AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 20

UPDATE: ESSENDON star Orazio Fantasia will miss more than a month with a hamstring injury, while Pie Daniel Wells is in doubt. ALL THE LATEST INJURY NEWS

Easton Wood grabs his injured hamstring.

WITH five weeks before AFL finals begin, now is not the ideal time to cop injuries to key players.

But that’s exactly what some premiership and finals contenders are dealing with after Round 20.

It started on Friday night with Geelong captain Joel Selwood suffering an ankle injury and the Cats have confirmed he will require surgery and miss at least the final rounds of the home-and-away season.

THE TACKLE: IS RICHMOND THIS YEAR’S FLAG FAIRYTALE?

RUN HOME: WHO WILL WIN THE BATTLE FOR THE TOP EIGHT?

SUPERLADDER: WHERE YOUR CLUB SITS AFTER ROUND 20

It didn’t get any better on the injury front on Saturday with Bulldog Easton Wood and Bomber Orazio Fantasia injuring their hamstrings and on Sunday Daniel Talia is nursing a sore groin for ladder leaders Adelaide.

ALL THE LATEST INJURY AND FORM NEWS AT YOUR CLUB

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

David Mackay (corked thigh) TBC

Daniel Talia (groin) TBC

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) TBC

Elliott Himmelberg (foot) 2-3 weeks

Reilly O’Brien (back) 2-3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: CROWS FLEX MUSCLE TO SHUT DOWN POWER

ON THE BLOCK: Top-of-the-table Adelaide is flying after a record 14-goal Showdown win against Port Adelaide. This means the only likely change would come if hard-running utility David Mackay doesn’t shake off a corked thigh suffered in the first quarter. He didn’t finish the game but coach Don Pyke is confident he will be fit to play Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

ON THE CUSP: The Crows’ SANFL team had the bye on the weekend, meaning no player from underneath the AFL 22 was able to push his case for promotion. Veteran Scott Thompson continues to dominate in the SANFL while last year’s first-round draft pick Jordan Gallucci has been impressive. Wayne Milera, Andy Otten and Paul Seedsman — the three emergencies for the Showdown — would be in line for a recall in the unlikely event Mackay is forced out through injury or Pyke wants to make a change.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Coach Pyke would have been thrilled with his side’s response to last week’s draw with Collingwood and the ruthless edge of his side against Port Adelaide. Adelaide is six points and 26.2 per cent clear on top of the AFL ladder and should now go on to a vital top-two finish and home final barring something going terribly wrong. Saturday night’s clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium is huge, with the Bombers needing to win every game to secure a finals berth.

Daniel Talia had ice on his groin after the match. Picture: Sarah Reed

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Tom Bell (ankle) season

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Sam Mayes (foot) TBC

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

Cedric Cox (ankle) TBC

Alex Witherden (hamstring) TBC

MATCH REPORT: WOUNDED DOGS PULL OFF GREAT ESCAPE

ON THE BLOCK: Alex Witherden left the field late in the narrow loss to the Bulldogs and is likely to miss multiple weeks. Cedric Cox also failed to play the second half because of an ankle injury but there was some optimism from the Lions the following day that is was not as bad as first feared and he is considered a chance to play.

ON THE CUSP: Witherden’s absence robs the Lions of a quality ball user across half back. Sam Mayes has missed multiple weeks with a foot injury but the boot is off and he will come under consideration. Ben Keays was the emergency at the weekend and played just a half in the NEAFL so he would be next in line.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The QClash has become a massive game for the Suns and a huge opportunity for the Lions. If Brisbane was to roll Gold Coast again it could be the final straw for besieged coach Rodney Eade. It is one of the few weeks where the Suns aren’t at an age or experience disadvantage against their opponents and on paper they should beat the Lion cubs. Form, however, points to a Lions victory.

