Barometer: we look at every club’s injury list and who’s pushing up from the reserves
WHO’S HOT, WHO’S HURT: GEELONG has ruled out youngster Brandan Parfitt for up to 10 weeks after scans confirmed a high-grade hamstring strain.
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GEELONG youngster Brandan Parfitt will miss up to 10 weeks after scans confirmed a high-grade hamstring strain.
Parfitt, the club’s first selection in last year’s draft, suffered the injury chasing Jack Crisp in the final quarter of Sunday’s loss to Collingwood.
Round 6 saw more than its fair share of injuries.
We look at how your club’s injury list is shaping up and who’s pushing through from the reserves.
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THE TACKLE: ROUND 6 HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS
SUPERLADDER: DEES BACK ON TRACK, SWANS SLIP TO LAST
ADELAIDE CROWS
INJURIES
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 2 weeks
Alex Keath (hamstring) 2 weeks
Riley Knight (hamstring) 2 weeks
Mitch McGovern (hamstring) 10 weeks
Ben Davis (foot) indefinite
Paul Seedsman (groin) indefinite
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: CROWS MAKE TIGERS LOOK LIKE APRIL FOOLS
ON THE BLOCK: The Crows match committee meetings must be very quick these days with Adelaide fielding its best 22 – minus young forward Mitch McGovern who is out for three months with a ripped right hamstring – and leading the competition and scoring more than 100 points in each game. Coach Don Pyke can make it short and sharp on Thursday when the Crows settle on their 22 to play North Melbourne in Hobart and get home in quick time for a warm dinner and to enjoy the latest episode My Kitchen Rules. Surely none of his assistant coaches want to debate making the current 22 any better.
ON THE CUSP: Adelaide’s SANFL side was beaten by Port Adelaide in the SANFL Showdown at Woodville Oval on Saturday afternoon when the untried Jordan Galucci continued to impress and veteran midfielder Scott Thompson was solid again. But they can all wait as the Crows have no reason to change a winning and dominating line-up, not even for the Kangaroos.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: The AFL’s official engraver may well be writing “Adelaide” on premiership trophies twice this year. He has done it with the inaugural AFL Women’s title won by the Crows last month. And after a 19-year wait, he could be doing it again on the men’s trophy in September. The Crows are unbeaten and look unbeatable. The Kangaroos will not be enjoying that winning feeling they have craved and rediscovered for too long.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
Sam Skinner (knee) 4 weeks
Reuben William (shoulder) 1 week
Alex Witherden (hamstring) TBC
MATCH REPORT: LIONS TAKE STEP BACK IN POWER HIDING
ON THE BLOCK: Brisbane produced their first real shocker in an otherwise positive start to the season against Port Adelaide. Chris Fagan has shown from the start he is not averse to changing his side each week and hinted after the match some younger players looked tired. Josh Schache is battling and Hugh McCluggage looks like he could do with a rest. Fagan’s dilemma though is that his best and most experienced players such as Tom Rockliff and Dayne Beams were the main offenders and they had previously been excellent.
ON THE CUSP: Brisbane had a bye in the NEAFL so Fagan can’t really stick to his promise to only bring in-form players into the side. Midfielder Josh Clayton, who made his AFL debut in Round 22 last year, has been good in the twos and Rhys Mathieson has played a game now after a six-week ankle injury suffered in training during the pre-season. Marco Paparone may be one under consideration if Schache is given a spell.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Effort had been the one constant of the developing Lions’ season prior to the weak performance against Port. Fagan will learn a bit about his group this week and you can imagine he relishes the opportunity to discover who responds and who slips into survival mode. Prior to the bounce against Port, the vulnerable Swans loomed as a great opportunity for the Lions to make a statement. The new Lions coach insists that opportunity is still there despite Saturday’s backward step by his young troops.
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CARLTON
INJURIES
Jack Silvagni (right shoulder) TBC
Jacob Weitering (corked thigh) TBC
Zac Fisher (hamstring) TBC
Ciaran Byrne (knee) 8 weeks
Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) 1 week
Matt Korcheck (shoulder) test
Kym Lebois (quad) 1 week
Rhys Palmer (knee) test
Ciaran Sheehan (knee) 1 week
Liam Sumner (hamstring) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: BLUES STUN SWANS IN MCG UPSET
ON THE BLOCK: Young forward Jack Silvagni sat out the last three quarters with a shoulder injury after a hard bump from Zac Jones. After a solid debut in Round 4, Zac Fisher could be heading to the VFL after another quiet game or the sidelines due to a potential hamstring injury.
