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AFL injury list: Who’s hot, who’s hurt at your club after Round 2

INJURY NEWS: ST KILDA, Hawthorn and Sydney have lost key players, while Collingwood is hoping Jamie Elliott will finally be ready to return. WHO’S HOT AND WHO’S HURT AT YOUR CLUB

Patrick Cripps tries to break the Dan Butler tackle.
Patrick Cripps tries to break the Dan Butler tackle.

WE’VE only played two round but while some clubs are in the envious position of having a healthy list, other clubs are desperate to get key players back into their side.

Collingwood is one of those teams with Jamie Elliott in the mix to return this weekend, while their opponents Sydney have lost Kurt Tippett to an ankle injury.

AFL DAILY: ALL THE LATEST AFL NEWS IN ONE PLACE

North Melbourne’s ruck stocks have taken a major hit, St Kilda has lost key onballer Jack Steven and where to now for Fremantle?

Our experts analyse your club’s playing stocks, including who could be about to return and who is battling for form.

ADELAIDE CROWS

INJURIES

Josh Jenkins (ribs) test

Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 2 weeks

Brad Crouch (hamstring) 1 week

Ben Davis (foot) indefinite

Tom Doedee (knee) 1 week

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Alex Keath (hamstring) 2 weeks

Paul Seedsman (groin) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Josh Jenkins was in all sorts of pain and was immediately taken to hospital after a heavy collision in the first quarter against Hawthorn and seems unlikely to recover for the Round 3 Showdown. Jake Kelly had minimal impact in his time on the ground in the win against Hawthorn and may be pushed out as the pressure from underneath intensifies.

ON THE CUSP: Jake Lever is almost certain to be picked for the match against Port Adelaide after reports say he has been outstanding in two practice matches for the reserves. He now has enough of a fitness base and match practice behind him. Scott Thompson is building for a recall, but may still be a couple of weeks away after missing much of the pre-season with a shoulder injury.

JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: Showdowns are always difficult to pick, and after Round 1 both of the South Australian sides had shown enough to suggest they can challenge the best in the competition. The Crows are on top of their game and the wins over flag favourite GWS and Hawthorn at the MCG suggest they are among the form teams in the competition right now. As good as Port Adelaide’s backline is, the Crows might just have too many forwards who can hurt them.

Josh Jenkins has been cleared of structural damage. Picture: Michael Klein
Josh Jenkins has been cleared of structural damage. Picture: Michael Klein

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Allen Christensen (collarbone) 3 weeks

Cian Hanley (family matter) indefinite

Rhys Mathieson (ankle) 4 weeks

Sam Skinner (knee) 7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Michael Close kicked two goals in the seniors but could come under pressure with Josh Schache making a successful comeback from injury. Dayne Beams left the field in the fourth quarter after his right foot was stomped on but he returned to the action. Daniel Rich had just five touches to three quarter time and added nine disposals in the final term but his early output was below-par for a senior player.

ON THE CUSP: Josh Schache kicked four goals for the Lions’ reserves in the NEAFL win over Sydney on Saturday in his return from a knee injury while fellow key forward Jono Freeman also booted three. Ruckman Archie Smith was best-on-ground while first-year player Jarrod Berry — pick No.19 at last year’s draft — was also in Brisbane’s best. No.3 draft pick Hugh McCluggage returned from an ankle injury and kicked a goal.

GREG DAVIS’S FORECAST: A winless and desperate St Kilda await Brisbane on Etihad Stadium on Sunday. So much was expected of the Saints in 2017 and they will be breathing fire.

Chris Fagan was highly critical of Brisbane’s second-quarter capitulation when Essendon kicked six unanswered goals. The Lions need to produce their first full four-quarter effort of 2017 to repel the Saints. Brisbane will be heartened by the character shown to fight back from a 42-point deficit to hit the lead early in the fourth term. When the Lions go long and direct, they can compete with anybody.

