Selection whispers: Follow all the latest selection buzz ahead of Round 1

Collingwood has announced one of its father-sons will make his debut in the club’s Round 1 blockbuster against Western Bulldogs. Follow all the latest selection buzz.

Collingwood will unleash father-son Tyler Brown in its season opener against Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley confirmed on Wednesday the 20-year-old midfielder would play his first game for the club where his dad Gavin is revered as a great.

“If we play he’ll play,” Buckley said.

“That’s probably the weirdest way to play your first game if it happens.

“We announced that to the playing group this morning … that’s the environment, no one gets to choose what happens around them but I’m pretty sure if we’re playing on Friday night that Tyler isn’t going to mind too much.

.@ncb_cfc has just revealed that Tyler Brown will make his debut for the Pies if round one goes ahead on Friday night. pic.twitter.com/CUKsK19epg

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 18, 2020

But Geelong will be without star recruit Jack Steven when it takes on GWS as it takes a cautious approach with the former Saint after a pre-season calf setback.

In more positive news for the Cats, captain Joel Selwood and Mitch Duncan will be named.

Greater Western Sydney is set to blood academy star Tom Green against Geelong, while Jack Martin and Jack Newnes will play their first match in navy blue when Carlton takes on Richmond on Thursday.

Sam Petrevski-Seton has also proved his fitness for Round 1.

“Jack Martin and Jack Newnes will debut for the Carlton Football Club. That’s really exciting,” Blues coach David Teague said.

“Samo played (VFL) last week for a half and he’ll be selected.”

We know it’s a weird time but at the moment but so far it’s business as usual and that means we have some very exciting news for your Wednesday.

Canberra’s own Tom Green will make his debut in round one and has also extended his contract with the club for a further two years! pic.twitter.com/nzKB9otM4M

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) March 18, 2020

On his debut, No. 10 draft pick Green told media: “It might be a bit strange in a closed stadium but I’m just pumped to play. The season’s here and everyone’s just keen to get out there.”

In other selection news, Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers is set to play in the Bombers’ season opener against Fremantle on Saturday.

The 30-year-old underwent knee surgery last month and faced an uphill battle to be available for the start of the season.

But Bombers coach John Worsfold confirmed his big man was set to meet the Dockers at an empty Marvel Stadium this weekend.

“He is available for selection, which is great news for us,” he said.

“We’re mapping out what it looks like for him.

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Conor McKenna returned to training earlier this month. Picture: AAP Images

“Initially we were mapping out how do we get him through 22 rounds, but that’s changed.

“His availability is slightly different now in terms of our confidence of bringing him straight in has probably moved a little bit.”

Worsfold also declared Irishman Conor McKenna and forward Jake Stringer were available for selection following interrupted pre-seasons.

“Conor in particular has had an interrupted last three or four weeks, but he’s back and looks really fresh and ready to go.

“We’ll just weigh up whether we think he’s ready to step in and play in the senior side this week.

“Jake hasn’t missed a beat this pre-season until missing the last couple of practice games, but he’s ready to go.”

Swingman Cale Hooker (hip) and James Stewart (groin) will not play in Round 1, but both are said to be a week away from a return.

The Bombers are expecting to play this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the world.

The Essendon coach said he had experienced some strange events in his career but nothing like this.

“I’ve played in a grand final (in 1991) that wasn’t played at the MCG and I’ve played through pilot strikes where I’ve had to catch small planes that have landed a few times across the country,” Worsfold said.

“So we’ve had some situations that have been unusual, and when I landed at Essendon we had a lot of players unavailable for that year and we had to recruit to get our list numbers up.

“This is at another level, but it’s Round 1 and the players have done a mountain of work and they’re excited about playing.”

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HOULI TO MISS SEASON OPENER

Richmond defender Bachar Houli will miss Thursday night’s season opener against Carlton after straining his calf.

Houli suffered the injury during a training session this morning.

He will have scans, with the Tigers unsure of the extent of the injury.

Thursday night’s clash is still scheduled to go ahead despite the coronavirus crisis.

Originally published as Selection whispers: Follow all the latest selection buzz ahead of Round 1