Bulldogs spearhead out of crunch Freo clash
Anna Harrington |
The Western Bulldogs will face the ominous task of attempting to upset AFL leaders Fremantle without spearhead Aaron Naughton.
Key forward Naughton and livewire Cody Weightman have both been managed for the huge clash in Perth on Friday night, with the pair spared the long flight west.
The Dockers regain gun midfielder Hayden Young from illness, but lose Corey Wagner to injury, while the Bulldogs, chasing a top-six berth, have called upon Laitham Vandermeer and Louis Emmett.
The Brisbane Lions have called upon Oscar Allen to replace suspended Ty Gallop on his return from injury to face Carlton.
Veteran halfback Dayne Zorko is rested with Keidean Coleman and Bruce Reville returning.
The Blues have regained Harry McKay from a knee injury as they eye an upset to stay in touch with the wildcard places.
Rowan Marshall returns from a back spasm for St Kilda in their clash with Sydney on Saturday.
Hawthorn are without Mitch Lewis and Noah Mraz, with Finn Maginness recalled and 18-year-old Aidan Schubert to become the Hawks’ eighth debutant this season.
“He’ll come in as the second ruck and a key forward, we needed a bit of ruck back-up, Noah Mraz had been doing a fair bit of it, but unfortunately he’s fallen out of the side now with his kidney laceration,” coach Sam Mitchell said.
“He (Schubert) is a really good runner. He’s only young, but he’s got a big frame and he’s going to be a big, strong man in coming years, but he covers the ground really well, he has got a really nice set of hands so he’s a good mark.
“He’s got a knack of finding the footy. Some key forwards are low possession, but he’s one of the higher possession type players.
“It’s his first year playing against men so the way he has used his body in the past compared to how he has to use it now has taken a little bit of time, but he’s a player that we’re excited to see.”
Adelaide have lost Wayne Milera and James Peatling to injury, rested Sam Berry and dropped Finbar Maley for their clash with Essendon.
But the Crows regain Brayden Cook and Mark Keane, while Callum Ah Chee could also return and Archie Ludowyke and Oscar Ryan will debut.
The battling Bombers have dropped Ben McKay again, along with Nik Cox and Lachie Blakiston.
Zak Johnson, Nick Bryan and Kyle Langford are among as many as eight changes for Sunday’s game.
Richmond lose Rhyan Mansell for their clash with West Coast, with defender Ben Miller one of four potential inclusions.
Melbourne have regained Christian Salem, Caleb Windsor and Changkuoth Jiath for their clash with Gold Coast.
The Suns have dropped Caleb Lewis and added four players to their extended squad.
Ruckman Kieren Briggs returns for GWS for their clash with Port Adelaide.
AAP