FREMANTLE is set to blood a forgotten ruckman and a rookie debutant.

And a key Sun has named himself as a certain starter for the club’s first match at Metricon.

Plus the selection conundrums facing the Magpies.

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Finals Week 1

All of this and more in Early Mail!

DOUBLE DOCKER DELIGHT

THE Dockers travel to the MCG this weekend to take on an in-form Collingwood outfit.

However they’ll be without two of their most important players due to injury, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands (concussion) and halfback Stephen Hill (quad) to miss.

Lyon is set deliver on his promise to “double down” on the club’s rebuild and promote more youth, with midfielder Stefan Giro and ruck-forward Michael Apeness likely to make their respective debut and return from the wilderness.

Apeness hasn’t played a match since Round 23, 2016.

“He’s a quality kid, he’s been there for four or five years and he’s had a few injuries that have set him back. But he’s playing some good consistent footy in the WAFL and he’s that strong target that we can use up forward,” Walters told reporters on Wednesday.

“Michael’s a big boy. At times he can be really humble around the club but when he crosses that white line, he’s a beast.

“We need him to bring on that physical power — especially in the midfield but also when he goes forward.”

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Giro was selected with Pick 21 in the Rookie Draft by the Dockers in November and was the fifth highest disposal winner of the Under 18 Championships last year.

For Peel Thunder in the WAFL this year, Giro is averaging 25.3 disposals and 4.3 tackles per game.

This weekend might be the week for the big ball winner, coming off 34 disposals against East Fremantle — with coach Ross Lyon hinting the South Australian was ready to play.

“Giro played a half, three-quarters of a game and then got another full game so we’ll look to bring him in.” Lyon said in his post-match press conference.

BOMBERS PONDER AMBROSE REPLACEMENT

ESSENDON are likely to recall Michael Hurley as they seek to extend a red-hot run with victory over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Bombers will be forced to make at least one change for the Dreamtime at the G’ game, with key defender Patrick Ambrose suffering a calf injury in their 35-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

Two-time All Australian Hurley, who has been sidelined during the past fortnight because of a hamstring injury, looms as the obvious replacement.

“If he gets through training, which we fully expect he will, it’s great to have him available to have a look at,” Essendon coach John Worsfold said.

“That’s certainly one option, we’ll work through what our best blend looks like to take on Richmond’s forward line.”

Young defender Aaron Francis, who returned to the club in March after taking personal leave to deal with a mental-health issue, has impressed in the VFL.

“His match fitness, we would suggest, is pretty much ready now. He’ll still get more match-hardened with more games under his belt,” Worsfold said.

“Aaron’s worked really hard. I’ve been watching what he’s been doing and I knew what his program was. We know he’s a really talented young man, so (I’m) not surprised.”

Tom Lynch will play this Saturday Photo: Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

SUNS’ BIG HOMECOMING BOOST

GOLD Coast’s homecoming to Metricon Stadium will receive a major boost, with co-captain Tom Lynch declaring himself a certain starter against Geelong.

After missing the past month due to a knee injury, Lynch is in the frame to return against the Cats, with the star forward pulling up well from a closed training session on Monday.

However he admitted a lengthy sideline stint — and a trip back to Victoria to attend his sister’s 21st birthday party — hadn’t helped him develop any more clarity on his future.

Lynch said he was no closer to signing a contract with the Suns as rival clubs line up to poach the key forward.

“The club and I are pretty comfortable with where things are, we knew the first half of the year with travel and everything was going to be pretty tough,” Lynch told reporters.

“It’s good to be getting back to a bit of routine.’’

Expect Jack Martin to come straight back into the side after he was a late withdrawal from the Shanghai game as well, while Jesse Joyce (quad) is an outside chance to return.

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PIES BANGING DOWN THE DOOR

COLLINGWOOD will face multiple selection headaches at match committee this week after several players performed strongly in the VFL on the weekend.

The Magpies’ AFL side dismantled the Western Bulldogs in the second half on Friday night, with every player winning at least 10 disposals for the game.



But several VFL Pies pushed their respective cases against Footscray the day after, with the omitted Sam Murray among the side’s best players with 22 disposals, eight marks and six rebound 50s. Callum Brown (1 goal, 25 disposals, 7 clearances and 10 tackles) was also prolific, while Jarryd Blair (1 goal, 23 disposals, 6 clearances 12 tackles) was also busy in the midfield.

The other conundrum for the Pies to weigh up is welcoming back veteran Daniel Wells, who was managed last round as the club eases him back into the senior side.

Young defender Flynn Appleby might be the most vulnerable to be left out of the senior side, but he’s barely put a foot wrong since coming into the senior line-up in Round 6.

Daniel Wells is a likely inclusion. Photo: Scott Barbour/AFL Media Source: Supplied

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SYDNEY v CARLTON

Friday 1 June, 7.50pm at the SCG

The Sydney Swans are nearing full strength, although Callum Mills (broken foot) has been ruled out for the season. Ryley Stoddart should keep his spot after a solid debut, although Nic Newman continues to press his claim in the NEAFL. Dan Robinson has been in and out of the Swans’ best 22 all year and could be recalled, after a best on ground performance against the Lions in the twos. Carlton could be boosted by defenders Alex Silvagni (Achilles) and Harrison Macreadie (hamstring), but skipper Marc Murphy (foot) will spend the next month on the sidelines. Axed forwards Jack Silvagni and Jarrod Garlett were serviceable for the Northern Blues in the VFL and may also be considered for selection.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v MELBOURNE

Saturday 2 June, 1.45pm at Etihad Stadium

Mitch Wallis is certainly out of favour with Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge. And so while he was among the best performers for Footscray in the VFL he’s no shoe in to regain his spot in the senior side. But after a goalless second half against the Magpies, change is certainly in the pipeline. Zaine Cordy was concussed and could be replaced by Fletcher Roberts, while Dale Morris could line up for his first senior match of 2018. On the other hand, the Demons could remain unchanged, after a comprehensive 91-point win over Adelaide on Sunday. However, Harley Balic, Dom Tyson and Tom Bugg were all strong in Casey’s 15-point win over last year’s VFL premiers, Port Melbourne.

