AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt at your club after Round 16

MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Viney is among the wounded Dees, but Jesse Hogan’s looming return could ease their pain. Plus big ins coming for Cats and Giants. SEE EVERY INJURY

Jack Viney injured his foot in the loss to Sydney. Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Viney won’t play against Carlton and the Dees could also be without Dom Tyson, but the looming return of Jesse Hogan could ease their pain.

In an AFL season that looms as the most even in recent memory, it might all be about which club has the fittest list come September.

There’s growing injury concerns for a couple of contenders — Geelong and GWS’s casualty ward takes a while to get through — but some in the hunt for a top-eight berth have few worries.

SEE EVERY INJURY, PLUS WHO IS ON THE BLOCK AND WHO MIGHT COME IN FOR YOUR CLUB ON THE WEEKEND

Some big names could return in Round 16, with Hogan, Crow Tom Lynch, Cats Joel Selwood and Daniel Menzel, Giant Toby Greene, Docker Stephen Hill, Roo Ben Cunnington and Pie Ben Reid among the potential inclusions for Round 16.

See who’s hurt and who’s hot at your club in the lead up to Round 16.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) TBC

Charlie Cameron (wrist) test

Ben Davis (foot) 3 weeks

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 8 weeks

Tom Lynch (viral meningitis) TBC

Reilly O’Brien (back) TBC

Harrison Wigg (hip) TBC

MATCH REPORT: TEX STANDS UP TO SAVE FACE FOR CROWS

ON THE BLOCK: Adelaide won ugly against Carlton and is not firing on all cylinders, leaving several Crows fighting for their spots in its best 22. They include forward Jono Beech, midfielder Wayne Milera and defender Jake Kelly. Promoted rookie-list forward Beech’s debut against St Kilda in Round 12 was a great story after the 26-year-old’s long and winding road to play AFL but he has hardly fired a shot in his two games since. Milera is a high draft pick who has a bright future but he needs to do more while Kelly has been just solid in the back half, although a hamstring injury to fellow defender Kyle Hartigan could see him keep his place in the side. Hartigan is expected to miss several games after being injured in the hard-fought 12-point win against Carlton.

ON THE CUSP: Charlie Cameron (wrist) and Tom Lynch (illness), who missed the clash against the Blues, will come straight back into the team for Friday night’s big home clash against premier the Western Bulldogs if they can prove their fitness during the week. Cameron is tipped to be fit but there are questions about Lynch who was hospitalised last week with viral meningitis. Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson is ready for his first AFL game after the year after strong SANFL form. Swingman Andy Otten performed strongly in the state league clash with 15 disposals, four marks and two goals while youngsters Tom Doedee (23 disposals) and Myles Poholke (22) also had strong games in the 52-point loss to premier Sturt. Defender Kyle Cheney is ready for a senior recall after regaining fitness and form in the local competition after missing much of the pre-season with a groin injury.

ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Hartigan will miss while Cameron should come into the side. Important forward Lynch remains a big question mark with his illness but will play if fit. Otten and Cheney are the main contenders to replace Hartigan if coach Don Pyke wants a like-for-like replacement.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Dayne Beams (shoulder) 3 weeks

Tom Bell (ankle) season

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Darcy Gardiner (elbow) TBC

Ryan Harwood (foot) TBC

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS BLOW LEAD, FINALS HOPES?

ON THE BLOCK: There are fears Darcy Gardiner’s season could be over after the defender went to hospital with a dislocated elbow. Jake Barrett looks in need of a break after another quiet game.

ON THE CUSP: Young midfielder Ben Keays was best afield in the Lions’ NEAFL win with 34 disposals and four goals. Keays was dropped from the senior team after Round 10.

Matthew Hammelmann, Michael Close, Liam Dawson and Josh Schache are all vying for a recall after kicking 11 goals between them against Sydney Uni. One of them should be selected to replace Gardiner.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: Ryan Bastinac said this week “I feel in the past few weeks I’ve got my mojo back and am playing close to my best”. How true that turned out to be as he produced a brilliant final quarter and kicked the go-ahead goal. On the back of heavy losses to Port Adelaide and GWS, the win will do wonders for the confidence of a young playing group, but the Lions can’t get ahead of themselves with a tough home game against Geelong coming up.

