Magpies call in reinforcements for Suns
Jul 11, 2017 - 5:32 PM Nathan Buckley's hopes of remaining at the AFL club beyond this season are set to be helped by some handy reinforcements for Saturday's clash with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe are likely to play in the 'dance of the desperates', with Suns coach Rodney Eade also under pressure after managing just six wins - one ahead of the Magpies.
Buckley's faltering position was on Tuesday locked in until season's end by Magpies chief executive Gary Pert.
While Moore and Howe are likely to play, injury-prone Kangaroos recruit Daniel Wells will have to work his way into the side through the VFL.
Rising Star nominee Tom Phillips spent time in hospital last week while battling illness but has been cleared to return.
"Wellsy's been out for quite a while and we want to make sure that when he comes back in that he stays in, so there might be a VFL game or two to get him back up to speed," said Buckley.
Key forward Moore had overcome a hamstring injury and had been training strongly while Howe still needed to get through Thursday's training session to get the green light after being a late withdrawal from their loss to Essendon with a calf problem.
"Howie got through what he needed to, but he's probably got a bit more to prove before he'd be cleared to play," Buckley said.
Tough on-baller Rupert Wills, who has also struggled with a calf injury, could make his first senior appearance of the season with Buckley saying contested ball was an area his team needed to improve.
"It's pretty clear at the moment the opposition are playing lip service to our contested ball and our defensive ability," the coach said.
"Rupert has been really strong in two-and-a-half games back and he's a contested ball beast."
Jarryd Blair and Chris Mayne also came in for some praise for their VFL form from Buckley as did relegated midfielder James Aish.
Source: AAP
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