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Essendon pair David Zaharakis and Orazio Fantasia among key inclusions for AFL’s Round 18
HAWTHORN has reacted at selection while Carlton has boosted its line-up and Port Adelaide has confirmed Robbie Gray will play despite suffering concussion last week. SEE EVERY LINE-UP
HAWTHORN has dropped Taylor Duryea and Tim O’Brien for Sunday’s clash against Carlton as it seeks to bounce back from last disappointing loss to Brisbane.
The Hawks, who will also be without James Sicily because of injury, have recalled Kaiden Brand, Ryan Schoenmakers and James Worpel. Carlton, meanwhile, has been boosted by the return of Jacob Weitering and Levi Casboult with the Blues desperate to add another victory to their one-win season. SEE ALL THE TEAMS BELOW TIPPING: DOES ANYONE GIVE MELBOURNE A CHANCE? MALTHOUSE: COLUMN THAT FIRED UP NICK RIEWOLDT HARDWICK: HEY AFL, CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR PORT ADELAIDE has confirmed Robbie Gray will play against GWS despite suffering concussion last week. The Giants have recalled Brett Deledio, replacing Ryan Griffen who has a hamstring injury. “Robbie’s right to go, which is really positive,” Hinkley said. “As we said straight after the game he was pretty positive about the way he was feeling and he’s now done all his concussion tests and passed all those and was out there (at training) running around today. “We’ll make sure he’s okay tomorrow but barring any setback he’ll play, which is a big plus for us.” Tom Boyd is back for the WESTERN BULLDOGS as Nathan Vardy replaces Nic Naitanui at WEST COAST. ESSENDON has regained two of its most important players as it battles to keep its slim finals chances alive. Bomber David Zaharakis returns from a collarbone injury, joining goalkicker Orazio Fantasia as John Worsfold’s team looks to take knock off an undermanned Fremantle. Jake Long and Conor McKenna make way, while No. 6 draft pick Aaron Francis has again been left out of the senior team. GEELONG has recalled gun defender Lachie Henderson to help bolster its back line in the run home to finals. The Cats have relied on a young back line this year and are in danger of falling out of the eight if they go down to Melbourne on Saturday night. Henderson, who has played five games in the VFL, will return for his first senior match of the season after shrugging off some persistent knee troubles. It is a timely comeback with the Demons boasting one of the most potent forward combinations in the league, fresh off a 50-point win over Western Bulldogs last week. And the Cats will also be without veteran swingman Harry Taylor again as he continues to battle a foot complaint. WIN AFL GRAND FINAL TICKETS BY COMPLETING THE FOOTY FANS SURVEY BELOW Melbourne has lost gun defender Michael Hibberd to a quad problem, but welcomes back hard nut onballer Dom Tyson for the clash against Cats’ skipper Joel Selwood. Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has reacted to last weekend’s loss to Greater Western Sydney, dropping youngsters Corey Ellis and Shai Bolton for tonight’s battle against St Kilda. Defender Bachar Houli is also out with a groin issue. Nathan Broad replaces Houli, alongside speedsters Connor Menadue and Kamdyn McIntosh. At St Kilda, top midfielder Seb Ross will return, but rebounding defender Jimmy Webster will sit out with a sore groin. Essendon has received a huge midfield boost for tomorrow’s clash against Fremantle, bringing back dangerous playmaker Orazio Fantasia and ballwinner David Zaharakis. Fremantle has been weakened by the loss of star wingman Stephen Hill to a quad problem. Key talls Daniel Talia and Mitch McGovern strengthen Adelaide’s spine for its tussle against Brisbane at the Gabba. Captain Taylor Walker was suspended and Kyle Hartigan will miss with a knee issue. Brisbane and North Melbourne are unchanged. Roos tagger Ben Jacobs was not selected for the fourth time in five weeks because of a concussion problem. Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >
Originally published as Essendon pair David Zaharakis and Orazio Fantasia among key inclusions for AFL’s Round 18