The Barometer: Latest AFL injury list and selection analysis after Round 5
UPDATE: JOHN Longmire on Kieren Jack, likely Tiger changes for its trip to Adelaide, a serious blow for Fremantle and how will Melbourne cover its ruck crisis? INJURY LIST
MELBOURNE faces a ruck crisis with Jake Spencer joining Max Gawn on the injury list.
The Dees finished two men down against Richmond last night and face some big decisions for next Sunday’s clash against Essendon.
And they will monitor Christian Petracca, who hurt his knee against the Tigers but was cleared of major damage.
Get the latest injury news and selection analysis on every club that has played in Round 5 below.
THE TACKLE: ROBBO’S LIKES AND DISLIKES FROM ROUND 5
AFL DAILY: FOLLOW ALL TODAY’S FOOTY NEWS AS IT HAPPENS
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 2 weeks
Ben Davis (foot) season
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
Jordan Gallucci (shin) TBC
Josh Jenkins (cracked ribs) TBC
Alex Keath (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Jake Kelly (eye) test
Riley Knight (hamstring) TBC
Mitch McGovern (hamstring) 8-12 weeks
Paul Seedsman (groin) indefinite
Daniel Talia (hamstring) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: The Crows’ hamstring curse continues with scans this week about to reveal the extent of the injuries suffered by All-Australian defender Daniel Talia and Riley Knight, but expect neither to play this weekend. They’ve now had eight hammies for the season. Former Carlton forward Troy Menzel kicked a nice goal but still hasn’t cemented his spot in the side. Injuries are likely to give him another chance.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Jenkins is getting closer to a return from his rib injury but there’s still no real clarity on when he will be able to put up his hand for selection. Decorated veteran Scott Thompson is continuing to battle away in the reserves and people may have forgotten how good he can be when he’s fully fit.
JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: The Crows are flying but the clouds caused by injuries are starting to darken on the horizon. They should beat Richmond this weekend because they still have plenty of reinforcements for the growing injury list but injuries — rather than fluctuations in form — are the greatest threat to the flag favourites as we speak.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Tom Cutler (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Reuben William (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Sam Skinner (knee) 4 weeks
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
ON THE BLOCK: It’s about development more so than results for Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, who fielded a young an inexperienced side against the Western Bulldogs which included 11 players who had fewer than 50 games of AFL experience. It’s hard to say if any of those players will get dropped despite quiet games.
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Josh Clayton, who made his AFL debut in Round 22 last year, was Brisbane’s best in the NEAFL on Saturday while defender Marco Paparone continued some good form and 204cm forward Oscar McInerney kicked two goals for a second straight week.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Some great signs from the young Lions against the Dogs on Saturday, kicking six unanswered goals during the second quarter against the reigning premier and still holding the lead midway through the final term. Fagan said his side would learn more from the loss than any other game this season. Brisbane (1-4) returns to the Gabba this Saturday to take on Port Adelaide (3-2). The two sides met twice last year, Brisbane losing those encounters by 94 and 77 points.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Marc Murphy (knee) TBC
Bryce Gibbs (thumb) TBC
Ciaran Byrne (knee) June-July
Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) 3-4 weeks
Matthew Kreuzer (soreness) test
Jed Lamb (knee) 1-2 weeks
Kym Lebois (quad) 2-3 weeks
Rhys Palmer (knee) test
Ciaran Sheehan (knee) 2-3 weeks
Liam Sumner (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Dale Thomas (soreness) test
ON THE BLOCK: Bryce Gibbs hurt his thumb early in the Blues’ big loss to Port Adelaide way back on Friday night, but says he will play against Sydney. Gibbs had scans on the weekend along with skipper Marc Murphy, who is believed to have suffered a meniscus injury that could be worse than the Blues are letting on. There plenty of players in the gun if Brendon Bolton wants to refresh his line-up. Harrison Macreadie and Jarrod Pickett aren’t contributing a lot and Andrew Phillips is set to make way for Matthew Kreuzer despite getting his hand on 29 hit-outs.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Kerridge continues to rack up big numbers in the VFL, collecting 31 against Williamstown. Nick Graham, Billy Smedts and David Cuningham could all come into consideration while Harry McKay kicked three goals.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Bolton’s green shoots look a bit withered after a dismal performance against Port Adelaide but the Blues should get some reinforcements in the form of Kreuzer and Dale Thomas for a fascinating showdown against the winless Swans at the MCG. Can they hammer the final nail in Sydney’s finals coffin? Murphy would be a big loss after the skipper’s sensational start to the season.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Tim Broomhead (jaw) TBC
Jordan De Goey (club-imposed suspension) 1-2 weeks
Brodie Grundy (corked calf) TBC
Tom Langdon (knee) 1-2 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 10 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Buckley made a couple of changes for Anzac Day but was unable to get the result all Pies fans wanted. So what next? Mason Cox had little impact in the greasy conditions but he fared OK against the Cats last year, which might play in his favour. There’s been plenty of talk around Darcy Moore but surely he keeps his place despite his modest return. Levi Greenwood and Will Hoskin-Elliott also had pretty quiet days against the Bombers.
