Round 14 teams: Jared Polec left out again, Jaidyn Stephenson returns

A rising star is back in favour at Collingwood but, despite admitted to having just 28 players to choose from North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw still won’t pick wingman Jared Polec. FULL ROUND 14 TEAMS

Collingwood will have some extra forward firepower for its blockbuster game against Carlton on Sunday.

The Magpies, who desperately need a win to keep their finals hopes alive against the Blues at the Gabba, have been boosted by the return of leading goal kicker Brody Mihocek from a sickening concussion against Melbourne in Round 12.

They have also recalled lively forward Jaidyn Stephenson after he was dropped following the Pies Round 11 win over Adelaide.

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Jaidyn Stephenson will return for Collingwood on Sunday. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The two forward line reinforcements are part of five chances for Nathan Buckley’s side.

Youngster Isaac Quaynor is back in the side after he suffered a horrific gash to his shin against Sydney.

Brothers Tyler and Callum Brown also come into the side after strong showings against Brisbane in a scratch match for players outside the senior side.

Steele Sidebottom has flown back to Melbourne to be with his partner Alisha ahead of the birth of their first child.

After playing his first senior game in 11 months Levi Greenwood has been managed.

Travis Varcoe and Trey Ruscoe have both been omitted from the Pies side while Flynn Appleby will miss with hamstring tightness.

The Blues will welcome back No. 3 Draft pick Paddy Dow, as well as Cameron Polson.

Sam Petrevski-Seton and Matthew Cottrell have been managed.

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Still no room for a fit Polec at injury-hit Roos

Out of favour North Melbourne wingman Jared Polec will miss again for the Kangaroos after spending Friday playing a scratch match despite the club’s huge injury toll.

Coach Rhyce Shaw admitted he has only 28 players to choose from for Sunday night’s meeting with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Although, he could still not find room for Polec, who will miss a third consecutive senior game as speculation about his future at the Kangaroos continues to swirl.

Jared Polec will miss a third consecutive senior match. Picture: Sarah Reed

“He played some pretty good footy (in the scratch match) and I think kicked three goals and did a really good job, so he’ll certainly be in the selection frame next week,” Shaw said.

“I haven’t had a chance to see the match, but from all reports from the coaches who were there he did a really good job and that’s really pleasing from my perspective.”

The Roos coach would not be drawn on Polec’s future at the club.

“That’s for internal conversations and we’re really comfortable with where we sit at the moment with our conversations and as a group,” Shaw said.

“Jared’s contract is for three years so that’s where it sits at the moment.”

Shaw said he had been in constant communication with Polec over the past month.

“We’ve made decisions along the way that we feel are in the best interests of our footy team and Jared understands that and understands where I sit on the matter,” he said.

“I was really pleased to get the report back yesterday from the coaches.”

Shaw, instead, has recalled Aaron Hall and Majak Daw for the clash with the Suns with Tristan Xerri and Jack Mahony both coming out of the side because of injury.

The Suns will welcome back Alex Sexton and Darcy MacPherson for Sean Lemmens - who has been omitted - and Jarrod Harbrow who is injured.

Looking ahead for North, skipper Jack Ziebell is close to a return, while forward Ben Brown (knee) is improving but there is no immediate timeframe on his return.

Bayley Fritsch has been dropped for being late to Melbourne training. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Demon dumped for missing training

Melbourne has swung the axe ahead of its crunch clash with St Kilda dropping five players, including key forward Tom McDonald for the second time this season.

It is a strong statement from coach Simon Goodwin after a lean patch from the Demons spearhead, kicking three goals in his last five matches and just seven for the season.

The Demons will be buoyed by the return of superstar ruckman Max Gawn, back for his first game since Round 10 after recovering from his knee injury, who will face St Kilda’s two-pronged ruck outfit on his own.

Current leading goalkicker Bayley Fritsch has been dumped after turning up late to their final training session, while tough nut James Harmes, Braydon Preuss and Jay Lockhart were also omitted.

“Bayley was late for training this morning which is clearly unacceptable,” Demons footy boss Josh Mahoney told the Melbourne website.

Tom McDonald has been dropped for the second time this season. Picture: Michael Klein

“The decision to not select a player for a game is never taken lightly, particularly given the importance of this week’s game against St Kilda.

“We have a number of players that have been performing in scratch matches and committing fully to the program for a number of weeks who deserve an opportunity.

“Bayley has accepted the decision, played and performed well in a scratch match today against Collingwood, and will be available for selection next week.”

