Mitch Duncan, Braydon Preuss and Brynn Teakle were the big surprise omissions at teams while Nick Vlastuin needs to prove his fitness to be available for Richmond after a rib injury.
TEAM NEWS
Key ins: Cunnington, Archer, Dixon, Blicavs, Dangerfield, S.Martin, C.Brown, Shiel, O.Lord (26), Saunders (26), Gould (26)
Key outs: Hannebery, Greenwood, Horne-Francis, Duncan (mng), Preuss (inj), Teakle
Key holds: Owens, Worrell, K.Dawson, Hollands, Vlastuin
Emergencies/possible subs: Tunstill, Greenwood, G.Clark
Braydon Preuss (AF $629k SC $396k RUC) is out for GWS with a “minor shoulder injury”, while Geelong have managed Mitch Duncan (AF $782k SC $473k M/F).
Brynn Teakle (AF $235k SC $102k F/R) has been omitted by Port after one week in the side, while Stefan Martin (AF $438k SC $308k RUC) is recalled which may impact Tim English (AF $771k SC $495k F/R).
UPDATES
Patrick Cripps (AF $809k SC $553k MID) was cleared to play in Round 22 at Thursday’s appeal hearing for his Rough Conduct charge. Appeals Board chairperson Murray Kellam said: “The video did not reveal a bump, it set out as a contest for the ball that resulted in a collision. The findings were unreasonable and did not comply with the requirements of procedural fairness.”
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick provided an update on the likely availability of Nick Vlastuin (AF $711K SC $524K DEF) who is battling a rib injury, revealing a call hasn’t been made but he has since been named.
Hardwick said: “He’s got a rib issue. We’ll train today and see how he goes with that. We’re confident at this stage. At the back end of last week it looked more doubtful but he’s a tough comrade. He’ll give himself every chance. He won’t do the full session today but we’ve got some time to play with. We envision he’s a chance at this stage.”
Hardwick confirmed that Dustin Martin (AF $592k SC $430k M/F) will not return during the regular season.
GWS Giants caretaker coach Mark McVeigh offered an update on Tim Taranto (AF $769k SC $473k M/F) who is out due to concussion protocols. McVeigh said: “He’ll be available (for Round 23). He’s doing everything he can in regards to the training he’s allowed to do. Absolutely he’ll come into consideration next week if he’s available.”
Dan Hannebery (AF $474k SC $255k MID) will miss this game, but St Kilda coach Brett Ratten said he’ll likely return in Round 23. Ratten said: “He won’t get up, we’re going to manage Dan… allowing Dan to get through this weekend and be ready for the following week will be really important.”
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