West Coast premiership star Josh Kennedy won’t be risked for the Eagles’ round-one AFL clash with the Brisbane Lions after a disrupted pre-season.
The Eagles’ premiership hero has endured a disrupted pre-season, undergoing shoulder surgery and also suffering a foot injury.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson was desperate to take the dual Coleman medallist to the Gabba, but was overruled by medical staff.
Kennedy will have to wait until West Coast unfurl their premiership flag in round two against GWS to play his 200th game for the club.
“I just needed a green light and I would have played him (Kennedy), and he would have played. But we have to listen to the medicos and back in the system,” Simpson told reporters on Thursday.
“It’s always a challenge when you get an A-grade talent like that and what risks are you willing to take.
“I was willing to take a few risks but we have to back in the collective and the decision was we’re not going to play him.”
Fellow forward Jamie Cripps is another out from last year’s grand final win against Collingwood due to off-season foot surgery.
Willie Rioli is expected to join his premiership teammates on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury on Wednesday at training.
The 23-year-old is awaiting scan results but is unlikely to take on the Lions.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Nelson named as an emergency, I'd expect him to come in if you're right about Barrass. We still have Ryan and Petch, most of the mids can roll forward and the bench is full of guys that can play either end. Hopefully they we can pull it off.
Jack
Guest
Simmo said that Brander will play. His selection may explain your hunch that Barrass will miss. Rioli is pretty much irreplaceable with Cripps recovering from injury, LeCras retired, and to a lesser extent Cameron unavailable. That’s a massive role to fill, glad it’s not my headache!
WCE
Roar Rookie
i hear Tom Barass might not play as well , not a good start against a Brisbane side on the up ... Allen will step in for JK, Petrucelli in for Cripps but who's in for Rioli ? and big Tommy if he's out ?