AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 9
PORT Adelaide has lost Chad Wingard with a minor calf strain, while Carlton defender Sam Rowe receives the worst possible news on his knee injury. UPDATED INJURY LIST
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PORT Adelaide has lost Chad Wingard for the next two weeks with a minor calf strain.
Wingard suffered the injury at training this week and will miss games against Geelong and Hawthorn.
SCROLL DOWN FOR AN UPDATED INJURY LIST AT EVERY CLUB
CARLTON has confirmed defender Sam Rowe suffered a serious knee injury in the 35-point loss to Fremantle in Perth on Sunday.
Rowe injured his knee early in the match, but was given the green light to return to the field late in the first term.
His return was short-lived and his knee buckled when he leaned against his opponent as the ball came towards them.
Scans confirmed Rowe, 29, had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
While the Blues said Rowe would consult specialists, one option is a season-ending reconstruction.
“Sam is a strong character who has been through considerable adversity before and bounced back,” Blues football manager Andrew McKay said.
After the match, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton defended the decision of his club’s medical staff to allow Rowe back on the field.
Forward turned defender Liam Jones looms as the frontrunner to replace Rowe.
Carlton could also be without Dale Thomas after copping a hip to the head from teammate Alex Silvagni.
It was better news for Western Bulldog Tom Liberatore, who was tagged in the VFL, but still collected 21 disposals and will be hoping it was enough for a senior recall.
Who’s hot and who’s hurt at your club? Scroll down to see our experts’ take on every team’s playing stocks after Round 9.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Ben Davis (foot) season
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
Curtly Hampton (ankle) TBC
Riley Knight (glute) test
Mitch McGovern (hamstring) 3-5 weeks
Troy Menzel (quad) test
Paul Seedsman (groin) 2-4 weeks
Brodie Smith (hamstring) test
MATCH REPORT: LIONS NO MATCH FOR BRILLIANT BETTS
ON THE BLOCK: Curtly Hampton went off with an ankle sprain and will require scans this week but will in doubt to face Fremantle next Saturday. Jordan Gallucci had 11 disposals on debut and could miss out if first-choice players return.
ON THE CUSP: David Mackay is likely to replace Hampton. Josh Jenkins kicked four goals in the SANFL while Harrison Wigg had a career-high 38 disposals and Scott Thompson 30.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: This was more like the Crows of the first six rounds, torching the Lions after a quarter and a half of resistance. Adelaide sits on top of the ladder after a handy percentage boost and will put Fremantle’s stoic defence to the test at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. After that a trip to Geelong offers a chance to make a statement against another premiership contender.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
Tom Cutler (hamstring) test
Jack Frost (concussion) test
Dan McStay (hand) test
Mitch Robinson (foot) 8 weeks
Tom Rockliff (shoulder) 2 weeks
Sam Skinner (knee) test
MATCH REPORT: LIONS NO MATCH FOR BRILLIANT BETTS
ON THE BLOCK: Cracks are starting to appear in Chris Fagan’s veneer of positivity with the Lions coaching complaining about the contribution of his side’s middle tier players in terms of age and experience. That doesn’t bode well for the likes of Tom Bell who had a shocker against the Crows. Josh Walker’s run in the seniors may also be in jeopardy. Claye Beams injured his hamstring and is also set for a spell on the sidelines.
ON THE CUSP: Jonathan Freeman booted four goals in the Lions’ narrow NEAFL win over GWS and may get a chance. Rhys Mathieson played another solid game and has been on the cusp for several weeks now while Tom Cutler was also good. Ryan Bastinac got plenty of the footy but falls into the middle tier bracket Fagan has complained about.
ANDREW HAMILTON ’S FORECAST: The Lions’ pressure was good for a quarter and a bit and they were in the game against the Crows. But once it dropped they were opened up because of the mountain of turnovers they commit. Skills aren’t going to change over night so defensive pressure will again be the key. On their first trip to the MCG this season they would hope for the effort to be there but eventually the Pies’ superior class should win the day.
