Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge spoke about the statuses of Bailey Smith, Luke Cleary and Tim English ahead of Round 11, while Josh Rachele was ruled out and Hugh Dixon is on shaky ground.
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Beveridge raved about the form of Bailey Smith (AF $903k SC $552k MID) and explained his improvement. He said: “He’s playing more gametime. He’s physically ready to take that on. His role is inside and outside the stoppage. He’s probably just scratching the surface with score impact. He’s starting to flourish in that area.
“He works so hard. Bailey is quite gifted athletically and covers a lot of ground so we’re trying to maximise his opportunity. He’s that bit more mature, he’s fitter and physically more ready to play more minutes.”
There was some bad news for popular trade-in target Luke Cleary (AF $261k SC $117k DEF), with fellow half-back Taylor Duryea (AF $538k SC $335k DEF) in the mix to return from illness.
Beveridge said: “Taylor will be considered. We’ve had a bit of change through that backline. Luke Cleary has had a couple of games which has been terrific to debut another young fella. He’s gone OK, Luke, he’s gone pretty well. But Taylor, I think he’ll get through today’s session in flying colours and he’s a chance to come in.”
Tim English (AF $837k SC $572k R/F) is set to return for the Dogs, although he may share the ruck duties with Jordon Sweet. Beveridge said: “He’s trained. He’s had a couple of really strong sessions since he’s been back on his feet. He’ll come in.”
Josh Rachele (AF $413k SC $232k M/F) will be rested this week. Adelaide assistant coach Scott Burns said: “We’ll give Josh a breather. You can probably see he’s slightly tapering off (after) a few more knocks and a few more hits. But it’s in his best interest to (have) a breather, he won’t play this week.”
Rory Thompson (AF $207k SC $141k DEF) is set for a lay-off due to his knee injury although the timeframe remains unclear. Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew said: “It’s likely he’ll need surgery… I’d be guessing, but I’d think somewhere between four (weeks) and longer than that… hopefully it’s at the lower end of that.”
Josh Kennedy (AF $379k SC $236k FWD) is set to return for West Coast which will impact Hugh Dixon’s (AF $370k SC $246k F/R) selection. Eagles Head of Health Mark Finucane said: “JK’s knee has settled down really nicely so he’s just got to train this week to be available for the weekend.”
Jye Caldwell (AF $572k SC $375k MID) will push to return from a shoulder injury this week. Essendon said in an update: “Caldwell (AC joint) and Stewart (calf) will integrate into main training this week and put their hand up for selection if they successfully prove their fitness.”
