AFL teams: Archie Roberts named for Essendon debut against Fremantle
Essendon will finally unveil an exciting left-footer on Sunday as the Bombers hope to revive their season against Fremantle.
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Essendon will unveil only its second debutant of the season among four changes as coach Brad Scott rolls the dice in a bid to revive the Bombers’ finals push.
No. 54 pick Archie Roberts will be blooded in Sunday’s MCG clash against Fremantle as Nick Bryan was picked for just his second senior game in 2024.
The ruckman comes into the Bombers’ side at the expense of Peter Wright, who has again been dropped along with veteran Dyson Heppell after the pair earned a short reprieve against St Kilda.
Jake Kelly and Alwyn Davey Jr were also confirmed to face the Dockers, who replaced suspended Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe with Neil Erasmus.
Roberts, 18 has played 14 games at VFL level this season and in his last four has averaged 27 disposals and five marks per game.
The left-footer will follow No. 10 pick Nate Caddy in receiving a chance at the senior level for the Bombers this season.
Veteran forward Jack Gunston will return for his first game since round 17 at Manuka Oval when Hawthorn meets GWS in a finals-shaping clash on Sunday.
Gunston will replace omitted tagger Finn Maginness, and coach Sam Mitchell could have a defensive role in mind for the 32-year-old after he kept GWS star defender Sam Taylor quiet and kicked three goals of his own in their last meeting.
The Giants have turned to third-game tall Max Gruzewski to replace the injured Jake Riccardi.
Mattaes Phillipou and Paddy Dow will return to bolster St Kilda’s midfield despite the loss of the injured Hunter Clark, with Hugo Garcia also making way from the Saints’ side.
Ross Lyon’s in-form side will face Brisbane at Marvel Stadium, with the Lions’ backline regaining Harris Andrews after he missed the win over Gold Coast due to concussion.
Originally published as AFL teams: Archie Roberts named for Essendon debut against Fremantle
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