THE TACKLE: ROBBO’S LIKES AND DISLIKES FROM ROUND 2

SUPERLADDER: WHERE YOUR CLUB SITS

CARLTON

INJURIES

Patrick Cripps (jaw) TBC

Ciaran Byrne (knee) TBC

Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) TBC

Jed Lamb (knee) TBC

Kym Lebois (ankle) 1 week

Andrew Phillips (foot) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: It has been revealed Patrick Cripps suffered a fractured jaw in his clash with Jordan Lewis and is now in some doubt to face Essendon. Emerging forward Charlie Curnow failed to fire a shot against the Demons, while Jarrod Pickett is no certainty to hold his spot after another below par performance. Jacob Weitering (hip), Jack Silvagni (corked leg) and Dale Thomas (knee) suffered knocks in the loss to Melbourne but played out the game.

ON THE CUSP: Rhys Palmer collected 23 disposals and kicked three goals in a VFL practice match. Key forward Harry McKay, Kristian Jaksch and Liam Jones will also push for senior selection. Sam Kerridge led the Northern Blues’ midfield with 23 disposals and a goal.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Bounced back well after a slow start to stretch the Demons at the MCG before faded late in the game. Marc Murphy is back to his best after a full pre-season, while Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty get better the longer the game goes. Will need to repeat the dose if the Blues are to challenge a resurgent Essendon on Sunday. Must use the ball better, especially the last kick inside 50, or risk being blown away by the traditional rivals, eyeing a dream 3-0 start to the season.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Jordan De Goey (broken hand/club suspension) 5 weeks

Jamie Elliott (ankle) test

Levi Greenwood (hip) test

Tom Langdon (knee and ankle) 3 weeks

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 8 weeks

Daniel Wells (calf) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Jarryd Blair has struggled in the opening two games and had just nine disposals in the loss to the Tigers, while he failed to impact the scoreboard. Defender Jackson Ramsay also struggled in his second game back from a knee reconstruction and could use a spell in the VFL to regain confidence. Henry Schade also appeared a little shaky in defence at times, as Lynden Dunn waits in the wings.

ON THE CUSP: Travis Varcoe will return from his one-match ban against the Swans on Friday night, while Jamie Elliott is also a chance if he gets through training this week. Coach Nathan Buckley could, however, opt to bring Elliott back through the VFL given he’s played just a half of a pre-season game. Levi Greenwood is also in the mix after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from hip surgery. Ben Crocker kicked three goals in the VFL and could be another option up forward, while Mason Cox kicked two goals but tweaked his ankle. Dunn also performed strongly in the practice match and could add another experienced head against the threat of Lance Franklin and Sam Reid.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The pressure on Buckley is intensifying but did anyone really expect Collingwood to be 2-0? No one expected the Pies to beat the reigning premiers in Round 1 and the clash against the Tigers was a toss up. Despite that, it’s hard to see a return to finals for the black and white should it slump to 0-3 with a loss to the Swans on Friday night so the Pies simply must win. A week spent practising goalkicking and hitting targets by hand and foot is a must. Buckley can’t kick the goals from 20m out directly in front for his players, it’s time they delivered and an away trip to Sydney, where the group can get away and bond, seems the perfect time.

Jamie Elliott is a chance to finally return for Collingwood from an ankle injury. Picture: Michael klein
Jamie Elliott is a chance to finally return for Collingwood from an ankle injury. Picture: Michael klein

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Josh Green (hamstring) 1 week

Jayden Laverde (ankle) 11 weeks

Matthew Leuenberger (hamstring) test

David Myers (finger) 5 weeks

Jordan Ridley (back) 11 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Bombers are sitting pretty with an unbeaten start and with no real injury concerns out of the win over the Lions it’s hard to see John Worsfold changing a winning line-up.

