AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after a dramatic Round 18 in the AFL
UPDATE: THE Western Bulldogs could receive a well-needed boost with Jake Stringer and Luke Dahlhaus set to return. Who’s hurt at your club?
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ST KILDA forward Patrick McCartin has been cleared to return to football this weekend after suffering multiple concussion this season.
And the nes gets better for the Saints with veteran defender Sam Fisher set to return from a hamstring injury.
McCartin copped his latest head knock in the Saints’ loss to Gold Coast in Round 15 and hasn’t played since as the club took a cautious approach to the former No.1 pick’s recovery.
But after resuming full contact training and receiving positive news from recent MRI scans, McCartin will return to the field on the weekend.
“We expect Paddy to be full fit and available for selection this week, whether that’s through the VFL or the AFL we’ll determine later in the week at selection,” football boss Jamie Cox told the club’s website. “But it’s good news that Paddy’s likely to resume this week.
“Paddy’s been symptom free for the best part of a month. He’s been training strongly during that time and is now back in full contest training and his most recent MRI scans were all clear last week. So really good news.”
McCartin is facing an uphill battle to return to the senior side, however, given the Saints are making a finals run on the back of five wins from their last six starts.
The forward mix has been working well with Nick Riewoldt, Josh Bruce and the emergence of Tim Membrey as a damaging marking and athletic third tall.
Fisher is expected to line up against North Melbourne on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium after eight weeks on the sidelines battling a lingering hamstring complaint.
“Sam’s been training strongly now for a couple of weeks,” Cox said.
“He’s a test this week but he looks likely to return to football this week, which is good news for ‘Fish’,”.
Fisher’s imminent return would help the Saints combat North Melbourne’s tall timber in attack.
Western Bulldogs could receive a well-needed boost with Jake Stringer and Luke Dahlhaus set to return for Friday night’s clash against Geelong.
The Dogs suffered a huge double blow last Saturday night against St Kilda when Mitch Wallis broke his leg in a horrific incident and Jack Redpath set for a third knee reconstruction.
Stringer missed the loss to the Saints with a shoulder injury while Dahlhaus has been sidelined with a knee injury since Round 12.
“Jake has come in to the club really well and he’ll be involved in full training this week with a view to playing this weekend,” football manager Graham Lowe told the club website.
“Its really pleasing after such a difficult weekend to have some good news around Luke Dahlhaus and Toby McLean.
The Bulldogs are also hopeful that veteran defender Dale Morris will be available after he sat out the second half against St Kilda with hamstring tightness.
Who’s hurt at your club and who’s pushing for selection? We review every club.
ADELAIDE CROWS
INJURIES
Riley Knight (ankle) TBC
Luke Lowden (hamstring) test
Troy Menzel (concussion) test
Andy Otten (thumb) 2 weeks
Sam Shaw (concussion) test
Daniel Talia (thigh) test
Nathan van Berlo (foot) 2-3 weeks
Taylor Walker (ankle) test
MATCH REPORT: CATS END CROWS WINNING STREAK
ON THE BLOCK: The Crows will be sweating on the fitness of Daniel Talia who finished the game on the bench after copping a couple of knocks to his left thigh. Taylor Walker also limped around after the game with a sore ankle, while Charlie Cameron hurt his knee but played out the game. Veteran Scott Thompson could be rested with Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Mitch Grigg options in next Sunday’s clash against Essendon at Adelaide Oval. Mitch McGovern was also quiet against Geelong.
ON THE CUSP: Jake Kelly is getting better each week after returning from injury and looks ready to go if Adelaide recasts a defence that was dismantled by Geelong. Mitch Grigg finished with 24 disposals and kicked 1.1 in an impressive outing against The Eagles. Cameron Ellis-Yolmen can’t do any more to press his claims for a recall. The big bodied onballer had 29 touches and seven clearances against the Eagles.
RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Adelaide is smarting from a second loss this season to Geelong. Don Pyke’s men are already vowing to use an eight day break to regroup and atone against Essendon. If the Bombers can’t beat Brisbane, they have no hope in a road trip against Adelaide.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Dayne Beams (knee) indefinite
Hugh Beasley (knee) 1 week
Tom Bell (knee) season
Allen Christensen (collarbone) season
Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite
Ryan Harwood (knee) season
Jaden McGrath (foot) indefinite
Dan McStay (ankle) season
Marco Paparone (hamstring) TBC
Josh Watts (groin) TBC
MATCH REPORT: LIONS FIRE FOR LEPPA TO EASE PRESSURE
ON THE BLOCK: When you have just your second win of a very long season and it was on the back of a solid team effort it is hard to see too many changes being made. The euphoria in the rooms would have hidden any niggles and there certainly wasn’t anyone complaining of being sore. It may take until midweek training to uncover any injuries. Tom Rockliff got a poke on the eye but soldiered on.
ON THE CUSP: Lewis Taylor may be ready for a recall but it would be tough to axe Josh Green or Liam Dawson who were both among the goals.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: It should not be understated how big this win was for the side, even if it will have no bearing on any decision over Justin Leppitsch’s future. For guys like Eric Hipwood, Matt Hammelmann and Reuben William it was a first, Josh Schache has just two. They face Port Adelaide at home this week and will be looking to prove they can knock over a side above them on the ladder. Port would appear to have too much pace for Brisbane but momentum is a funny thing.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Sam Kerridge (shoulder) TBC
Charlie Curnow (knee) TBC
Ciaran Byrne (knee) season
Andrew Gallucci (shoulder) season
Marc Murphy (ankle) 1 week
Ciaran Sheehan (hamstring) season
Dale Thomas (calf) 1 week
Andrew Walker (knee) TBC
MATCH REPORT: BUDDY HELPS SWANS DODGE BLUES BULLET
ON THE BLOCK: Charlie Curnow was unlucky to cop a knee injury when Levi Casboult fell across him on Saturday, so he’ll definitely miss a couple. Sam Kerridge was involved in a heavy collision with Gary Rohan and came off second best, nursing a sore shoulder throughout the last quarter despite bravely playing on.
ON THE CUSP: Andrejs Everitt is the logical replacement for Curnow up forward and he performed well in the VFL on the weekend with 20 disposals and 11 marks. Liam Jones was also good, booting three goals as did promising youngster Harry McKay. Mark Whiley had 38 disposals, while Jason Tutt also pressed his case for a recall.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The Blues were gallant in defeat against the Swans and probably should have won the game if it wasn’t for a lack of genuine forward target. The Blues have a good on-field structure in place and Brendon Bolton has them playing for each other. A tough ask awaits on Saturday against Hawthorn but if anyone knows the Hawks and Alastair Clarkson like the back of their hand, then it’s Bolton. Suspect he will get his group up and about and relishing the challenge of taking on the league’s best.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Jamie Elliott (back) season
Tom Langdon (knee) 4-5 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (knee) season
Matt Scharenberg (knee) season
Brayden Sier (back) test
Ben Sinclair (concussion) test
Dane Swan (broken leg/foot) season
Jarrod Witts (finger) test
MATCH REPORT: KANGAS BOUNCE BACK TO END PIES’ SEASON
ON THE BLOCK: The entire forward line is on notice, according to Nathan Buckley, after a jolting loss to North Melbourne. Convinced they were armed with one of its most potent forward setups this season, the Magpies struggled in attack in the face of North’s relentless pressure. Held scoreless, Travis Cloke will be among several Pies to come under intense scrutiny.
ON THE CUSP: Collingwood’s VFL team had the bye on the weekend robbing fringe players the chance to impress. However, you’d think Mason Cox is certainly a chance to return after a few weeks out given the Pies’ misfiring forwards on Friday night. Jordan de Goey was axed last week and could be given a reprieve.
LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Collingwood showed enough in the second half against North to confirm it is on the ascendant. It gave North a 46-point headstart on Friday night yet was good enough to seriously threaten midway through the last quarter. The quandary for Buckley remains inconsistency. Questionable discipline also remains an issue. With clashes over the next month against West Coast and Western Bulldogs, several Magpies are playing for their futures.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Craig Bird (hamstring) TBC
Mark Baguley (knee) season
Nathan Grima (hip) TBC
James Gwilt (knee) TBC
Mark Jamar (hamstring) 2 weeks
Mathew Stokes (groin) TBC
MATCH REPORT: LIONS FIRE FOR LEPPA TO EASE PRESSURE
ON THE BLOCK: The only rule at selection should be to play kids, kids and more kids.
