Friday’s early mail is here with updates on Marcus Bontempelli, Shaun Mannagh, Zac Fisher, Matt Flynn, Riley Bonner, Lachie Ash and more.
UPDATES
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge discussed Marcus Bontempelli, who battled a back complaint last week and if that was still an issue. He said: “He’s trained all week this week so it’s settled down.
“It might be the first week in a month he hasn’t gone into a game with something weighing heavy on him. He’s obviously come through some adversity again.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott discussed the recall of Shaun Mannagh who hasn’t played since Round 2. He said: “Shaun is an interesting one because he really hasn’t done anything wrong since he walked into the club. He was good enough to force his way in early.
“Then really through circumstance he got kept out of the team, he has had the odd challenge here and there that led to a lack of continuity. Goals in the VFL is not necessarily what we judge him on, it’s much more than his offensive threat.
“He compliments the way that we think we have to adjust our forward half with Tom going out, we talk about him a lot but just haven’t been able to get him in. It is exciting for him and for us that we could do that this week.”
Scott also discussed the likely role of Sam De Koning who has spent time in the ruck lately. He said: “We’ve for a long time had a unique ruck setup primarily because of the way Marc Blicavs plays. We’re unapologetic for prioritising Sam De Koning in the position we think he’s best.”
Riley Bonner won’t play for St Kilda this weekend, with the Saints confirming: “Riley Bonner (foot) is a late withdrawal from the squad after failing to complete today’s training.”
West Coast coach Adam Simpson was asked about Matt Flynn’s injury which he called a “standard ankle” and said it “could be a 1-2 weeker”.
North coach Alastair Clarkson spoke to the media on Thursday, with his full quote about Zac Fisher below.
Clarkson said: “He won’t play. He came out of the game halfway through the third quarter last week and was hobbling around with a foot or ankle injury. He tried to do some strides. He’s not far away, to be fair, but we want fit players. A big part of his game is to run and kick the footy. If he’s a little bit lame in that space, then we’re better off getting him right. He’ll have a spell. Hopefully he’ll be right for next week.”
GWS have confirmed Joe Fonti will make his debut on Saturday against Carlton as a late inclusion for Lachie Ash who is out with a corked calf. Fonti is a 19-year-old 189cm defender who went with pick 44 in the 2023 AFL Draft.
