Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 9 April 1956, page 20


DONS WILL BE A POWER

i IN THE RUCK

CSSENDON'S ruck-rover combinaT tion this season looks like being better than ever.

Backbone of this division - Geoff Leek, John Gill, and Bill Hutchison -all gave class performances in Saturday's practice.

Leek's play on Saturday was a vast improvement on last season's form.

His marking and kicking were much better, and he showed clear judgment palming the ball to his rover from ruck duels.

Gill and Hutchison hardly missed a "trick," and indicated they'll be harder to beat than ever.

Outstanding feature of Saturday's main practice was the return of champion full forward John Coleman.

Coleman was given a terrific reception by nearly 6,000 fans. . - |

Led fast _

Opposed to Ray McConnell, he did not move freely until the second quarter, when he led fast, marked well, and twisted and turned to evade opponents.

He only played in the first half.

Most interesting clash was between centre half-back Fred Gallagher and Rob

Fox.

Centreman Alan Dale, in his attempt to again make the Essendon team, gave an impressive display of rugged, play-on football.

. Dale returned from Wangaratta this year and has been included on the final training list.

-. And Jack Clarke, placed on a half-forward flank, did well both in position and when on the ball.

Half-back flanker Fred Lynch,, who played, for only one half, was not as prominent as usual.

He had been in bed for most of last week with suspected appendicitis.

Jim Carstairs ' and Col Hebbard were forced to miss . the final ? practice-. . game

Carstairs has a knee injury and Hebbard has a gastric upset.

Peter Harrington, from Colac, -was not named on the final training list. He is nursing a shoulder injury and will be considered when fit.

Eleven newcomers were named on the nnal list.

Selectors have granted Ken Peucker a clearance to South Adelaide.