Round 4 teams: Who’s coming in and out at your club
Despite having a week off, Melbourne has been relentless at selection, dumping five — including a rock solid defender. North Melbourne have also swung the axe but are set to blood two debutants
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Melbourne has dumped five players despite having a week off afrer their postponed Round 3 match-up.
The most notable of those is reliable defender Neville Jetta, who missed just one game in three seasons prior to his injury-interrupted 2019 campaign.
Star recruit Harley Bennell, former captain Nathan Jones, young talent Luke Jackson and Alex Neal-Bullen have also been omitted.
Injury riddled forward Aaron vandenBerg makes his long awaited return, while crafty small forward Kysaiah Pickett returns after serving his COVID-19 suspension.
Joining them in their side to face Geelong on Sunday are Michael Hibberd, Mitch Hannan and Jay Lockhart.
Geelong left out premiership defender Harry Taylor (managed) and Rhys Stanley (knee).
Darcy Fort replaces Rhys Stanley in the ruck for the Cats, while gun young defender Jordan Clark has also been named on an extended bench for their clash at the MCG.
North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw has been equally as relentless at selection, dropping four Roos after their shock loss to Sydney last week.
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Midfield bull Ben Cunnington headlines their inclusions along with trusty defender Marley Williams, while small forward Jack mahony and beanpole Tristan Xerri will make their debuts.
Veteran defender Jamie Macmillan, inconsistent forward Mason Wood, Paul Ahern and Aiden Bonar make way.
It is a big game for the Demons who have signalled at selection they don’t want to take in anyone who isn’t at full capacity for the clash against the Cats.
Bennell played restricted minutes in his first game against the Blues and pulled up well.
Veteran Nathan Jones was again left out of the team,
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Essendon welcomed back speedster Orazio Fantasia and defender Marty Gleeson in place of injured skipper Dyson Heppell (ankle) and backman Matt Guelfi for the match against Carlton tomorrow night.
James Stewart and Conor McKenna were both unavailable because of the COVID-19 saga which engulfed the club following McKenna’s positive test.
In the first game on Sunday, Dayne Zorko has overcome an achilles complaint and will return against Adelaide, while Crows have sensationally dumped ball-winner Matt Crouch.
ROUND 4 TEAMS
SYDNEY SWANS v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Thursday 25 June, 7.40pm at the SCG
SWANS
B: Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, Robbie Fox
HB: Aliir Aliir, Callum Mills, Ollie Florent
C: Jordan Dawson, Luke Parker, Harry Cunningham
HF: Isaac Heeney, James Rowbottom, Ben Ronke
F: Lewis Taylor, Nick Blakey, Will Hayward
FOLL: Callum Sinclair, Josh Kennedy, Tom Papley
I/C: George Hewett, Hayen McLean, Sam Naismith, Justin McInerney
IN: Ben Ronke, Sam Naismith, Justin McInerney
OUT: Colin O’Riordan (Omitted), Tom McCartin (Injured), Sam Gray (Omitted)
BULLDOGS
B: Bailey Williams, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel
HB: Jason Johannisen, Zaine Cordy, Hayden Crozier
C: Ed Richards, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae
HF: Bailey Dale, Josh Bruce, Toby McLean
F: Mitch Wallis, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd
FOLL: Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith
I/C: Rhylee West, Louis Butler, Laitham Vandermeer, Pat Lipinski
IN: Rhylee West, Louis Butler, Pat Lipinski
OUT: Lin Jong (Injured), Josh Dunkley (Injured), Matt Suckling (Omitted)
GWS GIANTS v COLLINGWOOD
Friday June 26, 7:50pm at Giants Stadium
GIANTS
B: Shaw, Corr, Davis
HB: Williams, Taylor, Haynes
C: Perryman, Ward, Whitfield
HF: Kelly, Greene, de Boer
F: Daniels, Cameron, Finlayson
FOLL: Mumford, Hopper, Coniglio
I/C: Ash, Hately, Green, Himmelberg
EMG: Hill, Langdon, Galdwell, Jacobs
IN: Kelly, Greene, Mumford, Green
OUT: Lloyd, Jacobs, Caldwell, Langdon (all omitted)
MAGPIES
B: Crisp, Roughead, Howe
HB: Maynard, Moore, Noble
C: Daicos, Pendlebury, Hoskin-Elliott
HF: Stephenson, Mihocek, C.Brown
F: De Goey, Cox, Elliott
FOLL: Grundy, Adams, Sidebottom
I/C: Mayne, Wills, T.Brown, Phillips
EMG: Madgen, Thomas, Cameron, Sier
IN: Cox
OUT: Cameron (omitted)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Sam Jacobs owners will have to say goodbye to the ruckman after just three games, while cash cow Darcy Cameron has also been omitted. Brodie Grundy is just about a lock as VC, having registered 150 points and a mammot 73 hit-outs against Shane Mumford in the 2019 preliminary final.
