Barometer: Every AFL club’s injury list after Round 15

NAT Fyfe’s hamstring injury is set to sideline the Fremantle captain for at least the next month while Aaron Sandilands has also received some bad news. Complete injury list and selection analysis.

Lynden Dunn’s season could be over for the Magpies. Picture: AAP

FREMANTLE has been dealt a savage blow with captain Nat Fyfe and ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out long term.

Sandilands was ruled out before the first bounce on Sunday with a calf injury while Fyfe injured his hamstring as the Dockers were thrashed by Brisbane.

SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST AND NEWS BELOW

Fyfe will miss the next four to five weeks while Sandilands faces a three-week stint on the sidelines.

“We know how professional Nat and Aaron are so we see Nat’s injury being a four to five week injury to the hamstring,” football manager Chris Bond said.

“Hopefully, it may be sooner, it just depends on how he pulls up.

“Aaron hurt his calf in the warm-up doing some ruckwork.

“We think it’s about a three-week injury so it was very unfortunate for him.”

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On Monday, Collingwood’s premiership hopes have been rocked by another major injury blow with key defender Lynden Dunn out with a season-ending knee injury.

The club confirmedthe important defender had torn his anterior cruciate ligament in the win over Gold Coast on Saturday night.

Dunn, 31, faces up to a full year on the sidelines to recover, but is likely to be re-contracted for next season.

Fremantle stars Aaron Sandilands and Nat Fyfe.

It is a crushing outcome for the former Demon, who has played 196 AFL matches without a final.

Collingwood’s growing injury list also includes match-winning midfielders Daniel Wells (foot) and Adam Treloar (hamstrings), while goal kicker Jamie Elliott is also working his way back from a hamstring issue through the VFL.

Football manager Geoff Walsh said Dunn’s injury was a bitter disappointment.

He will have a traditional knee reconstruction this week.

“Lynden has been exceptional in defence this season, and so important to our structure,” Walsh said.

“His experience has been a steadying influence for our young backline, particularly this season in the absence of Tyson Goldsack.”

Lynden Dunn will miss the rest of the season. Picture: Michael Klein

Dunn has played a crucial role for the Pies since cementing his place in Round 6 last season.

He is one of the league’s most successful defenders in one-on-one marking contests, according to Champion Data.

The season-ending knee injury is a disappointing result for the much-improved Pies as they look to break a four-year finals drought this season.

Senior coach Nathan Buckley is expected to call on rookie defender Brody Mihocek to replace Dunn in the back half over the next few matches.

Mihocek has played the past four games, but could be swung from attack into a key defensive role to take’s Dunn’s place at full back.

Out-of-contract swingman Darcy Moore will also make his return from a hamstring injury through the VFL this weekend, but the club wants Moore to build form and fitness in the reserves first.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

David Mackay (ribs) 4 weeks

Eddie Betts (hamstring) 2 weeks

Brad Crouch (groin) season

Harry Dear (knee) 1-3 weeks

Paul Hunter (ankle) 3 weeks

Riley Knight (hamstring tendinitis) test

Tom Lynch (head knock) test

Mitch McGovern (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Reilly O’Brien (shoulder) season

Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: It is probably another yoyo moment for first-year forward Darcy Fogarty as he continues to roll from AFL action one week to the SANFL the next as Adelaide tries to find the right balance, structure and system for its attack. There will be concern with the knock veteran David Mackay took — and questions on whether novice Myles Poholke looks right for AFL action after making early errors against West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

ON THE CUSP: Adelaide gets team leader — and the forward who best connects its midfield to the goalfront — Tom Lynch back from the injury list that refused to let go of him last week when he overcame a side strain and then copped a hit to the head in the final two minutes of training on Wednesday. Also helping Adelaide’s depth chart is the possible return — to SANFL duty — of half-forward Riley Knight after a longer-than-expected on the injury list with a hamstring concern

MICHAELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: It is the second edition of the grand final rematch with Richmond, this time at the MCG where Adelaide failed by 48 points in the big match last September while the Crows were held to their lowest score of the season. The Crows will feel confident and recharged by their last-quarter blitz of the Eagles, but one quarter is far from enough to suggest Don Pyke’s crew is ready to deal with the AFL’s best-performed team. Vice-captain Rory Sloane will be better for having played his first game in 11 weeks after dealing with a foot injury.