Carlton is confident Jed Lamb will be available for selection against the Demons after a missing a week following the Bachar Houli incident. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON

INJURIES

Caleb Marchbank (right shoulder) TBC

Lachie Plowman (dislocated finger) TBC

Jacob Weitering (ankle) TBC

Ed Curnow (bruised larynx) test

Daniel Gorringe (adductor) test

David Cuningham (groin) test

Jed Lamb (concussion) test

Andrew Phillips (foot) season

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (knee) 1 week

Tom Williamson (back) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: TEX STANDS UP TO SAVE FACE FOR CROWS

ON THE BLOCK: Despite its close loss to Adelaide, there were plenty of shining lights for Carlton on Saturday. So much so, that the Blues had by far the majority of the game’s better players at the MCG. To that end it is hard to make a case for the exclusion of many players for this weekend’s clash with Melbourne, but if some of the club’s injured stars were to return then those among the six inclusions for the Crows game would have most cause to be nervous. Liam Sumner, Zac Fisher and Ciaran Sheehan were among the Blues’ quieter players, although coach Brendon Bolton may be keen to give Sheehan an extended crack at it given Saturday was the Irishman’s first senior game since 2014.

ON THE CUSP: Ed Curnow (larynx), Jed Lamb (concussion) and Samo Petrevski-Seton (managed) will all come back into calculations to play the Demons. “Samo we’ll have to have a look at to see how he comes up during the week,” Bolton said. “Curnow we’ll have to wait and see how that one unfolds, it’s a difficult one to assess. That could be multiple weeks or sooner rather than later. We’ll have to wait and see on those couple. Jed Lamb, there was no structural damage after (the incident with Bachar Houli). Welfare is the priority at our footy club, especially with a head knock like that. But he’ll be a chance next week I would have thought.”

MATT WINDLEY’S FORECAST: Lamb and Petrevski-Seton should get back into play the Dees, with Fisher and Sumner the most likely to drop back out. Caleb Marchbank was taken to the rooms after falling heavily on his right shoulder in a marking contest close to the boundary line in the last quarter on Saturday. He came back on, while Lachie Plowman hurt his finger and Jacob Weitering (ankle) looked proppy late. But Bolton insisted all three were OK. “I haven’t been given a message that they’re not going to be right,” he said. “I would have thought they’re going to be all right, just sore bodies. You get that in those sort of games (with) a lot of stoppages.”

Tyson Goldsack suffered a head injury against the Hawks. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Tyson Goldsack (nose) TBC

Darcy Moore (hamstring) TBC

Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 8 weeks

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 2 weeks

Daniel Wells (calf) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: PIES FAIL D-DAY TEST AS HAWKS STAY ALIVE

ON THE BLOCK: Everyone! If All-Australian and premiership player Ben Reid can get dropped then no one is safe under Nathan Buckley. Taylor Adams wins a ton of the ball but how useful is that when he continues to turn it over? Jackson Ramsay continues to struggle on the backline. Tom Langdon hasn’t looked great since returning. On the injury front, Tyson Goldsack went off with concussion and will need to prove his fitness during the week. Darcy Moore injured his hamstring late in the game.

ON THE CUSP: Ben Reid must be brought back this week. The Pies also need to be getting games into Matthew Scharenberg as he is the future of the club. Josh Daicos was named in the best for the Magpies’ VFL side. Chris Mayne failed to kick a goal while James Aish was also quiet.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: What’s next for the Pies? They need to decide if they want to keep trying to win games of footy and play established players or turn their attention to development. Would the club be in a better position going into next year if Callum Brown, Daicos and Kayle Kirby have six or seven senior games under their belts? That might be a hard call to make though for a coach who is trying to save his job.

David Myers could walk straight back in for the Dons. Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Patrick Ambrose (quad) 3 weeks

Jayden Laverde (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS BLOW LEAD, FINALS HOPES?

ON THE BLOCK: A few Bombers will be under the microscope after a match Essendon simply couldn’t afford to lose. Travis Colyer isn’t providing the run and carry he was earlier in the season, Tom Bellchambers was down on his recent output and James Stewart is working hard but not having a big impact at the moment.

