https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/af...n/news-story/7dea81b8c48e6bf7e005158b163e58b4
Ben Waterworth from Fox Sports@bjwaterworth
April 15th, 2021 10:52 am
Carlton could regain a key forward for its crucial clash against Port Adelaide.
Plus a key Docker could be back sooner than expected, while the Eagles could finally unleash their recruit.
Get the latest selection news in AFL Team Whispers!
CARLTON will be without forward Jack Silvagni (shoulder) for its crucial match against Port Adelaide, but could welcome back key forward Mitch McGovern for the game.
After enduring an injury-interrupted pre-season, McGovern has shaken off back and hamstring issues to play the past two VFL practice games.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast on Thursday morning, Carlton coach David Teague said McGovern had “put his hand up” as a possible replacement for Jack Silvagni.
“We’ll see how he goes at training today, but he’ll be right in the mix,” Teague said.
Gun recruit Zac Williams is also expected to be available for selection.
Williams missed the Blues’ Round 4 win over the Suns due to illness and calf interruptions during the week.
But Blues high performance director Andrew Russell said Williams loomed as a likely inclusion to the Power.
“Zac didn’t have a great preparation week last week. He was sick for most of the week, he was a bit tight late in the week so we decided not to play him,” he said.
“He trained today, we expect him to train fully and be available this week.
PORT ADELAIDE will have to find replacements for young gun duo Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma, who suffered significant injury setbacks against Richmond.
Butters underwent ankle surgery on Monday night, while Duursma had been booked in to have the lateral ligament in his knee repaired.
Key forward Todd Marshall could face Carlton after being a late withdrawal from the selected side on Friday night due to an ankle issue. If he does return, ruckman Peter Ladhams is most likely to make way.
It’ll be a different-looking GEELONG team against North Melbourne on Sunday, with Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Rohan to return from suspension and midfielder Brandan Parfitt (hip) likely to be available.
But whether the Cats unleash star recruit Jeremy Cameron for his first game in the blue and white hoops remains uncertain.
Cameron on Monday confirmed on Fox Sports News his desire to face North Melbourne this weekend but said he was “two to three sessions” away from playing. He said he understood if he was held back for one more week.
“I would like to say I’m heading in the right direction,” Cameron said.
“Whether we can cram them (two to three sessions) all into the one week lead up is another question.
“We will have to wait and see. It’s really positive at the moment and ticking along nicely.”
Small forward Luke Dahlhaus is in danger of losing his spot after his quiet start to 2021. He’s averaged a career-low 10 disposals so far this season.
NORTH MELBOURNE is likely to make two forced changes for Sunday’s clash against the Cats after setbacks for Luke McDonald (pec) and Cam Zurhaar (concussion) against Adelaide.
McDonald’s absence might finally pave the way for recruit Atu Bosenavulagi to play his first game in the blue and white stripes after showing excellent form at VFL level. Although Connor Menadue has also been knocking loudly on the match committee door.
Zurhaar’s replacement could be Josh Walker, who missed the clash with Adelaide due to a hamstring concern. But Tristan Xerri was mighty in the Roos’ VFL win over Port Melbourne, playing 90 per cent ruck but drifting forward to kick three goals. Forward Curtis Taylor returned via the VFL after missing a few games due to concussion and would also be in the mix.
WEST COAST recruit Alex Witherden could finally play his first game for his new club, with the ex-Lion in the mix to face Collingwood.
Witherden, who was traded from Brisbane during the 2020 AFL exchange period, will be in the mix to replace veteran defender Shannon Hurn due to a calf injury.
Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy on Tuesday nominated Witherden or one-gamer Luke Foley as the most likely candidates to replace Hurn.
“Alex is ready to go, he’s had a great pre-season and really moulded into the group, so exciting if he can get his first game for the club,” Kennedy told 6PR.
“When he’s got the ball in his hands he can really get some drive off half-back exactly like what Shannon does.”
COLLINGWOOD will unleash third debutant this season, with first-round draftee Finlay Macrae to play his first AFL game against West Coast on Friday night.
Macrae, who was taken with Pick 19 in last year’s draft, was told the news on Tuesday, with every Magpies teammate celebrating with him.
The 19-year-old will replace injured vice-captain Taylor Adams, who’ll be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks after an MCL injury against the Giants.
The Magpies could welcome back renowned tagger Levi Greenwood, who flew to Perth earlier this week ahead of the game.
Greenwood, who’s played just one game in 2021, could be earmarked for a run-with role on Eagles star Tim Kelly after he held the midfielder to just 12 disposals in last year’s thrilling one-point elimination final win over West Coast.
Collingwood could also recall ruck-forward Darcy Cameron, who was crucial in the club’s famous 2020 elimination final win over the Eagles as he partnered Brodie Grundy to help curtail Nic Naitanui’s influence.
