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Tigers without stars for blockbuster Easter Sunday clash

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Richmond will be without stars Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes for their massive clash with the unbeaten Swans on Easter Sunday.

The premiership players are both set to miss with minor injuries, with the Tigers ruling out Martin with calf soreness and Grimes with a wrist complaint.

Martin missed Richmond’s Opening Round clash against former coach Damian Hardwick and the Gold Coast Suns with a corked calf, continuing to struggle with discomfort in the lower leg.

“Dusty’s going to miss this week,” Richmond coach Adem Yze told reporters this morning.

“He’s actually had an interrupted couple of weeks with his calf.

“He didn’t train the other day and he’ll only do a little bit today, so we have got to just break the pattern of him getting through week to week”.

Nathan Broad and Tylar Young are set to return to bolster the Tigers’ back half, with Maurice Rioli and Tyler Sonsie closing out the ins.

Richmond takes on Sydney tomorrow afternoon at the ‘G as they look to find their first win under new coach Yze, aiming to hand the Swans their first defeat of the year in the process.

TEAMS: Another Tiger out, Bevo’s Jamarra call, Swan to debut

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The teams for Sunday’s round three matches are in

L-R: Dylan Grimes, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Caleb Mitchell. Pictures: AFL Photos, Phil Hillyard

RICHMOND defender Dylan Grimes has joined Dustin Martin as a withdrawal from Sunday’s match against Sydney, while Western Bulldogs ball-magnet Jack Macrae has been named to play his first game of 2024 against West Coast.

Martin was ruled out on Friday morning with calf soreness, while Grimes will miss the game due to a wrist injury. The duo join mid-season draft pick-up James Trezise (ankle) and Judson Clarke (omitted) on the sidelines.

Martin missed the Tigers’ season-opening defeat to Gold Coast with a corked calf and managed just 16 disposals in both of the losses to Carlton and Port Adelaide.

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Important Tigers defender Nathan Broad returns from calf soreness, while Tylar Young, who missed the game against Port Adelaide through concussion, and late withdrawal Maurice Rioli jnr (back) are back alongside Tyler Sonsie.

Sonsie will make his first AFL appearance since serving a three-match ban for an ugly off-the-ball strike in a VFL game last year.

Macrae was overlooked in the Bulldogs’ opening two games after a hamstring injury interrupted his pre-season, but the three-time All-Australian had 47 disposals and 17 clearances in the VFL on Sunday to make his case for a recall.

Jack Macrae during a Western Bulldogs training session at Whitten Oval on March 20, 2024. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Macrae and defender Taylor Duryea replace injured pair Ed Richards (concussion) and Nick Coffield (shoulder) in the Bulldogs’ side to face West Coast.

Bulldogs key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was in some doubt with knee soreness during the week but has been named in their starting 22.

Young key forward Jack Williams has been named for the Eagles after a strong showing at WAFL level last weekend, while ruckman Harry Barnett has been omitted after being subbed out in round two.

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The Swans have handed 2022 No.40 draft pick Caleb Mitchell his debut and will also welcome back Robbie Fox following a calf injury.

Harry Cunningham (concussion) will miss for Sydney after the bruising bump from Essendon’s Peter Wright, while Sam Wicks has been dropped.

Teams for the Easter Monday clash between Hawthorn and Geelong will be revealed on Sunday at 6.20pm AEDT.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

Western Bulldogs v West Coast at Marvel Stadium, 1pm AEDT

WESTERN BULLDOGS

In: T.Duryea, J.Macrae
Out: N.Coffield (shoulder), E.Richards (concussion)

WEST COAST

In: J.Williams
Out: H.Barnett (omitted)

Richmond v Sydney at the MCG, 4pm AEDT

RICHMOND

In: T.Young, N.Broad, M.Rioli, T.Sonsie
Out:
J.Trezise (ankle), J.Clarke (omitted), D.Grimes (wrist), D.Martin (calf)

SYDNEY

In: R.Fox, C.Mitchell
Out:
H.Cunningham (concussion), S.Wicks (omitted)

MATCH REVIEW: MRO hands down verdict on Pendles hit

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The match review findings for Thursday night’s clash between Brisbane and Collingwood are in

Scott Pendlebury is tackled by Lachie Neale during the R3 match between Collingwood and Brisbane at the Gabba on March 28, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

SCOTT Pendlebury has kept his spotless AFL record intact despite an off-the-ball hit on Lachie Neale during Thursday night’s 20-point win at the Gabba.

