Barometer: Every club’s injury list plus who might be going in and out of your AFL team
BAROMETER: ELLIOT Yeo starred against Richmond but is no certainty to face Hawthorn this week. And another Eagles gun could miss to be at the birth of his child. Plus how bad is Nat Fyfe’s knee? SEE EVERY INJURY AHEAD OF ROUND 10
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WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson says star defender Elliot Yeo is a “50-50” chance to play against Hawthorn this week.
Yeo spent time on the bench last Sunday after wrenching his knee in the first quarter against Richmond.
SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST BELOW
He returned with his leg heavily strapped and was one of West Coast’s best in their huge win.
Midfielder Luke Shuey is hoping to return from a hamstring strain but Adam Simpson said last night both players had to get through training this week.
“I can’t give you too much, but I think Luke might be 50-50 and the same with Elliot,” he said on Channel 7.
He revealed intercept king Jeremy McGovern could also miss Sunday’s game as he awaits the birth of his child.
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Meanwhile, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon insists champion midfielder Nat Fyfe can keep playing despite a lingering knee niggle.
Fyfe appeared to move a little gingerly on occasions in the Dockers’ 59-point loss to Sydney on Saturday.
He was still one of their better players in a disappointing team display, notching 28 possessions, 13 of them contested.
Fyfe even won eight hit-outs in the ruck and spent time forward.
“A few weeks ago, we thought he had (a) knee problem, but the scan revealed it to be OK,” Lyon said.
“It’s just a ligament that can move around a little bit and click and it worries him a little bit.
“It happened Thursday, I don’t know where, and then he was OK.
“Then just in the warm-up, the doc has come in, I think it was on tape on vision, he felt (it) a little bit. “
SEE ALL YOUR CLUB’S INJURIES BELOW
ADELAIDE
INJURIES:
Luke Brown (Adductor) test
Brad Crouch (Groin) indefinite
Matt Crouch (Hamstring) test
Curtly Hampton (Adductor) Test
Paul Hunter (Ankle) 10-12 weeks
Riley Knight (Hamstring) TBC
Mitch McGovern (Ankle) 6-8 weeks
Andrew McPherson (Groin) 1-2 weeks
Wayne Milera (Hamstring) test
Rory Sloane (Foot) TBC
Brodie Smith (Knee) indefinite
Taylor Walker (Glute/hamstring) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: This is a tough one for the Crows with most of the young players who came in to cover for injured men in the strong 37-point win against the Western Bulldogs doing their jobs. How many go will depend on who comes back from injury, with specialist back pocket Luke Brown (adductor) the most likely to return. Reigning club champion and All-Australian Matt Crouch is a chance to return from hamstring soreness while dashing halfback Wayne Milera (hamstring) could also push his case if he gets through training. Lachlan Murphy, Myles Poholke and Jordan Gallucci would be the young men under most pressure to retain their spots if key men do return from injury.
ON THE CUSP: The Crows’ injury-hit SANFL team lost to Glenelg by 33 points at the Bay on Saturday with several young players impressing. They included hard-nosed midfielder Patrick Wilson (29 disposals, four clearances), fellow onballer Matthew Signorello (22 disposals, 12 tackles, seven clearances), ruckman Reilly O’Brien (18 disposals, 36 hit-outs) and the returning Curtly Hampton (17 disposals, 12 tackles, eight clearances).
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: With Adelaide reporting no new injuries from a game for one of the few times this season, there should be no forced changes. The likely return of Brown will force one player out while any other changes will be determined by whether Matt Crouch and Milera can prove their fitness at training during the week.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES:
Jack Payne (Shin) 4 weeks
Sam Skinner (ACL) indefinite
Toby Wooller (Finger) 3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The what? The Lions are on cloud nine after their first win of the year and the selection axe is safely packed away for the week. Matt Eagles had just eight touches but kicked a rousing goal. No injuries, either. Happy days.
