All the latest injury news at your club ahead of Round 1
NIC Naitanui’s reconstructed left knee appears ready for AFL action, but there is a fresh injury which will potentially stop him from taking on Sydney in Round 1. LATEST INJURY NEWS AT YOUR CLUB
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NIC Naitanui’s reconstructed left knee appears ready for AFL action, but a thumb injury could keep him out of Sunday’s round-one clash with Sydney in Perth.
Naitanui was firming for an opening-round return against the Swans after making it through a WAFL practice match nine days ago and then a testing match simulation session last Friday.
But it’s understood Naitanui has picked up a recent thumb injury that could potentially rule him out against the Swans.
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The club’s medical staff are expected to meet early in the week to decide whether to clear Naitanui for this weekend or not.
Naitanui hasn’t played an AFL fixture since round 22, 2016.
Last week, Eagles coach Adam Simpson was optimistic Naitanui would be able to play in the first AFL fixture at Perth’s new $1.5 billion Optus Stadium. And when skipper Shannon Hurn fronted the media on Monday, he was also bullish about Naitanui’s chances.
However, it’s unclear whether Hurn knew about Naitanui’s thumb injury at the time.
“He played 60-odd minutes at East Perth the week before, (and then) trained with us and did quite well,” Hurn said.
“So I would assume he’d be definitely in the mix.
“Providing he pulls up fine, without giving a headline, I’d say he’d be playing. It just depends how he goes through this week.”
Hurn said fans needed to temper their expectations when Naitanui does return, given the 2012 All-Australian has missed 19 months of AFL action. “We’re trying to put the message across that just because he’s playing, it doesn’t mean we’re going to win by 10 goals every game,” Hurn said. “It’s still a team performance. We want Nic to be able to find his feet, and that will be a balancing act.
“Everyone will be expecting him to be a superstar in his first week back. But it will take a bit of time.”
ADELAIDE
INJURY LIST
Out — Riley Knight (ankle)
Out — Brodie Smith (ACL)
In doubt — Taylor Walker (foot)
In doubt — Brad Crouch (abdominal strain)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Captain Taylor Walker is hopeful he will be fit for Round 1 despite missing both JLT matches with a foot injury. The forward said last week he is a “good chance” to face the Bombers on March 23 but he will need to pull up well from training as he increases his load.
Jordan Gallucci is still recovering from a foot strain that stalled his pre-season campaign after being pencilled in as the replacement for traded small forward Charlie Cameron.
The good news is Daniel Talia got through the game unscathed after an ankle complaint and Hugh Greenwood also made a successful comeback after foot surgery.
Brodie Smith will miss the 2018 season with a serious knee injury.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Smith being out for most of the year is the big loss for the halfback line, compounded by the departure of Jake Lever to Melbourne. Skipper Walker has been wearing moon boots as often as the football variety and is right behind the eight ball after missing both the Crows’ pre-season matches.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURY LIST
Out — Marco Paparone (back)
Out — Sam Skinner (ACL)
INJURY ANALYSIS: It was a tough hitout for Brisbane against Gold Coast on Sunday with their final pre-season match in wet conditions, but they did get through unscathed.
The Lions have just two players on the injury list — Marco Paparone (back) and Sam Skinner (knee).
Paparone will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his sciatic nerve, while Skinner tore his ACL last year.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: These two only played seven games between them last season, meaning the young Lions are likely to field their best 22 against St Kilda.
CARLTON
INJURY LIST
Out — Sam Docherty (knee)
Out — Jarrod Pickett (wrist)
In doubt — Sam Rowe (knee)
In doubt — Matthew Kreuzer (ankle)
In doubt — Darcy Lang (ankle)
In doubt — Jarrod Garlett (shoulder)
In doubt — Tom Williamson (back)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Jarrod Pickett will miss three months after suffering a fractured wrist at a training session on Thursday.
Football manager Andrew McKay said the 21-year-old forward would have surgery on Friday.
