Barometer: Every club’s injury list plus who might be in and out of your AFL team for Round 13
UPDATE: COLLINGWOOD’S Daniel Wells could miss the rest of the season after the Pies revealed the silky midfielder needs surgery after suffering a nasty foot injury against Melbourne. SELECTION ANALYSIS
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DANIEL Wells’ season could be over after Collingwood today discovered its confidence-boosting win over Melbourne came at a huge cost, with the midfielder suffering damage to the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot.
Wells left the field during the 42-point win only to later return to play out the match.
SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST BELOW
But the Pies have revealed Wells, 33, would this week have surgery after suffering “high-grade damage” as well as “related bone separation”.
“Unfortunately for Daniel, an operation is required,” Pies footy boss Geoff Walsh said.
“We’ll know what that means, in terms of the rest of this season, after the surgery but it is reasonable to expect that it is a long-term injury.
“Clearly, it’s a bitter pill for Daniel to swallow. He had spent a lot of time getting into strong physical shape and, back in the team, he was working his way into the season.”
MEANWHILE, coaches also paid the price during Round 12 witrh Lions mentor Chris Fagan requiring surgery to a hamstring.
The Brisbane coach made a big splash in the icy pool at the bottom of the slide, then things went pear-shaped. Fagan slipped as he got out of the pool, crash-landing on his backside — and suffering an injury we normally associate with players, not coaches.
The Lions confirmed this afternoon Fagan will require surgery.
And Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli has returned to Darwin to be with his family and the Hawks have not set a timeline on his return.
And Geelong is bracing for bad news on former Kangaroo Aaron Black’s knee injury.
After initially holding out hope Black had escaped serious injury after falling to the turf in pain during Saturday’s win over the Kangas, coach Chris Scott said it “doesn’t look good.”
“I had some misplaced confidence post game … he was up and about and moving and there was some hope, post game, but it looks like it’s an ACL injury of some description,” Scott told Fox Footy.
“Whether it requires surgery and what that procedure is going to be, we’re not sure yet.
“It’s devastating for him clearly. I spoke to him yesterday and he’s still pretty upbeat. He’s just that sort of guy. I can’t be any more sincere when I say the whole footy club, and even the North Melbourne footy club, would really feel for him.
“He’s just a great clubman.”
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Who’s hurt, who’s in danger of being dropped and who could be promoted at your club? Scroll down for the latest injury lists and selection analysis at every club.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES:
Luke Brown (foot) TBC
Rory Laird (broken hand) test
Brad Crouch (groin) season
Paul Hunter (ankle) 7-9 weeks
Riley Knight (hamstring tendinitis) 1-2 weeks
Tom Lynch (side strain/ribs) TBC
Mitch McGovern (ankle) 5-7 weeks
Rory Sloane (foot) 1-2 weeks
Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: It could be another yo-yo experience for first-year forward Darcy Fogarty if Adelaide regains Tom Lynch (ribs) to boost its low-scoring attack. The teenager had only eight touches against the Dockers, albeit in a game that was very difficult for the Crows’ forwards. Rookie-listed forward Lachlan Murphy, who failed to hit the scoreboard against the Dockers, also could be on his way to the SANFL. The latest injury concern for Adelaide is reliable defender Luke Brown (left foot) who was injured in falling from a marking contest late in the game against Fremantle at Perth Stadium.
ON THE CUSP: There is hope that All-Australia defender Rory Laird (broken hand) and link forward Tom Lynch (ribs) will push for selection against Hawthorn. But the wait for vice-captain and key midfielder Rory Sloane (foot) will continue until after the mid-season break that comes for Adelaide after the Hawks clash. Adelaide’s emergency list for the trip to Perth — that ended in a three-point loss to Fremantle to have the Crows at 6-6 and 10th — points to the limited options coach Don Pyke has at selection. He can again look at novice Jordan Gallucci.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: AT 6-6, 10th on the ladder and in a three-game losing streak for the first time in Don Pyke’s three years at Adelaide, it is dire for the Crows. They return to the MCG on Saturday, not only to face the demons from their last visit — the Grand Final loss to Richmond in September — but also a refreshed and recharged Hawthorn unit that is looking to deliver a knockout blow to other teams in the finals race. Pyke has a team that is lacking confidence, lacking scoring power and lacking the look that made it a pacesetter in 2017. He says his battered side has a “challenge and an opportunity all in the same breath”. It is looking very, very tough for Adelaide.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES:
Chris Fagan (hamstring) TBC
Charlie Cameron (foot) season
Mitch Robinson (toe) 3 weeks
Matt Eagles (abnominals) 1-2 weeks
Rohan Bewick (hand) 4-6 weeks
Jack Payne (shin) 6 weeks
Sam Skinner (ACL) indefinite
Toby Wooller (Finger) 1-2 weeks
Cedric Cox (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Alex Witherden looked in trouble with a leg injury in the third quarter but returned to play out the game. Ben Keays and Sam Mayes were both quiet against Essendon.
