The early mail is in ahead of Thursday’s team news with key updates on Tim English, Sam Darcy, James Harmes, Darcy Wilson, Taylor Adams and Tom Liberatore.
PRESS CONFERENCES
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge offered an interesting insight on the Tim English and Sam Darcy ruck split. He said: “You’re seeing some change, within that inside mid area and even the ruck area, with Sam Darcy playing a bit more ruck and Tim English playing a bit more forward.”
The Dogs coach also spoke about selection. He said: “The hardest thing is to omit someone like Caleb Daniel, who we love and his contribution to the club has been enormous but he’ll find his way back into the team.
“Bailey Dale obviously went out recently, on a form thing. We know how capable Digga is. We’re looking for his best. Sometimes we need a circuit breaker, whether you’re young or you’ve played 150 games. Those boys will come back in.”
He added: “This week we need to consider a couple of boys who’ve played really well over the last couple of weeks in Riley Garcia and James Harmes.
Beveridge also offered an update on Tom Liberatore who has entered concussion protocols. He said: “Tom is in good spirits. On paper at the moment it seems like he might be available for next week but our medical crew won’t take any risks with that. If there’s any doubt, we’ll take more weeks than we need to.”
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon was asked about rookie Darcy Wilson. He said: “He’s probably exceeded for a first-year player. He’s an incredible young player for running capacity. He’s got plenty to work on, still building out his contest, understanding team defence and attack.
West Coast Adam Simpson spoke on 7NewsPerth about Dom Sheed potentially returning after two games in the WAFL, which may impact Harley Reid’s CBA time. He said: “His second game back, he didn’t play full minutes. He looked pretty good.
“We’ve really got to see how he pulled up. If he pulls up really well, we’re going to lose Luke Edwards to concussion protocols, so there’s a spot there. We’ll have that discussion later in the week.”
Sydney coach John Longmire spoke about Taylor Adams’ role after playing managed minutes on his return from injury in Round 4 before their bye last weekend. Longmire said: “I think it was a good start for him. He played half-forward in midfield and he was really busy. I think he had 18 or 19 possessions.
“Most importantly, he pulled up well. We got him to 80 minutes and then we took him off the ground just before the end of the game. That was important for us to be able to give him his first game and to get him through to the stage where he actually pulls up well the next week.”
The Swans coach also confirmed Luke Parker is still a few weeks away following his arm injury. He said: “No, he’s not ready to play yet. It’s taking a little bit of extra time.
“We don’t want to risk it with his injury, so he won’t be ready to play this week. We’ll see how he pulls up next week. He’s doing some training, he’s training with us, but he’s not able to play yet. Too big a risk. He hasn’t had the clearance from the surgeon, so he won’t be back this week.”
Longmire also offered praise to Errol Gulden. He said: “He’s such an important and integral player on our team. Now on the field and off the field… He’s just one of those young players that we’re really confident in.”
The Swans coach hailed Brodie Grundy ahead of his 200th AFL game. He said: “For a really, really young midfield group and to be able to have him come into that group but also set the tone as far as his follow-up around the stoppage and scramble work has been excellent. He’s been a really valuable player.”
Brad Scott declared Dylan Shiel was “available” for selection following a minor oblique strain and said he was encouraged by his VFL display. On fitting him into the side, Scott said: “That’s a question we’re working through. Perkins and Setterfield are out but I think the question is more about when they’re all available.”
Scott did say Archie Perkins was making “remarkable” progress in his return from a hamstring strain but won’t play this week.