“That’s a consideration for us,” Pies coach Nathan Buckley said of Cameron’s possible inclusion.
“I don’t think that anyone has found … a way to get above his (Naitanui’s) hand in a centre bounce. Blunting that is half the battle so we will be looking at being better at centre bounce.”
FREMANTLE could welcome back Rory Lobb to its AFL line-up sooner than expected, with the ruckman a chance to play in Sunday’s game against Adelaide.
Lobb was expected to be sidelined for up to 12 weeks after he injured his knee during Fremantle’s AAMI Community Series match against West Coast. But he’s been back running for three weeks after having his brace removed ahead of schedule.
“He is still a chance for this week,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir told 7 News Perth.
“He has got to tick a few boxes and get through main training. We will see where it falls for Rory.
“We think someone of his capability has got a chance of coming straight back in. What level he plays at we will decide after he ticks those boxes at main training.”
Longmuir also said the club would have to make a call on whether top-10 draftee Griffin Logue, who’s been sidelined recently due to a hamstring issue, is picked for the AFL side, or whether he takes part in another WAFL game after playing limited minutes for Peel Thunder last week.
ADELAIDE will monitor the progress of Shane McAdam (SC joint) and Brodie Smith (knee) at training this week before making a call on whether they face the Dockers.
SYDNEY could add another young star into its line-up, with emerging midfielder James Rowbottom likely to face the Giants on Saturday.
Swans midfielder Luke Parker said Rowbottom, who’s been sidelined since Round 1 after sustaining a knee injury, would likely be available for selection if he completed training on Wednesday.
Rowbottom could replace star teammate Isaac Heeney, who could miss two to three games after suffering a broken hand against Essendon.
The Swans will also have to find a replacement for star defender Dane Rampe, who this week underwent surgery on a broken finger.
Fellow co-captain Parker nominated Lewis Melican or Kaiden Brand as the most likely Rampe replacements.
The GIANTS might rest Shane Mumford for the Sydney derby, despite the veteran ruckman’s impressive outing against Brodie Grundy and Collingwood.
While Grundy had more disposals (20 disposals to Mumford’s 17) and hit-outs (42 to 17), Mumford finished the game with more clearances (8 to Grundy’s 5) and score involvements (4 to 1), while 38 per cent of Mumford’s hit-outs went to the advantage of a Giants teammate, whereas Grundy’s rate was only 24 per cent.
Ben Waterworth from Fox Sports@bjwaterworth
April 15th, 2021 10:52 am
Carlton could regain a key forward for its crucial clash against Port Adelaide.
Plus a key Docker could be back sooner than expected, while the Eagles could finally unleash their recruit.
Get the latest selection news in AFL Team Whispers!
CARLTON will be without forward Jack Silvagni (shoulder) for its crucial match against Port Adelaide, but could welcome back key forward Mitch McGovern for the game.
After enduring an injury-interrupted pre-season, McGovern has shaken off back and hamstring issues to play the past two VFL practice games.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast on Thursday morning, Carlton coach David Teague said McGovern had “put his hand up” as a possible replacement for Jack Silvagni.
“We’ll see how he goes at training today, but he’ll be right in the mix,” Teague said.
Gun recruit Zac Williams is also expected to be available for selection.
Williams missed the Blues’ Round 4 win over the Suns due to illness and calf interruptions during the week.
But Blues high performance director Andrew Russell said Williams loomed as a likely inclusion to the Power.
“Zac didn’t have a great preparation week last week. He was sick for most of the week, he was a bit tight late in the week so we decided not to play him,” he said.
“He trained today, we expect him to train fully and be available this week.
PORT ADELAIDE will have to find replacements for young gun duo Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma, who suffered significant injury setbacks against Richmond.
Butters underwent ankle surgery on Monday night, while Duursma had been booked in to have the lateral ligament in his knee repaired.
Key forward Todd Marshall could face Carlton after being a late withdrawal from the selected side on Friday night due to an ankle issue. If he does return, ruckman Peter Ladhams is most likely to make way.
It’ll be a different-looking GEELONG team against North Melbourne on Sunday, with Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Rohan to return from suspension and midfielder Brandan Parfitt (hip) likely to be available.
But whether the Cats unleash star recruit Jeremy Cameron for his first game in the blue and white hoops remains uncertain.
Cameron on Monday confirmed on Fox Sports News his desire to face North Melbourne this weekend but said he was “two to three sessions” away from playing. He said he understood if he was held back for one more week.
“I would like to say I’m heading in the right direction,” Cameron said.
“Whether we can cram them (two to three sessions) all into the one week lead up is another question.
“We will have to wait and see. It’s really positive at the moment and ticking along nicely.”