It is why Aaron Francis will play out the rest of the year, but so should Conor McKenna, Jayden Laverde, Will Hams, Kyle Langford and every other player without the requisite experience on the list. Francis was sensational in his first game but Laverde took a pair of contested marks, McKenna shows glimpses and despite a loss to a one-victory side, there was still enough to like from the one-to-three year players. Shaun McKernan battled away despite a couple of handy moments, while Courtenay Dempsey had six clangers as he continually wasted the footy.
ON THE CUSP: The Bombers lost heavily in the VFL but Jonathan Simpkin won 34 possessions, Ryan Crowley 23, and Jackson Merrett winning 24 touches. The Dons shouldn’t be rushing to get any of their top-ups back given the way forward is youth. They only have five more weeks to consider the futures of many listed players. It means it is a big month or so for players like Adam Cooney, James Gwilt, Matt Dea and Nick Kommer.
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Dons have a seven day break before taking on Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, which might just be messy given this week’s performance. The first priority is to address the goalkicking after a historic trio of losses where the Dons have had more scoring shots than their opponent. As John Worsfold says, some of that is just poor kicking for goal but some of it is poor foot skills to set up quick thrusts into the forward line. As a result, those shots are taken out wide. Worsfold should continue trialling Patrick Ambrose down back and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti up forward. He says all those decisions are taken with an eye to Round 1, 2017.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Hayden Ballantyne (facial fracture) 1 week
Harley Balic (wrist) TBC
Michael Barlow (shoulder) season
Harley Bennell (calf) season
Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) season
Brady Grey (ankle) season
Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) TBC
Ryan Nyhuis (knee) test
Alex Pearce (leg) season
Aaron Sandilands (ribs) test
Tanner Smith (hamstring) 3 weeks
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) season
MATCH REPORT: TRIPLE TOWERS GUIDE SUNS PAST DOCKERS
ON THE BLOCK: Lee Spurr suffered a head laceration but played out the game. Nick Suban managed only six disposals and Jon Griffin might feel pressure from Jack Hannath. Chris Mayne is struggling up forward and managed just 13 disposals and didn’t trouble the scorers.
ON THE CUSP: Matthew Pavlich will return and play his 350th career game in a monumental milestone for the club. Coach Ross Lyon said after the loss to the Suns it was too early to speculate whether Aaron Sandilands could return to face the Swans, but Matt de Boer could come back in after being an emergency and was one of Peel Thunder’s best with 24 disposals and eight tackles. Darcy Tucker was also good, while Clancee Pearce had 29 disposals and laid nine tackles. Hannathn had 34 hit outs and 12 disposals.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The season is a write off for the Dockers and Saturday’s loss to the struggling Suns compounded that but still, all roads lead to Subiaco on Sunday when veteran Matthew Pavlich celebrates his 350th AFL game. It will be a celebration and surely the fans will pack out the stands to mark the occasion — hopefully the team can put in a good performance against the Swans to honour their champion.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Zac Smith (soreness) test
Josh Caddy (knee) 2 weeks
Jordan Cunico (knee) 2 weeks
Tom Read (knee) 2 weeks
Billie Smedts (broken fibula) 2 weeks
Nathan Vardy (ankle) TBC
Jackson Thurlow (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: CATS END CROWS WINNING STREAK
ON THE BLOCK: For the first time in a while there isn’t a queue being formed. Geelong coach Chris Scott admitted a third of his team had been out of form coming into Saturday night’s clash with Adelaide but most emerged with a new spring in their step. Sam Menegola came in at the last minute to replace ruckman Zac Smith and was a revelation on debut so he’ll keep his spot, as will Jed Bews who played his first game in months and was dynamic with his dash from defence. The unlucky one from the Cats return to form could be fellow defender Tom Ruggles. He didn’t play in the seniors but rotten luck for Nathan Vardy who suffered another injury, this time to his ankle, on the weekend and was stretchered from the ground.
