Josh Kennedy returns to training ahead of round three clash with Fremantle

Northampton’s favourite son Josh Kennedy returned to West Coast Eagles training on Tuesday, a welcome boost for the club after they made 14 changes to the side against North Melbourne.

The Mid West product would be expected to make his return to the side in this weekend’s western derby given the Eagle’s ongoing COVID problems. Twelve of the 14 outs for West Coast last week were because of COVID protocols.

West Coast will need Geraldton’s high-flying export Liam Ryan to be firing in front of goal if they hope to get a win against there cross town rivals.

The AFL has extended the deadline for both the Eagles and Dockers to submit their teams ahead of Sunday’s derby.

Northampton’s own Patrick Cripps will look to continue his purple patch at the start to the season when Carlton face Hawthorn on Sunday.

The Blues skipper racked up 35 disposals and kicked two goals in his side’s 12-point win over Western Bulldogs in round two.

Both teams go into the match unbeaten, in what promises to be an exciting contest. Cripps could go face-to-face with another Mid West player — the Hawks’ Jaeger O’Meara from Dongara.

Carlton will be able to recall forward Jack Martin after he returned to training earlier this week. The former Geraldton schoolboy missed round two because of AFL’s health and safety protocols.

While Mid West junior footballer Logan McDonald has been dropped from Sydney’s team for Thursday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.

The 19-year-old disappointed against Geelong last Friday night, failing to kick a goal and only getting six disposals.