Christian Petracca has returned to full training after illness and appears set to play in Round 12, while Adelaide have confirmed a debutant and Collingwood offered updates on two rookie-priced options.
DEBUTANT ALERT
Patrick Parnell (AF $190k SC $123k DEF) will debut for Adelaide this round. He’s a 177cm defender who went pick four in last year’s Mid-Season Draft. Across eight games in the SANFL in 2022, Parnell has averaged 17.9 touches, 4.4 marks and 3.3 rebound 50s per match.
MID-SEASON DRAFT
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell indicated they may move to add someone to their ruck division given their shortage. Mitchell said: “It wouldn’t be the first time someone has come off the Mid-Season Draft and come straight into the team so there’s a possibility for that as well… There’s some rucks that are high on our order list.” The Hawks ended up taking young Sandringham Dragons ruck Max Ramsden, who is probably too raw to debut.
West Coast took Dandenong midfielder Jai Culley with the first pick, while Port added ruck insurance to put pressure on Sam Hayes with 22-year-old East Fremantle ruckman Brynn Teakle.
UPDATES
Christian Petracca (AF $868k SC $566k MID) looks all good to play in Round 12 after battling the flu over the weekend, impacting his performance in Saturday’s loss to Fremantle.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said: “He wasn’t at the club on Monday but he’s back been involved at the club the last few days… He’ll be out there (at training), he’s fine. He’s ready to go.”
Goodwin said Christian Salem (AF $717k SC $514k DEF) is set to be available but may play VFL. He said: “Christian’s done a power of work… We’ll have a look at Christian at training and make sure he’s ready to go.”
Shannon Hurn (AF $703k SC $465k DEF) is set to return from injury which may negatively impact Brady Hough’s (AF $306k SC $163k MID) role and selection.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson said: “He’s good to go. He’s missed 3 weeks which is not ideal for him. He’s ticked everything and just needs to get through training. We flyout Thursday.”
Will Kelly (AF $191k SC $123k D/F) is looming as a rookie option soon as he is close to returning from a hip injury. Collingwood’s injury update said: “Kelly edges close to a return from a hip issue and will aim to fully train this week in order to put his hand up for selection.”
Charlie Dean (AF $190k SC $102k DEF) could be a cheap rookie defender to consider soon having missed the whole season due to a foot injury. The Pies said: “Dean is starting to join some full training drills. The new recruit should be available after the bye round.”
Josh Rachele (AF $413k SC $232k M/F) will miss again due to his corked thigh. Adelaide assistant coach James Rahilly said: “He’s still a little bit banged up so he won’t play this week. He’ll have another week off and then into the bye, so three weeks off.”
Rhys Stanley (AF $589k SC $457k RUCK) may return from an ankle issue which would negatively impact Mark Blicavs’ (AF $827k SC $540k D/R) role. Geelong coach Chris Scott said: “Potentially Rhys Stanley (will return) and I think Gary Rohan will play. Those two are likely.”
