Massive Pies boost, Tigers’ fresh Dusty blow; star Swan finally set for return — AFL Team Tips
Collingwood will receive a much-needed scoring boost ahead of a critical Friday night meeting, while a legendary Tiger has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash.
Elsewhere, Sydney’s skipper will make his long-awaited comeback this weekend, and question marks remain over the fitness of Hawthorn’s captain ahead of a crucial Round 18 fixture for the Hawks.
Get the latest selection and injury news ahead of Round 18 in AFL Team Tips!
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ROUND 18 TEAM TIPS AND FIXTURE (all times AEST)
COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG
Friday July 12, 7:40pm at the MCG
Collingwood’s Round 17 team:
B: B.Maynard, D.Moore - C, I.Quaynor
HB: C.Dean, J.Howe, O.Markov
C: S.Sidebottom, S.Pendlebury, J.Daicos
HF: B.Hill, B.Mihocek, L.Schultz
F: J.Richards, P.Lipinski, B.Frampton
FOLL: D.Cameron, J.De Goey, N.Daicos
I/C: N.Kreuger, J.Crisp, W.Hoskin-Elliott, H.Harrison, N.Long
EMG: F.Macrae, R.McInnes, L.Sullivan
Team Tips: The Pies will be without Brody Mihocek until at least the end of the home-and-away season after he suffered a torn pectoral muscle, opening the door for Reef McInnes to return to the senior side. In a massive boost for Craig McRae’s side, Jamie Elliott will be recalled, per AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich. He hasn’t played since Round 8 due to a vascular issue. Darcy Cameron (ribs) was transported to hospital after Collingwood’s loss to Essendon and but was cleared of serious injury. Isaac Quaynor had been coping with a sore toe but has been named to play the Cats, per Gabelich. Meantime, swingman Jeremy Howe exited training early on Monday with a hamstring complaint and underwent scans, however his availability for Friday night is seemingly still intact — he figures to remain forward with Mihocek sidelined. In a positive, defender John Noble, who should be available provided he passes through the concussion protocols during the week, could be a straight swap for Charlie Dean, who was subbed out of the clash against the Dons. Midfield trio Fin Macrae (29 disposals, seven tackles, one goal), Lachie Sullivan (28 disposals, six tackles) and Jack Bytel (27 disposals) were all strong in the VFL but might need to bide their time there a little longer. Dan McStay (knee) is expected to get some VFL time in the coming weeks, which would be an incredibly positive result.
Geelong’s Round 17 team:
B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij
HB: M.Duncan, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie
C: Z.Tuohy, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey
HF: T.Stengle, G.Rohan, G.Miers
F: B.Close, S.Neale, J.Cameron
FOLL: M.Blicavs, P.Dangerfield - C, T.Atkins
I/C: J.Bowes, S.Mannagh, L.Humphries, O.Henry, M.Knevitt
EMG: J.Bews, J.Clark, R.Stanley
Team Tips: The Cats are purring once more after an emphatic victory over the Hawks where it seemed every single member of the 23 meaningfully contributed. Untried mature-ager Mitch Hardie absolutely stuffed the stat sheet for the club’s VFL side with 36 disposals and two goals, while fringe Cats Brandan Parfitt (25 disposals) and Oisin Mullin (25 disposals) ensured their names will keep being discussed at selection. Mitch Knevitt was a late out last Saturday with illness and will hope to be available, while veteran Cam Guthrie continues to deal with a troublesome Achilles problem and will be assessed during the week. Expect Chris Scott to go in with a relatively unchanged line-up.