PORT ADELAIDE v WEST COAST EAGLES
Saturday June 27, 1:45pm at Metricon Stadium
POWER
B: McKenzie, Clurey, Bonner
HB: Hartlett, Jonas, Byrne-Jones
C: Westhoff, Wines, Amon
HF: Powell-Pepper, Marshall, Rozee
F: Butters, Dixon, Gray
FOLL: Lycett, Houston, Boak
I/C: Ebert, Rockliff, Motlop, Farrell
EMG: Lienert, Georgiades, Ladhams, Bergman
IN: Farrell
OUT: Duursma (injured)
EAGLES
B: Sheppard, Barrass, Hurn
HB: Jetta, McGovern, Duggan
C: Gaff, Yeo, Sheed
HF: Ah Chee, Darling, Redden
F: Ryan, Kennedy, Cripps
FOLL: Naitanui, Kelly, Shuey
I/C: Brander, Hickey, Cole, Jones
EMG: Waterman, Petruccelle, Schofield, Rotham
IN: McGovern, Hickey, Cole, Jones
OUT: Rotham, Schofield, Petruccelle, Allen (all omitted)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Expect Andrew Gaff to accumulate in the Gold Coast sun, while Travis Boak should continue his hot start.
ST KILDA v RICHMOND
Saturday June 27, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium
SAINTS
B: Coffield, Wilkie, Carlisle
HB: Long, Howard, Clark
C: Hill, Ross, Billings
HF: Butler, King, Gresham
F: Marshall, Membrey, Marsh
FOLL: Ryder, Steele, Jones
I/C: Hannebery, Paton, Lonie, Battle
EMG: Phillips, McKenzie, Kent, Sinclair
IN: Battle
OUT: Hind (omitted)
TIGERS
B: Vlastuin, Grimes, Astbury
HB: Short, Broad, Houli
C: McIntosh, Prestia, Caddy
HF: Higgins, Ross, Castagna
F: Martin, Lynch, Riewoldt
FOLL: Nankervis, Cotchin, Lambert
I/C: Edwards, Baker, Bolton, Stack
EMG: Graham, Aarts, Balta, Soldo
IN: McIntosh, Martin, Nankervis, Baker
OUT: Pickett, Graham, Soldo, Rioli (all omitted)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Dustin Martin is back and averages 114 points in his last three against the Saints. But the most popular SuperCoach pick — Marlion Pickett — has been axed.
ESSENDON v CARLTON
Saturday June 27, 7:40pm at the MCG
BOMBERS
B: Francis, Hooker, Hurley
HB: Saad, Redman, Ridley
C: Cutler, Merrett, Zaharakis
HF: Smith, Snelling, McDonald-Tipungwuti
F: Stringer, McKernan, Townsend
FOLL: Bellchambers, McGrath, Shiel
I/C: Gleeson, Parish, Langford, Fantasia
EMG: Phillips, Guelfi, Ambrose, Ham
IN: Gleeson, Fantasia
OUT: Heppell (injured), Guelfi (omitted)
BLUES
B: Simpson, Jones, Plowman
HB: Petrevski-Seton, Weitering, Docherty
C: Murphy, Cripps, Newnes
HF: Gibbons, Casboult, Martin
F: Betts, McGovern, Cuningham
FOLL: Pittonet, Walsh, Curnow
I/C: Williamson, Silvagni, Setterfield, Philp
EMG: Kennedy, Honey, De Koning, O’Brien
IN: Philp
OUT: McKay (injured)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Debutant Sam Philp will be one to keep a close eye on, as will Marc Pittonet who could post his third monster score in as many weeks against Tom Bellchambers.
