURY-RAVAGED TIGERS

Richmond stars Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes havebeen ruled out of the Tigers’ clash with the Swans on Sunday at the MCG.

Martin has been battling a calf complaint in 2024 which saw him miss Opening Round on the Gold Coast, while Grimes has an injured wrist.

Despite getting through round 1 and round 2, coach Adam Yze confirmed today that Dusty wouldn’t play against Sydney.

“Dusty’s going to miss this week,” Yze said.

“He’s had an interrupted week, he’s had an interrupted couple of weeks with his calf. He didn’t train the other day. He will only do a little bit today.

Dustin Martin is having a week off. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got to break the pattern of him getting through week to week.

“We’re going to break that cycle this week and give him a light week so that he’s pain free.

“His first half last week was terrific but you can see that he still gets a bit sore.”

Martin is expected to only miss one match.

Tyler Young and Nathan Broad return to bolster the injury-ravaged Tigers, while Maurice Rioli and Tyler Sonsie have been recalled.

Caleb Mitchell will debut for Sydney.

The Swans have resisted the temptation to immediately call on Taylor Adams, who will instead return via the VFL.

Jack Williams comes in for Harry Barnett at West Coast, with Jack Macrae and Taylor Duryea into the Bulldogs’ side for their Sunday clash with the Eagles.

MAC BACK

Triple All-Australian midfielder Jack Macrae is poised to put his surprise VFL stint behind him after he was named in the Bulldogs’ squad for the first time this season.

It comes as fellow star on-baller Darcy Parish was named for his first game of the season when Essendon meet St Kilda on Saturday night.

Parish will be joined by Mason Redman (suspension) and Jake Kelly (illness) as Elijah Tsatas and Alwyn Davey Jr were dropped.

It means the Bombers will not replace Peter Wright in a smaller forward line against the Saints.

Jack Macrae has been named for Western Bulldogs’ clash with West Coast. Picture: Michael Klein

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Along with its two earlier confirmed inclusions, St Kilda will unveil a surprise debutant in rebounding defender Angus Hastie.

The 190cm Geelong Falcons recruit was taken with pick 33 in last year’s draft.

After he had 47 disposals and 17 clearances in an almighty performance for Footscray last week, Macrae is among five potential inclusions for the Bulldogs’ Sunday clash against West Coast at Marvel Stadium.

The Dogs will have at least two forced changes with defenders Nick Coffield (shoulder) and Ed Richards (concussion) both ruled out.

Sydney has dropped small forward Sam Wicks and could finally unveil highly rated small forward Jacob Konstanty after his first year was cruelled by injury.

Caleb Mitchell is another potential debutant as the Swans head to the MCG to face Richmond, who has regained important defender Nathan Broad.

Taj Woewodin replaces Steven May (ribs) in the only change for the Demons ahead of their bumper clash against Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval.

Originally published as AFL round 3 teams: Jack Gunston to be dropped, Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes ruled out, Jack Macrae recalled