Barometer: Latest injury and team selection news at your club after Round 13
GWS has been rocked by news midfield stopper Matt de Boer will miss eight weeks of footy. Plus the latest on Tom Liberatore and Jake Stringer.
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GWS has been rocked by news midfield stopper Matt de Boer will miss eight weeks of footy.
De Boer had reinvented himself as a tagger this season, taking the scalps of some of the game’s finest midfielders and putting himself in All-Australian discussions.
The 29-year-old suffered a fractured shoulder in a contest with North Melbourne hardnut Ben Cunnington during the third quarter of the weekend’s win over the Kangaroos.
Giants general manager of football Wayne Campbell said the injury was “disappointing for both Matt and the club, particularly after his stellar first half of the year.”
“Matt will no doubt attack his rehab with the same dedication and diligence he shows towards all aspects of his football and we look forward to welcoming him back in the second half of the season,” Campbell said.
SEE YOUR CLUB’S LATEST INJURY NEWS BELOW
De Boer’s scalps this season have included Cunnington, Dustin Martin, Zach Merrett and Patrick Cripps.
The Giants have a bye this week followed by matches against Essendon, Brisbane, Richmond and Collingwood.
MORE KNEE SURGERY FOR LIBBA
Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has been cleared of damage to his anterior crucitate ligament but will undergo surgery on his injured right knee.
Liberatore had scans, which revealed a cartilage injury but cleared him of a tear to his ACL and damage to the ligaments.
He will have arthroscopic surgery to repair the injury.
The Bulldogs do not yet know how long the star midfielder will be sidelined, with the club to wait on the outcome of the surgery before putting a timeframe on his return.
Liberatore’s injury is a significant blow given the Bulldogs remain in the finals hunt — just two games and percentage out of the top eight but with a game in hand on Richmond, who currently sit in eighth spot.
He signed a new two-year contract this week to remain at Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2021.
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STRINGER A CHANCE TO FACE EAGLES
Essendon forward Jake Stringer has been cleared of any fractures in his leg and remains a chance to play in Thursday night’s clash against West Coast.
Stringer was sent for scans on Saturday after injuring his lower leg in the third quarter of the win over Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.
There were concerns stringer had done significant damage to his leg.
But the positive scan results are a huge relief given the long list of injuries to Essendon forwards, including star Joe Daniher.
The Bombers will monitor Stringer this week before providing a further update on his availability.
“We’re pleased the scans have revealed no fractures to the bone or damage to the ankle area,” Bombers football boss Dan Richardson said.
“Jake is still very sore today, and we’re hopeful his pain in the lower leg area settles over the coming days.
“At the moment it is difficult to put a time frame on his playing availability, so while it is unlikely he will play, we will closely monitor Jake throughout the week before we make an informed decision on our team selection for Thursday’s clash.”
ADELAIDE
Heading into its Round 13 clash against an injury-depleted Richmond, Adelaide had only two players sitting on their injury list: Tom Lynch (calf) and Tom Doedee (ACL).
But then in bizarre circumstances, in one game the Crows tripled their injury toll after suffering four injuries to key players.
The club has confirmed that big forward Josh Jenkins hyperextended his knee, causing some bone bruising — similar to Paul Seedsman’s injury earlier in the year — and is expected to be out for a month. Their other injuries — Lachlan Murphy, who had three of his front teeth pushed in, Daniel Talia, who suffered a cork to his quad and Jake Kelly a cork on his soleus — will all benefit from the bye next weekend and should be cleared to play Geelong in Geelong in a fortnight.
— Liz Walsh
INJURIES
Tom Doedee (ACL) season
Josh Jenkins (knee) 4-6 weeks
Tom Lynch (calf) assess
Daniel Talia (quad) assess
Lachlan Murphy (teeth) assess
Jake Kelly (soleus) assess
BRISBANE
The Lions return to Marvel Stadium this week to take on St Kilda, two weeks after their disappointing loss to Carlton at the venue.
