Bombers in strife with Hurley out
ESSENDON’S finals hopes have been dealt a huge blow with star defender Michael Hurley potentially out for the remainder of the home-andaway season.
Hurley has failed to recover after experiencing some tightness in his calf during the Bombers’ loss to Adelaide.
The 27-year-old will miss this week’s clash with the Gold Coast and could also be sidelined for the club’s Round 23 hitout with Fremantle.
Hurley is one of six outs for the Bombers, with the club choosing to rest former skipper Jobe Watson.
Matthew Leuenberger misses with an ankle injury while Ben Howlett, Travis Colyer and Matt Dea have been omitted.
Zach Merrett leads the list of ins after his one-game suspension.
Hawthorn has pulled a selection surprise, picking Jaeger O’Meara for the club’s clash with Carlton this week.
O’Meara made his return from a serious knee injury in the VFL last week. He had 29 touches and kicked three goals in three quarters of playing time.
He was expected to play for Box Hill again on Sunday, but the Hawks’ coaching staff has seen enough to green light the midfielder’s senior return.
O’Meara hasn’t played in the AFL since Round 6.
Collingwood youngster Josh Daicos, the son of Pies legend Peter, will make his debut against Geelong at the MCG.
The excitement around his first game will be tempered by Collingwood losing Alex Fasolo (shoulder), Jordan De Goey (hip) and Tyson Gold- sack (soreness) to injuries.
Melbourne has been bolstered by the return of key forward Jesse Hogan from a shoulder injury.
However, the Demons will be without star skipper Jack Viney for their clash with Brisbane on Sunday.
The Western Bulldogs have dumped Mitch Wallis after the club’s loss to GWS.
Wallis has played 12 matches this year after recovering from a broken leg in 2016.
He has been replaced in the final 22 by Dale Morris, while Jason Johannisen is also back for the Bulldogs.
Controversial Fremantle recruit Harley Bennell has revealed he wanted to give up on playing football in 2017.
Bennell has been selected to make his debut for the Dockers this week. The 24year-old hasn’t played an AFL match since August 2015, his final game for Gold Coast.
“I’ve had Ross [Lyon, Fremantle coach] in my corner since day dot. That has been the best thing for me. He backs me in, believes in me. I couldn’t thank him enough,” Bennell said.