AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 13
THE Bulldogs confirm the bad news on Lin Jong, plus Collingwood set to regain an important duo and the latest on Scott Selwood. YOUR CLUB’S INJURY LIST + ANALYSIS
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WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong’s season is over after scans confirmed he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the loss to Melbourne on Sunday.
The Dogs had feared the worst after Jong crumpled to the ground when his kick was smothered by Demons captain Nathan Jones early in the first quarter. Jong will undergo a traditional knee reconstruction and miss the rest of the 2017 campaign.
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“We’re all devastated for Jongy and we’ll put a really strong support network around him,” Bulldogs physiotherapist Chris Bell said.
“He’ll undergo a conventional hamstring tendon reconstruction later this week, but we look forward to seeing Jongy back into some football in the early parts of 2018.”
But Dogs skipper Bob Murphy (hamstring) is set to return for the struggling Dogs within the next two weeks after a fortnight on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Collingwood is expected to regain important duo Ben Reid and Travis Varcoe for Saturday’s clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG.
In a major boost to the Pies’ finals hopes, swingman Reid (quad) and speedster Varcoe (hamstring) are expected to train fully this week after significant layoffs.
Reid has been sidelined since Round 8 and Varcoe has been missing since Round 6.
Utility Tyson Goldsack is also in the mix to return from a fractured scapula, while star goalkicker Jamie Elliott is still under a cloud with his ankle injury.
Gellong midfielder Scott Selwood has confirmed he suffered a minor hamstring tear in the to West Coast last Thursday.
The 27-year-old will miss Sunday’s clash with Fremantle, having averaged a remarkable 13 tackles in his four games since returning from a toe injury.
“I got a little tear in my hamstring,” Selwood said.
“I got pretty good scans results to say it’s not too bad and hopefully I won’t miss too much footy.
“I’m going to try and push to play as soon as possible.”
Selwood said exciting forward Nakia Cockatoo was unlikely to return until the “back half” of the season, having also suffered a hamstring injury.
The Cats will be bolstered by the return of spearhead Tom Hawkins, who served a one-match suspension for a jumper punch on Adelaide’s Matt Crouch.
Fellow big man Mark Blicavs is also expected to be back after missing the Eagles game through soreness.
See who your team is tracking after Round 13 with a full injury list and expert analysis.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Ben Davis (foot) 5 weeks
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
Curtly Hampton (ankle) 10 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Half-forward Riley Knight would be on edge as Adelaide works a refit of its attack to reintroduce tall forward Mitch McGovern for the clash with Hawthorn. This change also brings into question where Adelaide places the comeback man, utility Andy Otten who has been a successful part of the Crows attack.
ON THE CUSP: The SANFL Crows had the bye, denying any fringe players the chance to impress. However, tall forward Mitch McGovern is ready to return after making a successful comeback from a serious hamstring tear. Midfielder Paul Seedsman also is off the injury list after being troubled by a groin complaint.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: A top-four finish beckons for the first time since 2012 and a Thursday night clash with strugglers Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval looms as a potential percentage booster. The club’s biggest challenge will be finding a solution to help Rory Sloane break heavy tags.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
Mitch Robinson (foot) season
MATCH REPORT: RYDER LEADS POWER PAST LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: The Lions showed promising signs against Port Adelaide on Saturday — the 40-point defeat was a major improvement on their 83-point loss to the Power in Round 6. Brisbane went into the game unchanged, could they do it again? Ryan Harwood had just seven disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Brisbane’s NEAFL side faired a lot better on the weekend with a 150-thrashing of the Southport Sharks. Signing a contract extension had a positive spin-off for Josh Schache, who returned to form with five goals and 10 marks. Rohan Bewick also shone, booting three goals and racking up 29 possessions
LUCY WATKIN’S FORECAST: Chris Fagan should be pleased with the progress his young Lions are showing. However, the next three weeks bring plenty of challenges for the inexperienced side. They face premiership favourites GWS this Saturday at home before hitting the road to face Essendon the following week.Is there a question mark over captain Tom Rockliff? He played only 23 minutes of the second half.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Sam Rowe (knee) season
Alex Silvagni (knee) 3 weeks
Liam Sumner (adductor) TBC
MATCH REPORT: BLUES PROVE GIANTS WIN NO FLUKE
ON THE BLOCK: Who needs a block after another fantastic win? No injuries from the trip to Metricon Stadium but Tom Williamson could be due for a rest after another quiet game and with limited match-up options against next week’s opponent Richmond.