The Crows will be bolstered by the return of Tom Lynch. Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Harris Andrews (concussion) 2-4

Tom Bell (ankle) 2 weeks

Rohan Bewick (hand) 1-3 weeks

Charlie Cameron (ankle) season

Matt Eagles (abnominals) 2 weeks

Jack Payne (shin) season

ON THE CUSP: Cedric Cox has been performing well in a losing side in the NEAFL where he creates run off half back. He has electric pace, great evasive ability and is a beautiful kick off either foot and he appears to be a key part of the Lions’ long term plans. However he has only managed to show glimpses at senior level and may struggle to force a change to a winning tea. Jacob Allison was the travelling emergency to Perth and would also be in consideration if Nick Robertson was injured.

ON THE BLOCK: Chris Fagan lauded his side’s 55-point victory over Fremantle as the ultimate team effort so the likelihood of unforced changes is slim. Nick Robertson injured his ankle during the game and required treatment but was able to return to action, even if he looked a bit restricted. Given the Lions don’t arrive home from Perth until Monday night play and have a short turn around before Saturday’s clash with Carlton he may be in a race against time. The same would apply to any platers who pulled up sore after the game.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: This is the game that could shape the order of the draft and it may have come at the wrong time for the Lions. Brisbane are desperate for more wins to, as Fagan says, get reinforcement that what they’re doing is right, and Carlton seem ripe for the picking. However, Queensland teams historically struggle the week after a trip to Perth and the travel schedule this week will be a factor. The Blues have also been competitive in recent outings against the Pies and GWS and the absence of Harris Andrews would continue to pose a problem. That said, the Lions on their home deck and coming off their first win in the West in eight years should get the points.

Will Matthew Kreuzer be ready to take on the Lions. Picture: Michael Klein

CARLTON

INJURIES

David Cunningham (toe) test

Jesse Glass-McCasker (knee) 4 weeks

Sam Docherty (knee) season

Sam Kerridge (groin) 1 week

Matthew Kreuzer (ankle) test

Harrison Macreadie (hamstring) test

Caleb Marchbank (ankle) test

Lachie Plowman (knee) season

Angus Schumacher (groin) test

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) season

Tom Williamson (back) season

ON THE BLOCK: Levi Casboult got some Bronx cheers when he took a mark late in the game against Port Adelaide. The big forward has looked out of sorts since returning from injury, having kicked only one goal in his two games back. He only had four disposals against the Power. Will they back him in for another week against the Lions? Cam Polson only had limited impact but will be a good player with some more time. But overall the Blues would have been happy with the effort from the players, and Marc Murphy’s very positive return — at times playing at halfback.

ON THE CUSP: Great to see Ciaran Byrne play his first game in the VFL for several months, having 15 touches at halfback across three quarters. Patrick Kerr kicked two goals, while Harry McKay had 14 disposals, eight marks and kicked a goal. Darcy Lang had 20 disposals. The Northern Blues now have the bye.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: So close for the Blues, but just not close enough in Kade Simpson’s 300th game. Now Brendon Bolton has to get his team up against the Brisbane Lions, who pushed themselves a game and sizeable percentage ahead of the bottom-of-the-table Blues with their win over the Dockers. Bolton stressed on Saturday night that his team “is fighting to win”, and they showed that against the Power. But too often little skill errors hurt them at critical stages of the game. Still, given their injury list, the defence stood up well against Port Adelaide, Charlie Curnow continues to impress, and Patrick Cripps is dominating in the midfield. Big game this week at the Gabba.