ON THE CUSP: Rhys Mathieson and kicked two goals and Ryan Bastinac was busy in a 22-point loss to Canberra. Both the AFL and NEAFL teams have the bye this weekend.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: One win from the first half of the season undersells the progress being made under Chris Fagan. After a week off to regroup, a home game against Carlton in Round 16 and the second Q-Clash of the season in Round 22 present the best chances to add to that tally in the run home.
CARLTON
INJURIES:
Marc Murphy (foot) 2-3 weeks
Ciaran Byrne (quad) 2 weeks
Matthew Kennedy (ankle) 1 week
Levi Casboult (broken rib) test
Sam Docherty (knee) season
Kym Lebois (broken collarbone) 1 week
Harrison Macreadie (hamstring) 3 weeks
Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Jarrod Pickett (wrist) 1 week
Alex Silvagni (Achilles) test
Tom Williamson (back) season
ON THE BLOCK: Jed Lamb and David Cunningham are at risk after meek performances against Sydney before the bye, while Pat Kerr will be sweating on Levi Casboult’s medical report. Patrick Cripps was banged up but the week off will have done him the world of good.
ON THE CUSP: Casboult should be cherry ripe to line up against Fremantle after missing six weeks with a broken rib. Nick Graham and Aaron Mullett were the pick of the AFL-listed Northern Blues.
GILBER GARDINER’S FORECAST: The Dockers at Docklands would have been pencilled in several weeks ago — if not when the fixture was released last year — as a genuine winnable game for the developing Blues, who showed promising signs before the bye against the in-form Swans. Must make hay while the sun shines.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES:
Travis Varcoe (hamstring) TBC
Ben Reid (leg) 1-2 weeks
Jack Magden (broken jaw) 4 weeks
James Aish (knee) 7-9 weeks
Tim Broomhead (Broken leg) season
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) TBC
Alex Fasolo (ankle) 5-6 weeks
Tyson Goldsack (knee) season
Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite
Max Lynch (ankle) test
Darcy Moore (hamstring) TBC
Josh Smith (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Sam McLarty (foot) TBC
Daniel Wells (foot) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Daniel Wells had little impact against Melbourne, playing on despite suffering what was described as a “foot strain” during the second quarter. The news got worse on Tuesday when the Pies revealed their 33-year-old would require surgery, putting the remainder of 2018 in serious doubt.
ON THE CUSP: Coach Nathan Buckley said Flynn Appleby was “stiff to miss” the Queen’s Birthday clash, dropped for Jeremy Howe. Sam Murray racked up 23 disposals in another pleasing VFL performance while Ben Crocker (13 disposals, five tackles, one goal) and Brayden Sier (20 disposals, eight tackles) also put their hands up for senior selection.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Magpies could not be much better placed heading into the bye this weekend, sitting sixth on the ladder with an 8-4 record leaving them just one win off the tally they finished with last year. The second half of the season starts with Carlton in Round 14, a game which Collingwood should start firm favourites in as the Magpies look to keep the momentum rolling after a big Queen’s Birthday win over Melbourne.
ESSENDON
INJURIES:
David Zaharakis (collarbone) 6-8 weeks
Patrick Ambrose (calf) 2-3 weeks
Josh Begley (Knee) season
Joe Daniher (Groin) 2-3 weeks
Martin Gleeson (Ankle) 2-3 weeks
Kobe Mutch (head) TBC
Darcy Parish (thumb) 6-8 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Dyson Heppell was the major casualty from the trip to Brisbane, his day ending in the second quarter after a brutal front-on collision with Luke Hodge. The captain failed a concussion test but was up and about in the rooms and should be fine for Essendon’s next game in two weeks. Devon Smith had plenty of ice on his calf post-match but said he would be right to go after the bye.
