Aaron Hall was omitted by North Melbourne, while Mitch Duncan along with Braydon Preuss have not been named to return in Round 23, but there was good news for Marcus Bontempelli, Jai Culley and Tim Taranto.
TEAM NEWS
Key ins: Culley, Taranto, Fyfe, Goater, Hewett (26), De Goey, Saunders (26), Long (26), McComb (26), Campbell (26), Gould (26)
Key outs: Hobbs, Hough (ill), Clark, Naitanui (inj), Hall
Key absentees: Preuss, Duncan
Key holds: D’Ambrosio, K.Dawson, Goldstein, Hollands, Worrell, Carmichael (26), Macdonald, J.Serong (26), S.Martin (26), Owens
Emergencies/possible subs: Lohmann, Menzie, Hobbs, Comben
UPDATES
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has declared Marcus Bontempelli (AF $834k SC $622k M/F) will play this weekend despite flagging an adductor issue last weekend.
Beveridge said: “He’ll play. He’s probably better this week than he was last week. He’s had niggles throughout the course of the year. He’ll be really prepared for Sunday. The extra day is helpful as well. Our main session is today so it’s a day earlier than it was last week so it gives us a bit more time to recover. He’ll be ready and raring to go on Sunday.”
Braydon Preuss (AF $629k SC $396k RUC) is no certainty to return from a shoulder issue. GWS caretaker coach Mark McVeigh said: “We’re still assessing that. He got through training today. We’ll tick that box after this and make sure he’s feeling fantastic in his body. We’ll make that call later today.”
Tim Taranto (AF $769k SC $473k M/F) looks set to return from concussion protocols. McVeigh said: “We’ve got some availability with Tim and Peatling is available.”
West Coast coach Adam Simpson confirmed Jai Culley (AF $332k SC $161k M/F) will play this round. He said: “He’ll play. Obviously missed a couple of weeks through suspension ad he was a bit tight through the hamstring but he’s right to go.”
Elsewhere, Nic Naitanui (AF $606k SC $526k RUC) is unlikely to play this round, with Simpson saying he’s “50-50 at best”.
