The Barometer: AFL injury list and selection analysis after Round 8
WESTERN Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri to undergo surgery while the injury toll at GWS mounts and Hawthorn is in a world of pain. FULL INJURY LIST
THE Western Bulldogs are set to regain three stars but have lost forward Stewart Crameri for at least the next month.
Crameri hasn’t appeared at AFL level since Round 2 and will now undergo hip surgery after being injured in his second VFL game.
Luke Beveridge said the club hoped the operation would allow him to have a cleaner run at regaining his spot in the second half of the season.
“Stewy Crameri is going to go in for some surgery next Monday, so he won’t be available for a month or so,” Beveridge said yesterday. “He’s going to have just a little bit of a clean out.”
“It has just been impeding him a little bit, and giving him a fraction of grief. Hopefully that will help free him up and in the back end of the year he will find his best form.”
However, it’s better news on captain Bob Murphy, Dale Morris and Travis Cloke.
Murphy (rested) and Morris (broken leg) are expected to face Geelong on Friday night while Travis Cloke (ribs), Tory Dickson and Mitch Wallis (broken leg) are all in the mix.
The Bulldogs will remain cautious with Jordan Roughead after his first game back from a hamstring injury in the VFL with the ruckman expected to have another game at the lower level to boost his game fitness.
GWS has been dealt a massive blow with star midfielder Stephen Coniglio to miss the next 10 weeks because of an ankle injury.
Coniglio underwent surgery on Monday with the Giants confirming the former No.2 draft pick had suffered another syndesmosis injury.
He will now spend two and a half months recovering.
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ADELAIDE
Mitch McGovern (hamstring) 5-7 weeks
Troy Menzel (groin) TBC
Paul Seedsman (groin) TBC
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) test
Jake Lever (hamstring) test
Alex Keath (hamstring) test
Riley Knight (corked glute) test
Ben Davis (foot) season
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Troy Menzel spent the final term on the bench nursing a sore groin but Don Pyke said the injury wasn’t serious. Menzel had only four kicks to that point so could face selection heat anyway, along with Curtly Hampton who hasn’t lived up to the pre-season hype.
ON THE CUSP: Adelaide didn’t play in the second week of a split round in the SANFL but the fitness department will be busy with several players listed for a “test” this week.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Remember when the Crows looked like they could go through the season undefeated? That looks a long time ago now after two disappointing losses that have also wiped more than 30 points off Adelaide’s percentage. A trip to Brisbane gives Don Pyke a chance to right the ship before a string of classic “eight-point games” against Fremantle, Geelong and St Kilda.
BRISBANE
Dayne Beams (quad) test
Tom Rockliff (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Dan McStay (hand) 1-2 weeks
Mitch Robinson (foot) 10 weeks
Sam Skinner (knee) 1-2 weeks
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Rockliff dislocated his left shoulder late in the fourth term against Hawthorn and while it popped straight back in, the Lions believe he could miss a couple of weeks. Josh Schache was very quiet against the Hawks and could be in need of a rest or some time in the reserves to get some confidence back.
ON THE CUSP: Dayne Beams is set to return after missing the last two games with a quad injury. He ticked all the boxes at training last week and needs to go up a gear at this week’s main session and pull up well to be given the all-clear. Brisbane won’t rush him back just because Rockliff is hurt. Ryan Bastinac (32 disposals, nine clearances, six marks) and Rhys Mathieson (30 disposals, nine clearances, four inside 50s) were good for the Lions reserves as was Mat Hammelmann who kicked five goals while Jono Freeman added two majors.
GREG DAVIS’ FORECAST: Brisbane’s senior core is getting hit hard by injuries and now they must face an angry Adelaide who are coming off back-to-back losses. What could go wrong? At their best, the Crows could pile on the pain for the last-placed Lions but Brisbane’s defenders did a reasonable job containing Hawthorn’s best. The Lions were guilty of some dumb decision making which gifted goals to the Hawks. It will be a focus this week because the Crows will make Brisbane pay.
CARLTON
Ciaran Byrne (knee) 9 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Nick Graham spends his career coming in and out of the side and it could be his rotation out again after not doing a lot against the Saints. Zac Fisher was rushed straight back in from injury which said a lot but struggled with just eight disposals including a crucial turnover late in the game.
ON THE CUSP: Liam Jones continues to get in the best players in the VFL in his new role as a floating ruckman. Forgotten first-round draft pick Blaine Boekhorst was best-on-ground for the Northern Blues while veteran Dennis Armfield could be close to a return.
SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: A trip to Fremantle for the Blues will be another valuable lesson in their education. Brendon Bolton will want to send a more experienced side than what he did for their last away trip to Port Adelaide, where he put his babies to the slaughter.
COLLINGWOOD
Adam Treloar (ankle) test
Ben Reid (quad) 3-4 weeks
Jesse White (hamstring) TBC
Tim Broomhead (concussion) test
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 7-9 weeks
Travis Varcoe (hamstring) test
Rupert Wills (calf) test
Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 1 week
Brayden Sier (eye socket) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Ben Reid suffered a quad injury against the Giants and will miss 3-4 weeks in a major blow to Nathan Buckley’s plans after using him forward. Jarryd Blair booted two first-quarter goals but did little else outside of giving away a costly free kick that led to Steve Johnson’s matchwinner. James Aish didn’t have his best game and managed only 15 disposals but the Magpies should persist as he acclimatises to the pace of AFL again. Henry Schade had a shocker, conceding four goals against Jeremy Cameron in just over a quarter of footy but will likely be persisted with given the injury to Reid.
ON THE CUSP: The Magpies will be sweating on Adam Treloar’s ankle, hoping he’s good to go against the Hawks. Mason Cox booted four goals in the VFL and could be the man to play forward in Reid’s place, while travelling emergency Chris Mayne will also be in the mix. Matt Scharenberg was named in the best again and is surely close to getting his opportunity at senior level. Tom Langdon finally played his first game in more than a year but will need more time in the VFL before being considered.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Buckley must be pulling his hair out given his side continues to find ways to lose after failing to ice the game against the Giants on Saturday. The task doesn’t get any easier, facing the Hawks on Saturday night, a team Collingwood hasn’t beaten under Buckley and who have found form in the last two weeks. The Magpies are better than their 2-6 win-loss ratio but bad kicking is bad football and while the players continue to make skill errors both in general play and in front of goal, the wins won’t come. Simply must beat Hawthorn and then Brisbane the week after at the MCG.
ESSENDON
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 7 weeks
Patrick Ambrose (quad) 3 weeks
Mitch Brown (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Jordan Ridley (back) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: It would be a tough ask to drop anyone from Essendon’s team after a brilliant performance against Geelong on Saturday night. The Bombers led at every change and were brave enough to see off a late fightback from the Cats. Mark Baguley and Michael Hartley might be looked at by the match committee.
ON THE CUSP: It wasn’t just a big win in the AFL. It was a huge VFL performance from the Bombers as well. A number of Essendon listed players put their hands up for a recall in the 61-point smashing of Geelong including Craig Bird, Martin Gleeson, Brent Stanton, Tom Bellchambers and Heath Hocking. As well as making an impact around the ground, Bellchambers also booted three goals.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: This week is looming as a serious test for the Bombers. They take on West Coast at Etihad Stadium. While the Eagles have struggled at the MCG, their Etihad form is solid enough. A win for Essendon will lift them to 5-4 and keep the club’s finals hopes ticking along. They then take on the struggling Richmond the following week.
FREMANTLE
Michael Apeness (knee) Season
Harley Bennell (calf) 6 weeks
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Stephen Hill (hamstring) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Not many passengers in another strong MCG performance, although Garrick Ibbotson and Hayden Crozier didn’t have a major impact.
ON THE CUSP: Tom Sheridan had a game-high 34 disposals for Peel Thunder in the WAFL and Luke Ryan and Griffin Logue also put in strong performances. First-year ruckman Sean Darcy kicked four goals to give hope for life after Aaron Sandilands. Hayden Ballantyne isn’t far away from a return from a hamstring injury.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dockers have pinched wins against Melbourne, North Melbourne and Richmond and have to be included in the top eight conversation. While the Dockers’ percentage isn’t great the upcoming draw includes matches against Carlton (home) and Brisbane (away) in the next month. Brad Hill is showing he is a seriously good player without from his premiership Hawthorn teammates and Michael Walters is giving Ross Lyon another midfield weapon.
G EELONG
Rhys Stanley (ankle) TBC
Lachie Henderson (chest) 1 week
Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 7 weeks
Cory Gregson (foot) 3 weeks
Quinton Narkle (hamstring) TBC
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 7-9 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Unless your name is Dangerfield or Selwood, it feels like no one is safe at the Cats this week. Irishman Mark O’Connor was quiet in his AFL debut, Mark Blicavs struggled as did Jake Kolodjashnij and James Parsons. Chris Scott was filthy with his side after the match and could easily make a host of changes for the clash against the Western Bulldogs this week. Rhys Stanley suffered an ankle injury late in the game and might struggle this week.
