Brodie Grundy was dropped again by Melbourne, freeing up Max Gawn for another monster solo ruck game, while there were further updates including a debutant for Fremantle.
SUNDAY TEAMS
Key ins: Emmett, Maric
Key outs: Grundy, B.Macdonald, Liberatore (inj), X.O’Neill
Key holds: Worner, Corey Wagner, M.Johnson, Lord, J.Williams
Possible subs/emergencies: Boak, Grundy, B.Ryan, X.O’Neill
DEBUTANT ALERT
Tom Emmett (AF $220k SC $117k FWD) will debut for Fremantle. He went pick 41 in the 2022 AFL Draft and is a 186cm forward. Emmett kicked 13 goals from 13 WAFL games in 2023, averaging 14.5 disposals.
UPDATES
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks talked up the form of Matt Crouch (AF $759k SC $552k MID), who has loomed as a cheaper midfield option.
Nicks said: “There’s not too many in the form he is. He’s got a game that’s very much based around his inside and his fight and he’s clean hands. And our guys have improved around him to amplify what he does.”
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell discussed Finn Maginness’ tagging job against Melbourne, although he offered no insight on his likely opponent amid fears for both Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
Mitchell said: “The reason other teams don’t tag, because it means other teams can pull you apart at other times. Finn is going to have a role but Finn getting his role done and us losing the game doesn’t help us.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott talked about Cam Guthrie’s return, with the midfielder confirmed to return from long-term injury in the VFL this weekend, before a possible Round 24 AFL game.
Scott said: “He’ll play in the VFL. We thought long and hard about bringing him straight back. My gut feel is that he could come in and play against the Saints and perform really well. We just couldn’t be sure that it was going to be a better scenario for him and us than getting some game time in the VFL and all going well coming back next week with our season still alive.”