For a team that’s being talked about as finals contenders they need to bank more wins away from the Gabba.
Brisbane will likely welcome back running defender Zac Bailey from a hamstring injury, while key defender Marcus Adams is on the brink of playing his first match in Lions colours in the NEAFL.
— Chris Vernuccio
INJURIES
Marcus Adams (knee) test
Zac Bailey (hamstring) 1 week
Jarrod Berry (knee) 3 weeks
Tom Cutler (foot) 4 weeks
Ely Smith (foot) 3 weeks
CARLTON
Ed Curnow was the only new injury concern to come out of the narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs, with the midfielder rolling his ankle.
The Blues are confident there is nothing more sinister, but Curnow will be assessed.
Coach David Teague was delighted to hear of Jack Silvagni’s encouraging three-goal game in the VFL, saying: “We want selection pressure”.
Matthew Kennedy, Darcy Lang and Hugh Goddard was also among the Northern Blues’ better players in the VFL loss to the Dogs.
“We want five, six and seven names putting their hand up missing out because the form is strong above. That’s the exact culture we want to create,” Teague said.
“You’ve got to perform to keep your spot … and if you don’t the next guy is ready to go and play his role.”
— Sam Edmund
INJURIES
Ed Curnow (ankle) test
Josh Deluca (hamstring) test
Sam Docherty (knee) season
Liam Stocker (foot) 2-3 weeks
Tom Williamson (back) 1-2 weeks
ESSENDON
Scans have cleared Jake Stringer of any fractures to his leg and ankle after sending a major scare through the Bombers camp when he had to be helped from the field on Friday night. The forward remains a chance to play against West Coast on Thursday night despite failing to return to the field.
The 19-point win over Hawthorn keeps Essendon in the finals race — sitting just a game and percentage outside the top eight — but matches against the Eagles (away) and Giants (Marvel) loom as season-defining.
If John Worsfold’s team can win at least one of those, the draw opens up with Sydney (MCG) and North Melbourne to follow. The Bombers’ charge to the finals starts now.
— Kate Salemme
INJURIES
Joe Daniher (groin) season
Sam Draper (knee) season
Kobe Mutch (hamstring) test
Devon Smith (knee) season
James Stewart (groin) test
FREMANTLE
There was plenty to like about the way Freo finished all over Port Adelaide, with Ross Lyon’s team striking some nice form — largely on the back of Michael Walters’ amazing form. The Dockers face another test when they travel to the MCG to take on Melbourne, the Demons seemingly with little to lose after their horror season. It’s tough to see Lyon making many changes to his winning line-up. It wouldn’t surprise to see Adam Cerra, who missed the Port win through illness, could come straight back in. Bailey Banfield impressed in Peel’s narrow loss to South Fremantle, picking up 24 touches and two goals. Cam McCarthy booted three and Travis Colyer had it 23 times and provided good run.
— Ben Broad
INJURIES
Hugh Dixon (hamstring) 1 week
Stefan Giro (knee) season
Shane Kersten (foot) TBC
Rory Lobb (foot) indefinite
Alex Pearce (ankle) season
Aaron Sandilands (calf) TBC
Sam Sturt (concussion) test
Matt Taberner (foot) season
Luke Valente (groin) 1 week
GOLD COAST
Another close loss for the gallant Gold Coast, but the one positive was it escaped Townsville with a clean bill of health. There was a scare for injury-prone big man Sam Day in the last quarter when he grabbed at his hamstring but he played on. Veteran Michael Rischitelli and Chris Burgess were among the best players in the Suns’ NEAFL win over Southport on Saturday, pushing their case for a call-up. While promising midfielder Jack Bowes and key defender Sam Collins will still be sidelined after the bye, the pending return of No. 3 draft pick Izak Rankine will prove reason for excitement for Suns fans. Hopefully it’s not long before he see the explosive small forward at AFL level.
