North Melbourne have lost patience with ruckman Todd Goldstein, as injury and suspension claimed several of his fellow big men at AFL selection on Thursday night.
The AFL’s biggest man, Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands, was forced out by a knee injury for Friday night’s clash with Carlton in Perth.
Melbourne’s Mitch Clark was forced out by a neck injury, after falling on his head in a marking contest last round and Sydney’s Shane Mumford will remain sidelined for several weeks after back surgery.
St Kilda’s Justin Koschitzke (suspension) and Greater Western Sydney’s Dean Brogan (back) were other selection victims.
Goldstein was an All Australian nominee last season as he shone in the absence of Hamish McIntosh for almost the entire season.
But McIntosh, who has played mostly as a forward this year, will return to his former role as the club’s No.1 ruckman against Gold Coast on Saturday night.
Coach Brad Scott was confident McIntosh and Goldstein could still work well as a duo, when both were in form.
“Goldy’s just not playing at his best,” Scott said.
“But we know he’s a top-line player and we know the capabilities that he’s got.”
Key forward Robbie Tarrant was among the inclusions, while defender Scott McMahon (illness) was a forced omission.
The Suns lost superstar Gary Ablett (knee) and Jarrod Harbrow (elbow), but Michael Rischitelli was named despite an ankle concern.
While the loss of Sandilands, replaced by Jon Griffin, was a big blow for the Dockers, they regained Nathan Fyfe from a shoulder injury.
Carlton were hit hard, losing Andrew Carrazzo (shoulder), Chris Yarran (toe) and Jeremy Laidler (knee), while dropping Brock McLean and Paul Bower.
Last year’s leading goalkicker, Andrew Walker, returns from injury for his first game of the season.
Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes returns from suspension, while Colin Sylvia will play his first game of the year, after injury and a club suspension, against St Kilda on Saturday night.
The Saints replaced Koschitzke with Jason Gram.
Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge was named on an expanded interchange bench, but still has to prove he is fully over a calf injury to play his first game of the season, against Sydney in Launceston on Sunday.
Swans co-captain Adam Goodes returns from suspension to play a club record 304th AFL game.
Adelaide lost midfielder Bernie Vince (hand) for Sunday’s showdown against Port Adelaide, who have lost forward Robbie Gray (knee) for the rest of the season.
Geelong veteran defender Matthew Scarlett returns from suspension to take on Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Experienced Western Bulldogs backman Brian Lake also returns from suspension, against Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Saturday, but the Dogs have lost forward Daniel Giansiracusa (hip).
The Giants will be without experienced pair Brogan (back) and Rhys Palmer (groin).
Former Bulldog Sam Reid will make his Giants debut, while draftee Taylor Adams was named for his AFL debut.
Richmond have dropped Addam Maric for Sunday’s Etihad Stadium encounter with unbeaten West Coast, who have not cut anyone from their squad.