HAWTHORN v FREMANTLE
Saturday July 13, 1:45pm at UTAS Stadium
Hawthorn’s Round 17 team:
B: J.Scrimshaw, S.Frost, K.Amon
HB: C.Jiath, J.Weddle, M.D’Ambrosio
C: J.Impey, C.Mackenzie, C.Nash
HF: B.Hardwick, J.Newcombe, S. Mitchell
F: L.Breust, M.Lewis, J.Gunston
FOLL: L.Meek, W.Day, D.Moore - C
I/C: M.Chol, C.Macdonald, N.Watson, J.Worpel, H. Morrison
EMG: M.Ramsden, J.Serong
Team Tips: In positive news for Hawthorn, sore skipper James Sicily (shoulder) is a test to play against the Dockers in Tassie, as are Jack Ginnivan (knee) and Calsher Dear (ribs). On Sicily, high performance manager Peter Burge said on Tuesday he is “progressing really well”. Burge added: “His strength measures have improved each session, each time we’ve tested them. We had him out there today doing all of our drills, so the plan of attack for Thursday is to fully train and then we’ll make an assessment for his availability.” Ginnivan has “progressed a little bit” but could miss another week, while Dear is ‘expected to be available’. Veterans Jack Gunston and Luke Breust struggled but are likely to retain their places in the side, while Seamus Mitchell and Harry Morrison could be in danger if coach Sam Mitchell decides to reward the VFL form of Finn Maginness or Josh Ward. Forgotten goal threat Chad Wingard returned via the VFL at the weekend in positive news, but it looks as though livewire forward Jack Ginnivan will spend some more time on the sidelines with a fractured fibula.
Fremantle’s Round 17 team:
B: H.Chapman, B.Cox, J.Draper
HB: C.Wagner, L.Ryan, J.Clark
C: J.Sharp, N.Fyfe, J.O’Meara
HF: S.Sturt, L.Jackson, M.Frederick
F: J.Treacy, J.Amiss, S.Switkowski
FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong - C, A.Brayshaw
I/C: B.Banfield, H.Young, J.Aish, M.Walters, M.Johnson
EMG: E.Hughes, P.Voss, K.Worner
Team Tips: The Dockers will be without ruck Sean Darcy (concussion protocols) for the clash against the Hawks, while defender Josh Draper suffered a corked leg and will be monitored throughout the week. Positively, captain Alex Pearce is nearing a return from a fractured arm and could be back as early as this week. Peel Thunder had a massive victory in the WAFL at the weekend as Patrick Voss (six goals), Matt Taberner (four) and Nathan O’Driscoll (three) all cashed in. Will Brodie (34 disposals), Neil Erasmus (30) and Tom Emmett (22 and two goals) were also busy but may have to chip away in the WAFL until a spot opens up given Fremantle’s glistening form. In any case, there are plenty of options for Justin Longmuir as his side continues its top-four assault.
SYDNEY SWANS v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday July 13, 1:45pm at the SCG
Sydney’s Round 17 team:
B: D.Rampe - C, T.McCartin, L.Melican
HB: O.Florent, J.Lloyd, N.Blakey
C: E.Gulden, Ch.Warner, J.McInerney
HF: J.Jordon, L.McDonald, T.Adams
F: T.Papley, J.Amartey, W.Hayward
FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom
I/C: B.Campbell, R.Fox, S.Wicks, H.McLean, M.Roberts
EMG: C. Cleary, L. McAndrew, A. Francis
Team Tips: The Swans have slumped to back-to-back losses for the first time this season, leaving coach John Longmire a decent amount to ponder at selection for the first time in a while. Isaac Heeney has been offered a one-match ban for striking, meaning — barring a successful Tribunal appeal — his Brownlow Medal eligibility will be stripped, and he won’t play against the Roos on Saturday. Captain Callum Mills has been confirmed as a certain starter this weekend after recovering from his shoulder injury sustained during a Mad Monday accident last year, and a calf setback. The suspension of veteran Luke Parker has now been uplifted after a mammoth six weeks on the sidelines, with the 31-year-old likely to return through the VFL. Forgotten forward Sam Reid booted a goal from 15 disposals and he works his way back to match fitness, while Aaron Francis (26 disposals) and untried South Australian Jaiden Magor (22) were good for the Swans reserves side as well. If Longmire was to make a statement, Matt Roberts, Sam Wicks and Lewis Melican were quiet and could face some selection heat.
