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Pies recall Hoskin-Elliott in AFL surprise

3 minute read

Essendon and Collingwood have made big selection calls for Anzac Day, with Bomber Darcy Parish dropped again and Magpie Will Hoskin-Elliott returning.

WILL HOSKIN-ELLIOTT of the Magpies kicks whilst being tackled by Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers during the AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies in Melbourne, Australia.
WILL HOSKIN-ELLIOTT of the Magpies kicks whilst being tackled by Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers during the AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Essendon have dropped Darcy Parish again and Collingwood have recalled Will Hoskin-Elliott from injury in big selection calls for their AFL Anzac Day blockbuster.

The 25th Anzac Day clash will also feature the return of star Essendon midfielders Devon Smith and David Zaharakis from injury, while youngster Brayden Ham is the other omission.

Collingwood have lost Jamie Elliott and James Aish to injury and also recalled Levi Greenwood.

Elliott, who has endured a bad run with injuries, has a corked buttock.

The Magpies said on Wednesday they only expect him to miss one week, while Aish was concussed in the Easter Thursday win over Brisbane.

Parish was also dropped for the heavy round-one loss to GWS, but had returned for the last three games.

Hoskin-Elliott is a big selection call, given this is his first AFL game of the season after needing leg surgery in February.

Magpies football boss Geoff Walsh told the club website the forward had been in full training for about a month.

"He recovered well from the surgery and then worked tremendously hard under the supervision of the high performance team to get back into the program," he said.

"It became apparent over the last couple of weeks that he was physically ready to play. The question was where?

"Given his athleticism and the amount of work he was coping with, a decision was made to bring him straight up.

"He is no-nonsense, Will, but very important to us as his season last year (26 games, 42 goals) proved."

Star Essendon forward Joe Daniher was a surprise selection recall last week and he remains in the side.

On Wednesday the Daniher clan farewelled his grandfather Jim, who died earlier this month.

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