ON THE CUSP: The Lions’ NEAFL team is flying as well, kicking 22 goals on the way to a fifth straight win. Josh Walker booted six, exciting draftee Connor Ballenden five and Jake Barrett three while Ryan Lester was also on fire. Probably the wrong week to be knocking on the door, though.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The win against Hawthorn was a long time coming but when the dam wall burst, it was great to watch. In fact, Brisbane is one of the most entertaining teams in the AFL right now, kicking 18, 14 and 20 goals in the past three weeks despite losing two of those games. Making it two wins will be tough with Sydney travelling to the Gabba next weekend, but Chris Fagan clearly has plenty of talent to work with.
CARLTON
INJURIES:
Ciaran Byrne (Quad) 2-3 weeks
Levi Casboult (Broken rib) 2 weeks
Charlie Curnow (Quad) test
Ed Curnow (Suspension) available
Sam Docherty (Knee) season
Kym Lebois (Broken collarbone) 3-4 weeks
Harrison Macreadie (Hamstring) 1 week
Caleb Marchbank (Ankle) test
Cillian McDaid (Foot) 1-2 weeks
Jarrod Pickett (Wrist) 4 weeks
Alex Silvagni (Achilles) 1-2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: So many positive vibes after the win over Essendon, such a huge step back after the smashing against Melbourne.
The Blues will have Ed Curnow (suspension) and Charlie Curnow (calf) returning against Geelong on Saturday.
That means Pat Kerr will make way after a quiet debut made harder by delivery issues. The Blues are playing kids like Lochie O’Brien and Paddy Dow despite modest returns but they should play them at every opportunity, even if it hurts the Blues at times on-field.
Cam O’Shea was shaking early, so his spot might be up for grabs. Zac Fisher played with a left calf strapped up but Brendon Bolton suggested he should be fine to play against the Cats.
ON THE CUSP: David Cuningham had 24 possessions in the VFL coming back from injury, impressing Bolton. He should come back in, while Jacob Weitering had 17 possessions and surely is close to a recall. Tom Williamson had limited game time on his return from back issues, so might need another one before he comes back into the AFL as a rebounding half back.
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Blues stunk. No way to sugar-coat it. So now they move on to Geelong, aware the Curnows back into their side will quickly improve them.
Caleb Marchbank isn’t too far away with his ankle issue, but Levi Casboult is still a fortnight away with his rib injury. Marc Murphy spent time in the rooms with his plantar fascia issue but played out the game, so hopefully he didn’t need a pain-killing jab to get through. All they can do is keep plugging away, with the hope that Dow and O’Brien fast-track their development.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES:
James Aish (Knee) 8-10 weeks
Tim Broomhead (Broken leg) season
Jamie Elliott (Hamstring) TBC
Alex Fasolo (Ankle) TBC
Tyson Goldsack (Knee) season
Kayle Kirby (Heart issue) indefinite
Tom Langdon (Leg) available
Max Lynch (Ankle) 1 week
Brayden Maynard (Ankle) 1 week
Darcy Moore (Hamstring) TBC
Tom Phillips (Concussion) test
Ben Reid (Achilles) test
Josh Smith (Hamstring) 4-5 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The nervous wait is on for Alex Fasolo as he waits to find out whether that ankle injury is of the syndesmosis variety. He’ll have everything crossed that it’s not, given his return to AFL lasted less than a half on Saturday night. Mason Cox was quieter than usual and went scoreless, but can’t see Nathan Buckley doing too much tinkering, albeit a team performance he described as “frustrating at times”.
ON THE CUSP: Ben Crocker was among the best at VFL level, booting two goals, while Ben Reid is expected to be available for selection after overcoming that Achilles issue. The waiting game continues on Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore as they continue to battle hamstring complaints.
LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: It was anything but a four-quarter performance from the Pies, but as Bucks said — they did what they needed to do. Friday night lights await at Etihad Stadium against the smarting Western Bulldogs who managed just two goals against the Crows last week. This is one Collingwood should win, and if Jordan De Goey keeps doing what he’s doing, opposition teams should be very worried. He’s a star.
