The Sunday teams dropped with Rory Atkins omitted while Harvey Harrison held his spot in a hotly contested Collingwood 22 with Pies coach Craig McRae discussing the battle for spots.
SUNDAY TEAMS
Ins: Elliott, Howe, Ellis, Oea, Weller, Flanders, Frost
Outs: McCreery, Frampton, McInnes, McHenry, Davies, Sexton, Jeffrey (inj), T.Berry, Atkins, Butler (mng), Sicily (susp)
Key holds: Harrison, Fiorini
Possible subs/emergencies: Atkins, F.Greene
UPDATES
Harvey Harrison (AF $256k SC $123k FWD) held his spot in Collingwood’s 22 and Pies coach Craig McRae spoke about the challenge of picking their best side each week and leaving out players in good form in the VFL, hinting job security isn’t safe.
“I probably speak to Fin and Trent Bianco and Josh Carmichael more than anyone else on the list – and Reef McInnes,” McRae said. “These guys are performing above the level of VFL and they are on the edge. Their time will come; using a cricket analogy, when that snick comes through to the slips, I want them to be ready to catch it, to grab their opportunity when it comes. It is difficult.”
McRae also spoke about Jordan De Goey (AF $749k SC $537k MID) who is training hard during his suspension in an ominous sign for when he’s available again. He said: “He is still out there (training). This is what he did last time when he missed a bit of footy. If you want to turn the cameras around you’ll see how hard he is working. That’s what we are excited for. Clearly we’d love to have him play this weekend and next, but he is getting to work and we know when he comes back he is going to be a better version of himself.
“I think we all stand here seeing Jordy growing before our eyes, we get to see it day-to-day. Sometimes when you have a dripping tap it takes a while to get a puddle. He has been a dripping tap for a while now, we have been really happy with his growth as a person.”
Richmond, who have the bye, put out their injury report on Friday, with Samson Ryan not ruled out of their Round 16 game after an ankle issue last round. The club update said: “Exciting young Tigers Noah Cumberland (soleus) and Samson Ryan (ankle) are also a test to face to the Lions following the bye.” Jacob Hopper was listed as a “test” too.
Fremantle made a change to their side to face Essendon on Saturday night, with Bailey Banfield in to replace Josh Corbett.
About The Author
Ben Somerford
