Akermanis back in the Lions line-up - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Akermanis back in the Lions line-up

By Sam Lienert 18/05/2006 07:50:10 PM Comments (0)

Outspoken Brisbane star Jason Akermanis was named in the Lions' squad for Sunday's AFL match against Port Adelaide, after being exiled by his teammates last week.

Akermanis was dropped last week for an indefinite period, partly because his teammates were unhappy with comments he was making about the club in the media, with his form also a factor.

He starred with five goals for the Lions' reserve side in the AFLQ.

While he was included in the 25-man squad for Sunday's AAMI Stadium match, it does not guarantee he will make the final 22, as he could be named an emergency, as he was last week.

The Lions also recalled key defender Justin Leppitsch to their squad.

Hawthorn named former skipper Shane Crawford and defender Danny Jacobs to return from injury against Melbourne at the MCG on Friday night.

Crawford missed last week's loss to Brisbane with shin soreness and did not look completely convincing at a light training session, but coach Alastair Clarkson was confident he was ready to play.

"The week off his legs did him the world of good," Clarkson said.

"We'll think he'll be okay to play.

Clarkson said there had been a fear Crawford would develop a stress fracture if he was not rested last weekend.

The Demons, who have won four games straight, named an unchanged side.

Richmond, which plays Adelaide at Telstra Dome on Saturday, axed four players from the side that was pounded by 118 points by Sydney last weekend.

Recent debutants Luke McGuane, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls and Cleve Hughes were all dropped after failing to have an impact against the Swans.

Underperforming ruckman-forward Greg Stafford was also omitted, replaced by Trent Knobel.

The Tigers regained key defender Andy Kellaway from injury, with youngsters Adam Pattison and Danny Meyer recalled.

The top-placed Crows were boosted by the return from injury of experienced defender Nathan Bassett and midfielder Matthew Bode.

Fremantle also reacted strongly to its disappointing loss to Melbourne, making four changes for Saturday's clash with the Kangaroos at Subiaco.

Matthew Carr was the highest-profile casualty, with Troy Cook and Michael Warren also dropped and Ryan Crowley forced out with a fractured cheekbone.

The Dockers regained ruckman Justin Longmuir from injury, an important addition given the absence of Aaron Sandilands, and recalled Ryan Murphy, Brett Peake and Jarrad Schofield.

The Kangaroos named 18-year-old midfielder Andrew Swallow to make his AFL debut, with Shannon Watt recalled.

Ben Schwarze, who made his debut against Adelaide last week, was forced out with a rib injury, with Brent LeCras dropped.

Collingwood skipper Nathan Buckley returns after being rested for last weekend's narrow loss to West Coast.

The Magpies also recalled Cameron Cloke, dropping Jason Cloke and Harry O'Brien.

Geelong regained big man Cameron Mooney from suspension, with Charlie Gardiner the player left out.

The Western Bulldogs and Sydney, both coming off big wins, both named unchanged sides for their SCG clash on Saturday night.

St Kilda, which lost Aaron Hamill to injury and Max Hudghton to suspension, also dropped Allan Murray and Aaron Fiora from the side that lost to Geelong last Friday night.

There could be further changes, with the Saints still to cut three players from the squad to play Carlton on Sunday.

The Blues have lost forward Brad Fisher with a shoulder fracture.

Bottom-placed Essendon, which plays West Coast at Telstra Dome on Sunday, named Dustin Fletcher and Mark McVeigh in its 25-man squad, after they missed last week's match with injuries.

The Eagles dropped small forward Ashley Sampi.

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