Lachie Whitfield has been ruled out for Round 11 by the GWS Giants along with Tim Taranto, while the word is out about Stephen Coniglio’s long-term role in the midfield.
DEBUTANT ALERT
Matty Roberts (AF $224k SC $117k MID) will debut for Sydney who took him with pick 34 in the 2021 AFL Draft. The Swans said: “A hard-working midfielder with an ability to play forward… He has impressed with strong performances in the VFL competition this season.” He is averaging 23 disposals per game in the VFL this year.
Become a HB subscriber for $4.95 per month or $14.95 for the AFL season. Exclusive content, CBA stats, Kick-in stats, Twitter chats, prize money in our Fantasy/SuperCoach groups. Register here.
TEAMS
Key ins: Roberts, Crouch, O’Brien, Milera, MacDonald, English, Ridley, Caldwell (26), Owens (26), Archer (26)
Key outs: Rachele (mng), Dangerfield, O’Meara (inj), Erasmus, Naish, Dixon, B.Smith (ill), Cleary
Key holds: Wehr, C.Stephens, Rosas, Jeffrey, Butler, McComb, Khamis, Carroll (26), S.Hayes (26), Windhager
Bailey Smith (AF $903k SC $552k MID) was a major out, with the Western Bulldogs confirming: “Bailey Smith will miss the trip West with illness.”
Jaeger O’Meara (AF $674k SC $467k MID) was ruled out with a hamstring tightness which may positively impact the role of Tom Mitchell (AF $795k SC $498k MID), although it’ll only be a short-term absence.
Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney: “Jaeger reported some tightness in his hamstring in the last couple of days. We’d expect him to be available next week.”
Braydon Preuss (AF $683k SC $457k RUCK) didn’t return from illness for GWS, named as an emergency. GWS assistant coach Amon Buchanan said earlier in the day: “He trained today. We’ll go into match committee this afternoon to figure out the pieces. Clearly Preussy provides a really good contest in the air. He’s one we’ll discuss.”
UPDATES
The GWS Giants have ruled out Lachie Whitfield (AF $741k SC $423k D/M) from their Round 11 game due to an ankle injury, along with Tim Taranto (AF $784k SC $465k M/F) with a back complaint.
GWS assistant coach Amon Buchanan said: “They’ve both (Whitfield and Taranto) got niggling injuries. With the bye coming next week will be really good for them.
“Both of them won’t play this weekend. Lachie’s ankle is a bit grumbly. Tim has had a few issues with his back. Hopefully we can get them back after the bye.”
Stephen Coniglio (AF $686k SC $426k M/F) earned praise from Buchanan who said they would continue to play him through the midfield, having been used forward by ex-coach Leon Cameron.
“I think so (he’ll play more midfield). Cogs played a really selfless role forward,” Buchanan said. “He had some really good games as a forward this year.
“He got his opportunity last week with Taranto going out and I thought he stepped up. Some of his body work and stoppage work was really good. He got after the oppo and put his pressure on. It’s definitely something we need to look forward to him playing more midfield time.”
The Brisbane Lions confirmed Hugh McCluggage (AF $815k SC $573k MID) will miss this week, while Carlton coach Michael Voss said Jack Martin (AF $439k SC $312k FWD) needed to prove his fitness to return.
Become a HB subscriber for $4.95 per month or $14.95 for the AFL season. Exclusive content, CBA stats, Kick-in stats, Twitter chats, prize money in our Fantasy/SuperCoach groups. Register here.