ON THE CUSP: Dale Thomas was best-on-ground in the Northern Blues’ big VFL win with 30 disposals, six assists and a goal. It may be the confidence boost Daisy needs after he was dropped from the AFL team two weeks ago. Sam Kerridge also found some form with 30 disposals and two goals.
CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The Blues displayed immense character after coming off a beating from Port Adelaide. Their tackling and pressure against last year’s grand finalist was outstanding, and it was pleasing to see Kade Simpson silence the knockers with his best game this year. Carlton fans would have taken a 2-4 start to the season. Who would have thought Carlton and Collingwood would go into this Saturday’s clash with both coming off wins? That will result in 20,000 more walking through the gates.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Travis Varcoe (hamstring) TBC
Tim Broomhead (jaw) TBC
Jordan de Goey (club suspension) 1 week
Tom Langdon (knee) 1 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 8 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CATS CRUSHED BY RESURGENT PENDLES, PIES
ON THE BLOCK: Winners are grinners and a look across the MCG failed to find an under-performer for the Magpies with every single player reaching double-figure possessions and arguably beating their opponents. The forward structure was more open and while Mason Cox dropped some marks he should have taken he presented an option and with Darcy Moore up and going the Pies finally look to have enough goals in them
ON THE CUSP: Ben Reid, rested for Sunday’s clash after being banged up through the opening five rounds, could find his way back in to the side for the clash with Carlton. But Buckley said the performance of Lynden Dunn, in his first game for the Magpies after a pre-season switch from the Demons, had posed “a question” for the match committee given he kept Tom Hawkins to a single goal and provided some good run from the backline.
RUSSELL GOULD’S FORECAST: The Magpies didn’t just beat Geelong, they dismantled them, taking the ball to dangerous parts of the ground more often than not and opening the Cats up on enough occasions to suggest better things are ahead. Nathan Buckley’s list is relatively healthy and with Jordan de Goey’s club-imposed suspension nearing an end the “blue sky” the coach spoke of post the win looms prominent in Collingwood’s near future.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Mitch Brown (ankle) TBC
Patrick Ambrose (illness) TBC
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 7 weeks
Jordan Ridley (back) 5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ANZAC DAY A DISTANT MEMORY FOR DONS, DANIHER
ON THE BLOCK: Mitch Brown could be ruled out due to an ankle injury after he landed awkwardly in a late marking contest. Josh Green failed to have the same impact he had on Anzac Day, failing to kick a goal while Darcy Parish managed just 11 disposals - and with David Myers nearing a return to AFL level - could be given a break in the VFL.
ON THE CUSP: David Myers is banging down the door in the VFL after a second straight impressive performance. Myers collected 26 disposals, six tackles and five marks in the VFL Bombers’ loss to Werribee. Matthew Leuenberger, Aaron Francis and James Kelly were all rested due to the five-day break after Anzac Day and will all be in line to return. Patrick Ambrose was a late withdrawal due to illness and will miss at least another week.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: How quickly the goodwill earned on Anzac Day was frittered away against Melbourne. Joe Daniher went from match-winner to loose cannon in front of goal, finishing with 1.6 for the day. Now, a trip to Perth and a clash against Fremantle looms. The Dockers will be looking to bounce back after a derby shellacking, meaning Essendon can’t afford a single slip if it is to get its finals campaign back on track.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (knee) 1 week
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 4 weeks
Harley Bennell (calf) 8 weeks
Zac Clarke (knee) TBA
Josh Deluca (groin) 2 weeks
Stephen Hill (hamstring) 3 weeks
Alex Pearce (leg) TBA
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBA
MATCH REPORT: EARLY RAMPAGE SETS UP EAGLES’ DERBY WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Nat Fyfe has a nervous wait after collecting Elliot Yeo high with a swinging elbow. He had an off night with just 19 disposals but is on danger of getting dropped, unlike Griffin Logue, Ethan Hughes and Darcy Tucker.
