Round 3 Team Annoucements

[LF]

In Doubt/Likely to Miss

Rockliff - 2 weeks
Rich 50/50
Robinson 50/50
D.Grimes

State League News
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-03/around-the-state-leagues-whos-starring-for-your-club-in-this-weekends-second-tier

Adelaide
State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Adelaide v Port Adelaide - Sunday April 3, 1.40pm, Mannum Oval

After being dropped for just the second time in his 12 seasons at the Crows, veteran Nathan van Berlo regained some of his touch across half-back with 24 disposals and eight marks.

Midfielder Mitch Grigg registered a team-high 29 disposals in the Crows' 30-point win and was complemented by onballer Jarryd Lyons, who recorded 26 touches, 10 clearances and a goal.

In attack, Riley Knight (19 possessions) and rookie Keenan Ramsey (16) bagged four goals apiece as the Crows kicked the last seven goals of the match.



Brisbane
State league affiliate: Brisbane Lions (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans - Saturday April 2, 11am, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex

Academy product Ben Keays picked up 39 disposals in the Lions' 122-point loss to the Swans.

Josh McGuinness, Nick Robertson and Billy Evans each had 25 disposals.

Jaden McGrath kicked three goals.



Carlton
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Northern Blues v Port Melbourne - Saturday April 2, 2pm, Preston City Oval

Defender Lachie Plowman had 11 disposals and six marks in the opening half before sitting out the final two quarters in the Northern Blues' 44-point loss.

It was the 2012 No.3 draft pick's first game since crossing over from GWS at the end of last year.

Matthew Dick and Mark Whiley each picked up 24 disposals to be among the best players.

Last year's No.23 pick David Cuningham had 22 disposals, while Liam Jones and Clem Smith both kicked two goals.



Collingwood
State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Geelong v Collingwood - Saturday April 2, 12pm, Simonds Stadium

Jeremy Howe was reported in the first quarter of the Magpies' 50-point victory over Geelong. He appeared to strike Jed Bews in the stomach with an open hand.

Howe finished with a goal.

Midfielder Matthew Goodyear challenged for best-on-ground honours, with two goals and a solid performance in the midfield.

Jesse White impressed in the key defensive post he has played this year, taking several strong contested marks.



Essendon
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Richmond v Essendon - Friday April 1, 4.30pm, Punt Road Oval

Shaun McKernan kicked six goals before injuring his ankle in Essendon's 77-point win against the Tigers, while top-up player Sam Grimley kicked four.

McKernan will have scans to determine the extent of the damage.

Last year's No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis impressed in defence while ex-Roo Nathan Grima was influential.

Rookie Jake Long was once again damaging on a wing to continue a promising pre-season.



Fremantle
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Swan Districts v Peel Thunder - Saturday April 2, 2.15pm, Steel Blue Oval

Omitted trio, forward Matt Taberner, midfielder Tendai Mzungu and ruckman Jon Griffin, were kept busy in Peel's 52-point win and will again come into senior contention for the winless Fremantle.

Of the axed Dockers, only Taberner was named in the Thunder's best players courtesy of his 25 touches, 10 marks, six inside 50s and two goals.

Mzungu wasn't too far behind on 25 disposals, six tackles and a goal, while Griffin dominated the ruck duels with 36 hit-outs and 12 possessions.

Emerging ball-winner Brady Grey, who made his debut for the Dockers against Port Adelaide in round 23 last year, managed 23 disposals.

Livewire Hayden Crozier had 21 touches and laid seven tackles in his comeback from concussion, which sidelined him from last weekend's game.



Geelong
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Geelong v Collingwood - Saturday April 2, 12pm, Simonds Stadium

Daniel Menzel kicked two goals in the Cats' 50-point loss.

Jed Bews, Josh Cowan and rookie Tom Ruggles were named among the best players.

Rookie Ruggles had 25 disposals and 10 marks.



Gold Coast
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: NT Thunder v Gold Coast - Saturday April 2, 6.30pm, TIO Stadium

Former Western Bulldog Jarrad Grant, who joined the Suns last year as a delisted free agent, and promoted rookie Danny Stanley kicked two goals apiece in their side's 18-point loss.

Mackenzie Willis, the No.52 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft, played well along with ruckman Keegan Brooksby in the middle.



GWS
State league affiliate: Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney University v Giants - Sunday April 3, 2pm, Henson Park

Ruck/forward Adam Tomlinson responded to his round one axing in the best possible way, recording game-highs of 35 disposals and 18 marks.

The 22-year-old also booted three goals to cap his best-on-ground display in the Giants' 20-point win.

Fellow omitted forward James Stewart kicked two goals from his 13 possessions and nine marks.

Half-back Zac Williams set up from defence with his 28 touches, while rookie ruckman Sam Reid booted four goals to go with his 20 disposals.



Hawthorn
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Casey Scorpions v Box Hill - Saturday April 2, 1pm, Casey Fields

Kieran Lovell had 23 disposals in Box Hill's 30-point loss to the Casey Scorpions.

Lovell went at No.22 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.

Ruckman Marc Pittonet, who played for the senior team in round one against Geelong, had 20 possessions.

Rookie Kade Stewart kicked four goals while Tim O'Brien kicked two.



Melbourne
State league affiliate: Casey Scorpions (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Casey Scorpions v Box Hill - Saturday April 2, 1pm, Casey Fields

Jack Trengove had 22 disposals and Christian Petracca collected 20 in Casey's 30-point win.

Both played in a VFL intraclub last week. Petracca spoke after the game.

Sam Weideman kicked three goals.

