Barometer: AFL injury list, selection analysis ahead of Round 7
GWS Giants must make do without stars Ryan Griffen and Devon Smith, while Hawthorn has lost skipper Luke Hodge to a serious knee injury. LATEST INJURY NEWS AT YOUR CLUB
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WHO’S hot and who’s hurt.
Our experts look at every club’s playing stocks after Round 6.
Hawthorn has suffered a major blow with skipper Luke Hodge set to miss an extended period with a knee injury, while a GWS gun has also gone under the knife and Adelaide has received bad news on defender Rory Laird.
Trent Cotchin is a major worry for Richmond, Collingwood is sweating on Tom Langdon and Ben Sinclair — and whether to recall Travis Cloke.
And the test results are back for Carlton’s No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering.
See your club’s updated injury list plus expert selection analysis — who will be picked next week?
ADELAIDE CROWS
INJURIES
Rory Laird (toe) 2-3 weeks
Harry Dear (concussion) test
Jake Kelly (hand) assess
Curtly Hampton (foot) 4-6 weeks
Wayne Milera (quad) test
Sam Shaw (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: CROWS CRUISE PAST WAYWARD DOCKERS
ON THE BLOCK: Scans have revealed a fracture in the toe Rory Laird hurt in the final quarter against Fremantle, ruling him out for 2-3 weeks. Versatile forward Mitch McGovern landed awkwardly in the second quarter and had to be carried from the ground, returned and finished the game. Paul Seedsman also left the ground in the second quarter after appearing to cop a knock to the knee but returned to run out the game. Andy Otten won’t be available for AFL selection after copping a two-game ban for making contact with an umpire in the SANFL.
ON THE CUSP: Depth is not a problem for the Crows who are flying in both the AFL and SANFL. First-round draftee Wayne Milera and Brad Crouch both made successful returns to footy in the reserves on Sunday and will push their claims for selection this week. But there are plenty of others lining up including Mitch Grigg, Riley Knight, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen and Nathan van Berlo.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: The Crows have only made one change to their backline all season but might be forced to find a replacement for Rory Laird this week if scans reveal his toe bruising is more serious. But other than that coach Don Pyke says it’s too early to know whether he will make unforced changes to the side to play the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne on Saturday night.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Dayne Beams (knee) test
Michael Close (wrist and foot) 3 weeks
Tom Cutler (shoulder) test
Josh Green (soreness) test
Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite
Sam Skinner (knee) 7 weeks
Josh Watts (groin) 3-4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SWANS ESCAPE LIONS DEN IN THE WET
ON THE BLOCK: Brisbane appeared to get through unscathed against the Swans but someone has to make way for Schache and possibly Beams. Josh Walker kicked one goal and took one mark against Sydney and could go for Schache. Claye Beams, Liam Dawson and Ryan Harwood were quiet and Sam Mayes did not set the world on fire again either.
ON THE CUSP: Star midfielder Dayne Beams is a possibility of making his comeback from a knee injury against Port Adelaide this Sunday. He has been training with the main group for the past two weeks and has been clocking up the kilometres. After being rested from the clash with Sydney, young gun Josh Schache is also expected to come back into the senior side for the trip to Adelaide Oval.
GREG DAVIS’S FORECAST: Brisbane were brave and bold against the Swans and if they repeat that effort they will give the Power a serious shake. The Lions midfield returned to form against the Swans and if the likes of Hanley, Rockliff, Zorko, Christensen, Rich and Robinson are firing, Brisbane will be ultra-competitive.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Jacob Weitering (shoulder/concussion) 2-3 weeks
Blaine Boekhorst (hamstring) test
Dylan Buckley (calf) 1 week
Charlie Curnow (illness) TBC
Harry McKay (back) 5 weeks
Ciaran Sheehan (hip) 1 week
Andrew Walker (calf) 1 week
Mark Whiley (calf) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: BLUES SEE OFF BOMBERS IN SCRAP
ON THE BLOCK: Carlton’s 2015 No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering has been ruled out for at least two weeks after suffering a “minor capsular injury” in his right shoulder against the Bombers. While coach Brendon Bolton says the Blues make the easy look hard going forward and their four-quarter effort isn’t there just yet, it’s a little difficult to find fault with winning form. Even if it’s against the struggling Bombers. Forward Liam Jones, who kicked the matchwinning goal against Fremantle in Round 5, didn’t have a big impact in his follow-up performance.
