Jones injured again, Buddy banned, Thomas delayed concussion, R20 fixture drop
Popular pre-season pick Lachie Jones has been injured again, Taylor Adams has been green-lighted after an injury concern along with a few other Pies while Tarryn Thomas and Lance Franklin will miss Round 20.
UPDATES
Port rookie Lachie Jones (AF $333k SC $243k DEF) has been injured again, playing in the SANFL. Power assistant coach Jarrad Schofield said: “Lachie looks like he has tweaked an ankle, so we will get him assessed (on Monday).”
Tarryn Thomas (AF $642k SC $463k M/F) has garnered a bit of interest lately but North Melbourne confirmed he will not play in Round 20 due to a delayed onset of concussion.
North’s update said: “Has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash with Geelong… Suffered a delayed onset of concussion following an incident in Saturday’s game against Carlton.”
Taylor Adams (AF $768k SC $519k MID) has been cleared of any injury from Friday’s loss to Port Adelaide and will be available for Round 20.
Collingwood High Performance Manager Kevin White said: “Poked in the eye and had blurred vision for a period of 10 minutes in the game against Port Adelaide. All cleared and is available for selection.”
Jeremy Howe (AF $603k SC $475k DEF) is also ready to return for Collingwood. White said: “Howe has ticked off his return to play criteria and is available for selection against West Coast.”
Will Kelly (AF $170k SC $135k FWD) is back available also for the Pies. White said: “Completed a 12km session on Friday and pulled up well. Back into the main group this week and available this weekend.”
Lance Franklin (AF $514k SC $428k FWD) had been looming as a cut-price option in recent weeks but he’s been offered a one-game for striking Fremantle’s Luke Ryan.
Finally, the Round 20 fixtures have been confirmed which is helpful for VC/C loophole planning.
ROUND 20 FIXTURES
Friday, July 30
St Kilda v Carlton at Marvel Stadium, 7.50pm AEST (SEVEN)
Saturday, July 31
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide at Mars Stadium, 12.30pm AEST (FOX)
North Melbourne v Geelong at Blundstone Arena, 1.15pm AEST (FOX)
Gold Coast v Melbourne at TBC, 3.10pm AEST (FOX)
Collingwood v West Coast at the MCG, 4.15pm AEST (FOX)
Essendon v Sydney Swans at the Gabba, 7.40pm AEST (SEVEN)
Sunday, August 1
Hawthorn v Brisbane at UTAS Stadium, 2.10pm AEST (FOX)
GWS Giants v Port Adelaide at TBC, 3.10pm AEST (FOX)
Fremantle v Richmond at Optus Stadium, 3.10pm AWST (FOX)
TOMORROW
The media diary looks pretty quiet, so likely we’ll receive a bunch of injury updates from clubs.