Lynden Dunn might be done for the season. Picture: Michael Klein

It’s better news for fellow Pie Ben Reid. Picture: Michael Klein

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Lynden Dunn (leg) TBC

James Aish (knee) 5-6 weeks

Jarryd Blair (hanstring) 2-3 weeks

Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season

Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test

Alex Fasolo (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (knee) 9-11 weeks

Levi Greenwood (concussion) TBC

Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite

Darcy Moore (hamstring) test

Ben Reid (calf) test

Josh Smith (hamstring) test

Adam Treloar (hamstrings) 7-9 weeks

Daniel Wells (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Another week, another injury for the Magpies. This time it is Lynden Dunn who looks set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against the Suns. The Pies can’t afford to have him out of the seniors for too long however, there are growing fears his injury is ACL related. Aside from that, the Magpies are unlikely to make many other changes to the side which beat the Gold Coast.

ON THE CUSP: Ideally, it will be a case of Dunn out and Darcy Moore slotting into the backline. However, it is unlikely Moore will come straight into the seniors without playing some VFL footy first. Callum Brown and Rupert Wills were outstanding for the Magpies against Williamstown on Sunday but it is key position players that the club needs.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Wins against Carlton and Gold Coast were the Magpies taking care of business. Now is when things get interesting. Collingwood takes on the red hot Bombers this week before a run of games against West Coast, North Melbourne, Richmond and Sydney. If the Magpies end that run still locked inside the top four then 2018 has been nothing short of brilliant. Realistically, if they could go 3-2 they should be pretty happy.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti copped a couple of knocks in the Dons win over North and will be sore today. Picture: Michael Klein

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Josh Begley (knee) season

Joe Daniher (groin) 4-5 weeks

Martin Gleeson (ankle) 5-7 weeks

Jayden Laverde (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Darcy Parish (thumb) 2 weeks

Mason Redman (ankle) 6-7 weeks

David Zaharakis (collarbone) 3-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: No injuries or passengers of note from pulsating win over North Melbourne. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti copped a couple of knocks late in the game but should be right as rain come Sunday’s blockbuster.

ON THE CUSP: Kobe Mutch the pick of the AFL-listed Bombers that played in the VFL loss to Casey Scorpions. Jackson Merrett next in the queue, while Josh Green, James Stewart and Jordan Ridley will also press for selection in coming weeks.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: They play electric football but is it sustainable under the finals blowtorch? We’ll get a better idea against Collingwood — whose September ticket is all but stamped. Frenetic at the contest and in open space but the Bombers allowed North a bounty of shots on goal — their 108 points would be enough to win most games. A step in right direction but Essendon is far from a finished product.

Nat Fyfe is the Dockers’ biggest injury worry. Picture: AAP

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Nat Fyfe (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Aaron Sandilands (calf) 3 weeks

Harley Bennell (calf) TBC

Taylin Duman (back) test

Brady Grey (hamstring) test

Bradley Hill (knee) test

Stephen Hill (quad) TBC

Griffin Logue (ankle) 7 weeks

Alex Pearce (thumb) 2 weeks

Aaron Sandilands (calf) TBC

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: Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands may well be Fremantle’s two most important players, so to lose them both in the early stages of Sunday afternoon was a monster blow. It appears a long shot that either would make the trip to Darwin to face Melbourne. Ryan Nyhuis was quiet against Brisbane and could be a casualty after his late call-up.

ON THE CUSP: Bradley Hill starred in his WAFL return with 25 touches, while Sean Darcy’s strong showing was timely given Sandilands’ injury. Harley Bennell was also impressive with 21 disposals and a goal in three quarters, but it remains unclear if he will have to play more WAFL game time for Dockers to be willing to risk a full match from him at AFL level.

CHRIS ROBINSON’S FORECAST: Now 6-8 and with injuries to key players, any talk of a shock finals appearance has now effectively ended. It’s now about continuing to set the kids on the right path and find out which of the more experienced pieces can take the club forward. Stopping a desperate Melbourne looms as a difficult mission in Darwin.

