Caleb Serong’s injury issue was discussed on Wednesday, while GWS coach Adam Kingsley praised Kieren Briggs and the roles of Josh Fahey, Elliot Yeo and Harry Sheezel were raised.

THURSDAY TEAMS

Ins: Sheldrick, Rampe, Windhager, Owens

Outs: McAndrew, Corey Warner, Parker (susp), Paton, Sharman, Clark (inj)

Key holds: Melican, Stocker, Phillipou

Emergencies/possible subs: Corey Warner, McAndrew

Potential cash cow Lachlan McAndrew (AF $245k SC $123k F/R) lost his spot in the side after an underwhelming second game for Sydney.

UPDATES

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir declared Caleb Serong (AF $922k SC $610k MID) “good to go” despite a minor ankle injury which restricted him to light duties at training on Wednesday. Longmuir said: “Good to go. Caleb is just dealing with a little issue at the moment which is not going to stop him.”

Longmuir didn’t commit to a replacement for the suspended Jaeger O’Meara, pointing to those currently in the team, possibly hinting at more mid-time for Nat Fyfe (AF $445k SC $244k M/F) or Matthew Johnson (AF $349k SC $216k MID). He said: “We like the split he (Fyfe) is playing and we’ve got (James) Aish on the wing who has been a good centre bounce player for us. Johnson is in the team and we want to get him more midfield minutes.”

The Freo coach added Luke Jackson (AF $702k SC $508k F/R) will lead the ruck in Sean Darcy’s (AF $789k SC $567k RUC) absence, indicating key forward Josh Treacy will support as second ruck.

On Darcy, Longmuir told 7News on Tuesday night: “Fingers crossed he’s only going to miss this week and he’ll be back for GWS next week. He trained really strongly (on Monday), he’s running really well and he’s done a lot of work on that hammy since he injured it. We’re hoping next week, he’ll be back.”

He also said Michael Walters had to get through training on Wednesday to prove his fitness after a calf injury. On potential debutant Sebit Kuek (AF $200k SC $123k FWD), Longmuir said: “He’s improving his footy and he’s taking big steps forward this year. Whether he’s up to it right now or not will be decided later. We’re really confident he’s on the right path.”

North Melbourne interim coach Brett Ratten praised George Wardlaw (AF $395k SC $229k MID). He said: “He hasn’t surprised us. He doesn’t need anybody to get the footy to him. He’s the one that goes out and gets it. What George does really well is he gets a man. So if he doesn’t win the ball, he’s a very good tackler as well.”

With Jy Simpkin, Hugh Greenwood and Luke Davies-Uniacke, Ratten was asked about Harry Sheezel’s (AF $772k SC $464k D/F) role. He added: “I think that’s what we’ll work out today, where we use Harry and allow him to be involved in the game. That’ll be the conversation.”

Essendon provided an update on Darcy Parish’s (AF $914k SC $567k MID) return, flagging Round 15 which may impact Ben Hobbs (AF $640k SC $379k M/F). General Manager of Performance Daniel McPherson said: “Darcy’s continuing to build his speed work and footy integration as he nears a return to full training. He’s progressing well and all things going to plan, he’ll be a chance to return for round 15.”

GWS coach Adam Kingsley said Isaac Cumming (AF $657k SC $407k DEF) and Josh Kelly (AF $908k SC $591k MID) were “most likely” going to be available after the bye, while Brent Daniels (AF $587k SC $391k FWD) would be “touch and go” for their Round 14 game against Fremantle.

Kingsley also praised the impact of ruckman Kieren Briggs (AF $612k SC $340k RUC). He said: “He had a bit of an interrupted pre-season, a couple of little niggles, which made it a little bit stop-start for him. He got back into playing strong VFL footy. Obviously he’s really good around the contest with his clearance work but his ability to get the ball on the outside, finish his work, two stoppage goals on the weekend, he has that capability. He plays like a little bloke around the ground as well. We’ve been rapt with his development. He’s only going to get better… We’re rapt with his form, hoping it continues.”

Kingsley also discussed Josh Fahey (AF $200k SC $123k D/M) after playing twice as sub. He said: “He’s come on and had an impact in different ways. He kicked a goal that put us in front. He has a great appetite to learn and develop… which is going to hold him in good stead moving forward. He’s a player that we see as a big part of our future.”

On his role, he added: “He’s played wing. He’s trained predominantly as a half-back. They’re the two roles we see him in, it’s just a matter of where we need him. So far it’s been on the wing, he’s done a really good job.”

West Coast coach Adam Simpson spoke about how they’ve managed Elliot Yeo’s (AF $575k SC 350k DEF) load since returning from injury. He said: “He got managed, he played 90-odd minutes in a game where he could’ve played 127 minutes. He was our priority to manage.”

Simpson also flagged Harry Barnett (AF $256k SC $117k RUC) could make his debut, with the Eagles losing half a dozen players to injury, including ruckman Callum Jamieson. He said: “There’s a chance. He’s in the squad. We haven’t had match committee yet… He’s still learning his craft. He’s taking some steps. He’s 18, so he’s going to take a while. If he plays, he’ll be a bit underdone. He’s in the mix.”

Collingwood coach Craig McRae offered some injury updates that may impact Harvey Harrison (AF $221k SC $123k FWD) holding his spot. McRae said Pat Lipinski and Daniel McStay would be available, while Jamie Elliott “might be available”. He added Will Hoskin-Elliott was “fine” and “likely to be available” after picking up an injury against West Coast, while Beau McCreery would be “touch and go” for King’s Birthday.