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Blue’s epic debut after ‘one time mistake’ as Hollands brothers share special moment

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The week started with Ollie Hollands getting the privilege to announce older brother Elijah was making his Blues debut to the rest of the playing group in a “pretty awesome” moment.

It ended on an even better note, with Ollie, 20 years old, and Elijah, 21, getting a win in their first game together.

Carlton blew away North Melbourne by 56 points on Good Friday in an emphatic display from Michael Voss’ side, led by a combined nine-goal dominant showing from Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

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Elijah impressed too, recording 22 disposals, six marks five marks and one goals as one of his side’s prime movers.

Fair to say Blues fans would’ve liked what they saw from their recruit, who, like his brother, is a former first-round draft pick and equally promising player for the years ahead.

Speaking to foxfooty.com.au post-match, Oliver described the experience of running out alongside Elijah as “special”.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 29: Elijah Hollands of the Blues is congratulated by teammates after kicking a goal during the round three AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, on March 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“Not many brothers get to play with each other. It’s been a really solid pre-season and for him to get the call up this week was pretty special,” he said.

“I absolutely loved it and nice to get the win as well. It’s very, very special to be able to play with him.”

Elijah, a former Pick 7 acquired from Gold Coast in a trade last off-season, had only just been available for selection in Michael Voss’ side after serving a two-game suspension as part of an official drugs strike.

It’s been a topical subject this week after “damning” accusations against the AFL of secret drug tests in bombshell cover-up claims made by Federal MP Andrew Wilkie in federal parliament.

Oliver said the family was “pretty shocked” when it first learned of Elijah’s misstep, but credited his brother for putting his best foot forward since.

“Knowing Elijah, we knew it was a one time mistake,” Oliver said.

“He’s really gotten to work on this and made sure he didn’t make this an imprint on his family – it’s definitely something we wont to stand for.

“I think Elijah has absolutely responded in an unbelievable manner. The way he’s been able to express himself around the footy club as a young emerging player, but also as a real leader.

“It’s probably a lesson we’re really glad we were able to catch really early. I think he’s done a really good being able to come back today and make a really good impression.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 29: Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates a goal with teammates Oliver Hollands and Harry McKay during the 2024 AFL Round 03 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

It was sentiment also echoed by Voss, who praised Elijah for the way he responded to his slip up as a standout over the pre-season.

The Blues coach described the recruit’s inclusion to the team as an “any” decision and was “bullish” about his role moving forward.

“The first conversation I had with him when the deal went through was that he gets a fresh set of eyes,” Voss told reporters.

“But what I do expect is you put your head down and work hard and earn respect that way. He’s been fantastic at that.

“I mentioned Harry (McKay) as being top three over the course of the pre-season and Elijah has been one of them as well.

“He’s put his head down and gone about earning the respect of his teammates. What we saw tonight was probably what we’ve seen a fair bit of over pre-season.

“He got to play in the role he’ll probably play a fair bit in. And he had an impact tonight, which was great to see.”

Having both their parents in attendance at Marvel Stadium made Friday’s win extra special for the Hollands brothers. Oliver said they “wouldn’t be here without mum and dad and the sacrifices they’ve made”.

“Coming from a country town in Albury–Wodonga, (they’ve helped us with) a lot of travel. Hopefully we were able to do the proud of them,” the youngster said.

One moment particularly stood out, with Elijah kicking his first goal for the club in the fourth quarter before being swarmed by teammates as well as an EPL-inspired celebration from his little brother.

“It’s a Tottenham Spurs celebration from one of the key players signed (Son Heung-min) – he does like a photo celebration,” Ollie explained.

“We sort of planned it before. It was nice for him to get his moment, kick the goal and celebrate after.”

With it, the Blues, coming off their bye, improved to 3-0 in a strong start to their season to currently sit third on the AFL ladder.

“We’ve been really consistent with how we want to play with our contest and pressure, but also bring real joy to the group. I feel like we were able to do that today,” Ollie added.

“We also want to celebrate being good teammates and selfish acts. I think if we keep nailing that, we’ll be a really consistent side.

“Absolutely loving what we’re doing here at the club. If we can keep bringing our fans along for the ride, it’s special.”

Grading every player in Carlton’s dominant Good Friday win over North Melbourne

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Carlton secured a big win over a struggling Kangaroos side in what was a feisty Good Friday SuperClash.