ON THE CUSP: Matthew Luenberger is a chance to return from his hamstring injury against Carlton this weekend but with his issues with soft tissue injuries the Bombers will be cautious and make sure he’s 100 per cent ready. Tom Bellchambers is continuing his return through the VFL, while James Stewart impressed with 20 disposals and two goals.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The season couldn’t be going much better for the Bombers so far after wins over Hawthorn and Brisbane and their winning start should continue against Carlton at the MCG on Sunday. Coach John Worsfold will be wary of the Blues though and will need to address his side’s lapse in confidence against the Lions. The list is in a good position health-wise and the Bombers should be 3-0 heading into a huge clash against Adelaide in Round 4 at Adelaide Oval.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) 5 weeks

Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 8 weeks

Harley Bennell (calf) TBA

Zac Clarke (knee) TBA

Josh Deluca (groin) 4 weeks

Taylin Duman (ankle) 1 week

Ryan Nyhuis (shin) 3 weeks

Alex Pearce (leg) TBA

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Where do we start? After another hefty loss, plenty of players will be in Ross Lyon’s sights with the axe expected to be swung this weekend. Where Lyon decides to make those cuts will be interesting to see but effort and output is lacking from many of his troops.

ON THE CUSP: Tommy Sheridan, who played 21 games last year, was first emergency at the weekend and looks a good chance to come into the side to take on Western Bulldogs this weekend. The Dockers’ Pick 38 in the 2015 draft, Harley Balic, is also close to making his AFL debut after gathering 29 or more disposals in the first three rounds of the WAFL with Peel Thunder.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Plenty of issues for the bottom-of-the-table Dockers to work through. Scoring is one thing, with the side having kicked 18 goals in two games — four less than they conceded against Port Adelaide on Sunday. Tackle numbers have always been high with Ross Lyon sides and Fremantle averaged 72 last year but has laid just 47 and 45 in its first two games this year. You would expect more pain awaits this weekend against reigning premier Western Bulldogs.

Ross Lyon is likely to swing the axe at Fremantle after two heavy losses to start the season. Picture: Getty
Ross Lyon is likely to swing the axe at Fremantle after two heavy losses to start the season. Picture: Getty

GEELONG

INJURIES

Ryan Abbott (back) 3 weeks

Nakia Cockatoo (hand) 3 weeks

Corey Gregson (foot) 9 weeks

Cameron Guthrie (calf) 1 week

Timm House (shoulder) test

Jake Kolodjashnij (groin) test

Scott Selwood (toe) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Cats came through Sunday’s thriller with North Melbourne unscathed, but maybe Josh Cowan could make way for the likes of Sam Menegola. Steven Motlop was also unsighted for most of the day. Will be an interesting team selection this week — the Cats won, but the coach wasn’t entirely pleased post-game.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Menegola is yet to feature at senior level this year but gathered a handy 35 disposals in a VFL practice match on Saturday. And he wants in. “If you can be left out of a side and it doesn’t sting you then you probably shouldn’t be playing AFL, or football at any level really,” Menegola told the Geelong Advertiser on Saturday.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: After getting out of jail against North Melbourne in Round 2, a big clash with Melbourne awaits at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both sides are 2-0 and raring, and with Tom Hawkins challenged by his coach for “undisciplined, sloppy” free kicks in the narrow win over the Roos, expect him to come out firing. Chris Scott will have an extra eye on the match review panel today, with Demons Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan expected to be looked at.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Sam Day (hip) season

Pearce Hanley (family matter) indefinite

Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Leslie would be the obvious one. He was well beaten by Jeremy Cameron but the struggles of a back-up player are hardly the cause of the Suns’ problems. There are probably 12 players on notice.

ON THE CUSP: Jarrod Harbrow is closing in on full fitness and has played in the NEAFL. Trent Mckenzie played twos on Saturday also and was good before running out of steam. He could do with another week. Brayden Fiorini would be under consideration on his NEAFL form.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns just desperately need some effort. That is the root of all their problems. The Hawks aren’t in great form but they are still having a dig and will punish the Suns if they don’t discover their desperation in a hurry.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Jon Patton (hip) TBC

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 5 weeks

Aidan Corr (hand) test

Matt de Boer (hamstring) 1 week

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Tom Downie (illness) indefinite

Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 11 weeks

Lachie Whitfield (suspension) 6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Makeshift forward Sam Reid will be the one to make way for Jonathan Patton should he prove his fitness.