Alex Neal-Bullen (36 disposals), Jayden Hunt (23) and Jack Grimes (19) also impressed



North Melbourne
State league affiliate: Werribee (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Footscray v Werribee - Saturday April 2, 12pm, Whitten Oval

Robin Nahas kicked six goals, while Trent Dumont (20 possessions), Farren Ray (20 possessions) and Mason Wood (17 touches and two goals) found plenty of the ball. 

It was a weakened Werribee team that had an afternoon to forget at Whitten Oval, going down to Footscray by 131 points.

With half its squad lining up against the NAB AFL Academy team last night, the Tigers finished with 16 players on the ground.



Port Adelaide
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Adelaide v Port Adelaide - Sunday April 3, 1.40pm, Mannum Oval

Forward John Butcher provided his side with some much-needed firepower up forward, kicking four goals in the Magpies' 30-point loss.

The 24-year-old's highlight came in the third term, when he flew for a mark in a two-on-one contest and miraculously goaled off the ground as his opponent pushed him off balance.

Butcher managed just five matches for the Power in 2015, with his last game coming in round 23.

Reliable ball-winner Kane Mitchell gathered 37 disposals and kicked a goal in a strong performance, while youngster Sam Colquhoun added 20 touches.



Richmond
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Richmond v Essendon - Friday April 1, 4.30pm, Punt Road Oval

Todd Elton played well in defence before going forward in the last quarter and kicking a goal, as the Tigers lost by 70 points.

Dan Butler impressed with his run, while rookie Mabior Chol provided a contest up forward, in the first half especially.

Oleg Markov and rookie Callum Moore were also among the better players.



St Kilda
tate league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Williamstown v Sandringham - Saturday April 2, 1pm, Burbank Oval

Blake Acres had 27 disposals and a goal as the Zebras lost by 22 points to Williamstown.

Acres was unlucky to be dropped from St Kilda after picking up 22 disposals against Port Adelaide in round one, with Saints coach Alan Richardson saying his inconsistency cost him his spot.

Darren Minchington kicked five goals to continue his good form, after he had 44 disposals and three goals in the VFL last week.

Tom Curren and Tim Membrey each kicked two goals. Membrey looked strong, taking several contested marks.



Sydney
State league affiliate: Sydney Swans (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans - Saturday April 2, 11am, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex

Experienced campaigner Ben McGlynn gathered 21 touches, a game-high nine tackles and kicked a goal in the Swans' comprehensive 122-point win.

The 30-year-old last featured at AFL level in last year's semi-final loss to North Melbourne.

It was an even contribution from the Swans' youngsters, with Harrison Marsh (team-high 26 touches, five tackles), rookie Jordan Foote (23 touches, seven tackles) and Nic Newman (22 touches, six marks) leading the way.



West Coast
State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: South Fremantle v East Perth - Friday April 1, 7.30pm, Fremantle Community Bank Oval

Midfielder Chris Masten boosted his chances of playing in next Saturday night's Western Derby after being named East Perth's best player in the 40-point loss.

The 26-year-old accumulated 28 disposals and six tackles in his return from a left ankle injury he suffered in an intra-club hit-out before the NAB Challenge.

It was Masten's first WAFL appearance since round 21, 2011.

Young goalkicker Tom Lamb was particularly impressive with four goals to go with his 23 touches, while ruckman Jonathan Giles â€" now at his fourth AFL club â€" had 32 hit-outs and 15 disposals.



Bulldogs
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Practice match - Footscray v Werribee - Saturday April 2, 12pm, Whitten Oval

Seven goals from Bailey Dale and four from Jack Repath have spearheaded Footscray to a 131-point thrashing of a weakened Werribee outfit at Whitten Oval.

Much of Werribee's team played against the NAB AFL Academy team on Friday night.

Returning from an ankle injury, ruckman Tom Campbell also had a day out, dominating around the ground and slotting three goals.

[Ringo]

From Lions if all do not come up.

Zorko replaced Robbo last week
Keays should come in for Rocky
and I would use McGuiness to replace Rich if wanting a defender.  Robertson could come in as well if Harwood is dropped.

[fanTCfool]

Grimes reported out for 2-3 weeks

[Grazz]

Nice work LF.  ;)

[jvalles69]

I'll be hoping Robbo is fit and replacing Rocky.  8)

[Fid]

Nice work LF.  ;)

[timmyparso]

Wingard expected to train with main squad on wednesday and play friday night. Schultz and Hartlett are doubts

[GoLions]

From Lions if all do not come up.

Zorko replaced Robbo last week
Keays should come in for Rocky
and I would use McGuiness to replace Rich if wanting a defender.  Robertson could come in as well if Harwood is dropped.

Yeah you'd expect Keays to play. Robbo may be right for the game, hope he is 100% though if he does play, no point risking him. If he doesn't, maybe just Robertson straight in for Rich?

[fanTCfool]

Hoping Gresh gets just one more week

[Rusty00]

Ruggles is playing well in the VFL. Probably no openings in the Cats senior team for him at the moment though.

[RaisyDaisy]

Ruggles is playing well in the VFL. Probably no openings in the Cats senior team for him at the moment though.

Thurlow?

[RoughRed]

Ruggles is playing well in the VFL. Probably no openings in the Cats senior team for him at the moment though.

Sitting on my AF bench from the start - 5 weeks in would be good for my SC

[Mat0369]

The Cats were exposed by small forwards as well vs GWS. Ideally he won't debut for a couple weeks and can be a nice downgrade option

[freddo81]

Anyone worried some of our most popular rookies are on the chopping block this week?? ie: Menadue, Oliver, Gresham, just to name a few...

[crowls]

definitely.   could handle one of them this week.    gresh and oliver are likely.  menadue should hold on.