Port get Lobbe boost for Hawks AFL clash

Port Adelaide have been boosted by the return of first-choice ruckman Matthew Lobbe for their Anzac Day AFL clash with Hawthorn.

Lobbe, 26, missed the first three matches of the season with a quad strain and will partner heralded recruit Paddy Ryder in the ruck for the first time.

Veteran onballer Kane Cornes earned a recall for Saturday night’s highly anticipated clash at Adelaide Oval after he was rested for last week’s thrilling win against North Melbourne.

The Hawks made one change to the side who thumped the Western Bulldogs with Bradley Hill, who suffered a concussion in round two, replacing Jed Anderson.

Despite copping a knock to a shoulder last week, Cyril Rioli has been named for the rematch of last year’s preliminary final thriller, won by Hawthorn by just three points.

Meanwhile, Taylor Adams has recovered from a foot injury and returns for Collingwood’s blockbuster Anzac Day clash with Essendon at the MCG, with the Bombers bringing in Courtenay Dempsey and Will Hams.

David Zaharakis has been named, but remains in doubt with a knee problem.

Fremantle host Sydney in a mouth-watering match-up on Saturday night, with the Dockers including Tendai Mzungu and the Swans adding Nick Smith at the expense of Dean Towers.

First-round draft pick Blaine Boekhorst will make his AFL debut as Carlton look to cover the loss of Chris Judd to a back complaint. St Kilda have also been significantly weakened for the New Zealand clash with Maverick Weller (calf) joining Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna on the sidelines.

Richmond have been dealt a triple blow with Troy Chaplin (calf), Chris Newman (back) and Chris Knights (hamstring) all unavailable for the Friday night clash with Melbourne at the MCG. Upgraded rookie Matt Arnot gets his chance to impress, with Nathan Drummond – who makes his AFL debut – and Matt McDonough also coming into the side who thumped Brisbane last week.

Former Dockers’ midfielder Viv Michie replaces Sam Frost (toe) in a Demons side looking for their second win of the season.

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade has swung the axe with talls Sam Day and Daniel Gorringe dropped for the Suns’ encounter with GWS in Canberra. Charlie Dixon and Alex Sexton have been included as Eade looks for his first win at the helm.

North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell (bruised lung) and Brisbane skipper Tom Rockliff (ribs) have been included in extended squads for Sunday matches, but Ziebell will need to pass a late fitness test to play.

Geelong have named Mathew Stokes (achilles)and Tom Hawkins (family bereavement), but the club remains unsure if either will play against the Kangaroos.

The Western Bulldogs have been bolstered by the returns of Marcus Bontempelli, Matthew Boyd and Easton Wood ahead of Sunday’s match against Adelaide.

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