Former skipper Nathan Jones will return alongside Oscar McDonald, Josh Wagner, Trent Rivers and Mitch Brown, who hasn’t played since Round 1.

The Saints have pulled a surprise of their own by omitting rock-solid defender Jake Carlisle.

Brody Mihocek missed Round 13 after being concussed in a sickening incident. Picture: Glenn Hunt/Getty Images

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PIES PREPARING FOR HUGE BOOST

Collingwood says Jordan De Goey could be available as soon as Round 16 in a massive boost for the club’s premiership ambitions.

De Goey ripped a tendon in his finger and while the club has always been optimistic about his return for finals, a recent update with his specialist gave them a quicker return date.

Pies football boss Geoff Walsh said that the club also believed Adam Treloar (hamstring tendon) might be able to return before finals despite his problematic injury history.

Jeremy Howe still has no return date despite running on his surgically repaired PCL, while Isaac Quaynor is now available for the Carlton game after his shin healed from the Sydney clash.

But De Goey’s return for as many as three games before finals will give the Pies a significant boost as they prepare to take on a Carlton side that is keen to steal their finals spot.

He had kicked five goals in a forward masterclass but snagged his finger on an opponent’s jumper and had to have surgery or would have risked permanent damage to the finger.

“Jordan’s hand injury is coming along really well, he has done a lot of aerobic work in the last few weeks,” Walsh said.

“The latest report is that quite possibly we will see him resuming before the end of the home and away season and with a bit of luck that could be as early as Round 16 but he is certainly coming along quite well.

Jordan De Goey could be back for Round 16. Picture: Getty

“Quaynor completed training last week, and will be delighted to know he’s available for selection this week so that nasty gash has healed really well, really quickly and he was running and kicking on it and been given all clear by medicos.

“‘Ads’ (Adam) Treloar is running quite well, we expect him to resume before the home and away season ends as well. We can’t pinpoint a week but if he puts in another strong four or five days we would expect that he could be around the week or two after Jordan does resume.”

FULL ROUND 14 TEAMS

(All times AEST)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GEELONG CATS

Friday August 28, 7:50pm at Metricon Stadium

BULLDOGS

B: Easton Wood, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel

HB: Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner, Hayden Crozier

C: Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Jason Johannisen

HF: Toby McLean, Josh Bruce, Mitch Wallis

F: Tom Liberatore, Aaron Naughton, Lachie Hunter

FOLL: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Dunkley

I/C: Ed Richards, Laitham Vandermeer, Tory Dickson, Will Hayes

EMG: Lewis Young, Ben Cavarra, Pat Lipinski, Roarke Smith

IN: Tory Dickson, Will Hayes

OUT: Ben Cavarra, Pat Lipinski

CATS

B: J.Kolodjashnij, L.Henderson, H.Taylor

HB: J.Henry, M.Blicavs, T.Stewart

C: M.Duncan, P.Dangerfield, S.Menegola

HF: L.Dahlhaus, G.Rohan, T.Atkins

F: B.Close, T.Hawkins, G.Miers

FOLL: R.Stanley, C.Guthrie, B.Parfitt

I/C: J.Bews, J.Steven, M.O’Connor, Z.Tuohy

EMG: L.Fogarty, E.Ratugolea, J.Clark, Z.Guthrie

IN: H.Taylor, Z.Tuohy

OUT: E.Ratugolea (omitted), J.Clark (omitted)

HAWTHORN v ESSENDON

Thursday August 27, 4:40pm at Adelaide Oval

HAWKS

B: B.Hardwick, M.Hartley, T.Scully

HB: W.Day, S.Frost, D.Minchington

C: J.Cousins, D.Howe, J.Scrimshaw

HF: J.Patton, L.Breust, C.Wingard

F: L.Shiels, T.O’Brien, O.Hanrahan

FOLL: B.McEvoy, J.Worpel, T.Mitchell

I/C: C.Jiath, J.Gunston, C.Glass, J.Ceglar

EMG: D.Greaves, D.Moore, J.Ross, H.Morrison

IN: D.Minchington, J.Gunston, J.Ceglar

OUT: B.Stratton (Managed), S.Burgoyne (Managed), J.Impey (Injured)

BOMBERS

B: M.Gleeson, C.Hooker, M.Hurley

HB: J.Ridley, M.Redman, A.Saad

C: Z.Merrett, A.McGrath, B.Ham

HF: D.Shiel, K.Langford, I.Mosquito

F: J.Stewart, J.Daniher, A.McDonald-Tipungwuti

FOLL: A.Phillips, W.Snelling, D.Parish

I/C: D.Smith, M.Guelfi, D.Clarke, J.Stringer

EMG: B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Hibberd, J.Begley, J.Townsend