ON THE CUSP: To make matters worse for the Cats, they were also smashed in the VFL. Aaron Black booted two goals but was otherwise quiet. Scott Selwood, Tom Ruggles, Zach Guthrie and Darcy Lang didn’t have much impact.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: We will find out a lot about the Cats this week. Are they a top four side who could contend for a premiership if everything went right? Or are they just making up the numbers? If they are going to make a statement, this is the week. Taking on the Bulldogs, who are returning from a trip to Perth, this is the perfect time to strike.
GOLD COAST
Ben Ainsworth (quad) 1-2 weeks
Sam Day (hip) season
Callum Ah Chee (back) test
Pearce Hanley (heel) 1 week
Trent McKenzie (hamstring) test
Matt Rosa (head knock) test
Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite
Rory Thompson (quad) test
ON THE BLOCK: The Suns playing in China again. After that performance, no matter what Rodney Eade said after the match, the club will have a long hard look at it. They failed to handle the conditions or the occasion. It is difficult to highlight one player that vas worse than the rest but Peter Wright is in a patch of poor form.
ON THE CUSP: David Swallow, Matt Rosa and Callum Ah Chee all missed the trip to China and Rory Thompson pulled out at the 11th hour with a tight hamstring. Swallow is a certainty to return after this week’s bye and after a week off the rest would be a strong chance also.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: How could you possibly predict it? The Suns are the most up and down footy team in the competition. On Sunday’s performance you couldn’t tip them. But that loss should have embarrassed them and stung them into action. They are a much better side when Swallow plays and they should be competitive in Alice Springs in a fortnight.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Aidan Corr (concussion) test
Sam Reid (head knock) TBC
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 10 weeks
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Nick Haynes (hamstring) 8 weeks
Jacob Hopper (finger) 5 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Tom Downie (illness) indefinite
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 5-7 weeks
Will Setterfield (ankle) 5-7 weeks
Adam Kennedy (knee) season
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 4-6 weeks
ON THE CUSP: Harry Perryman continues to knock on the door with a 39-possession game in the NEAFL the latest contribution to his case for selection. Former Docker Matt deBoer will also be looked at with another very good 35-possession performance in the reserves.
ON THE BLOCK: The Giants injury list continues to get bigger with Aidan Corr and Sam Reid to be assessed on their recoveries from concussions during the week. Steve Coniglio will be nervous as well after re-injuring the same ankle which kept him out of the first six rounds.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: It could be a double debut next week for the Giants with Matt deBoer and Harry Perryman in line for selection for Saturday’s clash with Richmond at Spotless Stadium. Their depth is being severely tested with only 11 listed players in the reserves’ 71-point loss to Aspley on Saturday
HAWTHORN
Grant Birchall (knee) 2-3 weeks
Jon Ceglar (knee) indefinite
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Teia Miles (medial ligament) 2-4 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Jono O’Rourke (hamstring) 7-9 weeks
Cyril Rioli (knee) 8-12 weeks
Ben Stratton (knee) 4-6 weeks
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) test
ON THE BLOCK: There could be forced changes for Clarko this week. Superstar Cyril Rioli looks set to miss Saturday night’s clash against Collingwood with a knee injury. If Rioli’s PCL diagnosis is nasty the Norm Smith winner could be facing a couple of months out of the game. Ben Stratton also hurt his knee while Isaac Smith will learn his MRP fate today after being reported for striking.
ON THE CUSP: It wasn’t the household names who sparkled as Box Hill stunned Richmond with an impressive win. Dallas Willsmore had it 25 times and kicked a long goal to start the last quarter, while hot-and-cold swingman James Sicily was sent to the backline after kicking a goal. Ryan Schoenmakers and underperforming yet high-priced recruit Ty Vickery both kicked two goals.
SAM LAN DSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Hawks have won three of their past four but played scrappy footy against the Lions. A Saturday night date against Collingwood without Birchall, O’Meara, Rioli and possibly Stratton and Smith sounds ugly. After that it’s road trips to face Port Adelaide and a resurgent Sydney under the bright Thursday and Friday night lights. Sounds scary, but they will shape as valuable learning experiences for bright young Hawks such as Ryan Burton, Dan Howe, Tim O’Brien and Billy Hartung. Suddenly the next generation isn’t so bleak.