ON THE CUSP: Patton should recover from a hip injury which made him a late withdrawal from Saturday’s match against Gold Coast. It’s hard to make changes to a team which has just one by 102 points but No.5 draft pick Will Setterfield is banging the door down with a three-goal, 33-possession performance in the NEAFL against the Suns. Daniel Lloyd (25) and Matt Kennedy (30) both played well in the same match.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The last time the Giants played North Melbourne in Hobart was in Round 2, 2012. It was just their second game ever and they were flogged by 129 points. It’s hard to see that happening again. Jon Patton’s return from injury for Sam Reid looks like the only change.

Grant Birchall suffered a fractured jaw after being hit in the head by Crow Tom Lynch. Picture: Michael Klein
Grant Birchall suffered a fractured jaw after being hit in the head by Crow Tom Lynch. Picture: Michael Klein

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Liam Shiels (left leg) test

Isaac Smith (leg) test

Grant Birchall (jaw) 4 weeks

Jonathon Ceglar (knee) 11 weeks

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Grant Birchall is clearly the biggest out for the Hawks, set to miss up to a month after having jaw surgery on Sunday. Fears also surround Isaac Smith and Liam Shiels, both of whom were sporting huge ice packs on their hips after copping respective knocks in Saturday’s loss to Adelaide. Both struggled to walk and will be happy they’ve got until Sunday night to get up and going.

ON THE CUSP: Billy Hartung had 30 possessions and kicked a goal in the VFL after he was dropped, while James Sicily had 26 and there were promising showings from Taylor Duryea and Daniel Howe. Ryan Schoenmakers was also dropped last week.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: Plenty are saying they’re done — they’d want to win this one. The Hawks take on Gold Coast, which is coming off a 102-point walloping at the hands of the Giants, at Metricon Stadium and we tell you what, they’d want to bring the four points home. Surely, right? They’ve never lost to the Suns in eight previous meetings and don’t see that changing any time soon. Need a win and won’t be letting this one slip.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jesse Hogan (suspension) 2 weeks

Jordan Lewis (suspension) 3 weeks

Sam Frost (toe) test

Colin Garland (knee) season

Michael Hibberd (Achilles) 2 weeks

Liam Hulett (hip) 2 weeks

Jay Kennedy-Harris (arm) 1 week

Mitch King (knee) 3 weeks

Joel Smith (shoulder) 15 weeks

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 5 weeks

Josh Wagner (fibula) test

Mitch White (ankle) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan have copped a big whack from the MRP, copping two and three weeks respectively. Sam Weideman and Mitch Hannan and Angus Brayshaw only played bit part roles in the gritty win.

ON THE CUSP: Bernie Vince is a walk up start after serving his one-match ban.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: A 2-0 start to the season is good but it is only going to get harder with Geelong up next. The Cats escaped on Sunday and will be eyeing a steadying win of their own. Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver and Christian Salem monstered the young Blues at stoppages, but Dangerwood and Co are completely different beasts. Melbourne tried to play too cute in parts on Sunday and came within a whisker of paying the price — suspect rookie coach Simon Goodwin might urge a back-to-basics style for this week’s assignment.

Todd Goldstein was a late withdrawal for North Melbourne with an ankle injury.
Todd Goldstein was a late withdrawal for North Melbourne with an ankle injury.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Scott Thompson (suspension) 1 week

Todd Goldstein (ankle) test

Majak Daw (knee) TBC

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Ben Jacobs (foot) 3 weeks

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 11 weeks

Jarrad Waite (shoulder) 5 weeks

Mason Wood (hamstring) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Braydon Preuss escaped sanction for kneeing Jackson Thurlow but Scott Thompson was not as lucky, offered a one-match ban for his elbow to Patrick Dangerfield’s face. Majak Daw was battling knee and ankle issues against the Cats but bravely played on, with the extent of any issues not yet known. Aaron Mullett played only a bits part role and could be could squeezed out. Jy Simpkin did not get a lot of the ball but was lively when the Sherrin did come his way to finish with one goal.