ON THE CUSP: Cam Sutcliffe was the standout in the WAFL, gathering 36 disposals and nine tackles for East Perth. Defenders Sam Collins (26) and Luke Ryan (20) also impressed.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dockers never looked like it in the derby despite Aaron Sandilands dominating the ruck in his 250th game. The loss undoes two exciting wins but the Dockers can keep their finals hopes alive with winnable games against Essendon (Subiaco), Richmond (MCG) and Carlton (Subiaco) in the next three weeks.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 8-10
Cory Gregson (foot) 4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CATS CRUSHED BY RESURGENT PENDLES, PIES
ON THE BLOCK: Brandan Parfitt injured his hamstring in spectacular fashion at the MCG and could miss several weeks. It wasn’t the Cats’ best day on Sunday but don’t expect Chris Scott to make sweeping changes after a previously undefeated start to the season. Zac Smith could manage only seven disposals and 23 hitouts against the Magpies’ Grundy-Cox tandem and might need some help against the Suns’ Witts-Wright pairing.
ON THE CUSP: That help could come in the form of Rhys Stanley. The ruckman-forward was best-on-ground in the VFL Cats’ win over Casey with 27 hitouts, 21 disposals, 12 marks, five tackles and three goals. In his second game back from a toe injury, Scott Selwood looks almost back to his best after finishing with 20 disposals. Tom Ruggles could provide some small defender depth after a 27-possession performance.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Don’t worry about the Cats. The Magpies have been a bogey team in recent years and Chris Scott will have his players looking ahead to Gold Coast pretty quickly. A trip to the Gold Coast to face the Suns does present some issues - most noticeably Gary Ablett and Tom Lynch - but North Melbourne proved that even with those two in good form, the Suns are beatable.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Kade Kolodjashnij (illness) TBC
Matt Rosa (concussion) test
Ben Ainsworth (quad) 2 weeks
Sam Day (hip) season
Mitch Hallahan (hamstring) test
Pearce Hanley (ankle) 3 weeks
Steven May (hamstring) test
Trent McKenzie (hamstring) test
Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: KANGAROOS BEAT SUNS TO END DROUGHT
ON THE BLOCK: Matt Rosa will be monitored during the week after copping an accidental knee to the head and sitting out the rest of Saturday night’s game. Jesse Lonergan was quiet after replacing David Swallow and could be straight back out if Swallow is fit to return. Matt Shaw was a late in for Kade Kolodjashnij and it could be a case of late in, first out.
ON THE CUSP: As mentioned above, David Swallow was rested for the trip to Melbourne and could come straight back in to face Geelong on Saturday. Darcy Macpherson was prolific in the NEAFL, racking up 39 disposals in the Suns’ win over Sydney University while top 10 draft picks Will Brodie and Jack Scrimshaw also impressed collecting 35 and 27 disposals respectively. Both could be in line for AFL debuts this week.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The Suns battled to the very end against North Melbourne but ultimately missing Steven May and Rory Thompson cut deeply as Ben Brown proved the match-winner. It’s another difficult assignment this week with Geelong - off the back of a humiliating loss to Collingwood - coming to Metricon Stadium. Gary Ablett will as always be a key figure but stopping Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield will be the Suns’ only hope of winning.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Nick Haynes (hamstring) 10 weeks
Shane Mumford (ankle) TBC
Aiden Corr (hamstring) TBC
Sam Reid (hamstring) TBC
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) test
Phil Davis (hamstring) test
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Tom Downie (illness) indefinite
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 8 weeks
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 8 weeks
Will Setterfield (ankle) 8 weeks
Lachie Whitfield (suspension) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS, DOGS SEQUEL LIVES UP TO THE HYPE
ON THE BLOCK: Nick Haynes is out for at least 10 weeks with a hamstring tendon tear, Aidan Corr will have scans on his hamstring as will Sam Reid who had tightness in the last quarter against the Bulldogs and stayed on the bench.
ON THE CUSP: Phil Davis looks the obvious replacement for the injured Haynes after experiencing hamstring tightness last week. Stephen Coniglio is ready to return from a seven-week ankle injury but has no match practice under his belt with the Giants’ reserves having the bye in the NEAFL. Harry Himmelberg is highly regarded but hasn’t played in the last two weeks.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Davis will come into the team to replace Haynes and Coniglio will also play his first game for 2017 in the Giants’ second Friday night clash in as many weeks. Coniglio played in just one JLT match but his work rate and hardness at the ball will be very valuable against a red hot St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (fractured jaw) test
Jonathon Ceglar (knee) 7 weeks
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS CONQUER HAWKS’ LAST STRONGHOLD
ON THE BLOCK: Alastair Clarkson has put the entire Hawthorn team on notice after the club’s woeful performance against St Kilda on the weekend. He has promised “catastrophic change” in selection and game plan if the players do not respond in the appropriate manner. It wasn’t just boom recruit Jaeger O’Meara who struggled, nor the kids given fresh opportunities. Part of the issue was that a number of the club’s better performers over the past few years have been playing well below their best. Standby for selection on Thursday night, this could be interesting.
