Pie great’s son in line for debut

COLLINGWOOD father-son recruit Callum Brown is set to make his AFL debut after being named on an extended bench for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle.

The son of 1990 premiership player and former captain Gavin Brown, the 19-year-old was taken at pick No. 35 last year and has displayed solid VFL form since overcoming glandular fever earlier this year.

He has averaged 22 disposals and four tackles from six midfield games.

Brown is one of five inclusions in the 25-man squad, all of whom were named on the bench. The others are Mason Cox, Henry Schade, Ben Crocker and Jackson Ramsay.

Alex Fasolo, who revealed during the week he was battling depression, and Jarryd Blair (omitted) are out.

Geelong has recalled veteran defender Tom Lonergan for tonight’s clash with Adelaide while speedster Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) has also been declared fit.

Jordan Cunico (omitted) and Jed Bews (ankle) are out.

Richmond big man Todd Elton has been dropped for the third time in six weeks, making way for small forward Dan Butler for the clash with North Melbourne. Butler (groin) returns after missing two weeks. The Kangaroos named an unchanged side.

Essendon made three changes, two forced, for its game against Greater Western Sydney tomorrow.

After three weeks in the VFL, veteran defender Brent Stanton returns alongside Ben Howlett and Martin Gleeson.

Matt Dea has been omitted while James Kelly (groin) and Darcy Parish (calf) also go out.

Gold Coast named Gary Ablett, but he will have to pass a fitness test on his shoulder this morning before starting against West Coast.

The Eagles lost star forward Josh Kennedy (calf) but included Mark LeCras, Luke Shuey and Eric Mackenzie.

Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Melbourne, St Kilda, Sydney and the Bulldogs have byes.

Meanwhile, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has applauded the “courageous stance” of forward Alex Fasolo to go public with his mental health battle.

Fasolo will miss Sunday’s AFL clash against Fremantle in Perth, with Buckley saying the cry for help this week emphasised the need “to keep looking out for each other”.

“Alex has been exemplary in his openness and communication of his depression and letting people in on it,” Buckley said.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan echoed Buckley’s comments, saying it was vital that anyone with a mental health issue was able to seek help.