The Collingwood veteran whacked Neale with an open palm to the stomach as players were preparing for a ball-up during the third quarter, leaving the dual Brownlow medallist in some discomfort.

The Match Review Officer graded the incident as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact, drawing a $3750 fine ($2500 with an early plea). If the incident was graded as medium impact, it would have cost Pendlebury a one-match ban.

Speaking to Channel Seven after the game, Pendlebury said he had apologised to Neale.

“[Neale] said he got a fine for a similar thing … I said sorry to him, I didn’t mean to do it. What will be, will be,” the Magpie said.

“Retaliation always gets caught. Mum always told me that and I got sucked in tonight.”

Pendlebury has never been suspended in his 387-game career.

The former Pies skipper gathered 21 touches and laid five tackles as the reigning premiers broke their winless streak to start the season.

Live: Young Kangaroos and impressive Blues collide in marquee Good Friday clash

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Alastair Clarkson
(Getty Images)

The teams have taken to the field, with bouncedown not far away in this one. We have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Carlton, as they have been a strong team for a few years now under Michael Voss and have started this season with a couple of gritty close win. They also welcome Jacob Weitering back into defence today, which is a huge in.

But North Melbourne are the fascination. The idea of Northball has come from within, and has created a shorthand for the type of footy they’re trying to play. As far as I can tell, it’s all about ferocity at the contest in the middle (led by George Wardlaw and Luke Davies-Uniacke) with relentless speed and aggression from half-back (led by Harry Sheezel, Zac Fisher and Colby McKercher).

When it works, it has looked electric this year. But the issue with playing young, forward-thinking players in the backline is that you can become vulnerable in defence. North have been scored upon heavily in both games so far this, and if they are to pull off an upset tonight will need to find a way to reverse that trend quickly against one of the league’s best forward lines.

IF Damo really, really likes the concept of an ‘Essendon edge’ … THEN

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IF Damo really, really likes the concept of an ‘Essendon edge’ … THEN

THE 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season is here, and Damian Barrett’s Sliding Doors is back!

So put your seatbelt on and enjoy the ride as Damo takes off the gloves and takes aim at your team.

So what is he saying about your club? What’s he saying about the AFL? You can’t say that, Damo, can you? Check it out below.

>> Check out the latest from Damian Barrett 

IF …

the Adelaide Coulda-Shouldas want the footy industry to believe in their high-end potential …

THEN …

they’ll beat the Dockers in Perth on Friday night. Season 2024 has barely started, but the missed opportunities are already making it look like 2023.

Izak Rankine looks dejected after Adelaide’s loss to Gold Coast at People First Stadium in round one, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF ..

modern day protocols have effectively banned the old-fashioned bring-your-mouthguards training sessions …

THEN …

the Lions need to find the modern alternative before the 2024 season becomes a disaster.

Zac Bailey looks dejected after Brisbane’s loss to Collingwood in round three, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

Weitering is among the ins …

THEN …

what a positive that is for the Blues. Managed to cover for him in the opening two wins against Brisbane and Richmond, he’s back to play on Roos gun Larkey on Good Friday.

Jacob Weitering at Carlton training on September 18, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

Tom Mitchell wasn’t wanted by his previous club, Hawthorn, which happily moved him on as it sought, successfully, to manipulate a low-ladder finish in 2023 …

THEN …

his current one has benefitted greatly from him. Official votes in last year’s Norm Smith Medal, and yet another result-shaping performance in a desperately needed win against Brisbane on Thursday night. And now status as a 200-gamer has been added to a Brownlow Medal, a second placing in a Brownlow, three best-and-fairests and two All-Australians. It’s been an outstanding career.

