Week 1 AFL Finals: Who's good to go, who's injured and who's pushing for selection

WHO'S hurt, who's on the block and who's on the cusp – the complete guide to your club's playing stocks.

Lewis Jetta

WHO'S hurt, who's on the block and who's on the cusp – the complete guide to your club's playing stocks.

CARLTON

INJURIES
Chris Judd (knee) test
Heath Scotland (quad) test
Brock McLean (quad) test
Andrew Carrazzo (calf) season
Andrew Collins (quad) 1-2 weeks
Shaun Hampson (knee) 1-2 weeks
Tom Temay (quad) test
Matthew Watson (foot) season
Simon White (neck) season

ON THE BLOCK: Tough calls looming for Mick Malthouse and his selection team and there will be a few players feeling nervous. Andrew McInnes had just six disposals against Port Adelaide and David Ellard 12, while Troy Menzel finished with four kicks for one behind. Nick Duigan started as the sub and has been on the outer all year and the man he replaced, Levi Casboult had a stinker - although he does have a record of kicking goals against Richmond.

ON THE CUSP: Does the name C Judd ring a bell? The former skipper was supposed to be cooked for the year when he hurt his knee against the Bulldogs in Round 20 but he says he will put his hand up for the elimination final, although a decision on whether he plays will be left to the last minute. Heath Scotland is expected to return along with Brock McLean - the matchwinner in Carlton's past two victories against the Tigers.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Blues have nothing to lose - they shouldn't even be here. Bank on Mick Malthouse to play the underdog tag and pile the expectation on Richmond, hoping the Tigers suffocate under the weight of success-starved fans. Tags last time of Curnow on Cotchin and Tuohy on Martin worked a treat so expect a repeat. Key match-ups will be Eddie Betts on Steven Morris and a head-to-head clash of No.1 draft picks - and occasional under-achievers - Bryce Gibbs and Brett Deledio.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Harry O’Brien (flu) available
Nathan Brown (knee) TBC
Quinten Lynch (ankle) test
Luke Ball (calf) test
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test
Ben Sinclair (shoulder) test
Marty Clarke (ankle) season
Alex Fasolo (foot) season
Michael Hartley (shoulder) season
Dale Thomas (ankle) season
Alan Toovey (knee) season
Corey Gault (groin) season

ON THE BLOCK: Injuries could rob two players of a finals appearance with Nathan Brown substituted out of the loss to North Melbourne with a knee problem and Quinten Lynch suffering an ankle setback. Jordan Russell won a reprieve as a late inclusion to replace Harry O’Brien (flu) with that switch likely to be reversed this week.

ON THE CUSP: The Magpies welcomed back Dayne Beams yesterday and could regain Jamie Elliott and Ben Sinclair, along with O’Brien, to face the Power on Saturday night. The Pies are also yet to rule out Luke Ball, who broke down with a calf complaint last week.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Magpies simply couldn’t move the ball against Port Adelaide in Round 14, generating just 38 forward-50 entries from more than 400 disposals. Dane Swan had one of his quieter games, while Travis Cloke couldn’t find the sticks. But that clash was amid Port Adelaide’s golden streak when it knocked over the Pies, Swans and belted the Giants. Collingwood hasn’t played that poorly since and hasn’t exited the finals series without a win since 2006.

jamie elliot

FREMANTLE

INJURIES
Garrick Ibbotson (calf) test
Luke McPharlin (calf) test
Clancee Pearce (calf) TBA
Nick Suban (hamstring) test
Sam Menegola (knee) test
Max Duffy (hamstring) 2 weeks
Anthony Morabito (knee) season
Viv Michie (knee) season
Tanner Smith (shoulder) season
Jonathon Griffin (knee) season
Kepler Bradley (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Unfortunately for Clancee Pearce, he suffered a calf injury in the opening minutes against the Saints at Etihad Stadium. He looks likely to miss at least this week, with his finals series in jeopardy. The only fortunate thing for Pearce is he'll have plenty of mates from the forgettable Etihad sojourn to keep him company back in Perth. Exactly who the coach opts to leave out will depend who he thinks can match it against the Cats, but the most likely to be canned would seemingly be those who came in at the weekend. That means a nervous few days for: Jesse Crichton, Hayden Crozier, Peter Faulks, Alex Forster, Jack Hannath, Josh Mellington, Craig Moller, Tom Sheridan, Josh Simpson and Matt Taberner. One thing seems certain - Freo's team sheet on Thursday night will again include a lengthy number of changes.

