Collingwood drop selection bombshell for blockbuster final with Melbourne
Collingwood have made the primary real selection shock of the 2023 AFL finals sequence.
In a bombshell name, coach Craig McRae has dropped dashing defender John Noble from the beginning 22 that can tackle Melbourne on the MCG in entrance of greater than 90,000 followers on Thursday evening.
It’s a staggering and heartbreaking determination for Noble who has not missed a sport this yr.
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In truth, Noble has had a run of 83 consecutive video games, the seventh finest ‘lively streak’ within the AFL, and the longest streak within the sport’s historical past to finish within the finals by an omission.
7NEWS soccer reporter Mitch Cleary mentioned it had been “the hardest week” for Collingwood selectors (see all of the ins and outs under).
“These have been the scenes at coaching right now … Noble was consoled by captain Darcy Moore earlier than an extended one-on-one chat with Nick Daicos,” Cleary mentioned.
“(He) had been solely one among 5 Magpies to play each sport this season.”
The 26-year-old was stable in his final outing, too, choosing up 21 disposals and 5 marks in Collingwood’s large win over Essendon.
Swingman Billy Frampton additionally lower a dejected determine after he was advised he was not within the 22.
Whereas it was unlikely Frampton could be picked for the final, the key-position participant has managed 15 video games this yr after crossing from Adelaide on the finish of final season.
Collingwood’s religious chief Brayden Maynard was additionally doing his finest to make a visibly upset Frampton really feel higher because the gamers got here to phrases with the selection information.
Moore returns to the staff after his hamstring damage and Nathan Murphy and Beau McCreery have additionally been named.
Cheeky ahead Jack Ginnivan was dropped from the beginning 22 however it’s anticipated he will likely be named because the sub on the evening.
As predicted, Nick Daicos stays on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee damage, however the younger famous person ought to be proper to play the next week if Collingwood lose.
Regardless of the expected moist and chilly situations, the Pies are pushing forward with the ruck-combination of Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox.
In the meantime, Melbourne premiership ahead Tom McDonald has been locked in to play his first sport since Might.
The 30-year-old has been restricted to 6 video games this season after battling an ankle damage.
His selection means Melbourne will go into the sport with captain Max Gawn as their sole ruck, whereas Brodie Grundy will likely be watching on as his new membership takes on his former staff.
Melbourne have additionally recalled veteran defender Michael Hibberd, 33, for the sport.
Thursday, September 7
Collingwood v Melbourne on the MCG, 7.20pm AEST
COLLINGWOOD
In: N.Murphy, D.Moore, B.McCreery
Out: B.Frampton (omitted), J.Noble (omitted), J.Ginnivan (omitted), F.Macrae (sub)
R24 sub: Fin Macrae
MELBOURNE
In: M.Hibberd, T.McDonald
Out: D.Turner (omitted), J.Melksham (knee), B.Laurie (sub)
R24 sub: Bailey Laurie
– With AAP