YES, Philpy! 💙
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 25, 2020
Sam Philp isn’t the only new name which will feature on the Navy Blue jumper this Saturday night. #OwnTheFuture
GOLD COAST SUNS v FREMANTLE
Saturday June 27, 7:40pm at Metricon Stadium
SUNS
B: Budarick, Collins, Lukosius
HB: Hanley, Ballard, Harbrow
C: Weller, Greenwood, Anderson
HF: Powell, Day, B.Ellis
F: Sexton, King, Ainsworth
FOLL: Witts, Swallow, Rowell
I/C: Bowes, Miller, Holman, MacPherson
EMG: Fiorini, Corbett, Lemmens, Flanders
No changes
DOCKERS
B: Hill, Logue, Conca
HB: Wilson, Ryan, Hughes
C: Bewley, Fyfe, Aish
HF: Schult, Taberner, Serong
F: Colyer, Hogan, Walters
FOLL: Lobb, Brayshaw, Tucker
I/C: Matera, Mundy, Cerra, Young
EMG: Darcy, Duman, Blakely, Banfield
IN: Hill, Serong
OUT: Cox, Sturt (injured)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Matt Rowell is currently the sixth ranked scorer in SuperCoach and a match-up with Nat Fyfe at stoppages will be enticing viewing. Stephen Hill makes his return and top-10 selection Caleb Serong will make his debut.
BRISBANE LIONS v ADELAIDE CROWS
Sunday June 28, 1:05pm at the Gabba
LIONS
B: R.Lester, H.Andrews, D.Gardiner
HB: D.Rich, G.Birchall, C.Ah Chee
C: M.Robinson, J.Berry, H.McCluggage
HF: L.McCarthy, E.Hipwood, C.Rayner
F: O.McInerney, D.McStay, C.Cameron
FOLL: A.Smith, J.Lyons, L.Neale
I/C: D.Zorko, C.Ellis-Yolmen, Z.Bailey, B.Starcevich
EMG: M.Hinge, A.Witherden, C.Ballenden, T.Berry
IN: D.Zorko
OUT: T.Berry (Omitted)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Another massive total is on the cards for Lachie Neale — don’t be surprised if he raises the bat for a double ton. Crows interceptor Tom Doedee should benefit from the ball being down his end.
CROWS
B: J.Kelly, D.Talia, L.Brown
HB: T.Doedee, F.McAsey, R.Laird
C: B.Smith, R.Sloane, W.Hamill
HF: B.Keays, T.Lynch, C.Jones
F: B.Crocker, D.Fogarty, L.Murphy
FOLL: R.O’Brien, N.McHenry, B.Crouch
I/C: M.Poholke, T.Walker, B.Frampton, S.McAda
EMG: M.Crouch, B.Gibbs, K.Hartigan, E.Himmelberg
IN: M.Poholke, B.Frampton, S.McAdan,
OUT: R.Atkins (AC joint), P.Seedsman (omitted), M.Crouch (omitted)
MELBOURNE v GEELONG CATS
Sunday June 28, 3:35pm at the MCG
DEMONS
B: T.Rivers, S.May, C.Salem
HB: J.Smith, J.Lever, J.Harmes
C: E.Langdon, C.Oliver, A.Tomlinson
HF: M.Hannan, J.Melksham, A.vandenBerg
F: B.Fritsch, J.Hunt, T.McDonald
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Petracca, J.Viney
I/C: , A.Brayshaw, M.Hibberd,J.Lockhart,, K.Pickett
EMG: N.Jones, L.Jackson, N.Jetta, A.Neal-Bullen
IN: M.Hannan, A.vandenBerg, M.Hibberd, K.Pickett, J.Lockhart
OUT: H.Bennell, N.Jones, L.Jackson, N.Jetta, A.Neal-Bullen (all omitted)
CATS
B: J.Kolodjashnij, M.Blicavs, J.Henry
HB: M.O’Connor, T.Stewart, J.Bews
C: S.Menegola, P.Dangerfield, J.Selwood
HF: T.Atkins, G.Rohan, M.Duncan
F: E.Ratugolea, T.Hawkins, G.Miers
FOLL: D.Fort, G.Ablett, C.Guthrie
I/C: Z.Tuohy, B.Parfitt, J.Steven, L.Dahlhaus
EMG: L.Henderson, J.Parsons, J.Clark, Q.Narkle
IN: J.Kolodjashnij, D.Fort, B.Parfitt
OUT: H.Taylor (managed), R.Stanley (injured), Q.Narkle (omitted)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Harley Bennell... omitted? Yep, you read that right. Max Gawn will have a field day against inexperienced ruckman Darcy Fort, but will Patrick Dangerfield finally deliver for his owners?