ON THE CUSP: Despite having their chances, Essendon’s VFL side couldn’t quite get it done against Richmond — but there was lots to like. David Myers starred and will certainly be in contention for a call up, while Aaron Francis must be in prime position to return after a good display. Veteran Brent Stanton and fellow midfielder Craig Bird were solid and Jackson Merrett booted three.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: The Bombers hadn’t been going badly but now there’s some big questions being asked of a team that a month ago was seriously eyeing September. As the CEO tweeted after Sunday’s loss to Lions wasn’t good enough. Now two matches outside the eight, Essendon faces a Collingwood side on the ropes, and potentially with their coach’s future in its hands. A tricky road awaits, and Woosha’s men need to get back to their best if they’re to see finals action — which right now is looking doubtful.

Big Sandi is done for the season after suffering a hamstring tear against the Saints. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Harley Bennell (calf) 1 week

Zac Clarke (knee) TBC

Stephen Hill (calf) test

Alex Pearce (leg) TBC

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC

MATCH REPORT: FANS FURIOUS AFTER TRICKY NICKY’S 50M PENALTY

ON THE BLOCK: The Dockers will be making at least one change with Aaron Sandilands set to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. Cam McCarthy may come under the attention of the Match Review Panel for a tackle on Sam Gilbert. McCarthy had no impact on the game so may also face a fight to keep his place in the team on two fronts. Tom Sheridan will have to prove his fitness during the week after a knee injury.

ON THE CUSP: Stephen Hill was withdrawn from Sunday’s game with a calf injury. The club says the issue isn’t too serious and he should be in the mix to play this week. From the WAFL, Jonathan Griffin had 31 hit-outs for Peel Thunder and could come in for the injured Sandilands. However, the club will want to give Sean Darcy as much time in the ruck as possible. Shane Kersten was quiet after being dropped last week. He is unlikely to be recalled. Connor Blakely was handed a club imposed one game suspension and will be in the mix to return if Ross Lyon can forgive him for going surfing instead of training.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Before the bye Fremantle lost to Brisbane by 10 goals. The Dockers are clearly playing better football now but back-to-back heartbreaking losses still hurt. After being so close the past fortnight, it will be interesting to see if there is any let down factor against the Kangaroos this week. The match will be played at Etihad Stadium.

Joel Selwood should make a welcome return for the Cats for their clash with Brisbane. Picture: Jay Town

GEELONG

INJURIES

Daniel Menzel (knee soreness) test

Josh Cowan (Achilles) season

Jordan Cunico (ankle) 1 week

Cory Gregson (foot) season

George Horlin-Smith (ankle) test

Darcy Lang (shin) test

Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 5 weeks

Quinton Narkle (knee) season

Tom Ruggles (collarbone) 5 weeks

Joel Selwood (concussion) test

Scott Selwood (hamstring) 1 week

Tom Stewart (fractured eye-socket) 5 weeks

MATCH REPORT: CATS’ KITTENS FILL SELWOOD VOID

ON THE BLOCK: The Cats didn’t have many, if any, who didn’t play their roles against Greater Western Sydney in a brave performance on Saturday night. Debutants Zach Guthrie and Sam Simpson were Geelong’s quietest but both showed good signs.

ON THE CUSP: Captain Joel Selwood is expected back from concussion after failing an 11th-hour bid to take on the Giants on Saturday night. Coach Chris Scott said forward Daniel Menzel would be assessed during the week after pulling out of GWS game with knee soreness following the warm up. Midfielder Brandan Parfitt impressed in his return from a hamstring injury in the VFL on Saturday, collecting 26 disposals and laying 10 tackles.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Geelong should get some injury reprieve in coming weeks after having 13 players sidelined through injury at the weekend. The Cats are spending the week on the Gold Coast ahead of their clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night, where they will no doubt be hoping to build on their percentage of 113.3. Geelong has won its past six games against the Lions, the last four coming by more than nine goals.

Can forgotten Sun Trent McKenzie win a reprieve? Picture: Richard Gosling

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Pearce Hanley (hamstring) TBC

Michael Barlow (leg) season

Sam Day (hip) season

Jarrad Grant (groin) 1 week

Aaron Hall (hamstring) 2 weeks

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) 1 week

Brandon Matera (foot) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: SUNS SHINE FOR GAZ’S MILESTONE

ON THE BLOCK: Pearce Hanley failed to finish a game for the second weekend in a row and the Suns may be loathe to take another risk on his hamstring, even though he again suffered tightness and not a strain. Given coach Rodney Eade called it a complete team performance, he will not be desperate to make any unforced changes.