North’s Round 17 team:
B: A.Corr, C.Comben, T.Pink
HB: J.Archer, H.Sheezel, L.McDonald
C: D.Stephens, L.Davies-Uniacke, C.McKercher
HF: D.Tucker, B.Teakle, E.Ford
F: P.Curtis, N.Larkey, C.Zurhaar
FOLL: T.Xerri, T.Powell, J.Simpkin - C
I/C: C.Taylor, B.Scott, L.Shiels, W.Phillips, K.Dawson
EMG: R.Hardeman, C.Lazzaro, R.Hansen Jr
Team Tips: Back on the winners’ list and off the bottom of the ladder! A welcome change for Alastair Clarkson’s side. The Roos are confident defender Zac Fisher will be available for selection after missing last week with a “midfoot sprain”, while Clarkson confirmed young gun George Wardlaw will return from concussion. Curtis Taylor, Dylan Stephens and Toby Pink are some of the names potentially on the chopping block, but catapulting from a victory, Clarkson might not find much reason to make change this Thursday. Their VFL side had a bye last week.
WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON
Saturday July 13, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium
Western Bulldogs’ Round 17 team:
B: T.Duryea, R.Lobb, B.Williams
HB: L.Bramble, J.O’Donnell, B.Dale
C: H.Gallagher, A.Treloar, E.Richards
HF: L.Vandermeer, A.Naughton, J.Macrae
F: J.Ugle-Hagan, S.Darcy, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli - C, T.Liberatore
I/C: N.Coffield, J.Freijah, B.Khamis, L.McNeil, R.Sanders
EMG: O.Baker, C.Clarke, C.Daniel
Team Tips: The Bulldogs will be without star forward Aaron Naughton and reliable defender James O’Donnell for their clash against the Blues, with both players entering concussion protocols after respective knocks against the Power last Saturday. Reliable defender Liam Jones and small forward Cody Weightman both failed to get up for the heavy loss to Port Adelaide and will immediately return if they are fit. Elsewhere, fringe forward Riley Garcia had 27 disposals and two goals in the VFL, while Jedd Busslinger (20 disposals) continues to hunt an AFL debut. Caleb Daniel had 19 touches in the VFL and was an emergency for the AFL side — potentially an inclusion candidate if Luke Beveridge feels like swinging the axe.
Carlton’s Round 17 side:
B: B.Kemp, J.Weitering, J.Boyd
HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, N.Newman
C: O.Hollands, P.Cripps - C, B.Acres
HF: M.Kennedy, H.McKay, Z.Williams
F: E.Hollands, C.Curnow, L.Fogarty
FOLL: T.De Koning, S.Walsh, A.Cerra
I/C: L.Cowan, A.Cincotta, M.Cottrell, M.Owies, O.Fantasia
EMG: G.Hewett, M.Pittonet, C.Marchbank
Team Tips: A bizarre turnaround against the Giants last Saturday night leaves coach Michael Voss much to ponder during the week. Key defender Jacob Weitering received a cork to his thigh in the first quarter last week and will be a test for their clash with the Dogs. Ruck Tom De Koning has also been listed as a test with his rolled ankle, but that looks to be more of a precautionary listing. Forward Jack Martin is a chance to return from his hamstring injury, but given his history, it might be worth a precautionary approach.David Cuningham was sensational in the VFL with 29 touches, six clearances and eight tackles, as were Jack Carroll (32 disposals) and Jesse Motlop (four goals). Midfielder Jaxon Binns kicked a goal from his 27 touches, while ruck Marc Pittonet remains ready on standby if a senior recall beckons. Orazio Fantasia, Matthew Cottrell and Lachie Fogarty were quiet in the loss to GWS, particularly in the midst of a torrid second half.
