Barometer: AFL injury list after Round 13 sees Western Bulldogs decimated

NORTH Melbourne’s hopes of sustaining their magnificent 2018 form have taken a hit with veteran forward Jarrad Waite facing an indefinite stint on the sidelines. EVERY AFL CLUB’S INJURY LIST

Easton Wood immediately grabbed for his hamstring after an awkward clash during the Dogs’ match against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH Melbourne has suffered a blow ahead of Saturday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs with key forward Jarrad Waite ruled out with a calf injury.

The 35-year-old re-injured his calf at training and now faces more time on the sidelines with the club unable to give a timeline in his return date.

SCROLL DOWN FOR EVERY TEAM’S INJURY LIST, FORECASTS BELOW

“He reported some pain again to the medical team during a session this week,” Kangaroos general manager of football Cameron Joyce said.

SUPERLADDER: BLUES ‘EMBARRASSED THE JUMPER’

THE TACKLE: BUDDY A VICTIM OF ‘CLICKBAIT WRATH’

“We’d given him a decent break, including the bye weekend, but he needs more time to recover and then continue to strengthen the area of concern.

“Given his age and injury history, it’s important that we adopt a conservative approach and ensure that we have him back to full fitness and available to play.”

Waite injured the calf in the final warm-up ahead of the Kangaroos Round 11 match with Brisbane at Etihad Stadium, then missed the following match against Geelong.

“For now, he’ll be listed as “TBC” (to be confirmed) on our injury list until we can get a clearer picture on his injury and expected recovery time,” Joyce said.

Waite has had a strong season, justifying coach Brad Scott’s preseason assessment that he still had some of his best football ahead of him.

MEANWHILE, Essendon has received some good news before the toughest road trip in football.

Captain Dyson Heppell has overcome the concussion he suffered in a clash with Brisbane’s Luke Hodge a fortnight ago and will lead the Bombers in Perth.

Star recruit Devon Smith has also overcome a niggling calf injury and will line-up against the Eagles.

Dyson Heppell is helped from the field.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Luke Brown (ankle) 1 week

Brad Crouch (groin) season

Harry Deer (knee) TBC

Paul Hunter (ankle) 6 weeks

Riley Knight (hamstring tendinitis) 1 week

Rory Laird (broken hand) test

Sam Gibson (hamstring) test

Tom Lynch (side strain/ribs) test

Mitch McGovern (ankle) 5 weeks

Paul Seedsman (hip) test

Rory Sloane (foot) 1-2 weeks

Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite

ON THE CUSP: Adelaide coach Don Pyke believes post-bye returns from All Australian defender Rory Laird (hand), vice-captain Rory Sloane (foot), Luke Brown (ankle) and Tom Lynch (side strain) could jump-start his side after the bye. Curtly Hampton will win a recall after 23 disposals, 13 tackles, eight clearances, six inside 50s and five marks in the SANFL.

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK: It was hard to find best players in the round 13, 56 point loss to Hawthorn. Bryce Gibbs put in hard labour against Tom Mitchell, Jake Kelly was valiant and Sam Jacobs booted two goals. Rory Atkins (12 touches), Myles Poholke (8), debutant Patrick Wilson will be under pressure to hold spots. Hugh Greenwood, Sam Jacobs and Tom Doedee are playing hurt but Adelaide can’t afford top rest them.

RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Adelaide’s “ugly” 56-point capitulation against Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG means Adelaide will be two games out of the eight when it hosts top ranked West Coast after the bye. Adelaide sits in 11th spot, a game and significant 100 to 118 percentage behind eighth-placed North Melbourne. Lose to West Coast home and Adelaide will have to win six of its last eight games. Dual premiership skipper Mark Bickley says Adelaide’s morale, confidence and ball movement is shot. It is hard to see the return of underdone stars stopping the rot. West Coast appear way too powerful for a side that was smashed by a Hawthorn side that remains out of the eight. However Crows board member Mark Ricciuto has put the list on notice to perform against the Eagles. Adelaide’s season could be officially done with failure against Richmond (away) and Geelong (home).