“This is obviously very disappointing for Jarrod and the club but we will fully support him in his recovery and we hope to see Jarrod back out there in the second half of the season,” McKay said.
In better news, the Blues are confident ruckman Matthew Kreuzer will be OK for Round 1 after he hurt his ankle against Hawthorn.
Exciting recruit Jarrod Garlett didn’t play against the Hawks because of a shoulder injury but should be fit for Round 1, as will Darcy Lang who has battled an ankle injury over the pre-season. Sam Rowe should be available for selection for Round 1 but given he is returning from a knee reconstruction he will likely need several matches in the VFL before he is considered for selection.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Last year’s best-and-fairest runner-up Docherty is out for the season in a major blow but the Blues should otherwise have close to a full list to pick from for their season opener with the reigning premier Richmond.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURY LIST
Out — Jamie Elliott (ankle)
Out — Daniel Wells (Achilles soreness)
Out — Jordan De Goey (hamstring)
Out — Levi Greenwood (knee)
Out — Tyson Goldsack (ACL)
Out — James Aish (calf)
In doubt — Alex Fasolo (shoulder)
INJURY ANALYSIS: More bad news on the injury front for Collingwood with news Tyson Goldsack requires a knee reconstruction after secondary scans confirmed he ruptured his ACL against the Bulldogs in Moe on Saturday. The Pies were shocked to see damage to Goldsack’s ACL after he had an MRI for knee soreness he was experiencing after the win. He will likely miss the 2018 season.
Jamie Elliott (ankle) and Daniel Wells (achilles) have both been ruled out of Round 1 against Hawthorn but are a chance to feature in a VFL practice match as they work towards a return in either Round 2 or 3. Jordan De Goey had firmed to play in Round 1 despite being indefinitely banned for drink driving but suffered a hamstring injury while training with the VFL squad last week and will now miss the opening game.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Disaster for Collingwood, with so many best-22 players set to miss a Round 1 clash against Hawthorn. Most of them, outside of Goldsack, should be back soon but the list leaves some gaping holes to fill.
ESSENDON
INJURY LIST
Out — Marty Gleeson (ankle)
Out — Travis Colyer (foot)
Out — Jayden Laverde (hamstring)
In doubt — Orazio Fantasia (knee)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Disappointing news from the Bombers out of their win over the Cats on Sunday with news Marty Gleeson has suffered a serious ankle injury and will miss more than three months. Gleeson has broken a bone in his ankle and will have surgery to repair the injury, which will see him miss 12-14 weeks.
There was some concern over David Zaharakis and Michael Hurley after both copped knocks but coach John Worsfold said both are fine and will be available for Round 1. Orazio Fantasia will miss the start of the season, however, after undergoing knee surgery last week. He will miss the nest 3-4 weeks.
Aaron Francis remains on personal leave away from the club.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Gleeson will be a big loss across the first half of the season at halfback but recruit Adam Saad will add some spice back there. Fantasia has had a far from ideal pre-season and missed both of the Bombers JLT Community Series games.
FREMANTLE
INJURY LIST
Out — Stephen Hill (leg)
Out — Harley Bennell (calf)
In doubt — Bradley Hill (quad)
In doubt — Griffin Logue (foot)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Fremantle has ruled Stephen Hill out of Round 1, while his brother and reigning best-and-fairest Bradley Hill is racing the clock to be fit.
Stephen has battled a calf injury during pre-season and did not play a JLT game after also having some issues with his quad. Coach Ross Lyon said it would be too risky for him to play. Bradley, meanwhile injured his quad at training last week and is in extreme doubt.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Bennell still can’t get his body right after managing just two games at the end of last season. Given the Dockers lack a little depth and speed, missing at least one Hill against Port Adelaide is not ideal.