A spectacle that saw over ten million dollars donated to the Good Friday Appeal saw the Blues’ stars put on a show, winning the contest 21.11 137 to 12.9 81, dominating in an at times heated contest.

A frantic start to the game saw North Melbourne take an early lead, but it was Carlton’s tall timber that got going, spurring the Blues on to a six goal run before half time.

Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay were dynamic against a smaller North Melbourne defence, combining for 34 disposals, 15 marks and nine goals in the 56-point win.

It wasn’t without a fight from the young Shinboners, pushing the Blues all day despite conceding six 50 metre penalties.

We rated every player on the ground in an important day for charity.

CARLTON

George Hewett: A+
Influential game from Hewett. Dominated through the middle of the ground while also holding Luke Davies-Uniacke to one of his quieter games. Equal top in clearances for the Blues.

Harry McKay: A+
Putting together a stellar 2024 thus far. Presented up the ground brilliantly, looked unstoppable against smaller opposition. Ten marks, 19 touches and five strong goals and is most certainly in career-best form.

Patrick Cripps: A
Played a vintage Cripps game; strong in the contest, plenty of contested footy to go with nine clearances and a fourth-quarter goal. Looking like his Brownlow-best.

Charlie Curnow: A
There aren’t many people in the game that can stop Charlie Curnow. Very strong again as expected against North Melbourne’s inexperienced backline. Another four goals in a dominant display.

Adam Cerra: A
Looked back to his best after a slow-ish start to the year by his standards. A team-high seven tackles.

Lachie Fogarty: B+
So underrated. Played the small pressure forward role brilliantly.

Blake Acres: B+
Played the ground well. Led the game in metres gained significantly.

Elijah Hollands: B+
A decent debut in the new colours. A few nervous touches early but grew into the game phenomenally. Hard running all day.

Jacob Weitering: B+
Looked strong on return against very good opposition in Nick Larkey.

Matthew Owies: B+
A strong second half from the small. Found space and a few loose balls, turned in 3 goals.

Matthew Kennedy: B
Shared the LDU load with Hewett and held his own very well. Plenty of contested ball.

Jack Carroll: B
Continuing a very good year for the Blues.

Adam Saad: B-
A typical Adam Saad game. Plenty of run and carry.

Oliver Hollands: B-

Nic Newman: C+

Tom De Koning: C+

Corey Durdin: C+
Did well with two goals before being tactically subbed off after three quarters.

Jordan Boyd: C

Zac Williams: C

Mitch McGovern: C
A few fumbles and a few costly mistakes but overall, a decent game.

Matthew Cottrell: C

Caleb Marchbank: C-
Looked rusty early with a few unnecessary free kicks.

Orazio Fantasia: N/A
Subbed on for the final quarter.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Harry Sheezel: A
Star. Plenty of footy as expected, used it extremely well. Had a few centre bounce attendances and did not look out of place.

George Wardlaw: B+
Growing into a very handy player. Unable to massively influence the game but some impressive signs from last week’s Rising Star nominee.

Nick Larkey: B+
Limited opportunities but slotted them when they arrived. Finished with three goals.

Tom Powell: B
Putting together a strong campaign in 2024, another good outing in the guts.

Paul Curtis: B
Very lively, worked hard to keep the ‘Roos in the game with three goals.

Luke Davies-Uniacke: B
A tough start for LDU but an impressive fight back. George Hewett got the better of him through the centre, as he went without a clearance in the first half. His 12 touches in the third quarter were very impressive.

Zac Fisher: B-
Looked to get things going for North, plenty of run and carry.

Colby McKercher: B-
Another strong showing for the young gun. Oozes potential deep in the back half.

Jy Simpkin: B-
Looked okay through the midfield.

Tristan Xerri: B-
Looked strong in the ruck against very athletic competition in De Koning. Led the game with ten clearances.

Cameron Zurhaar: C+
Tough one to grade. Looked physically fantastic but made some rash decisions with the footy in hand.

Eddie Ford: C+
Came on as the sub in the second quarter and bagged a couple.

Bailey Scott: C+
Able to clean up at times in the defensive 50, although there was not much he could do to stop the Blues’ run.

Luke McDonald: C+
Displayed his leadership amongst a young backline.