ON THE CUSP: Rhys Palmer (29 disposals, two goals) and Nick Graham (28, two goals) continue to put up big numbers in the VFL. Kristian Jaksch kicked three goals as the Northern Blues went down to Werribee by 14 points.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The green shoots are flourishing everywhere under Brendon Bolton with the Blues backing up their brilliant win against GWS with a fighting victory interstate. At this stage last year Carlton had six wins and claimed just one more victory for the year; can’t see that happening this time. Sunday’s clash against Richmond is massive. You get the feeling Damien Hardwick will put some time into Sam Docherty and who would have thought Liam Jones v Jack Riewoldt would be one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season?
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Jamie Elliott (ankle) TBC
Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) 1 week
Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 10 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 4 weeks
Daniel Wells (calf) 3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: While it was a week ago, Josh Smith could pay for a Queen’s Birthday stinker while Tom Langdon was rusty in his return from injury.
ON THE CUSP: Ben Reid and Travis Varcoe look set to return but Jamie Elliott remains a 50-50 proposition given his injury history. Collingwood was on a bye in the VFL as well leaving Jarryd Blair (39 disposals), Chris Mayne (four goals) and Jackson Ramsay (28 disposals) to hope the coaching staff remember their efforts from a fortnight ago.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: What could have been for the Magpies. A pre-bye win over Melbourne and they’re on the cusp of the eight. Instead they’ll have to do it the hard way, sitting 13th, but admittedly only a game behind. The Pies seem destined to tease us all the way to Round 23. A red-hot Port Adelaide before blockbusters against Hawthorn and Essendon will decide their season.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Patrick Ambrose (quad) 5 weeks
Mitch Brown (ankle) 1 week
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The Bombers had the bye at the weekend and had no injuries out of an impressive win over Port Adelaide in their last outing.
ON THE CUSP: Like the AFL side, the club’s VFL team had the weekend off but Shaun McKernan (four goals), Heath Hocking (32 disposals) and Kyle Langford (28 disposals) all pushed their cases for senior call-ups with strong VFL performances against Footscray the previous week.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Bombers held on to their top-eight spot courtesy of a Western Bulldogs loss on Sunday but are by no means comfortable, sitting just one game clear of 15th-placed Carlton. A massive match against the in-form team of the competition — Sydney — is next this weekend. Essendon has not beaten the Swans since 2011 and has not beaten them in Sydney since 2009, presenting a huge challenge for John Worsfold and his troops.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (knee) season
Harley Balic (personal leave) indefinite
Harley Bennell (calf) 3 weeks
Zac Clarke (knee) TBC
Brady Grey (hamstring) 2 weeks
Alex Pearce (leg) TBC
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) test
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: The Dockers had a bye at the weekend but after a horror loss to Brisbane in their last outing, changes are likely to be on the cards. Youngster Brady Grey suffered a hamstring injury in that match while forward Shane Kersten had just four touches, continuing a run of poor form.
ON THE CUSP: Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder had a bye at the weekend but the Docker’s first pick in last year’s draft, Griffin Logue, starred for the Thunder the previous week against South Fremantle. Ruckman Aaron Sandilands is expected to return after missing three games with a hamstring injury.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The bye came at a good time for the Dockers, with their season in free fall after three consecutive losses including hefty losses to Adelaide (100 points) and Brisbane (57 points). Ross Lyon’s side now sits 11th on the ladder but is just one game outside the top-eight. Geelong is next up at Simonds Stadium on Sunday, no easy task given the Cats have won 13 of their past 14 matches at the venue.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Scott Selwood (hamstring) TBC
Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) TBC
Tom Ruggles (AC joint) TBC
Mark O’Connor (ankle) TBC
Timm House (collarbone) 5 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 4 weeks
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 1 week
Josh Cowan (achilles) 1 week
Cory Gregson (foot) 9 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CATS FALTER IN FLATTERING LOSS
ON THE BLOCK: The Cats confirmed today Scott Selwood will miss Sunday’s clash against Fremantle — and maybe more. “I got a little tear in my hamstring,” Selwood told radio station K Rock. “I got pretty good scans results to say it’s not too bad and hopefully I won’t miss too much footy.” Nakia Cockatoo could be out for longer. A few others could be sweating after a pretty average display from Chris Scott’s men in Perth. Injuries will ensure a few win a reprieve but Jed Bews, James Parsons, Jordan Murdoch and Jake Kolodjashnij might all be under the microscope.
