The early mail is trickling out with updates ahead of Round 22, headlined by Nick Daicos, Connor Rozee, Zak Butters, Hayden Young and Nat Fyfe.
Nick Daicos missed Collingwood training on Wednesday but Pies coach Craig McRae assured that he’ll play.
McRae said: “Nick will play, nick will play. His loads have been managed. We’ve gradually been doing it more and more throughout the week as his GPS has been really high on matchday. But he’ll be available.”
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McRae added that Jeremy Howe “will definitely play” after injury, while Bobby Hill was in doubt after missing training with gastro.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is expecting Connor Rozee to be fine to play this weekend against Fremantle after missing last game with illness.
Hinkley said: “We think Connor will be OK. He’s obviously off sick last week. We think he’ll come back in.”
Hinkley also discussed Zak Butters’ performance after being shut down by tagger Oisin Mullin. He said: “Zak has had these challenges over the last couple of years. Any time he has a game like last week he has a big response. I expect that is what we will get from Zak this week.
“Like a young player learning, an elite midfielder will get tagged consistently – and they become more adaptable. They understand the challenge. They understand it is an opportunity to get better.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir hinted that Hayden Young will miss at least 2 weeks with his groin injury.
Longmuir said: “He’s bounced back well. He’s been a part of our meetings. His mindset shifts really quickly… we’re hoping it’s only short term. We’re hoping to see him before the end of the home-and-away season.”
Longmuir suggested that Alex Pearce was a strong chance to play, pending how he pulls up from training, while Corey Wagner was a “chance” to return from injury too.
The Freo coach was unsure on Nat Fyfe’s selection as he weighs up replacing Young following a good game in the WAFL. Longmuir said: “I’ll have a chat to him after training. For me, all options are on the table. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
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