Scott Selwood and Daniel Menzel are on the mend. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

GEELONG

INJURIES

Aaron Black (knee) season

Mark Blicavs (toe) TBC

Nakia Cockatoo (illness) test

Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Esava Ratugolea (broken ankle) season

ON THE BLOCK: A clean bill of health for the Cats after that narrow loss to the Bulldogs. Patrick Dangerfield suffered a cut to his knee after an awkward collision with the Etihad Stadium fence, but played out the game no problems. James Parsons was again quiet, Jordan Cunico had no influence and Jed Bews would have liked to have provided more drive from defence.

ON THE CUSP: Scott Selwood and Cory Gregson will push for recalls in the VFL, while Dan Menzel and Nakia Cockatoo will ramp up their comebacks from injury in the second-tier comp. Lachie Henderson will also run around again in the twos as he looks for form post knee surgery.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: It was built as a danger game against the Western Bulldogs and it was all that and more. A second straight loss and yet another one after the bye raises more questions about a side we struggle to get a read on. Suddenly 8-6, the Cats have a huge game in the context of their season against Sydney at the SCG, a ground they haven’t played at for four years.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Michael Barlow (jaw, Bell’s palsy) TBC

Jack Bowes (quad) 1-2 weeks

Brayden Fiorini (leg) 1-3 weeks

Aaron Hall (pectoral) season

Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 1-3 weeks

Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 3-5 weeks

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 5-7 weeks

Matt Rosa (hamstring) 1 week

Harrison Wigg (ankle) season

Mackenzie Willis (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: The Suns were pretty competitive for three quarters against the high-flying Pies — the second term proving costly in the Round 15 loss. There was a bit to like for Stuart Dew but with his side’s season cooked, he may well swing some new faces in to see what he has to work with looking towards 2019.

ON THE CUSP: Kade Kolodjashnij was among the Suns’ best in the NEAFL. He’s too good for that level and if he’s overcome his concussion issues might be ready to step back up. Players like Will Brodie, Jesse Lonergan and Jack Scrimshaw are all waiting for another chance.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: It’s been a tough year for the Suns, made worse by the likelihood skipper Tom Lynch might be out of there at the end of the year. The rebounding Kangas await this week in what looms as another tough day at the office.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Zac Williams (Achilles) TBC

Jeremy Cameron (suspended) 4 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) 2-4 weeks

Toby Greene (foot) 2-3 weeks

Daniel Lloyd (knee) 2-3 weeks

Rory Lobb (back) 1 week

Tom Scully (ankle) 4-6 weeks

Will Setterfield (knee) season

Lachie Tiziani (knee) season

ON THE CUSP: Young ruckman Matthew Flynn was best on ground in the NEAFL win over Aspley and will come into consideration for Sunday’s clash with West Coast in Perth. Nick Shipley, Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy and Aidan Bonar were also among the best players.

ON THE BLOCK: Dawson Simpson rucked well against Hawthorn but will come under pressure from Matthew Flynn to hold his spot. Zac Langdon had one of his quieter games in an outstanding debut season.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Dawson Simpson will be the safer option as the Giants take on the very strong ruck pairing of Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett at Optus Stadium on Sunday. With Rory Lobb also back in action after his surprise return from a fractured thoracic vertebrae Simpson will have much needed support.

Jack Gunston will need to prove his fitness after missing the Hawks’ loss to GWS. Picture: AAP

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Will Langford (finger) TBC

Grant Birchall (knee) 2-3 weeks

Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) 3 weeks

Cyril Rioli (personal) indefinite

Jack Gunston (calf) test

ON THE CUSP: The Hawks will be hoping Jack Gunston can prove his fitness during the week after missing his side’s round 15 clash with the Giants due to a corked calf. While the star utility should be available, the Hawks reserves failed to impress in a 47-point loss to Richmond. James Worpel was the only multiple goal scorer for Box Hill with two majors from his 20 disposals, while James Cousins amassed a team-high 26 touches in the defeat.

