Collingwood Swings The Axe

The Age

Friday August 1, 2008

Karen Lyon

AFTER a disappointing fortnight that threatens its finals campaign, Collingwood has made sweeping changes to its side for tonight's important clash against Hawthorn.

Ruckman Josh Fraser finally returns to the side after injuring his knee in the Hall of Fame match in May, but the Magpies dropped Ben Johnson and Cameron Wood from the side that lost to Essendon last week.

The Pies have also lost Rhyce Shaw to a back injury and veteran defender Shane Wakelin has been rested. The Magpies have also recalled Tyson Goldsack, Ryan Lonie and Alan Toovey. The Hawks regain Shane Crawford from a knee injury for his 299th game and Stuart Dew plays his first game in a month after a hamstring complaint. Hawthorn has lost Michael Osborne because of a corked buttock and has dropped Travis Tuck.

Just a week after St Kilda brought back Michael Gardiner for a clash against his former side West Coast, the ruckman has been dropped for this week's game against Port Adelaide.

Max Hudghton has failed to recover from a calf injury and the Saints have dropped David Armitage. Justin Koschitzke will play after a one-game suspension, while Charlie Gardiner, Shane Birss, Michael Rix, Jarryn Geary and Jason Gwilt make up the extended bench.

Geelong regained Cameron Ling (fractured cheekbone) and Darren Milburn from illness for tomorrow night's match against Richmond at Telstra Dome. The Cats failed to name Gary Ablett (ankle) and David Wojcinski (Achilles) and have lost Paul Chapman to a hamstring injury.

After their last-gasp win against Brisbane last week, the Tigers named an unchanged side.

With their finals hopes taking a dent, the Lions have dropped four players, including premiership duo Tim Notting and Robert Copeland for the important match against North Melbourne at Carrara tomorrow night.

The Lions also dropped Tom Collier and Cheynee Stiller and named Colm Begley, Rhan Hooper and Albert Proud. Scott Clouston from Morningside makes his debut.

After making his debut in round 15 against Port Adelaide, Kangaroo Todd Goldstein has been dropped to make way for Leigh Brown.

Carlton travels to Adelaide for a clash against the Crows tomorrow and has brought back Dennis Armfield, who missed four matches with a finger injury, and dropped Adam Hartlett.

Former Blue Kris Massie comes in for the Crows and replaces Kurt Tippett, who has been dropped.

Andrew Lovett has completed his two-game club-imposed suspension for missing a recovery session and will return to the Essendon side for the game against Melbourne. Centre half-forward Scott Lucas is out of the side because of a back injury.

Demons Brad Green and Paul Wheatley return from injury and Austin Wonaemirri has been recalled.

© 2008 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home