ON THE CUSP: The Bombers recorded a 15-goal win against Coburg in the VFL with Travis Colyer, Aaron Francis and Kobe Mutch named in the best players.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: There was some questioning of John Worsfold’s selection policies last week but he would be smiling after Mitch Brown kicked two goals and David Myers picked up 28 disposals in a not entirely convincing win against the Lions. Mason Redman was a shining light in his first game for the year and although finals are technically within reach, surely the likes of Jayden Laverde, Aaron Francis and Jordan Ridley will get a lot more exposure in the second half of the season.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES:
Alex Pearce (broken thumb) TBC
Taylin Duman (back) TBC
Harley Bennell (calf) test
Aaron Sandilands (concussion) test
Bradley Hill (knee) TBC
Stephen Hill (quad) 2-3 weeks
Sean Darcy (knee) 2 weeks
Hugh Dixon (ankle) 2 weeks
Brady Grey (hamstring) TBC
Lee Spurr (knee) 1-2 weeks
Sam Switkowski (hamstring) TBC
Matt Taberner (foot) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle’s spirited three-point win over Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Sunday was soured by a broken thumb to key defender Alex Pearce. Pearce played out the match but is likely to miss several weeks, with surgery required. Livewire Michael Walters will face a nervous wait over a couple of striking incidents. A frustrated Walters was reported for headbutting Crows backman Tom Doedee, with a punch to Jake Kelly’s stomach is also going to be looked at by Match Review Officer Michael Christian. Young defender Taylin Duman was a late out before the Adelaide game after slipping a disk in his back getting out of his car at the ground, replaced in the team by Ryan Nyhuis.
ON THE CUSP: Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe will return for Saturday’s clash against Carlton at Etihad Stadium. The Dockers could also get ruck warrior Aaron Sandilands back after he missed the past two games with concussion, with Scott Jones or Michael Apeness likely to be squeezed out. Veteran defender Michael Johnson is at the head of the queue to replace Pearce. First-year midfielder Mitchell Crowden got some much-needed confidence in the WAFL, amassing 27 possessions and laying 11 tackles in Peel Thunder’s thrilling win over West Perth on Saturday. Athletic defender Ethan Hughes (28 disposals, 11 marks) and Danyle Pearce (31 disposals, five inside-50s) also put their hand up for a recall.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: After a tough month, Fremantle fans finally had something to cheer about when a couple of rising stars led the way in an upset win over Adelaide. Key position talent Brennan Cox (four goals) had a breakout performance, with Rolls Royce midfielder Adam Cerra (30 disposals) also enjoying his best game at AFL level. The Dockers have a good chance of back-to-back wins when they come up against a struggling Carlton this weekend. Depth continues to be an issue, with defenders Pearce and Griffin Logue joining a growing injury-list. Logue is expected to miss two months after hurting his ankle in the WAFL.
GEELONG
INJURIES:
Aaron Black (knee) TBC
Sam Menegola (back) TBC
Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) TBC
Rhys Stanley (mouth) TBC
Harry Taylor (foot) 1-2 weeks
Esava Ratugolea (broken ankle) season
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) 1 week
Charlie Constable (concussion) test
Daniel Menzel (groin) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: The Cats are quietly going along very nicely. The one definite change will be Aaron Black, who injured his knee against his old team North Melbourne. He’d fought his way back into the team and had turned himself into a handy defender. A shuffling of small forwards could also be on the cards with James Parsons and Jamaine Jones possibly under the microscope.
ON THE CUSP: Plenty putting up their hand in the VFL. Cory Gregson went back and kicked five goals while ruckman Ryan Abbott was again in the best players. Regular senior players Cam Guthrie, Scott Selwood and Lachie Henderson all made their return from injury but are still a couple of weeks away.
SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: Lincoln McCarthy was a late withdrawal against the Roos because of hamstring soreness and he will definitely return with either Parsons or Jones to make way. Gregson is a chance to come back while Black’s replacement will come from either Jackson Thurlow or George Horlin-Smith.
GOLD COAST
I NJURIES:
Steven May (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Aaron Hall (shoulder) 10-12 weeks
Brayden Fiorini (leg) 5-7 weeks
Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 5-7 weeks
Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 7-9 weeks
Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 9-11 weeks
Matt Rosa (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Harrison Wigg (ankle) indefinite
Mackenzie Willis (knee) indefinite
Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Jarryd Lyons was in NEAFL coach Nick Malceski’s best players in their loss to the Giants and given the Suns’ midfield have been belted in consecutive weeks is the obvious candidate for promotion. Josh Schoenfeld was also prolific and given coach Stuart Dew’s desire to have a look at every player on his list, may get his chance. Sean Lemmens is back to his high pressure best but has played just two NEAFL games after a 12 week lay-off so he may need another week in the twos.