Don't look now but Liam Jones was best-on at full back v Bruce in the VFL. In good form. Rowe injured his knee. Jones lives again in the AFL
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 21, 2017
CARLTON
INJURIES
Sam Rowe (knee) season
Dale Thomas (concussion) test
Ciaran Byrne (knee) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS EYE TOP FOUR AFTER BEATING BLUES
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Rowe looks set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Fremantle. Scans on Monday will determine how long exactly. Dale Thomas to will be monitored during the week after suffering concussion. While a return to WA wasn’t a happy one for young gun Sam Petrevski-Seton has he managed just eight disposals but promisingly notched a game-high 10 tackles.
ON THE CUSP: Liam Jones looks to have found a new home ... in defence. The high-flying forward was shifted back and completely blanketed St Kilda’s Josh Bruce while collecting 26 disposals and 15 marks himself. Timely with the injury to Sam Rowe. Irish rookie Ciaran Sheehan could be set for an AFL recall after a strong 24-disposal game while veterans Rhys Palmer and Billie Smedts had 30 and 25 respectively.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The trip to Perth started promisingly but injuries and some lapses in concentration hurt. The Blues must now regroup with North Melbourne waiting at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Kangaroos will be buoyed by their upset win over Melbourne and looking to further improve after a disastrous start to the year.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
James Aish (fractured cheekbone) TBC
Josh Daicos (concussion) test
Adam Oxely (groin/hip) test
Ben Reid (quad) 2-3 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Travis Varcoe (hamstring 1 week
Jesse White (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DID BUCKS JUST SAVE HIS JOB WITH WIN OVER HAWKS?
ON THE BLOCK: Probably 15 Pies to quarter time on Saturday night with Brayden Maynard at the top of the list after he shanked a kick-in, which cost the Magpies a goal, and played with general disinterest. But Maynard redeemed himself in the second half as did most of his teammates. Alex Fasolo was pretty ordinary, but surely he gets another chance.
ON THE CUSP: Callum Brown was close this week and with the injury to James Aish and team confidence on a high, it could be the perfect time to blood the father-son hope. Surely too much to ask for a second generation double-play with Josh Daicos. Bucks?
ELIZA SEWELL’S FORECAST: My learned colleague Chris Cavanagh noted the Magpies’ form line- LLWLLWLLW. Let’s see if the heroics of Saturday night arrest the pattern. Another “should win” against the Lions at the MCG.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Patrick Ambrose (quad) 1 week
Mitch Brown (ankle) 3-5 weeks
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 6-7 weeks
Shaun McKernan (hand) test
Jordan Ridley (back) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: DONS DEMOLISH EAGLES TO GIVE FANS HOPE
ON THE BLOCK: No injuries out of Sunday’s clash against West Coast for the Bombers, who had no shortage of contributors. James Stewart was quiet, managing just nine touches, two marks and one goal, but did finish with six tackles to his name.
ON THE CUSP: A few sterling performances for Essendon in a big VFL win over Coburg on Saturday, none more so that big man Tom Bellchambers who was best afield with 24 disposals, six marks, 17 hit-outs and six goals. Kyle Langford (34 disposals, seven tackles) and Ben Howlett (31 disposals, eight tackles) were also impressive.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Two strong wins on the trot for the Bombers, who now find themselves well placed at 5-4. They are playing with confidence and have bookends in Michael Hurley and Joe Daniher who are in fine form. Richmond, which also sits 5-4, is the next challenge in a massive Dreamtime game at the G on Saturday night. The Bombers have lost their past five matches against the Tigers but will be very confident about their chances if they can replicate what they have produced the past two weeks. A top-eight spot is within reach.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (knee) season
Harley Balic (personal leave) indefinite
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Harley Bennell (calf) 5 weeks
Zac Clarke (knee) indefinite
Alex Pearce (leg) TBC
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC
MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS EYE TOP FOUR AFTER BEATING BLUES
ON THE BLOCK: The wet conditions didn’t suit Matt Taberner as he managed one goal from five disposals, Brady Grey was also quiet, finishing with seven disposals and fewer tackles than Cam McCarthy — four to six.
