Crows recall Jenkins for big AFL clash

Adelaide have some unwelcome AFL selection news for Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, with Josh Jenkins named to return in Sunday’s blockbuster.

The ladder-leading Crows also kept defender Daniel Talia in their lineup, despite last weekend’s hamstring injury.

Earlier on Friday, Hardwick had half-jokingly mused it would be good if the Tigers did not have to face Jenkins and Andy Otten.

“Otten has been really good for them,” Hardwick said.

“With Talia playing as well, they probably have some selection headaches.

“Jenkins is a very, very good player, but Andy Otten has been in good form as well.

“It would be handy if one of those boys didn’t play.”

Jake Kelly was also recalled to take on Richmond, who are also unbeaten, while Troy Menzel was dropped and Riley Knight has a hamstring injury.

Richmond’s Steve Morris is back for his first game since suffering a serious knee injury midway through last season and Nick Vlastuin is also back, while Todd Elton and Connor Menadue were left out.

Essendon and Melbourne made a combined nine changes for Sunday’s Etihad Stadium and Bombers veteran Brent Stanton was a high-profile casualty.

The Bombers dropped Stanton after his quiet Anzac Day match.

Ruckman Tom Bellchambers will play his first senior game this season and the Bombers also brought back Ben Howlett, Martin Gleeson and Conor McKenna.

James Kelly, Aaron Francis and Matthew Leuenberger were also left out as Essendon deal with their five-day turnaround.

Melbourne midfielder Jordan Lewis is back from his three-game suspension and Cam Pedersen is their stop-gap ruckman.

The Demons also named Tomas Bugg, Oscar McDonald and Mitch Hannan.

Apart from Jake Spencer (shoulder), Tim Smith (rib) and Jesse Hogan (family bereavement), Melbourne dropped Bill Stretch and James Harmes.

Collingwood made two changes for Sunday’s MCG match against Geelong, resting Ben Reid and also leaving out Jackson Ramsay.

Former Demon Lynden Dunn will make his Magpies debut and Josh Smith returns.

The unbeaten Cats recalled Jed Bews and Sam Menegola for Daniel Menzel and Jackson Thurlow

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