ON THE CUSP: It should be everyone. But the reality is the cupboard is bare. And picking a fall guy out of that mess would be more difficult than finding a positive. The Suns’ best two players, Tom Lynch and Jack Martin, were among the quietest against the Giants but they must play. It is a winnable game against an opponent in as much strife as they are. This is no time for bold statements, but time to do everything to get a win and buy some breathing space. With that in mind, Will Brodie is the most like-for-like change with Lyons.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Things have never been so dire for the Suns. The list has a gaping hole in the midfield but the reality is that even with captain Steven May injured, there is a lot of talent down the spine. The Suns’ main problem is a total lack of competitive spirit. They had it in the first few weeks of the year and if Dew can somehow find it this week, they should beat the Saints.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES:
Daniel Lloyd (knee) TBC
Rory Lobb (ribs) TBC
Stephen Coniglio (concussion) test
Brett Deledio (calf) 7-9 weeks
Toby Greene (Foot) TBC
Adam Kennedy (Knee) 1 week
Tom Scully (Ankle) 7 weeks
Will Setterfield (Knee) season
Lachie Tiziani (Knee) season
Zac Williams (Achilles) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: The bye has come at a good time for Rory Lobb, who has been cleared of serious injury after a nasty blow to his ribs in the win over Gold Coast. Daniel Lloyd will miss his first games of 2018 after suffering a medial ligament injury to his left knee. The duration of the rest is yet to be determined but he will miss at least two games after the bye.
ON THE CUSP: Stephen Coniglio will be back after the bye for the trip to Brisbane to take on the Lions. Toby Greene is also in line for a return after missing nine matches this year with a foot injury. He hasn’t played since the Round 3 draw against St Kilda.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants are still sitting out of the eight but starting to get their stars back and finding some winning form with a gutsy victory over the Crows in Adelaide and their biggest win ever (108 points) against Gold Coast on Saturday. After the Lions they face Hawthorn, West Coast, Richmond and Port Adelaide in a season-defining month.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES:
Grant Birchall (knee) 3 weeks
Changkuoth Jiath (groin) 1 weeks
Dylan Moore (shoulder) test
Cyril Rioli (family leave) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Tim O’Brien, Jon Ceglar and Harry Morrison could be in strife after quiet games against Port Adelaide a fortnight ago.
ON THE CUSP: Cyril Rioli was getting close to a return to senior footy but is now out indefinitely after flying to Darwin to spend time with his family. Marc Pittonet did his chances of a recall no harm, tallying 60 hit-outs, 15 possessions and seven tackles for VFL-affiliate Box Hill Hawks. James Cousins and veteran Brendan Whitecross are also in the mix.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: A must-win game for the Hawks to stay within striking distance of the top eight. No excuses against a depleted Adelaide fresh off a narrow loss in Perth. You’d think only one of these two sides can play finals in 2018 — and that may well be determined this week.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES:
Jake Lever (knee) season
Dean Kent (hamstring) 1 weeks
Corey Maynard (hip) indefinite
Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 2-3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Oscar McDonald copped a knock to the head and finished the match on the bench. Cam Pedersen was quiet and didn’t have much impact against the Pies.
ON THE CUSP: The Casey Demons enjoyed a big win and plenty of AFL listed Dees stood up. Jay Kennedy-Harris, Sam Weideman and Tom Bugg were all among the best. Would Weideman give more than Pedersen?
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Dees will enjoy a bye this week and then take on an old friend in Round 14. Jack Watts and the Power are waiting. The week off has come at a good time. Melbourne can take a quick break and focus on what has been a very positive start to the year.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES:
Jy Simpkin (suspension) 1 week
Jarrad Waite (calf) test
Jed Anderson (hip) test
Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season
Declan Watson (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: The young Kangaroos ran out of steam in the last quarter of the game against the Cats, with coach Brad Scott saying the bye had come at a good time for the club. Jack Ziebell’s cut knees — injured on the LED lights on the fence at Geelong — won’t stop him from taking on the Western Bulldogs on June 23. Billy Hartung suffered a finger issue but kept playing, while Kayne Turner closed out the match with a strapped shoulder. They should be right for the next game.
