With the final practice matches around the corner, we take a look at updates on Hawthorn’s new midfield brigade, Port Adelaide selection news and West Coast’s youngsters.
Geelong veteran Mitch Duncan (AF $820k SC $486k DEF) is in a race against the clock to be fit for round one, as he nurses a troublesome calf.
“I know late last Friday (Duncan) ran 7-8kms, so this was weeks ago he had a minor issue that we are taking our time with,” GM of Football Simon Lloyd said.
Hawthorn assistant coach David Hale has provided a player-by-player review on the club’s new midfield brigade. Hale assesses their preseason so far, and what he hopes to see from them moving forward.
On James Worpel (AF $463k SC $309k MID): “He’s had a good summer and he should be full of confidence that he has given himself a really good base to work on for the rest of the year. His exposure to the midfield will be there, he’s just got to grab the bull by the horns and take every opportunity. We expect him to play a big role as well,” Hale said.
On Will Day (AF $537k SC $362k DEF): “His football IQ, his attributes as a midfielder with his quick feet and being clean with the ball use is something that has stood out. His versatility – to be able to play across wing and half-back is also an element that is good for him. But hopefully in 2023 he can spend a fair bit of time inside,” Hale said.
On Lloyd Meek (AF $473k SC $431k RUC): “He’s ready to go, he had to bide his time over there (Fremantle), but now we’re hoping he can grab the opportunity that Hawthorn have given him,” Hale said.
On Cam Mackenzie (AF $288k SC $180k MID): “He looks really composed, he’s a driven player inside, he’s got really good power to get inside to out and he’s great with his skillset. Hopefully he can use his first year in the system as a stepping stone to becoming a really good AFL midfielder,” Hale said.
On Josh Weddle (AF $266k SC $130k DEF): “We’ve all been impressed with his physical attributes. It’s about combining that now playing, being able to utilise his strengths when it comes to playing against the big boys. So understanding structure and running patterns, and all the things that come into it when playing on the wing will be important for him as he goes forward,” Hale said.
Port Adelaide assistant coach Josh Carr provided some updates following the club’s Captain’s Run.
Port will take a cautious approach with Travis Boak (AF $841k SC $580k MID) ahead of their match against Fremantle, ruling him out after the heavy knock he copped against West Coast.
“He was a wait and see and considering round one is only a couple of weeks away, we thought it wasn’t quite right to have him out there,” Carr said.
On Jason Horne-Francis (AF $553k SC $348k M/F): “He’ll definitely play. He’ll get similar minutes to what he got last week. He’s improved each week with his fitness – he’s come off a big operation so he’s just building,” Carr said.
On Scott Lycett (AF $622k SC $429k RUC): “His last two games have been outstanding and he’s really led the way. He’s got a lot of experience and after missing most of last year he is really ready to go,” Carr said.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson spoke about the excitement around their young players and their round one prospects.
On Campbell Chesser’s (AF $200k SC $123k D/M) progress towards a round one debut: “I’d love to give him some AFL exposure early.”
“Same with Reuben Ginbey (AF $284k SC $171k D/M), Noah Long (AF $200k SC $117k M/F) and Elijah Hewett (AF $274k SC $148k MID) and these guys. It’s exciting that we’ve got some new young talent and they’ll get opportunities, but without the expectations,” Simpson added.
The Western Bulldogs are welcoming back a few players from their injury list, including the 13th pick of the 2022 AFL Draft Jedd Busslinger (AF $276k SC $153k DEF). The club will take a cautious approach, building his training load over the next month to be ready to play VFL games within the opening rounds of the season.
Oskar Baker’s (AF $452k SC $123k MID) Round 1 chances have been increased with Roarke Smith missing the start of the season due to a plantar fascia issue.
