The doubts still linger about George Hewett’s availability after Carlton’s latest update, while Tim English will miss again and Chris Scott spoke about Sam De Koning, Cooper Stephens and Mitch Knevitt.
DEBUTANT ALERT
The Western Bulldogs confirmed Luke Cleary (AF $190k SC $117k DEF) will make his debut, coming into the side for the injured Tim O’Brien. He is a 190cm defender who went at pick 61 in the 2021 AFL Draft.
UPDATES
Carlton provided an update on George Hewett (AF $758k SC $536k D/M) who is still no certainty to play in Round 9. The injury update said: “Was able to fully train today as he aims to return from a corked calf. Will need to train fully on Friday though to confirm his availability for the weekend.”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge confirmed Tim English (AF $837k SC $572k R/F) will not return this week due to illness, having been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
He said: “Tim unfortunately is ill. He’s crook. He won’t play. He’s recovered from the injury but he’s really sick. This flu that’s going around has got a hold of him and knocked him round.”
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Marcus Bontempelli (AF $806k SC $578k MID) is set to return after being rested. On the rest, Beveridge said: “It’ll help him on one front with the niggles & the soreness in his ankles & hip but he’s had a strain of the flu as well & it floored him last week… He’ll be fresher in the body.”
Beveridge also revealed high draft pick Sam Darcy (AF $288k SC $202k D/F) will play VFL for the first time. He said: “We will see him in the VFL this weekend – it’s exciting for all of us. Sam hasn’t played footy for a long time now. He’ll only play probably 60-70% of the game, but we’ll make sure he gets going.”
There was also an update on the availability of Lachie Hunter (AF $666k SC $449k MID) which will likely impact Robbie McComb’s (AF $313k SC $153k MID) role/selection. Beveridge said: “We anticipate in a month’s time he’ll probably re-enter the club and get going again.”
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell spoke about the role of Tom Mitchell (AF $803k SC $526k MID). He said: “Across the last few seasons, our midfield has been a work in progress. I think Tom and Jaeger are spending less time in there, but having contributions in other aspects of the game.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott praised Sam De Koning (AF $304k SC $283k D/F) for his form. He said: “He’s been outstanding. I’m really pleased for him because he’s worked really hard, as have a lot of our younger players through a horribly interrupted couple of years, to force his way into our team.
“For him to get settled in the position where he made his name as a junior player, it’s been really good for him, good validation for our recruiting staff, and crucial for the team.”
Scott also offered an insight into Mitch Knevitt (AF $266k SC $117k MID) and Cooper Stephens’ (AF $210k SC $123k MID) hopes of holding their spots. He said: “They certainly played well enough to hold their spots. We do have a couple coming back, Stanley and Selwood, so that makes it more difficult for them.”
“I think the most important thing to convey is that we thought they played well enough to play AFL footy the next week. That’s the most important part. Long term in their development that they were able to come in and look like they were comfortable at the level.”
About The Author
Ben Somerford