ON THE CUSP: It wasn’t a good day for the Kangaroos’ VFL side on Saturday, as they went down by 100 points to the Cats. Sam Durdin was one of the better performers and could be considered for a senior recall at some stage. Taylor Garner only played a half, but what he did would have pleased the coaches.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: If someone had said to you at the start of the season that the Roos would be in the top eight and 7-5 after 12 rounds, you would have barely believed it. But what Brad Scott and his team have done in the first three months shows not only the promise for the future, but the capability that exists in the present. The bye break gives them time to work on a few small issues — including a less-than-efficient pathway into forward 50m against the Cats — but there have been so many positives this year. The run home includes two games against the Bulldogs, a clash with Essendon, the Gold Coast at home, Brisbane at the Gabba and a meeting with St Kilda. A once unlikely finals berth is suddenly looking a serious chance.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES:
Aidyn Johnson (adductor) assess
Todd Marshall (shoulder) assess
Trent McKenzie (quad) 3-4 weeks
Jarrod Lienert (knee) 3-5 weeks
Matthew Broadbent (ankle) TBC
Willem Drew (heel) season
Hamish Hartlett (knee) season
Sam Hayes (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: It’s tough to change a unit that knocked off the premier with old-fashioned commitment. Port axed unlucky defender Jack Hombsch and recalled Jasper Pittard on balance grounds to combat Richmond’s mobile forward line. The Western Bulldogs are unlikely to warrant an extra tall meaning Port is likely to remain unchanged.
ON THE CUSP: Having served a four-match suspension, Lindsay Thomas is “ready to play” according the coach Ken Hinkley. However, Port could be loathe to drop Jake Neade given the forward pressure the livewire provides. Jack Trengove remains in calculations but is likely to require an injury to get a crack. Hinkley said young forward Todd Marshall was too underdone to face the Tigers and may require another hitout in the SANFL given Port hosts the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night.
RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide’s best beats any rival and, as Sam Powell-Pepper notes, when it has “its head screwed on”. It took a media baking to bring the best out of Chad Wingard and improved showing from Charlie Dixon to ignite against the Tigers.
Port must prove it can deliver week in, week out and with a 7-4 win-loss record it can target a top-four spot with victory against the Western Bulldogs. Port’s transition and skill was elite for one quarter against the Tigers which yielded seven goals and victory. Port should have too much class for the Dogs driven by a sound defence, No.1 clearance record and the Robbie Gray factor in attack. However, Port can’t afford another mental check-out on Thursday.
RICHMOND
INJURIES:
Dustin Martin (calf) test
Mabior Chol (broken foot) TBC
Bachar Houli (groin) 3 weeks
Shaun Hampson (back) TBC
Dion Prestia (calf) 1-2 weeks
Oleg Markov (knee) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Callum Moore will struggle to hold his spot after battling to get a touch on Friday night and Connor Menadue hasn’t taken his chance at senior level. They seem the two obvious outs but Kamdyn McIntosh could also be under the pump after just 17 disposals in his past two games. David Astbury looked in all sorts of trouble when he was helped off by trainers with an apparent leg injury in the first half against Port Adelaide but he returned after halftime and played out the match.
ON THE CUSP: Tiger fans and SuperCoach players will be praying Dustin Martin is fit after spending the weekend in New Zealand. Damien Hardwick said if the Port game had been on Sunday Dusty would have played which is a positive sign, but he has to get through training this week. Daniel Rioli appears ready for his first senior game since breaking his foot in the Grand Final after kicking two exciting goals in the VFL yesterday (he limped off the ground in the last quarter but returned). Corey Ellis (28 disposals) is still banging on the door and Jacob Towsend (two goals, 11 tackles) is ready if needed.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Any thoughts the Tigers will give Dusty a leave pass until after the bye went out the window with Friday night’s loss. Sunday’s clash against the Cats is massive and Richmond needs to win to stay safe in the top four. The Tigers won three of four quarters against the Power but lost the contested possessions by 34 which won’t cut it against Geelong, which will have done some homework after being undone at the MCG in last year’s finals. Martin and Rioli would be two pretty handy inclusions.
ST KILDA
INJURIES:
Nathan Brown (concussion) TBC
Jarryn Geary (calf) 2 weeks
Blake Acres (groin) 2 weeks
Sam Gilbert (thumb) 3 weeks
Ben Long (foot) 7 weeks
Darren Minchington (hip) 1 week
Lewis Pierce (hamstring) 2 weeks
Dylan Roberton (heart) season
Koby Stevens (concussion) season
ON THE BLOCK: Plenty of Saints should be nervous this week, particularly after Jack Billings found himself in the VFL on Sunday. Daniel McKenzie had little impact against Sydney, Mav Weller finished with one kick and even star Jack Steven was effectively a spectator in the first quarter. Match committee is in for some big decisions.