ON THE CUSP: All eyes will be on Todd Goldstein to see if he can get up for Saturday’s clash with GWS. Corey Wagner will be hard to hold out after collecting 26 disposals in a VFL practice match. Jed Anderson continues to work his way back to full fitness after shoulder problems. Ed Vickers-Willis and Sam Wright are also in the mix.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Tough loss for the Roos after leading for most of the game against Geelong. Big task ahead for Brad Scott to keep the spirits high at Arden St ahead of another tough assignment — GWS in Hobart. Great to see Shaun Higgins lighting up the midfield, while Trent Dumont is making every post a winner. Tough as teak with a nose for important goals. It will not be long before the smalls in attack — Thomas, Garner, Turner, Simpkin — enjoy the fruits of their labour.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Hamish Hartlett (illness) available

Dougal Howard (knee) test

Jasper Pittard (hamstring) test

Angus Monfries (hamstring) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: No one deserves to be chopped after Port Adelaide’s stunning and surprising 2-0 start but with Hamish Hartlett — a late withdrawal from the 89-point thumping of Fremantle — to return from illness and fellow defender Jasper Pittard fit again after a pre-season hamstring injury someone is certain to bite the dust. The contenders would be rookie-listed defender Dan Houston and forward Brett Eddy, despite both having good moments in the first two rounds. Eddy was dropped for the Dockers match but came back into the side following Hartlett’s late withdrawal. Utility Karl Amon, who has been solid rather than spectacular, would be the other player looking over his shoulder.

ON THE CUSP: Hartlett should recover from illness to play in Saturday’s Showdown 42 against Adelaide while Pittard is ready to return after straining a hamstring in the Power’s round two JLT Series pre-season match against Richmond in Mount Gambier on March 5. After finishing third in Port’s club champion award last season he is considered to be in Ken Hinkley’s best side but with a 2-0 record and most players in form the coach could decide to bring him back through the SANFL. The Port Magpies start their season against Glenelg at the Bay on Friday night.

ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Port is likely to make just the one change with Hartlett to return to the side. A tough call will have to be made on Pittard — provided he gets through a full week of high-end training — and the player who will make way for Hartlett.

Ben Griffiths is helped by trainers after landing heavily.
Ben Griffiths is helped by trainers after landing heavily.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Dustin Martin (cheekbone) test

Ben Griffiths (concussion) test

Shai Bolton (suspension) 2 weeks

Jack Graham (ankle) indefinite

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: The most significant concern from the Tigers’ 19-point over Collingwood centres around superstar Dustin Martin. The midfielder suffered a fractured cheekbone early int he win over Collingwood but played out the match. Meanwhile, big man Ben Griffiths landed heavily after a marking contest and appeared pale and distressed. Club officials will monitor him for possible concussion.

ON THE CUSP: Steve Morris is available but, with the Tigers chasing a perfect 3-0 start to the season, the tough utility faces an uphill battle to win selection. Anthony Miles is certain to vie for promotion after a solid VFL hitout.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Richmond returns on Saturday to the MCG to face unbeaten West Coast. After decent wins over Carlton and Carlton, this is a step up for the pacy Tigers but, based on form, another win is not beyond them.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Jack Steven (punctured lung) TBC

David Armitage (groin) test

Nick Coughlan (foot) 3 weeks

Hugh Goddard (Achilles) 1 week

Sean Dempster (concussion) TBC

Nick Riewoldt (knee) 3 weeks

Koby Stevens (ill) test

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Steven has already been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Brisbane as he remains in Perth with a punctured lung. He’ll be a big loss as he creates plenty of play.

ON THE CUSP: It seems incredible to say it given the initial fears, but coach Alan Richardson has confirmed that star veteran Nick Riewoldt is “a slight chance” to take on the Lions as he recovers from a knee injury. He has a few hoops to jump through just yet but could well feature. David Armitage was left out of the side that lost to West Coast due to groin trouble but could return, while Nathan Wright was omitted in the most recent team selection. Jack Sinclair also continues to produce in VFL practice matches and Billy Longer continues to push.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: Saturday night’s loss would have stung. After so much pre-season hype, the Saints are 0-2 and, with some better kicking, could well have overrun the Eagles. Brisbane awaits after its loss to Essendon on Saturday night and being back on home turf should help the Saints — their woes on the road are well-documented. Riewoldt could be back which could provide a much-needed boost.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Kurt Tippett (ankle) test

Isaac Heeney (glandular fever) 1 week

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Jarrad McVeigh (calf) 2 weeks

Tom Papley (knee/shin) 2 weeks

Dane Rampe (arm) 4 weeks

Dan Robinson (collarbone) 6 weeks

Gary Rohan (back/hamstring) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Kurt Tippett’s ankle isn’t as bad as first thought but he will miss at least one match and possibly two. Zak Jones has been a very good addition to the Swans midfield providing plenty of speed but he looks set to cop a ban for his hit on Travis Cloke.