ON THE CUSP: Michael Jamison is a possible replacement for Weitering, although the veteran defender suffered concussion during Saturday’s VFL game against Collingwood. Northern Blues’ coach Josh Fraser says Jamison’s fitness will be assessed during the week. Patrick Cripps, who was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s team to play against Essendon because of calf tightness, is expected to be fit this week according to Bolton. Charlie Curnow’s return date is uncertain after he was diagnosed with glandular fever.
GREG BUCKLE’S FORECAST: Carlton is on a roll, aiming for three consecutive wins. However the Magpies, despite their 62-point thrashing at the hands of the Eagles and a tiring trip home from Perth, should start favourites at the MCG on Saturday. The dominance of skilful running players such as Kade Simpson, Dale Thomas and Marc Murphy gave the Blues an edge against Essendon and could provide Collingwood with a stiff contest. The return of Cripps will also give Carlton’s midfield a boost.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Tom Langdon (ankle) test
Ben Sinclair (concussion) test
Taylor Adams (knee) 1-2 weeks
Jamie Elliott (back) 4-12 weeks
Corey Gault (concussion) test
Tyson Goldsack (fractured thumb) 3 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (knee) season
Matt Scharenberg (knee) season
Dane Swan (broken leg/foot) indefinite
Travis Varcoe (hamstring) test
Marley Williams (mid-foot strain) 1 week
Jarrod Witts (split webbing) test
MATCH REPORT: EAGLES ROAR HOME TO SMASH PIES
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Langdon will have scans on a nasty-looking ankle injury and is in doubt for this week as the Magies prepare to play off a second six-day break. Ben Sinclair will be monitored during the week after sustaining another head knock. He came back onto the ground after passing a concussion test. Tim Broomhead was quiet in his senior return.
ON THE CUSP: Get set for another week of speculation over a recall for Travis Cloke, after coach Nathan Buckley said he would consider playing both Cloke and American Mason Cox in the same team. Midfielder Travis Varcoe (hamstring) will be a test and shapes as a valuable inclusion if declared fit.
BRADEN QUARTERMAINE’S FORECAST: The Magpies were disappointed with the last quarter fadeout but they weren’t expected to knock off the Eagles at their Subiaco fortress. The Pies will be expected to get the job done against old foe Carlton in Saturday’s intriguing match-up at the MCG. Drop that game and the heat will be turned up several notches. Collingwood could get its season back on track at 4-4 with wins over the Blues and Brisbane (Gabba) in Round 8.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Aaron Francis (calf) 4 weeks
Jayden Laverde (shoulder) 6-8 weeks
Alex Morgan (hamstring) test
Mark Baguley (soreness) available
Mathew Stokes (hamstring) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: BLUES SEE OFF BOMBERS IN SCRAP
ON THE BLOCK: Veteran top-up player Mathew Stokes faces an extended AFL break because of his hamstring injury picked up against Carlton. Scans on Monday showed the two-time Geelong premiership player will be out of action for at least three weeks. Sam Grimley was at the centre of some of the game’s lowlights while James Polkinghorne, on his Bombers debut, was quiet sans a nice set-shot in the third quarter. Boom youngster Darcy Parish might be due for a rest soon.
ON THE CUSP: Mark Baguley is set to return after sitting out with soreness. The reliable defender could be joined by top up Nathan Grima who the Bombers hope can help blunt Sydney’s attack. Mason Redman is inching towards a debut. The kid who completed fartlek running the morning of draft day last year has been super impressive in the VFL. Ruckman Mark Jamar enjoy a better VFL hitout against some of his old Demon mates representing Casey.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Yet again the Bombers’ effort was unquestionable, and that is all you can really ask for this season. Coach John Worsfold says the cohesion will slowly improve with more minutes spent together. But a tough pair of games now await — the Swans at the SCG and then the red-hot Kangas.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (knee) 1 week
Harley Balic (wrist) indefinite
Harley Bennell (calf) 6 weeks
Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) indefinite
Sean Hurley (hip) 8 weeks
Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) TBC
Aaron Sandilands (ribs) 5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CROWS CRUISE PAST WAYWARD DOCKERS
ON THE BLOCK: Hayden Ballantyne was injured early again and played on but will be monitored this week, while Hayden Crozier and Tommy Sheridan would be feeling the heat after managing just eight and nine disposals respectively against the Crows. Connor Blakely had just 10 touches and 50 per cent efficiency.
