Sydney young gun Angus Sheldrick has been ruled out of their Round 18 game due to an ankle injury in a major blow to coaches using him as cover for the injured Josh Dunkley, while there was more carnage.
THURSDAY TEAMS
Key ins: Corey Warner, Wicks, Amartey; Darcy
Key outs: Sheldrick (inj), Lloyd (inj), Hickey, Francis; Lobb, B.Smith (ill)
Key holds: O’Donnell, Poulter
The Thursday teams dropped this evening with Angus Sheldrick and Bailey Smith both out as previously revealed (more info below), while Corey Warner gets a recall for his first AFL game since Round 11 when he made a brief appearance as sub.
UPDATES
In Sydney’s injury report released on Wednesday ahead of the team news at 6:20pm AEST for their clash with the Western Bulldogs on Thursday, the Swans confirmed the bad news for Angus Sheldrick (AF $516k SC $346k M/F).
Swans Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services Damian Raper said: “Gus sustained an ankle injury in Thursday’s game against Richmond. He is currently non-weight bearing and will require further assessment before his rehabilitation time frames are confirmed.”
As reported by Honeyball earlier this week, Chad Warner was ruled out of their Round 18 game too, while they provided an update on Jake Lloyd. Raper said: “Jake is recovering well from the concussion suffered in the match against Richmond. He will be managed as per the AFL Concussion Guidelines.”
In further bad news to test teams’ benches and trades, Bailey Smith (AF $676k SC $416k M/F) was ruled out by the Western Bulldogs for Thursday’s game.
The club update said: “Smith has been ruled out of this Thursday night’s clash with Sydney due to illness. The 22-year-old presented to the Club yesterday for a main session but wasn’t well enough to participate, and subsequently won’t make the trip to Sydney today. The Club anticipates that Bailey will return to training in the coming days.”
Fremantle have confirmed that defender Hayden Young (AF $723k SC $470k DEF) will miss their Round 18 game against Collingwood after pulling up sore with an ankle complaint. Brennan Cox is also out with an ankle injury.
Essendon coach Brad Scott fronted the media on Wednesday morning, offering an update on the knee injury to Jordan Ridley, after a good result from Monday’s scans. He said: “It was pretty clear to the medical guys that his knee was structurally sound. He wouldn’t have come back on the ground otherwise. It is always a relief once you get confirmation from the scan that it’s all clear. Structurally it’s ok, but it’ll probably be function more than anything. I expect him to be a bit sore. He’s saying all the right things, he’s really positive about this weekend. As we’ve been all year, if he’s 100%, he’ll play. If he’s a bit off, he won’t play.”
Scott acknowledged Kaine Baldwin was an option to replace Ridley, if he wasn’t deemed fit to play. He said: “He’s certainly an option. He’s had a good season, Kane. He’s performed really well in the VFL but we’ve been pleased with the way our defence has been functioning. It’s a matter of opportunity for Kane.”
The Dons coach played down any concerns over the fitness of Mason Redman and Jake Stringer, who were on light duties this week. He said: “No, we’ve got a shorter break between games this week, so we just manage our players through. They’ll be right to play.”
Scott also praised the form of skipper Zach Merrett. He said: “He’s taken some enormous steps forward this year in his performance on field but his leadership has been exceptional.”
Scott confirmed Sam Draper would not play this weekend due to an ongoing hip issue, likely opening the door for Nick Bryan with Andrew Phillips out suspended.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae confirmed on SEN The Run Home that Dan McStay will return, with Brody Mihocek to miss again. He added that Steele Sidebottom and Brayden Maynard will also return assuming they get through training.
McRae was also asked to confirm if there was any doubt on Darcy Cameron after a knock last week, but he was elusive and said: “Not that I’m aware of.”
Round Nine Things We Learned in Round 17
Read In The Wings to see who’s pushing for an AFL game via the VFL, WAFL & SANFL