ON THE CUSP: Lachie Henderson missed against the Crows because of concussion but he was in great form before that and is an automatic recall. What they do with Smith this week against the Bulldogs will be interesting. The more athletic Rhys Stanley played well against Sam Jacobs and deserves to keep his spot working with Mark Blicavs, who had been out-of-form but bounced back in the role as the second ruckman. The dilemma is that Smith had been their most consistent big man for the season. Darcy Lang was again in the best in the VFL and appears to be the next one up should a spot become available.
SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: The Bulldogs aren’t a tall team so the Cats will again go with Stanley and Blicavs in the ruck. The smaller forward line looked good with Daniel Menzel and Tom Hawkins kicking eight between them so the Mitch Clark experiment should remain on ice for another week.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (shoulder) season
Dan Currie (finger) 2 weeks
Aaron Hall (hamstring) 3 weeks
Darcy MacPherson (knee) 4 weeks
Trent McKenzie (quad) test
Dion Prestia (knee) season
Michael Rischitelli (knee) season
Matt Rosa (hamstring) test
Adam Saad (hamstring) 1 week
Danny Stanley (ankle) season
David Swallow (knee) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: TRIPLE TOWERS GUIDE SUNS PAST DOCKERS
ON THE BLOCK: For the first time in a long time, the Suns reported no injuries to come out of a match. If Matt Rosa comes back in, defender Seb Tape may drop out given he was the emergency. Tape was good across halfback though and released Jack Martin into the midfield so the match committee has a tough choice. Debutant Josh Schoenfeld impressed with 19 touches so he will be hard to omit too.
ON THE CUSP: Matt Rosa was originally named in the 22 for the clash with Fremantle but pulled out on the morning of the match when his hamstring felt tight and he was not confident he could get through a full match. He is likely to come straight back into the side for the trip to the MCG to take on Melbourne. Trent McKenzie, Adam Saad and Sean Lemmens are likely to have a run in the NEAFL as will midfielder Jaeger O’Meara. The Suns NEAFL side had the bye this weekend which has delayed the comeback of numerous first-choice players.
GREG DAVIS’ FORECAST: The Triple Towers of Tom Lynch, Sam Day and Peter Wright terrorised the Dockers and they could do the same if the undermanned midfield led by Touk Miller and Alex Sexton get enough ball to make their tall timber dangerous. The Suns will go to the home of football full of confidence having won three of their last four games. If they can break even in the middle of the ground, Lynch and co. will get them home.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Aidan Corr (ankle) 1 week
Ryan Griffen (hamstring) 1 week
Jacob Hopper (back) 2 weeks
Daniel Lloyd (knee) test
Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) TBC
Cam McCarthy (illness) indefinite
Rhys Palmer (calf) test
Jarrod Pickett (foot) season
Jack Steele (hand) TBC
MATCH REPORT: GIANT COMEBACK FLIPS SWITCH ON POWER’S SEASON
ON THE BLOCK: Shane Mumford’s knee injury is a big worry for GWS and the Giants may look to rest their most valuable player this weekend against Richmond in Canberra. They will be coming off a six-day break and travelling interstate which is another reason to give him a break with a maiden finals appearance just five matches away.
ON THE CUSP: Will Hoskin-Elliott has had an injury interrupted year but put in a blinder in the NEAFL win over the Swans reserves kicking two goals, taking 10 marks and picking up 29 possessions. James Stewart kicked three goals and won plenty of the footy and Lachie Whitfield made his return to action after missing last week through illness and played well.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants meet Richmond at Manuka Oval where they are unbeaten this year with wins over Geelong and Port Adelaide. With a foothold in the top four, they are unlikely to slip up against the Tigers.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Luke Hodge (soreness) test
Liam Shiels (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Daniel Howe (calf) test
Matt Spangher (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) 1-2 weeks
Jarryd Roughead (illness) season
Ryan Burton (leg) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS SALUTE SAM WITH TIGER ROUT
ON THE BLOCK: Luke Hodge spent most of the last quarter on the bench with soreness and cramping. Suspect it was more precaution than anything else. Tim O’Brien failed to cash in on Hawthorn’s dominance in the second half and could find himself on the outer.