HAWTHORN v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday June 28, 6:10pm at Marvel Stadium
HAWKS
B: J.Sicily, J.Frawley, B.Hardwick
HB: B.Stratton, B.McEvoy, S.Burgoyne
C: R.Henderson, J.Worpel, I.Smith
HF: T.Scully, T.O’Brien, L.Breust
F: J.Gunston, S.Frost, C.Wingard
FOLL: J.Ceglar, T.MItchell, J.O’Meara
I/C: J.Scrimshaw, O.Hanrahan, H.Morrison, J.Patton, L.Shiels, M.Lewis, H.Jones, P.Puopolo
EMG: H.Morrison, M.Lewis, H.Jones, P.Puopolo
No changes
KANGAROOS
B: L.McDonald, R.Tarrant, K.Hayden
HB: J.Pittard, J.Walker, S.Atley
C: T.Dumont, B.Cunnington, J.Polec
HF: T.Thomas, C.Zurhaar, J.Ziebell
F: A.Hall, B.Brown, J.Simpkin
FOLL: T.Goldstein, S.Higgins, J.Anderson
I/C: M.Williams, C.Taylor, J.Mahony, T.Xerri
EMG: T.Campbell, P.Ahern, A.Bonar, J.Macmillan
IN: B.Cunnington, M.Williams, J.Mahony, T.Xerri,
OUT: M.Wood, P.Ahern, A.Bonar, J.Macmillan (all omitted)
KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Jy Simpkin is the most traded in player this week and for good reason given his change of role. Todd Goldstein will make short work of Jon Ceglar.
MUMFORD REMATCH WITH GRUNDY
SHANE Mumford’s warrior-like career has been revived again for a slugfest preliminary final rematch against Collingwood nemesis Brodie Grundy.
The GWS Giants were destroyed 70 hit outs to 16 by Grundy’s Magpies in one of the most memorable finals matches on record last September, yet somehow Mumford stayed on his feet to take possession from a ruck contest right on the Collingwood goal line in the dying moments to sell candy to Scott Pendlebury and clear the ball for a stunning victory.
It was a lion-hearted performance from Mumford, where despite being outplayed in hit-outs, he helped the Giants win the stoppage game comprehensively in the wet and play themselves into a grand final.
When the season resumed from the coronavirus lockdown, there were legitimate fears Mumford may have played his last AFL match given the round one dominance of ruck recruit Sam Jacobs.
However, after already returning once from the wilderness of medical retirement, Mumford is off the canvas again at 33-years of age to do a special job for the Giants on the game’s premier ruckman – with Jacobs a shock axing from the embattled GWS line-up for tonight’s blockbuster at Giants Stadium.
“He gets his first run fo the year. We know it’s a huge challenge against Grundy. Sam Jacobs is disappointed he’s gone out of the team but he understands his last two weeks need to be better,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“Grundy’s such a good player, he plays 100 per cent of the game basically, but Mummy’s strength is that he hunts after the footy.
“Everyone’s going to have their different strengths and that’s what we feel as though Mummy can provide this weekend.
“We need to hunt after the footy. We’ve lost a little bit of that hunt and we need to be prepared for that. It’s a huge challenge when you come up against these great ruckman, Mummy looks forward to those challenges. He’ll need lots of help at ground level and he’ll need lots of support as well.”
GWS also welcome back superstars Josh Kelly and Toby Greene, and have brought back young gun Tom Green, who debuted back in round one only to fall out of the team.
Daniel Lloyd, Zac Langdon and Jye Caldwell have been axed as the Giants chase a crucial win to stop their alarming slide down the ladder.
Lachie Whitfield and Brent Daniels have both passed concussion tests to play.
Coach Cameron said Green was back to improve GWS’s contested ball game.
“He gets an opportunity inside and we need to make sure our contested ball is intact by the end of the night. He’s been in-form, he’s trained really well, he has a healthy appetite to compete,” said Cameron.
“We know we’re coming up against some big mids and some quality mids every which way you look at it and this is a great opportunity for young Tom.
“The urgency stakes lift and we’re looking forward to a good battle.”
DUSTIN MARTIN BACK
Dustin Martin will return when Richmond chase its first win since the season resumption against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
Martin missed the Tigers’ Round 3 loss to Hawthorn with bruised ribs but Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said the star midfielder would be among three or four inclusions this week.
“He trained Tuesday, he’ll train today,” Hardwick told reporters on Thursday. “So our information is that he’ll play.”
Hardwick said Richmond hadn’t wanted to risk Martin if he wasn’t able to play to his capabilities.
“I think the week off no doubt helped him,” he said.
“From our point of view it was always touch and go last week - that he’s such an important player to the way we play, we just want to make sure he’s right.”
The Tigers will welcome back tenacious utility Liam Baker, who also missed the Hawthorn clash to return to Western Australia for a funeral.