ON THE CUSP: The NEAFL side were again big winners and there are plenty putting their hand up for a senior game. Michael Rischitelli has now played the required minutes after his comeback from a knee reconstruction. But Hanley provides the Suns run and rebound so the likes of Jack Bowes and Darcy McPherson would come into the frame. Trent McKenzie also continues to push his claims in the twos.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Sydney in Sydney is once again the toughest assignment in footy and they remain one of the few teams the Suns have never beaten. It was an improved performance against the Roos in Gary Ablett’s 300th game but the Swans are a different proposition.

Still no word on the ankle injury that forced Toby Greene to withdraw late from the Giants match against Geelong. Picture: Getty Images

GWS

INJURIES

Toby Greene (ankle) TBC

Jeremy Finlayson (knee) TBC

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 3 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 8 weeks

Harrison Himmelberg (finger) TBC

Jacob Hopper (finger) 2 weeks

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Tim Taranto (ankle) 9 weeks

Lachlan Tiziani (knee) 2 weeks

Zac Williams (hamstring) TBC

MATCH REPORT: CATS’ KITTENS FILL SELWOOD VOID

ON THE BLOCK: Debutant Jeremy Finlayson looks likely to miss several weeks with a medial ligament injury to his knee. Devon Smith was quiet in his return to football after a knee injury but will be better for the run.

ON THE CUSP: After an injury-interrupted first year (ankle) Will Setterfield tore it up in the NEAFL with 31 disposals, 17 tackles and two goals against NT Thunder. Harry Perryman was also in great touch with 27 possessions and two goals. Big man Matt Flynn also impressed with 10 marks in the same match. Toby Greene (ankle) should return after being a late out against the Cats. He was sorely missed.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants will be keen to reward their number five pick in last year’s draft Will Setterfield with his first game in Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn in Launceston. Setterfield’s ankle injury has forced him to sit by and watch his young team mates like Tim Tarranto and Harry Perryman make the most of their opportunities.

Don’t look now, but Ty Vickery was among the best in the VFL on the weekend — could he make the trip to Tassie to face the top-of-the-table Giants? Picture: Michael Klein

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Ryan Burton (ankle) TBC

Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) indefinite

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (turf toe) 2 weeks

Josh Gibson (groin) 2 weeks

Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 2 weeks

Cyril Rioli (knee) 3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: PIES FAIL D-DAY TEST AS HAWKS STAY ALIVE

ON THE BLOCK: Ryan Burton was troubled by a leg/ankle issue late in the win over Collingwood but early signs indicate he should be fine to face the Giants. Kurt Heatherley and Taylor Duryea both had treatment on their respective quads during the game but were not significantly hampered.

ON THE CUSP: The Hawks will be sweating on scans on defender Ben Stratton. He pulled up swollen and “uncomfortable”, according to coach Alastair Clarkson, after what was hoped would be his final training session before making a return after six weeks out. Ty Vickery was among the best in the VFL on Sunday, booting three goals for Box Hill in the Hawks’ win over Carlton’s state league outfit Northern Blues.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: Saturday’s clash on the Apple Isle is shaping up to be a huge one in the season where anything can happen. Greater Western Sydney might be sitting pretty up the pointy end of the ladder but there’s the added anomaly of the game being played in Launceston in the mix — the Hawks have only lost one of their last 21 outings at the University of Tasmania Stadium fortress by the river. If Toby Greene doesn’t get up, that will be another added bonus for the Hawks who will be coming off consecutive wins for only the second time this season. Look out.

Jack Viney spent most of the night with medicos against Sydney on Friday night and there’s still no word if he will suit up for the Carlton game. Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jack Viney (foot) 4-6 weeks

Dom Tyson (knee) test

Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite

Lochie Filipovic (hip) 3 weeks

Colin Garland (knee) season

Jeff Garlett (hamstring) test

Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) test

Nathan Jones (quad) 4 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 4 weeks

Christian Salem (hamstring) 3 weeks

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Aaron Vandenberg (heel) season

Jack Watts (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: TIME TO PUT DEMONS FLAG TALK ON HOLD