ON THE CUSP: Former Demon Lynden Dunn could come in to provide cover in defence if Ben Reid is moved forward. Matthew Scharenberg is edging closer to an AFL return, picking up 20 disposals in a VFL loss to Essendon. Rupert Wills had 23 disposals and nine tackles, Jarryd Blair had 25 touches (16 handballs) and James Aish had it 18 times. But there wasn’t a lot to suggest Jesse White (10 disposals, four marks) or Chris Mayne (nine disposals, one goal) are the answer. Jordan De Goey had 17 disposals but has one more match to serve of his club ban.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: It was the same old story for the Pies. More inside 50s, more time in attack but no scoreboard pressure. Collingwood comes off a five-day break when it meets Geelong on Sunday and will likely have a few sore bodies after the contested Anzac Day clash. Surely Bucks has to throw a few magnets around he seeks a winning combination? Collingwood has matched up pretty well against the Cats in recent years, and now is the time to reverse the slide before time runs out on season 2017.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Jordan Ridley (back) 8-19 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Reckon John Worsfold will be reluctant to make too many changes to the successful Anzac Day team. First-gamer Ben McNiece will understandably take a bit of time to find his groove at the top level, while Brent Stanton and Patty Ambrose were also subdued in the MCG wet. The good news for Essendon fans is there’s a bit of depth underneath applying pressure for spots.
IN THE MIX: There’s options for ‘Woosha’ should he want to alter Tuesday’s winning line-up. Household names and proven performers such as David Myers, Ben Howlett, and Heath Hocking all impressed in Sunday’s VFL thumping. The coach’s big man stocks are also full, with Tom Bellchambers (three goals) and Shaun McKernan (two goals) looking dangerous at the lower level.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Beating Collingwood in the rain at a packed MCG was one thing. Now the Bombers need to show the footy world they’re a legitimate finals contender against Melbourne this weekend. The five-day break hurts but now isn’t a bad time to face the Dees who are battling on the injury front — and Simon Goodwin’s side hasn’t loved Etihad Stadium in the past. Just five rounds in and there’s still plenty of questions on several sides. But a win on Sunday might answer a few about Essendon.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Stephen Hill (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Michael Apeness (knee) 1-2 weeks
Harley Balic (hip) test
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Harley Bennell (calf) 8-10 weeks
Zac Clarke (knee) TBA
Josh Deluca (groin) 3 weeks
Alex Pearce (leg) TBA
Luke Ryan (hip) 2 weeks
Nick Suban (concussion) test
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBA
ON THE BLOCK: The Dockers confirmed on Monday that scans revealed a hamstring injury that will sideline Stephen Hill for up to a month. Hill pulled up short while running along the boundary line in the final quarter. “I’m hopeful, no one’s told me anything other than that,” Lyon said. Didn’t see a lot of Ethan Hughes and Michael Walters had an off night. Darcy Tucker was handy with 17 disposals after coming into the side.