ON THE CUSP: Billings simply has to play against Gold Coast after recording 53 disposals, albeit against a pathetic Frankston outfit. Nathan Freeman probably needs another VFL match, but how good would it be to throw him in for an AFL debut five years after he was a top-10 draft pick? Freeman had 26 disposals on return from a shoulder injury. Come on, Richo. Play him! Josh Bruce, who the Saints have long struggled to win without, is also ready.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: At quarter-time against the Swans coach Alan Richardson singled out Jade Gresham and Josh Battle as the only players performing at the required level. That means they had 20 passengers. Not good. It is just the second season since 1986 the Saints have gone 11 games without a win. The other? In 2014, also under Richardson.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES:
Callum Mills (broken foot) season
Kieren Jack (managed) available
Matthew Ling (toe) season
Sam Naismith (knee) season
Lewis Melican (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
James Bell (hamstring) 2 weeks
Jake Brown (shoulder) 1 week
Jordan Dawson (quad) 1 week|
Sam Reid (quad) 2-3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Dan Robinson was quiet in the win over the Saints, picking up just 10 possessions in his first senior game since the win over Hawthorn.
ON THE CUSP: Aliir Aliir could be in line for just his second game this year after a good performance in the Swans’ NEAFL win over Redland. Nic Newman also played well after being dropped for Saturday night’s 71-point belting of St Kilda. Sam Reid is likely to make his return from a long-term quad injury after the bye in two weeks.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans remain the only team to have beaten West Coast this year after their Round 1 win in Perth. Callum Sinclair is in the form of his life but he could use some help against Nic Naitanui. That assistance is likely to come from Aliir Aliir, who was close to playing against the Saints. His fitness has now benefited from an extended time in the NEAFL.
WEST COAST
INJURIES:
Jack Darling (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Chris Masten (hamstring) 2 weeks
Will Schofield (hamstring) 1 week
Eric Mackenzie (toe) 2 weeks
Daniel Venables (Ankle) 3-4 weeks
Liam Ryan (ankle) test
Hamish Brayshaw (knee) 1 week
Malcolm Karpany (knee) 5-7 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: West Coast will be without Jack Darling for about a month after the in-form key forward went down with an ankle injury against St Kilda before the bye. Someone will have to make way for vice-captain Luke Shuey, who was a late withdrawal against the Saints when he didn’t pull up in time from a hamstring strain.
ON THE CUSP: Young talls Jarrod Brander and Matthew Allen are a chance to replace Darling against Sydney at the SCG on Friday night, but the Eagles may decide to go small with high-flying forward Liam Ryan in the mix to return from an ankle injury. Running machine Chris Masten (hamstring) is also likely to be available. The Eagles’ WAFL affiliate East Perth also had the bye at the weekend, with speedster Francis Watson and versatile tall Fraser McInnes among the best in the Royals’ WA Day Derby loss to West Perth last Monday.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Adam Simpson’s men have ticked off every challenge in the past 10 weeks before a well-earned bye. Awaiting West Coast on Friday night is the only team to beat them this season. Darling is a massive loss, but the likely returns of experienced midfielders Shuey and Masten will boost the ladder-leading Eagles’ chances of an 11th straight win.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES :
Tory Dickson (hamstring) 6 weeks
Zaine Cordy (concussion) test
Bailey Dale (foot) 4-5 weeks
Kieran Collings (ankle) 1 week
Tim English (foot) 3-4 weeks
Tom Liberatore (knee) season
Brad Lynch (hamstring) test
Aaron Naughton (ankle) test
Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite
Jack Redpath (knee) 8-9 weeks
Clay Smith (knee) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Tory Dickson is a forced change after hurting his hamstring against Melbourne and Tom Boyd and Roarke Smith had no impact that night.
ON THE CUSP: Footscray also had a bye in the VFL but Shane Biggs, Tom Campbell and Mitch Wallis were good the week before. Defensive reinforcements are on the way with Marcus Adams, Aaron Naughton and Zaine Cordy all likely to be available.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: It’s been more than a month since the Bulldogs registered a win, and they haven’t really been close against Adelaide, Collingwood or Melbourne in the three games since despite some bright starts. They will need to lift their performance pretty dramatically to avoid the losing streak getting longer with Port Adelaide (away), North Melbourne, Geelong, Hawthorn, Melbourne and West Coast (away) in the next six weeks. Yikes.
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Originally published as Barometer: Every club’s injury list plus who might be in and out of your AFL team for Round 13
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