ON THE BLOCK: Will Langford was the only casualty for the Hawks during their disappointing loss on Saturday night, with the premiership player injuring his finger in the second quarter. Langford may be a forced change, while another underwhelming performance from Harry Morrison could land him on the chopping block. Morrison found the ball on just eight occasions and hasn’t had over 15 disposals in a match since round five.

BEN GIBSON’S FORECAST: Hawthorn’s 11-point loss to the Giants cost them a temporary spot inside the top eight, but it won’t be too disheartened with a favourable upcoming draw. The Hawks will face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, before taking on another three lower ranked sides in Brisbane, Carlton and Fremantle. If they can muster four consecutive victories, that should be enough to fix Hawthorn inside the top eight.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jayden Hunt (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Neville Jetta (ankle/head) test

Jake Lever (knee) season

Corey Maynard (hip) indefinite

Tom McDonald (ribs) test

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 1 week

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: A few Dees will come under scrutiny after Sunday’s loss. Sam Weideman didn’t capitalise on his chance after being promoted, Mitch Hannan was virtually unsighted while Dom Tyson isn’t performing to the level he’s capable. Debutant Harrison Petty was quiet but might be given another go.

ON THE CUSP: Bernie Vince returned to the VFL and performed well in Casey’s hard-fought win. Billy Stretch booted a couple and impressed while Sam Frost and Cam Pedersen were also good. Dean Kent made his return after a hamstring injury and got through unscathed. He may need more time before stepping up to the top level.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: A disappointing day for the Dees. Just how costly will the loss to the Saints be? This week Simon Goodwin’s team travels to Darwin to meet Freo, and they couldn’t have a better time to meet the Dockers. Nat Fyfe will miss and there’s questions over Aaron Sandilands. Melbourne will win, but sterner challenges await.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Mason Wood (hamstring) TBC

Sam Durdin (eye) TBC

Taylor Garner (hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Ben Jacobs (concussion) test

Ben McKay (knee) TBC

Declan Mountford (hamstring) TBC

Billy Hartung (hamstring) TBC

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season

Jarrad Waite (calf) TBC

Declan Watson (knee) TBC

Mason Wood (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Mason Wood looks set to miss several weeks with a hamstring injury, a bitter blow for the Roos and the luckless forward after one of his more promising performances. Jy Simpkin and Todd Goldstein appeared to cop heavy knocks late but played out the game.

ON THE CUSP: Jarrad Waite and Ben Jacobs will be assessed this week, with a view to return against Gold Coast. Jacobs has been a late withdrawal the past fortnight, battling concussion symptoms.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Showed a lot of grit and firepower against Essendon but in the end the Roos paid for allowing the Bombers to slot seven unanswered goals either side of halftime. The Roos must bring the same intensity against the Suns — a bogey team — or risk having any credits built up over the past 14 games erased in one fell swoop.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Jasper Pittard (hamstring tightness) TBC

Joe Atley (back) 1-2 weeks

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) test

Willem Drew (heel) season

Joel Garner (shoulder) season

Hamish Hartlett (knee) season

Sam Hayes (knee) season

Tom Jonas (hamstring) 1 week

Trent McKenzie (quad) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Port Adelaide called up Jack Hombsch to replace Tom Jonas against Carlton. Hombsch had eight touches opposed mainly to Levi Casboult, who missed three shots on goal and should make way if Jonas is fit. Jack Trengove insists he’s not at Alberton to “make up the numbers” and will force coach Ken Hinkley to crunch them. Defenders Jonas (hamstring) and Darcy Byrne-Jones (club-imposed suspension) are expected to be available against St Kilda next Saturday at Adelaide Oval. Trengove was solid with 20 touches against the Blues but Byrne-Jones is a first-choice defender. Jasper Pittard’s hamstring tightness means the rebound defender could miss the St Kilda game and give Hombsch or Trengove a reprieve.

