Royals Lee good to go at last
Co-captain Brendan Lee has recovered from a badly broken finger and will bolster East Perth for today's clash with East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval.
Lee was injured nine weeks ago in a pre-season match, but has been training strongly for the past month and involved as a runner in recent weeks.
Lee, key defender Kyle Anderson and West Coast squad members Dom Sheed, Pat McGinnity and Jacob Brennan were added to the 22 which beat the Demons by 22 points in the last round.
Simon Tunbridge was called up by the Eagles for western derby 39 with Sam Butler, Jeremy McGovern and Sharrod Wellingham all in contention to line up for East Perth after being named as emergencies for tomorrow's AFL game.
Another West Coast squad member, Blayne Wilson, will miss up to four weeks after breaking a thumb against the Demons.
Royals football manager Mark Winnett said Lee and Anderson were welcome inclusions.
"Brendan is really important to us, our reigning fairest and best and club captain," Winnett said yesterday.
"He's really integral to our success and it's great to have Kyle back in the side as well."
Winnett said Sheed, Brennan and McGinnity would also boost the East Perth side against the Sharks.
"They've all been really strong contributors when they've been here," he said.
"They play a pretty important role for us so it's good to have those guys back just to strengthen us up a little bit."
Winnett said leading goal kicker Josh Smith would miss another week, the club keen to manage his ankle injury and "get him right" for the rest of the year.
A 38-possession game in the reserves last week was not enough for Kris Miller to win back his place for South Fremantle against Claremont at Fremantle Oval.
Prized recruit James Sellar was the only change for the Bulldogs, and is expected to help Brock Higgins in the ruck against Mark Seaby and Mitch Andrews.
Swan Districts made no changes for the top-of-the table twilight clash against Subiaco at Medibank Stadium. Reece Blechynden comes into the Lions 22 to replace injured full-back Darren Rumble.
Peel made five changes as they continue their quest for their first win of the season against Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium.
After beating suspension on appeal, Anthony Morabito will miss the game with tonsillitis, while Jack Hannath and Alex Silvagni were called up by the Dockers for the western derby.