ON THE CUSP: Matt de Boer will come into calculations after another good performance in the WAFL, picking up 24 disposals as well as 10 tackles and two goals. Nick Suban was also among the best in Peel Thunder’s big win courtesy of 22 disposals and three goals, while Clancee Pearce had 30 disposals in his return from a hamstring injury.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Where to for the Dockers? They were better against Adelaide but bad kicking is bad football and at times they couldn’t buy a goal, which just made their task even more difficult. Fremantle face the daunting task of hosting a red-hot GWS at Subiaco on Saturday night and realistically, Ross Lyon’s team could be 0-8 (playing Hawthorn in Tasmania in Round 8) heading into a clash against struggling Richmond at home in Round 9.
CATS CAN WIN IT, HAWTHORN UNDER THE PUMP AND THE AFL’S ‘FRANKENSTEIN’ IS ALIVE IN THIS WEEK’S SUPERFOOTY PODCAST:
GEELONG
INJURIES
Lincoln McCarthy (head) TBC
Cam Guthrie (hip) TBC
Rhys Stanley (illness) test
Andrew Mackie (soreness) test
Mitch Clark (calf) 2 weeks
Cam Delaney (knee) TBC
Sam Menegola (knee) 1 week
Tom Read (knee) 2 weeks
Scott Selwood (foot) 2 weeks
Jackson Thurlow (knee) season
Jordan Cunico (knees) 12 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CLASSY CATS DEMOLISH SUNS
ON THE BLOCK: Tough to drop anyone after a 20-goal win but don’t expect to see an unchanged line-up. Everyone contributed against the Suns but there will likely be couple of sore bodies, while the Geelong backline has been a revolving door in recent weeks. Height will be needed against the tall West Coast forward line, but how much? It may be Jake Kolodjashnij’s turn for a week off, while Zac Smith or Nathan Vardy — having just returned — might have a break to accommodate Rhys Stanley. Darcy Lang or Lincoln McCarthy, who took a couple of heavy knocks, might be in some doubt.
ON THE CUSP: Andrew Mackie (soreness) and Rhys Stanley (illness) were both late omissions against the Suns. Both are set to be included for this week’s big clash against West Coast. Cory Gregson and Tom Ruggles were also given the weekend off (neither played in the VFL) and will be considered for the Eagles as the Cats continue to change their squad while also managing the load on players. George Horlin-Smith continues to play well at the lower level but can’t break in, while Jordan Murdoch showed he was also a cut above in the VFL win over Coburg in difficult conditions. Billie Smedts also looked good when he got the footy.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Good signs for the Cats, who haven’t really put away a team for some time. While the margin would have pleased Chris Scott — his team’s percentage is comfortably the best in the AFL — its defensive side would also have him beaming. Geelong faces a big two weeks and the footy world will have a far better picture of where Chris Scott’s team sits after matches against the Eagles and Adelaide (away). But with a thin injury list and their big guns in form, the Cats are hitting those games chock-full of confidence.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Trent McKenzie (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Sam Day (back) test
Brayden Fiorini (knee) 8 weeks
Mitch Hallahan (foot) 6 weeks
Steven May (suspension) 3 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Michael Rischitelli (shoulder) test
Adam Saad (hip) test
David Swallow (knee) indefinite
Rory Thompson (ankle) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: CLASSY CATS DEMOLISH SUNS
ON THE BLOCK: Take your pick. Trent McKenzie hurt his ankle early and will miss at least 2-3 weeks, while Sam Day (back) will be assessed this week. After a standout performance last week forward/ruckman Peter Wright came crashing back down to Earth with just five disposals against the Cats. Touk Miller (eight disposals) isn’t having the same impact he did last year, and Jack Martin didn’t get a sniff. Jarrad Grant hasn’t set the world on fire in his two games, while Ryan Davis had just 10 disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Adam Saad is likely to be a welcome inclusion after missing the loss with a hip injury and Michael Rischitelli is also a chance to return after a shoulder complaint. But things go from bad to worse for the Suns with its NEAFL team having a bye on the weekend so no one had an opportunity to push for selection after that horrid performance in Geelong.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Thought the days of 100-point defeats were behind Gold Coast? An in-depth review of that game is definitely needed after being smashes in all facets of the game. The Suns are better than what they dished up and key players being out injured is no excuse for what Rodney Eade labelled an “embarrassing” performance. Bouncing back against Melbourne on Saturday is crucial, especially given the constant comparison with GWS who are flying.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Ryan Griffen (back) 6 weeks
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Aidan Corr (ankle) 2 weeks
Cam McCarthy (illness) indefinite
Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 3 weeks
Jarrod Pickett (foot) season
Devon Smith (knee) 8-10 weeks
Will Hoskin-Elliott (quad) 4 weeks
Sam Reid (hamstring) 1 week
Matthew Flynn (ankle) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: STUNNING GIANTS BULLDOZE HAWKS
ON THE BLOCK: There were virtually no passengers in the Giants’ 75-point thrashing of Hawthorn, the only question will be giving Jon Patton a run in the reserves to gain more confidence. The Giants received some bad news on Tuesday with Devon Smith set for surgery to fix a knee problem. Ryan Griffen will avoid the knife but is set to miss up to six weeks after suffering a small fracture in his lower back at training.
