Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks is yet to declare Wayne Milera is a certain starter after 3 games out with a hamstring injury.
Nicks said: “We’re very mindful of getting ahead of ourselves because we haven’t yet had a week where we got through unscathed and haven’t had a late change.
He added: “He’s right up there in All-Australian discussions, as he should be. Him not being there has challenged us, but it’s been great that guys have been able to step up … but we look forward to him being available, hopefully.”
West Coast coach Andrew McQualted talked up top trade-in prospect Ollie Francou after his debut last weekend, having joined in the Mid-Season Draft.
McQualter told 7NewsPerth: “He’s a real competitive player. He showed that in the WAFL when he played for us but also before we drafted him. Tough player in the clinches but also works really hard in transition.”
There’s a looming ruck battle in Thursday night’s clash with Freo dumping Sean Darcy for Mason Cox to support Luke Jackson.
On Jackson, Longmuir said: “Luke is our no.1 ruck, we back Luke in the ruck, and if we feel like we’re getting more benefit with Luke being elsewhere, or someone else being in the ruck, we’ll adjust the ruck split as we go.”
Likewise Sydney coach Dean Cox praised Brodie Grundy when he said: “What Brodie’s been able to do for the duration has been impressive and I think he gets a huge challenge. I think Brodie and his follow-up is really important. That’s what makes him strong.”
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Ben Somerford
