Port Adelaide and Geelong’s teams for Thursday’s game were confirmed with Josh Sinn holding his spot but there was no Quinton Narkle, while Justin Longmuir and John Longmire offered some updates.
THURSDAY TEAMS
Ins: Burton, Holmes, Duncan, Dangerfield
Outs: Jones (inj), Bonner, Knevitt, Mullin (inj), Simpson, Tuohy (mng)
Key holds: Sinn
Possible subs/emergencies: Narkle, Bowes, Knevitt
UPDATES
Hawthorn confirmed it will appeal the three-week suspension handed to James Sicily (AF $934k SC $649k DEF) by the AFL Tribunal, but the appeal will be heard on Monday 19 June after Round 14.
The club update said: “Hawthorn has advised the AFL it will appeal Tuesday night’s Tribunal decision involving James Sicily… The hearing will front the Appeals Board on Monday 19 June.”
To team news, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley confirmed that Josh Sinn (AF $222k SC $123k M/F) has held his spot and will play his third game this year. Hinkley revealed Port’s only change for Thursday night’s game against Geelong will be Ryan Burton replacing the injured Lachie Jones, with Tom Jonas missing out again.
Hinkley said: “With every young player you are trying to develop (such as Sinn) you try to give them as much time as you can to help get them through to the next stage of their career. We have great examples of why it is worthwhile hanging in there. Josh will learn a lot from last week.”
The Power coach also discussed Mid-Season Draft selection Quinton Narkle (AF $432k SC $230k MID) who has had two strong games in the SANFL since joining the club.
He said: “He was really close, particularly because it is his old team at Geelong. You can understand why we would consider that. He is desperate for his second chance. But he has a lot to learn about the way we play. But if he plays like he did last week, he will be hard to keep out.”
Hinkley hailed the form of Zak Butters (AF $946k SC $633k M/F). He said: “He’s just really consistent. That’s the biggest change in Zak. Zak’s always had some great traits that we’ve been able to see. I think they’ve been remarkably consistent for the last 10 weeks.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir spoke to the media on Wednesday morning, prior to reports that Caleb Serong (AF $927k SC $602k MID) was struggling with injury at training, so he wasn’t asked about that. He had been battling an ankle issue in recent weeks.
Longmuir was asked about a potential debut for midfielder Karl Worner (AF $200k SC $123k D/M), with James Aish out with concussion. He said: “He’s a chance. He’s been in good form. There’s still some things in his game that he can work on at Peel. I feel like his attention to detail with some of those things has been really strong. He’s put his hand up. He’s traveled with us and been an emergency for a while so his name will come up.” Jaeger O’Meara is due to return from suspension.
The Freo coach remained confident Sean Darcy (AF $789k SC $567k RUC) will return next week from his hamstring injury that will force him to miss Saturday’s game against GWS. He said: “He’s going to miss this week and we’re really confident that’ll get up for next week. It was touch and go this week. Probably chose a conservative route, so we’ll get him back next week hopefully.”
Sydney coach John Longmire offered an update on Nick Blakey who was subbed out last game with a foot/toe injury, with his availability potentially impacting Jake Lloyd. Longmire said: “Pretty good. He trained today. We weren’t sure after the game, and probably a couple of days ago, how he was going to go. He got through training today. Did what he had to do. Hopefully if he pulls up well he’ll be OK.”
Longmire also said Mid-Season Draft pick Jack Buller was “super” with five goals in the VFL, while he offered an update on Callum Mills and Tom McCartin. When asked about their progress, he said: “Good, which is great news. They both trained today which was terrific. They hopefully pull up well this afternoon and tomorrow. Hopefully they continue their path.”
About The Author
Ben Somerford
