Nat Fyfe is out and will miss a “few weeks” due to a hamstring injury, while the big inclusions from Thursday’s team announcements includes two more debutants and Tim Taranto’s return.

KEY INS
Ned Cahill, Cody Weightman, Tim Taranto, Elijah Taylor, Aiden Bonar, Luke Shuey, Mitch Georgiades (26), Sam Mayes (26), Tom Rockliff (26), Matthew Cottrell (26), Callum Moore (26), Sam Philp (26), Luke Jackson (26), Darren Minchington (26), Harry Jones (26), Michael Frederick (26), Tobe Watson (26), Lloyd Meek (26), Xavier O’Neill (26)

Three debutants have been officially named this round, while there’s a bunch of others who could deputise if they survived the cut from their 26-man squads.

Port have named popular forward Mitch Georgiades (AF $258k SC $130k FWD) who hasn’t played since a good debut in Round One, so some coaches will be hoping he makes the final cut.

Pricey mid Tim Taranto (AF $835k SC $555k MID) is one to put on the watchlist if his price drops.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said: “Tim Taranto played last week in the reserves against Hawthorn. He really cracked in.”

KEY OUTS
Louis Butler, Tom Green, Callan Ward, Josh Kennedy, Isaac Heeney, Brayden Fiorini, Jon Patton, Brad Ebert, Nat Fyfe

The Dockers ruled out well-owned mid Nat Fyfe (AF $714k SC $639k MID) earlier in the day, with the Brownlow medallist set to miss several games.

Freo Football GM Peter Bell said: “The scan indicated that he has a small strain to his right hamstring in a different area to the previous one, so unfortunately he will miss this week and potentially a few more games after that.

“Nat will get stuck into his rehabilitation and, hopefully, we’ll see him in a few weeks.”

NOT PICKED
John Noble, Darcy Cameron, Jarrod Brander, Justin McInerney

RETAINED
Stephen Coniglio, Brandon Starcevich, Curtis Taylor, Chad Warner, Connor Budarick, Daniel Lloyd, Jonathon Ceglar

Jonathon Ceglar (AF $571k SC $415k RUCK) has been named but may still miss due to a toe complaint, although they’ve not named another ruckman in their 26.

Hawks GM of Football Graham Wright said: “Scans have revealed a small crack in the bone in Jon’s toe. It’s only a minor issue and there’s still a good chance he might be right to go by Sunday’s game.”

Curtis Taylor (AF $379k SC $276k FWD) was cleared of a facial fracture earlier in the week and is good to go.

Daniel Lloyd (AF $413k SC $284k FWD) has been named but faces a test for GWS after his concussion last round, which could open the door for an emergency, with Jackson Hately (AF $479k SC $324K MID) probably the most likely replacement.

DEBUTANTS
Elijah Taylor (AF $200k SC $117k MID/FWD) has been named by Sydney to make his debut on Saturday against the Gold Coast.

Taylor was pick 36 at the 2019 AFL Draft and is a 188cm “excitement machine”, according to the club’s General Manager – Recruiting and List Strategy Kinnear Beatson.

As flagged on Wednesday, Ned Cahill (AF $170k SC $117k MID/FWD) will make his Essendon debut on Friday night against the Dogs.

Bombers coach John Worsfold said: “Ned is an exciting young player. We’ve been really impressed with how he’s been going about his training since he joined the club.” He’s a clever goalsneak and was pick No.56 in 2019 AFL Draft.

The debut of Cody Weightman (AF $242k SC $144k FWD) was confirmed by the Western Bulldogs on Wednesday. He’s a small forward, pick 15 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft and has impressed through the pre-season and practice games.

TOMORROW
Coaches David Teague, Alistair Clarkson, Adam Simpson and Ken Hinkley will all speak to the press, while our Sunday teams will be confirmed and Monday (Adelaide-St Kilda) squads will be announced.