Courtenay Dempsey’s inclusion for the Anzac Day blockbuster will add to the flexibility of the side according to Coach John Worsfold.
Dempsey is free to play after serving a suspension for a tackle late last season.
He played in the VFL last weekend and returns to the senior side as one of two changes for Monday’s match.
Sam Grimley is the other inclusion while Patrick Ambrose and Jayden Laverde – who is recovering from shoulder surgery – miss out.
Dempsey has spent the majority of his career in defence, but showed late last season he has an ability to play in the attacking half and it is that versatility that was part of the appeal for Worsfold.
“He can definitely go forward and we know he can play back as well, so coming into the squad (he) gives us really good flexibility,” he said.
“We already have a fair bit of flexibility with James Kelly playing at half-back but he can also go in the midfield.
“Obviously Brendon Goddard, (Marty) Gleeson and (Orazio) Fantasia can all play through the midfield or back or forward.
“Dempsey gives us another bit of flexibility in that regard.
“He’s had a wonderful pre-season and in the knowledge he was going to miss the first three rounds he’s worked really hard – so he’s had a good hit out in the VFL and he’s ready to go.”
Dempsey adds to the experience in the side and it is that knowledge that Worsfold has tried to tap in to this week.
Goddard, James Gwilt, Craig Bird, Kelly and Mathew Stokes all have Grand Final experience.
While a number of others have played on Anzac Day before.
Those players have passed on their knowledge to their younger teammates.
“A couple of the senior players that have played in the big games – whether it be Grand Finals or other Anzac Day clashes – have just talked about what it’s like running out for the warm-up,” Worsfold said.
“But (also) the fact that once the game is underway the only difference is really the noise around the ground – everything else is the same.”
