Diary July 2017 week 4

Relevant events for the week Wednesday 26 July 2017 - Tuesday 1 August 2017 (Prev|Next)

Thursday 27 July

West Coast named veteran Sam Mitchell to return and South Australian product Luke Partington to make his long-awaited debut against the Lions. Midfielders Matt Priddis (quad) and Lewis Jetta (calf) were omitted, while Malcolm Karpany, Eric MacKenzie and Fraser McInnes were included on an extended bench.

Friday 28 July

Priddis made a surprise announcement that he was retiring at the end of the season, after earlier speculation that Mitchell would be pulling the pin. The 2014 Brownlow Medalist had extended his contract into 2018 mid-season but said that he felt his standard of play was slipping and he was unable to continue to play his role. Priddis said that he was proud of having lasted for 12 years in the league. "I do know that I've given it everything. I've gotten everything out of my body and I've achieved things that I didn't think I'd be able to achieve" - Rhys Dickinson, westcoasteagles.com.au: http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2017-07-28/priddis-puts-team-first

West Coast named Karpany and MacKenzie in the final side to meet the Lions, with Tom Cole and late withdrawal Nathan Vardy (glute) left out. Vardy's omission left the side without a recognised ruckman, with Drew Petrie to be forced into the lead role.

Saturday 29 July

East Perth defeated Claremont to keep their finals hopes alive, with Chris Masten recording a team-high 38 disposals.

North Melbourne narrowly defeated Melbourne, GWS Giants held off Fremantle, Port Adelaide came from behind to beat St Kilda, Geelong thumped Carlton and Richmond defeated Gold Coast.

Sunday 30 July

West Coast cruised to victory over Brisbane at Subiaco, with Josh Kennedy continuing his good form with another six-goal haul and Dom Sheed leading the midfield with 29 possessions and two goals.

Western Bulldogs defeated Essendon and Adelaide came from 50 points down to draw with Collingwood.

Tuesday 1 August

West Coast announced that Scott Lycett's season was over after the ruckman required further surgery on his troublesome shoulder. There was further bad news for youngsters Daniel Venables (toe) and Tom Lamb (PCL) who were set to miss multiple weeks, although Priddis and Vardy were expected to be available for selection against St Kilda.

The AFL announced its fixture for the final round of the home and away season, with the Eagles to host Adelaide on Sunday evening in the final match to be played at Subiaco Oval.