MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 14: Clayton Oliver of the Demons in action during a Melbourne Demons training session at Gosch's Paddock on December 14, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos for AFL Photos)
The teams for Thursday’s Richmond-Sydney clash have been revealed, while there was bad news for coaches who’ve held Clayton Oliver, but Touk Miller and Jordan De Goey are set to make their returns.
TEAM NEWS
Key ins: Prestia, Martin, Bauer, Banks, M.Rioli, Franklin, T.McCartin
Key outs: Ryan, Short (inj), Clarke, Ross, Ralphsmith, Cumberland, Clarke, Francis, Amartey (mng)
Key holds: Sheldrick, Melican
Possible subs/emergencies: McAndrew
DEBUTANT ALERT
Melbourne announced that son-of-a-gun Taj Woewodin (AF $200k SC $123k M/F) will make his debut this weekend. He was pick 65 in the 2021 AFL Draft and is a 182cm midfielder who had 31 disposals and three goals in the VFL last weekend
Read our Round 16 CBAs, kick-ins & TOG% analysis
Read our forward mid-pricers discussion about replacing Fyfe
Read who’ll likely get DPP additions after Round 17
UPDATES
There’s looming bad news for Clayton Oliver (AF $990k SC $658k MID) is in bid to prove his fitness following a hamstring injury after appearing to fail a fitness test at Melbourne training on Wednesday.
Prior to training, Dees coach Simon Goodwin said: “I’ll be as honest as I can be, he’s got one session to get through in terms of ticking off a marker today. She’s a fingers crossed moment. We’re really hopeful he gets through this today and he’ll be available. This is the final thing he’s got to tick off today.”
Goodwin also hinted Jacob van Rooyen may not come straight back in for the injured Bailey Fritsch, wanting to “develop him the right way”, despite a good game in a big VFL win.
Gold Coast revealed in their injury report that Touk Miller (AF $877k SC $592k MID) simply needed to get through Wednesday training to be available for this round’s game.
Suns coach Stuart Dew added during his press conference: “He’s got to get through today. We’re not being negligent. He’s been in full training for a few weeks. We’re pretty keen to get him straight in. He’s a professional. If he’s ready, he’s ready and we’ll pick him and welcome him back.”
Richmond interim coach Andrew McQualter confirmed Dustin Martin will return following injury, while Dion Prestia “at this stage looks like he’ll be good to go” after missing last round with a calf issue.
The Tigers coach was coy on Jayden Short’s timeline to return from a hamstring injury, which the club labelled as “medium term”. McQualter said: “We’re still not sure exactly how long he’ll be out for. Disappointing result in losing Shorty, he’s a really valuable player for us. He’ll just do his rehab program over the next few weeks then hopefully pushing after that. Not entirely sure when that will be.”
McQualter also discussed the reasons behind the selection of youngsters Sam Banks and Jacob Bauer. He said: “Sam Banks has probably been emergency six-eight times this year. He’s really deserved his spot, being able to play wing and half-back.
“Jacob Bauer has had some great games of VFL footy this year. We got him in the mid-season draft last year. He’s really built his game up this year. Really excited for both those guys to play for us. His ability to play both ends of the ground, we really value. So whether he plays forward or back is still undecided.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealed Brayden Maynard will miss this round due to shoulder soreness, while Brody Mihocek will also be ruled out with hamstring trouble. Dan McStay will play VFL.
McRae confirmed Jordan De Goey will return from suspension. He said: “It’s good to have Jordy back… It’s not often you bring back one of your best players. We’re excited for what that could be.”
