Brandon Starcevich returned to boost AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach benches, while Mitch Hibberd and Jordon Butts were among the popular rookies to make way and Brad Close looks set to join them.

TEAM NEWS

Ins: M.Hurley, J.Laverde, M.Redman, Michael Hibberd, D.Talia, D.Mackay, T.Walker, D.Astbury, M.Chol, S.Edwards, J.Caddy, S.Martin, L.McCarthy, B.Starcevich, J.Martin, M.Pittonet, M.Kennedy, C.Polson

Outs: Mitch Hibberd (omitted), A.Phillips (omitted), J.Townsend (omitted), N.Jetta (omitted), J.Butts (omitted), B.Gibbs (retired), B.Frampton (omitted), O.Markov (omitted), T.Lynch (hamstring), I.Soldo (knee), S.Bolton (calf), N.Answerth (managed), M.Hinge (omitted), A.Smith (omitted), L.O’Brien (omitted), S.Docherty (calf), W.Setterfield (calf), Z.Fisher (shoulder)

There’s no major selection shocks although there’s a few notable issues which may impact rookie cover on your bench.

Mitch Hibberd (AF $371k SC $244k MID) misses out for Essendon, while Sam Draper (AF $421k SC $337k RUCK) holds as Essendon lone ruckman with Andrew Phillips (AF $473k SC $376k RUCK) dropped.

Jordon Butts (AF $201k SC $142k DEF) drops out for Adelaide as expected with Daniel Talia (AF $312k SC $306k DEF) returning, while Shane Edwards (AF $516k SC $428k DEF/MID) is the big inclusion for Richmond.

Popular early season pick Brandon Starcevich (AF $317k SC $282k DEF) returns for Brisbane after concussion and Keidean Coleman (AF $301k SC $194k MID/FWD) holds his spot again.

Sam Docherty (AF $571k SC $450k DEF) is out injured, with Jack Martin (AF $537k SC $391k MID/FWD) getting a crack after his calf injury while Tom De Koning (AF $334k SC $248k RUCK) holds but Marc Pittonet (AF $425k SC $305k RUCK) returns to split ruck duties.

CLOSE CALL

Geelong coach Chris Scott has confirmed Gary Ablett (AF $553k SC $417k FWD) and Joel Selwood (AF $501k SC $375k MID) will return for Sunday’s clash with Sydney, but there’s another addition which could force out a popular AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach option.

Last round’s late withdrawal Gary Rohan (AF $447k SC $394k FWD) looks set to play, forcing out Bradley Close.

Scott said: “Best guess is Rohan will be available to play… Everything points to him being available to play.”

Jack Steven (AF $664k SC $409k MID/FWD) is also “available” after his jaw issue.

OTHERS

Dogs coach Luke Beveridge wouldn’t explicitly say it but Easton Wood (AF $362k SC $290k DEF) looks certain to return from a hamstring inury

Beveridge said: “He’s definitely available but I won’t give you the team. He’s up for selection.”

TOMORROW

John Worsfold and Nathan Buckley are due to speak to the media while we’ll get a flux on Saturday games and Sunday teams.

On a separate note this is our last Daily Selection News story for the year, so thanks so much for reading and we’ll hopefully be back bigger and better next year. If you’ve enjoyed our service, please support us by donating via the link below. Thanks again for reading!