The George Hewett saga continues to roll on as he tries to prove his fitness after missing the past two games but he has been named, while Carlton confirmed a debutant and West Coast had two shock outs.
TEAM NEWS
Sunday teams (key ins/outs)
Key ins: N.Anderson, Kemp, Hewett, J.Motlop, Witherden, Clark
Key outs: Amiss, Flynn, Boyd, Naish
Key holds: Rosas, Erasmus, Carroll, Durdin, Callaghan, Hamilton
Emergencies/possible subs: Constable, Amiss, Dixon, Naish
Read the Round 8 kick-in stats
George Hewett (AF $758k SC $536k D/M) is the big question mark, but he has been named in Carlton’s 22-man squad following a calf injury. Carlton coach Michael Voss reiterated his consistent message ahead of Friday training when he said: “He’s trained once. If he gets through twice, this (today) being the second one, then he’ll be available to play.”
West Coast coach Adam Simpson confirmed Callum Jamieson (AF $211k SC $123k RUCK) will play, with Hugh Dixon (AF $353k SC $246k F/R) left out. Simpson said: “Jamo will definitely play. It’s. A huge challenge and an opportunity for him to learn from the best. He had a go last week and that was great to see.”
There was some talk Greg Clark (AF $250k SC $117k MID) may not immediately be cleared to return from health and safety protocols, but Simpson added: “I hope so. He’s one of the 23. He’ll play.”
Andrew Gaff (AF $736k SC $444k MID) and Shannon Hurn (AF $703k SC $465k DEF) are both out. Simpson said: “Unfortunately we won’t have a full strength side again due to injury. We’ve lost Shannon and Gaff. Gaff has a quad niggle. Bung has a calf niggle.”
DEBUTANT ALERT
Jesse Motlop (AF $238k SC $117k FWD) will debut for Carlton. He went pick 27 in the 2021 AFL Draft and is a 176cm small forward. Motlop has kicked six goals at VFL level and averaging just under four tackles per game.
UPDATES
Reilly O’Brien (AF $706k SC $518k RUC) was dropped and Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks explained: “It’s looking at trying to get Reilly back to his best. We had some good pressure below from Strachan. It’s been a conversation for a number of weeks. He’s not at his best.”
