Crows ditch big guns for Blues clash
ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke has sensationally axed Eddie Betts and Tasmanian Hugh Greenwood for tomorrow’s clash with Carlton — just two weeks after star forward Betts booted six goals.
The pair were dumped from the team that lost to Essendon by 21 points last week, while Alex Keath has been rested. Tyson Stengle, Patrick Wilson, and Andy Otten were recalled, while Carlton named Andrew Phillips in place of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, who is battling soreness.
The Crows have lost three of their past four games to slip to eighth spot. Betts went goalless in the losses to Geelong, Port Adelaide, and Essendon. But the 32-year-old booted 6.1 in the 95-point win over Gold Coast a fortnight ago.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley also sharpened the axe, dumping Charlie Dixon and Steven Motlop for tomorrow night’s home clash with the Giants. Ruckman Paddy Ryder earns a recall after a six-week stint out of the side, while Joel Garner was also included.
The Giants have been boosted by the return of Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy, and Jackson Hately, but Brett Deledio has been rested.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has welcomed back Jamie Elliott, Matthew Scharenberg, Josh Thomas, and Josh Daicos for tonight’s clash with Richmond.
The Tigers decided against making any changes from the team that beat Port Adelaide by 38 points last week.
Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe will return from an infected elbow for Sunday’s clash with the Bulldogs at Docklands, while veteran Hayden Ballantyne could also return after being named in the squad.
Misfiring forward Cam McCarthy was dropped for the second time this season after booting just two goals from his past three matches.
Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris has been named for his first game of the season, but Josh Schache (concussion) and Matthew Suckling (back) go out through injury.
Hawthorn veteran Grant Birchall will replace Jarman Impey (knee) for tomorrow’s crucial clash with Brisbane in Launceston.
West Coast captain Shannon Hurn failed to recover from a calf injury in time to play in tomorrow’s match against North Melbourne in Perth. Premiership defender Will Schofield replaces the axed Tom Cole.
Prized Demons recruit Steven May (hamstring) has been ruled out of tomorrow night’s clash with St Kilda.
Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell has been ruled out with foot soreness for Sunday’s match with Gold Coast.