ADELAIDE CROWS v ST KILDA
Saturday July 13, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide’s Round 17 team:
B: M.Keane, J.Butts, M.Hinge
HB: M.Michalanney, N.Murray, B.Smith
C: B.Dowling, J.Dawson - C, L.Sholl
HF: B.Keays, D.Fogarty, J.Rachele
F: I.Rankine, T.Walker, E.Himmelberg
FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, S.Berry
I/C: J.Soligo, B.Cook, L.Nankervis, L.Murphy, Z.Taylor
EMG: C. Jones, C. Burgess, J. Borlase
Team Tips: After a competitive loss to the Lions last week, the Crows will be wanting to make a statement on their home deck against a rejuvenated St Kilda side. In a blow, Izak Rankine (suspension) is set to miss four weeks after being found guilty of rough conduct in a collision with Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich. Adelaide has announced defender Mitch Hinge (adductor) will miss this weekend’s clash with the Saints but maintained it is just a one-week injury. Meantime, forward Luke Pedlar’s season is over after he “subluxed his shoulder” during last Sunday’s SANFL clash with Central District. Powerful tall Riley Thilthorpe booted two goals in the SANFL as he continues his recovery from a serious injury, while Ned McHenry had two goals from 21 touches. Chayce Jones was also solid as he seeks an AFL recall. Lachie Murphy was quiet once again in the seniors, while Zac Taylor and Brayden Cook also struggled to have an impact at AFL level.
St Kilda’s Round 17 team:
B: J.Battle, D.Howard, C.Wilkie
HB: J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Webster
C: B.Hill, M.Windhager, M.Wood
HF: R.Byrnes, M.Phillipou, M.Owens
F: J.Higgins, T.Membrey, C.Sharman
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele - C, L.Henry
I/C: H.Clark, D.Butler, D.Wilson, B.Paton, A.Schoenmaker
EMG: Z. Jones, T. Campbell, M. Hall
Team Tips: Not many saw that win against the Swans coming. The major concern out of that game was a hamstring injury to Marcus Windhager — who is expected to miss an extended period — likely opening the door for Seb Ross (27 disposals), Hugo Garcia (23 and a goal) or Zak Jones (22) to return to the AFL side. Paddy Dow (ankle) was unavailable last week. After a very pleasing win for coach Ross Lyon, it’s unlikely he makes too many other changes.
MELBOURNE v ESSENDON
Saturday July 13, 7:30pm at the MCG
Melbourne’s Round 17 side:
B: J.Lever, S.May, J.McVee
HB: A.Moniz-Wakefield, T.McDonald, T.Rivers
C: T.Woewodin, A.Neal-Bullen, C.Windsor
HF: T.Sparrow, J.van Rooyen, E.Langdon
F: K.Pickett, B.Fritsch, J.Melksham
FOLL: M.Gawn - C, J.Viney, C.Oliver
I/C: C.Salem, J.Bowey, K.Chandler, K.Tholstrup, D.Turner
Team Tips: The big talking point out of the Dees this week is the injury blow to captain Max Gawn, who was “pretty sore” on Monday. The inspirational skipper effectively predicted his absence, with the Demons on Monday evening confirming a two-to-three-week stint on the sidelines. So, with Gawn out, who moves into the ruck? The likely candidate would be former Lion Tom Fullarton, who was recruited to the club over the off-season for this exact reason. On a more positive note, forward Harrison Petty was a test last week, so you’d imagine he’d give his all for a recall this week after dealing with an ankle complaint. In the VFL, ex-Saint Jack Billings (33 disposals) was on fire, while defenders Blake Howes (23) and Marty Hore (26) were strong. Former Crow Shane McAdam and youngster Matthew Jefferson each booted three goals.
Essendon’s Round 17 side:
B: J.Ridley, B.McKay, J.Laverde
HB: N.Martin, M.Redman, A.McGrath
C: X.Duursma, S.Durham, A.Perkins
HF: M.Guelfi, H.Jones, N.Hind
F: J.Stringer, P.Wright, K.Langford
FOLL: S.Draper, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett - C
I/C: D.Shiel, J.Gresham, N.Cox, J.Kelly, N.Caddy
EMG: B.Hobbs, N.Bryan, J.Menzie
Team Tips: The Bombers are flying towards a top-four finish after finishing off Collingwood last Friday night. Veterans Dyson Heppell and Todd Goldstein were managed out of the clash against the Pies and will push for a return, while young trio Elijah Tsatas (30 disposals, 11 clearances), Archie Roberts (32 disposals) and Ben Hobbs (21) found plenty of the footy in the VFL. Will Setterfield is also hunting a recall after 22 touches, nine clearances and two goals. Nick Hind, Nik Cox and Jake Kelly are three names who could come under selection pressure, but it’s likely coach Brad Scott sticks with a similar formula again this week.