ON THE CUSP: John Longmire has confirmed Isaac Heeney will miss another week as he continues his return from glandular fever. The Swans have played four debutants in the first two rounds and could have a fifth with ruckman Darcy Cameron who will be competing with former Eagle Callum Sinclair for a spot in the 22 for Friday night’s clash with Collingwood at the SCG. Both kicked two goals in the NEAFL match against Brisbane reserves. Brandon Jack, James Rose and Shaun Edwards will be in the hunt as well should Jones cop a suspension.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Darcy Cameron has the edge in preparation on Callum Sinclair after a strong pre-season and will become the Swans 12th debutant in the last two years. Shaun Edwards has been knocking on the door to senior selection and can replace speed with speed should Jones be banned.

Kurt Tippett will likely miss Friday night’s clash against Collingwood. Picture: Getty
Kurt Tippett will likely miss Friday night’s clash against Collingwood. Picture: Getty

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Eric Mackenzie (soreness) test

Matthew Allen (hamstring) 1 week

Tom Cole (quad) test

Scott Lycett (shoulder) 11 weeks

Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite

Drew Petrie (hand) 9 weeks

Willie Rioli (hamstring) 4 weeks

Simon Tunbridge (knee) TBC

Jake Waterman (foot) 7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to fault a side that punished St Kilda through the middle to supply the likes of Josh Kennedy with polish. Jeremy McGovern sent a scare through the camp when he appeared to cop a knee in a marking contest but played out the match and should be right. Expect the Eagles to go through unchanged.

ON THE CUSP: Lewis Jetta (glute) played in the WAFL and collected 19 touches and Eric Mackenzie (soreness) is also expected to be back in the mix for this weekend’s clash with the Tigers. Sam Butler and Will Schofield also featured and remain in the wings.

THE FORECAST: It’s time to hit the road for the Eagles, who face another side that remains undefeated in Richmond on Saturday afternoon. They have already shown their ability to flex their muscle away from home and expect them to do the same again this weekend, but it won’t be made easy. Who gets the job on Dustin Martin? The star Tiger has hurt teams over the past two weeks — don’t expect Adam Simpson to let him run wild if he can help it.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Tim English (shin soreness) test

Tory Dickson (abdominal) 3 weeks

Dale Morris (leg) 7 weeks

Jack Redpath (knee) TBC

Jordan Roughead (hamstring) 3 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

Mitch Wallis (broken leg) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Returning forward Stewart Crameri has struggled in his first two games back after missing last year as one of 34 past and present Essendon players serving doping suspensions. Crameri has taken just six marks and kicked 1.1 from his two matches but the Dogs may give the 28-year-old time to adjust back to life at the top level.

ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Toby McLean was named an emergency against Sydney after a quiet Round 1 game which saw him gather just 13 disposals and a goal. Premiership players Josh Dunkley and Clay Smith were also weekend emergencies, still yet to play in 2017.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Not quite at the levels they reached last year yet but the reigning premiers have scored two solid wins in the opening two rounds over teams many expected to feature in finals this season. The Dogs have scored 100 points or more in each game and their backline did the job against Sydney on Friday night in the absence of veteran defender Dale Morris. Fremantle awaits in Perth this weekend before games against North Melbourne and Brisbane back at Etihad Stadium. A 5-0 start to the year shapes as a very real prospect.

Originally published as AFL injury list: Who’s hot, who’s hurt at your club after Round 2

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-injury-list-whos-hot-whos-hurt-at-your-club-after-round-2/news-story/3c4100edafa5e2a6cd33371f2eea6599