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Prestigiacomo finally back for Magpies

28/08/2008 07:28:53 PM Comments (0)

Veteran Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo will play his first AFL game in more than a year as one of four changes for Friday night's clash with Fremantle.

The 30-year-old last played at the top level in round 19 last season, before being sidelined by a nagging foot injury and twice undergoing surgery.

He has since played six games for Collingwood's VFL side to regain match fitness ahead of what will be his 194th AFL game, at Subiaco.

"It's very pleasing, he's obviously had a long stint out of the senior team, he's had a frustrating run in the last 12 or 15 months," Magpies chief of football Geoff Walsh said.

"We're all pretty pleased he's back, not least Presti himself."

He adds a vital dose of experience to a Collingwood backline missing Shane Wakelin due to a groin injury.

Also back in the side is midfielder Rhyce Shaw, for the first time since his two-match club-imposed suspension, after he was overlooked for last weekend's clash with Sydney.

Nathan Brown, back from a week out with soreness, and Danny Stanley were the other inclusions.

But, as expected, skipper Scott Burns was forced out with a calf injury, while Dale Thomas (calf) will again miss and Sharrod Wellingham (groin) and Alan Toovey (foot) are also out injured.

The Dockers made two changes, Clayton Hinkley and Andrew Browne replacing Steven Dodd and Brett Peake.

The Western Bulldogs surprised by naming 18-year-old Queensland midfielder Sam Reid for his AFL debut for Saturday's AAMI Stadium clash with Adelaide.

Classy defender Lindsay Gilbee returned to the side, with youngster Callan Ward and backman Andrejs Everitt making way.

The Crows made three changes, welcoming back forward Jason Porplyzia, who had been out with brain bruising for the past three games.

The talented goalkicker returned despite dislocating his shoulder again at training on Wednesday, in what has become a constant occurrence.

Fellow forward Kurt Tippett and midfielder Bernie Vince also returned, with Brent Reilly, Brad Moran and Patrick Dangerfield the players to make way.

Hawthorn will rest veteran Shane Crawford, who has played just 11 games this season as he battles knee soreness, for Saturday night's Telstra Dome clash with Carlton.

The Hawks also left out ruckman Simon Taylor (general soreness), but fellow big man Robert Campbell returned from injury to replace him, while star Luke Hodge is back from suspension.

The Blues were unchanged.

Sydney left out superstar Adam Goodes, who has been struggling with a groin injury, for Saturday night's meeting with Brisbane at the SCG.

Youngster Adam Veszpremi was dropped, with Luke Ablett and Nick Malceski the inclusions.

The Lions made six changes after last weekend's fadeout loss to Carlton, with Ashley McGrath (quad) and Matthew Moody (groin) out injured, but Travis Johnstone, Robert Copeland, Rhan Hooper and James Hawksley all dropped.

North Melbourne regained forwards Matt Campbell and Aaron Edwards for their match against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday, with Jess Sinclair and Scott Thompson the players omitted.

The Power's only change was the inclusion of Robbie Gray at the expense of Troy Chaplin (knee).

Speedy Geelong forward Mathew Stokes is back from a groin injury, while Ryan Gamble was recalled for the top-placed Cats' Skilled Stadium encounter with West Coast on Saturday.

Shannon Byrnes was dropped, while Max Rooke is serving a one-game suspension.

The Eagles included Mark Lecras and Will Schofield, in place of the retired Michael Braun and youngster Tony Notte.

Melbourne included Jack Grimes in their squad for what will be his AFL debut, when the Demons farewell Jeff White and Adem Yze against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.

The Tigers recalled veteran Greg Tivendale for a farewell game, and named Alex Rance on an extended bench for what would be his debut.

Essendon have lost Adam McPhee (ankle) and Andrew Welsh (hamstring) for Sunday's Telstra Dome clash with St Kilda, with the Saints yet to make any cuts from their squad.

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