ON THE CUSP: Peel Thunder had a bye in the WAFL. Harley Balic was a surprise omission last Thursday night and could come back in.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Somehow the Dockers are in the top eight despite a percentage of 78 per cent and being in front for just 35 per cent of games this season. This week’s derby against seventh-placed West Coast is about as big as it gets at this stage of the season. The Eagles will start favourites but one area Freo has a clear edge is in the ruck; Aaron Sandilands had a crazy 18 hit-outs to advantage against the Kangaroos including nine in the final term.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Ryan Abbott (back) 1-2 weeks
Cory Gregson (foot) 6 weeks
Sam Menegola (suspended) available
James Parsons (suspended) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Can’t see the Cats making many changes for the next clash against Collingwood. Tom Hawkins was beaten for three quarters but his spot isn’t in question.
ON THE CUSP: Defender Jed Bews and ruckman Rhys Stanley are the two pushing for a call-up. Bews was the Cats’ best in the VFL with 24 possessions, while Stanley had 20 touches and 27 hit-outs. Scott Selwood also had a strong game in his return from injury but is several weeks away from an senior guernsey.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The win over St Kilda was led by Joel Selwood, but there were plenty of decent cameos in there as Geelong looks to produce even-handed performances. Brandan Parfitt continues to provide some spark and pace, while Aaron Black his took his chance in his Geelong debut.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Ben Ainsworth (corked quad) 3 weeks
Sam Day (hip) season
Mitch Hallahan (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Pearce Hanley (heel) test
Steven May (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Trent McKenzie (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite
Rory Thompson (quad) 1-2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Brayden Fiorini had just eight touches, Brandon Matera crashed to earth after two big weeks and David Swallow battled after coming up from a leg knock a week ago.
ON THE CUSP: There is little in the way of cavalry on the horizon for Rodney Eade. Key defender Rory Thompson is still a week away and co-captain Steven May is unlikely to play until after the Port Adelaide game in China in Round 8. Pearce Hanley did not play in the NEAFL at the weekend due to a minor ankle injury. If he’s passed fit he is likely to play in the twos.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns generally play well against the Kangaroos and will head to Melbourne with some confidence. They believe their pace can trouble the winless Roos. However, their inconsistent effort is a worry. If they don’t bring defensive pressure they will be in big trouble. Half the side had one tackle or fewer against the Crows. North Melbourne is better than its 0-5 record suggests.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 2 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Tom Downie (illness) indefinite
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 8-10 weeks
Harrison Himmelberg (ribs) 1-2 weeks
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 8-10 weeks
Will Setterfield (ankle) 8-10 weeks
Tim Taranto (managed) available
Lachie Whitfield (suspended) Round 8
ON THE CUSP: Steven Coniglio is very close to a return from and ankle injury he picked up in the JLT Series match in Canberra. Jeremy Finlayson (31 disposals), Daniel Lloyd (26 and two goals) and former Docker Matt deBoer (28) all played well in the NEAFL.
ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to see any faults in a GWS team, which is getting better by the match. Sam Reid is the one who continues to surprise with his presence in their star-studded line-up, but did nothing wrong against the Swans.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Friday night’s preliminary final rematch in Canberra is the first time the Giants have hosted a Friday night match in their six years in the competition. They will be fired up and looking to avenge their six-point loss the last time they met. If Coniglio is fit he will come into the team with Reid likely to be the unlucky one to miss out.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (fractured jaw) 2 weeks
Jonathon Ceglar (knee) 10 weeks
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Jaeger O’Meara (knock to knee) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Clarko declared after the game he had 22 contributors who played their role to get Hawthorn across the line. Will be hard to knock anyone out of the side. Isaac Smith wrenched his lower leg/ankle in a tackle but played out the game. Only risk could be if leg swells in coming days.