IN: C.Hooker, J.Daniher, A.Phillips

OUT: T.Bellchambers (Injured), A.Francis (Injured), S.Draper (Managed)

RICHMOND v WEST COAST EAGLES

Thursday August 27, 7:10pm at Metricon Stadium

TIGERS

B: B.Houli, D.Grimes, N.Balta

HB: J.Short, N.Vlastuin, O.Markov

C: K.McIntosh, J.Graham, M.Pickett

HF: J.Aarts, K.Lambert, T.Lynch

F: J.Riewoldt, D.Martin, J.Castagna

FOLL: I.Soldo, S.Bolton, T.Cotchin

I/C: L.Baker, T.Nankervis, D.Rioli, T.Dow

EMG: J.Ross, J.Caddy, N.Broad, W.Martyn

IN: T.Nankervis, T.Dow

OUT: S.Stack (Injured), M.Chol (Omitted)

EAGLES

B: S.Hurn, T.Barrass, B.Sheppard

HB: L.Duggan, J.McGovern, J.Nelson

C: D.Sheed, L.Shuey, J.Cripps

HF: J.Brander, J.Darling, L.Ryan

F: B.Ah Chee, J.Kennedy, N.Reid

FOLL: N.Naitanui, T.Kelly, A.Gaff

I/C: O.Allen, X.O’Neill, T.Cole, J.Rotham

EMER: H.Brayshaw, L.Jetta, E.Yeo, M.Hutchings

IN: B.Williams, M.Hutchings

OUT: O.Allen (Injured), J.Nelson (Injured)

PORT ADELAIDE v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday August 29, 1:45pm at the Adelaide Oval

POWER

B: R.Burton, T.Clurey, T.McKenzie

HB: H.Hartlett, T.Jonas, D.Byrne-Jones

C: X.Duursma, O.Wines, K.Amon

HF: S.Powell-Pepper, T.Marshall, Z.Butters

F: C.Rozee, D.Cixon, R.Gray

FOLL: S.Lycett, T.Rockliff, T.Boak

I/C: R.Bonner, B.Ebert, C.Sutcliffe, J.Westhoff

EMG: S.Mayes, S.Hayes, B.Woodcock, J.Lienert

IN: R.Burton, X.Duursma, T.Marshall, C.Rozee, C.Sutcliffe

OUT: S.Mayes, S.Motlop, J.Lienert, B.Woodcock (all omitted), M.Georgiades (injured)

SWANS

B: H.Cunningham, L.Melican, R.Fox

HB: J.Lloyd, J.Dawson, C.Mills

C: J.Thurlow, L.Parker, W.Hayward

HF: O.Florent, T.McCartin, J.McInerney

F: J.Bell, S.Reid, T.Papley

FOLL: C.Sinclair, J.Kennedy, J.Rowbottom

I/C: R.Clarke, S.Wicks, N.Blakey, A.Aliir

EMG: C.Warner, H.McLean, D.Stephens, Z.Foot

IN: J.McInerney, R.Clarke, A.Aliir

OUT: C.O’Riordan, D.Stephens, Z.Foot (all omitted)

FREMANTLE v GWS GIANTS

Saturday August 29, 4:35pm at Optus Stadium

DOCKERS

B: B.Cox, R.Conca, N.Wilson

HB: S.Hill, L.Ryan, E.Hughes

C: A.Cerra, N.Fyfe, J.Aish

HF: M.Walters, M.Taberner, L.Henry

F: L.Schultz, R.Lobb, M.Crowden

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, D.Mundy

I/C: B.Bewley, A.Brayshaw, C.Blakely, T.Duman

EMG: M.Frederick, T.Watson, B.Banfield, L.Valente

IN: B.Bewley

OUT: M.Frederick (mental health)

GIANTS

B: L.Keeffe, A.Corr, H.Shaw

HB: A.Kennedy, N.Haynes, Z.Williams

C: L.Whitfield, J.Kelly, H.Perryman

HF: M.de Boer, H.Himmelberg, T.Greene

F: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, J.Cameron

FOLL: S.Mumford, S.Coniglio, T.Taranto

I/C: L.Ash, B.Hill, J.Hopper, D.Lloyd

EMG: M.Buntine, J.Finlayson, S.Jacobs, Z.Langdon

IN: M.de Boer, L.Ash

OUT: C.Ward (injured), J.Caldwell (managed)