Hardwick defended key forward Jack Riewoldt, who has been goalless in his two games since the season resumption.
“The key forwards in general have been struggling throughout the league at the moment, so we’re not too worried about it,” Hardwick said.
“The sky’s certainly not falling down from our point of view.”
FANTASIA PUSHES FOR BOMBERS RETURN
Essendon goalkicker Orazio Fantasia will be given the green light to light up the MCG against Carlton on Saturday night if he completes Thursday’s main training session.
Fantasia (quad) has not played since Round 1 back in March but is closing in on a return in what has been a bizarre week for the Bombers.
Joe Daniher won’t play a scratch match this week but, while the club has not placed a time frame on his return, those close to the cursed spearhead suspect he could return in a practice match next month.
The Bombers have couriered exercise bikes and weights to the homes of quarantined pair Conor McKenna and James Stewart.
The club will also send out treadmills if they fit in their apartments.
Health authorities cleared the Bombers – excluding McKenna and Stewart – to leave their homes on Tuesday, and players were instructed to complete a running session.
They were also told to complete an indoor session on Monday.
Bombers fitness staff believe the players only effectively missed one block of work, that being the postponed game against Melbourne.
New assistant coach Blake Caracella has helped bring a Richmond feel to Essendon’s aggressive ball movement in 2020, but Worsfold said the stop-start season had curbed the learning of the fresh game plan.
“We want to get out there and train really well to keep building on the game plan that we’ve been working on over the whole summer and leading into this season,” Worsfold said.
“We’ve only played it twice and we’ve got a lot of improvement to go. The players are really keen and they’re enjoying the challenging of this game plan and looking forward to having another crack it.”
The Bombers have never played Carlton under coach David Teague. The Blues sacked Brendon Bolton after last year’s 41-point loss to Worsfold’s team.
WILL PIES TAKE PUNT ON TRELOAR?
Collingwood will weigh up leaving Adam Treloar out of the senior team for another week as he fights his way back from a run of soft tissue problems.
But GWS is likely to name its three injured superstars — Toby Greene, Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield — for Friday night’s blockbuster against the Pies.
And Dustin Martin is set to give Richmond a must-needed boost as it attempts to break out of a form slump against St Kilda.
Treloar and spearhead Mason Cox are not yet guaranteed to come into the Magpies team after playing in a “leftovers” practice match last Saturday.
Treloar could be given another scratch match tune-up after an interrupted summer instead of facing his old side. Missing the plane flight to Giants Stadium on the day of the game could also be a welcome bonus for Treloar after numerous hamstring and calf setbacks.
It means the jet ballwinner could instead look ahead to making his return against arch rival Essendon the following week.
Richmond’s physical performance manager Peter Burge said a call was made late last week to pull Martin out of the clash against Hawthorn due to a rib injury.
“This week, he’ll resume training and we’ll assess how he trains during the week but I’m pretty confident we’ll see him playing again on the weekend,” he said.
RUCKMAN’S RETURN BOOSTS SWANS
The Sydney Swans have received a huge boost for Thursday night’s SCG blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs, with hulking ruckman Sam Naismith cleared to return from injury.
The 206cm giant has not played since the competition restart due to hamstring problems, just another frustrating chapter in his long history of ailments which have sidelined him for the past three seasons.
It means Bulldogs beanpole Tim English face a tough task against the Swans’ tandem ruck outfit of Naismith and Callum Sinclair.
The 27-year-old is busting to make up for lost time and comes into the Swans line-up as one of three changes, alongside Ben Ronke and Justin McInerney — a popular KFC SuperCoach pick who was omitted as a late change last week.
The Bulldogs will blood their third debutant of the season with first-year defender Louis Butler receiving a call-up. Father-son youngster Rhylee West and recalled midfielder Patrick Lipinski round out the Dogs’ inclusions.
Injured star Josh Dunkley and hard nut Lin Jong are forced outs with veteran Matt Suckling axed by coach Luke Beveridge after a 12-disposal outing against GWS last week.
Naismith was immense for Sydney in Round 1, leading the Swans to a morale-boosting win over Adelaide.
“He’s been frustrated. To miss almost two years of footy and get the opportunity against Adelaide and play a really important role for us only to have another lay-off was disappointing,” said Swans’ assistant coach and ruck great, Dean Cox.
“He certainly feels he’s done all he can to get back and be available.”
“I think part of the rehab is making sure his leg strength is at a suitable level and that was the focus coming off the ACL (last year),” said Cox.
