AFL Teams: Tex in, Ablett still out, McKernan’s Dons debut
A badly-corked hip has not kept Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker out of the Crows’ must-win clash with struggling Brisbane. The Crows have stuck with the same 22 that went down to the Hawks last week, while the Lions have recalled former Norwood player James Aish, along with Ryan Harwood and Harris Andrews.
But the biggest selection shock came from elsewhere in Queensland: Gary Ablett’s much-anticipated return from a shoulder injury has been put off for at least another week, with the Gold Coast superstar not named for Sunday’s clash with Carlton.
Ablett has been sorely missed by the Suns since he succumbed to a nagging shoulder complaint after round two this season, but as recently as Wednesday coach Rodney Eade had expressed confidence the 31-year-old would return against the Blues.
However, the dual Brownlow medallist didn’t appear in an extended squad last night.
“We were hopeful that Gary would be available for selection, however it was determined that Gary wasn’t ready to return this weekend,” Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft told the club’s website.
David Swallow (knee) and Rory Thompson (hip) had also been in the mix to return from injury, but won’t make the trip south for Sunday’s clash at Etihad Stadium.
The news wasn’t all bad for the Suns, who regained important defender Steven May (groin) and talented midfielder Harley Bennell (calf) from injury, with Sam Day, Alex Sexton and Matt Shaw also named in the 25-man squad.
Carlton were bolstered by the return of full-back Michael Jamison from a calf injury, but lost Bryce Gibbs to a two-match suspension and Andrew Walker to a knee injury.
And Sydney have lost ruckman Mike Pyke to a knee injury as they prepare to host Richmond at the SCG tonight.
Former Tiger big man Tom Derickx gets a crack at his old side, who regained former skipper Chris Newman from a groin injury that has kept him out since round six.
Damien Hardwick dropped Steve Morris and Connor Menadue and lost Corey Ellis to a hip injury, with Nathan Gordon and Kane Lambert brought in to replace them.
Premiership defender Grant Birchall is back for Hawthorn after overcoming an ankle injury that has sidelined him since round eight, with Ryan Schoenmakers omitted from the side to take on Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.
Jason Winderlich will play his first game of the season after overcoming a back injury, with the Bombers elevating former Adelaide ruckman Shaun McKernan off the rookie list as one of five changes.
Travis Colyer is out for the rest of the season with a foot injury, while Paul Chapman has succumbed to a groin injury.
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Veteran St Kilda defender Sam Fisher has recovered from a hamstring injury and returns to face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Elevated rookie Adam Schneider and Dylan Roberton are also back in the team, while the Bulldogs regain Dale Morris from the arm injury he suffered in round three.
Round 13 form guide
FRIDAY, June 26
Sydney v Richmond at SCG 7.50pm
Head to Head: Swans 81 Tigers 104 drawn 1
Last clash: Round 23 2014 – Tigers 10.8 (68) bt Swans 9.11 (65) at ANZ Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Swans $1.37 Tigers $3.20
William Hill: Swans $1.26 Tigers $3.90
Richmond face the sternest test of any, the Swans at the SCG. Sydney’s purring along with nine wins and two losses and destined to again shape the finals. But the Tigers are in a scrap: one of five clubs with six wins. Richmond coach Damien Hardwick will be plotting to quell influential Swans midfielders Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy, perhaps deploying Brandon Ellis, who is enjoying a break-out year and collected more touches than any Richmond player.
Key: Not only has Sydney trump card Lance Franklin booted 34 goals, he’s averaging more than 16 disposals a game. Can re-signed Tiger Alex Rance tame him?
Tip: Swans by 17 points
SATURDAY, June 27
Hawthorn v Essendon at MCG 1.40pm
Head to Head: Hawks 61 Bombers 96
Last clash: Round 2 2015 – Bombers 12.6 (78) bt Hawks 11.10 (76) at MCG
Tab Sportsbet: Hawks $1.08 Bombers $8.00
William Hill: Hawks $1.10 Bombers $7.25
After flexing their muscles against Adelaide, the Hawks were again accused of unsociable football – which must be music to the ears of coach Alastair Clarkson. Hawthorn have won three on the trot entering the grudge match against Essendon, who pipped them at the post earlier in the season. That triumph is the shining light for the bleak Bombers, who have slipped two games off the top-eight pace.
Key: Can Essendon find trusted avenues to score? Joe Daniher’s duel with Hawk backman Josh Gibson will go some way to answering that key question.
Tip: Hawks by 36 points
Brisbane Lions v Adelaide at Gabba 4.35pm
Head to Head: Lions 15 Crows 12
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Last clash: Round 20 2014 – Crows 25.18 (168) bt Lions 9.9 (63) at Gabba
Tab Sportsbet: Lions $3.75 Crows $1.45
William Hill: Lions $3.50 Crows $1.32
The love-less Lions languish in 17th with only two wins, and host a Crows outfit with no fear of the Gabba: last time there, they won by 105 points. Adelaide are clinging to seventh on the ladder with coach Phil Walsh wary of Brisbane, saying any time a team travels, it’s vulnerable. The Crows also have a tendency to burn the ball – only last-placed Gold Coast have a worse disposal efficiency this season.
Key: Adelaide’s attacking spark Eddie Betts works superbly in tandem with his captain Taylor Walker, and the Lions must control the goal-kicking duo to log a win.
Tip: Crows by 12 points
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium 7.20pm
Head to Head: Saints 80 Bulldogs 72 drawn 3
Last clash: Round 6 2015 – Saints 14.10 (94) bt Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Saints $2.75 Bulldogs $1.45
William Hill: Saints $2.75 Bulldogs $1.45
The Bulldogs have steadied with two wins from their past three starts to sit on the cusp, in ninth spot. But they’ll be mindful of their last meeting with the Saints, who trailed by 55 points yet still won. St Kilda have banked four wins, as many as they did last year, though coach Alan Richardson is still seeking more impact around the packs, his side last in the league in winning clearances. That area looms as decisive against the Bulldogs, who thrive in heavy going.
Key: Bulldog livewire Jake Stringer looms as the man most likely for a bag of goals and stopping his influence will be central to St Kilda’s planning.
Tip: Bulldogs by 26 points
SUNDAY, June 28
Carlton v Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium 3.20pm
Head to Head: Blues 3 Suns 1
Last clash: Round 20 2014 – Blues 14.13 (97) bt Suns 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Blues $1.58 Suns $2.40
William Hill: Blues $1.50 Suns $2.60
The Blues gave interim coach John Barker a first win and will fancy their chances of another against the Suns, who are still without their captain Gary Ablett. Coach Rodney Eade’s players just can’t get the ball: they’re ranked bottom in the competition for disposals. And when they get it, they can’t convert it: they’re also last in scoring.
Key: Young Blue Patrick Cripps has quickly become a fan favourite. His 31-possession performance was a highlight of Carlton’s stirring win over Port and supporters will be hoping for a repeat effort against the undermanned Suns.
Tip: Blues by 17 points
Bye – West Coast, Geelong, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney
– AAP
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