GOLD COAST SUNS v PORT ADELAIDE
Sunday July 14, 1:10pm at People First Stadium
Gold Coast’s Round 17 side:
B: S.Collins, M.Andrew, C.Ballard
HB: S.Flanders, W.Powell, B.Uwland
C: N.Holman, W.Graham, S.Clohesy
HF: T.Berry, T.Miller - C, B.Long
F: B.King, S.Day, J.Lukosius
FOLL: N.Moyle, N.Anderson, M.Rowell
I/C: A.Sexton, B.Ainsworth, B.Humphrey, D.Swallow, J.Jeffrey
EMG: R.Atkins, B.Fiorini, J.Tsitas
Team Tips: Coach Damien Hardwick said his club needs to “grow the f*** up” in his post-match press conference so expect him to be on a warpath with selection this week. Co-captain Touk Miller will miss two-to-three weeks with a wrist injury, per Seven’s Mitch Cleary on Monday night. His partner in crime Jarrod Witts will also be assessed this week after missing the Roos clash with a fractured vertebra. Luckily for Hardwick, the VFL side had a good win on the weekend and plenty of AFL-listed players stood up. Brayden Fiorini went nuts with 42 disposals and a goal, while midfielder Alex Davies had 36 touches and a goal himself. Jake Rogers (31 disposals), Darcy Macpherson (29) and Rory Atkins (30) all found plenty of the ball in the VFL side’s victory over Werribee. This week’s selection really does have the makings of mass changes about it.
Port Adelaide’s Round 17 side:
B: K.Farrell, B.Zerk-Thatcher, M.Bergman
HB: L.Evans, A.Aliir, D.Houston
C: T.Boak, C.Rozee - C, W.Drew
HF: D.Byrne-Jones, T.Marshall, J.Finlayson
F: J.Mead, O.Lord, M.Georgiades
FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters
I/C: O.Wines, J.Burgoyne, La.Jones, Q.Narkle, F.Evans
EMG: W.Lorenz, T.Clurey, D.Visentini
Team Tips: Port Adelaide decimated the Western Bulldogs last Saturday, boosting its finals chances as another crucial fixture awaits against the home-happy Suns. The Power came away unscathed from an injury perspective but will be without key forward Mitch Georgiades after the club accepted his one-game suspension for striking. Key defender Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) trained full with the main group on Tuesday and remains a likely chance to return on Sunday, while Trent McKenzie (hamstring) will require another week on the sidelines as he continues rehab. Veteran forward Charlie Dixon (suspension) is eligible to play this weekend after serving his three-game ban, and could shape as Georgiades’ replacement. Livewire forward Willie Rioli was supposed to return via the SANFL last Sunday but was a late exclusion for personal reasons. Forward Jed McEntee lodged his bid for a senior recall after notching 25 disposals, five clearances and five inside-50s against North Adelaide at reserves level, benefiting from time in the midfield. Defender Dylan Williams also racked up 24 possessions and a goal in what was also an impressive showing.
RICHMOND v GWS GIANTS
Sunday July 14, 3:20pm at the MCG
Richmond’s Round 17 side:
B: B.Miller, N.Broad, J.Blight
HB: N.Vlastuin, T.Brown, D.Rioli
C: H.Ralphsmith, L.Baker, K.McIntosh
HF: R.Mansell, J.Graham, S.Campbell
F: S.Bolton, N.Balta, J.Koschitzke
FOLL: T.Nankervis - C, J.Hopper, T.Taranto
I/C: T.Sonsie, N.Cumberland, K.McAuliffe, S.Banks, J.Short
EMG: J.Trezise, S.Green, T.Dow
Team Tips: The Tigers again exhibited positive signs at the weekend but were overpowered by Fremantle at Optus Stadium, though positively, they didn’t accrue any injury. Dustin Martin won’t return this week, with Adem Yze ruling him out of contention on Thursday morning at training. Tom Lynch (hamstring) is now listed as two to three weeks away in a concerning development, while Dion Prestia (calf) and Samson Ryan (ankle) are chances of putting their hands up at selection this Thursday; particularly the former. Developing half-back-flanker James Trezise (28 disposals) was Richmond’s major ball-winner at VFL level on Sunday, pressing his case for a senior recall. Fringe midfielder Thomson Dow (23 possessions) and Kaleb Smith (20) were also prominent around the footy against the Northern Bullants. After just five disposals against the Blues in Round 16, small forward Seth Campbell was quiet again in Perth with four possessions and no scoreboard impact, while fellow forward Noah Cumberland (five disposals, scoreless) also failed to stamp his influence. In the VFL, Steely Green kicked two more goals as he edged nearer to an AFL recall.