ON THE BLOCK: A couple of regulars will miss, and the question of how many more coach Simon Goodwin wants to make a statement no remains. Tom Bugg will miss weeks for his strike on Callum Mills while co-captain Jack Viney is gone for at least a month after foot surgery. Mitch White, Alex Neal-Bullen, James Harmes and Billy Stretch might all come under scrutiny at selection. Dom Tyson (knee) could also miss in what would be a further blow for the Dees.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Watts and Jeff Garlett (hamstrings) were missed against the Swans. The Demons will be praying that pair are passed fit to face Carlton. Jesse Hogan’s anticipated return from treatment for testicular cancer would also give the Dees a huge boost. Then there’s Jay Kennedy-Harris, Dean Kent, Ben Kennedy and Jake Spencer, who were all ruled ineligible for Friday night’s loss to Sydney after breaking team drinking rules. They’ll be in the mix.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Really disappointing night for the Demons from a number of perspectives. Were up before losing, copped injuries and there was also the Tom Bugg incident. There’s enough talent on the Demons list to see them cope despite a seemingly growing injury list. Carlton at the MCG will pose plenty of questions, but if the Dees are genuine contenders they’ll find a way to get past them.

North Melbourne will be sweating on Jarrad Waite’s fitness. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Marley Williams (back) TBC

Jarrad Waite (calf) TBC

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Sam Durdin (concussion) test

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) test

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) TBC

Kayne Turner (knee) 4 weeks

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) TBC

MATCH REPORT: SUNS SHINE FOR GAZ’S MILESTONE

ON THE BLOCK: Lindsay Thomas was a late inclusion and given his lack of match practice over the past month, could return to VFL level, after managing 13 disposals but going goalless. Majak Daw had little impact against the Suns, posting just five possessions and one goal. After kicking four goals and single-handedly keeping North Melbourne in the game, Jarrad Waite injured his calf late and will be monitored closely.

ON THE CUSP: If the Kangaroos do pull the trigger and drop Goldstein then Braydon Preuss is the logical replacement. Ben Cunnington will return from his one week suspension. Marley Williams will also be in the mix for a recall. Jy Simpkin played in the VFL on Sunday but may play a couple more games for Werribee before returning to senior football.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the Kangaroos with a one-point loss to the Bulldogs and then running into Gold Coast in Gary Ablett’s 300th and Steven May’s 100th. However, Sunday’s clash against Fremantle presents a major chance to re-enter the winner’s circle. There are plenty of positives for Brad Scott’s men this year despite their ladder position and while finals are likely out of the question, the chance to shape the eight should provide plenty of motivation.

Hamish Hartlett was in a world of hurt after suffering a corked thigh courtesy of Dylan Grimes. Picture: Sarah Reed

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Jack Hombsch (knee) test

Hamish Hartlett (corked quad) test

Karl Amun (knee) test

MATCH REPORT: MORE QUESTIONS AFTER TIGERS MAUL POWER

ON THE BLOCK: If Jack Hombsch comes up he will be straight in this week to play West Coast in Perth and it might be as simple as Hartlett out, Hombsch in if ‘Hammer’’s corkie pulls up sore. Hard to mount a case for who deserves to be dropped after the Power was pretty good against Richmond but couldn’t hit the scoreboard. Sam Gray has kicked 4.12 in Port’s six losses this season and could be in the firing line but his forward pressure is very important.

ON THE CUSP: Angus Monfries returned via the SANFL from his latest injury setback, a calf strain, and will begin building towards his AFL return. Brendon Ah Chee was named best for the Magpies and first-year midfielder Joe Atley impressed with 25 disposals and 13 tackles. Dougal Howard kicked 2.1 in the SANFL and is still waiting for his AFL recall 12 months after doing his knee.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: I’m actually quite optimistic about the Power’s chances of beating West Coast in Perth this weekend. For starters the Eagles are suspect in any resemblance of a big game despite burying a few of their Victorian demons on the weekend, but secondly Port will appreciate playing on the bigger ground of Subiaco. They play the wide MCG well and are winning enough of the footy at the moment that they should be putting teams away.

