Axe falls on Roo ex-skipper

NORTH Melbourne has sprung a selection shock, dropping Andrew Swallow and Lindsay Thomas for tomorrow’s clash against Gold Coast.

The winless Kangaroos have recalled speedster Jed Anderson and gun midfielder Shaun Higgins, who missed last week with a hamstring injury.

Swallow’s brother David will also sit out the Etihad Stadium game, with Gold Coast opting to rest him.

The Western Bulldogs have added Caleb Daniel and Bailey Williams for tonight’s blockbuster against Greater Western Sydney. Matthew Boyd is out with a back niggle and Shane Biggs has been omitted, while Tim Taranto replaces Giants co-captain Phil Davis (hamstring).

Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli (hip soreness) will miss tomorrow’s game against St Kilda in Launceston but Jaeger O’Meara will play.

Sydney has made three changes, headlined by the replacement of Kieren Jack (hip) with his younger brother Brandon.

The Swans face Carlton, who regain Billie Smedts and Matthew Kreuzer, at the MCG tomorrow.

Melbourne will make at least three changes for Sunday’s game against Essendon, with Jesse Hogan (bereavement) and talls Timothy Smith (rib) and Jake Spencer (shoulder) all ruled out.

Jordan Lewis will return and Cameron Pedersen could shoulder the Demons’ ruck load. The Bombers will rest Aaron Francis, Matthew Leuenberger and James Kelly.