Wednesday’s early mail has landed with updates on Sean Darcy, Jack Macrae, Steven May, James Rowbottom, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Sullivan and many more.
UPDATES
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir noted ruckman Sean Darcy is carrying an injury. He said: “He’s not 100% but he’s good to go. But we’ve got a lot of guys that are a little bit sore. We’ll deal with that.” Darcy’s fitness or availability may impact Luke Jackson’s role.
Longmuir was asked about Josh Treacy’s knee injury scare, noting it was a “collision injury” and that he was “touch and go for this week”.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was unsure if they’d go unchanged from last round given their “healthy list” with Tom Liberatore not discussed after being subbed out last game.
Beveridge noted James Harmes might play VFL level after injury, while he was asked about Jack Macrae’s selection chances after a dominant game in the VFL.
He said: “It’ll just depend on opportunities, really. With the guys who’s played well in that midfield group who beat Casey, Jack, Ryley Sanders, Harvey Gallagher, were very, very influential. All 3 haven’t done their selection opportunity any harm.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae indicated Fin Macrae would come into consideration for their 22 after Jordan De Goey’s season-ending injury. He also was asked about Lachie Sullivan’s chances of selection.
He said: “Lachie will come into consideration. With Jordie out, as a mid-forward type, Lachie can play that role. It’s nice to have a bit more depth because we’ve exposed a few.”
McRae was also asked about Nathan Kreuger and said: “He’s cleared to play after concussion protocols, yeah.”
Essendon coach Brad Scott was pressed on selection and how they’d replace the injured Xavier Duursma. He said: “Fortunately Setterfield, Hobbs, Perkins, Tsatas all dominated in the VFL. Wright played well forward, Weideman and Hayes are going really well as defenders. We’ve got plenty of options to cover it.”
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin wouldn’t commit to a debut for young forward Matt Jefferson but talked him up. He said: “We’ve got Matt Jefferson – he’s developing really strongly at VFL level.
“He’s getting closer and closer all the time. We’re rapt with Jeffo. It’s a really tough time as a developing key forward when you get drafted and how long it can take. And his last 8 to 10 weeks has been fantastic in the ways developed his game. Whether that’s a game this week or in the coming weeks, we’ll wait and see.”
Goodwin indicated Adam Tomlinson was the likely replacement for Steven May (ribs). On May, Goodwin said they’re “hoping he misses only a couple of weeks”.
Sydney coach John Longmire said Joel Amartey and Dane Rampe would likely return this round while they’d weigh up Lewis Melican’s availability. He wasn’t asked about James Rowbottom who seemed to have an injury concern late against Port.
West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield flagged on 7NewsPerth that Tom Barrass was no guarantee to return from concussion protocols due to “hamstring awareness”.