ON THE CUSP: It’s going to be tough but a couple of draftees are banging down the door for an AFL debut with mature-age defender Luke Ryan racking up 30 disposals, nine marks and a goal in Peel’s big win over Perth. Brennan Cox also impressed with 26 touches and 17 marks. Veteran forward Hayden Ballantyne played his first game for the year, managing two goals, but might need more time to regain match fitness.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The Dockers looked pretty good after quarter time but won’t want to start slowly against Adelaide next week. The Dockers face the daunting trip to Adelaide Oval and the Crows high-powered forward line.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Josh Cowan (achilles) test
Cory Gregson (foot) 2-4 weeks
Timm House (collarbone) 6-8 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 6-8 weeks
Quinton Narkle (hamstring) TBC
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Rhys Stanley (knee) test
MATCH REPORT: BRUISE-FREE? TACKLE-HAPPY CATS RESPOND
ON THE BLOCK: Nakia Cockatoo looks certain to miss after the explosive playmaker injured his hamstring. Steven Motlop was also sore against the Dogs and could struggle to prove his fitness after consecutive six-day breaks.
ON THE CUSP: Darcy Lang booted two mercurial goals late in the VFL victory against Footscray to finish with a bag of four. Given coach Chris Scott wants to replace Cockatoo’s pace and power, he is in the box seat to face Port Adelaide. Cam Guthrie, a late withdrawal with gastro, will come back in.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: A club-record in tackles said everything about Geelong’s attitude on Friday night. But the Cats face a challenge against a red-hot and well-rested Port Adelaide, particularly off consecutive six-day breaks. Beers at the Cats 10-year premiership celebration will taste even sweeter with another win against the Power. Meanwhile, Ken Hinkley will be thinking, ‘Can anyone stop ‘Dangerwood?’.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Callum Ah Chee (back) TBC
Ben Ainsworth (quad) test
Sam Day (hip) season
Jarrad Grant (knee) test
Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite
Pearce Hanley (heel) test
Jesse Lonergan (shoulder) test
Trent McKenzie (hamstring) test
David Swallow (knee) test
Matt Rosa (concussion) test
Rory Thompson (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Can you put the whole team on the block? The Suns were insipid in China and have some soul searching to do before their clash with Melbourne on Saturday. They had plenty of possessions for very little result with the likes of fringe players Alex Sexton and Brad Scheer ineffective. Captain Tom Lynch played one of his worst games for the club, but didn’t really have the supply to be effective.
ON THE CUSP: The Suns had the bye in the NEAFL but no one was really smashing down the door the week before either. Ex-Hawk Mitch Hallahan was probably the Suns’ best in their loss to NT Thunder, while ruckman Tom Nicholls was good, but is being kept at bay by Jarrod Witts.
MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: The numbers looked flash, but but the result was anything but and the Suns will travel to Canberra against a fired up Demons side that will be smarting after blowing its 16th straight game against North Melbourne. The likes of Aaron Hall, Michael Barlow, Jarrod Harbrow, Kade Kolodjashnij and Touk Miller all had more handballs than kicks in China. They need to find a way to gain ground better. Kicking the footy might be an option.