ON THE CUSP: Alex Woodward and Kurt Heatherley were among the best in Box Hill’s loss to Richmond at Punt Road. Woodward’s missed a lot of footy so might need few more games under his belt but Heatherley is not far off senior call up.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: A couple of nice opportunities coming up for the Hawks to rest some senior players against improving Carlton and Melbourne. Coach Alastair Clarkson will not be taking any risks with sore players, especially his 30-plus brigade Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne and Josh Gibson. They’re going from strength to strength the Hawks and the scary part is they’re not yet at their best. Kicked poorly in trying conditions against Richmond and still won by 70 points. Get that right over the next six weeks and they’re going to be almost unstoppable in September.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Neville Jetta (knee) TBC
Aaron vandenBerg (hip) TBC
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) indefinite
Mitch King (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: EAGLES SURVIVE DEMONS ONSLAUGHT
ON THE BLOCK: Small defender Neville Jetta hurt his leg in a final quarter marking contest, but came back on late. Likewise with Oscar McDonald, who went into the rooms limping in the third term before returning to the field. Both should be fine for this week. The whole team played its role in a narrow loss to West Coast, so expect minimal omissions.
ON THE CUSP: If Paul Roos makes any changes to the 22 that performed well against the Eagles they will come in the form of Ben Kennedy and Tomas Bugg who were travelling emergencies for the game. The pair were prolific in the VFL with 34 and 27 disposals respectively. Jack Grimes also pressed his case for a return after being dropped, as did Clayton Oliver and Jack Trengove.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: The Demons bounced back from a tough loss to St Kilda with a brave performance against the finals-bound West Coast, albeit without the four points. The team now has three of its next four games at the MCG, but still have a tough month coming up. Next up is an in-form Gold Coast this week, followed by reigning premiers Hawthorn.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Aaron Black (ankle) 3 weeks
Taylor Garner (knee/hamstring) test
Shaun Higgins (knee) 3 weeks
Ben Jacobs (foot) 2 weeks
Luke McDonald (hamstring) 3 weeks
Farren Ray (hamstring) 4 weeks
Kayne Turner (hamstring) 4 weeks
Mason Wood (knee) 6 weeks
Jarrad Waite (hip) TBC
Sam Wright (ankle) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: KANGAS BOUNCE BACK TO END PIES’ SEASON
ON THE BLOCK: Daniel Wells was under a cloud just before the bounce on Friday night and received treatment during the game but starred anyway. Majak Daw will likely be the man to make way should Jarrad Waite return from a hip niggle. Other than that you can’t see too much change at a footy club, which embarks on a magical week. Boomer week.
ON THE CUSP: As mentioned, Waite is the man. There’s really nothing in the VFL because really, there’s not much in the VFL. Corey Wagner remains on the fringe but after Ryan Clarke’s brilliant second half the pecking order for those two has been established.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: They tried and failed to shut the gate on the top eight last week. Can they this week? History says they will. The Kangas have never lost a Brent Harvey milestone match, from his debut back in 1996 to Friday night when he equalled Michael Tuck’s record of 426 games. After that it’s a month of facing sides above them. Pinch a couple and the Kangas will roar into September with renewed confidence as they bring Waite, Shaun Higgins, Luke McDonald, Mason Wood, Sam Wright and Ben Jacobs back into the side.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Alipate Carlile (knee) 3-4 weeks
Charlie Dixon (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Jack Hombsch (quad) 1-2 weeks
Dougal Howard (knee) season
Aidyn Johnson (hamstring) season
Tom Jonas (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: GIANT COMEBACK FLIPS SWITCH ON POWER’S SEASON
ON THE BLOCK: Port Adelaide reported no injuries but plenty of sore spots after the slogging 19-point loss to GWS in atrocious conditions at Adelaide Oval. A handful of players will come under pressure to hold their spots in the side for Saturday night’s clash with Brisbane at the Gabba after some average performances in the second half against the Giants where the Power was outscored by 39 points. Key forwards Jay Schulz (four disposals) and John Butcher (seven) were poor but weren’t helped by the wet and windy weather while Brendon Ah Chee and Paul Stewart had little influence on the game.