Goalsneak Shai Bolton could walk straight back into the Tigers’ side after being managed on the weekend. Picture: George Salpigtidis

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Reece Conca (foot) indefinite

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

Todd Elton (shoulder) 1 week

Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Bachar Houli (suspension) 3 weeks

Ben Lennon (hamstring) 1 week

Callum Moore (ankle) test

Steve Morris (hamstring) 5 weeks

MATCH REPORT: MORE QUESTIONS AFTER TIGERS MAUL POWER

ON THE BLOCK: Tyson Stengle would be unlucky to get dropped after kicking two goals on debut but Damien Hardwick indicated Shai Bolton, who was managed last week, will come back in against the Saints. Or could Jason Castagna get a rest as part of the small forward rotation? Oleg Markov didn’t get a lot of the footy and could be in trouble if Nick Vlastuin is ready to return.

ON THE CUSP: Bolton is available and Vlastuin will be monitored after pulling up sore following his return from a shoulder injury two weeks ago. Anthony Miles had a mountain of the ball again in the VFL team’s six-point win against Essendon and forgotten defender Taylor Hunt picked up 33 disposals and a crucial late goal — could he come in for Markov?

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Best win of the year? Anzac Eve against Melbourne was pretty special but Saturday night’s win against Port Adelaide was massive on a weekend when the Demons, Bulldogs and, of course, Port lost (Geelong’s draw could also make things interesting). The Tigers are a game clear in the top four and showing the attributes including, dare we say it, mental toughness, needed to make an impact when it really matters in about 10 weeks. Can they do it without a second key forward? Ben Griffith’s future is up in the air but teenager Ryan Garthwaite is one to keep an eye on; he was taken at pick 72 in last year’s draft as a key defender but has been playing as a forward in the VFL and booted two goals against the Bombers. Richmond will start favourite against St Kilda on Saturday night but the Saints are on a three-game winning streak and will be no pushover. One thing’s for sure, this game will be a lot better than the last time these teams played in one of the worst matches of 2016.

Sam Gilbert was stretchered off after a nasty tackle against the Dockers. Picture: AAP

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (groin) 3 weeks

Nick Coughlan (hamstring) 3 weeks

Sam Gilbert (concussion) test

Hugh Goddard (foot) season

Paddy McCartin (concussion) 1 week

Darren Minchington (ankle) indefinite

MATCH REPORT: FANS FURIOUS AFTER TRICKY NICKY’S 50M PENALTY

ON THE BLOCK: After one of the Saints’ best wins of the season, it will be an unlucky player who gets dropped from Sunday’s team. Sam Gilbert was taken off the ground on a stretcher after being tackled by Cam McCarthy. It was a nasty clash and Gilbert will need to prove his fitness during the week. Jack Steven was reported for striking Hayden Ballantyne in the second term. It didn’t look like there was too much in it though.

ON THE CUSP: The news was just as good for the Saints in the VFL with Sandringham getting a close win over Werribee. Shane Savage and Tom Hickey were both impressive and were named among the club’s best players. But the big positive was Nathan Freeman who had 37 touches and, after years of bad injury luck, is pushing his case for an AFL debut. A Freeman sighting in the seniors would be fantastic to see.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: For the second week in a row the Saints finish the round in the eight. But now they must quickly get ready for another test. St Kilda will play Richmond this week, with only a six day break. As good as it was to get the four points at the weekend, the Saints must do something about their goal kicking. Had they kicked straight against the Dockers the game would have been iced by three quarter time. They finished with nine more scoring shots in their nine point win.

Callum Mills will face concussion protocols to see if he can get up this weekend. Picture: AAP

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Callum Mills (concussion) TBC

Zak Jones (cut head) TBC

Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season

Harry Cunningham (foot) 1 week

Will Hayward (foot) TBC

Kurt Tippett (ankle) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: TIME TO PUT DEMONS FLAG TALK ON HOLD

ON THE BLOCK: Callum Mills is the only injury concern from the impressive win over Melbourne. The Swans won’t take any risks with last year’s Rising Star winner. Ollie Florent was quiet with just nine touches and could come under pressure to hold his spot.

ON THE CUSP: As the Swans injury list shortens they’re developing depth, nine players with senior experience this year played in the reserves 91-point win over Canberra in the NEAFL.

Callum Sinclair and James Rose kicked three and Aliir Aliir two to go with his 25 touches. Dan Robinson had a game high 35 disposals, Kurt Tippett missed for the second week with an ankle injury.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Dan Robinson will come under consideration for Saturday’s match against Gold Coast at the SCG. He has had a shocking run with injury this year, after breaking his collarbone in the opening round against Port Adelaide he suffered a broken jaw playing in the NEAFL. He has worked remarkably hard to get back into great form.