MELBOURNE v ST KILDA

Saturday August 29, 7:40pm at TIO Traeger Park

DEMONS

B: A.Tomlinson, S.May, J.Lever

HB: C.Salem, O.McDonald, M.Hibberd

C: A.vandenBerg, J.Viney, E.Langdon

HF: T.Rivers, S.Weideman, A.Brayshaw

F: M.Hannan, M.Brown, J.Melksham

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Petracca, C.Oliver

I/C: N.Jones, C.Spargo, K.Pickett, J.Wagner

EMG: J.Harmes, B.Preuss, T.McDonald, O.Baker

IN: O.McDonald, T.Rivers, M.Brown, M.Gawn, N.Jones, J.Wagner

OUT: J.Harmes, T.McDonald, B.Preuss, B.Fritsch, J.Lockhart (all omitted), T.Sparrow (injured)

SAINTS

B: J.Geary, C.Wilkie, N.Coffield

HB: B.Paton, H.Clark, D.Howard

C: J.Billings, Z.Jones, S.Ross

HF: B.Hill, J.Battle, D.Butler

F: T.Membrey, M.King, R.Marshall

FOLL: P.Ryder, J.Steele, D.Kent

I/C: N.Hind, B.Long, E.Phillips, J.Sinclair

EMG: D.McKenzie, J.Lonie, D.Roberton, J.Marsh

IN: H.Clark, E.Phillips

OUT: J.Carlisle, J.Bytel (both omitted)

CARLTON v COLLINGWOOD

Sunday August 30, 3.35pm at the Gabba

BLUES

B: L.Plowman, L.Jones, K.Simpson

HB: S.Docherty, J.Weitering, T.Williamson

C: J.Newnes, P.Cripps, S.Walsh

HF: J.Martin, L.Casboult, Z.Fisher

F: M.Gibbons, M.Pittonet, H.McKay

FOLL: T.De Koning, P.Dow, M.Murphy

I/C: C.Polson, E.Curnow, W.Setterfield, E.Betts

EMG: S.Philp, C.Moore, M.Cottrell, S.Petrevski-Seton

IN: C.Polson, P.Dow

OUT: M.Cottrell, S.Petrevski-Seton (both managed)

MAGPIES

B: J.Crisp, J.Roughead, J.Madgen

HB: B.Maynard, D.Moore, J.Noble

C: C.Mayne, T.Brown, J.Daicos

HF: B.Mihocek, D.Cameron, W.Hoskin-Elliott

F: J.Thomas, M.Cox, J.Elliott

FOLL: B.Grundy, T.Adams, S.Pendlebury

I/C: J.Stephenson, I.Quaynor, T.Phillips, C.Brown

EMG: T.Ruscoe, R.Wills, T.Broomhead, T.Varcoe

IN: B.Mihocek, C.Brown, I.Quaynor, J.Stephenson, T.Brown

OUT: F.Appleby (injured), L.Greenwood (managed), S.Sidebottom (managed), T.Varcoe (omitted), T.Ruscoe (omitted)

GOLD COAST SUNS v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday August 30, 6.10pm at Metricon Stadium

SUNS

B: C.Budarick, S.Collins, J.Lukosius

HB: W.Powell, C.Graham, C.Ballard

C: L.Weller, H.Greenwood, B.Ellis

HF: N.Anderson, S.Day, B.Ainsworth

F: I.Rankine, B.King, J.Corbett

FOLL: J.Witts, D.Swallow, T.Miller

I/C: J.Bowes, A.Sexton, S.Flanders, D.MacPherson

EMG: W.Brodie, B.Fiorini, P.Wright, J.Dawson

IN: A.Sexton, D.MacPherson

OUT: J.Harbrow (injured), S.Lemmens (omitted)

KANGAROOS

B: T.Murphy, R.Tarrant, M.Williams

HB: S.Atley, B.McKay, L.McDonald

C: T.Dumont, J.Simpkin, S.Higgins

HF: M.Wood, N.Larkey, C.Zurhaar

F: A.Hall, J.Walker, L.Hosie

FOLL: T.Goldstein, L.Davies-Uniacke, J.Anderson

I/C: M.Daw, B.Scott, P.Ahern, E.Vickers-Willis

EMG: S.Durdin, J.Crocker, M.McGuinness, T.Campbell

IN: A.Hall, M.Daw

OUT: J.Mahony, T.Xerri

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Originally published as Round 14 teams: Jared Polec left out again, Jaidyn Stephenson returns