MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 14: Christian Petracca of the Demons in action during a Melbourne Demons training session at Gosch's Paddock on December 14, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos for AFL Photos)
Adam Simpson offered updates on Reuben Ginbey, Campbell Chesser and Elijah Hewett, while there was bad news for potential Sydney debutant Jacob Konstanty and Callum Mills has an injury worry.
UPDATES
West Coast coach Adam Simpson fronted the media on Thursday, shortly prior to the release of their team news for practice games, confirming Reuben Ginbey (AF $284k SC $171k D/M) will play.
Simpson said: “He’ll start (in Friday’s practice game). It was a minor toe injury last week. He’ll work through that really easily. He’s been training with the senior team the whole pre-season. He’s 18 so we’ve just got to calm down a little bit but he hasn’t put a foot wrong.”
He also confirmed Campbell Chesser (AF $200k SC $123k D/M) will “play a full game”, while Elijah Hewett (AF $274k SC $148k MID) won’t. On Hewett, he said: “He’s in the squad. He’s probably not ready for a full game. He might get a run in the second half.”
There was less positive news for Sydney’s potential Round 1 debutant Jacob Konstanty (AF $262k SC $121k FWD). Swans Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services Damian Raper said: “He has had some shin soreness which is requiring modification to his training and running loads for a two-week period, before recommencing full training.”
Callum Mills (AF $983k SC $642k MID) will miss Sydney’s practice game on Friday. Raper explained: “Callum suffered a finger injury during the Brisbane game. He won’t play against Carlton but will continue to train fully and is expected to play Round 1.”
Ben King (AF $316k SC $176k FWD) will play with restrictions for Gold Coast. Suns assistant coach Steven King said: “He’ll play at least a half this week, get into it and tick that box looking ahead to Round 1. He’s been doing all the main training for at least 6-8 weeks now so he’s ready to go.”
Hawthorn forward Fergus Greene (AF $200k SC $123k FWD) looms as another possible Round 1 debutant. Hawthorn assistant coach Chris Newman said: “Fergus has had a great pre-season. He had impact in both of our pre-season hit-outs and has played across all tiers in the front end against Geelong. I’m excited to see what the year holds for Ferg.”
Christian Petracca (AF $908k SC $618k MID) spoke to SEN, offering a flag on his role. He said: “For us, we need to keep evolving and putting guys in different situations to help us. I’m playing a bit more forward, Clayton Oliver you might see playing different positions as well.”