Sam Butler faces a lengthy stretch on the sidelines for West Coast. Picture: Michael Klein

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Sharrod Wellingham (hip) TBC

Nathan Vardy (shoulder) TBC

Sam Butler (hamstring) TBC

Matthew Allen (foot) season

Tarir Bayok (hamstring) 2 weeks

Josh Hill (illness) TBC

Shannon Hurn (concussion/hamstring) test

Josh Kennedy (calf) test

Mark LeCras (hip) test

Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite

Jackson Nelson (hamstring) 1 week

Willie Rioli (hamstring) 1 week

Will Schofield (hip) TBC

Simon Tunbridge (knee) 1 week

Daniel Venables (toe) 1 week

Jake Waterman (foot) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: HOW MUCH FIGHT IS LEFT IN BULLDOGS?

ON THE BLOCK: The Eagles are coming off a potentially season changing win against the Western Bulldogs so anyone dropped is going to be very unlucky. However, there are a couple of injury concerns. Sam Butler suffered a hamstring injury in the third term and is set for a stint on the sidelines. Former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham didn’t play at all in the last term with a hip injury. Did Chris Masten do enough to keep his spot in the team? He had 16 touches against the Dogs.

ON THE CUSP: How about this for four or five potentially very hand ‘ins’. Coleman Medal winner Josh Kennedy is getting closer and closer to making his return. He will be in the mix for selection this week, as will fellow sharp shooter Mark LeCras who’s also been battling injury. Brownlow Medal winner Matt Priddis missed last week with general soreness and should be right to come back in. Josh Hill (illness) and club captain Shannon Hurn (concussion) should also make their returns.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Undermanned and outgunned on paper, the Eagles produced probably their best win of the year last week. Currently seventh on the ladder, this week’s clash against the fifth placed Port Adelaide is massive. Port has struggled against good opposition all year. How good are the Eagles though? We are about to find out. A win puts the club right in the mix for a top four finish.

Jake Stringer was well below his best for the Dogs on the weekend. Picture: AAP

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Jack Redpath (corked thigh) TBC

Marcus Adams (foot) 10 weeks

Travis Cloke (mental health) indefinite

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 6 weeks

Fergus Greene (wrist) 5 weeks

Lin Jong (knee) season

Tom Liberatore (cork) test

Roarke Smith (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: HOW MUCH FIGHT IS LEFT IN BULLDOGS?

ON THE BLOCK: Does The Package need a run in the twos to reflect and refresh? Nine disposals and one goal in a loss to the Eagles — who are usually allergic to playing footy in Melbourne — is well below par for the livewire who Dermott Brereton says is “playing like a first-gamer”. But the Dogs aren’t exactly stacked with forward talent bashing down the door. The AFL has figured out Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen and he needs to go back to the drawing board to add a few more strings to his bow — 12 touches isn’t good enough. There don’t appear to be any fresh injury concerns for the Bulldogs.

ON THE CUSP: Matthew Boyd had 26 disposals for Footscray in a nailbiting five-point loss to Collingwood on the weekend and was best on ground the week before against Werribee. The ageing champ must come under consideration for Friday night’s do-or-die clash with Adelaide. Clay Smith had 13 tackles and 22 touches and will be hoping coach Luke Beveridge takes note of his pressure on the man.

MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: Forgive me for shooting Bambi, but the Dogs had a charmed run to the premiership last season and they have crashed back to earth in 2017 with an almighty thud. You can’t help but love them, but is it time to face the reality that they might not be as good as we all thought they were? I say that because you look at the ladder — 10th — and their recent results and it’s plain for all of us to see that the midfield’s getting punished and the forward line is impotent. It is clear that a lot of their stars from that finals run have gone backwards or stagnated this year. Plenty of soul-searching to be done, but if anyone can turn it around it’s Bevo. Although the super coach does seem to be getting a lot more cranky in his press conferences than he did last year. Clearly he’s not comfortable with how things are panning out. The Crows look ripe for the picking after losing two of the past three at home and just scraping over the line against Carlton on the weekend, but are the Dogs good enough? They will need to be if they want to play finals.

Originally published as AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt at your club after Round 16