ON THE CUSP: Selection has been made tougher for coach Ken Hinkley because the club’s SANFL team the Magpies had the bye. This didn’t allow ruckman Matthew Lobbe and speedster Matt White to get another run under their belts after they returned from long-term injuries the previous week. No. 1 key forward Charlie Dixon is likely to miss at least another week with a bad ankle injury. Hinkley said the SANFL bye wasn’t ideal for Port but that he would consider Jake Neade, Karl Amon and Nathan Krakouer for promotion after they were the unlucky omissions for the clash with the Giants.
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: The interesting calls will be made with key forwards Schulz and Butcher, who are out of contract at the end of the season and playing for their futures. Given Dixon’s likely absence they will probably be given another opportunity to push their cases for retention. Exciting forward Neade and dashing defender Krakouer are the most likely to earn promotion.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Corey Ellis (groin) 1 week
Dylan Grimes (hamstring tightness) test
Ben Lennon (ankle) 1-3 weeks
Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) 5 weeks
Steven Morris (knee) season
Chris Yarran (illness) TBC
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS SALUTE SAM WITH TIGER ROUT
ON THE BLOCK: Liam McBean struggled up forward and had no impact but the Tigers need to know whether he can play at the level. Sam Lloyd struggled, managing just eight disposals and didn’t score, while Jason Castagna found the going tough. Ben Griffiths had a horror day, running at just 27 per cent efficiency from his 11 disposals and had a nightmare moment into defence when he handballed straight to Jack Gunston in the goal square.
ON THE CUSP: The Tigers will be hoping Brett Deledio can overcome his tight calf to play against the Giants in Sydney, while Bachar Houli made a successful comeback from a wrist injury with 24 disposals in the VFL. Ty Vickery had 12 disposals and kicked two goals, while rookie Adam Marcon could come into sonsideration after another impressive performance, finishing with 21 disposals.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Coach Damien Hardwick blasted his team post-match for its “shameful” last quarter against the Hawks where it conceded nine goals as the margin blew out. The Tigers wasted opportunities in front of goal, which would have only frustrated Hardwick further. The task doesn’t get any easier this week, having to fly to Sydney to play GWS before returning to play Collingwood at the ‘G. Can the Tigers to regain some confidence and salvage something from the season with games against the Cats, Saints and Swans looming? Ouch.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Paddy McCartin (concussion) available
Leigh Montagna (corked quad) test
Nick Riewoldt (knee) test
Tom Curren (quad) test
Sam Fisher (hamstring) test
Jimmy Webster (hamstring) 1 week
Hugh Goddard (Achilles) season
MATCH REPORT: RIEWOLDT, STEVEN INSPIRE SAINTS UPSET
ON THE BLOCK: Alan Richardson is unlikely to make any changes after the excellent win over the Western Bulldogs. The evenness of the performance gives the Saints the option of tinkering rather than overhauling. The only concern from Saturday’s heady triumph is Nick Riewoldt’s corked thigh. Encouragingly, the veteran was able to return to the ground in the dying minutes as the Saints slowed the game down.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Fisher is close to returnig from a hamstring injury and would be a welcome addition if he can get up for the crucial game against North Melbourne given the Roos’ tall forwards. Jack Lonie pressed his case for a senior recall with 23 disposals in the VFL.
LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: The Saints’ finals destiny is still out of their hands but, with seven wins in nine matches, they are increasingly part of the debate — especially if the beat North Melbourne this weekend. The Saints can close the gap to four points if they gatecrash Brent Harvey’s 427-game party this week at Etihad. Failure there almost certainly ends their hopes of September action. With games to follow against Carlton, Sydney and Richmond, the door is open — if only slightly. But given the Saint’s hot recent form, they rightly believe they can make it.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Abe Davis (ankle) 5 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Zak Jones (ankle) 5 weeks
Jeremy Laidler (hamstring) 2 weeks
Harrison Marsh (hamstring) test
Jarrad McVeigh (groin) test
Lewis Melican (hamstring) 2 weeks
Sam Reid (calf/Achilles) 2 weeks
Daniel Robinson (shoulder) 4 weeks
Michael Talia (club suspension) indefinite
Kurt Tippett (hamstring tendon) 4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: BUDDY HELPS SWANS DODGE BLUES BULLET
ON THE BLOCK: Jordan Foote did well in his debut but could lose his spot to Ben McGlynn who is still a highly valued member of the Swans line up. When he’s at his best he is vital cog in their best 22.
ON THE CUSP: Ben McGlynn again responded well after being dropped for the second time in the last month with two goals and 22 disposals in the NEAFL match against GWS. Ted Richards also had plenty of the footy as well but will struggle to displace his younger brother Xavier up forward or Aliir Aliir in defence.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans travel to Perth to take on Fremantle and will be aided by an eight-day break after their six-Point win over Carlton. John Longmire is likely to maintain his faith in the youngsters who have not let him down this season
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Sharrod Wellingham (corked hip) test
Nic Naitanui (Achilles) test
Will Schofield (soreness) test
Fraser McInnes (hamstring) 2 weeks
Alec Waterman (illness) indefinite
Kane Lucas (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: EAGLES SURVIVE DEMONS ONSLAUGHT
ON THE BLOCK: Utility Sharrod Wellingham didn’t look right after copping a cork to his hip early against Melbourne, but played out the match unconvincingly. Journeyman Jon Giles will get squeezed out when Nic Naitanui returns, despite a solid showing as Scott Lycett’s backup.
ON THE CUSP: Defender Will Schofield missed last week with “soreness”, and should come back into the side. Naitanui is confident he’ll be back from an Achilles injury in the next couple of weeks, but Saturday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG might be too early. Xavier Ellis returned from a calf injury with 21 touches and a goal in East Perth’s WAFL win over Claremont. Pat McGinnity (27 disposals, one goal) and Mark Hutchings (24 disposals) responded to being dropped from the senior side, while Dom Sheed must be close to his first AFL game of the season after a delayed start due to pectoral and knee setbacks.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: West Coast aren’t playing like a top-four side, yet they’re well in contention to get there. The club has won five games on the trot, but their last two — against Melbourne and Carlton — have been less than convincing. A win against the Pies this weekend is a must, especially with a tough final home-and-away month coming up.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Marcus Adams (foot) 2 weeks
Tom Campbell (foot) TBC
Luke Dahlhaus (knee) test
Toby McLean (foot) test
Dale Morris (hamstring) test
Robert Murphy (knee) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Jack Redpath (knee) season
Mitch Wallis (broken leg) season
Jake Stringer (shoulder) test
Bailey Williams (knee) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: RIEWOLDT, STEVEN INSPIRE SAINTS UPSET
ON THE BLOCK: It was a distressing night for the Bulldogs in so many ways on Saturday night, and it had nothing to do with the scoreboard. A double break to the leg of Mitch Wallis and a ruptured ACL to Jack Redpath impacted on all the players and coach Luke Beveridge alike. The Bulldogs will rally behind both players, but they face extended periods on the sidelines. Dale Morris had an issue with his hamstring and the Dogs hope it is not serious but he must be doubtful for Friday’s game against Geelong. Going to be a tough week at selection in a quick turnaround week.
ON THE CUSP: The Dogs are hopeful that Jake Stringer will return from his AC joint issue to take on the Cats and Luke Dahlhaus might also return. Joel Hamling was withdrawn from the Footscray VFL team late on Saturday night and the club monitored the game time of others.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Luke Beveridge acknowledged the difficulty he and his coaching staff will face in getting his team to fix their attention on the Cats’ game early in the week. It won’t be easy as many of the players were visibly upset at seeing their teammates badly injured. Beveridge hopes the focus can turn to the game by Tuesday, and he will start plotting ways to engineer an upset against Geelong. One thing the Dogs need to focus on is scoring with greater frequency.
Originally published as AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after a dramatic Round 18 in the AFL
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