Ablett back, Wallis to make AFL debut - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Ablett back, Wallis to make AFL debut

By Sam Lienert 21/04/2011 06:59:22 PM Comments (0)

Embattled Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett will make his AFL return against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The midfield star, whose injury absence last round prompted much debate, was one of four inclusions for the winless Suns, with 19-year-old former swimmer Jack Hutchins named for his AFL debut.

Sam Iles, who played seven AFL games for Collingwood in 2006-07, will make his club debut, with No.2 national draft pick Harley Bennell recalled.

Ablett was criticised after missing Sunday's big loss to Melbourne with calf soreness.

Critics questioned his professionalism after he spent several days in Melbourne the previous week, rather than conducting his full preparation in Queensland.

Ablett used his Twitter account during the week to hit back, saying many taking shots were just unhappy he left Geelong and he would enjoy proving the critics wrong.

The Power lost Paul Stewart (knee), replaced by Jason Davenport.

Western Bulldogs father-son draftee Mitch Wallis will make his AFL debut against Fremantle in Perth on Monday night as a replacement for Daniel Giansiracusa (hamstring).

The 18-year-old son of former Dogs skipper Steve Wallis was confirmed as a starter after being named in a 25-man squad on Thursday.

"Mitch will make his debut and he will be in the final 22," coach Rodney Eade told the club's website.

The Dockers have lost Nick Suban (broken leg).

Adelaide named ruckman Sam Jacobs to play his first match with the Crows against his former club Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The Crows dumped underperforming ruckman Ivan Maric, despite coach Neil Craig admitting he would have liked Jacobs to have had more SANFL gametime, after not playing in the pre-season because of a hamstring tear.

Adelaide also regained Michael Doughty and Richard Tambling, but are still missing key defender Scott Stevens.

The Blues dropped forwards Lachie Henderson and Andrew Collins, but kept faith with out-of-form goalsneak Eddie Betts.

Essendon, missing Jason Winderlich and Courtenay Dempsey to serious knee injuries, also dropped Brent Prismall for Monday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.

They added David Hille, Andrew Welsh and Alwyn Davey to an expanded bench.

The Magpies are yet to make any omissions, but ruckman Darren Jolly was named to return from injury, while Brad Dick - who has not played at AFL level since injuring his shoulder in round 13 last year - is on their seven-man bench.

Geelong included Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan to return from injury in a 25-man squad for Tuesday's big MCG clash with Hawthorn, who are yet to make any cuts.

Richmond will regain key defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance from suspension for Sunday's meeting with North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos have dropped forward Aaron Edwards.

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