MELBOURNE
Jesse Hogan (cancer treatment) TBC
Jayden Hunt (head knock) test
Colin Garland (knee) Season
Max Gawn (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) 5-6 weeks
Tim Smith (rib/punctured lung) 3-4 weeks
James Harmes (eye) test
Jake Spencer (shoulder) 4-5 weeks
Corey Maynard (concussion) TBC
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 4 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 6 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Following the club’s best win of the year, it would be tough to drop anyone from Saturday night’s team. On the injury front, Jayden Hunt was taken from the ground on a stretcher following a head knock and could be in doubt for the clash against North Melbourne.
ON THE CUSP: It was a tough day in the VFL for Casey with the Demons smashed by the Northern Blues. Alex Neal-Bullen responded to being dropped in the best possible fashion and was one of his club’s best players. James Harmes was also impressive while Jay Kennedy-Harris finished with one goal.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Demons have already broken one long-standing losing streak this year when they defeated St Kilda in Round 1. Are they about to do it again? Amazingly, the Demons have lost to the Kangaroos 15 times in a row. There is no doubt Melbourne has performed better as an underdog than a favourite this year. Is all that about to change?
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jy Simpkin (shoulder) TBC
Ben McKay (groin/hip) 1 week
Aaron Mullett (broken hand) test
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 3-5 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (suspended) 3 weeks
Corey Wagner (ankle) 5-7 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) 2-4 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The Roos will make at least one change with Jy Simpkin suffering a shoulder injury. It’s unclear how bad it is but he is doubtful to play this weekend. Nathan Hrovat may also lose his spot after a quiet one against the Swans. Sam Durdin, Ryan Clarke and Trent Dumont could also be in trouble.
ON THE CUSP: Brad Scott says captain Andrew Swallow is in the mix to return to bolster their onball department after they were flogged by Sydney’s star tough nuts. Jarrad Waite returns from suspension.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Scott said they got “obliterated”. Nasty. On Sunday the Roos face Melbourne, a team they have beaten the past 15 times they met. But on form that winning streak is in massive danger.
PORT ADELAIDE
No current injuries
ON THE BLOCK: Bit tough to put any player on the edge after such a strong team performance in the 72-point thrashing of Gold Coast at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai on Sunday. Coach Ken Hinkley insists specialist forward Robbie Gray, who has been diagnosed with everything this season from groin soreness to a knee knock to more recently a sore right calf, is right to keep going and will not be needing a rest as suggested by teammate Hamish Hartlett last week.
ON THE CUSP: It’s hard to imagine the line-up changing, but coach Ken Hinkley says he will reward players who deliver with strong form in the SANFL. This keeps veteran forward Angus Monfries in the mix for his first AFL game since he was forced to spend all of last year on the sidelines to fulfil the WADA-imposed ban from the Essendon supplements saga in 2012.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide gets the week off to travel home from Shanghai. The 5-3 Power resumes on Thursday week at a place that is tougher than an away trip to China — Simonds Stadium against an erratic Geelong. The Power just may be in its best form to score a win at the Cattery for the first time since 2007. Defence is rock solid and superbly holding up Port Adelaide’s refitted game plan.
RICHMOND
Dion Prestia (hamstring) test
Nathan Broad (shoulder) 2 weeks
Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Reece Conca (foot) 3-4 weeks
Jack Graham (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Key forward Todd Elton had six disposals, three marks and two behinds against the Dockers and is yet to kick a goal from five matches this season. Corey Ellis (12 disposals) also had little impact against Fremantle and was the only Richmond player to not lay a tackle.
ON THE CUSP: The Tigers said last week Dion Prestia was not far away but the exact extent of his ‘minor’ hamstring soreness remains a little bit of a mystery after two weeks on the sidelines. Taylor Hunt and Connor Menadue were among the Tigers’ best in a VFL loss to Box Hill on Sunday while the club’s first selection in last year’s draft, Shai Bolton, is also pushing his case for an AFL debut.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Damien Hardwick flagged changes after Richmond’s third-straight loss to Fremantle on Sunday but a growing injury list is testing depth. The Tigers need to somehow rediscover their form and belief of the opening five rounds though — and quickly — if they want to keep themselves firmly in the finals race. A loss to Greater Western Sydney this weekend would leave them 5-4 and then there is Essendon and North Melbourne to come before a Round 12 bye.