ANTHONY HUDSON, MICK WARNER, LAUREN WOOD AND MARK ROBINSON DISCUSS THE BIG ISSUES IN THE WAKE OF ROUND 20

CARLTON

INJURIES

Ciaran Byrne (groin) test

Patrick Cripps (fractured fibula) season

David Cuningham (ankle) TBC

Ed Curnow (bruised larynx) season

Nick Graham (suspension) 1 weeks

Patrick Kerr (hip) season

Harry McKay (toe) TBC

Andrew Phillips (foot) season

Cameron Polson (shoulder) season

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (knee) 3 weeks

Simon White (knee) TBC

Tom Williamson (illness) TBC

Jack Silvagni (shoulder) TBC

MATCH REPORT: HOOKER, WALLA SAVE BOMBER BLUSHES

ON THE BLOCK: Billie Smedts has been in and out for his new club, but mostly out. He was given his latest chance against Essendon and was underwhelming.

ON THE CUSP: Defender Ciaran Byrne was impressive for the Northern Blues in the VFL, picking up 27 disposals playing off half back. The Irishman made his AFL return in Round 17 after a 12-month lay off because of a torn ACL, before he was then struck down with a groin issue. Rhys Palmer has only played the single game for the Blues since arriving from GWS for this season, but he had 29 touches in the VFL on Saturday.

ELIZA SEWELL’S FORECAST: The Blues should have stolen the win against the Bombers. Instead, they head to Perth to face West Coast on the back of seven consecutive losses. But there’s a silver lining. Sitting 17th, one win clear of Brisbane, with three rounds to play (against the Eagles, Hawks and Swans), the Blues could well have five No.1 draft picks at Princes Park next season. Carlton hasn’t played the Eagles in the West since Round 2, 2015, where it lost by 69 points.

Levi Greenwood hurt his knee after a collision with Todd Goldstein. Picture: Getty

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Brodie Grundy (suspension) 2 weeks

Ben Crocker (ankle) test

Mitch McCarthy (foot) 2-3 weeks

Sam McLarty (hip/groin) 1 week

Adam Oxley (ankle) season

Scott Pendlebury (broken finger) season

Brayden Sier (foot) test

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) season

Travis Varcoe (elbow) season

Rupert Wills (quad) 1 week

Levi Greenwood (knee) 2-3 weeks

Daniel Wells (thigh) test

Jackson Ramsay (knee) test

Liam Mackie (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: ARE WE PLAYING FOOTY OR NOT?

ON THE BLOCK: Levi Greenwood has damaged the medial ligament in his knee and is likely to miss the remainder of the season, while Daniel Wells suffered a thigh injury and will be monitored this week. The fact he played out the game is surely a good sign, however, and given the clash with the Power isn’t until Sunday he has every chance to get up. He will face a fitness test. Tyson Goldsack copped a heavy hit to the head but returned to play out the match. Brodie Grundy has accepted his two-match ban.

ON THE CUSP: James Aish was best on ground in Collingwood’s VFL win after 23 disposals and 13 tackles. Is this the week for Kayle Kirby? He booted another five goals in the VFL on Saturday but the form of whipping boy Jarryd Blair — who booted three goals against North Melbourne — might keep him out. The same goes for Josh Daicos who played one of his best games with 26 disposals and a goal. Mason Cox will likely get his chance to show his skills as the Magpies’ No.1 ruckman as the logical replacement for Grundy.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The game wasn’t pretty but you’d much rather be on the winning end of a 54-point result so the Magpies and coach Nathan Buckley will take it. Collingwood has found form and is unbeaten in the last month — defeating the Suns, Eagles and North and drawing with the Crows — but has a tough trip to face a Port Adelaide side on the rebound next. The Magpies have won three of their four interstate trips — only losing narrowly to GWS — so far this season, however, and would fancy its chances but have lost five of its past six against the Power. Buckley’s team has the opportunity to not only finish the season on a high with much to look forward to in 2018 but to also shape the eight in the final three weeks with clashes against the Cats in Round 22 and Demons to finish.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Andrew McGrath (managed) available

James Kelly (managed) available

Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Mitch Brown (ankle) 2 weeks

Ben McNiece (neck) indefinite

Jackson Merrett (leg) 6-8 weeks

MATCH REPORT: HOOKER, WALLA SAVE BOMBER BLUSHES

ON THE CUSP: Essendon’s VFL team had a bye on the weekend, meaning the likes of Aaron Francis — who has been in the best in four of his last five games — missed an opportunity to stake their claim for selection. Brent Stanton and Craig Bird have also been performing strongly in the state league.

