Clark dropped, Dusty returns, Dogs confirm debutant, Duggan doubts
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.