ON THE CUSP: Ha, now where do we start? A well-rested Freo has a few to choose from. In alphabetical order, Rossy is likely to closely consider the following: Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Clarke, Zac Dawson, Nat Fyfe, Stephen Hill, Garrick Ibbotson (pending his fitness), Michael Johnson, Chris Mayne, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy, Lee Spurr and Michael Walters.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: There's no doubt Saturday looms as a tough assignment for the Dockers. The toughest in footy? Perhaps. Freo was thrown a curve in the past week with news of a Simonds final, but maybe Lyon and his men will harness their frustration and use it for a positive. It's them against the Cats - and the AFL. Lyon's teams have been so good because they believe in what they do - anywhere, any time, and against anyone.
With a full complement they can challenge the best, and the Cats may well be that. A win this weekend would be the Dockers' finest hour, and put them in the box seat for their maiden premiership. It's not beyond them.

Cameron Guthrie

GEELONG

INJURIES
Nathan Vardy (hip) test
Mark Blicavs (concussion) test
Lincoln McCarthy (foot) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (ankle) season
Jackson Thurlow (cheekbone) test
Jed Bews (ankle) test
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Dawson Simpson (knee) season
Tom Hawkins (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: This is where it gets tough for Chris Scott. Almost a full list to choose from, so what is his best 22? Taylor Hunt may miss out if the Cats don't think there's an obvious run-with role this week. The midfield is all contributing while the forward half looks settled despite Tom Hawkins' obvious back troubles. The ruck is the most obvious point of interest. Trent West hasn't set the world on fire this season, and if Nathan Vardy is fit, he seems certain to return.

ON THE CUSP: Cam Guthrie was given a rest against the Lions and as Ash McGrath tormented the Cats' taller back half, there were sighs around Simonds Stadium. The Cats missed the underrated youngster who has grown in stature by the week in 2013. He may well return against the Dockers and could be handed one of footy's most niggling assignments - minding Hayden Ballantyne. Josh Hunt was also good in the Cats' VFL win. There is no shortage of options for the Cats, who are oozing with depth. However the twos' win means a week off for several players pushing for selection, so if not selected this week then the AFL seasons of players like Jordan Murdoch, George Horlin-Smith and Josh Walker may be over.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: The AFL granting Geelong a Simonds Stadium home final has given the Cats a big step forward towards another preliminary final. Fremantle is a serious contender in 2013, so this week's qualifying final is not the 'advance to go' many believe it will be. Geelong did touch up Ross Lyon's men by 41 points in round 14 (30 scoring shots to 9). But the Purple Haze was minus Barlow, Mundy, Neale, Sandilands, Silvagni and the man who destroyed Geelong in last year's elimination final - Pavlich. One suspects the Cats are timing their run nicely, and their list is in good shape. In Paul Chapman's 250th, the Cats appear as well-placed as any of their recent successful campaigns.

Cyril Rioli

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Cyril Rioli (ankle) test
Liam Shiels (ankle) season
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season
Matthew Suckling (knee) season
Alex Woodward (knee) season
Max Bailey (soreness) test
Brent Guerra (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: Lance Franklin will need a minor miracle to avoid suspension for his shoulder charge on Swans defender Nick Malceski. The match review panel is set to hand down its findings today. Shane Savage would need to put in a power of work to secure a spot in Friday’s qualifying final. Savage was subbed out with just five disposals to his name. Late inclusion Matt Spangher was solid while Taylor Duryea could come under scrutiny.

ON THE CUSP: Excitement machine Cyril Rioli will only need to get through training to reclaim his spot, while important defender Brent Guerra must overcome back soreness. Kyle Cheney was best on ground in VFL affiliate Box Hill’s finals win over Williamstown.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: The Hawks will go into Friday night’s blockbuster as warm favourites following their come-from-behind win against the Swans last week. There’s a sense of the 2013 Hawks seeking retribution for last year’s Grand Final loss. All eyes will be on Franklin today, but history tells us it’s a case of ‘no Buddy, no worries’ for the Hawks who boast an imposing win-record even without the spearhead. Luke Hodge looks primed for a monster September campaign while Rioli adds the x-factor required to win the flag. As long as extractors Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell remain upright, the Hawks can overcome their minor weakness in the ruck. It’s going to be a cracking contest as the Hawks look to secure a preliminary final spot.

Lewis Jetta

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Hamish Hartlett (suspension) available
Paul Stewart (wrist) available
Jarrad Redden (hip) season

ON THE BLOCK: Brent Renouf was extremely quiet against the Blues and could fall out while Lewis Stevenson had only three kicks after starting as the substitute. Tom Logan returned against the Blues and collected 19 disposals but even he could be forced out with players ready to return.

