Proud Hawks put Saints on notice
HAWTHORN has not lost in Launceston in five years and goal sneak Paul Puopolo is confident the group can protect that proud record in tomorrow's AFL clash with St Kilda. Boosted by a win over west Coast last week, Puopolo, left, said the Hawks were banking on a high-possession game to limit the Saints' running force.
NORTH Melbourne has sprung a selection shock, dropping veterans Andrew Swallow and Lindsay Thomas for tomorrow’s clash against Gold Coast.
Former captain Swallow has faced scrutiny for his lacklustre form throughout the season, and there have been suggestions coach Brad Scott is looking to move him out of the side by playing him in the forward line.
The winless Kangaroos have recalled speedster Jed Anderson and 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 game against Greater Western Sydney.
Bulldogs veteran Matthew Boyd is out with a back niggle while Shane Biggs has been omitted. Giants youngster Tim Taranto replaces co-captain Phil Davis (hamstring).
Hawthorn star Jaeger O’Meara has overcome a knee complaint and will play against St Kilda at UTAS Stadium in Launceston tomorrow, but Cyril Rioli (hip) is unavailable, having pulled up sore after a marking contest.
“We’re confident he will be right to play next week,” Hawthorn football boss Jason Burt said.
“We wanted to take a cautious approach due to Jaeger’s medical history, and we’re fully confident that he is fit and ready to go.”
Sydney has made three changes after its winless start to the season, headlined by the replacement of Kieren Jack (hip) with his younger brother Brandon.
The Swans face Carlton — who will regain Billie Smedts and Matthew Kreuzer among four changes — at the MCG.
Hamish Hartlett and Jack Hombsch return for Port Adelaide’s clash with Brisbane Lions, while Fremantle has replaced Stephen Hill (hamstring) with youngster Harley Balic for tomorrow night’s western derby.
West Coast will welcome back star midfielder Sam Mitchell and ruckman Jonathan Giles after being thrashed by Hawthorn last week.
Melbourne will make at least three changes for Sunday’s game against Essendon, with Jesse Hogan (family bereavement) and talls Timothy Smith (rib) and Jake Spencer (shoulder) all ruled out.
Jordan Lewis will return from his suspension and Cameron Pedersen could shoulder the Demons’ ruck load after being added to their extended squad.
The Bombers will make three changes, resting Aaron Francis, Matthew Leuenberger and James Kelly, while Geelong will face Collingwood without Daniel Menzel (managed).
Desperately chasing a win, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has added off-season recruits Chris Mayne and Lynden Dunn to his squad.
Adelaide’s Riley Knight (hamstring) will miss Sunday’s much-anticipated game against Richmond, while key forward Josh Jenkins has joined the Crows squad.
Jaeger O’Meara returns to action for the Hawks.