ST KILDA
Jimmy Webster (hand) TBC
Jake Carlisle (knock) test
Josh Battle (knee) 1 week
David Armitage (groin) 3-4 weeks
Tom Hickey (knee) 3-5 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: You won’t find many changes — unless forced — from a team that has won its past three matches. The Saints will have to make at least one change for Saturday’s clash against Sydney, with Jimmy Webster out for a number of weeks with a broken hand.
ON THE CUSP: Paddy McCartin keeps putting his hand up with another four goals for Sandringham, though coach Alan Richardson insists that Nick Riewoldt’s body is fine and doesn’t yet need to be rested. McCartin might yet come in regardless in the coming weeks. Shane Savage had another 33 disposals in the VFL on Sunday.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Beat the Swans this week and it will be the first time the Saints have won four in a row since 2011. That would be a giant step in the right direction with Richardson desperate for his team to find a level of consistency this year. Jack Billings had a breakout game with five goals and 30 disposals; Seb Ross continued his great form and stamped himself on the Blues’ game when it needed a statement; and for the second week in a row, it was the younger Saints who dragged their team over the line more than the experienced ones. There is a very exciting future ahead, but enough promise in the present to keep Saints fans happy enough.
SYDNEY
Alex Johnson (knee) 2-3 weeks
Shaun Edwards (shoulder) 2 weeks
Jeremy Laidler (Achilles) TBC
Kieren Jack (hip) test
Dane Rampe (arm) 2 weeks
ON THE CUSP: Kurt Tippett and Gary Rohan both kicked four goals in the Swans reserves’ win over Canberra in the NEAFL. Tippett was huge, dominating in the ruck and picking up 22 disposals. Jordan Dawson also shone with 38 possessions and two goals and Dan Robinson was impressive in his return from shoulder surgery.
ON THE BLOCK: Jarrad McVeigh suffered hamstring tightness but played on against North Melbourne and make an important contribution. It was just his second game for the year after being hampered by calf problems through pre-season. He is unlikely to come up for the game against the Saints.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Gary Rohan is the likely inclusion for Jarrad McVeigh and Ollie Florent will also come under consideration after being rested. John Longmire faces a dilemma with Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair and Sam Naismith who both performed well against North Melbourne.
WEST COAST
Jeremy McGovern (ankle) test
Jamie Cripps (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Scott Lycett (shoulder) 3-4 weeks
Nic Naitanui (knee) 12-14 weeks
Jackson Nelson (wrist) 1-2 weeks
Drew Petrie (hand) 2 weeks
Jake Waterman (foot) Indefinite
Francis Watson (ankle) Indefinite
Willie Rioli (hamstring) 1 week
Simon Tunbridge (knee) 5-8 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Butler, Liam Duggan and Kurt Mutimer were all minor players last Friday night. Nathan Vardy (knee knock) and Jeremy McGovern (ankle) should be fine.
ON THE CUSP: Ommitted midfielder Mark Hutchings had 31 disposals in the WAFL, Jon Giles had 37 hitouts and Lewis Jetta had 16 touches. Eric Mackenzie played as a ruck/forward for East Perth.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Pundits will keep saying we don’t know how good the Eagles are until they win at the MCG but given they won’t play there again until September, we can say for now they are pretty good — equal top on the ladder after an impressive win against the premier (if you ignore the last 15 minutes when they stopped to a walk). Can gain more respect in the footy world with a win in Melbourne against Essendon on Sunday, even if it is at Etihad Stadium.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Stewart Crameri (hip) 4 weeks
Travis Cloke (broken ribs) test
Patrick Lipinski (collarbone) 3-4 weeks
Brad Lynch (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 12-14 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
Jake Stringer (knee) 2-3 weeks
Dale Morris (leg) test
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Liberatore had an unusually quiet game (eight disposals) but won’t lose his spot, and neither will Luke Dahlhaus (surprising zero tackles) but both need to improve on that form. The two Baileys — Dale and Williams — might be on shakier ground.
ON THE CUSP: Is it time to pull the trigger on Mitch Wallis? He had 29 disposals in the VFL in his third game back from a broken leg. Jordan Roughead made it through his comeback game from a hamstring injury but is expected to spend at least another week in the VFL. Bob Murphy, Dale Morris and Travis Cloke are all in the mix to face Geelong.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: After another slow start the Dogs left their run too late at Subiaco. Why does it take a quarter for them to click into gear? It’s something Luke Beveridge will be working hard to figure out. The premiers sit precariously one win behind first-placed Adelaide but in eighth spot and with a massive game against Geelong on Friday night. The Dogs haven’t won at the Cattery wince 2003.
Originally published as The Barometer: AFL injury list and selection analysis after Round 8