Dylan Stephens: C+
Looked sharp off the wing.

Toby Pink: C
Had arguably the toughest matchup in football and didn’t do terribly. Held his own on occasions.

Zane Duursma: C
A quiet outing for the youngster, with a few good moments.

Charlie Lazzaro: C

Aidan Corr: C-
Unable to halt Carlton’s talls in the back half.

Darcy Tucker: C-

Kallan Dawson: C-

Jaidyn Stephenson: D
Very little impact.

Callum Coleman-Jones: N/A
Extremely unfortunate with what looked like a serious Achilles injury.

North Melbouren are set to face Brisbane in a clash for a first victory, while the undefeated Blues will take on a hot Fremantle side in next weeks' Gather Round.

Big guns fire Blues to 3-0 start after downing Roos

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Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay during the round three match between North Melbourne and Carlton at Marvel Stadium, March 29, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

TWIN towers Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay have combined for nine goals to power Carlton to a thumping 56-point win over North Melbourne in the Kangaroos’ marquee Good Friday match.

Coleman medallists McKay (five goals) and Curnow (four) monstered the undersized Kangaroos defence in a powerful performance in front of 47,565 fans at Marvel Stadium.

Curnow left the ground midway through the final quarter with a slight hobble and stayed on the bench, but that appeared to be only as a precaution.

KANGAROOS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

North gave its supporters periods to be excited about but was still blown away and never looked like causing an upset, with the Blues leading at every change to win 21.11 (137) to 12.9 (81).

Unlike previous Good Friday games when they were embarrassed by the Western Bulldogs in 2021 and 2022, North kept fighting and attacking the scoreboard.

The Kangaroos also showed some serious aggression at times, with star forward Nick Larkey (three goals) giving away a 50m penalty late in the third quarter for slamming Mitch McGovern to the ground.

Already undersized in defence, North suffered another major blow when key tall Callum Coleman-Jones went down with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon in the second quarter.

The former Richmond player was taken from the field on a medical cart and given immediate pain relief, replaced by sub Eddie Ford.

It was North’s second serious Achilles injury in three weeks after Josh Goater’s season came to an abrupt end in the round one defeat to Greater Western Sydney.

Carlton didn’t come out of the match unscathed either, after defender Caleb Marchbank was concussed in a heavy collision with teammate Jordan Boyd in the final term.

Preliminary finalists last season, Carlton extended its undefeated start to 3-0, while the Kangaroos remain winless.

In an encouraging sign, star defender Jacob Weitering made an impressive return from injury, while former Gold Coast utility Elijah Hollands improved as the game progressed in his first appearance for the club.

The Blues have an opportunity to go 4-0 for the first time since 1995 – the year of their last premiership – when they face Fremantle in Gather Round next Saturday.

North will play Grand Finalist Brisbane, smarting off a disappointing 0-3 start to their season, next Friday at Norwood Oval.

Double Dutch has Blues fans jumping
There has always been an air of excitement around Ollie Hollands since he arrived at Princes Park and the 20-year-old wingman started delivering last year. So when brother Elijah landed at the club through the trade period, expectations doubled. Elijah missed the Blues’ first two games through suspension, only adding to the anticipation, and when he finally ran out in a blue, or white as it was, jumper the fans were on the edge of their seats. And Hollands delivered – 22 disposals, five tackles and a goal. It looks like the new Blues brothers could deliver their fair share of hits.

Roos hand out the Easter Eggs early
It was never going to be an easy task for North Melbourne to take down an in-form Carlton, but ill-discipline made it near impossible. The Roos finished the match heavily in the negatives in the free kick count, but more of a worry was the six 50 metre penalties they handed over, most resulting in goals. History would suggest Alastair Clarkson doesn’t mind a bit of ‘unsociable football’, but it’s unlikely he’ll be impressed with the gifts his players handed over on Friday.

North’s talent bag is raw, but full
There’s no questioning the quality of some of North Melbourne’s youngsters with names like Sheezel, Wardlaw, Powell and McKercher enough to keep any Kanga fan’s optimism high. And now Paul Curtis is putting his name among the mix. The 21-year-old forward was his side’s best option around goal on Friday and finished with three majors to his name. That gives him seven for the season, equal with Nick Larkey, and he’s proving to be a threat opposition coaches will need to plan for.

