There may be a few downgrade options in the horizon with Ryan Maric confirmed to debut for West Coast, while Josh Sinn will get a full game for Port Adelaide plus the team news dropped on Thursday evening.
TEAM NEWS
Key ins: Boak, Sicily, S.Mitchell, Maric, Vlastuin
Key outs: O.Baker, Lord, B.Macdonald, Mackenzie, Zorko (susp), Duggan (susp), Hewett (inj), Hurn (inj), Darcy (inj), Greenwood (inj), Simpkin (inj), Daniels (inj), Shiel (inj)
Key holds: A.Jones, O’Donnell, D.Williams, Sinn, Weddle, Wilmot, Pedlar, N.Long, Ginbey, M.Johnson, Sturt, S.Ryan, T.Young, Hall, Ford, Wardlaw, Angwin, Briggs, Cincotta, Boyd
Extended bench: Drury, Cunnington, Ziebell, Spicer, Fleeton, Fahey, Rowston, Flynn, M.Kennedy, Cowan, Menzie
Possible subs/emergencies: O.Baker, Poulter, Lord, B.Macdonald, Mackenzie, Chesser
Absent: H.Sharp, A.Davey, Binns
The Collingwood-Melbourne teams for Monday’s King’s Birthday game will be out later.
DEBUTANT ALERT
West Coast confirmed no.1 Mid-Season Draft pick Ryan Maric (AF $200k SC $102k FWD) will debut in Saturday’s game against Adelaide. He is a 193cm forward, who only had five disposals, one mark, one tackle and one goal in the WAFL last weekend, while he averaged 13.5 disposals and six marks in the VFL for Box Hill, booting four goals in two games.
UPDATES
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell revealed James Sicily will return from suspension, although his role may be modified with Sam Frost needing two weeks off (including the bye) with a foot issue.
Mitchell was also asked directly about Seamus Mitchell returning but was elusive. He said: “The Sicily one is reasonably easy. Sam Frost has got a foot issue, he needs two weeks off… The other ones you’ll have to wait for the teams to come out.” He added that Chad Wingard will return via the VFL.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was much more open, stating Charlie Dixon and Travis Boak will return from injuries, while Ryan Burton and Riley Bonner will lose their spots along with Ollie Lord, assuming Dixon gets up. He also clarified 2021 AFL Draft pick 12 Josh Sinn (AF $228k SC $123k M/F) would come into the 22, having been sub last week.
Hinkley said: “Young Ollie will probably end up missing out. At this stage, I’m really confident Charlie and Trav are going to take the field.”
On Sinn, he said: “We just want to get some good AFL minutes into Josh Sinn as quick as we can and see where that goes. That doesn’t mean he’s a lock for our team for the remainder of the year. It’s just a good opportunity to get a look against high quality.
“I think he’s got power and speed. Across the team we’re quite quick, which is something we as the coaching group like. We like to have speed on the floor. He’s a high talented player, when we looked at him in the draft. Not just that, he’s got enough footy knowledge that we think he’ll help us become a better team.”
Hinkley also spoke about Mid-Season Draft selection Quinton Narkle, who impressed in his SANFL debut. He said: “Not this week, but loved what he brought in his first game for the club. You can see his enthusiasm for a second chance and we look forward to giving him that opportunity to show at AFL level what he can do at some stage in the future.”
Richmond interim coach Andrew McQualter said Dylan Grimes would likely play following a shoulder knock and expected Nick Vlastuin to return after a corked leg. Jacob Hopper is likely after their bye.
Carlton coach Michael Voss flagged a potential debutant in 2022 AFL Draft pick 32 Jaxon Binns (AF $238k SC $117k M/F), who had 35 disposals in the VFL last weekend.
Voss said: “He’s been pretty good, Binnsy. He’s certainly had a very consistent year. Loved his game on the weekend. As a match committee we’ve been very impressed with some of the things he’s been able to do. It’s not about creating one game, it’s about creating a career. We’re mindful of when that actually happens but he’s stating a pretty good case for himself.”
The Blues coach also clarified Marc Pittonet was unlikely with a hand problem, while Jack Silvagni will face a fitness test following his hip injury.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was coy on his team, although he confirmed “there will be a few changes”, noting Ed Richards is out with injury, although he declined to clarify who’ll take up his half-back role.
Essendon coach Brad Scott noted Peter Wright was likely to return from injury, while he said Dylan Shiel will be named but will need to be 100% in the warm-up. He also clarified Nik Cox is available but likely to need a stint in the VFL.
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