ON THE CUSP: Rookie forward Todd Marshall copped another hit to a sore shoulder against Carlton and could make way for experienced Jack Watts.

RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide is gunning for a fifth straight win and can easily achieve a top-two finish with a favourable draw. There has been a concerted push at Alberton to eliminate ‘let down’ games against lowly opposition, so the Saints can expect no mercy at Adelaide Oval. Port’s midfield runs eight deep while its forward line options, which include Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Charlie Dixon, Steven Motlop and Chad Wingard, will overwhelm the Saints. Port’s no-name defence is holding up and there will be little to concern it in the Saints attack.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Reece Conca (ankle) TBC

Anthony Miles (concussion) TBC

Nick Vlastuin (suspended) 1 week

Mabior Chol (broken foot) 3-5 weeks

Bachar Houli (groin) test

Oleg Markov (knee) 1-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Reece Conca will miss a chunk of football after that ankle injury that could have easily been so much worse. He was the only casualty for the Tigers in a boosting win over Sydney.

ON THE CUSP: Expect Bachar Houli to return after that groin injury. If he’s not up to it for another week, the Tigers’ VFL outfit performed strongly against Box Hill with Corey Ellis a standout. Shai Bolton and Conor Menadue also contributed strongly, while Kamdyn McIntosh hit the scoreboard. A few options for Dimma this week.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: Friday night looms as another blockbuster as the Tigers and Crows face off in the second Grand Final rematch of the year — this time at the MCG. Adelaide will be buoyant after the weekend’s come-from-behind win over West Coast but don’t expect these Tigers to go about things lightly. Jack Riewoldt was back in stellar form, marking just about everything, and they’ll be happy to be back on their “real” home deck as they look to consolidate top spot. Look out, Crows.

Will Nathan Brown miss with a hamstring injury? Picture: Getty Images

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Blake Acres (groin) test

Nathan Brown (hamstring) TBC

Jarryn Geary (calf) test

Ben Long (foot) 3-5 weeks

Darren Minchington (hip) test

Lewis Pierce (hamstring) test

Bailey Rice (concussion) TBC

Dylan Roberton (heart) season

Koby Stevens (concussion) season

Jimmy Webster (adductor) test

ON THE BLOCK: After one of their best performances this season, Alan Richardson would be hard pressed to drop anyone from the side which toppled Melbourne. However, there was some bad luck for Nathan Brown, who left the game during the third quarter with a hamstring complaint. He didn’t return for the remainder of the match and is likely to miss multiple weeks.

IN THE MIX: Things keep getting better for the Saints, who will potentially welcome back a host of quality players this week. Jimmy Webster and Blake Acres are knocking on the door after injury lay-offs. Did Billy Longer do enough in the ruck? Tom Hickey could also come back in.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: While the Saints can’t make finals, if they play like they did on Sunday, they are going to ruin a lot of clubs’ September plans. St Kilda will take on Port Adelaide this week before games against Carlton, Richmond and the Giants.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Isaac Heeney (concussion) TBC

Matthew Ling (toe) season

Callum Mills (broken foot) season

Sam Naismith (knee) season

ON THE CUSP: Sam Reid played his first game since badly hurting his quad in Round 3 win. He kicked two goals in the NEAFL win over Brisbane and moved well, as did Lewis Melican who hasn’t played since the same match after hurting his hamstring. Both are likely to be given more time to build match fitness before a senior return. Harry Marsh was the Swans’ best player at the lower level after being dropped for the match against Richmond. Jordan Dawson kicked three goals and was also among Sydney’s best