ON THE BLOCK: Scans have confirmed “grade two” hamstring injury for Orazio Fantasia, which will see him sidelined for 5-6 weeks. That could mean it’s season over for the small forward. The coach admitted Jobe Watson “struggled” against the Blues — could he need a rest? He wasn’t the only one, with a further handful of Bombers winning 10 possessions or less.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: Skipper Dyson Heppell said it himself on Saturday — the Bombers have to win every game from here or “she’s lights out”. And they don’t start their trio of final home-and-away games with an easy one. Adelaide will be up and about after their rampant record-breaking Showdown win over Port Adelaide as they eye the minor premiership. Joe Daniher will be looking to bounce back after being well-held by Liam Jones. And don’t discount the “need to win” factor — exhibited by St Kilda against the Eagles — that will be well in play for the Bombers.

Orazio Fantasia on the bench after injuring his hamstring.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Brady Grey (hamstring) TBC

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Harley Balic (hamstring/personal leave) TBC

Connor Blakely (shoulder) season

Zac Clarke (knee) TBC

Ed Langdon (knee) season

Alex Pearce (leg) season

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season

Tommy Sheridan (hamstring) test

Lee Spurr (calf) 2-3 weeks

Michael Walters (knee) season

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC

MATCH REPORT: FREO FLIES BACK INTO WINNING FORM

ON THE BLOCK: Brady Grey will miss at least next week with a hamstring injury. Not many other obvious outs after a pretty even team performance against Gold Coast.

ON THE CUSP: Young ruckman Sean Darcy is available for selection after being rested on Saturday night (and apparently he wasn’t too happy about it). Peel Thunder had the bye in the WAFL but the usual suspects Matt Taberner and Garrick Ibbotson are waiting in the wings.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Would the Dockers have taken an eight-win season if you offered it before Round 1? Considering the list turnover, the answer is probably yes. They might have to settle for that with games to come against Sydney (SCG), Richmond (Subiaco) and Essendon (Etihad Stadium), although they aren’t without a chance in the last two. The most enjoyable part of Saturday night’s win was watching Nat Fyfe back in full flight — if he puts that together for a full season, 2018 might be a lot more productive.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Tom Hawkins (suspension) 2 weeks

Mitch Duncan (suspension) 1 week

Mark Blicavs (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) TBC

Josh Cowan (Achilles) season

Jordan Cunico (ankle) test

Cory Gregson (foot) season

Darcy Lang (shin) 1-2 weeks

Lincoln McCarthy (groin) season

Daniel Menzel (soreness) test

Steven Motlop (groin) test

Quinton Narkle (knee) season

Joel Selwood (ankle) 4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: CATS CAN’T ANSWER SWANS CHALLENGE

ON THE BLOCK: A massive blow for the Cats with captain Joel Selwood’s home-and-away season over ... and potentially he could be out for longer. Geelong coach Chris Scott was very confident on Friday night that Selwood had dodged a bullet, but confirmation came on Sunday that he requires surgery for a syndesmosis (ankle) injury. Best case scenario is three weeks off, worse case could push it even well beyond Grand Final day. The Cats will also be without spearhead Tom Hawkins and key midfielder Mitch Duncan for the clash against Richmond after the pair were offered suspensions by the match review panel.

ON THE CUSP: Selwood out; Patrick Dangerfield in. Danger returns from his one-week ban, following a hard bike hit-out on Friday ahead of the Swans game. Scott is confident he will be fresher to attack the final three games, starting with Richmond this Saturday. Daniel Menzel will likely be a welcome return, which is a bonus given the Cats need more avenues to goal. Steven Motlop is also a chance to come back.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Richmond hasn’t won at Simonds Stadium since 2006, and has lost 12 of their past 13 encounters at the ground. But the relative form of both sides at the moment almost tips the scales in favour of the Tigers. This should be a seriously good contest between the third and fourth-ranked sides. The Cats need to find something extra without Selwood, while maybe calling on the skipper’s brother Scott to somehow limit the influence of Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin.