GWS’ Round 17 side:
B: C.Idun, J.Buckley, H.Perryman
HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, J.Fonti
C: C.Ward, T.Green, I.Cumming
HF: B.Daniels, J.Riccardi, A.Cadman
F: T.Greene - C, J.Hogan, T.Bedford
FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, F.Callaghan
I/C: H.Himmelberg, J.Peatling, H.Thomas, D.Jones, T.McMullin
Team Tips: GWS claimed a much-needed win against Carlton last Saturday night, keeping their finals hopes very much intact. It also came away without any fresh injury concerns. Star pair Josh Kelly (calf) and Sam Taylor (testicle) still remain a number of weeks away from returning to play. Veteran defender Nick Haynes — recovered from a hamstring ailment — collected 32 disposals and took 13 marks in GWS’ reserves loss at the weekend, while Conor Stone (28 possessions) and first-year Giant James Leake (24) were also buzzing around the footy. After a stirring comeback win against a flag favourite, though, it’s hard to see Adam Kingsley making much unforced change on Thursday night.
WEST COAST EAGLES v BRISBANE LIONS
Sunday July 14, 4:40pm at Optus Stadium
West Coast’s Round 17 side:
B: B.Hough, T.Barrass, A.Witherden
HB: T.Cole, J.McGovern, L.Duggan - C
C: J.Hunt, E.Yeo, J.Jones
HF: L.Ryan, J.Waterman, T.Brockman
F: J.Cripps, O.Allen, J.Darling
FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly
I/C: R.Ginbey, C.Chesser, J.Williams, J.Rotham, J.Hutchinson
Team Tips: External pressure continues to build on Adam Simpson’s Eagles after another uncompetitive loss at the weekend against the Demons. Star defender Jeremy McGovern (ribs/lung) was taken to hospital post-game — remaining in Melbourne on Monday — and isn’t expected to play on Sunday against the Lions. Post-match, Simpson said: “McGovern has been sent to hospital with some sort of lung or rib issue, we will need to make sure he is OK to fly home (on Sunday).” Matt Flynn (ankle) missed the loss to Melbourne but should be a decent chance to play against Brisbane, while key defender Rhett Bazzo (groin) and midfielder Elijah Hewett (foot) will attempt to return to play this weekend.
Brisbane’s Round 17 side:
B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester
HB: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews, C.McKenna
C: Z.Bailey, C.Rayner, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage
F: K.Lohmann, J.Daniher, L.Morris
FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale - C
I/C: C.Ah Chee, W.Ashcroft, J.Fletcher, B.Reville, D.Wilmot
Team Tips: The Lions claimed their fifth consecutive win on Sunday as they continue to build towards finals footy. However, on a sour note, important defender Brandon Starcevich (concussion protocols) won’t make the trip to Perth this weekend after being on the end of a consequential Izak Rankine bump, while Noah Answerth (shoulder) is still a few weeks away. Charlie Cameron appeared hampered by a hamstring issue but battled through to play out the contest. At reserves level, forgotten midfielder Deven Robertson continues to press his case for an AFL return after lodging a game-high 35 disposals and a goal in a big win over Casey. Veteran Jarryd Lyons added 32 disposals and 2.2, while Jaxon Prior (25 possessions) was also frequently around the ball, and developing forward Brandon Ryan booted two goals. However, as this Brisbane brigade continues to purr, it’ll be mighty hard breaking into Chris Fagan’s best 23.