GWS
INJURIES
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 9 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Jeremy Finlayson (groin) 1 week
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 4-5 weeks
Nick Haynes (hamstring) 5 weeks
Jacob Hopper (finger) 3 weeks
Adam Kennedy (knee) season
Rory Lobb (groin) 1-2 weeks
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Will Setterfield (ankle) 4-5 weeks
Devon Smith (knee) 6 weeks
Lachie Tiziani (knee) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: TIGER TRAGEDY 2: MORE HEARTBREAK
ON THE BLOCK: Rory Lobb looked very sore for a second week in a row as he carries a groin injury. Leon Cameron suggested it might be time to rest the big man to allow him to properly recover. Harry Perryman’s fingertips played an important role in the last minute of the win over Richmond, but he struggled to adapt to the pace of the game, gathering just seven disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Matt Kennedy was outstanding in a losing Giants reserves team on Saturday with 37 disposals. Harry Himmelberg responded well after being dropped last week and worked hard making eight tackles to go with his 25 touches.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Lobb will almost certainly miss the trip to Perth to take on the Eagles on Sunday. Cameron is likely to use Jonathon Patton as a back-up to Shane Mumford rather than promote Dawson Simpson as a second ruckman. Matt Kennedy is likely to get another chance at the expense of his Collingullie teammate Perryman. Devon Smith’s knee injury brings the tally to eight of the Giants best 22 who are currently out of action.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) 1-2 weeks
Jonathon Ceglar (knee) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) 1 week
James Frawley (turf toe) 7 weeks
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Teia Miles (knee) 2-4 weeks
Tim O’Brien (hip) test
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Cyril Rioli (knee) 7-9 weeks
Ben Stratton (knee) 3-5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DID BUCKS JUST SAVE HIS JOB WITH WIN OVER HAWKS?
ON THE BLOCK: Paul Puopolo and Jack Gunston both left the ground with injuries, but coach Alastair Clarkson expects both to be OK for the weekend. Ty Vickery won a senior reprieve and he was woeful. Josh Gibson was not much better and Big Boy Ben McEvoy was smashed in the ruck by Brodie Grundy. A host of Hawks were ineffective after the halftime siren sounded.
ON THE CUSP: Forward Tim O’Brien and defender Kaiden Brand were both late withdrawals for the Hawks. O’Brien was replaced by James Sicily who gave a good showing. Rookie lister James Cousins continued his consistent season for Box Hill and will be hoping another best on ground performance for the VFL side will win him AFL promotion.
MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: Did something go wrong in the Hawks’ preseason? They’re obviously not the powerhouse they once were, but you’re not going to win too many when you can only play half a game of football. If O’Brien comes back in, Sicily surely keeps his spot, with Vickery the obvious omission. Sydney is flying and that spells serious trouble for the Hawks, with the daunting task of an SCG clash with a side that has won its past three. It’ll take a miracle.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite
Colin Garland (knee) season
Max Gawn (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Jesse Hogan (cancer) indefinite
Corey Maynard (concussion) test
Pat McKenna (hamstring) TBC
Joel Smith (shoulder) 5 weeks
Tim Smith (ribs/punctured lung) test
Jake Spencer (shoulder) 3-4 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 6-8 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The Demons got through unscathed from Sunday’s loss, but Christian Salem will be hanging on the MRP results after his errant elbow that has split commentators. Jeff Garlett managed just seven possessions to be Melbourne’s lowest possession-getter — just not his day.
ON THE CUSP: Jake Melksham returned from suspension via the VFL and proved classy, booting a much-needed goal and named among Casey’s best players. He’ll stake his claim for a return berth, while Alex Neal-Bullen continued to impress. The VFL side has a week off this week due to state league representative games.
LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: The Demons hit the road this week for a “home” game in Alice Springs against the Suns — and it’s not a happy hunting ground for them. Three outings at the ground against Port Adelaide has resulted in three losses for the red and blue and after another close game slipped from their grasp against the Roos, they’ll be looking for redemption. Expect them to stay the course with Pedersen and McDonald in the ruck after it worked again on the weekend. Pedersen’s resurgence deserved and proving fruitful. How the Suns will hold up after returning from Shanghai is a mystery.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Jed Anderson (foot) test
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 2-4 weeks
Ben McKay (groin/hip) 3-4 weeks
Jy Simpkin (AC joint) 5 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (suspended) 4 weeks
Corey Wagner (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: MRP MUST END GUT-PUNCH FARCE
ON THE BLOCK: Ben Cunnington will be the big talking point for North this week for two reasons. The hard nut midfielder played an excellent role onball on Sunday despite suffering a knee and ankle injury. He faces a light week on the track to play against Carlton. But the ballwinner may also be in hot water with the match review panel for gut punching Bernie Vince. Brad Scott says he should be let off if the MRP is consistent. We’ll see.