ON THE CUSP: If Alastair Clarkson follows through with his threat, Jono O’Rourke has timed his run beautifully after 28 disposals and five clearances in Box Hill’s VFL win over Williamstown. The former No.2 draft pick has now played three games in the reserves after overcoming a hamstring injury. Young defender Harry Morrison filled up the stats sheet with 29 disposals nad 14 marks and could be in line for an AFL debut, along with Dallas Willsmore (25 disposals). Ty Vickery kicked three goals.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: It was messy for the Hawks. Soundly beaten in the midfield, ineffectual in attack, and scored against as easily as they have been in nearly a decade. Add to that an alarming lack of intensity and inexplicable skill errors. There are plenty of issues concerning coach Alastair Clarkson at the moment as he looks ahead to next Sunday’s clash with Melbourne. The recurring theme in Clarko’s press conference was about effort and intent, both sorely lacking against the Saints. Those two qualities will be the non-negotiables against the Demons. It’s 1-5, and finals are almost certainly out of the question, but don’t expect Clarko to accept what the team is putting out now.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) test
Colin Garland (knee) season
Max Gawn (hamstring) 10 weeks
Jesse Hogan (family reasons) TBC
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 6 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) 10 weeks
Tim Smith (rib/punctured lung) TBC
Jake Spencer (shoulder) 6 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 6 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ANZAC DAY A DISTANT MEMORY FOR DONS, DANIHER
ON THE BLOCK: The job of small forward can be tough at times but Jay Kennedy-Harris endured another quiet day with 11 disposals and without a goal. Alex Neal-Bullen had enjoyed an excellent start to 2017 but failed to have a major impact on Sunday. It wasn’t pretty but four points are four points and the Demons have been reasonably consistent on the field and at selection this season so don’t expect to see major changes.
ON THE CUSP: In promising news, Josh Wagner made an earlier than expected return from injury to be Casey’ best in the loss to Geelong. The defender finished with 20 disposals, six marks and six tackles. Former captain Jack Trengove continues to plug away in the VFL, collecting a team-high 29 disposals while Ben Kennedy was excellent with 26 disposals and a goal.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Jordan Lewis v Hawthorn is sure to dominate the headlines this week but behind closed doors Simon Goodwin will know his team has a real opportunity to generate some momentum and cement its place in the top eight. An upset loss will only heap pressure on a club expected to play finals this year. It goes without saying that the Demons’ skills will need some polishing at training this week after an ugly win over Essendon.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Aaron Mullett (broken hand) 2 weeks
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Mitch Hibberd (concussion) test
Ben Jacobs (foot) 1 week
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 7 weeks
Jarrad Waite (AC joint) 1 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) 6 weeks
MATCH REPORT: KANGAROOS BEAT SUNS TO END DROUGHT
ON THE BLOCK: There is one confirmed out after Aaron Mullett was diagnosed with a broken hand. Despite the win, there were a few passengers for the Kangaroos. Jy Simpkin was quiet after a promising performance the week before while Jed Anderson had minimal impact in his first AFL game of the year. Ben Cunnington tried to go with Gary Ablett but was unable to stop the Suns superstar and managed just 12 disposals the other way. Shaun Atley lacked his usual dash off half-back.