ESSENDON
INJURIES:
Josh Begley (Knee) season
Travis Colyer (Foot) 1-2 weeks
Joe Daniher (Groin) 2-3 weeks
Martin Gleeson (Ankle) 4-5 weeks
Michael Hurley (Hamstring) 1 week
Andrew McGrath (Calf) 1 week
Kobe Mutch (Rested) available
David Myers (Hip) test
ON THE BLOCK: John Worsfold was doing everything in his power to play down Saturday’s morale-boosting win over Geelong. But privately he would have been delighted to have stuck fat in selection with players such as Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Jake Stringer, who performed well, while debutant Jordan Ridley was one of his team’s better performers. There will be changes, but fair to say anyone who is dropped will be stiff after a great team performance.
ON THE CUSP: Michael Hurley (hamstring), Andrew McGrath (calf) and David Myers (hip) could all force their way back into the senior side soon. Darcy Parish had the perfect answer to his VFL demotion, having 29 disposals in the state league win over Geelong. Essendon’s pressure forwards had a great day against the Cats, so it will be hard for Josh Green to win his way back into the AFL team, though his three goals in the VFL has him knocking on the door.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Big challenge comes this week against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium, with the Giants playing for their season, followed up by a big clash with Richmond. The next fortnight will show us whether the Bombers are capable of resurrecting — in part, at least — their season. To do so, they need to maintain their pressure and tackling intensity, and keep the flow into the forward line as clean as it was against the Cats. It’s a big ask — that’s why Woosha is playing it low key until they can produce it on a regular basis.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES:
Joel Hamling (concussion) test
Sean Darcy (Knee) 2-3 weeks
Hugh Dixon (Ankle) 2-3 weeks
Nat Fyfe (knee) test
Brady Grey (Hamstring) TBC
Joel Hamling (concussion) test
Brad Hill (Knee) TBC
Stephen Hill (Quad) test
Griffin Logue (Foot) test
Lee Spurr (Knee) 1-2 weeks
Sam Switkowski (Hamstring) TBC
Matt Taberner (Foot) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe battled to get through his side’s 59-point loss against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night due to a knee injury. Defender Joel Hamling will also face a fitness test after being concussed by Lance Franklin’s elbow in the second term. There will be at least one unforced change ahead of Sunday’s clash against North Melbourne at Optus Stadium, with coach Ross Lyon flagging out-of-form youngster Mitch Crowden’s return to the WAFL to regain some confidence.
ON THE CUSP: The Dockers’ WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder also had a heavy defeat, going down to Subiaco by 92 points in a one-sided grand final rematch. Young tall Luke Strnadica was impressive, booting two first-quarter goals before doing some good things around the ground. First-year speedster Stefan Giro continued to build form after an interrupted start to the season. Giro had 27 disposals, nine tackles and a goal in his best performance to date. Stephen Hill will inject some much-needed experience if he returns from a quad injury. Harley Bennell (calf) got through another WAFL game unscathed but won’t be available for AFL selection for a couple of weeks as he builds match fitness.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Depth is a major concern for Fremantle, especially with several first-choice players including Bradley Hill (knee), Matt Taberner (foot) and Lee Spurr (knee) still sidelined. The Dockers slipped to 12th on the ladder with their loss against Sydney, looking a fair way off being a top-eight side. It won’t get any easier against an in-form Kangaroos, but their good record at home will help their cause. A lot will ride on the availability of Fyfe, Hamling and Stephen Hill.
GEELONG
INJURIES:
Nakia Cockatoo (Knee) 2-3 weeks
Charlie Constable (Concussion) test
Lachie Fogarty (Groin) 1 week
Cam Guthrie (Ankle) 3-4 weeks
Lachie Henderson (Knee) indefinite
Daniel Menzel (Groin) TBC
Brandan Parfitt (Foot) test
Esava Ratugolea (Soreness) test
Scott Selwood (Back) test
ON THE BLOCK: You don’t want to overreact to one loss but that was bad from the Cats. Will Chris Scott make sweeping changes or will he let this group try and make amends? Jordan Murdoch didn’t give much on Saturday and will be under pressure to keep his spot. George Horlin-Smith and Cory Gregson could also find themselves playing in the seconds after quiet games.
