Geelong midfielder Scott Selwood is a chance to play his first AFL game of the season after being named in an extended squad for Sunday’s clash with Sydney at the SCG.
Selwood has endured an injury-plagued four seasons at the Cats, and his last AFL game was in the elimination final loss to Melbourne last year.
The 29-year-old has been named in Geelong’s 26-man squad against the Swans, with Selwood now facing a nervous wait to see if he survives the cut on Friday afternoon.
Zac Smith, Jack Henry, Quinton Narkle, Lachie Henderson, and Sam Simpson were also called into the extended squad.
Zach Tuohy (rested) and Gary Rohan (rested) are confirmed omissions, but more changes could be made on Friday.
The Swans will be without forward Will Hayward (hip).
Jordan Dawson, Daniel Menzel, Kieren Jack, Ben Ronke, and James Rose have been added to the extended squad.
“Will’s hip has been grumbling along for a few weeks but it has got to a point where he needs to spend some time out,” Swans coach John Longmire said.
“We are getting it looked at … in terms of what we need to do but he is not able to play at the moment so unfortunately Will is out.”
Fremantle will welcome back skipper Nat Fyfe from an elbow infection for Sunday’s clash with the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
Veteran Hayden Ballantyne could join him in the side after being added to the extended squad.
Misfiring forward Cam McCarthy was dropped after booting just two goals from his past three games, including a scoreless display in last week’s one-point win over Sydney.
The Bulldogs will welcome back veteran Dale Morris, while Rhylee West – the son of club legend Scott West – will make his AFL debut.
Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell has been cut down by foot soreness yet again, and Conor McKenna has been rested for Sunday’s match against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Zac Clarke, David Myers, Jayden Laverde, Mark Baguley, Ben McNiece, and Josh Begley are among the potential inclusions.
The Suns will be without Will Brodie, but Lachie Weller appears set to return after being named in the extended squad.
The biggest selection shock of round 19 came from the Crows, who axed Eddie Betts for Saturday’s match against Carlton at the MCG.
Betts booted six goals against Gold Coast two weeks ago, but failed to score a major in last week’s 21-point loss to Essendon.
Midfielder Hugh Greenwood was also dumped, while Alex Keath has been rested.
Tyson Stengle, Patrick Wilson, and Andy Otten were recalled, while Carlton named Andrew Phillips in place of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, who is battling general soreness.