Sam Gibson is the latest Crow to go down with a soft tissue injury. Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Chris Fagan (hamstring)

Conor Ballenden (face) 1-3 weeks

Tom Bell (ankle) 3 weeks

Rohan Bewick (hand) 1-3 weeks

Charlie Cameron (ankle) season

Cedric Cox (hamstring) test

Matt Eagles (abnominals) test

Jack Payne (shin) season

Mitch Robinson (toe) 1-2 weeks

Sam Skinner (ACL) test

Toby Wooller (finger) test

ON THE BLOCK: Ben Keays and Sam Mayes were both quiet against Essendon before the bye, but the coach’s Fight MND slide injury might be the club’s biggest blow.

ON THE CUSP: Rhys Mathieson kicked two goals and Ryan Bastinac was busy in a 22-point loss to Canberra just over a week ago, but both the AFL and NEAFL teams had the bye this weekend, giving the Lions a chance to freshen up. The popular Matt Eagles could make a return.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: Errant kicking proved costly for the Lions and, while they get another chance at the Gabba, it won’t be easy against a GWS side freshened up from the bye and beginning to get a few injured players back. The rebuild continues.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) season

Ciaran Byrne (quad) 1 week

Sam Docherty (knee) season

Matthew Kennedy (ankle) test

Kym Lebois (broken collarbone) test

Harrison Macreadie (hamstring) 1 week

Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 1 week

Marc Murphy (foot) 1-2 weeks

Tom Williamson (back) season

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Silvagni worked hard and had five tackles against Fremantle but simply isn’t doing enough at AFL level. Patrick Kerr and Nick Graham were among others to have particularly bad days against the Dockers.

ON THE CUSP: GWS recruit Matthew Kennedy (27 disposals, 10 clearances, 1 goal) was a standout for Northern Blues against Richmond in the VFL in his return from an ankle injury which has kept him out of the AFL side since Round 7.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Blues had a horrid first half against Fremantle and were only a little better in the second half. They can’t score at the moment, having failed to kick 10 goals in each of their past four games. Now 1-11, the road does not get any easier against archrival Collingwood. The two teams have split the wins from their past four clashes but the red-hot Magpies will enter as heavy favourites this time around.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

James Aish (knee) 5-6 weeks

Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season

Jamie Elliott (hamstring) TBC

Alex Fasolo (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (knee) season

Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite

Jack Magden (broken jaw) 2 weeks

Darcy Moore (hamstring) TBC

Ben Reid (leg) test

Josh Smith (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Travis Varcoe (hamstring) TBC

Daniel Wells (foot) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Daniel Wells’ season-ending injury against the Dees will be shattering for the club, but the Pies had few passengers in a big win. They’ll have rested their ills over the break.

ON THE CUSP: Coach Nathan Buckley said Flynn Appleby was “stiff to miss” the Queen’s Birthday clash, dropped for Jeremy Howe. Sam Murray racked up 23 disposals in VFL before the bye, while the Pies would be pleased with Ben Crocker (13 disposals, five tackles, one goal) and Brayden Sier (20 disposals, eight tackles). Ben Reid and Travis Varcoe could make their return from injury, while Jarryd Blair flew again for the Pies reserves before the bye.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Magpies exit the bye sitting sixth on the ladder with an 8-4 record leaving them just one win off the tally they finished with last year. The second half of the season starts with traditional rival Carlton, a game in which the Pies will start firm favourites.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Patrick Ambrose (calf) 1-2 weeks

Josh Begley (knee) season

Joe Daniher (groin) 5-6 weeks

Martin Gleeson (ankle) 6-8 weeks

Darcy Parish (thumb) 4-5 weeks

David Zaharakis (collarbone) 6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Bombers didn’t have too many passengers against the Lions and it will be interesting to see if Woosha squeezes anyone out.