ON THE CUSP: The Cats need Scott Selwood back. He will be in the mix to return this week following a back injury. Esava Ratugolea missed last week with “general soreness” and should also return to the 50m arc. The Cats would love to get young gun Lachie Fogarty back in too. From the VFL, Rhys Stanley was the best AFL listed player as the Cats went down to Essendon.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Here is why there is no reason to panic at the Cats. Their next two games are against Carlton and Gold Coast. Hand them eight points now. Things get tough from there though with North Melbourne and Richmond waiting. Only after those games will we really know where this team is at.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES:
Sam Day (suspension) available
Brayden Fiorini (leg) 2-3 weeks
Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 8 weeks
Josh Jaska (hamstring) 1 week
Jesse Joyce (quad) 1 week
Jesse Lonergan (knee) 2-3 weeks
Tom Lynch (knee) 1-2 weeks
Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 10 weeks
Jack Martin (illness) test
Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 10-12 weeks
Matt Rosa (hamstring) TBC
Harrison Wigg (ankle) indefinite
Mackenzie Willis (ACL) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: This is how well the Suns are going on the injury front. Jack Martin was a late withdrawal against Port Adelaide after waking up with a stomach bug. He was replaced by Matt Rosa, who hurt his hamstring during the game. Charlie Ballard (six disposals), Jack Bowes (seven) and Brayden Crossley (seven) might not stay in the seniors for much longer.
ON THE CUSP: Gold Coast suffered a 37-point loss to the NT Thunder in the NEAFL, but the 11-goal return was a step up from last week’s goalless outing. Kade Kolodjashnij and Michael Barlow were the Suns’ two best players (ex-Tiger Richard Tambling was best for the Thunder). Shock top-20 draft pick Will Powell kicked three goals after signing a two-year contract extension earlier this month. The Suns obviously rate him, is he in line for an AFL debut?
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Suns have a week to recover from their China trip, joining Port Adelaide with a Round 10 bye. After winning three of its first five games Gold Coast has suffered four straight losses, three of them by big margins. The good news is they get to play their first game of the season at Metricon Stadium in Round 11.
GWS
INJURIES:
Phil Davis (Concussion) test
Matt de Boer (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Brett Deledio (Hamstring) test
Toby Greene (Foot) 2-3 weeks
Josh Kelly (Groin) test
Adam Kennedy (Knee) TBC
Sam Reid (Hamstring) TBC
Tom Scully (Ankle) 5-6 weeks
Will Setterfield (Knee) season
Lachie Tiziani (Knee) season
Zac Williams (Achilles) 10-12 weeks
ON THE CUSP: Josh Kelly is set to make a very welcome return to action after missing the last six matches with a groin injury. Co-captain Phil Davis will be another big inclusion after missing the loss to North Melbourne with concussion. Brett Deledio (Hamstring) is also a chance of playing his first game in four weeks. Jonathon Patton booted three goals in the Giants NEAFL match in Canberra and will come into consideration. Defender Matt Buntine also continued to progress well after returning from an AFL injury.
ON THE BLOCK: Isaac Cumming is the most likely to make way for Kelly after a quiet performance in the loss to North, his second AFL match. Tim Mohr kept Ben Brown goalless for a half but saw the Coleman Medal leader boot a match winning five in the third quarter in Hobart. He will be the one to make way for Davis when he returns.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Saturday’s clash with a resurgent Essendon is shaping as a must win for the Giants as their finals hopes begin to slide after three losses in a row. Kelly, Davis and possibly Deledio will be big ins but will now face a rejuvenated Bombers who have former GWS star Devon Smith in their ranks who will be determined to perform well against his old team.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES:
Grant Birchall (Knee) 4-5 weeks
Kurt Heatherley (Achilles) 1-2 weeks
Changkuoth Jiath (Groin) 1 week
Dylan Moore (Shoulder) 1 week
Jaeger O’Meara (Calf) TBC
Cyril Rioli (Knee) 3 weeks
James Cousins (Head) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Following a fighting loss to the Swans, Alastair Clarkson made six changes. After what his players served up against the Lions, no one is safe. Taylor Duryea, Mitchell Lewis and Kaiden Brand should all be nervous after quiet games. James Cousins copped a head injury in the third term and will be monitored during the week.