ON THE CUSP: Take your pick. The Power enters September with the leanest casualty list of any club with Paul Stewart the only listed man to not play at the weekend. And even he is available this week. Hamish Hartlett will return from suspension, Alipate Carlile should slot back in to take on Travis Cloke while Robbie Gray and Jake Neade are chances to slot back in as crafty forwards.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Ken Hinkley’s boys should enter their elimination final with unbridled confidence on the back of their sizzling season. Port Adelaide’s time is well ahead of them given the young list, so September experience for the likes of Wines, Wingard, Colquhoun and Aaron Young will prove invaluable, while the reward for veterans who have been through a rough few years such as Kane Cornes is fitting. The Power should take enormous confidence from its commanding win against the Pies in Round 14, when Collingwood never looked capable of winning. Knock off the Pies however and a trip west to face Fremantle is on the cards – a fixture where Port kicked four goals in three quarters on its way to a 74-point loss just last week.

Hamish Hartlett

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Kurt Tippett (hamstring tightness) test
Dan Hannebery (knee) test
Nick Smith (calf) test
Lewis Jetta (shin) test
Adam Goodes (knee) 1 week
Sam Reid (quad) test
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) test
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) season
Rhyce Shaw (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Mr September Mitch Morton did his job, kicking a goal from four disposals after starting as the substitute. But it’s hard to see him holding out big Kurt Tippett this week. Harry Cunningham and Brandon Jack would be first to go should the likes of Lewis Jetta, Dan Hannebery and Adam Goodes prove their fitness.

ON THE CUSP: Tippett looks set to return after sitting out last week with hamstring tightness. Dan Hannebery will be put through his paces while Lewis Jetta emerged unscathed from a taste of NEAFL action. Jetta kicked a long goal in a short cameo as the Swans booked their spot in the state-league grand final. Jed Lamb was the pick of the Swans reserves. Meanwhile, champion Adam Goodes is no certainty to return hardly breaking a sweat on the training track. Goodes has been on a restricted program and is rated as “session-by-session” proposition. As long as the dual Brownlow medallist and premiership player can avoid any knee flare ups he could well be used as a substitute.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: You’d almost write off any other mob taking into account their big-name injuries. But it’s Sydney, and you can’t. Bloods football comes into its own during September. It’s hard and it’s uncompromising. The Swans showed last Friday they could match the Hawks – until the wheels fell off in the second half. Add Tippett, Hannebery and maybe Jetta (sub) to the mix and it could be a different story altogether. The lure of a home preliminary final could be just the tonic to inspire the Swans to victory. A loss results in the winner of Richmond-Carlton travelling to the Harbour City for a cut-throat final.

RICHMOND

INJURIES
Chris Newman (ankle) test
Matt White (hamstring) test
Jack Riewoldt (back) available
David Astbury (quad) test
Luke McGuane (leg) 1 week
Matt Arnot (back) season
Liam McBean (ankle) season
Chris Knights (knee) season
Cadeyn Williams (shoulder) season
Brett O'Hanlon (ankle) season
Kamdyn McIntosh (shoulder) season

ON THE BLOCK: With three likely returns - Riewoldt, Newman and Shane Edwards, who has served his one-match suspension - the Tigers' match committee must find three players to make way. Back-up ruckman Orren Stephenson is one, but then it gets tough. Matt White could be No.2 if he doesn't come up from a sore hamstring, and Shane Tuck might be unlucky to miss out after starting as the sub again against Essendon. But his head-down attack on the ball could be a perfect fit for finals footy. Other possible candidates are Ricky Petterd - who's kicking for goal clearly needs work but is rated highly for his forward pressure - and possibly youngster Nick Vlastuin.

ON THE CUSP: Surely Newman will get up after missing three matches with an ankle problem. The skipper says he had a "fairly solid hitout" on Saturday and could have played in Round 23 if he was needed. He also says Jack Riewoldt will come straight back. That leaves the biggest watch on White, who's pace has become a key part of the Tiger game plan. He was subbed off at halftime with a hamstring issue but Richmond isn't saying how serious it is. Meanwhile, the likes of Robin Nahas and Sam Lonergan are available but it's hard to see them getting a look-in.

NEWMAN 'CAN'T WAIT' TO PLAY BLUES

AL PATON'S FORECAST: After 12 years of waiting and about two months of trying to keep the lid on, it's here Tiger fans. The Tigers finished on 15 wins, five more than last year - a fantastic achievement. But it won't feel like much if they get knocked out in the first week of September. Finishing fifth pits Richmond against the "lucky loser" Carlton which - ironically - gets in after finishing ninth. The worry for the Tigers is the Blues have been their bogey side - they have won just one of the past 11 clashes between the teams. But that win was in Round 1 this year and while they lost their most recent meeting, they played essentially without Trent Cotchin or Dustin Martin (held to 14 and 10 touches by Ed Curnow and Zach Tuohy respectively) and still lost by just 10 points. The Tigers won four more matches than Carlton this season and deserve to start favourite.