“He won’t be getting too much heavier. His athleticism and jump and speed is too important. He’s really adhered to the program and hopefully it pays dividends when he gets back.”
The Swans have lost Tom McCartin to concussion, while Sam Gray and Colin O’Riordan have been left out of the side that beat the Kangaroos.
FULL AFL INJURY LIST
ADELAIDE
Midfielder Rory Atkins sustained a shoulder injury in the Crows’ heavy loss to Gold Coast to further compound their woes. He will be assessed this week but is likely to miss several games. Fellow onballer Brad Crouch suffered a cut eye but was able to play on. Last week’s news Wayne Milera would miss at least two months with a stress fracture in his foot was a blow for a club already battling through the early rounds. Forward Tyson Stengle is still sidelined due to a club suspension, while Riley Knight is close to returning. A major issue for the Crows is they are relatively healthy but still struggling.
INJURIES
R. Atkins (shoulder) TBA
W. Milera (foot) 8-9
R. Knight (achilles) 1-2
P.Wilson (shoulder) TBA
BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions can keep the momentum going against a dispirited Adelaide this Sunday at the Gabba with Dayne Zorko and Stefan Martin set to bolster the line-up. Zorko was a late withdrawal from the win against West Coast but Hugh McCluggage (26 disposals) and Jarrod Berry (three goals) stepped up to fill the void. Martin’s absence in the ruck was noticeable with Nic Naitanui dominating Archie Smith and Oscar McInerney.
INJURIES
D.Zorko (achilles) test
S.Martin (hamstring) test
M.Adams (foot) indefinite
CARLTON
More positives for the Blues with flying midfielder Zac Fisher in contention to face Essendon after overcoming a syndesmosis injury he suffered in Round 1. The Blues said it was still to be determined whether Fisher would be eased back after their victory over Geelong, but he will play some football this weekend. Tom De Koning showed pleasing signs in the scratch match against the Cats after overcoming an ankle injury, but is behind Marc Pittonet in the ruck pecking order after his outstanding start to life as a Blue. Defender Caleb Marchbank will start skills work this week as he recovers from a knee injury.
INJURIES
Z.Fisher (ankle) available
P.Dow (knee) 1-2
C.Marchbank (knee) 3-4
M.Kreuzer (foot) indefinite
B.Kemp (ACL) indefinite
C.Curnow (knee) season
N.Newman (knee) season
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies are flying. And things might be about to get even better. Both Adam Treloar and Mason Cox are in the mix to return this week against the Giants. However, given the fact that the game is on the road and both players have had tough runs on the injury front, another week on the sidelines could be on the cards as the club plays it safe. If Cox plays, expect Darcy Cameron to come out. If Treloar plays, Nathan Buckley faces a very tough call on who to drop. Could one of Tyler or Callum Brown be forced out? Competition for spots is hot in the black and white.
INJURIES
A.Treloar (calf) test
L.Greenwood (calf) 1-3
B.Reid (calf) 1-3
T.Langdon (knee) indefinite
D.Beams (mental health) indefinite
ESSENDON
You know it’s been a big week when the captain suffering a serious injury isn’t even on the radar after a few days. But here is where things stand at the Bombers. Conor McKenna will be in isolation for two weeks after testing positive for coronavirus. He will be joined by James Stewart after the two were wrestling partners at a training session which fell into the “close contact” bracket. Meanwhile, Dyson Heppell will be out of action for some time after suffering an ankle injury late last week. There is never a dull moment at Essendon.
INJURIES
O.Fantasia (quad) test
S.Draper (knee) test
N.Gown (foot) test
K.Mutch (wrist) 3-4
L.Johnson (knee) 10-12
J.Daniher (groin) indefinite
T.Hird (foot) season
FREMANTLE
Round 1 rising star Sam Sturt will be missing for a while after sustaining an ankle injury in the loss to Port Adelaide. The Dockers expect veteran Stephen Hill to play against Gold Coast after he was a late withdrawal due to a corked calf. Hill has had a wretched run with injury but was in line to play his first game of the season before being hurt at training. Fremantle didn’t have a scratch match in the Queensland hub during Round 3.