ON THE CUSP: Jaeger O’Meara (bone bruising) is set to return after being given two weeks to overcome knee soreness. Ty Vickery and Jack Fitzpatrick combined for eight goals in the VFL. Taylor Duryea played further up the ground, while Jono O’Rourke continues to work his way back from injury.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Backs to the wall, Hawthorn responded. The challenge now is to maintain the rage. The midfield worked a treat but it was up forward where the Hawks look to have found their mojo. Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Tim O’Brien and Jarrad Roughead all got in on the act — and they will take a power of stopping for opposition defenders when the engine room dishes up first-class supply.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Colin Garland (knee) season
Max Gawn (hamstring) 11 weeks
Jordan Lewis (suspended) available
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 5-7 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) 11 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 5-7 weeks
Josh Wagner (shoulder) 11 weeks
Jake Spencer (AC joint) 6-7 weeks
Tim Smith (ribs) TBC
Christian Petracca (knee) test
Anguys Brayshaw (concussion) test
ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Jake Spencer and fellow tall Tim Smith are set to miss chunks after sustaining blows against Richmond. That leaves the Demons light on for big blokes and in somewhat of a rucking crisis, given All-Australian Max Gawn’s surgery. The Demons were brave against the Tigers and simply ran out of puff, so you suspect there won’t be many — if any — unforced changes.
ON THE CUSP: Jordan Lewis finally returns from suspension. Having missed three losses, boy does he owe his new teammates. Simon Goodwin needs to find a ruckman and you suspect that won’t be Max King, given the 200cm youngster only just returned from an ACL in the VFL. So, who comes in? Cam Pedersen? Or Does Goodwin hope Jack Watts can provide enough of a contest? Tom Bugg slotted five majors for Casey and remains in the mix. Angus Brayshaw is likely to be available despite suffering another concussion.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Demons are 2-3 and could easily be 5-0 — how frustrating yet exciting at the same time. They are playing one poor quarter a week, but they are also a young side brimming with talent. Jayden Hunt could well be All-Australian, Clayton Oliver looks a nice value bet for the Brownlow while Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian Petracca and Christian Salem are fast emerging. The Demons are the No.1 side for pressure this season, up from 16th last year. Regardless of the win-loss ratio, the future is bright. But Goodwin faces his first major coaching challenge now — the ruck crisis. Let’s see what reign he pulls.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Todd Goldstein (ankle) TBC
Jack Ziebell (knee) TBC
Ben Brown (knee) TBC
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Ben Jacobs (foot) 2 weeks
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 7-8 weeks
Mitch Hibberd (concussion) test
Braydon Preuss (rested) available
Jarrad Waite (AC joint) 2 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) 6-7 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The Roos are confident Goldstein, Ziebell and Brown will get up for Saturday’s clash against Gold Coast. Coach Brad Scott has some tough decisions to make on stars Lindsay Thomas — who spent most of Saturday night in negative SuperCoach point territory — and former skipper Andrew Swallow, who is a shadow of his former self this season. Kayne Turner was also quiet.
ON THE CUSP: Out Thomas, in Anderson? Former Hawk Jed Anderson collected 20 disposals and kicked a goal for Werribee on the weekend and spent plenty of time in the midfield. Ryan Clarke was the standout in a 51-point loss with 22 disposals and two goals. Braydon Preuss is available after a week’s rest to offer support to Goldstein.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Oh, North. The Kangaroos blew another lead in what is becoming a painful trend in 2017. That’s two wins from the past 19 games. Ouch. But the positive is the Roos are very competitive and the rebuild doesn’t look as dire as it did at the end of last year. Jy Simpkin did some very impressive things, Trent Dumont and Luke McDonald were excellent and Marley Williams laid one of the tackles of the season. This week the Roos host Gold Coast and will surely post their first win of 2017. But if there’s less than three goals in it with five minutes to play, we forgive Kangas fans for not watching.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Travis Boak (hamstring) test
Hamish Hartlett (sore) test
Jack Hombsch (knee) test
Matthew Lobbe (hamstring) test
Angus Monfries (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: The big question mark this week will linger over captain Travis Boak, who didn’t play the second half of Friday night’s win against Carlton after copping what the club says is a corked hamstring. Boak has never done a hamstring in his 204-game career and will have scans on Monday to determine if there has been any damage. Aidyn Johnson made his AFL debut as a late replacement for Hamish Hartlett, who pulled out of the selected side with soreness, and despite an impressive 14-disposal, two-goal game, the 19-year-old could be the first one to make way for Hartlett’s return. Aaron Young and Sam Gray, who were quiet in the first month, were better against the Blues which should keep them safe for the trip to Brisbane.