GEELONG
INJURY LIST
In doubt — Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring)
In doubt — Gary Ablett (hamstring)
In doubt — Rhys Stanley (calf)
In doubt — Nakia Cockatoo (calf)
In doubt — Stewart Crameri (knee)
In doubt — Scott Selwood (ankle)
In doubt — Lachie Henderson (knee)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Patrick Dangerfield is in serious doubt for Round 1 after injuring his hamstring against Essendon in Colac on Sunday. The star immediately left the field and the Cats won’t take any risks.
The Cats could be without two of their star midfield trio with Gary Ablett racing the clock to be fit for the clash against Melbourne with his own hamstring issue. The Cats said initially Ablett’s hamstring was only minor but he didn’t feature at all in the JLT Series and given he has a recent history of hamstring problems, it is a concern.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Ablett’s manager Liam Pickering says the returning Cats hero will “100 per cent” take on Melbourne in Round 1 but there is some mixed messaging coming out of the Cats. Dangerfield was said by the club to have a low-grade hamstring strain and along with Stanley remained “a chance” to run out on to the MCG on Sunday week.
GOLD COAST
INJURY LIST
Out — Pearce Hanley (shoulder)
Out — Callum Ah Chee (hamstring)
Out — Aaron Hall (finger)
In doubt — Peter Wright (calf)
In doubt — Harrison Wigg (ankle)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Star midfielder Aaron Hall will miss the Suns’ Round 1 clash against North Melbourne after minor finger surgery.
Hall was hurt in the Suns’ JLT Series win against Brisbane. He is expected to be back for Round 2.
Playmaker Pearce Hanley will miss the next 4-6 weeks after the Irishman’s shoulder popped out and then back in against Brisbane on Sunday.
Peter Wright is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 after suffering a slight calf strain at training but the Suns are confident he will be available.
Callum Ah Chee will miss the start of the season with his hamstring injury, which is more serious than that of Lemmens, while recruit Harrison Wigg will also have a delayed start to the season as he continues his return from a broken ankle.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Was shaping as a big year for former Lion Hanley, who managed just 13 games in his first season for the Suns last year but could be sidelined for up to six weeks after dislocating his shoulder at the weekend.
GWS GIANTS
INJURY LIST
Out — Zac Williams (Achilles)
Out — Will Setterfield (knee)
Out — Matt Buntine (knee)
Out — Adam Kennedy (knee)
In doubt — Ryan Griffen (ankle)
In doubt — Tom Scully (knee)
In doubt — Jacob Hopper (groin)
INJURY ANALYSIS: The Giants have conceded Ryan Griffen is likely to miss the start of the season after he injured his ankle in a scratch match against the Swans last month.
Midfielders Tom Scully and Jacob Hopper played no part in the JLT Series but the Giants are hopeful of their availability against the Western Bulldogs.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Not where the Giants would have liked to have been on the injury front after also having a lengthy list for much of last year. Some big shoes to fill with gun defender Williams likely to miss the season. Dylan Shiel had a training mishap this week in which he appeared to hurt his neck, but the club says he’ll be fine for Round 1.
HAWTHORN
INJURY LIST
Out — Grant Birchall (knee)
Out — Jonathan Ceglar (back)
Out — Will Langford (hand)
In doubt — Cyril Rioli (fitness)
INJURY ANALYSIS: The club is being coy on the availability of Cyril Rioli for Round 1, unwilling to rule him out or in for the clash against Collingwood. Rioli missed a lot of pre-season while he was back home caring for his ill father but has been tearing up the training track in recent weeks, coach Alastair Clarkson says.
Fitness boss Andrew Russell said the Hawks are building up Rioli’s training and we will be available “around Round 1” but will still be cautious with him given his history of hamstring injuries.
Grant Birchall will miss the first half of the season after damage to cartilage in his troublesome knee was revealed as the Hawks increased his training load. He will undergo surgery next week. Will Langford is also facing a delayed start to the season after breaking his hand at training. The midfielder has undergone surgery and will miss 3-4 weeks. Jonathon Ceglar (back) has been ruled out of the clash against Collingwood on March 24.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Having missed the pre-season series, Birchall still needs to get match-fit and is targeting an early-season return. Rioli is in a similar boat but has been training strongly to push his case for selection against Collingwood.