INJURIES
S.Darcy (knee) test
S.Hill (calf) test
B.Acres (calf) 1
L.Henry (knee) 2
S.Sturt (ankle) 3-5
S.Giro (ankle) TBA
S.Switkowski (back) TBA
A.Pearce (ankle) TBA
J.Hamling (ankle) TBA
GEELONG
Not only did the Cats put in a shocker on their home deck, they were also hit hard on the injury front. Luke Dahlhaus (concussion), Sam Menegola (hip) and Rhys Stanley (knee) all finished the night in the injury ward. Of the trio, Stanley is the most likely to miss Sunday’s clash against Melbourne. From a performance perspective, Jed Bews is an interesting case. He was quiet for three quarters (and had plenty of mates) but when things were busted open he appeared to thrive. Does he need to play a more attacking role? Jack Steven will be better for the run while Brandan Parfitt (a late withdrawal last week with hamstring soreness) and Jordan Clark should be in the selection mix.
INJURIES
R.Stanley (knee) TBC
J.Jenkins (back) test
O.Brownless (shoulder) TBC
L.Dahlhaus (concussion) test
S.Menegola (back) test
B.Parfitt (hamstring) test
S.Okunbor (achilles) season
J.Tarca (quad) TBC
GOLD COAST
The biggest sign that the Suns have turned the corner comes at selection. They have depth. Young midfielder Brayden Fiorini couldn’t crack Sunday’s side that smashed the Crows despite being one of the club’s most encouraging players over the past 12 months. It might also be another week on the sidelines for the young gun. Why would Stuart Dew change a side that is coming off its most dominant performance in years? To make things even better, Izak Rankine is off the injury list but the gun youngster will need to build up match fitness.
INJURIES
A.Miles (hamstring) 1-2
G.Horlin-Smith (foot) TBA
M.Riordan (ACL) season
GWS GIANTS
Another year, another tough injury run for the Giants. How many of the club’s big names will be right for this week’s crunch clash against Collingwood? All of Toby Greene (knee), Josh Kelly (calf) and Lachie Whitfield (concussion) will have to get through training, but Greene declared “I’m all good” on Tuesday and said of his two sore teammates: “They’ll get picked. They’re good to go, I’m fairly certain.” Jackson Hately was a late in for Kelly but after 21 touches, he may keep his place regardless. Zac Langdon should be nervous after just four touches.
INJURIES
T.Greene (knee) test
J.Kelly (calf) test
L.Whitfield (concussion) test
B.Daniels (concussion) test
M.Flynn (knee) 1
T.Taranto (shoulder) 2-4
T.Hutchesson (hamstring) 3
S.Reid (calf) 3-5
HAWTHORN
Fresh off a Friday night footy smashing of the reigning premier, it’s hard to see why Alastair Clarkson would be keen to make any changes to this team. That means Paul Puopolo, who was a late out for the Tigers clash, will likely now face more time on the sidelines. The other name to watch is Ricky Henderson, who suffered a leg injury on Friday.
INJURIES
C.Jiath (hamstring) test
J.Impey (ACL) 2-4
P.Puopolo (calf) test
D.Howe (plantar fascia) indefinite
W.Golds (ACL) season
MELBOURNE
The big question at the Demons is, what does Sunday’s postponed match mean for Nathan Jones? The former skipper was dropped for the clash against the Bombers but the club also mentioned that he had been managing some soreness. Has the week off earnt him an immediate call-up? The Dees played a scratch match among themselves at the MCG on Sunday. “I think we all managed to come with the right attitude, which was important,” skipper Max Gawn said. “It wasn’t easy mentally … game day is the thing you miss for 12 weeks then it finally comes back then it gets taken away from you again.” Defender Marty Hore has been sidelined indefinitely after tearing a quad tendon in the gym while recovering from a broken toe.
INJURIES
B.Preuss (achilles) 3-4
M.Hore (toe/quad) indefinite
H.Petty (groin) indefinite
K.Kolodjashnij (head) indefinite
A.Nietschke (knee) season
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Roos will be desperate to get star midfielder Ben Cunnington straight back into their side after he was a late out with a back complaint for the Sydney clash. He was replaced in the senior side by Aiden Bonar, who had just eight touches and could find his stay in the ones a short one. Marley Williams will be the other name to keep an eye on, with the tough defender making his way back from an early season suspension. Meanwhile, young gun Jack Mahony was best on ground in the club’s scratch match against the Bulldogs on Friday night.
INJURIES
B.Cunnington (back) test
L.Davies-Uniacke (groin) TBC
M.Daw (pectoral) 1
T.Garner (hamstring) 4-5
B.Jacobs (concussion) indefinite
N.Larkey (foot) 2-3
F.Perez (knee) TBC
K.Turner (foot) 2-3
D.Tyson (calf) test
E.Vickers-Willis (turf toe) 2-3
C.Comben (back/knee) TBC
PORT ADELAIDE
Xavier Duursma will miss at least the next three games after suffering a hamstring strain in Port Adelaide’s win over Fremantle. The news isn’t all bad for the Power though, with young gun Ryan Burton to resume running this week after minor knee surgery. The club is hopeful he can return to senior action in two to three weeks.