Tom Mitchell is chaired off after his 200th game as Collingwood beat Brisbane in round three, 2024. Picture: Getty Images

IF …

I really, really like the concept of an ‘Essendon edge’, and understand that Brad Scott put it out there publicly to create accountability of his players …

THEN …

I’m going to need to consistently see it, not just hear it. As we all know in all facets of life, it’s easy to talk, harder to act.

Isaac Heeney wrestles with Nick Hind during the round two match between Sydney and Essendon at the SCG, March 23, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

Sean Darcy will miss another four matches, maybe more …

THEN …

I cannot wait to see how this Dockers team looks when he returns. Others are adamant it won’t work, but I’m really excited about the prospects of a fully fit Darcy-Jackson combo. 

Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy during Fremantle’s official team photo day at Cockburn ARC on January 24, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

big Hawk, at 35 years and eight months of age, at 105kg-plus (realise that referencing a footballer’s weight these days is a no-no in some eyes, but it’s a positive reference and Tom is old school so he won’t mind anyway), and already has 349 games behind him …

THEN …

don’t assume this will be his final season. Four of his five All-Australian gongs have come after he turned 30. He’s still explosive off the mark, still the best in the game at timing his leads, still a fantastic set and in-play goalkicker, still crucial to a grand club hoping to win yet another Grand Final. One of the great footy stories.

Tom Hawkins, wife Emma and children Arabella, Primrose and Henry pose for a photo at GMHBA Stadium on March 26, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

games one (big win against Richmond) and two (win versus Adelaide) were good for the Dimma-led Suns …

THEN …

game three (a dreadful loss to Western Bulldogs) was back to normal programming. Need to work on a lot of strategy over this bye weekend.

Damien Hardwick during Gold Coast’s match against the Western Bulldogs in R2, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

all the best AFL defenders – big, small and in-between – are lined up on the schoolyard wall, and I’ve got first pick …

THEN …

without hesitation I’m taking Sam Taylor. Yet to turn 25, nowhere near his peak, owns the key to this football club.

Sam Taylor marks during the round two match between West Coast and Greater Wester Sydney at Optus Stadium, March 24, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

I’ve been very critical of some aspects of this rebuild …

THEN …

I’m not backing away now. There are many problems, particularly midfield depth (and yes, I know Will Day is injured), and the backline. Having said all that, I am prepared to give the Hawks a few more weeks of the 2024 season to work through their problems.

Conor Nash looks dejected after Hawthorn’s loss to Melbourne in round two, 2024. Picture: Getty Images

IF …

there’s a lot for Demons supporters to endure as problems continue to explode on (Steven May’s broken ribs and damaged vertebrae) and off (a federal MP using parliamentary privilege to back over some problems in the past) field …

THEN …

beautiful comfort still comes in the form of Jack Viney. Playing Game No.200 on Saturday night. There hasn’t been a tougher Dee in this club’s history.

Jai Newcombe is tackled by Jack Viney during Hawthorn’s clash against Melbourne in round two, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

the kids in the midfield seem certain to progress to A-grade status …

THEN …

the threadbare backline will be a major worry for a while yet. The Roos need to show some resolve on Good Friday, too. Their record on this day is one win (2018), five losses (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), with an average losing margin of 56 points.

Aidan Corr competes with Jesse Hogan during North Melbourne’s clash against Greater Western Sydney in round one, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

Steven May won’t be at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night …

THEN …

Big Charlie and Todd need to cash in. It won’t be easy, though. Lever has been named and though he will banged up, is a star. 

Charlie Dixon celebrates a goal during Port Adelaide’s clash against West Coast in round one, 2024. Picture: Getty Images

IF …

Dimma took 10 matches to register his first win as coach of Richmond …

THEN …

I really hope Adem Yze doesn’t have to wait as long. 