ON THE CUSP: Travis Colyer, Aaron Francis and Kobe Mutch will all be hoping their VFL efforts in the Bombers’ 15-goal win over Coburg before the bye will be noticed.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: The Bombers had the bye to recover from a scrappy encounter against Brisbane at the Gabba and it paid dividends with captain Dyson Heppell and Devon Smith overcoming knocks. However, this Thursday’s interstate trip is harder — a lot harder. West Coast back at their home deck coming off a loss is about as tough as it gets.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Harley Bennell (calf) test

Taylin Duman (back) TBC

Brady Grey (hamstring) test

Bradley Hill (knee) test

Stephen Hill (quad) TBC

Griffin Logue (ankle) 7 weeks

Alex Pearce (thumb) 2 weeks

Aaron Sandilands (concussion) test

Hugh Dixon (ankle) 2 weeks

Brandon Matera (knee) TBC

Lee Spurr (knee) TBC

Sam Switkowski (hamstring) 2 weeks

Matt Taberner (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle got through their 57-point win over Carlton in Melbourne on Saturday unscathed, and could get some troops back from injury after the bye. There will be at least one change with livewire Michael Walters available against Brisbane at Optus Stadium on July 1 after serving his one-game striking ban.

ON THE CUSP: Young ruckman Sean Darcy got through his first game in the WAFL after being sidelined with a knee injury, finishing with 41 hit-outs and a goal in Peel Thunder’s loss to South Fremantle on Saturday. Out-of-favour midfielder Cam Sutcliffe had his best game in a while, with Cam McCarthy (17 disposals, 11 marks) also finding more of the ball after he was sent down back. Reigning Doig medallist Bradley Hill is a chance to return from a knee injury against the Lions, potentially joining Walters in the side.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Coach Ross Lyon would be delighted with his side’s past fortnight, including their breakthrough away victory against Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Their two consecutive wins against Adelaide and the Blues respectively could easily become three when the Dockers host Brisbane after the break. There’s a lot to like about the youngsters coming through with midfielders Adam Cerra, Stefan Giro and Andrew Brayshaw and forward Brennan Cox particularly impressive.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Aaron Black (knee) indefinite

Nakia Cockatoo (knee) test

Daniel Menzel (groin) test

Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) TBC

Esava Ratugolea (broken ankle) season

Zac Smith (back) test

Sam Menegola (back) TBC

Rhys Stanley (mouth) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Lincoln McCarthy hurt his hamstring and is in doubt for the clash against the Dogs. Corey Gregson and Jordan Murdoch were also quiet.

ON THE CUSP: Geelong coach Chris Scott has flagged the return of three players from the VFL for their next match. Midfielder Scott Selwood, defender Cam Guthrie and key backman Harry Taylor are all a chance. Wyllie Buzza was also a late change on Sunday and could return. Daniel Menzel could make his way back through the VFL from a groin problem.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Geelong will take the week off for the bye before their next clash against Western Bulldogs on Friday week. The Cats battled hard against the Tigers on Sunday but went down by 18 points. The Cats racked up 12 more centre clearances and nine more inside 50s than Richmond but wasted some of their ball use.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Michael Barlow (jaw) 1-2 weeks

Brayden Fiorini (leg) 3-5 weeks

Aaron Hall (pectoral) 8-10 weeks

Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 3-5 weeks

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) test

Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) 1 week

Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 6-8 weeks

Steven May (ankle) 2-4 weeks

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 7-9 weeks

Matt Rosa (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Harrison Wigg (ankle) indefinite

Mackenzie Willis (knee) indefinite

Jack Bowes (quad) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Bowes spent the last quarter on the bench with a quad injury and would have to be in some doubt for the trip to Launceston. The second year player had been one of the Suns best until he went down and if he can prove his fitness is no danger of losing his spot. For three quarters the Suns were better than they had been for a month and for the final term they were insipid, however Stuart Dew is unlikely to wield the axe considering it was a great improvement on the past two weeks. Sam Day had a quiet night but could consider himself a bit hard done by if he is made the scapegoat.