NORTH MELBOURNE  3.2     6.3     11.5     12.9 (81)
CARLTON                    5.6    10.8    16.10   21.11 (137) 

GOALS
North Melbourne: Larkey 3, Curtis 3, Ford 2, Zurhaar, Powell, Lazzaro, Wardlaw
Carlton: McKay 5, Curnow 4, Owies 3, Durdin 2, Hewett, Cerra, Carroll, Acres, Cripps, E.Hollands, Fantasia

BEST
North Melbourne: Sheezel, Powell, Curtis, Xerri, McKercher
Carlton: McKay, Cripps, Curnow, Hewett, Cerra, E.Hollands

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Coleman-Jones (Achilles)
Carlton: Marchbank (head knock), Curnow (ankle)

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Eddie Ford, replaced Callum Coleman-Jones in the second quarter
Carlton: Orazio Fantasia, replaced Corey Durdin at three-quarter time

Crowd: 47,565 at Marvel Stadium

Around the state leagues: Pie bags six, big Roo’s big day, Crows thriller

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L-R: Joe Richards, Finnbar Maley, Daniel Curtin. Pictures: AFL Photos, Maddie Green/NMFC

STATE Leagues around the country are underway, and we’ll bring you a wrap of all the action.

Check out how your team fared in the VFL, SANFL and WAFL this weekend.

State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: South Adelaide v Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium, Friday March 29, 2.10pm ACDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Adelaide’s clash

Yet-to-debut Crow Billy Dowling led the way in Adelaide’s come-from-behind five-point win over South Adelaide on Good Friday.

Dowling led all comers for disposals with 32, had a game-high seven clearances and to cap off a big day, kicked the match-winning goal in the closing minutes.

Luke Nankervis got plenty of the ball with 25 disposals and 10 marks, Oscar Ryan (22 disposals) and Patrick Parnell (20 – all kicks) were also busy.

Lachie Gollant was the leading goal kicker of the senior-listed Crows, finishing with 2.3, Charlie Edwards (17 disposals) and Hugh Bond (19) kicking one apiece.

Exciting draftee Daniel Curtin was strong in the air with 10 marks alongside 18 touches, while 2020 first round selection Brayden Cook had 15 disposals.

Ruckman Kieran Strachan was strong at the stoppages, winning 28 hitouts and five clearances in his 14 disposals.

Rookie Will Hamill finished with 10 touches.

State league affiliate: Brisbane (VFL)
This weekend: Brisbane v Collingwood at Brighton Homes Arena, Friday March 29, 11.05am AEST

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Brisbane’s clash

After kicking a goal as substitute for Brisbane’s AFL side on Thursday night, Kai Lohmann backed up with four majors for the reserves on Friday, playing a major part in the Lions’ nailbiting two-point win at VFL level.

Lohmann just had the one possession in the seniors but saw plenty more action the next day, finishing with 16 touches, six marks and a team-high eight tackles.

Veteran Jarryd Lyons reacted to being dumped with a game-high 33 disposals and eight clearances, with James Tunstill pipping him in that category with nine amongst 25 touches.

After kicking four goals last week, Logan Morris slotted another three and is already looking like a great find for Brisbane after the club selected the strong marking forward with pick 31 in last year’s draft.

Harry Sharp (18 disposals, nine marks), James Madden (20 and seven) and Jaxon Prior (20 and eight) were busy, while category B rookie Bruce Reville also got amongst it with 18 touches and six clearances.

With both Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort playing in the seniors, Henry Smith is down the rucking pecking order, but nonetheless made a statement of sorts with 15 disposals, 33 hitouts and seven clearances.

Shadeau Brain was close to promotion and kept his name in the mix with 15 disposals, Darragh Joyce also had 15 along with eight marks, Reece Torrent had 13 touches and a goal, Darcy Gardiner had 13 disposals, while ruckman Kalin Lane had six disposals and 13 hitouts.

State league affiliate: Carlton (VFL)
This weekend: North Melbourne v Carlton at Arden Street Oval, Friday March 29, 12.30pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Carlton’s clash

After losing the number one ruck mantle to Tom De Koning, Marc Pittonet staked his claim for a recall with a powerful 25-disposal, 11-clearance and one-goal game in Carlton’s loss to North Melbourne on Friday.