Adem Yze during the round one match between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG, March 14, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

Jack Higgins won goal of the year in 2018 as a Tiger …

THEN …

he may win it again in 2024 as a Saint. Glad they didn’t, but umpires should’ve intervened before both of those goals, both at the MCG. In 2018, Higgins threw the ball before manoeuvring his way around a goalpost and retrieving and extraordinarily kicking it through for a goal at the Punt Rd end. Last week, he was nearly a metre outside the boundary line when he launched a long bomb at the city end.

IF …

Warner, Heeney, Gulden and Rowbottom are controlling matters in the middle, Blakey running amok off half-back, Papley playing tricks and getting inside opponents’ heads up forward and Grundy puppeteering the main moves …

THEN …

this team has become super-fun to watch. Love the attitude, love the controlled flair. 

Chad Warner celebrates a goal during the round two match between Sydney and Essendon at the SCG, March 23, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

one of the greatest miracles in the game’s history occurred the last time West Coast played Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium …

THEN …

it would be an even greater miracle if the Eagles were to win again on Sunday.

Jamie Cripps celebrates a goal during West Coast’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium in round 23, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

IF …

footy usually produces more lows than highs …

THEN …

you wouldn’t know that by simply observing Cody Weightman. He’s always smiling, always bouncing. And he’s always doing the team thing, no matter the numbers on the scoreboard. I love it, rapt for him that he kicked six goals last week.

AND THIS ONE’S FOR THE AFL

IF …

there have been innumerable problems with the AFL’s illicit drugs policy since its inception in 2005 …

THEN …

the single biggest problem has been the inability of the game to make all facets of the industry, and even more importantly the general public, aware that it runs separately to the performance-enhancing code. I have long maintained that it is more a code of conduct than a drugs policy, as from its outset it deliberately never sought punishment. We are talking about illegal drugs here, and in my eyes it’s not harsh to say to a footballer that if he or she wants to play in the AFL system, you don’t do drugs. I have never agreed with the safeguarding of players being named, and the lies that it has compelled people to make over 20 years, but I am understanding of why that aspect is dear to those who strongly believe in the medical model of the policy. I do know of many players which that has helped. Whatever gains the policy has offered have always been eroded by the constant public relations mess. And making changes to it won’t matter one bit unless that aspect is properly addressed.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon speaks to reporters in Sydney on March 6, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

The forward/ruckman with Briggs-like qualities who starred for the Knights

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There is a promising ruckman/forward at the Northern Knights who starred in Round 1 of the Coates Talent League.

Thomas Sims started the 2024 season in fine fashion with a bag of five goals in his side’s 43-point victory over the Western Jets at Trevor Barker Oval last Saturday.

Player manager James Pitcher, from Bravo Talent Management, was taken by what the 199cm Sims produced with his handful of goals, 14 disposals, nine hit-outs, seven marks and three tackles.

“There were some good performances, in particular Thomas Sims who kicked five,” Pitcher said on SEN’s Future Stars.

“He’s a physical ruck/key forward who also had 14 touches. He really impressed me as someone who is probably not one who is in the Metro squads or national academies.

“But he has really come out and announced himself in Round 1.”

While Sims does spend a bit more time inside attacking 50 than a regular ruckman, he does remind Pitcher of a young Kieren Briggs.

The GWS big man has been an intimidating force in the AFL since coming of age with the Giants during the 2023 campaign and there are specks of his game in Sims.

“This guy took a while to come on from an AFL sense, but he (Sims) is Kieren Briggs,” Pitcher added.

“So Briggs as a junior would intimidate those around him, put the fear of God through them a bit like the ‘Mummy’ (Shane Mumford) used to do.

“Thomas was doing that. He made sure that his presence was felt.

“He really covers the ground well and is versatile in that he can play ruck, push forward, take a mark and put it through.”

According to Pitcher, the Montmorency product was the most impressive player across the Victorian underage competition on opening weekend.

“I was really impressed by Sims,” he said further.

“When the game was on the line he really intimidated the opposition, he spread the game well, he was great up forward, a great pair of hands and he kicked it well.

“From what I saw, he was the player of the weekend.”

Sims and the Knights take on the Eastern Ranges at Belvedere Reserve in Seaford on Good Friday from 1:30pm AEDT.