ON THE CUSP: The Hawks will be hoping to get Jaeger O’Meara and James Frawley back this week after they missed with injuries at the weekend. From the VFL, returning ruckman Jonathon Ceglar continues to make strong progress. He was a clear standout in Box Hill’s win over the Northern Blues. Brendan Whitecross and Kieran Lovell were also among the best.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Things aren’t about to get any easier for the Hawks, who take on top of the table West Coast this week. For all the positivity around their hot start to the year, the club is currently outside the eight and has won two of its last five. With Port Adelaide waiting the week after, the Hawks must win at least one of these two leading up to the bye.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES:
Dean Kent (Hamstring) 2 weeks
Mitch King (Elbow) 1 week
Corey Maynard (Hip) indefinite
Pat McKenna (Hamstring) indefinite
Aaron vandenBerg (Ankle) 4-5 weeks
Sam Weideman (Calf) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: It was party time for the Demons in their 109-point win, with everyone feasting on goals and possessions. Even the bottom handful of players performed their role — Charlie Spargo kicked a couple of lively goals and Tim Smith was an aerial threat as a key forward. Jack Viney was quiet but did enough to show he will be better for the run coming back from his foot issues, and Clayton Oliver showed his mental toughness to play with a broken finger that required surgery on Monday.
ON THE CUSP: Casey had a 106-point victory in the VFL with Cam Pedersen kicking six goals and Tom Bugg kicking five goals to go with 22 possessions.
Jayden Hunt had a team-high 23 possessions at half back and Jeff Garlett added another string to his bow with 18 possessions playing midfield time.
But on the effort of the senior team you would think the Demons could go into the clash with Adelaide at Alice Springs unchanged
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Demons are back on track, tinkering with their defensive set-up and forward mix in the past six weeks, including losses to Richmond and Hawthorn and a quartet of soft kills over lowly opponents. No shame in that, with the big test coming up against Adelaide. They have Jake Lever in solid intercept form, star key forwards Tom McDonald and Jesse Hogan, goalkicking half forwards in Jake Melksham, Mitch Hannan and Alex Neal-Bullen. The midfield is stacked, so they have no excuses against an injury-riddled Adelaide side.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES:
Mitch Hibberd (Knee) test
Declan Mountford (Ankle) test
Daniel Nielson (Concussion) test
Ed Vickers-Willis (Knee) season
Declan Watson (Knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: North again rolled out its three pronged tall forward line, with Jarrad Waite (four goals, including three in the first quarter) and Ben Brown (five third quarter goals) having brilliant individual spurts. Mason Wood kicked two goals from just six touches, but both goals came at crucial moments. Jamie MacMillan was quiet with only 11 possessions, while Shaun Atley and Marley Williams also had little impact. However with the Roos recording a comfortable 43-point win and no injury concerns, coach Brad Scott could be reluctant to make any unforced changes.
ON THE CUSP: North Melbourne’s VFL side shocked last year’s premier Port Melbourne, with Sam Durdin putting in a best afield display. Boom draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke impressed, while small forward Nathan Hrovat and Ben McKay, who were listed as emergencies for the clash with the Giants, were also both named in the best. Cameron Zurhaar was the travelling emergency.
ADAM SMITH’S FORECAST: Three impressive wins from its past five matches against Hawthorn, Sydney and GWS have been interspersed with a disappointing showing against Port Adelaide and a narrow defeat to reigning premiers Richmond. The Roos have a big chance to solidify their place in the top eight with upcoming contests against Fremantle on the road and Brisbane away, before a showdown against Geelong leading into the bye.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES:
Matthew Broadbent (Ankle) TBC
Willem Drew (Heel) season
Hamish Hartlett (Knee) season
Aidyn Johnson (Groin) 1 week
Jarrod Lienert (Knee) 5-6 weeks
Todd Marshall (Personal reasons) indefinite
Lindsay Thomas (suspension) available
ON THE BLOCK: It was impossible to change the Showdown 22 — and it will be tough to go away from the 22 who retained the “AFL Champions of China” title by beating Gold Coast at Shanghai on Saturday. But there is always need to assess the opponent — which is Hawthorn — to look at either covering the Hawks’ threats in attack or the need for a new edge in the Power forward system. The Port Adelaide players regather at Alberton on Friday after having a break on the return from Shanghai.
