Lobbe remains in exile, Henderson walks out on Blues
Exiled Port Adelaide ruck man Matthew Lobbe could be set for another week on the outer, with coach Ken Hinkley flagging the potential inclusion of forward Jay Schulz as the only likely change to the Power side that beat GWS last week.
Lobbe has struggled for form this year, and was sent back to the SANFL last week, responding with 64 hit-outs, 18 disposals and a goal in the Magpies’ nailbiting win over Glenelg.
But Hinkley told media today “if Schulz comes in, that will probably be the only change”.
The spearhead, who has been linked with a possible trade to Fremantle at season’s end, sat out the last round with back soreness.
The Power last night confirmed key backman Jackson Trengove will miss the remainder of the season after a shoulder reconstruction, but Hinkley denied the defence would be undermanned against reigning premiers Hawthorn under Friday night lights.
“We’ve got six defenders, we’ll be fine,” he said.
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“It’s about the collective, not the individual…it will certainly test us a little bit, but that’s okay.”
With season’s end looming at the end of the month for a glut of teams, disgruntled Carlton forward Lachie Henderson has requested a trade away from the struggling AFL club and will not play out the remaining three rounds.
Henderson, out of contract at season’s end, has informed the Blues he wants a fresh start elsewhere, after a season in which Carlton have slumped to last place on the AFL ladder with three games remaining.
The 25-year-old, who was traded to Carlton by the Brisbane Lions in exchange for Brendan Fevola, played 102 games for the club and was a member of the club’s leadership group this season.
Carlton Head of Football Andrew McKay said Henderson, his management and Carlton have agreed that “it’s in the best interests of all parties that he won’t play out the season”.
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“We are obviously disappointed with Lachie’s decision to request a trade but we want people who yearn to play for our Carlton jumper – and who will accept the responsibility that comes with it,” McKay said.
He said the club will investigate its trade options to find the best possible deal.
It comes as premiership Sydney Swans defender Rhyce Shaw announces his retirement at the end of the AFL season – his 16th season at the top level.
The 33-year-old has played 232 games in the AFL for both Collingwood and the Swans, where he has played since 2009, including the victorious 2012 Grand Final.
Swans coach John Longmire says Shaw has been a great club man and a superb leader at the club.
Meanwhile, St Kilda ruckman Jason Holmes is set to make history as the first American product to play AFL when he debuts against Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
The 203cm former college basketballer converted to Australian football a mere two and a half years ago, with the Saints signing him as an international rookie at the end of 2013.
The 25-year-old Chicago native said on the club’s website: “I’m so excited, it’s been one of my main goals since I came out here and it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
– with AAP.
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