ON THE CUSP: Tagger Ben Jacobs was best on in the VFL at the weekend is his second game back from another serious foot problem. While he will probably need another couple of matches to build fitness, he will likely press for senior selection after the bye. Back-up ruckman Braydon Preuss was also excellent and is keeping his hand up for a recall.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Great win from North in a tough and physical battle against the Demons. Brad Scott was thrilled with the midfield after copping a pasting in the loss to the Swans last week. Carlton like to play keepings off and kick the ball around at halfback so forward line pressure will be crucial next weekend.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Nathan Krakouer (foot) 1 week
Will Snelling (ankle) 1 week
Chad Wingard (calf) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Port’s injury list is the envy of every other AFL club right now. Stars Robbie Gray and Hamish Hartlett were far from their best against the Suns in China, but it’s not like they had to be.
ON THE CUSP: Nathan Krakouer didn’t get up for Port’s SANFL side against Woodville West Torrens, so he is a question mark again, but former Bomber Angus Monfries was best on ground in a losing effort. Key forward Brett Eddy and little man Jake Neade are just chugging along, but this is a tough side to bust into right now.
MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: With a week off to freshen up after smashing the Gold Coast in China, Port gets a midweek clash with Geelong down at the Cattery in what has all the makings of a classic. They will obviously need to be at their best, but this is a game that is very winnable, even if the Cats did managed to slay the reigning premier on Friday night.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Dan Butler (groin) test
Nathan Broad (shoulder) 1 week
Josh Caddy (groin) test
Reece Conca (foot) indefinite
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
Jack Graham (ankle) 4 weeks
Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: TIGER TRAGEDY 2: MORE HEARTBREAK
ON THE BLOCK: Ivan Soldo came in to replace Todd Elton but had a similar impact as a key forward, taking two marks and failing to earn a shot on goal. Anthony Miles had 15 disposals but isn’t the same player he was two years ago. Jason Castagna was lively again but his set shot goalkicking has been an issue all year.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Caddy pulled out at the last minute and should return against the Bombers, while Dan Butler will be considered after a week off — although his replacement Shai Bolton was lively. Elton might have done enough to earn a recall with three goals in the VFL while Ben Lennon kicked two to go with 18 disposals.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: What more can we say about Saturday afternoon, and the Tigers’ past three weeks? In an alternate universe Richmond wins those three games and is a game clear on top of the ladder. In the reality we are stuck in they are just hanging on in the eight and facing a red-hot Essendon. Dreamtime at the G doesn’t get much bigger. The Tigers have won their past five against Essendon but it could come down to Alex Rance v Joe Daniher.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
David Armitage (groin) 6-8 weeks
Tom Hickey (knee) TBC
Jack Newnes (concussion) test
Jimmy Webster (hand) 2 weeks
Nathan Wright (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: WHY RIVALS SHOULD BE SCARED OF SYDNEY
ON THE BLOCK: Jack Newnes was concussed in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against Sydney but the early feeling was not too severe, coach Alan Richardson saying post-game the midfielder is “really likely” to take on Western Bulldogs this week. Key forward Paddy McCartin had limited impact in his first game back in the Saints’ senior side, but shoddy ball use from players further up the field didn’t help him.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Bruce didn’t have a great impact for Sandringham in the VFL on Saturday after being dropped, managing just 11 disposals, three marks, one tackle and one goal. Shane Savage was the Zebras’ best with 29 disposals and two goals.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: St Kilda is heading in the right direction but hit a major speed bump in the form of Sydney. The good news for the Saints was their main issue was they “butchered” the footy — something that can be quickly fixed. Alan Richardson will be looking for a big response this week against a Western Bulldogs side also coming off a loss. The match shapes as a belter and one the Saints can now not afford to lose with Adelaide awaiting at Adelaide Oval after the bye.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Harry Cunningham (foot) 4-8 weeks
Kieren Jack (hip) test
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) 1 week
Sam Naismith (knee) 1 week
Daniel Robinson 3-4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: WHY RIVALS SHOULD BE SCARED OF SYDNEY
ON THE BLOCK: Ollie Florent will come into consideration after performing well in the NEAFL, picking up 30 disposals after he was rested last week. Aliir Aliir will also be looked at, he is getting very close to the match fitness John Longmire is looking for after an injury interrupted pre-season. The Swans’ depth is looking a lot better with nine players in the reserves team with senior game experience in 2017.
