It is a return to his old stomping ground for Chris Fagan for his 100th game as an AFL Senior Coach.
And he’ll create a bit of Apple Isle history in his first clash with former Lions footy manager and North boss David Noble as they become the first Tasmanians to ever oppose each other as coaches on home soil.
Rhys Mathieson comes back into the midfield to replace suspended skipper Dayne Zorko while Madden get his opportunity at the expense of Ryan Lester who faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
While the loss of the brothers-in-law and best mates leaves a huge hole in experience, Fagan knows the replacements make the step-up to the big time in good form.
Mathieson played the final minutes of the Round 12 loss to Melbourne as the injury substitute for Lester and backed it up the following day with a best on ground display in the VFL.
He will slot seamlessly back into coach Chris Fagan’s side having served admirably as cover for Brownlow medalist Lachie Neale during his five-week absence with an ankle injury.
Irishman Madden will also bring confidence with him on his return for his fourth AFL game after a stand-out performance in his last senior appearance GWS in Round 11.