INJURIES
X.Duursma (hamstring) 3-4
R.Burton (knee) 2-3
W.Drew (foot) 4-6
RICHMOND
The good news is Dustin Martin will train this week and is expected to return from a rib injury, although if he is 100 per cent is another question. Dion Prestia should also get up after copping a corkie against Hawthorn. There are a number of players out of form, with small forwards Jason Castagna (apart from a couple of last-quarter goals against the Hawks) and Dan Rioli struggling to get near it – but there’s no Dan Butler in the wings this year. Jack Ross, Jack Graham and Sydney Stack are feeling the selection heat, and Marlion Pickett has struggled to have an impact since Round 1. In more positive news, Liam Baker has returned from a trip to WA for personal reasons, Kamdyn McIntosh is available if needed and draftee Thomson Dow is impressing onlookers in practice matches. Could Toby Nankervis get a call-up to take on the Paddy Ryder-Rowan Marshall combo?
INJURIES
D.Martin (ribs) test
W.Martyn (foot) 3-4
B.Nyuon (shoulder) 3-4
N.Cumberland (knee) season
ST KILDA
The Saints came back to earth with a thud against the Magpies, who didn’t give them any room to move – a template Richmond would have studied closely this week, although this game will be back on more favourable turf at Marvel Stadium. The injury list is short, with skipper Jarryn Geary a chance to return from a hamstring problem. Jonathan Marsh came in for Geary last week and did a good job effectively tagging Jeremy Howe. Could he do a similar job on someone like Bachar Houli? Nick Hind (four disposals) could be in danger if Brett Ratten wants to give Jack Sinclair or Josh Battle a go.
INJURIES
J.Geary (hamstring) test
O.Clavarino (hamstring) test
D.Joyce (hamstring) test
SYDNEY
Sydney’s tall forward stocks have taken another hit with Tom McCartin ruled out of this week’s game against Western Bulldogs due to concussion. The Swans said the short turnaround from their win over North Melbourne to Thursday’s Round 4 opener against the Bulldogs was not enough time for McCartin to recover after suffering a knock in the last quarter on Saturday’s win. Ruckman Sam Naismith will play his first game since footy’s return after stepping up his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Swans are hopeful defender Kaiden Brand will return quickly after injuring his ankle at training, while Lance Franklin and Sam Reid are making steady progress.
INJURIES
B.Ronke (knee) available
S.Naismith (hamstring) test
T.McCartin (concussion) indefinite
K.Brand (ankle) TBC
S.Reid (calf) 2-3
L.Franklin (hamstring) 6-7
WEST COAST
West Coast is having a tough time of it in their Gold Coast hub and can’t wait to get back home, where crowds of between 30,000 and 60,000 will be waiting. Now that is something to look forward to. If some Eagles think their hub is cursed, they had more evidence when Jeremy McGovern hurt his ankle playing in a scratch match while he served a one-match suspension for striking. He was using crutches and a moon boot on Monday but could get up to face Port Adelaide on Saturday.
INJURIES
E.Yeo (shoulder) – test
J.McGovern (ankle) – test
L.Ryan (corked calf) – test
J.Cameron (groin) – test
N.Reid (hamstring) – test
C.Jamieson (shoulder) test
B.Johnson (shoulder) – 2-3
M.Hutchings (knee) – 3-4
M.O’Neill (back) – indefinite
D.Venables (concussion) – season
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WESTERN BULLDOGS
Western Bulldogs will be without midfield general Josh Dunkley for at least the next six weeks due to a syndesmosis injury he suffered in the final seconds of the club’s win over GWS Giants. The blow will likely result in greater midfield time for star Jack Macrae, who has been used largely on a wing in the opening rounds. Suspended onballer Lachie Hunter featured for North Melbourne in a scratch match at the weekend as he looks to maintain match fitness during his four-game ban. Captain Easton Wood is likely to miss at least a few more weeks with a quad injury, but the Dogs will have their third debutant for the season in 18-year-old running defender Louis Butler, who was pick 53 in last year’s draft.
INJURIES
B.Cavarra (hand) 1-2
E.Wood (quad) 2-3
T.Duryea (quad) 2-3
J.Dunkley (ankle) 6
R.Garcia (knee) indefinite