ON THE CUSP: Running defender Riley Bonner had a team-high 30-disposals in the SANFL but he’s being kept out of the side by the ever-improving Dan Houston. Jimmy Toumpas (28 disposals) and Brett Eddy (three goals) also impressed, but Hartlett is first in line for a recall if he is passed fit during the week. Jack Hombsch will add height to the backline.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Beating Carlton on Friday night was the first step in a two-part test for Port Adelaide to win when they’re expected to. Now the focus turns to Brisbane at the Gabba this Saturday. The Lions showed they can take it to the best in the business with a fighting loss to the Western Bulldogs, so they won’t catch the Power unaware. Port will miss their skipper if scans show a torn or strained hamstring but Hartlett should slot straight in and Hombsch coming back allows Hinkley to load up the forwardline with Charlie Dixon, Justin Westhoff and Jackson Trengove as three talls.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Jack Graham (ankle) indefinite
Nathan Broad (shoulder) 7-9 weeks
Shane Edwards (hip) 2-4 weeks
Ben Griffiths (concussion) test
Nick Vlastuin (concussion) test
Ivan Maric (back) test
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Unbeaten and with no fresh injuries after a bruising win against Melbourne, everything is going to plan at Punt Rd. Well, almost. Youngster Nathan Drummond will need a second knee reconstruction after rupturing the ACL in his left knee playing in the VFL on Saturday. And Ben Griffiths’ future is in doubt after copping yet another concussion in the same game. That means an extended run for Todd Elton, while either Oleg Markov or Connor Menadue will make way if Nick Vlastuin passes a concussion test.
ON THE CUSP: Vlastuin missed Anzac eve as a precaution and is a likely inclusion for the trip to Adelaide. Corey Ellis was the standout in the VFL’s side’s second win of the year, Anthony Miles and Ben Lennon are still knocking on the door and top draft pick Shai Bolton kicked two goals in his first game of the year. Depth!
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Everything seems to have fallen Richmond’s way this season, from rain hitting when the Tigers led West Coast at the MCG to Melbourne losing two players before halftime last night. This week they face the toughest trip in footy but it couldn’t come at a better time — could the stars align again with Daniel Talia going down with a hamstring injury? A 5-0 start gives a handy buffer going into a tough bracket of games against the Crows, Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium), Fremantle (MCG) and the Giants (Spotless Stadium).
ST KILDA
INJURIES
David Armitage (groin) 4-6 weeks
Nick Coughlan (foot) test
Tom Hickey (managed) available
ON THE BLOCK: Midfielder Luke Dunstan had only 12 possessions, while Ben Long (six touches) and Tim Membrey (seven) also had quiet days against the Cats. Billy Longer was “pretty strong” in the ruck in place of Tom Hickey and may get another chance to hold his spot. Nick Riewoldt hurt his ankle but has incredible recuperative powers.