ON THE CUSP: Tom Hawkins returns from suspension (which will make the call on Rhys Stanley interesting) while Mark Blicavs should also be available to return. George Horlin-Smith starred in the VFL and could come in if Scott Selwood misses with injury. Jordan Cunico’s run might also be called on, while Jackson Thurlow is a class above VFL footy.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Horrible trip to Perth for the Cats. Never really got going and copped injuries. The loss once again raises questions over their 2017 credentials after three home wins over some high-class opposition. The rest (10-day break) before facing Freo will help as they try to get back on track.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Michael Barlow (broken leg) season
Sam Day (hip) season
Touk Miller (illness/ankle) test
MATCH REPORT: BLUES PROVE GIANTS WIN NO FLUKE
ON THE BLOCK: Jarrod Harbrow is an automatic selection after serving a club-imposed suspension. Touk Miller looms as the obvious replacement for Michael Barlow. However, the illness that forced him out of the game against Hawthorn evolved into an infection at the point in his ankle where he received off-season surgery. He will have to train well this week to press his claims. Michael Rischitelli has played just half a game and is not ready.
ON THE CUSP: Rodney Eade has once again threatened major changes but the reality is he only ever drops kids and fringe players. With Barlow going out that might be it, although Aaron Hall, Alex Sexton and Brandon Matera refused to enter the fight on Saturday.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: How can you predict with the Suns? If they hear all week they are no chance, they would probably knock over the Saints. However, if the focus is on winning it for Gary Ablett in his 300th game the expectation increases dramatically. And if there’s one thing the Suns hate more than physical football games it is expectation.
GWS
INJURIES
Josh Kelly (hip) TBC
Jacob Hopper (finger/ankle) TBC
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 6 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 10 weeks
Nick Haynes (hamstring) 1 week
Adam Kennedy (knee) season
Will Setterfield (ankle) 1 week
Devon Smith (knee) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Rory Lobb (groin) and Nick Haynes (hamstring) will be available for selection after recovering from injuries. Lobb hasn’t played in three weeks and Haynes has been out since Round 6. Jacob Hopper was close to a return from finger surgery but hurt his ankle at training.
ON THE CUSP: The biggest worry for Leon Cameron this week is a hip injury to rising superstar Josh Kelly, who hurt himself at training yesterday. Harry Perryman will come under pressure to hold his spot as will Sam Reid after the one-point loss the Carlton before the bye.
Perryman picked up just seven disposals against the Blues and Reid had 11.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Coming off the bye the Giants travel to Brisbane to take on the Lions, who pulled off a big win over Fremantle two weeks ago. Haynes and Lobb will be the first of a number of inclusions in the coming weeks as their massive injury list starts to ease.
The Giants have six of their last 10 matches at their home grounds Spotless Stadium (five) and Manuka Oval (one), where they are undefeated this year.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite
James Frawley (turf toe) 3 weeks
Josh Gibson (groin) test
Luke Hodge (groin) test
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 4 weeks
Cyril Rioli (knee) 5 weeks
Ben Stratton (knee) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: The Hawks had a bye at the weekend but were disappointing against Gold Coast in their last outing which could see the spots of a number of players put in question this week.
ON THE CUSP: Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate also had a bye at the weekend and no AFL-listed players stood out in Box Hill’s last match against North Ballarat. But the Hawks should regain Grant Birchall for their match with Adelaide on Thursday night, the defender having missed the side’s past five games with a knee injury.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Hawks are struggling and the going does not get any easier for them this week, set to take on ladder-leader Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. The Crows have lost just three of their past 25 games at the venue and overcame Hawthorn by 24 points when the two sides met at the MCG in Round 2.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Nathan Jones (quad) TBC
Jack Watts (hamstring) TBC
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite
Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) 2 weeks
Colin Garland (knee) season
Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) TBC
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 7 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) 1 week
Tim Smith (navicular bone) season
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season
MATCH REPORT: ARE DEMONS HEADING FOR NEXT FAIRYTALE FINISH?
ON THE BLOCK: Jack Watts and Nathan Jones are in some doubt after pulling up sore. Both will be assessed during the week but no risks will be taken. Jayden Hunt tweaked his shoulder late in the game.
