Three debutants confirmed, McCartin set to play, updates on Dawson, Hinge, Titch & De Koning
The Round 1 picture got a little bit clearer with the Demons-Dogs teams named, while we got three debutants confirmed, plus injury updates on key options such as Jordan Dawson, Sam Docherty and Callum Mills.
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TEAM NEWS
Key Inclusions: Hunter, Macrae, Bontempelli, Dunkley, Treloar, Gawn, Petracca, Oliver
Key Absences: Parker, Khamis
Possible Subs: McComb, Ugle-Hagan, Bedford
There was nothing overly surprising or relevant from a Fantasy and SuperCoach point of view, although Melbourne named defender Joel Smith (AF $220k SC $177k DEF) ahead of Adam Tomlinson who may help that shortage of cheap defensive options.
DEBUTANT ALERTS
Essendon confirmed that Kaine Baldwin (AF $190k SC $123k FWD) will debut in Round 1. He is a 19-year-old 194cm goalkicker who was a 2021 SSP signing and has been hampered by two ACL injuries.
West Coast also confirmed Brady Hough (AF $230k SC $117k MID) will debut. Eagles coach Adam Simpson told 7NewsPerth: “He’ll play this week. He’ll debut for the football club. Pick 31 in the draft. The reports on him when we drafted him, he’s just adapted to every level he’s gone up to.”
Josh Gibcus (AF $274k SC $171k DEF) has been confirmed by Richmond for a Round 1 debut against Carlton. He is a key defender who went pick 9 in the 2022 AFL Draft.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said: “We’re really excited about what he brings. He’ll do some things that amaze. He’s a long-term player for us that we’re really excited about.”
Gibcus’ job security may be aided by an injury setback to Nick Vlastuin (AF $638k SC $460k DEF) who Hardwick said will “miss a couple of the early rounds”. Dylan Grimes is also not locked in yet for Round 1 with a thumb issue but looks likely.
UPDATES
Adelaide recruit Jordan Dawson (AF $745k SC $550k DEF) is still not yet confirmed to play in Round 1 as he tries to overcome a calf issue. Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said: “He has progressed as well as we expected but he will need to get through Wednesday’s session before a final decision is made on his availability.”
The Crows also provided an update on Mitch Hinge (AF $383k SC $180k DEF): “Hinge, who got a knock to his AC Joint against the Power and sat out training last week, was on the track on Monday and is expected to be available to take on the Dockers.”
Tom Mitchell (AF $969k SC $638k MID) should be over his minor groin niggle which forced him to miss Hawthorn’s AAMI Series game, meaning he should play Round 1.
Hawks Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd said: “Tracking well. They’ve (Mitchell and O’Meara) put in a good block of work over the past week. Back into the skill work with the main group. They’ll just continue to train across the week as normal and we expect both to be available for selection.”
Sydney coach John Longmire practically declared Callum Mills (AF $922k SC $612k MID) and Paddy McCartin (AF $271k SC $157k D/F) are locked in to play in the derby.
On Mills – who has had an Achilles issue – Longmire said: “We expect him to get through training Thursday. He’ll be ready to play. He played two-and-a-half quarters last week and pulled up really well from that. He’ll play this week, it’ll be good to have him back in the team.”
On McCartin, Longmire added: “He’ll play this week… He’s playing a big role down back. He’s still getting used to that and learning the game from that perspective, but it’s a great story for him to get back and play.”
Mitch Duncan (AF $841k SC $540k M/F) looks likely to play after a pre-season calf issue. Geelong GM of Football Simon Lloyd said: “Mitch is completing main training and is very close to being available for selection.”
Geelong also declared Jack Henry (AF $553k SC $447k DEF) available for selection which is not good news for those hoping Sam De Koning (AF $190k SC $123k D/F) would be selected.
Carlton coach Michael Voss confirmed Sam Docherty (AF $827k SC $533k DEF) would play on AFL 360 on Tuesday. He said: “Yes he will be (playing on R1)… it’s testament to the person and how resilient he is.”
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