Joel Selwood has suffered a syndesmosis injury in his ankle. Picture: Michael Klein

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Tom Lynch (knee) season

Callum Ah Chee (concussion/shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Ben Ainsworth (knee) 1-2 weeks

Michael Barlow (leg) season

Sam Day (hip) season

Brayden Fiorini (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) season

Jack Leslie (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Cam Loersch (hand) season

Jarryd Lyons (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Brandon Matera (foot) test

Tom Nicholls (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Matt Shaw (calf) test

Rory Thompson (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Jarrod Witts (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

David Swallow (groin) TBC

Aaron Hall (hamstring) TBC

MATCH REPORT: FREO FLIES BACK INTO WINNING FORM

ON THE BLOCK: More injuries but this is probably the biggest with key forward and co-captain Tom Lynch to miss the final three games after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Suns footy boss Marcus Ashcroft said: “Usual circumstances would see Tom miss about a month of footy with the injury but with just three matches remaining Tom won’t return this season.” David Swallow pulled out before the bounce on Saturday night and Aaron Hall going down with a hamstring injury before halftime that will probably end his season. Sean Lemmens, Jack Scrimshaw, Jesse Joyce, Jarrad Grant and Jarrod Harbrow didn’t excite the statisticians.

ON THE CUSP: Swallow will hopefully return along with Michael Rischitelli, who missed the trip to Perth as part of his management after returning from a long-term knee injury. The Suns had a bye in the NEAFL.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Gold Coast wasn’t bad against the Dockers but is almost playing out the clock on another frustrating season before huge decisions on coach Rodney Eade and superstar Gary Ablett. At least next week’s Q-Clash gives Suns fans something to get excited about.

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) 2 weeks

Jeremy Finlayson (knee) 1 week

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 3 weeks

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Sam Reid (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Will Setterfield (concussion) test

Tim Taranto (ankle) 3 weeks

Jonathon Patton (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: BE AFRAID, THE GIANTS ARE BACK

ON THE CUSP: The Giants are starting to look scary again with Toby Greene (suspension) and Jonathon Patton (hamstring) both expected to return for Friday night’s preliminary final re-match against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. Tendai Mzungu, Dawson Simpson and Daniel Lloyd all played well in the NEAFL.

ON THE BLOCK: Shane Mumford will have a nervous wait after two incidents in Saturday’s win over Melbourne, the first for a brutal tackle on debutant Corey Maynard and the second for his high bump on Max Gawn.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: GWS is back in the top two and a home final looking likely after Saturday’s important win over Melbourne but not over the line yet with three tough games to come against the Bulldogs, Eagles and Cats to come. With Brett Deledio now fit and Greene, Patton and Hopper all nearing returns, the team is looking in much better shape. Mumford looks likely to get a week for the high bump on Gawn leaving the door open for former Simpson, who did an excellent job in his absence two weeks ago.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) season

James Cousins (shoulder) season

Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) indefinite

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (turf toe) 2 weeks

Josh Gibson (groin) 1-2 weeks

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) test

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 1 week

Cyril Rioli (PCL) 3 weeks

Ben Stratton (knee) season

Paul Puopolo (groin) test

MATCH REPORT: TIGERS EXTINGUISH HAWKS’ FINALS FLAME

ON THE BLOCK: Brendan Whitecross and Will Langford are the two in the gun. Whitecross had nine possessions and was caught with the ball a couple of times, while Langford had nine disposals and again struggled with his set shot goal kicking. Grant Birchall’s season is over, he requires surgery on his injured knee.