ON THE CUSP: Max Gawn is back. The All-Australian will play against West Coast on Saturday night. Billy Stretch and Jay Kennedy-Harris have been knocking on the door for some time and could get a look in if Watts/Jones can’t get up. Jesse Hogan still 2-3 weeks away, but has returned to full training.
GILBERT GARDINERS FORECAST: Maybe, just maybe, Melbourne is the real deal. The bullied the Bulldogs on Sunday, dismantling the premiers in the biff and the game. Playing with loads of confidence and Gawn is only going to make an imposing midfield better.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Jamie Macmillan (hamstring tightness) TBC
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Ben Jacobs (lower leg) 1 week
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) TBC
Ben McKay (groin/hip) 1 week
Jy Simpkin (AC joint) 2 weeks
Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) 7 weeks
Corey Wagner (ankle) 1 week
Sam Wright (foot) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS DOWN ROOS TO LEAP AHEAD IN KELLY RACE
ON THE BLOCK: Jed Anderson was a late inclusion and failed to get a touch in the first half. Picked up a bit after the break but not enough to hold his spot. Lachie Hansen gifted the Saints easy goals early in the game.
ON THE CUSP: The Roos took a cautious approach with quarterback Jamie Macmillan and he’ll return this week. Andrew Swallow was the standout in the VFL and defender Daniel Nielson did his chances no harm, shutting down Carlton forward Harry McKay. “Perennial emergency” Braydon Preuss had 48 hitouts, 18 disposals and five marks but will find it hard to replace Todd Goldstein. Sam Durdin left the field early with a head knock.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: The Roos were brave in defeat on Good Friday against the Dogs, but that work rate has fallen off dramatically in the past two losses. Will need to clean up entries to stand a chance of prolonging the Bulldogs’ run of outs. Brad Scott was livid after the loss, warning experienced players could make way for younger teammates in the run home.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Jared Polec (hamstring) TBC
Karl Amon (knee) 2 weeks
Angus Monfries (calf) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: RYDER LEADS POWER PAST LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: Some considered Aaron Young lucky to come back into the Power’s side after a strong SANFL game and while he kicked two goals, he had only nine touches and could face selection pressure from some of the Magpies who are in good form. Hamish Hartlett had a quiet night but he kicked a massive goal from 60m by sneaking down from halfback and was swamped by his teammates in a sign of his popularity among the playing group.
ON THE CUSP: Jasper Pittard was dropped by Ken Hinkley for the first time in his coaching career at the Power and went back to the reserves on Sunday. He will have a hard time dislodging Dan Houston or Darcy Byrne-Jones from defence but may get the call up to replace Jared Polec, who has a 2-3 week hamstring injury. Dougal Howard is the other one knocking on the door after eight goals last week in the SANFL as he continues his comeback from a knee reconstruction.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: A trip to the MCG to play Collingwood is the start of a potentially season-defining month for Port Adelaide. They then host Richmond, travel to Perth to play West Coast and are at home to North Melbourne. If they can win at least three of the four then they deserve to be talked about as a top-four side. This Saturday against the Magpies is Port’s first game at the MCG for 2017, so they will want to make it count.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Reece Conca (foot) indefinite
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
Todd Elton (shoulder) 4 weeks
Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Callum Moore (ankle) 2 weeks
Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) test
MATCH REPORT: RANCE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP BUT SWANS WIN WAR
ON THE BLOCK: No injuries out of the clash with Sydney but a few players struggled to have an impact, namely small forward pair Dan Butler (four disposals) and Daniel Rioli (eight disposals). Rioli did lay seven tackles while Butler had 23 pressure acts but the Tigers need goals out of them.
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Anthony Miles continues to display solid VFL, gathering 28 disposals and eight marks against Geelong on Saturday. Fellow onballer Jacob Townsend also impressed with 22 disposals and six tackles while Steven Morris had 20 disposals, nine marks and booted four goals as a small forward. Ben Lennon kicked 2.5. Nick Vlastuin is a chance to return.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: A disappointing result for Richmond against Sydney on Saturday, giving up a 36-point lead to lose by nine points. The Tigers’ small and mobile forward line looked electric early in the match but the side lacked forward marking targets as the game wore on and managed just three second-half goals. Archrival Carlton awaits on Sunday for the second time this season. Richmond recorded a 43-point win when the sides met in Round 1 but the Blues have been building nicely, this a huge challenge for a Tigers side that needs wins to hold on to its top-eight spot.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Luke Dunstan (calf) TBC
David Armitage (groin) 4 weeks
Hugh Goddard (foot) indefinite
Paddy McCartin (knee) 1 week
Ed Phillips (leg) test
Nathan Wright (shoulder) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS DOWN ROOS TO LEAP AHEAD IN KELLY RACE
ON THE BLOCK: Alan Richardson would be reasonably comfortable with his team after Friday night’s messy win over North. Billy Longer might have been beaten by Todd Goldstein in the ruck but he continues to keep Tom Hickey out of a spot..
