KFC SuperCoach 2023: Elliot Yeo injury news and all the late mail for round 1

More injury news has thrown a spanner into KFC SuperCoach plans but there is good news in the form of some early tip-offs on round 1 team selection. LATEST WHISPERS

West Coast has suffered a major blow on the eve of the season with Elliot Yeo ruled out of round 1.

And one emergency plan for KFC SuperCoach has to be abandoned after news out of Geelong on Thursday morning.

Jack Bowes ($277,500 DEF) showed his scoring potential in Geelong’s first practice match and could have been a perfect get-out-of-jail swap for Yeo, but the Cats have ruled him out of round 1 with “a minor calf niggle”.

He is expected to return to face Carlton in round 2.

There is good news, however, with a wave of debutants being announced ahead of the season opener.

The Lions surprised nobody by confirming Will Ashcroft ($202,800 MID), the most popular player in KFC SuperCoach – currently sitting in an astonishing 79 per cent of teams – will make his debut against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

We can also confidently pick rookies Harry Sheezel ($198,300 FWD), Alwyn Davey Jr ($117,300 MID/FWD) and Cam Mackenzie ($180,300 MID) knowing they will be in the 26 when teams drop at 6.20pm AEDT on Thursday.

Hawthorn has confirmed ruck recruit Lloyd Meek will play against the Bombers in round 1. Picture: David Crosling

We can add Fergus Greene ($123,900 FWD) to that list. He played five games for the Bulldogs in 2018 and will play his first AFL game in almost five years when the Hawks face Essendon on Sunday.

Club debuts have also announced for players including Brodie Grundy (Melbourne), Lachie Hunter (Melbourne), Tanner Bruhn (Geelong), Ollie Henry (Geelong), Jayden Hunt (West Coast) and Lloyd Meek (Hawthorn).

The former Dockers big man could offer a bargain ruck option in KFC SuperCoach, starting at $431,100 after averaging 87 in six matches last season.

“Having been a player in high demand during the trade period, we were delighted Lloyd wanted to come to Hawthorn to elevate his career,” Hawks football manager Rob McCartney said.

“At just 24 years of age, Lloyd is a ready-made ruckman and has been a valuable addition to our ruck stocks – we are very confident he will make the most of his role.”

The key to Meek’s scoring potential is whether Hawthorn names one of its other rucks – Ned Reeves or Max Lynch – in the same team. If Meek is rucking solo, it could throw KFC SuperCoach plans up in the air – again.

Yeo injury news blows up SuperCoach

KFC SuperCoach teams were thrown into chaos on Wednesday with news Elliot Yeo had suffered yet another injury setback.

Yeo, a two-time All-Australian and dual best-and-fairest winner, had enjoyed a strong pre-season after multiple seasons wrecked by injuries.

Last season he played just five matches as he was hit by calf and hamstring setbacks. He has also battled ongoing groin issues that restricted him to just 12 matches in 2021 and 10 in the shortened 2020 season.

Yeo is one of the most selected players in KFC SuperCoach, sitting in more than half of the 150,000 registered teams and loomed as a potential bargain given his elite talent when fit.

Those plans were scrambled on Wednesday when the Eagles revealed Yeo had reported a calf problem at training on Tuesday and scans revealed a small strain.

Elliot Yeo has suffered an injury on the eve of the season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

Elliot Yeo missing Round 1 with a calf injury.. some things never change🤦🏼‍♂️ @FootyRhino

Time to re-jig!#SuperCoach | #AFLFantasy

— Fantasy Take TV📺 (@FantasyTakeTV) March 15, 2023

“While it is disappointing for Elliot and the club that he won’t play against North Melbourne, we are taking a no-risk approach with a full season ahead of him,” football manager Gavin Bell said.

“As our senior coach Adam Simpson has mentioned previously, it is not unexpected that some players returning from long-term injury issues could face some hurdles on their paths back to playing regular senior football.

“Encouragingly, Elliot has enjoyed an excellent pre-season to this point. We are optimistic this is only a minor speed bump and expect he will be back in action soon.”

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2023: Elliot Yeo injury news and all the late mail for round 1