AFL Teams Chopping Block: Big Ben Brown back in the reserves?

Aidan Cellini

AFL Teams Chopping Block: Big Ben Brown back in the reserves? image

Melbourne forward Ben Brown could make way for Sam Weideman, after only kicking two goals and collecting six touches in the 74-point win against West Coast.

It's no surprise coach Simon Goodwin has had selection headaches with his key talls, as the form of Tom McDonald, Brown and Weideman has wavered throughout the weeks. 

The former Roo's stat line wasn't impressive despite the thrashing, which is disappointing for Demon fans given his strong scoring power.

Weideman kicked six goals in the VFL on the weekend and is banging down the door for a senior selection, after he was dropped for Round 8.

Melbourne come up against a struggling North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium and expected to have a big victory. However, it is hard for a coach to drop someone from a winning side, and may opt to keep Brown in to play his ex-team.

Fremantle's Rory Lobb also faces scrutiny, after a poor showing against the Gold Coast.

Lobb managed only five touches and a goal in the wet at Metricon Stadium, looking uncomfortable in the conditions.

Despite the difficulty to mark the ball, the ex-Giant looked a few paces off the ball and could be asked to play reserves this weekend.

The Dockers play Collingwood in Perth, with a 90 per cent chance of rain on Sunday, meaning coach Justin Longmuir could decide to go with a smaller forward line.

However, his versatility to support Sean Darcy in the ruck might keep him in the side but the likely inclusion of Taberner may cause some re-shuffling and Treacy could be the one to find himself out of the side.

Lion Jarrod Berry has been struggling in recent weeks, having little to no impact in the senior side.

Despite the opinion to not change a winning team, Berry's form has come into question and a shock call by coach Chris Fagan could be on the cards.

Brisbane have in the waiting an itching Mitch Robinson, who's been impressive in the VFL, while Deven Robertson and Rhys Mathieson deserve an opportunity at senior level.

A tough opponent in Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium, the Lions would not want to take any chances, as they vie for a top two finish in season 2022.

Callum Brown is almost certain to make room for exciting forward Jack Ginnivan, who missed last week's clash against the Dogs with illness.

Collecting a miserable five disposals and providing little to no forward pressure and no goals, Brown will find himself in the reserves as the Pies look to their next task in Fremantle.

Ginnivan will be a welcome return, as some have him pegged in All-Australian contention for his 17 goals in seven games.

While Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty could make way for Riley Thilthorpe. 

Fogarty was comprehensively beaten against the Lions, with no impact on the scoreboard and collecting nine touches. 

Thilthorpe is ready to join the senior side after overcoming a knee complaint and health and safety protocols.

 

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.