ON THE CUSP: Peter Wright was the best player in the NEAFL loss to Sydney. He booted two goals and spent a lot of time in the ruck. The Suns are desperate to get him into the side but feel they can’t play three big forwards. Jarrod Witts has been going well in the ruck so that leaves Sam Day as the player on edge.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: How could you pick the Suns against any side after squandering a 39 point lead to a wounded St Kilda, let alone the resurgent Hawks in Launceston? The problem for tipsters is one day the Suns will win a game they are underdogs in because, although they have holes in their midfield, their current woes are not personnel related but due to terrible form. It is hard to imagine a slick outfit like the Hawks being the one.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Daniel Lloyd (knee) TBC

Rory Lobb (back) 5-6 weeks

Stephen Coniglio (concussion) test

Brett Deledio (calf) 5-7 weeks

Toby Greene (foot) 1-3 weeks

Tom Scully (ankle) 5 weeks

Will Setterfield (knee) season

Lachie Tiziani (knee) season

Zac Williams (Achilles) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Rory Lobb will miss at least a month with a fractured vertebrae after a nasty knock he suffered against Gold Coast. Daniel Lloyd will miss for the first time this year with medial ligament damage to his knee. However, there is good news with Stephen Coniglio deemed fit after delayed concussion a fortnight ago.

ON THE CUSP: Unfortunately Toby Greene is still least a week away from returning to action after missing the last seven matches with a foot injury. Dawson Simpson is in the box seat to replace Lobb. Dylan Buckley and Brent Daniels will come into contention with the loss of Daniel Lloyd.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Highly regarded small forward Brent Daniels will get the nod for his debut. He and Zac Langdon were key off season targets for the Giants after the retirement of Steve Johnson and the departure of Devon Smith. Dawson Simpson is very capable at senior level and will be ready willing.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) 3 weeks

Changkuoth Jiath (groin) 1 weeks

Dylan Moore (shoulder) test

Cyril Rioli (family leave) indefinite

James Frawley (migraine) available

ON THE BLOCK: All eyes will be on defender James Frawley as the Hawks prepare for Gold Coast in Tasmania on Saturday. Frawley was a very late withdrawal from the game against Adelaide after suffering a severe migraine. It wasn’t the first time he has encountered such an episode. He will likely return to take on the Suns. Kaiden Brand filled the role well on Saturday night, but could be the player to make way if Frawley returns.

ON THE CUSP: James Cousins had 35 disposals in a strong display for Box Hill in their win over Frankston. David Mirra isn’t far away, while Teia Miles and Keiran Lovell had strong performances. But don’t expect too many changes.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: The Hawks went a long way towards booking a possible finals berth after a strong win over Adelaide. They should easily account for Gold Coast this week before a flip of the coin game against GWS and then two very winnable set against Western Bulldogs and Brisbane. It’s all coming together relatively well for Alastair Clarkson and his team. Win three of the next four — as they should — and the finals look a very achievable option.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jayden Hunt (ankle) 3-5 weeks

Neville Jetta (shoulder) test

Dean Kent (hamstring) 1 week

Jake Lever (knee) season

Corey Maynard (hip) indefinite

Oscar McDonald (concussion) test

Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite

Tim Smith (neck/ankle) test

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Oscar McDonald and Neville Jetta were the only real injury concerns out of the Queen’s Birthday weekend loss, but both should be OK. Of more worry for the Dees is a number of players down in form.

ON THE CUSP: The Casey Demons enjoyed a big win before their bye and plenty of AFL listed Dees stood up. Jay Kennedy-Harris, Sam Weideman and Tom Bugg were all among the best. Would Weideman give more than Pedersen? Mature age forward Tim Smith could be OK.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Dees will have enjoyed a week off after their Pies’ hiccup. But they’ll be more looking forward to making amends this weekend, with the in-form Power waiting. Will they get to front old mate Jack Watts?

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jed Anderson (hamstring) test

Braydon Preuss (hip) test

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season

Jarrad Waite (calf) TBC

Declan Watson (knee) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Ziebell’s shredded knees from the boundary-side LED lights at Geelong was a big talking point, but he should be right.