— Tim Michell
INJURIES
Ben Ainsworth (foot) 3-5 weeks
Jack Bowes (quad) 6 weeks
Sam Collins (hip) 3 weeks
Sam Fletcher (quad) TBC
Pearce Hanley (quad) 1-2 weeks
Sean Lemmens (ankle) 3 weeks
Jordan Murdoch (foot) 1-3 weeks
Izak Rankine (hamstring) 1 week
Brad Scheer (hand) test
Josh Schoenfeld (knee) TBC
Rory Thompson (knee) season
Harrison Wigg (knee) season
Aaron Young (knee) 1 week
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Tough onballer Matt De Boer survived his head clash with Kangaroos defender Luke McDonald but he will need scans to test the shoulder injury that ended his game in Hobart in the third quarter.
GWS coach Leon Cameron said de Boer was taken out of the game as a precaution and the hope was the damage was not as bad as it first looked.
“Just before three quarter-time he was a bit sore in the shoulder and we didn’t want to risk him,” Cameron said.
“He played Ben Cunnington really well. He’s a quality inside player so we’ll look over the next 48 hours to see where he is at and hopefully there’s not too much damage.
“Like we’ve done for the past couple of years, if some player doesn’t come up for the next week an opportunity arises for another player.”
- James Bresnehan
INJURIES
Matt de Boer (shoulder) TBC
Jye Caldwell (calf) 2 weeks
Aidan Corr (calf) 2 weeks
Jonathon Patton (knee) indefinite
Tommy Sheridan (calf) 1 week
Zac Sproule (knee) 5-7 weeks
Callan Ward (knee) season
Lachie Whitfield (collarbone) 3 weeks
HAWTHORN
A clean bill of health out of Friday night’s clash with Essendon for the Hawks, but another loss has their hopes of playing finals quickly fading.
The scoreboard flattered the Hawks in the end, who went down to the Bombers by 19 points after trailing by as much as 38 points early in the final term.
The Hawks now sit 5-7 after losing what coach Alastair Clarkson had labelled in the lead up a “cutthroat” game, a top 8 spot at season’s end now looking a long shot.
The Hawks next face a fast-improving Sydney team in Round 14 at the SCG.
The past five games between the sides have been decided by 9 points or less, Hawthorn winning four of those.
— Chris Cavanagh
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (calf/knee) indefinite
Darren Minchington (hamstring) test
Tom Mitchell (broken leg) indefinite
Tim Mohr (dislocated knee/ACL) season
Ryan Schoenmakers (calf) test
Jack Scrimshaw (knee) 2-4 weeks
Chad Wingard (hamstring) TBC
NORTH MELBOURNE
Ben Brown is in the gun for a high hit on Giant Matt Buntine in the second quarter of the Kangaroos’ 23-point loss to Greater Western Sydney.
The hit upset the GWS backmen, who let Brown know all about it, while North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw did not spot the alleged infringement.
The hit may only be enough to draw a fine for the big Tasmanian, who also has an ankle injury to worry about going into the bye.
He hobbled off at the 17 minute mark of the first quarter and returned still limping and grimacing, but played out the game for a return of 2.3.
Luke McDonald may be waking up with a sore head on Monday after a clash with Giant Matt de Boer.
Jack Ziebell may draw attention in the match review for throwing out a foot that tripped Harry Himmelberg in the second quarter.
- James Bresnehan
INJURIES
Luke McDonald (head) test
Shaun Higgins (AC joint) 4-5 weeks
Aaron Hall (knee) TBC
Majak Daw (pelvis/hips) indefinite
Ben Jacobs (head/neck) indefinite
Jamie Macmillan (calf) test
Tom McKenzie (back) TBC
Dom Tyson (calf) test
Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season
Will Walker (knee) indefinite
Tom Wilkinson (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) test
PORT ADELAIDE
Are Port’s youngsters in need of a break? Expect some changes at Port this week, not that the Power was horrible in Perth. Some key personnel, namely skipper Ollie Wines and Charlie Dixon, are scheduled to return and will give Ken Hinkley’s team a different look. Port will likely need some bigger bodies against the Cats’ all-star cast, and the likes of Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters might be spared the trip to Geelong. Tom Rockliff should also be a welcome addition as Hinkley’s team tries to rebound.