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Jack Sinclair was Sandringham’s best in its loss to Richmond in the VFL. Alan Richardson was unhappy with his midfield’s performance in the last quarter fade-out against Geelong and will be looking at potential changes. Paddy McCartin also kicked three goals but may be asked to play consistently at VFL level before another call-up.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Saints take on the improved Hawks looking for their fourth win. They were good for three quarters against the Cats but an eight-goal-to-one last term disappointed Richardson, who says it’s time for the Saints’ emerging midfield group to produce four-quarter efforts against the top-weights.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Darcy Cameron (shoulder) test
Robbie Fox (knee) TBC
Kieren Jack (hip) TBC
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Jarrad McVeigh (calf) test
Sam Naismith (knee) 3-4 weeks
Dane Rampe (arm) 5-6 weeks
Dan Robinson (collarbone) 4-6 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Young forward Will Hayward looked out of gas on Saturday night after three very good performances and a rest may do him good. Jordan Foote could also benefit from a run in the NEAFL to get his hands on the footy. Former co-captain Kieren Jack is also struggling for form.
ON THE CUSP: Aliir Aliir was a surprise omission from the Sydney derby but his case will be improved by full game in the NEAFL, where he picked up 20 possessions in defence. Nic Newman (31 possessions), Brandon Jack (34), Jordan Dawson (25 and 2 goals) and Ollie Florent (21) will all come under consideration after a disappointing loss to GWS.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans face Carlton at the MCG on and will be desperate to register a win after their worst start to a season since 1993. Hayward has been a shining light but a game of two in the NEAFL might be the right thing for his longer term prospects. Jordan Dawson performed well in the reserves and deserves another shot.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Jamie Cripps (ankle) TBC
Brad Sheppard (leg) TBC
Scott Lycett (shoulder) 4-5 weeks
Sam Mitchell (ankle) test
Nic Naitanui (knee) late 2017 season
Drew Petrie (hand) 5 weeks
Willie Rioli (hamstring) 3 weeks
Simon Tunbridge (knee) mid-late 2017 season
Jake Waterman (foot) 7 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Jamie Cripps (ankle) and Brad Sheppard (leg) copped knocks and will be assessed during the week. Both played out the game. Andrew Gaff was spotted limping at the airport. Josh Hill kicked two goals but provided nothing in the way of defensive pressure compared to the masterclass Cyril was put on at the other end of the ground.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Mitchell would have been useful against Hawthorn, but it was not to be. Will get another chance this week to prove his leg is OK. Fraser McInnes, Mark Hutchings and Lewis Jetta picked a right time to find form in the WAFL with a disappointed Adam Simpson likely to wield the axe ahead of the Derby. Forgotten defender Eric Mackenzie could also return to help combat Dockers talls.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: History says the Eagles will come out breathing fire next week and belt the Dockers. That may well happen but it will only paint of gaping cracks in Eagles’ fragilities — especially when playing on the road. Josh Kennedy might be looking to become the first goalkicker to win three-consecutive Coleman Medals, but what the Eagles need to succeed are multiple avenues to goal. Too many rely on cheapie goals to keep selectors at bay.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Stewart Crameri (hip) 1-2 weeks
Mitch Wallis (leg) test
Tory Dickson (abdominal) 2-3 weeks
Jordan Roughead (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Dale Morris (leg) 3-4 weeks
Jack Redpath (knee) 3-4 weeks
Travis Cloke (ribs) 3-5 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Shane Biggs, a stalwart last season and Grand Final star, has served a week in the VFL this year and could be back again should the Dogs tinker with their line-up. But hard to see many changes for Friday night’s trip to Canberra to face GWS.
ON THE CUSP: Defender Bailey Williams impressed for Footscray and is continuing to look a very nice prospect. Bailey Dale is banging on the door and kicked a couple of goals in Footscray’s big win. Encouragingly, draftee Fergus Greene slotted five. He’s not ready yet, and neither is ruckman Tim English, but the Dogs would be content with how their draft haul is tracking … yet again.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Dogs are playing in patches yet sit 4-1 — handy given they started pre-season five weeks later than most. With Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead and Toy Dickson to drip-feed in over the next block of difficult games it is slowly taking shape for this evolving line-up. Mitch Wallis is just about ready for a heartwarming VFL return. What a boost that will give his mates.
Originally published as The Barometer: Latest AFL injury list and selection analysis after Round 5