High-flying Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe will return from his horrific broken arm to face Adelaide’s potent forward line, مکمل اورجینال while Sydney have received a key triple-boost as they attempt to become the latest team to flog West Coast.
Howe has missed 12 games since he suffered a left forearm compound fracture in a marking-contest collision with Geelong’s Tyson Stengle in round one.
The 32-year-old’s arm bent in gruesome fashion as he attempted to break his fall after flying high in the air.
Howe was stretchered off the field and later required multiple rounds of surgery, including having a setback when the arm became infected early in his recovery.
Magpies coach Craig McRae says fitness won’t be an issue for Howe when he tackles the Crows at the MCG on Saturday.
“He’s missed time, but Howie has trained for a month football-wise, and then about 10 weeks of running,” McRae told SEN radio.
“He’s as fit as you could imagine.
“Fitness won’t be an issue but obviously playing, he hasn’t played for a while and that’s a different kettle of fish.”
Adelaide’s attack is spearheaded by Taylor Walker (38 goals) and supported by the likes of Izak Rankine (24), Darcy Fogarty (21), Luke Pedlar (16), Josh Rachele (16) and Riley Thilthorpe (12).
Collingwood have also named Jamie Elliott for his return, while Finlay Macrae and Jack Ginnivan have been included on the extended bench.
Sydney have welcomed back Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills and Logan McDonald for Saturday’s clash with wooden spoon favourites West Coast at the SCG.
And there was more good news for the Swans with confirmation that defender Tom McCartin, who has been sidelined with concussion since round eight, will return via the VFL this weekend.
Veteran forward Lance Franklin is still sidelined with a knee niggle.
The Eagles have been strengthened by the return of Tom Barrass (hip) and Liam Duggan (leg), but Jeremy McGovern (hamstring) will miss at least another week after pulling up sore from training.
Young tall forward Jack Williams, who suffered a serious spleen injury earlier this year, and first-year midfielder Elijah Hewett join Barrass and Duggan as inclusions.
Fremantle welcome back ruckman Sean Darcy (hamstring) and Michael Frederick (ankle) for Saturday night’s crunch clash with Essendon.
But James Aish’s hopes of returning from concussion were dashed by a back injury.
The Bombers lost ruckman Sam Draper (hip) but regained gun midfielder Darcy Parish and defender Jake Kelly.
The Brisbane Lions have opted against rushing back veteran Dayne Zorko (calf) for Friday night’s clash with St Kilda, but vice-captain Hugh McCluggage (concussion) and defender Jack Payne (ankle) have been named to return.
Big man Darcy Fort makes way for McCluggage.
The Saints opted to rest Seb Ross in the only change to their side, with Ben Paton named as his replacement.
Gold Coast have named Brandon Ellis for his return for Sunday’s home clash with Hawthorn, while Lachie Weller (knee) could play his first game since round seven after being named in the extended squad.
The Hawks included defender Sam Frost (foot), Denver Grainger-Barras, Fergus Greene and Finn Maginness on their extended bench, with captain James Sicily to miss through suspension.