ON THE CUSP: The best news from Hawthorn this week is that Jaeger O’Meara is on the cusp of his return in the VFL. Hawthorn is confident it has sorted his latest knee problem after a setback in an unexpected part of his knee mid-season. But he trained solidly last week and is in line to play this week. Classy left footed midfielder Kade Stewart also kicked four goals and was best on ground in the VFL.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Hawthorn will regain champion Luke Hodge for Sunday’s clash against North Melbourne but injured stars Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall, Cyril Rioli, Josh Gibson and James Frawley may all be done for the season. Alastair Clarkson said there was little point bringing back the injured stars for one or two games. The Hawks are out of the finals running and want to keep playing the kids.

Christian Salem hurt his leg against the Giants.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Tom Bugg (suspended) available Round 22

Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) season

Colin Garland (knee) season

Jesse Hogan (collarbone) 6-8 weeks

Dean Kent (shoulder) 6 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) season

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

Mitch White (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

Christian Salem (leg) TBC

Joel Smith (knee) TBC

MATCH REPORT: DEMONS NO MATCH FOR ORANGE TSUNAMI

ON THE BLOCK: Jeff Garlett obviously doesn’t like the cold. He was all but unsighted in Canberra (three disposals) while Jayden Hunt and Cam Pederson had no influence. Christian Petracca had 16 disposals but just three kicks and Jack Watts hasn’t had a big game since returning from injury. Christian Salem limped off with a leg injury and Joel Smith hurt his knee flying for a mark in the VFL. So there a few issues for Simon Goodwin.

ON THE CUSP: The cavalry returned against GWS so there isn’t a lot for Goodwin to draw on. Angus Brayshaw had 34 disposals in what Casey coach Justin Plapp described as an “extraordinary” performance against Sandringham and will be considered for his first senior game since Round 2. Jay Kennedy-Harris was also good, while Mitch Hannan is available after being rested.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: After being rated a genuine premiership threat a month ago, the Demons now face an uphill battle to play finals. Saturday’s game started well, kicking the first three goals, but it unravelled after that, costing almost three points in percentage. The run home looks friendly on paper but if they can’t overcome the Saints next week, it’s curtains.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Majak Daw (foot) TBC

Mitch Hibberd (shoulder) season

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) season

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 1-2 weeks

Jamie Macmillan (finger) season

Kayne Turner (knee) test

Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) season

Corey Wagner (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Jarrad Waite (calf) 1-2 weeks

Declan Watson (knee) season

Marley Williams (back) season

Mason Wood (calf) 1-2 weeks

Sam Wright (foot/ankle) season

Ben Brown (concussion) test

Jy Simpkin (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: ARE WE PLAYING FOOTY OR NOT?

ON THE BLOCK: The Kangaroos are clearly about development more than anything at the moment, so wouldn’t be too fussed with a few young players having limited impact. Ben Cunnington will come under match review panel scrutiny while it remains to be seen if Ben Brown will play this week after his concussion.

ON THE CUSP: With a lengthy injury list, coach Brad Scott said there was only a handful of available players that didn’t play on Saturday night. Lachlan Hansen was solid in the VFL for Werribee, kicking three goals.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: North Melbourne will just look to get some more games into their younger players over the final three weeks as the 16th-placed side looks to the future. The performance against Collingwood on Saturday night was poor and showed an inexperienced team running out of steam towards the end of the season. It doesn’t get much easier this Sunday with the Kangaroos meeting Hawthorn in Launceston, a side they have beaten just once since 2011.

Ben Brown was knocked out after his head hit the deck in a tackle from Brodie Grundy against Collingwood.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Chad Wingard (ankle) 1-3 weeks

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) TBC

MATCH REPORT: CROWS FLEX MUSCLE TO SHUT DOWN POWER

ON THE BLOCK: After being overwhelmed and outclassed in Showdown 43 by the top-ranked Adelaide, there would be very few Port Adelaide players feeling comfortable when the review unfolds at Alberton on Monday and selection leaves a mark on Thursday night. Port Adelaide’s midfield was notably challenged by St Kilda two weeks ago and completely beaten by the Crows on Sunday. But with none of the big-name midfielders to be threatened, coach Ken Hinkley will work around the fringes again by turfing out Karl Amon. The return of specialist forward Angus Monfries after 708 days on the sidelines did not work, putting his place in doubt.