ON THE CUSP: Lindsay Thomas and Andrew Swallow were high-profile casualties at the selection table last week but showed positive signs in the VFL. Thomas managed four goals while Swallow had 24 disposals, 10 tackles and eight clearances in Werribee’s win over Essendon. Braydon Preuss stood out in the ruck with 50 hitouts while Sam Durdin impressed in defence.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The monkey is off the back at North Melbourne after it claimed its first win of the season but now Adelaide awaits. Scott Thompson, Robbie Tarrant and Lachie Hansen held Tom Lynch, Peter Wright and Brandon Matera to seven goals but Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Tom Lynch are a big step up in class. We should also point out Gary Ablett collected 45 disposals, so good luck to the Kangaroos against Rory Sloane.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Travis Boak (hamstring) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: LIONS TAKE STEP BACK IN POWER HIDING
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see anyone dropping out of the Port Adelaide side after a thumping win over Brisbane on Saturday. Hamish Hartlett and Jack Hombsch both made solid returns from injury but the selection pressure is likely to come for the trip to China the following week when skipper Travis Boak is available after his hamstring injury. Hard to find a weak link in Port’s side at the moment.
ON THE CUSP: The Magpies are in decent early season form after knocking over Adelaide in the SANFL showdown on the weekend. Angus Monfries played his first game for the year and had 31 disposals while there are plenty of other forwards lining up for promotion including Brett Eddy and Nathan Krakouer who both kicked five goals. With no injuries from the win over Brisbane you would expect Ken Hinkley to keep the same 22 to play West Coast.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide’s journey back from the wilderness this year can be seen as a three-step process. First they had to win the games they were expected to win. After beating Brisbane, Fremantle and Carlton they’ve ticked that box. Next is to win the 50/50 games like West Coast this weekend, then they can look to upset top-four sides. The Eagles game at Adelaide Oval on Saturday twilight will be enthralling. West Coast will be desperate to correct their worrying form on the road and the Power can claim its first genuine scalp for the season.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite
Jack Graham (ankle) 5 weeks
Nathan Broad (shoulder) 5 weeks
Shane Edwards (hip) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CROWS MAKE TIGERS LOOK LIKE APRIL FOOLS
ON THE BLOCK: No fresh injuries is one small bright spot from the trip to Adelaide. But Toby Nankervis didn’t have a good day, letting the frustration of fighting a losing battle against Sam Jacobs get to him when he threw an elbow back and collected David Mackay. The MRP will decide his fate. Back in Melbourne Ben Griffiths is now listed as “indefinite” as he fights concussion issues and ruckman Shaun Hampson is looking for creative remedies to a chronic back problem.
ON THE CUSP: The VFL side also suffered its first loss of the season, going down to Port Melbourne. Sam Lloyd kicked four goals and had 26 disposals while Ben Lennon, Corey Ellis and Anthony Miles are all waiting if called on. Todd Elton was the travelling emergency. If Nank is rubbed out that might mean resurrecting the career of Ivan Maric.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The first quarter was great, the last was OK and the middle two showed equal parts how far ahead of the pack Adelaide is and how much work is still ahead of Richmond. There’s no time for the Tigers to feel sorry for themselves with a match against the premiers on Saturday night. Going in with one ruckman didn’t work so well against the Crows but the Dogs don’t have Jacobs and Josh Jenkins, so will they try it again?
ST KILDA
INJURIES
David Armitage (groin) 3 weeks
Josh Battle (knee) TBC
Nick Coughlan (foot) test
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS CONQUER HAWKS LAST STRONGHOLD
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to knock any of the Saints who took part in Saturday’s systematic dismantling of Hawthorn. A near clean bill of health out of the game was also something that had coach Alan Richardson smiling.
ON THE CUSP: Good news for the club was the performance of key forward Paddy McCartin in Sandringham’s win over Collingwood. McCartin kicked seven goals and looms as a possible inclusion to what is already a powerful big forward set-up for the Saints, including Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and the 700-goal man Nick Riewoldt. It’s a good selection headache for Richardson to have to manage.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Saturday’s win was a big step in the right direction from the Saints after only a so-so start to 2017. The club’s midfield was under heavy criticism leading into the game and they answered it in spades. Jack Steele has added plenty there, while Jack Steven is rarely beaten. We know their forward line is good, but the real question has been defence. Dylan Roberton has taken his game to a new level and is almost in All Australian form, while the addition of Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown look to have made difference. Both of the latter two had very good games against the Hawks, while Roberton was outstanding.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Gary Rohan (concussion) TBC
Heath Grundy (concussion) TBC
Robbie Fox (knee) TBC
Kieren Jack (hip) TBC
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Harry Marsh (hamstring) TBC
Sam Naismith (knee) 2 weeks
Dane Rampe (arm) 4 weeks
Dan Robinson (collarbone) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: BLUES STUN SWANS IN MCG UPSET
ON THE BLOCK: They will need a replacement for Gary Rohan who has been cleared of serious injury but is certain to miss. Kurt Tippett’s hip injury could also be more serious than first thought. James Rose and Brandon Jack both struggled in their first senior games in a long while, they are likely to come out for Sunday’s game with the Lions at the SCG. Jeremy Laidler will also be under pressure to hold his spot from Aliir Aliir.
