Clayton Oliver is set to play with Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin confirming his recovery, while Brodie Grundy is back in the selection mix at Collingwood and Elijah Hollands will finally debut.
DEBUTANT ALERT
Elijah Hollands (AF $190k SC $123k M/F) will make his long-awaited debut for Gold Coast. He went pick seven in the 2020 AFL draft and was a popular AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach pre-season pick having returned from an ACL injury.
The 20-year-old has played 14 matches in the VFL this season, averaging 22 disposals and five marks per game, while also booting eight goals.
UPDATES
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has declared that Clayton Oliver (AF $957k SC $723k MID) will play this week, despite recent thumb surgery. He said: “Clarry is ready to go. He’ll train fully today and he’ll be right to go.
“He’s done an incredible job to get himself right. He’ll be back in the team… We’re really confident with surgery and with the plate that’s been put in, that’ll stand up for the rest of the season.”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge praised Adam Treloar (AF $786k SC $499k M/F) for his backline role. He said: “Adam’s leadership is important for us too in our back end (defence).”
Brodie Grundy (AF $802k SC $544k RUCK) is back in the selection mix at Collingwood. The Pies injury update said: “Will be available for selection this weekend. Grundy injured his PCL against Essendon on ANZAC Day in Round 6. Craig McRae will provide more information about Grundy in his press conference on Friday.” This may impact Darcy Cameron’s (AF $780k SC $515k F/R) role.
Dustin Martin (AF $592k SC $430k M/F) is likely to return in Round 20. Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said: “We were hoping he’d be available this week but it’s been a little slower than we’d like. We’re reasonably confident he’ll be available for next week’s game versus Brisbane.”
Callum Jamieson (AF $307k SC $210k RUC) hasn’t been ruled out. Eagles Head of Health Mark Finucane said: “Jamo has just been managing – as young ruckmen do – some groin awareness. That had been bubbling away the last week or two, so the decision was made to sub him out.”
Aaron Hall (AF $703k SC $495k DEF) is in the mix for North Melbourne. Kangas caretaker coach Leigh Adams said: “He’ll be in the conversation today. He’s got to get main skills today but he’ll be right around the mark.”
Youngster Jackson Archer (AF $208k SC $117k DEF) returned from a hip issue. Adams said: “They’ll be around the mark… Jacko his first game back, he was really good. Will train today and be in the conversation.”
Some good news for owners of Caleb Marchbank (AF $294k SC $209k DEF) who Carlton said is “expected to be available to play this week” after a knee issue.
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