ON THE CUSP: All-Australian Chad Wingard (left ankle) will try running at training this week as the Power looks to rebound against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval. Defender Matthew Broadbent needs to shake off the ankle injury that has put him on a stop-start sequence in the past two months. The case for midfielder Brendon Ah Chee, defender Dan Houston and forward Jake Neade from the SANFL ranks could be made at selection.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide needs a win from its remaining three games against Collingwood (home), Western Bulldogs (Ballarat) and Gold Coast (home) to qualify for the finals for the first time since 2014. The Power should reach this mark by again beating up bottom-10 teams. But the Power’s record against top-eight sides says it will be a very short run in September.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Reece Conca (foot) TBC

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

Ben Griffiths (shoulder) TBC

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Steven Morris (hamstring) test

Jack Riewoldt (eye) test

MATCH REPORT: TIGERS EXTINGUISH HAWKS’ FINALS FLAME

ON THE BLOCK: No one deserves to be on the block after another outstanding display against Hawthorn on the weekend — a fourth straight win. But the fact of the matter is that Jack Riewoldt is likely to return so at least one unlucky Tiger is going to have to make way. Given it was a smaller side that dismantled the Hawks, could it be either of Ivan Soldo or Toby Nankervis? Not likely, if coach Damien Hardwick’s comments are anything to go by. It means that one of the side’s plethora of small forwards would be most likely to make way for Jumping Jack.

ON THE CUSP: Riewoldt hurt his eye in a training mishap leading into the Gold Coast game. But just try holding him back for what shapes as a season-defining clash against Geelong on Saturday. “He was pretty close this week,” Damien Hardwick said. The Richmond VFL side had a bye so there’s no one from there really pushing their cause. Only Steven Morris (hamstring) is any chance to join Riewoldt in coming off the injury list.

MATT WINDLEY’S FORECAS T: Are the Tigers a certainty for top four? It’s looking that way after Sunday’s huge win over Hawthorn and the best part about the victory was it came without Riewoldt. Saturday’s clash with Geelong is going to be big and with the Cats to be without Joel Selwood, there has never been a better time for Richmond to snap its 12-game losing streak against Geelong. Riewoldt will likely come in for either Corey Ellis — who Hardwick indicted in his post-match press conference was “a bit sore” — or Anthony Miles.

St Kilda is confident Nick Riewoldt will be available to play against Melbourne despite a concussion issue.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Jack Steven (hip) test

Jack Newnes (eye) test

Nick Riewoldt (concussion) test

David Armitage (groin) test

Nick Coughlan (hamstring) indefinite

Nathan Freeman (ankle) 4-6 weeks

Sam Gilbert (hand) 1-2 weeks

Hugh Goddard (foot) season

Paddy McCartin (concussion) indefinite

Darren Minchington (ankle) season

Leigh Montagna (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

Nathan Wright (broken ankle) TBC

MATCH REPORT: TIGHT WIN LIFTS SAINTS’ FINALS HOPES

ON THE BLOCK: Saints coach Alan Richardson said he was confident Nick Riewoldt would be fit to take on the Demons after the champion forward watched the closing stages of the match from the bench after a head clash mid-way through the last quarter. Richardson said Riewoldt, who did not return to the field due to concussion protocol, had recovered well after the game, but would require stitches in his mouth. Jack Steven also had a “hip pointer” early in the game, but played through the injury and Richardson was also confident he would be right to take on the Demons at the MCG.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Lonie was dropped for the clash with the Eagles but responded in the best way possible, with 37 disposals and two goals for Sandringham to press his claims for an immediate recall. Ruckman Tom Hickey had 21 disposals and 55 hit outs.

