There were a handful of press conference on Wednesday with updates on Kieren Briggs, James Borlase, Luke Pedlar, Steele Sidebottom, Will Setterfield and Jake Stringer.
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GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley flagged a potential upcoming role change for Kieren Briggs (AF $780k SC $507k RUC), with fellow ruckman Brayden Preuss fit again after long-term injury and set to play in the VFL this weekend.
Kingsley said: “(Preuss) is back for his first game of the season. There is still time for him to break back into the side. We’re trying to support Kieren Briggs as best we can. It’s been a bit of a long season now. Really it’s his first season as the number one ruckman, albeit coming in at round 9-10. He needs a little bit of relief and Brayden potentially is that person. Certainly, Flynny has been performing really strongly at VFL level too. He’ll be competing for that support role as well.”
Kingsley also said Finn Callaghan didn’t train on Wednesday after missing last week with soreness but remained hopeful on his availability.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks confirmed James Borlase will play again, offering up some job security too, alongside Mark Keane as key defenders when discussing tackling Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood.
Nicks said: “We’ve got Keane and Borlase, they’ll play again those guys. Keane has shown he can play at the level. We’re excited about where he’s at. Borlase came in and he was fantastic. What a debut. We’d love to see him back that up this week. It’s a great opportunity for him coming in the last three rounds of the year.”
Luke Pedlar was managed last week and the Crows coach said “there’s a big chance he comes back in this week” after some “rejuvenation”.
Nicks added that Izak Rankine “moved really well today” with a decision to be made on his availability later in the week after a hamstring injury.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealed Steele Sidebottom will join Nick Daicos on the sidelines, with the veteran to miss Friday’s game with Geelong due to foot soreness.
McRae said: “If we had an extra couple of days maybe he (Sidebottom) would be available but he’s not gonna make it this week. He’s got a foot injury that plays up a little bit. He’s been carrying it for a couple of years and every now and again it gets a bit grumbly.”
The Pies coach said Nathan Murphy remained a chance to face Geelong despite an ankle injury ruling him out for two to three weeks, having made rapid progress in his recovery.
Essendon coach Brad Scott said Jake Stringer was his main selection dilemma, with the ex-Bulldog “really keen to play”, while Will Setterfield would be considered after he “played well” in his comeback game in the VFL. Sam Draper and Dylan Shiel are set to miss another game.
In AFL Tribunal news from Tuesday night, Eagles ruckman Bailey Williams successfully had his rough conduct charge overturned, meaning he’s free to ply in Saturday night’s Western Derby where he’ll line up on Luke Jackson, whose task just got a bit tougher.
The Eagles have also confirmed retiring veterans Luke Shuey (hamstring) and Shannon Hurn (Achilles) both will not play in the derby. Hurn won’t play until Round 24 for his farewell game. Jamaine Jones is in line to return from an ankle injury.
Port Adelaide revealed Charlie Dixon will be sidelined for about four weeks due to a small fracture in his foot, meaning Ollie Lord may get an extended run in the side.
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