Plenty of other Blues also performed as they try to find a way back into the strong senior lineup.

Brodie Kemp kicked a goal to go with his 19 disposals and eight marks, Alex Cincotta had 22 touches and six clearances, Lachie Young had 20 disposals, while the yet-to-debut Jaxon Binns continued his habit of racking up possessions with 22.

Lachie Cowan had the ball 23 times, key defender Lewis Young finished with 16 disposals, and draftee Billy Wilson found the ball 18 times.

Other Blues in action included Harry Lemmey (11 disposals, six marks), Ashton Moir (12 disposals, one goal), Hudson O’Keefe (seven disposals, nine hitouts), Rob Monahan (one goal) and Domanic Akuei (seven disposals).

State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Brisbane v Collingwood at Brighton Homes Arena, Friday March 29, 11.05am AEST

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Collingwood’s clash

Joe Richards impressed in the VFL at times last year but the 2022 mature-age recruit couldn’t crack it for a senior debut, however, he may be a step closer after a big performance in Collingwood’s two-point loss to Brisbane on Friday.

The 24-year-old kicked six goals, including four in the final term as the Pies fell short.

Harvey Harrison kicked one goal from 21 disposals and a team-high eight tackles, while former Saint Jack Bytel had 23 touches.

Charlie Dean (19 disposals), Jakob Ryan (19), Tew Jiath (15) and Ed Allan (14, one goal, five clearances) all did their bit, and Aiden Begg was strong in the ruck with 29 hitouts and four clearances.

Josh Carmichael kicked one goal but Ash Johnson couldn’t find the big sticks on a quiet day, and Oleg Markov also missed most of the action, finishing with 10 disposals.

State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Essendon at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sunday March 31, 2.05pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Essendon’s clash

State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Peel Thunder v East Fremantle at Lane Group Stadium, Saturday March 30, 1.40pm AWST

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Peel Thunder’s clash

State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Box Hill at GMHBA Stadium, Saturday March 30, 11.05am AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Geelong’s clash

State league affiliate: Gold Coast (VFL)
This weekend: No match

State league affiliate: GWS Giants (VFL)
This weekend: No match

State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Box Hill at GMHBA Stadium, Saturday March 30, 11.05am AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Box Hill’s clash

State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Casey v Footscray at Casey Fields, Saturday March 30, 2.05pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Casey’s clash

State league affiliate: North Melbourne (VFL)
This weekend: North Melbourne v Carlton at Arden Street Oval, Friday March 29, 12.30pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from North Melbourne’s clash

After suffering a horrific broken leg that cut his promising 2023 season short Charlie Comben is back on the field and looked strong in North Melbourne’s 16-point win over Carlton on Good Friday.

Comben took 13 marks and amassed 21 disposals in a performance that could see him back in the seniors sooner rather than later.

Rookie big man Finnbar Maley also took 13 marks and kicked 2.3 from his 21 touches, small forward Blake Drury (19 disposals) and Robert Hansen jnr also kicked two goals each, while Hugh Greenwood kicked one from 14 touches and five clearances.

Will Phillips was strong with 15 disposals and five tackles as he tries to make his way back into the senior side, and Brayden George also finished with 15 touches.

Former Tiger Bigoa Nyuon kept busy with 16 touches.

Other Roos in action included Will Dawson (11 disposals, eight marks), Jackson Archer (11, seven), Riley Hardeman (11 disposals).

State league affiliate: Port Adelaide Magpies (SANFL)
This weekend: Glenelg v Port Adelaide at Stratarama Stadium, Friday March 29, 4.40pm ACDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Port Adelaide’s clash

State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Sydney at Swinburne Centre, Sunday March 31, 12.05pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Richmond’s clash

State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Essendon at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sunday March 31, 2.05pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Sandringham’s clash

State league affiliate: Sydney (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Sydney at Swinburne Centre, Sunday March 31, 12.05pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Sydney’s clash

State league affiliate: West Coast (WAFL)
This weekend: Swan Districts v West Coast at Steel Blue Oval, Saturday March 30, 2.30pm AWST

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from West Coast’s clash

State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Casey v Footscray at Casey Fields, Saturday March 30, 2.05pm AEDT

MATCH CENTRE Check out all the stats from Footscray’s clash

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)