ON THE CUSP: Will we see Nathan Freeman soon? The speedster continues his comeback from a nightmare run of hamstring injuries. Sandringham had the bye at the weekend. Paddy McCartin was out with a hamstring problem.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Saints were happy the team played with more dare and aggression against the Roos. It would be a big backward step if they can’t get the job done against the up-and-down Suns on Sunday.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Kurt Tippett (ankle) 1 week
Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season
Harry Cunningham (foot) 1 week
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) test
Daniel Robinson (fractured jaw) test
MATCH REPORT: RANCE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP BUT SWANS WIN WAR
ON THE BLOCK: Dean Towers had just six disposals in the win over Richmond and will struggle to hold his spot. Callum Sinclair rucked well but had little effect around the ground when moved forward.
ON THE CUSP: Kurt Tippett played well in the NEAFL win over Aspley, dominating in the ruck, picking up 20 disposals and making five tackles, but John Longmire confirmed on Monday morning he pulled up sore with an ankle injury and will miss at least one week. Ollie Florent starred with four goals and 25 possessions as did Jordan Dawson who booted 3.4 and had a massive 32 touches.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: After starting at 0-6 the Swans can move into the eight with a win over Essendon on Friday night at the SCG. The Bombers will be fresh coming off the bye and the Swans will be coming off a six-day break and a tough win over the Tigers. John Longmire will look closely at rewarding the form of either Florent or Dawson.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Jackson Nelson (hamstring) TBC
Matthew Allen (foot) TBC
Josh Kennedy (calf) test
Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite
Willie Rioli (hamstring) 4 weeks
Simon Tunbridge (knee) test
Daniel Venables (toe) 2 weeks
Jake Waterman (foot) 4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CATS FALTER IN FLATTERING LOSS
ON THE BLOCK: Jackson Nelson hurt his hamstring — we don’t know how badly yet — and Matt Priddis finished the game with his thigh heavily strapped. Mark Hutchings had just five disposals but did the job on Joel Selwood so his spot is safe; Tom Cole (eight disposals) might be nervous though. Could Luke Shuey miss a game for his bump on Patrick Dangerfield? Sam Mitchell’s tangle with Joel Selwood could also attract the MRP’s attention.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Kennedy should be right after another week on the sidelines. Chris Masten had 28 disposals for East Perth to push his case for a recall. Jack Redden picked up 26 but just 13 for Sharrod Wellingham.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Just when we thought we had figured out the Eagles, they win at home. Hang on, we knew they could do that, didn’t we? It was still an impressive victory after starting underdogs in Perth for the first time in years. Another Subiaco game against Melbourne next week presents an opportunity to cement a top-eight spot — as much as anyone can do that this season.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Lin Jong (knee) TBC
Marcus Adams (foot) 11 weeks
Stewart Crameri (hip) season
Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 8 weeks
Fergus Greene (wrist) 7 weeks
Robert Murphy (hamstring) 2 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: ARE DEMONS HEADING FOR NEXT FAIRYTALE FINISH?
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to think the Dogs need more selection changes but the reality is there are a heap of stars down on form. Let’s start with Tom Boyd. He was a non-factor again yesterday playing ruck-forward. Jason Johannisen was tagged out of the game again and could be sent down to the twos. Jake Stringer was also quiet. Lin Jong will have scans on his knee but the Dogs are fearing the worst.
ON THE CUSP: Matthew Boyd was sent to the VFL and was in the Dogs’ best players along with Tom Campbell and Lukas Webb. Campbell could be a straight swap for Boyd. String defender Kieran Collins is also on standby.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Have any of the Dogs improved this season? Maybe Mitch Wallis and Caleb Daniel. Luke Beveridge is looking for a spark to reignite his team. Surely the Dogs will beat North Melbourne.
Originally published as AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 13
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