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Cats dump Mackie

Cats dump Mackie

09/09/2010 06:59:28 AM

Premiership defender Andrew Mackie has been dumped from the Geelong line-up for Friday night's Second Semi-Final against Fremantle at the MCG.

Coach Mark Thompson threatened changes after the Cats' four-point qualifying final loss to the Saints last Friday night and it's Mackie who's borne the brunt.

The 26-year-old, a fixture in all but one match for the Cats this season, will miss along with ruckman Mark Blake who's also been dropped.

Returning to the line-up are key forward James Podsiadly who's available after suspension, and key defender Tom Lonergan, a late withdrawal last week.

Mackie and Blake have been named as emergencies along with Taylor Hunt.

Fremantle has named the same 22 that comfortably accounted for Hawthorn in last Saturday's elimination final at Subiaco.

But doubts remain over the fitness of the club's main weapon, 211cm ruckman Aaron Sandilands who picked up a knee injury against the Hawks.

Sandilands trained away from the main group at Thursday's light 30-minute training run at the MCG.

There's back up for Sandilands in the form of Kepler Bradley who's been named as one of the Dockers' three emergencies.

Midfielder Rhys Palmer and veteran forward Des Headland are the others.

The Sydney Swans have rolled the dice ahead of Saturday night's first Semi-Final against the Western Bulldogs and selected veteran forward Daniel Bradshaw for his first senior match in more than three months.

A succession of knee and hamstring injuries have kept the 31-year-old sidelined since his last appearance against the Dockers in Round 9.

Also returning after three weeks out with a fractured cheekbone is small forward Ben McGlynn.

Jesse White and the unlucky Paul Bevan who kicked three goals in the Swans' thrilling win over Carlton last Sunday are the players to make way.

The Western Bulldogs have named promoted rookie Andrew Hooper who will become the first AFL player in 25 years to debut in a final.

Listed at 172cm - that's two centimetres shorter than Collingwood midget Jarryd Blair - Hooper was the joint winner of the 2009 Larke Medal, awarded to the best player at Under 18 national championships.

The Bulldogs' other inclusion is rebounding defender Easton Wood who has missed three matches because of a torn hamstring.

Tim Callan has been omitted and Shaun Higgins rested because of the lingering effects of thyroiditis.

 

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