Martin has a hamstring injury; McRae supports Grundy; McVeigh is unaffected by the Giant's exodus

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick had said on Wednesday that Martin was on course to return in the round of 20 against the Brisbane Lions, which is when he expects key forward Tom Lynch (hamstring) to return.

The Tigers tweeted they would not provide further updates on Martin until needed.

Talisman Martin has only played eight games this season.

The 31-year-old took personal leave after the first round and missed six games, coming back with a bang in round eight when he hit two goals in the win over Collingwood.
With AAP

‘We don’t look past our noses’: McRae says Grundy’s talent is being underestimated

Roy Ward

Collingwood coach Craig McRae thinks few in the AFL world have short memories when it comes to ruckman talent Brodie Grundy following a knee injury in April.

Brodie Grundy at Collingwood training on Friday.Credit:Getty Images

The Magpies are wary of Grundy’s return after 15 weeks out, through injury on Anzac Day, and McRae thinks the nimble ruckman could be a game-changer at the end of the season, especially with his mid-bounce job.

The coach replied to comments by commentators who belittled Grundy’s performance before his injury.

“We only see as far as our noses sometimes don’t we?” McRae said Friday.

“His last game was against the Bombers, he was second best on the pitch [in voting] for medals, dominance of midfield bounces and hitting critical goals with sore knees – we forgot how good our players are, and we hope to get them back.”

Grundy is available for selection this week and will play in the VFL but for a bye in that competition. McRae said Grundy will be doing extra training and may need a VFL game next week.

“We’re just trying to increase the volume,” McRae said on Friday. “He is physically capable of playing but we want to get him in optimal condition to be able to perform at this level.

“There’s a VFL game next week and if we want to play Brodie we will, time will tell.

“When Brodie is physically ready to go, we won’t hesitate to pick him.”

McRae would not be interested in reports that Grundy’s management had met with GWS, saying he would turn it over to roster manager Graham Wright.

“I’m here to protect and love our players and get the best out of them while they’re here,” McRae said.

Midfielder Taylor Adams and defender Isaac Quaynor make a strong case for getting into the team on Sunday while forward Jordan De Goey will return next week.

The Magpies will be looking to extend their eight-match winning streak with a win over Essendon at MCG on Sunday, but the contest is going to be tough given the Bombers are playing their best football this season, having carved out three games of their own. win run.

Archie Perkins has trained well and sees an opportunity to play in the VFL this weekend while Bombers coach Ben Rutten says his team are still deciding on Sunday’s final spot in the team.

Rutten was asked about Era reports that the club is chasing Melbourne major championship winner Angus Brayshaw.

“This is probably not one of the things I want to comment on, about players signed at other clubs,” said Rutten.

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“We certainly want to increase our roster, there are a number of avenues to be able to do that and at the right time we will talk about it.”

A final is unlikely for the Bombers but Rutten wants his team to show they can maintain their performance against the Magpies.

“More is coming from our leaders,” said Rutten.

“There is a real desire to grow and develop. We want to make sure people come and get better and expand what we do.”

McVeigh ‘not worried’ about Giant exodus

GWS interim coach Mark McVeigh insists he is not concerned about a mass exodus of players as rival clubs prepare to pounce on some of the club’s new stars.

Era reports that the Giants are in danger of losing Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Bobby Hill and Tanner Bruhn as the club struggles to cap wages.

Hill attempted to join Essendon during the last trading period, but he is now ready to join Collingwood.

Geelong, Richmond and Essendon have all been linked with Hopper, who is eligible for free agent when his current contract expires in 2023.

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Taranto is out of contract this season and has been linked with a move back to Victoria, where Richmond and Collingwood would be among the interested suitors.

Bruhn, who is also out of contract, could also return to his home state of Victoria.

McVeigh wants to secure the GWS coaching job permanently, but he’s not worried about losing a core part of the group of players.

“It doesn’t matter to me. What’s important to me is that we’re open and honest with each other,” McVeigh said.

“I’ve clearly shared my intentions on what I want to do, but it’s something that can sometimes be out of your control.

“I would like to think that we can implement a good footy program … and make sure everyone is enjoying ourselves and can see us heading in the right direction.

“He [the rumours of players leaving] is speculation. I’m here to coach the team, I’m not here to build the roster for the next few years.”

McVeigh reminded his players that the final five rounds of the season could have a major impact on their individual futures.

“In the end, whoever ends up coaching our club will see who they want to be,” said McVeigh.

“I think it’s very important, our players need to be reminded of that.”

AP

‘I’d be surprised if they didn’t apply’: McLachlan on Northern priority election bid

Roy Ward

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan would be “surprised” if North Melbourne did not submit a priority vote this year, as the club has flagged it, while he has yet to lock in his departure date.

Kangaroos are currently 2-15 and last on the ladder, looking for a new coach after splitting with David Noble and have had a number of experienced staff leave their football department in the last year including national recruitment manager Mark Finnigan and head of personnel Glenn Luff.

“It’s for other people to know if they have a good or bad case, but I would be surprised if they didn’t file an application,” McLachlan told 3AW on Friday.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan with commission chairman Richard Goyder after he announced he was vacating the CEO role.Credit:Getty Images

“I’m sure they will.”

McLachlan also ruled out financial support from the AFL to pay Alastair Clarkson wages if he chooses to coach Kangaroo.

“No,” said McLachlan. “I have enough problems around me without paying the coach’s salary.”

McLachlan said he still hasn’t set a date when he will complete the role because he has a list of tasks he wants to complete.

The search for his successor continues, and he will continue until the AFL commission wants him to finish.

“I’ve got a little to-do list, and they’re all pretty problematic at the moment,” McLachlan said.

“There are processes running parallel [to find his successor]. I’ll take some time after this so when it works for Rich [chairman Richard Goyder] and commissions and I’ve done all of this – whatever date it is, it will be by then.

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“I don’t [stressed about it]. I think I was pretty clear about that at [resignation] suppressor.”

The AFL is finalizing its plans for grand final week when games return to MCG this year for the first time since 2019, and he said a four-day football festival would be held in the Olympic precinct to officiate the games.

He added that using the Yarra River for the grand final parade would give fans, especially children, a better viewing platform than a regular street parade and McLachlan expects an announcement to come next week.

Four AFLW matches will also be played in the area leading up to the grand final with Punt Road Oval hosting the double-header on the public holiday night of the grand final, Collingwood playing Essendon at AIA Center (formerly Olympic Park) and Richmond playing Brisbane at Punt Road in the morning. grand finals.

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