ON THE CUSP: Aliir Aliir, Ollie Florent, Dean Towers and Jordan Dawson were all among the best in the Swans’ reserves’ 24-point win over the NT Thunder in Darwin on Friday night. Their first win in the NT in seven years. Aliir and Florent will have the strongest cases for inclusion with the Swans defence struggling against the Blues and their midfield also battling.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: John Longmire would love to be able to drop five or six players from the team that was shocked by the Blues but with a growing injury list, three looks a more likely number with Rose, Brandon Jack, and Laidler likely to make way for Aliir, Florent and Towers. The Swans face Brisbane at home and must surely break though for their first win.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Nathan Vardy (elbow) TBC
Kurt Mutimer (knee) TBC
Liam Duggan (corked leg) TBC
Jamie Cripps (ankle) 7 weeks
Scott Lycett (shoulder) 5 weeks
Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite
Jackson Nelson (wrist) 3 weeks
Luke Partington (hand) 1 week
Drew Petrie (hand) 5 weeks
Willie Rioli (hamstring) 3 weeks
Simon Tunbridge (knee) indefinite
Jake Waterman (foot) 7 weeks
Francis Watson (ankle) 5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: EARLY RAMPAGE SETS UP EAGLE’S DERBY WIN
ON THE BLOCK: More ruck problems for Adam Simpson with Nathan Vardy copping an elbow injury in the win against Fremantle. He is set for scans by Simpson isn’t optimistic. Liam Duggan (corked leg) and Kurt Mutimer (knee) are also in doubt and Sam Mitchell is no certainty after battling a bit in his return from a leg injury.
ON THE CUSP: Simpson flagged promoting rookie Fraser McInnes to partner Jon Giles in the ruck if Vardy is ruled out. Jeremy McGovern and Jack Darling are other options. McInnes had 21 disposals and 15 hitouts for East Perth in the WAFL. Will Schofield had 23 touches and Lewis Jetta 17.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: How good are the Eagles? Footy commentators are still scratching their heads but we’ll get a much better idea over the next four weeks when they face Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Western Bulldogs (Subiaco), Essendon (Etihad Stadium) and the Giants at home. One thing’s for sure, you can always put your house on Josh Kennedy kicking a bag at Subi.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Tom Campbell (ankle) test
Tom Liberatore (concussion) test
Matthew Boyd (back) test
Brad Lynch (hamstring) 3 weeks
Travis Cloke (broken ribs) 4 weeks
Stewart Crameri (hip) 1 week
Dale Morris (leg) 4 weeks
Jack Redpath (knee) 4 weeks
Jordan Roughead (hamstring) 4 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS, DOGS SEQUEL LIVES UP TO THE HYPE
ON THE BLOCK: Clay Smith couldn’t replicate his preliminary final heroics, instead picking up just 10 touches and just two tackles. Tom Liberatore staggered off after a heavy tackle from Shane Mumford, sitting out the rest of the game with concussion. The club will closely monitor his progress this week and with an extra day’s break he will be given every chance to prove his fitness. Bailey Williams was OK but most likely makes way for the return of Matthew Boyd.
ON THE CUSP: Mitch Wallis made a triumphant return from a broken leg with 34 disposals and 11 tackles. However, the Dogs aren’t going to rush him back and will give him at least two more weeks in the VFL to regain full match fitness. Tory Dickson also returned from injury and kicked three goals. Dumped defender Shane Biggs had the ball on a string across half-back with 35 touches. Lukas Webb continued his fine form with 32 disposals and eight marks.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: You can’t knock the Dogs endeavour on Friday night but the finishing in front of goal leaves a lot to be desired. And has done all season. It doesn't get any easier against Richmond - although an extra two days break might help. The Dogs love to run and carry out of the back half and the Tigers love to run and tackle in the forward half, so Luke Beveridge has some homework to do this week.
Originally published as Barometer: we look at every club’s injury list and who’s pushing up from the reserves
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