Several coaches spoke to the media on Thursday, with injury updates provided on Jack Ziebell and Luke Davies-Uniacke who were in doubt this week, along with the Thursday team news dropping with a Blake Drury debut.
TEAM NEWS
Key Ins: H.Sharp, Sheed, T.Berry, Liberatore, A.Davey, Drury, Davies-Uniacke
Key Outs: Rich (inj), Zorko (inj), T.Young (inj), Rowston, McLean, Sturt, Ramsden, Bowes (inj), Weller (inj)
Key Holds: Cincotta, Hollands, Kemp, Wilmot, Ginbey, Angwin, Darcy, S.Mitchell, Simpson, Bruhn, Knevitt, Laird, Pedlar, Fiorini, Atkins, Humphrey, van Rooyen, Ziebell
Ext bench (26): D.Williams, Lord, Menzie, Harrison, Corey Warner, Sheldrick, Hall
Emergencies/Potential subs: Cowan, Bauer, Chesser, Mullin, Fyfe, Worner, Sturt, Mackenzie
Absent: Cowan, Constable
Lachie Weller (AF $784k SC $502k DEF) is the major surprise out, with injury. Gold Coast said: “Holman, Ainsworth and Weller haven’t passed fitness tests in order to be cleared to play… Weller will miss this week with a minor knee injury.” Tylar Young (AF $268k SC $217k DEF) is out for Richmond with a lower leg injury.
Sam Sturt (AF $253k SC $148k FWD) has been omitted by Freo and was named as one of four emergencies so could’ve been the sub, but the Dockers confirmed Nat Fyfe (AF $657k SC $313k M/F) will take that role.
DEBUTANT ALERT
North Melbourne confirmed Blake Drury (AF $200k SC $102k M/F) will debut this weekend. He went No.1 pick in the 2022 AFL Rookie Draft and is a 177cm 19-year-old used forward and in defence in VFL this year, who had two goals with 19 disposals in Round 5 in the VFL.
UPDATES
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson offered good news on Jack Ziebell’s (AF $759k SC $489k D/F) injury status after a foot problem. Clarkson said: “He’s just a real warrior for us. Carries injuries from time to time, but you’d never know from the way he plays the game. He was able to do most of the session as well today. Unless something untoward happens over the next 24 hours, he’ll be available to play.”
Clarkson also clarified the latest on Luke Davies-Uniacke (AF $824k SC $560k MID) who missed last game with a heel issue and was listed as a test for this weekend. He said: “He trained and trained OK (this morning) but we just need to see how he pulls up tomorrow. If he does (pull up well), obviously we’ll select him. He’s a pretty important component of our side. That’ll all depend on how he pulls up. He was able to do the full session today, so we’re hopeful he’ll be able to play.”
The North coach was asked about potential debutant Blake Drury (AF $200k SC $102k M/F) getting a game. He said: “He’ll be a chance. We’ve got to sit down this afternoon & select our side. He’s right in the mix. He was the carryover player last week. He’s been playing some good footy. It’ll be exciting to see him get an opportunity soon. If it’s not this week, then I’m hoping it’ll be soon.”
Young ruckman Hamish Free (AF $200k SC $102k RUC) was also flagged for a debut soon. Clarkson said: “Hammer has been going really well in the twos. He’s acquitted himself really well. If it’s not this week, he’s a bit like Blake, some point in time he’s going get his chance pretty soon, I’m sure.”
Clarkson also flagged he was hopeful Tarryn Thomas (AF $475k SC $295k M/F) would play in the VFL this weekend, pending clearance from the authorities.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson revealed Campbell Chesser (AF $237k SC $132k D/M) will be part of the Eagles’ traveling squad for Saturday’s game with Richmond after missing numerous weeks with a knee injury. Simpson said: “He’s probably not available for a full game. We’ll take him over as a traveller (emergency) & we’ll train him up. If he has to play, he will. He’ll be on the plane. He’s right to play, we’d play him as the sub. I don’t think we’ll need him. He’ll be the emergency.”
Simpson also confirmed Dom Sheed (AF $613k SC $365k MID) will play after numerous weeks out with a throat issue. He said: “He’ll play this week. He got ticked so he’s fine to go.” Zane Trew will also come in for the suspended Samo Petrevski-Seton and Rhett Bazzo who is out with concussion.
Sheed’s return may impact the role of Reuben Ginbey (AF $482k SC $283k D/M) and Simpson added: “He’s learning so much. We’ll keep looking at that. We subbed him out a few weeks ago. We’re aware of such a young player. And he’s so physical. It won’t get any easier but we’ll try help him out a bit.”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge offered an update on Tom Liberatore (AF $873k SC $612k MID) who was hoping to return from concussion, needing to clear his final hurdles at training on Thursday. He said: “He should be OK. Got an important session now, but it’s the last little tick-off, he should be OK. All the signs are good.”
Beveridge also was asked about Toby McLean (AF $324k SC $175k M/F) who was the sub last game, but went unused. He said: “Obviously he’s on the edge of the team. Ultimately wherever he’s picked this week, Toby needs to play a full game. He hasn’t played much footy over the last week or two.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss confirmed Jesse Motlop (AF $439k SC $280k FWD) would return immediately from suspension, while he wasn’t asked about Lachie Cowan (AF $327k SC $204k DEF) returning after being managed and the impact that may have on Alex Cincotta (AF $301k SC $102k D/M).
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell revealed Luke Breust (AF $494k SC $283k FWD) and Changkuoth Jiath (AF $495k SC $342k DEF) will be managed for their trip to Fremantle, which may help Cam Mackenzie (AF $434k SC $245k M/F), Josh Weddle (AF $282k SC $130k DEF) and Seamus Mitchell’s (AF $322k SC $176k D/F) hopes of another game.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick confirmed Dion Prestia (AF $658k SC $412k MID) would” definitely” return, while he said Jack Graham (AF $606k SC $352k M/F) was “ready to go”. He also provided an update on Toby Nankervis (AF $864k SC $563k RUC), who is “probably 2-3 weeks away”, having returned to running but not yet agility work, which will impact Ivan Soldo (AF $444k SC $297k F/R) and Samson Ryan’s (AF $353k SC $250k F/R) role when he’s back in the side.
