After playing 112 of a possible 113 games since making his debut in round one, 2007, Bryce Gibbs will miss only his second game since joining the Blues. Gibbs injured his shoulder late in the Elimination Final against Essendon at the MCG last Sunday and was ruled out of this week’s team.
Brett Ratten said during the week the team would not take a risk on injured players and it is hoped Gibbs will be fit for the Preliminary Final should the Blues overcome West Coast on Saturday night in Perth.
“He is still suffering some pain in his shoulder. If he gets a knock, we have to take into consideration that he’ll be out for the game, and the risk of that happening and what it does for the other 21 is pretty unfair,” Ratten said in a media conference on Wednesday morning at Visy Park.
Replacing Gibbs in the side is Zach Tuohy who will play in his first AFL final. Tuohy has played 10 games for Carlton since making his AFL debut in Adelaide in round 11 this year. It is a remarkable story for the Irishman in only his second season in the AFL after being drafted by the Blues as an international selection in the 2010 AFL Rookie Draft, at selection number 73 overall.
Tuohy was the emergency for last week’s final against Essendon, leaving the MCG as the game commenced to get to Port Melbourne to play for the Northern Bullants in the VFL semi-final against North Ballarat. He was an important contributor for the Bullants in the second half of the match, helping the Bullants to a victory and a place in this Saturday afternoon’s Preliminary Final against Port Melbourne at TEAC Oval.
Carlton v West Coast
Semi Final
Saturday September 17th
Patersons Stadium 5:50pm
Backs: Aaron Joseph Michael Jamison Jeremy Laidler
HBacks: Chris Yarran Bret Thornton Nick Duigan
Centres: Kade Simpson Mitch Robinson Heath Scotland
HForwards: Jeff Garlett Lachie Henderson Andrew Carrazzo
Forwards: Eddie Betts Setanta O’hAilpin Andrew Walker
Followers: Rob Warnock Chris Judd Marc Murphy
Interchange: Dennis Armfield David Ellard Marcus Davies Zach Tuohy
Emergencies: Paul Bower Shaun Hampson Jordan Russell
In: Tuohy
Out: Gibbs (Shoulder)
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Semi-Final Live @ Visy Park
Join fellow Carlton supporters at Visy Park on Saturday evening to see the Carlton semi-final against West Coast live on the big screen. Gates open at 6:00pm with food and refreshments available and you are welcome to bring your own picnic and rug and sit on the oval. Strictly no alcohol or glass to be brought into Visy Park
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