HAWTHORN v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday 2 June, 2.10pm at University of Tasmania Stadium

The Hawks opted to bring in a second tall to assist Ben McEvoy against West Coast’s imposing ruck duo of Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett. However, after having a limited impact, it’s likely Jon Ceglar’s brief cameo in the seniors will remain as just that. Cyril Rioli is still two weeks away, leaving the door open for Ryan Schoenmakers, Conor Nash or Teia Miles — Box Hill’s strongest performers — to be selected. Port Adelaide is fresh off the bye and could welcome back young forward Todd Marshall, who took personal leave to deal with the death of his father. However, Marshall’s fitness will be assessed throughout the week, after he received a knock to his shoulder in the Magpies’ SANFL match.

GOLD COAST SUNS v GEELONG

Saturday 2 June, 4.35pm at Metricon Stadium

Matt Rosa will be out of action, after he injured his hamstring in the Gold Coast Suns’ Shanghai loss to Port Adelaide. But, as flagged above, spearhead Tom Lynch has all but ruled himself as a certain starter, while Jack Martin is also in the mix. Geelong must find a replacement for emerging forward Esava Ratugolea, after the 19-year-old broke his leg. Mature age recruit Ryan Abbott was named as an emergency and could be a like-for-like replacement, while Wylie Buzza and Zac Smith could also be considered. Abbott racked up a season-high 20 disposals for Geelong in the VFL, and has averaged 26 hit-outs in 2018. Sam Simpson and James Parsons also put their hands up for selection, racking up 32 and 31 disposals respectively.

ESSENDON v RICHMOND

Saturday 2 June, 7.25pm at the MCG

Dreamtime at the ‘G is shaping as a beauty. And both sides could welcome some inclusions. Michael Hurley (hamstring) is framing as a massive in for the Bombers, while top-10 draft pick Aaron Francis is pushing for a senior berth after a strong VFL performance. Meanwhile, Richmond will monitor Jack Riewoldt (concussion) throughout the week, with the likes of Sam Lloyd and youngsters Noah Balta and Callum Coleman-Jones awaiting in the wings.

Premiership player Daniel Rioli is still be nursed back to full fitness in the VFL and will more than likely miss the blockbuster clash.

WEST COAST EAGLES v ST KILDA

Saturday 2 June, 6.10pm at Optus Stadium

The Eagles are flying and are set to welcome back premier midfielder Luke Shuey (hamstring), while youngster Jack Petruccelle is also a chance to play the Saints, after kicking three goals from 14 touches in the WAFL. St Kilda is set to be without Jake Carlisle, after the key defender was offered a two-match ban for striking Jack Riewoldt. While the Saints are headed to the tribunal to challenge the decision, it’s unlikely Carlisle’s charge will be downgraded altogether. Luke Dunstan (shoulder) and Brandon White (thigh) are also in doubt. But axed veteran David Armitage could be recalled, after starring for Sandringham in the VFL. Josh Battle was also strong, booting three goals.

NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS

Sunday 3 June, 1.10pm at Etihad Stadium

The Kangaroos are in an enviable position heading into the bye with a predominantly healthy list — not to mention healthy spot on the ladder. In the VFL, Nick Larkey kicked five goals, while Cam Zurhaar bagged four. But it’s unlikely either will be blooded, given the synergy of North Melbourne’s forward line. Sam Durdin will be monitored throughout the week, after clashing heads with Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands. Meanwhile, the Lions will be without Matt Eagles, after he sustained an abdominal strain in the club’s gallant three-goal loss to the Swans. Coach Chris Fagan said he expected the 28-year-old to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Jack Frost was solid in the NEAFL and could be recalled to take Eagles’ place.

COLLINGWOOD v FREMANTLE

Sunday 3 June, 3.20pm at the MCG

Travis Varcoe succumbed to a hamstring complaint against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night and will more than likely miss Sunday’s match against Fremantle. Rupert Wills and Adam Oxley could be fighting for Varcoe’s spot, after strong VFL performances. The Dockers will monitor ruckman Aaron Sandilands throughout the week, after he suffered concussion. But in welcomed news, the likes of Griffin Logue (foot) could return for the crucial MCG clash.

ADELAIDE v GWS GIANTS

Sunday 3 June, 4.10pm at the Adelaide Oval

The injury crisis is very real for both clubs, with Sunday’s twilight match a massive test for their resolve of Adelaide and the GWS Giants. Paul Seedsman (adductor) was a late withdrawal before the club’s 91-point thumping against Melbourne and is in doubt for the match. Curtly Hampton kicked three goals in SANFL and shapes as a possible replacement. GWS should welcome back co-captain Phil Davis (concussion) and Sam Reid (hamstring). Zach Sproule (34 disposals, 11 marks) starred in the NEAFL and may also be included in the squad.