An emerging big man, a reliable defender, and three debutants have been included as St Joseph’s made five changes for its clash with North Shore at Windsor Park.
Ed McCoy will make his first appearance of 2026, and Zac Knights returns after missing the past fortnight.
Geelong Falcon Riley Aquilina, under-18s graduate Tosh Lennon, and Lake Wendouree product Jack Flanagan will make their debuts.
Flanagan arrived at Herne Hill Reserve ahead of the 2025 season, playing 14 games in the reserves, while also making a cameo appearance at Colac and District club Apollo Bay.
They replace the injured trio of Cal Mitchell, Harry Smith, and Max Adams, and the omitted Eamon Hill and Harry Muir, who were part of the 104-point Anzac Day loss to South Barwon.
The Seagulls get back Xavier McGowan after he missed last week’s loss to Newtown & Chilwell, and have promoted Ethan Huxtable, replacing Cody Harrison (leg fracture) and Ben Collier.
Leopold will welcome back best-and-fairest Tate Porter from suspension, but will be without captain Mitch Burgess and Mason Williams for the clash with Bell Park at Hi Sushi Oval.
Burgess has been managed, while Williams returns to Geelong VFL duty.
The Lions have also lost Nic Ash (hamstring) and South Australian recruit Lochie Ash (unavailable), with James Peters and Brad Pasque recalled from the reserves, and Harry Wall earning senior selection for the first time this year.
Former Geelong West star Ethan Liddle will make his first appearance for Colac as it prepares to host South Barwon at Australian Lamb Company Stadium.
The Tigers have also named co-captain Zach Zdybel, who has overcome a knee issue that has sidelined him in the opening three weeks.
However, Adam Garner (concussion) and Darcy Lang (fractured cheekbone/work) are among the outs.
Harrison Whyte has overcome a hamstring issue suffered while training with VFL club Werribee in the pre-season and is among at least three inclusions for Grovedale as it chases consecutive wins against Newtown & Chilwell at Jardon Oval.
Tom Schulze returns after missing the win over St Albans. Grady Murrant will make his first senior appearance of the season.
However, Caiden Gardiner, who is facing 10 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, veteran Nathan Deans, and Jack Cook will be missing.
Deans will have scans on an ankle issue next week, while Cook has a minor ankle concern.
The Eagles welcome back veteran Liam Nash at the expense of Charlie Field.
St Mary’s co-captain Jack Blood returns after missing the big win over Bell Park for the clash against St Albans at St Albans Reserve.
Harvey Ryan is also back after a concussion suffered in the Round 1 win over Colac.
However, reigning Frank Fopiani medallist Keidan Rayner (ankle) and Elijah Wales (unavailable) will be missing.
The Supersaints have named Caramut recruit Declan Barbary among three inclusions.
Vice-captain Nathan Cole is back after missing the past fortnight, while Ben Wolfenden will make his first senior appearance since Round 12 last year.
Geelong West has the bye.
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