ON THE CUSP: North had hoped Jarrad Waite would return but his latest setback has scuppered those plans. Jed Anderson and Braydon Preuss are in the mix to face the Bulldogs. The VFL side had the bye after coming off a 100-point loss, so not much to see there.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: North have exceeded everyone’s expectations this season — perhaps even their own — but has the bubble burst? They need to manhandle the wounded Doggies to keep the doubters at bay.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) TBC

Willem Drew (heel) season

Hamish Hartlett (knee) season

Sam Hayes (knee) season

Tom Jonas (hamstring) test

Jarrod Lienert (knee) 3 weeks

Trent McKenzie (quad) 2 weeks

Darcy Byrne-Jones (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: Port is travelling nicely with an 8-4 record — its best start since being 10-2 in 2014 when it made the preliminary final. On form, it would be hard to drop any of the 22 who took to the field in the 57-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. There is some injury doubt on hard-nosed defender Darcy Byrne-Jones, who has some hamstring “awareness’’, while fellow backman Jack Hombsch’s spot could be in danger if Tom Jonas is available after missing the clash with the Bulldogs with a hamstring injury. Todd Marshall only had eight disposals and didn’t kick a goal against the Dogs but coach Ken Hinkley rates the teenage key forward very highly, saying he “will be a significant player for our football club’. He is likely to back him in again for the Friday night blockbuster against Melbourne. Former Kangaroos small forward Lindsay Thomas played well in his second game for Port, with 14 disposals, a goal and plenty of forward line pressure, so he is likely to stay in the side.

ON THE CUSP: Port’s SANFL team, the Magpies, produced a stunning come-from-behind win to upset premier Sturt at Alberton Oval on Sunday after it trailed by 27 points in the third quarter. Melbourne’s 2008 No. 1 draft pick Jack Watts — dropped from the Power side that beat the Bulldogs — shone in his first SANFL game, with 17 disposals, eight marks and three goals to put his hand up for an AFL recall. Two other former Demons, Jack Trengove and Dom Barry, were excellent with 27 disposals while Karl Amon had 25. Jonas will be picked if he proves his fitness at training.

ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Much will depend on the fitness of Byrne-Jones and Jonas. The Power — with most players fit and in form — won’t take any risks if either is sore. Jonas will come into the side if he can show no ill-effects of his hamstring injury at training while Port is confident Byrne-Jones, who played out the game against the Bulldogs, will be fine. While it had some standout performers in the SANFL against the Double Blues, who it beat by seven points, it appears the Power could go in with an unchanged line-up.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

David Astbury (ankle) test

Mabior Chol (broken foot) 5-7 weeks

Shaun Hampson (back) TBC

Bachar Houli (groin) 1 week

Oleg Markov (knee) 3-5 weeks

Dion Prestia (calf) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Another week, another impressive Richmond win. With the Tigers having the bye this week, match committee can also take a much-needed break. Looking ahead, youngster Ryan Garthwaite had nine touches on debut and could be pushed out. He deserves another crack at it but when you’ve got the best depth in the AFL, someone is always going to be unlucky.

IN THE MIX: Many thought Callum Moore was a little unfortunate to lose his spot in the seniors but the rising forward didn’t let the news bother him. Moore booted five goals in Richmond VFL’s big win over the Northern Blues on Sunday. Corey Ellis was named best on ground for the Tigers while Shai Bolton was also impressive. How many other sides would these three be certain starters in?

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Tigers better enjoy their week off, because things are about to get hot when they get back. Richmond kicks things off against the Swans before taking on the Crows and Giants. While the latter two sides are out of the eight, they will be playing for their seasons. The Tigers will likely go into all three games as favourites though.

Trainers stretcher Bailey Rice off the ground after he clashed heads with a teammate. Picture: AAP

Rice will have to pass a concussion test. Picture: AAP

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Blake Acres (groin) 1 week

Jarryn Geary (calf) 1 week

Ben Long (foot) 6 weeks

Darren Minchington (hip) 1 week

Lewis Pierce (hamstring) 1 week

Bailey Rice (concussion) TBC

Dylan Roberton (heart) season

Koby Stevens (concussion) season

Jimmy Webster (adductor) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Jimmy Webster’s night only lasted five minutes after going off with an adductor problem. Coach Alan Richardson said he is likely to miss one match after their bye. A head clash with Jack Martin also sidelined young defender Bailey Rice, who did not return and was treated for concussion. Billy Longer struggled to have an impact with only six disposals and a mere 70 metres gained. The ruckman hasn’t been able to nail down his spot again this season, averaging under five touches in his three games.

