AFL Now: Latest updates, injury and team news on Wednesday ahead of Gather Round
It’s been a tough week to be a fan of the Crows, but some good news is finally on deck as Adelaide prepares to open Gather Round in a blockbuster against the Cats.
Izak Rankine has been named to play in Thursday night’s blockbuster against Geelong to open Gather Round.
The star Crow had some injury concerns leading into the week, having suffered a knock to the calf, but coach Matthew Nicks has named his gun on the forward flank.
Midfielder Matt Crouch has returned, while Zac Taylor will get his first look in the senior side this season.
RECAP FOOTY’S BIGGEST NEWS OF THE DAY BELOW.
James Borlase, who came in two weeks ago to replace defender Nick Murray, has been omitted alongside forward Lachie Murphy.
Meanwhile the Cats have recalled Mark Blicavs after he was a late withdrawal in round 4.
The veteran tall was ill on the day of the game, with Rhys Stanley replacing Blicavs in the senior side.
Stanley’s strong performance against Max Gawn has meant the ruck has kept his spot, with Sam De Koning named at full back alongside Blicavs.
The duo of key defenders will have their hands full without Jack Henry, who has been sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Adelaide will enter the contest with its dangerous key forward trio thriving, with Riley Thilthorpe (14 goals) currently equal leading the Coleman Medal, while Darcy Fogarty (12) and Taylor Walker (10) are not far behind.
Young Cats midfielder Mitch Knevitt will also return to Geelong’s side after being managed with a foot complaint last week, replacing Ted Clohesy who was impressive in the win.
West Coast is set to drop Tim Kelly to the WAFL this week after a poor start to the season.
The axing, which will be confirmed when teams are announced on Thursday night, is the first big move made by new coach Andrew McQualter.
Kelly had a 29-disposal outing in the close loss to Brisbane in round 2, but has not been at his prolific best, having just 14, 18 and 14 touches in the other three games this season.
Kelly’s manager Anthony Van Der Wielen said in a statement that Kelly was confident he could return to his best.
“He’s obviously disappointed about that but understands the decision and knows his form hasn’t been at the level he expects of himself,” he said.
“He sees this as an opportunity to reset, build confidence, and hopefully push straight back into senior selection.
“Tim’s a proud player and a leader. One of the most driven and self-aware athletes I’ve worked with. He is very confident he can get back to his best form very soon.”
Kelly said in February he had fallen out of love with football after being linked with a move to Fremantle in the off-season.
“To be honest, for me it’s about honing in on what I’ve got to do, get my body right … my love of the game hasn’t been great over the last couple of years,” Kelly said in February.
“There’s a lot of contract talk and this and that but I’m trying to love the game again. Hopefully that comes.
“It’s been a tough few years. I’m not the only one.”
West Coast will confirm Saturday’s squad on Thursday night, with Kelly to suit up for the WAFL side on Friday night.
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