ON THE CUSP: Harry Cunningham sat out the last quarter in Saturday’s win over St Kilda with a foot injury. There are fears he may have a stress fracture, which could mean up to six weeks out. Scans will determine his immediate playing future.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Florent was in outstanding touch in the wet on Friday night and is a very good chance of coming back into a Sydney team, which has found form. The Swans face their great rivals Hawthorn in the opening match to indigenous round on Friday night at the SCG. Both teams are 3-6 and sitting in the bottom third of the completion.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Matthew Allen (foot) 5-6 weeks
Scott Lycett (shoulder) 2 weeks
Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite
Simon Tunbridge (knee) 5 weeks
Jake Waterman (foot) indefinite
Francis Watson (ankle) 2 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DONS DEMOLISH EAGLES TO GIVE FANS HOPE
ON THE BLOCK: Everyone. The Eagles were back at their Melbourne graveyard and failed to give a yelp against the Bombers. Jamie Cripps returned from an ankle injury, but hardly went near it while Jack Redden was among a number of Eagles who struggled.
ON THE CUSP: Mark Hutchings was the chief prime mover with 27 disposals in East Perth’s incredible comeback win over South Fremantle in the WAFL. North Melbourne recruit Drew Petrie made his return from injury, while Eagles fans will be warmed by the news of livewire Willie Rioli bagging four goals for East Perth’s reserves, taking a big step in his hopes of an AFL debut after losing more than 16kg to keep his AFL dream alive.
MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: Will probably come out and smash GWS at Subiaco. They are yet to lose at home and it’s hard to see coach Adam Simpson swinging wholesale changes. Deep down, he would know the Eagles can’t play in Melbourne and he will be demanding an improved effort as his charges face a Giants side that only squeaked past the Tigers on the weekend.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Stewart Crameri (hip) 3-4 weeks
Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 9-10 weeks
Patrick Lipinski (collarbone) 1 week
Brad Lynch (hamstring) 1 week
Josh Prudden (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
Jake Stringer (knee) test
MATCH REPORT: BRUISE-FREE? TACKLE-HAPPY CATS RESPOND
ON THE BLOCK: You never know with Luke Beveridge which has been the beauty of this team. Six changes last week and he could easily do the same again. Travis Cloke didn’t set the world on fire but will probably get another chance while Clay Smith and Lachie Hunter were quiet compared to previous weeks.
ON THE CUSP: Tom Liberatore was the surprise omission last week and he went back to the VFL where he was tagged, gathering a tidy 21 touches which didn’t scream “pick-me”. Jordan Roughead impressed in his second game back from a serious hamstring injury while Toby McLean and Shane Biggs got plenty of touches.
SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: Roughead has to come back against the Saints as the Dogs were slaughtered in the ruck. That could mean Cloke has to make way as Jack Redpath looks the better of the key forwards at the minute. The future of former skipper Matthew Boyd is an interesting one after he missed last week with a back injury.
Originally published as AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 9
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