Dan McStay is another option to play forward for the Magpies, whose key forward Brody Mihocek was sore during the qualifying final against Adelaide, wearing a moon boot afterwards. McStay would come in if Mihocek did not come up or in the less likely event that they drop Cox or Tim Membrey.
Defender Wil Parker, who performed creditably against the Crows, would be the logical omission from the 22 to make way for Howe, whose leadership and direction is as valued as his marks, spoils and disposals. Roan Steele, as substitute for the Crows final, is also a potential omission, subject to what Collingwood want from their sub.
Collingwood did not have quick small forward Beau McCreery, tall defender Billy Frampton, Howe or Cox in the round 21 game against the Lions. But the biggest “addition” to that defeated team is the significant improvement in Jordan De Goey’s fitness and form.
De Goey, who has dramatically found form and fitness over the past two games after a season battling injury, said on Monday that it would be a tough decision on whether to pick Hill this weekend.
“I’m not part of coaching staff, but we’re just supporting Bobby day by day. He trained really well the other day, so it’s gonna be a tough decision and up to the coaches, but you know, at the end of the day, we’re just going to support him and make sure he’s at his best.
Asked about the difficulty Hill faced in overcoming a lengthy lay-off, De Goey said: “Obviously super tough, but that’s why you have, you know, we’ve got the medical team and… physical (conditioning) team for that sort of thing, so they’ll decide when he’s ready to rock and roll.
“And all Bobby can do is focus on his training and get right for the rest of the team.”
The Lions won’t have champion midfielder Lachie Neale (calf strain) for Saturday, but have performed well without the dual Brownlow medallist lately, as Will Ashcroft in particular, has flourished when Neale has missed and Hugh McCluggage’s brilliance and Josh Dunkley’s grit and defensive work has ensured their midfield remains potent, as they were against the Suns last Saturday night.
State of Origin is back, but one footy state has been snubbed
Hannah Kennelly
State of Origin football will return to the AFL calendar for the first time in 27 years.
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon confirmed on Monday that Western Australia would play Victoria in Perth at Optus Stadium on February 14 next year – the first State of Origin clash since 1999.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“State football is one of the great traditions of our game, with fans and players alike calling for its return for some time and we are thrilled to see it back,” Dillon said.
“Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon years-old rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our very greatest players.”
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Originating in 1977, games between Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia were regular features on the AFL calendar, but declining popularity saw the event scrapped.
While there have been top-level representative games since 1999 – a Hall of Fame tribute match in 2008 and a bushfire relief fundraiser in 2020 – those games involved Victoria taking on a team made up of players from other states. AFLW also held a Victoria v Allies game in 2017.
There was also an Indigenous All Stars team that faced Fremantle in Perth earlier this year.
South Australian football great Graham Cornes said he was glad to see the return of State of Origin, but he lamented the exclusion of South Australia.
“Obviously, the most passionate State of Origin encounters, the most exciting ones were between SA and Victoria,” he said. “I just think it’s going to be really hard to recapture the passion and the quality of those games.”
He was also unsure of the event’s calendar placement during the pre-season and said a mid-season State of Origin might be more effective.
“We have to work through with our players and the clubs but you will absolutely see representative footy in some form next year.”
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