Geelong Advertiser

Betts, Gibbs back

Crows heed call to bring in veterans

- JASON PHELAN

EDDIE Betts’ exile lasted just one week, the much-loved Adelaide star joining Bryce Gibbs in being recalled for their clash with St Kilda. Crows coach Don Pyke made four unforced changes for tomorrow night’s Adelaide Oval encounter in a bid to halt his side’s free fall.

Richard Douglas and Darcy Fogarty also come in at the expense of Josh Jenkins, Paul Seedsman, Tyson Stengle and Patrick Wilson, who were banished to the SANFL after last week’s loss to Carlton.

Betts responded to his shock axing by kicking four goals at the lower level to force his way back into the AFL side.

“We’re really happy with what he produced last week,” Pyke said. “He was able to get involved in the game, he was able to get up the ground and his score involvemen­ts were high.” The Saints made one forced change, caretaker coach Brett Ratten bringing in Josh Battle to replace the injured Blake Acres.

North Melbourne and Hawthorn kick off round 20 at Marvel Stadium tonight in Rhyce Shaw’s first match since being appointed permanent Roos coach. North regained Scott Thompson and Kayne Turner for the injured Shaun Atley and omitted Jed Anderson, while the Hawks dropped Jonathon Ceglar in favour of Tim O’Brien.

Orazio Fantasia and Conor McKenna return for Essendon’s clash with Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium tomorrow but skipper Dyson Heppell remains out with a foot injury.

The Power dropped highprofil­e off-season recruit Scott Lycett, along with Joel Garner and Dougal Howard, with Charlie Dixon, Peter Ladhams and Todd Marshall coming in.

GWS regained veteran Brett Deledio for their encounter with cross-town rivals Sydney at Giants Stadium. Kieren Jack, Oliver Florent, James Rose and Daniel Menzel are included for tomorrow’s match but the Swans lose co-captain Dane Rampe to injury.

Taylor Adams and Levi Greenwood are among the inclusions in Collingwoo­d’s extended squad for Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast at the MCG. Injured duo Jordan De Goey and Isaac Quaynor are the only confirmed outs but Jordan Roughead is still battling a concussion to play. Jack Martin and Ben Ainsworth are in for the last-placed Suns, who have lost their past 14 games.

Carlton added Alex Fasolo and Matthew Lobbe to a 25man squad to face West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, the reigning premiers regaining skipper Shannon Hurn.

 ??  ?? BACK: Crows star Eddie Betts.
BACK: Crows star Eddie Betts.

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