Key posts
Team changes
SYDNEY
In: Lance Franklin, Tom McCartin, Angus Sheldrick, Marc Sheather
Out: Justin McInerney (TBC), Robbie Fox (concussion), Matt Roberts (knee), Will Gould
GWS
In: Tom Green, Callum Brown, Toby Bedford
Out: Sam Taylor (hamstring), Callan Ward (suspension), Adam Kennedy (knee)
Lance Franklin.Credit: Getty
Subs confirmed
The starting substitutes at the SCG are first-gamer Marc Sheather (Swans) and Harry Rowston (GWS).
Big day for O’Meara and Aish
Jaeger O’Meara and James Aish with their families ahead of their 150th AFL games against Brisbane today.
‘You are a Blood through and through’
Dane Rampe presented Tom McCartin with his jumper ahead of his 100th game.
Lions, Dockers prepping
Brisbane and Fremantle players starting to get ready for their clash at the Gabba.
Team changes
BRISBANE LIONS
In: Ryan Lester, Noah Answerth
Out: Jarryd Lyons, Darragh Joyce
FREMANTLE
In: Sam Switkowski, Nathan O’Driscoll, Neil Erasmus
Out: Michael Frederick (adductor), Corey Wagner, Josh Corbett
Sam Switkowski.Credit: Getty Images
Subs confirmed
The starting subs at the Gabba are Noah Answerth (Lions) and Neil Erasmus (Freo).
Noah Answerth.Credit: Getty Images
Albanese formally unveils $240 million in federal funds for Hobart stadium
By Lachlan Abbott
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally unveiled $240 million in federal funding for a new Hobart stadium, paving the way for a long-awaited Tasmanian AFL team, despite opponents calling the investment unfathomable amid housing pressures in the state.
In a widely anticipated move after reports during the week, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff joined the prime minister at a press conference in Hobart on Saturday morning to unveil a federal commitment towards the Macquarie Point urban renewal project, which includes a $715 million stadium, in the upcoming May budget.
During the press conference, protesters could be heard heckling the prime minister in the background, calling for housing to be prioritised over the stadium.
Click here to read more.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during a press conference in Hobart on Saturday alongside Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff (right).Credit: AAP
One phone conversation had Bontempelli destined for Dogs
By Peter Ryan
Former Bulldogs, now Sydney, recruiter Simon Dalrymple remembers taking a phone call from a scout who worked for the club in 2013 who wanted to give him an update on draft prospect Marcus Bontempelli.
The Northern Knights youngster had played on the wing for Vic Metro in the national championships and was in the AIS/AFL Academy, but not many people had him earmarked as a top-10 selection entering the latter half of the season.
“He’s a bigger version of ‘Libber’ [Tom Liberatore] around the contest,” the scout told Dalrymple.
Click here to read more.
Marcus Bontempelli, is in peak form as he prepares to play his 200th game on Saturday.Credit: The Age
Horne-Francis drives Port Adelaide to upset win
By Andrew Wu
Rival supporters may be jeering Jason Horne-Francis out of childishness, but the boos will soon become a begrudging mark of respect.
The man they call the Hornet stung Saints fans where it hurt most last night, with a performance beyond his 19 years to sink St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
A four-quarter performer in a game where Port played three, the No.1 draft pick was the most dynamic player in a match played at a high intensity for this time of year, his 25 disposals and 11 clearances a big factor in the result.
Click here to read more.
Jason Horne-Francis starred amid more boos.Credit: Getty Images