MELBOURNE
INJURY LIST
Out — Jack Viney (foot)
In doubt — Tom McDonald (foot)
In doubt — Jordan Lewis (calf)
INJURY ANALYSIS: The Demons have conceded co-captain Jack Viney won’t be fit for their season-opener against Geelong. Viney, who has battled a persistent foot injury, could still line-up for Casey in a VFL practice match against Box Hill but the Dees have already ruled him out for Round 1.
“We have decided that to give Jack the best preparation for the full year, he will not be available for selection for Round 1,” football manager Josh Mahoney said last week.
The Dees, however, are optimistic Jordan Lewis will recover from calf tightness in time for the Cats clash after the ex-Hawk missed Melbourne’s second JLT match.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: The Demons say Viney has not had any setbacks but they will not be taking any risks with him in Round 1 given his lack of match practice. Should field an otherwise full-strength side against Geelong.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURY LIST
In doubt — Robbie Tarrant (kidney)
In doubt — Sam Wright (ankle)
In doubt — Jed Anderson (thumb)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Defender Robbie Tarrant was taken to hospital after the Kangaroos’ JLT clash against Richmond after suffering a knock to the kidney during the first quarter. Tarrant played out the match and the Roos are hopeful he will heal before their season-opener.
It is still unclear when Jed Anderson will be back after pre-Christmas surgery on his left thumb.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: The Kangaroos had a lengthy injury list late last year but have almost fully cleared it, leaving coach Brad Scott with some selection headaches for a Round 1 clash with Gold Coast.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURY LIST
Out — Jasper Pittard (hamstring)
Out — Matthew Broadbent (ankle)
Out — Robbie Gray (suspended)
In doubt — Travis Boak (hamstring)
In doubt — Sam Powell-Pepper (shoulder)
INJURY ANALYSIS: The only injury concern to come out of the final JLT match against Adelaide was Jasper Pittard suffering a hamstring injury, ruling him out of Round 1.
The good news is Chad Wingard and Jared Polec both made successful returns from hamstring injuries and Tom Rockliff has declared himself a certain starter for Round 1.
Steven Motlop should also be available despite missing Saturday’s final tune-up after copping a knock in the Power’s opening pre-season game.
Matthew Broadbent is out long-term after undergoing ankle surgery in mid-February.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Gray’s failed tribunal appeal during pre-season hurt, but the new-look Power side otherwise should not be too far off their strongest line-up for a Round 1 clash against Fremantle. Will former Demon Dom Barry make the cut?
RICHMOND
INJURY LIST
Out — Daniel Rioli (foot)
Out — Nathan Broad (club suspension)
In doubt — Dion Prestia (hamstring)
In doubt — Bachar Houli (Achilles/calf)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Bachar Houli and Dion Prestia are in doubt for Round 1. The Tigers have already ruled out Daniel Rioli and Nathan Broad for the clash against Carlton.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: The foot Rioli broke in last year’s Grand Final still isn’t quite right but the Tigers appear to have a ready-made replacement in Shai Bolton for Round 1. Nathan Broad will be available in Round 4.
ST KILDA
INJURY LIST
Out — Nathan Freeman (hamstring)
Out — Darren Minchington (knee)
INJURY ANALYSIS: The Saints breathed a sigh of relief when Jack Steven’s ankle injury wasn’t as bad as first feared. The star midfielder had to be helped off the field after hurting his left ankle in the Saints’ JLT loss to Melbourne but Steven is confident he’ll shake off the injury before Round 1 against Brisbane.
“Yeah I’ll be right, I think I played it up a bit so I’m a little bit embarrassed. I should be right. It’s just a rolled ankle so I’ll be sweet,” Steven said after the game.