ON THE CUSP: Many Port Adelaide fans would hope that young forward Todd Marshall could return to action after an emotional break with the death of his father. This remains a day-by-day watch at Alberton. The Power has midfielder-forward Karl Amon and Melbourne recruit Dom Barry to watch for a return to the AFL 22.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide’s players want to build momentum after consecutive wins against Adelaide and Gold Coast. Their return to the Australian playing fields involves another “over seas” trip to Tasmania to play Hawthorn at Launceston on Saturday, June 2. This should make for a major test of the Power’s appetite for contested football.
RICHMOND
INJURIES:
Nathan Drummond (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Shaun Hampson (back) TBC
Dion Prestia (calf) 1 week
Shai Bolton (corked quad) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: No injury concerns from the trip to Perth but if the Tigers reacted to one bad game there would be a few players in the gun. The small forward brigade were all quiet and defenders Nathan Broad, Dylan Grimes and David Astbury had 21 disposals between them and coughed up a few goals to boot. But Dimma will back in his men. Jacob Townsend and Sam Lloyd might be the most nervous.
ON THE CUSP: Dion Prestia will come straight back in if he’s fit and Jack Higgins was unlucky to be left out at the last minute against the Eagles. The Tigers had another big win in the VFL with a number of fringe players pushing their senior claims. Connor Menadue continued his excellent season with a team-high 24 disposals off halfback, Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis were busy in the midfield again and Mabior Chol and Callum Moore were both dangerous in the air up forward — good timing if the coaches decide Jack Riewoldt can’t do it all on his own. Daniel Rioli played a half in his first game since breaking his foot in the Grand Final but will need a few more weeks.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Tigers were due for a downer and Damien Hardwick didn’t seem devastated with an away loss to the rampaging Eagles in his post-match press conference. But there were some issues that he will look at closely especially how easily West Coast moved the ball from defence to its scarily potent attacking targets. This week St Kilda back at the MCG presents the chance to right the ship. Dustin Martin has copped it again in some quarters but was a few incredible Nic Naitanui and Elliot Yeo tackles away from tearing the game apart. Saints, look out.
ST KILDA
INJURIES:
Nathan Brown (leg) TBC
Jake Carlisle (Concussion) Test
Blake Acres (Groin) 4-6 weeks
Josh Bruce (Back) 2-3 weeks
Sam Gilbert (Thumb) 5-6 weeks
Ben Long (Foot) 9-12 weeks
Paddy McCartin (Concussion) 1-2 weeks
Dylan Roberton (Heart) Season
Koby Stevens (Concussion) Indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Brown looks set to miss after tweaking the medial ligament in his knee. He will be sorely missed as an experienced head in defence, especially with Jake Carlisle — who could be back this week — missing.
ON THE CUSP: Jake Carlisle is on track to return after suffering a concussion, while Paddy McCartin edges closer to being back. He was ruled out early as any chance of playing against the Magpies but the club — which has been cautious given his propensity for concussion — is optimistic that he may be in the frame for selection to face the Tigers.
LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: The reigning premiers at the MCG. There is no scarier prospect in football and unfortunately for Alan Richardson’s men, that’s what is coming in a few days’ time. They’ll take heart from the belting they managed to deliver Richmond last year, but the Saints look depleted of confidence and will need to bring plenty. Loved Jack Newnes playing forward, and it provided some momentum — maybe it’s time to continue that trend and shake things up a bit. They need a spark.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES:
Sam Naismith (Knee) Season
Zak Jones (Head knock) Test
Lewis Melican (Hamstring) Test
James Bell (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Jake Brown (Shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Jordan Dawson (Quad) 1-2 weeks|
Jordan Foote (Toe) 1-2 weeks
Alex Johnson (Groin) 2 weeks
Sam Reid (Quad) 5-7 weeks
ON THE CUSP: The Swans depth is starting to look a lot better with Harry Marsh, Nic Newman, Robbie Fox, Dan Robinson and Darcy Cameron all playing well in the NEAFL. Dean Towers will also be a candidate for a return should Lance Franklin cop a suspension for his elbow to the jaw of Docker Joel Hamling.
ON THE BLOCK: As well as Franklin’s possible suspension Zak Jones suffered a knock to the head late in Saturday night’s win over Fremantle. John Longmire said he was OK after the match and had only been rested for precautionary reasons.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: If Franklin escapes a ban and Jones recovers from his head clash it’s hard to see John Longmire making any changes for the trip to the Gabba to take on the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night. The Swans have the second lowest percentage of all the teams in the eight so will be looking to keep the pedal to the metal against the Lions as they push for a top four spot.
WEST COAST
INJURIES:
Elliot Yeo (knee) test
Eric Mackenzie (Toe) Indefinite
Daniel Venables (Ankle) 7 weeks
Liam Ryan (Ankle) 5-6 weeks
Hamish Brayshaw (Knee) 3 weeks
Jack Petruccelle (Ankle) 1-2 weeks
Luke Shuey (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Nathan Vardy (Adductor) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to drop anyone from a team which hasn’t lost since round one. The only concern on the injury front is midfielder Elliot Yeo, who hurt his right knee in a tackle before quarter-time but returned to the field in the second term of West Coast’s stunning win over Richmond at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
ON THE CUSP: Vice-captain Luke Shuey is a chance to return from a hamstring injury against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Young midfielder Brayden Ainsworth (27 disposals, nine marks, two goals) put his hand up for a recall, while dashing defender Francis Watson (17 disposals, nine marks, seven tackles) was also among East Perth’s best in their loss to South Fremantle on Saturday. Speedster Jack Petruccelle (ankle) and big man Nathan Vardy (adductor) could both feature in the WAFL this week.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Eight wins in a row and on top of the ladder for the first time in four years, things couldn’t be going any better for Adam Simpson’s men. Key forward Jack Darling is in career-best form and several up-and-coming youngsters have stepped up to fill the shoes of the club’s retired greats. In what was supposed to be a tough month for the Eagles, they have knocked off Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and reigning premier Richmond in consecutive weeks. They take on the Hawks (away) this weekend and St Kilda (home) the following Saturday before a mid-season bye. Top-eight is a given a top-four is becoming a bigger possibility by the week.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES:
Tom Liberatore (Knee) season
Liam Picken (Concussion) indefinite
Tim English (foot) 4 weeks
Kieran Collins (Ankle) 2-3 weeks
Tory Dickson (Hamstring) test
Brad Lynch (Hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Aaron Naughton (Ankle) 2-3 weeks
Clay Smith (Knee) 4-5 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to make judgments based on the shocking conditions in Adelaide but there were plenty of Bulldogs who performed well below their best. Billy Gowers, Josh Dunkley, Ed Richards and Bailey Dale are four who might be looked at his week.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Schache, come on down. The Dogs need goalkickers after scrounging just two majors on Friday night and the former No. 2 draft pick has strung together some good games in the VFL. He booted three goals in a win against Werribee on Sunday. Shane Biggs and Lin Jong were among Footscray’s best. Dale Morris and Marcus Adams both got through their comeback games.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Where are the Dogs at? Specifically 13th on the ladder, a game and a stack of percentage outside the eight. The concern is the four wins have come against Essendon, Carlton, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Against opponents closer to the top of the ladder, they seem well off the pace. They are playing plenty of kids so is this a rebuild? At least you can’t blame Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli, who have been outstanding for the past month.
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Originally published as Barometer: Every club’s injury list plus who might be going in and out of your AFL team