Scott & Dow recalled, Cripps fitness update, Pies sole ruck & bye chaos
Anthony Scott has returned to the Western Bulldogs’ 22 while Paddy Dow gets a recall, while his Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps offered an update on his fitness and there was a fixture spanner too.
SUNDAY TEAM NEWS
Confirmed ins: Dow, H.Edwards, L.Edwards (deb), Foley, O’Neill, Scott, S.Martin
Confirmed outs: Fogarty (mng), McNeil, Sweet, Lipinski
Holds: Owies, Treacy, Weightman
Emergencies/Possible medical subs: Parks, Fogarty, Trew, Western (debutant)
There was nothing overly major from the Sunday teams with only two games on, but Dogs rookie Anthony Scott (AF $309k SC $281k M/F) did hold his spot.
Possible debutants Zane Trew (AF $170k SC $102k MID) and Joel Western (AF $170k SC $117k MID) were both named as emergencies.
NEWS
The whispers that the West Coast-Richmond Round 14 game could be brought forward to Round 13, thus flipping their byes, turned into something more likely following an afl.com.au report.
Richmond are currently in Perth to play Essendon in the Dreamtime game and it would make sense, given the issues getting in and out of Melbourne, for them to remain there and play West Coast as soon as possible. No confirmation yet but it does change the complexion of the byes.
UPDATES
Patrick Cripps (AF $648k SC $449k MID) spoke to the media at a Carlton sponsorship event, where he was inevitably asked about his body and fitness.
He said: “I feel like now I’ve got a really good block under me & I’m starting to get back to my best, especially around the ball with my pressure. We’ve got a long year ahead so I’m pretty excited for the back end.”
Pies coach Nathan Buckley mentioned that Max Lynch (AF $172k SC $123k F/R) will play lead ruck with Brodie Grundy out injured.
Buckley said: “Max Lynch played a game last year, he’s had a long stint on the list and will get his opportunity in his primary role as a ruckman.”
St Kilda coach Brett Ratten spoke about his side’s injury issues, which offered some job security to Ryan Byrnes (AF $384k SC $225k MID).
He said: “We get more games into Ryan Byrnes and co. I think it’ll help us for our future… It’s good growth for our younger players.”
TOMORROW
Carlton coach David Teague is due to speak to the media, while there’s plenty of footy on too.