ON THE CUSP: It’s bleak news for Saints fans from the VFL. Affiliate club Sandringham were held goalless for the first time in the VFA/VFL since 1919. 24 disposals, 58 hit-outs and 8 tackles from Tom Hickey in what was a horrible day for ruckmen will have incumbent Billy Longer on edge this week. Sam Gilbert also put his hand up with 24 touches of his own, but may have to bide his time a little longer.

HARRISON REID’S FORECAST: What could have been another knife for Richardson became a meritorious fightback after three-quarter time. The Saints snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and may well have saved their coach in doing so. They’ll have opportunities to build on any belief they may have found at the weekend against Carlton (Round 17) and Western Bulldogs (Round 20) in the next six weeks. Tough ask to snatch one against Melbourne after the bye or Port Adelaide on the road following that.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

James Bell (hamstring) 1 week

Matthew Ling (toe) season

Lewis Melican (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Callum Mills (broken foot) season

Sam Naismith (knee) season

Sam Reid (quad) 1 week

ON THE CUSP: With another week off with the bye Jarrad McVeigh should be back in for the massive clash against Richmond at the MCG. He missed the Eagles match after suffering tightness in the calf and the six day break didn’t help him. Lewis Melican (Hamstring) and Sam Reid (Quad) are close to a return most likely through the NEAFL.

ON THE BLOCK: Aliir Aliir would be very unlucky to miss out after an outstanding return to senior footy against the Eagles but someone will have to make way for Jarrad McVeigh. It’s likely to be a choice between Aliir and Harry Marsh for the one to make way.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans will enjoy their time off and then turn their attention to Richmond in a potential grand final preview. Sydney and AFL fans in general will be disappointed the match is to be played at Etihad Stadium and not the MCG. The Swans play just two games all year at the grand final venue.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Hamish Brayshaw (knee) test

Jack Darling (ankle) 4 weeks

Josh Kennedy (leg) 1-3 weeks

Malcolm Karpany (knee) 3-5 weeks

Daniel Venables (Ankle) 1-2 weeks

Chris Masten (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: Sharpshooter Josh Kennedy will miss the next 1-3 weeks after scans revealed he has a hairline fracture in his leg in what is a major blow for the Eagles. Several of the Eagles’ younger brigade struggled against the Swans but coach Adam Simpson is unlikely to make too many unforced changes.

ON THE CUSP: Key defender Tom Barrass will miss one more week with a back injury after being a late withdrawal for the loss to Sydney last Friday night. Midfielders Brayden Ainsworth (20 disposals, six tackles) and Brendon Ah Chee (22 disposals, seven marks, six tackles) put their hands up for a recall with solid performances in East Perth’s narrow WAFL loss to Subiaco on Saturday.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Friday night’s 15-point loss to Sydney ended the Eagles’ 10-match unbeaten streak. Injured key forward Jack Darling has been a huge loss, and that will only be compounded now by the injury to Kennedy. The goalkickers, who have kicked 28 and 29 goals respectively this year, could both miss matches against Essendon, Adelaide (away), GWS and Collingwood (away) in the next month. That makes that tough stretch even tougher.

Marcus Bontempelli left Adelaide Oval a very sore Dog on Thursday night. Picture: Sarah Reed

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Bailey Dale (foot) 2-3 weeks

Tory Dickson (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Tim English (foot) 1-2 weeks

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Dale Morris (knee) indefinite

Aaron Naughton (ankle) test

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jack Redpath (knee) 4-5 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) test

Matt Suckling (hamstring) TBC

Marcus Bontempelli (knee) test

Jackson Macrae (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Toby McLean (shoulder) test

Lukas Webb (thumb) 3-4 weeks

Easton Wood (hamstring) 10-12 weeks

Tom Boyd (finger) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Well, it’s not a bad week to be an underperforming Bulldog. Luke Beveridge must seek at least three replacements after a horror injury night against Port. Jackson Macrae, Lukas Webb and Easton Wood will all miss while there’s doubts over three others.

ON THE CUSP: Lin Jong, Josh Dunkley and Fergus Greene have all been among the best over the past fortnight, while Fletcher Roberts was also good in the win over Coburg.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: A fresh North Melbourne off the bye looking to prove something? That’s the task the decimated Dogs have to face on Saturday night. This could get ugly.

Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >