Paul Medhurst is the only player in doubt of returning to the pitch this weekend; the forward is listed as a “test”.
Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson, Anthony Rocca and Sean Rusling are all available after overcoming various injuries. The match committee will also look closely at the senior-listed players who performed well in the VFL’s 50-point win on the weekend.
This week’s Magpie Blog puts you in the driver’s seat of the match committee.
Who will you return through the VFL, who will you return straight into the senior side and who you will you rest?
Returning players
Travis Cloke: The centre-half forward has missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old is yet to produce numbers that saw him win the Copeland Trophy in 2007 but a few weeks off could see him return to career-best form.
Ben Johnson: The midfielder sustained a broken ankle against Geelong in round three but looks ready to return after closely missing out last week. Johnson averaged 24 possessions in his first two senior games of the year.
Anthony Rocca: The veteran forward has struggled this season since returning from an ankle injury in round four against Brisbane. Since his return, Rocca has managed just three games in his 14th AFL season.
Sean Rusling: The 22-year-old has experienced a severe bout of bad luck through his young football career. Making his long awaited return to competitive football two weeks ago, Rusling put in a strong performance in the VFL before fracturing his cheekbone in the final term.
Paul Medhurst: The 2008 All-Australian injured his ankle in round six and could make his return this week. Prior to his injury Medhurst averaged two goals a game from his first six matches.
Potential call-ups
Dayne Beams: The midfielder has played six senior games this year and looked damaging in the VFL on the weekend. Beams kicked two goals and had 23 possessions in a strong four-quarter performance.
Ben Reid: The 195-centimetre utility has played a key role in defence this year for the VFL and has contributed in two senior matches playing as a forward.
Jaxson Barham: The father/son acquisition looked comfortable in four senior games this year and was outstanding in the midfield for the VFL on the weekend.
Points to consider
- Collingwood has a bye week following the Melbourne match meaning if a player is to miss this week, he will have two weeks off.
- The Magpies will have had an eight day break before facing the Demons.
- The VFL Magpies play on Sunday afternoon at Visy Park against Port Melbourne.
Have you say this week and name your 22!
