Friday’s teams dropped with Jordan Clark omitted for Geelong while Dustin Martin returned, plus there’s some injury doubt around Liam Duggan and the Bulldogs confirmed a debutant.
TEAMS
Ins: Martin, Vlastuin, Simpson, Higgins
Outs: Grimes, Naish, Cotchin, Miers, Clark, Narkle
Holds: Collier-Dawkins, Mansell
Emergencies/possible subs: Ralphsmith, Martyn, Coleman-Jones, Clark, Holmes
Jordan Clark (AF $408k SC $275k D/M) is the big casualty, dropped by the Cats, while Dustin Martin (AF $637k SC $482k M/F) is back for Richmond.
DEBUTANT ALERT
Buku Khamis (AF $170k SC $123k DEF) will debut for the Dogs. The key defender was selected in the 2018 rookie draft.
UPDATES
Levi Greenwood (AF $370k SC $276k MID) appears to still be in some doubt as HP manager Kevin White explains: “moving through a cautious approach with concussion due to history. In the process of increasing training after approvals from doctors.”
This may impact the selection of Finlay Macrae (AF $253k SC $137k M/F) and Jay Rantall (AF $173k SC $123k MID) selection.
Josh Daicos (AF $522k SC $369k M/F) did not attend Collingwood training today. He was said to be at home with gastro and is in doubt for this weekend.
Jeremy Howe (AF $603k SC $475k DEF) is creeping closer to a return as he targets a Round 9 return. Pies HP Manager Kevin White said: “He completed solid football session last Saturday. Progressing into high speed work this week and will look to play in Round 9 against Sydney.”
Andrew Phillips (AF $518k SC $353k RUCK) is expected to be available along with Aaron Francis (AF $377k SC 347k DEF). These two selections could have an impact on Nick Bryan (AF $195k SC $123k RUCK) in regards to selection but also Jordan Ridley (AF $652k SC $540k DEF) who could be freed up with Francis back in defence.
Ridley’s only game without Francis came last week where he was able to take just 5 marks, his lowest in any game this season.
Matthew Flynn (AF $394k SC $273k RUCK) looks unlikely to be used this week by the Giants as Mumford looks likely to play again. Braydon Preuss (AF $377k SC $303k RUCK) is listed as 3-5 weeks away with shoulder injury, meaning few games possibly left for Flynn.
Tom Barrass (AF $488k SC $419k DEF) is a chance to return. Eagles coach Adam Simpson said: “He’s close, I think if he trains today & gets through he’ll put his hand up for selection.”
This may impact Harry Edwards (AF $194k SC $123k DEF) however Liam Duggan (AF $639K SC 450K D/M) failed to train this morning.
The Bulldogs are being discrete about Tim English (AF $595k SC $491k RUCK) return from concussion. Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said: “We'll be cautious with him. He'll train today. If there's any indication he may need another week, we won't play him. He's not a walk-up definite start this week.”
Despite more good form in the VFL, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (AF $270k SC $207k FWD) won’t be playing this weekend regardless of English’s selection outcome.
TOMORROW
Matthew Nicks, Ken Hinkley and Leon Cameron will hold press conferences while we'll have Saturday's team releases.