Small forward Luke Dahlhaus is in danger of losing his spot after his quiet start to 2021. He’s averaged a career-low 10 disposals so far this season.
NORTH MELBOURNE is likely to make two forced changes for Sunday’s clash against the Cats after setbacks for Luke McDonald (pec) and Cam Zurhaar (concussion) against Adelaide.
McDonald’s absence might finally pave the way for recruit Atu Bosenavulagi to play his first game in the blue and white stripes after showing excellent form at VFL level. Although Connor Menadue has also been knocking loudly on the match committee door.
Zurhaar’s replacement could be Josh Walker, who missed the clash with Adelaide due to a hamstring concern. But Tristan Xerri was mighty in the Roos’ VFL win over Port Melbourne, playing 90 per cent ruck but drifting forward to kick three goals. Forward Curtis Taylor returned via the VFL after missing a few games due to concussion and would also be in the mix.
WEST COAST recruit Alex Witherden could finally play his first game for his new club, with the ex-Lion in the mix to face Collingwood.
Witherden, who was traded from Brisbane during the 2020 AFL exchange period, will be in the mix to replace veteran defender Shannon Hurn due to a calf injury.
Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy on Tuesday nominated Witherden or one-gamer Luke Foley as the most likely candidates to replace Hurn.
“Alex is ready to go, he’s had a great pre-season and really moulded into the group, so exciting if he can get his first game for the club,” Kennedy told 6PR.
“When he’s got the ball in his hands he can really get some drive off half-back exactly like what Shannon does.”
COLLINGWOOD will unleash third debutant this season, with first-round draftee Finlay Macrae to play his first AFL game against West Coast on Friday night.
Macrae, who was taken with Pick 19 in last year’s draft, was told the news on Tuesday, with every Magpies teammate celebrating with him.
The 19-year-old will replace injured vice-captain Taylor Adams, who’ll be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks after an MCL injury against the Giants.
The Magpies could welcome back renowned tagger Levi Greenwood, who flew to Perth earlier this week ahead of the game.
Greenwood, who’s played just one game in 2021, could be earmarked for a run-with role on Eagles star Tim Kelly after he held the midfielder to just 12 disposals in last year’s thrilling one-point elimination final win over West Coast.
Collingwood could also recall ruck-forward Darcy Cameron, who was crucial in the club’s famous 2020 elimination final win over the Eagles as he partnered Brodie Grundy to help curtail Nic Naitanui’s influence.
“That’s a consideration for us,” Pies coach Nathan Buckley said of Cameron’s possible inclusion.
“I don’t think that anyone has found … a way to get above his (Naitanui’s) hand in a centre bounce. Blunting that is half the battle so we will be looking at being better at centre bounce.”
FREMANTLE could welcome back Rory Lobb to its AFL line-up sooner than expected, with the ruckman a chance to play in Sunday’s game against Adelaide.
Lobb was expected to be sidelined for up to 12 weeks after he injured his knee during Fremantle’s AAMI Community Series match against West Coast. But he’s been back running for three weeks after having his brace removed ahead of schedule.
“He is still a chance for this week,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir told 7 News Perth.
“He has got to tick a few boxes and get through main training. We will see where it falls for Rory.
“We think someone of his capability has got a chance of coming straight back in. What level he plays at we will decide after he ticks those boxes at main training.”
Longmuir also said the club would have to make a call on whether top-10 draftee Griffin Logue, who’s been sidelined recently due to a hamstring issue, is picked for the AFL side, or whether he takes part in another WAFL game after playing limited minutes for Peel Thunder last week.
ADELAIDE will monitor the progress of Shane McAdam (SC joint) and Brodie Smith (knee) at training this week before making a call on whether they face the Dockers.
SYDNEY could add another young star into its line-up, with emerging midfielder James Rowbottom likely to face the Giants on Saturday.
Swans midfielder Luke Parker said Rowbottom, who’s been sidelined since Round 1 after sustaining a knee injury, would likely be available for selection if he completed training on Wednesday.
Rowbottom could replace star teammate Isaac Heeney, who could miss two to three games after suffering a broken hand against Essendon.
The Swans will also have to find a replacement for star defender Dane Rampe, who this week underwent surgery on a broken finger.
Fellow co-captain Parker nominated Lewis Melican or Kaiden Brand as the most likely Rampe replacements.
The GIANTS might rest Shane Mumford for the Sydney derby, despite the veteran ruckman’s impressive outing against Brodie Grundy and Collingwood.
While Grundy had more disposals (20 disposals to Mumford’s 17) and hit-outs (42 to 17), Mumford finished the game with more clearances (8 to Grundy’s 5) and score involvements (4 to 1), while 38 per cent of Mumford’s hit-outs went to the advantage of a Giants teammate, whereas Grundy’s rate was only 24 per cent.