Luckless midfielder Nathan Freeman suffered another hamstring setback and will be sidelined for another two months. Small forward Darren Minchington injured his knee in a VFL practice match against Sandringham and will be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: These two played just five games between them last year so as far as the Saints’ best-22 goes the side should be pretty much at full strength for its clash with Brisbane.
SYDNEY
INJURY LIST
Out — Sam Naismith (knee)
In doubt — Dan Hannebery (calf)
In doubt — Jarrad McVeigh (calf)
In doubt — Heath Grundy (calf)
INJURY ANALYSIS: Sydney’s ruck stock are depleted following Sam Naismith’s season-ending knee injury. Callum Sinclair is likely to fill the void but needs to prove his fitness for Round 1 after missing Sydney’s JLT2 game with an ankle injury.
Aliir Aliir will push for selection after also hurting his ankle in the Swans’ first JLT game. Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh and Heath Grundy are still under a cloud for Sydney’s season-opener against West Coast.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Naismith is out of for the season in a blow to the Swans’ big-man stocks but the club is hopeful the others will get up in time for the trip to Perth to face West Coast.
WEST COAST
INJURY LIST
Out — Josh Kennedy (ankle)
Out — Nathan Vardy (groin)
Out — Eric Mackenzie (toe)
In doubt — Nic Naitanui (knee)
In doubt — Brendon Ah Chee
INJURY ANALYSIS: Key forward Josh Kennedy has ruled himself out of Round 1 with an ankle injury. The Coleman Medallist had surgery in December and isn’t rushing back, declaring he hopes he’ll be back in Round 2 but Round 3 might be more realistic.
“We’re probably looking at around Round 3, I think, which is on target at the moment,” Kennedy told Fox Footy. “We’ve just got to get through training, it’s been pulling up really well.”
The good news for the Eagles is Nic Naitanui made a successful return from a serious knee injury in the WAFL and has Round 1 in his sights. Naitanui played 54 minutes in his return and was impressive, picking up 14 disposals and 33 hit-outs in that time.
Willie Rioli hurt his ankle in the opening quarter of the loss to Fremantle on Sunday and didn’t return.
CHRIS CAVANAGH: All the intrigue surrounds Naitanui, who made a successful comeback for East Perth in the WAFL last weekend but will be treated cautiously having not played for the Eagles since 2016. Coach Adam Simpson told Fairfax Media he could pick five debutants for Round 1 including forwards Liam Ryan, Willie Rioli, Jake Waterman and Daniel Venables. Kennedy missing is significant for a tough first-up game against the Swans.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURY LIST
Out - Liam Picken (concussion)
Out - Marcus Adams (ankle)
Out - Dale Morris (knee)
Out - Jack Redpath (suspended)
In doubt - Jordan Roughead (groin)
INJURY ANALYSIS: The Bulldogs injury curse looks to be extending into a third year after veteran midfielder Liam Picken was ruled out indefinitely.
Picken was heavy concussed in the JLT Series win over Hawthorn earlier this month and will be “managed conservatively” after a long history of head knocks.
It comes just days after Marcus Adams was struck down with an ankle injury at training.
The key defender has been diagnosed with a high-grade syndesmosis injury which will sideline him for the next 10-12 weeks.
It’s a major blow to the Bulldogs with veteran Dale Morris already ruled out with a serious knee injury.
Morris is out for an extended period as he works on his strength and rehabilitation program in a bid to avoid surgery on his damaged ACL.
Morris didn’t suffer a full tear of the ligament, so the Dogs are hopeful this approach will be enough to fix the injury and allow him to return in the second half of the season.
CHRIS CAVANAGH SAYS: Will be interesting to see what forward line the Dogs role out with Redpath unavailable, Tom Boyd having not played a pre-season game and Josh Schache having struggled to impact his two JLT Community Series matches at his new club.
Originally published as All the latest injury news at your club ahead of Round 1
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