ON THE BLOCK: Isaac Heeney will be monitored this week after being subbed out with concussion in Thursday night’s loss to Richmond at Etihad Stadium. James Rose struggled to make an impact with the ball in hand, picking up just seven touches despite laying six tackles. Gary Rohan was even quieter with just six disposals and no tackles. Kieren Jack was another who was well down with eight possessions.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: James Rose looks highly likely to be dropped for Thursday night’s clash with Geelong at the SCG. Jordan Dawson is in the frame as his replacement after consistently good form in the NEAFL. Harry Marsh will also come into consideration after his good performance in the reserves.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Tom Barrass (back) test

Jack Darling (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Mark LeCras (wrist) test

Malcolm Karpany (knee) 3 weeks

Josh Kennedy (leg) 1-2 weeks

Eric Mackenzie (toe) TBC

Daniel Venables (ankle) test

ON THE BLOCK: Adam Simpson is likely to shuffle the magnets after a third consecutive loss that damaged his team’s top-two hopes. Brayden Ainsworth was quiet with just 12 disposals in his second AFL appearance. Fraser McInnes couldn’t quite provide the forward target the Eagles needed, grabbing two marks and finishing with one scoring shot against the Crows.

ON THE CUSP: Dom Sheed has racked up strong numbers at WAFL level, with 34 touches for East Perth in their loss to South Fremantle. Ball-winning at AFL level wasn’t the issue behind his omission, but the Eagles may need his pace and poise against GWS. Forgotten big man Nathan Vardy had a whopping 57 hit-outs and booted two goals for the Royals as a ruckman, and could present an option for West Coast’s decimated forward line.

CHRIS ROBINSON’S FORECAST: Simpson has conceded injured forward trio Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras are all unlikely to feature against the Giants. However, it wasn’t necessarily the lack of scoring that hurt West Coast in their fade-out against Adelaide, with the midfield under the microscope. Can the on-ball division lift against the likes of Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio and co to prevent a fourth straight loss?

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Bailey Williams (foot) 4-6 weeks

Lin Jong (collarbone) 6-8 weeks

Bailey Dale (foot) 1-2 weeks

Tory Dickson (hamstring) 2 weeks

Tim English (foot) 1-2 weeks

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Jackson Macrae (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jack Redpath (knee) 3-4 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) 1-2 weeks

Matt Suckling (Achilles) test

Lukas Webb (thumb) 1-2 weeks

Easton Wood (hamstring) season

ON THE BLOCK: Lin Jong will miss close to two months after breaking the same collarbone which pushed him out of the 2016 finals team. In between Jong has also recovered from an ACL. About 10 minutes before the game Jong might’ve been salivating at a pie in the stands, before he was whisked in as a late inclusion. Then, 10 minutes into the game, his season is in jeopardy. How many mirrors did this bloke smash? You have to feel for Jongy, who also falls out of contract at the end of the season. The Dogs have also lost defender Bailey Williams for the next month after post-match scans revealed a foot injury.

ON THE CUSP: Late withdrawal Matthew Suckling must be close to overcoming his niggling soreness while Footscray still has a few AFL premiership players running around. Fletcher Roberts, who played fullback in the Grand Final, kicked three goals in the VFL although it wasn’t Jordan Roughead’s best afternoon opposed to Matthew Lobbe. Kieran Collins (15 disposals, nine marks) again impressed and after a wretched injury run he might be showing enough promise to earn a contract for next season. Draftee Callum Porter, who has won nine best-and-fairests, collected 15 disposals and laid two tackles.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: IN 2015 the Bulldogs flew to Sydney and outlasted the Swans at the SCG in a victory which helped lay the foundations for greatness. Friday night’s upset win against Geelong wasn’t too far behind, albeit with a totally different group. There is a bit of Hawthorn of last year about these Dogs. About halfway through 2017 it was evident that legendary coach Alastair Clarkson knew his side wouldn’t be playing finals and so he started spinning the magnets and upskilling a range of players in foreign positions, and the Hawks gained a lot in the run home. Is something similar unfolding at Whitten Oval? They had just two players older than 25 against Geelong — Dale Morris and Jackson Trengove — and were missing at least six best-18 players. The future is so bright they should be handing out sunglasses.

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