— Ben Broad
INJURIES
Brad Ebert (concussion) 1-2 weeks
Sam Hayes (glandular fever) 2-3 weeks
Jake Patmore (knee) season
Tom Rockliff (hamstring) test
Jack Trengove (leg) 2-3 weeks
Jack Watts (leg) indefinite
RICHMOND
The Tigers are going to need some luck to stay in finals contention after their bye with a lengthy injury list. Richmond showed heart in the first three quarters of its loss to Adelaide before the class difference ultimately showed through. There was no greater example than in the ruck, where Reilly O’Brien amassed 181 SuperCoach points against Mabior Chol and Noah Balta. David Astbury, Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards should all return after the bye, while Kane Lambert is getting closer to overcoming an achilles issue. Toby Nankervis, Jack Riewoldt and Jayden Short are likely to miss a few more weeks after a rest Richmond sorely needs in Round 14.
— Tim Michell
INJURIES
David Astbury (hamstring) test
Trent Cotchin (hamstring) test
Shane Edwards (hamstring) test
Luke English (shoulder) 2-4 weeks
Kane Lambert (achilles) 1-2 weeks
Callum Moore (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Toby Nankervis (adductor) 2-4 weeks
Marlion Pickett (finger) 6-8 weeks
Alex Rance (knee) season
Jack Riewoldt (knee) 2-4 weeks
Jack Ross (ankle) 2-4 weeks
Jayden Short (elbow) 2-3 weeks
Ivan Soldo (illness) available
ST KILDA
The Saints could hardly afford another injury considering how many players they have out and avoided any serious issues during their win against the Suns. Brandon White played out the game after suffering a cork. All eyes will be on selection next week to see whether Dan Hannebery comes into calculations after spending another week with the club’s VFL affiliate Sandringham. Jake Carlisle was the other big name who featured in the VFL at the weekend after returning from a long lay-off due to a back injury. Prized draftee Max King sent a major scare through the Saints went he injured his right knee while playing for Sandringham but has been cleared of damage to his ACL. It is not yet known if he’ll miss any weeks. Billy Longer is a chance to be fit next week after suffering concussion but won’t unseat Rowan Marshall, while Jimmy Webster could return from a hand injury.
— Tim Michell
INJURIES
Max King (knee) test
Logan Austin (shoulder) Indefinite
Jack Bytel (back) Season
Jarryn Geary (leg) 7-9 weeks
Billy Longer (concussion) test
Jack Lonie (knee) 2-4 weeks
Paddy McCartin (concussion) season
Ed Phillips (hamstring) 2-4 weeks
Lewis Pierce (concussion) tbc
Dylan Roberton (heart) season
Sam Rowe (shoulder) test
Jack Steele (knee) indefinite
Jimmy Webster (hand) test
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Tom Liberatore has escaped a third torn ACL but will still need to undergo surgery to repair cartilage damage to his knee.
The midfielder pulled up short after chasing Kade Simpson early in the game, leaving the Dogs one man down for most of the match.
Scans revealed a cartilage injury, which will require arthroscopic surgery.
It is not yet known how long he will be sidelined, with the Bulldogs to wait until he has surgery before confirming when he’ll be back.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was pleased with Patrick Lipinski’s career-best performance, having 29 disposals and kicking two goals — “it was his best game for the club and he really broke out, he performed tremendously well.”
— Glenn McFarlane
INJURIES
Tom Liberatore (knee) TBC
Taylor Duryea (hip) test
Dale Morris (knee) test
Fergus Greene (shoulder) TBC
Mitch Wallis (ankle) TBC
Josh Schache (concussion) test
Lukas Webb (ankle) 6-8 weeks
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