Assistant coach Peter Sumich says the strong bodies of inclusions Adam McPhee, Jon Griffin and Nick Suban could be important against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

The trio comes in to the team for Paul Duffield, Zac Clarke and Jack Anthony.

Sumich said McPhee had played great footy this season and came straight into the side after proving his fitness this week.

“He’s a big body and someone who’d been in very good form prior to going out with injury,” he said.

“Suban‘s been very consistent at Claremont, so he gets his opportunity, and Griffin comes in to support Aaron Sandilands in the ruck.”

Sumich added that Thursday morning’s training session in wet conditions on Fremantle Oval would be beneficial come Saturday.

“That was a real positive,” he said.

“The MCG is going to be wet and a little bit dewy on Saturday even if it isn’t raining.

“Our boys handled the ground well on Thursday at Fremantle in tough conditions, so we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

Sumich also said second-gamer Hayden Crozier would be better for the experience after making his AFL debut last week.

“He gave us a lot of energy when he was subbed on,” Sumich said.

“There were a few nerves for the young fella, so hopefully this week he’ll have even more energy about him because he’s got that first game over and done with.”