Stewart takes coaches’ gong
GEELONG defender Tom Stewart has not only been recognised for his strong season by the AFL All-Australian selectors, but by the 18 AFL coaches as well after being named as the best young player of 2018.
Stewart claimed the AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player Award with 40 votes, ahead of Port Adelaide’s Sam Powell-Pepper who received 23 votes.
On Monday, Stewart was named in the All-Australian squad of 40, with the Cats defender having a standout season averaging 20.3 disposals, 6.2 marks and 5.6 rebound 50s per game.
MELBOURNE has ruled out attacker Dean Kent from the club’s first AFL final in a dozen years but Dom Tyson could play with a fractured arm.
Kent won’t play against Geelong in the September 7 elimination final because of a shoulder injury.
But Tyson and co-captain Jack Viney, who has missed the past seven weeks because of a toe injury, remain in the selection frame for the knockout final. Tyson was hurt in Sunday’s win against GWS and had surgery that night to insert a plate into this arm.
ADELAIDE forward Mitch McGovern has requested a trade from the troubled club.
The 23-year-old still has two years to run on his current contract but it has been widely reported he is unsettled at the club that has fallen from last year’s grand final to 12th spot this season.
“We are open-minded and happy to explore the options available with Mitch and his manager. However, the needs of the club will be held as a high priority in any possible negotiation, especially given he is a contracted player,” Crows football boss Brett Burton said.
MICHAEL Barlow’s career is at a crossroads after the veteran midfielder was delisted by the Gold Coast.
The ball magnet endured a frustrating stint at the Suns, first overcoming a second severely-broken leg last year before a fractured jaw earlier this season led to nerve damage.
He averaged 42 disposals, eight marks and six tackles from seven games in the NEAFL, while the 30-year-old was the Suns’ best with 35 touches, nine marks and five tackles against Geelong.