REBECCA WILLIAMS’S FORECAST: The Saints kept their finals hopes alive with the eight-point win over the Eagles on Sunday, but they need to keep winning if they are to book themselves a place in the September action. With a traffic jam involving several teams just outside the top eight trying to force their way in, the Saints face another critical clash against Melbourne, also fighting to secure a place in the eight, next Sunday. The Saints then face North Melbourne and Richmond in the final two rounds. They remain in 11th place on the ladder, on the same points as eighth-placed Essendon, but their percentage lags behind the Bombers, Eagles and Demons.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season

Harry Cunningham (foot) 1 week

Robbie Fox (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Josh Kennedy (hamstring) test

Sam Naismith (side) test

Colin O’Riordan (ankle) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: NO BUDDY, NO PROBLEM FOR SWANS

ON THE BLOCK: Dean Towers is the one most likely to make way for Josh Kennedy should he prove his fitness while Callum Sinclair looks like the one who would make way for Sam Naismith should he return.

ON THE CUSP: Kennedy (hamstring) and Naismith (abdominals) are both facing fitness test but are expected to return. The Swans’ depth is also building after James Rose kicked six goals in the NEAFL match against Brisbane. Dan Robinson, Jordan Dawson, Jordan Foote and Harry Cunningham were also in the best.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: What a win. After the disappointment of losing to Hawthorn the week before, the Swans could have gone one of two ways. Unfortunately, for their finals rivals it was smarten up and respond. Fremantle arrive at the SCG on Saturday in what should be a simply win — although those are few and far between in 2017 — with Adelaide in Adelaide and Carlton at the SCG to follow. A home final looms.

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Matthew Allen (foot) season

Tom Barrass (groin) TBC

Sam Butler (hamstring) season

Lewis Jetta (calf) 1 week

Scott Lycett (shoulder) season

Nic Naitanui (knee) Late 2017 season

Matt Priddis (quad) test

Josh Rotham (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Tom Lamb (knee) 1-2 weeks

Nathan Vardy (glute) test

Daniel Venables (toe) 3-4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: TIGHT WIN LIFTS SAINTS’ FINALS HOPES

ON THE BLOCK: After another Melbourne fade out there would be a few Eagles looking over their shoulders this week. Will Schofield had a shocker in defence, managing three disposals as Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey kicked a couple of goals apiece. Jamie Cripps had limited impact with eight disposals, one tackle and one goal.

ON THE CUSP: Matt Priddis is obviously in line to return after being named as an emergency last Thursday. Meanwhile, East Perth enjoyed a massive win over West Perth as Sharrod Wellingham racked up 23 disposals and two goals. Nathan Vardy would also be in the conversation after 12 disposals, 17 hit-outs and two goals.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: What could have been for Adam Simpson and his Eagles. A win and they almost seal a finals finish with two of the last three games at Subiaco. A win over Carlton in Round 21 looks a formality but second-placed GWS and league-leaders Adelaide follow. All of a sudden September looks a long, long way away.

Easton Wood grabs his hamstring. Picture: Getty

He finished the match on crutches. Picture: Getty

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (foot) indefinite

Tom Boyd (mental health) indefinite

Tom Campbell (abdominal strain) 1-2 weeks

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Tory Dickson (quad) TBC

Tim English (face) test

Mitch Honeychurch (illness) test

Lin Jong (knee) season

Patrick Lipinski (hamstring) test

Brad Lynch (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Dale Morris (broken arm) 6-7 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

Jake Stringer (hamstring) test

Easton Wood (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Jason Johannisen (hamstring) TBC

MATCH REPORT: WOUNDED DOGS PULL OFF GREAT ESCAPE

ON THE BLOCK: Not a huge input from Lukas Webb, Zaine Cordy or Clay Smith at the Gabba. Easton Wood is the very big out — his hamstring injury looked like a nasty one and he will miss the rest of the home and away season. Travis Cloke is safe after a good all-round performance.

ON THE CUSP: Jason Johannisen was a last-minute withdrawal and while the Dogs insisted they weren’t playing games with “travelling emergency” and late inclusion Bob Murphy, we’d expect JJ to return against the Giants. Could Jake Stringer come straight back in?

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dogs played patches of exciting footy against the Lions but still almost lost — it’s been that kind of season at the kennel. They will need to be a lot better against each of their three remaining opponents, starting with the suddenly in-form Giants on Friday night. If their last two encounters — decided by a total of eight points — are any guide, it will be close.

Originally published as AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 20