ON THE CUSP: Adam Tomlinson continues to push his case for selection with another outstanding effort in the NEAFL kicking two goals and picking up 28 touches in the loss to NT Thunder. Jacob Hopper was rested but is also knocking the door down.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: No GWS player, coach or official would have expected that performance against the Hawks and it sent a huge warning to the rest of the competition. Currently fifth on the ladder, the Giants travel to Perth to face Fremantle on Saturday night and the Gold Coast at home so should be 6-2 heading into a blockbuster against the Bulldogs.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Luke Hodge (knee) 4-6 weeks
James Frawley (concussion) TBC
Will Langford (corked quad) test
Ryan Burton (leg) 11 weeks
Will Langford (quad) TBC
Jono O’Rourke (hamstring) 1 week
Jarryd Roughead (knee) 6 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) test
Zac Webster (hamstring) 1 week
Alex Woodward (knee) 6 weeks
MATCH REPORT: STUNNING GIANTS BULLDOZE HAWKS
ON THE BLOCK: A major blow for the premier on Tuesday morning with scans revealing skipper Luke Hodge has a lateral meniscus tear. Youngster Tim O’Brien has been playing in defence but has spent most of his time developing as a forward in the VFL so it might be time for him to go back and develop his craft. Daniel Howe would be feeling nervous after managing just 14 disposals including three clangers, while Kieran Lovell had just 11 disposals on debut.
ON THE CUSP: Will Langford missed the loss on Saturday with a corked quad and will be tested this week, while omitted youngster Billy Hartung will likely get a recall after the Hawks struggled for run through the midfield. Defender Angus Litherland was named in the best in the VFL and could come back in the team.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Beware the wounded Hawks. This champion team hasn’t been beaten like that in a long time so expect to see a fired-up Hawthorn against Richmond on Friday night. Sam Mitchell has carried the midfield load and needs more help, while contested ball is an coach Alastair Clarkson will need to fix. The Hawks’ percentage took a huge hit on the weekend, now sitting at 91.8 and if they’re to finish in the top four, they’ll need to get back to their ruthless best. Watch out wounded Tigers.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
James Harmes (corked thigh) TBC
Christian Salem (concussion) TBC
Jay Kennedy-Harris (hamstring) 5 weeks
Mitch King (knee) season
Jake Spencer (plantar fascia) test
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS HOODOO HAUNTS DEMONS AGAIN
ON THE BLOCK: The Demons will be monitoring Christian Salem after his head knock with teammate Jack Viney, while James Harmes copped a corked thigh. Plenty of discussion will take place at the selection table after Saturday’s disappointing result, with a trip to the Gold Coast coming up this week. Jayden Hunt (10 disposals) would be feeling nervous, as would Sam Frost who kicked two goals but had four clangers from under 10 disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Clayon Oliver was a standout in the VFL with 29 disposals and could earn a recall and Viv Michie amassed 35 disposals. Billy Stretch was also prolific in the seconds with 34 disposals. Chris Dawes is likely to soon resume through the VFL from his nagging calf injury, while Jack Trengove had 27 in his fourth game back.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Melbourne undid much of its good work so far this season with a sub-standard performance on Saturday at the venue it dislikes the most against a bogey team. But there were still a few positives. Jesse Hogan was outstanding with seven goals, while Christian Petracca showed enough in his first game to suggest he is a star of the future. Now, the Demons needs to rebound against the Suns on Saturday.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Kayne Turner (hamstring) TBC
Lindsay Thomas (suspended) 1 week
Sam Wright (ankle) TBC
Jed Anderson (hamstring) 4 weeks
Taylor Garner (hamstring) 1 week
Daniel Nielson (knee) 1 week
Joel Tippett (back) 2 weeks
Ed Vickers-Willis (shoulder) test
MATCH REPORT: KANGAROOS DOWN DOGS TO STAY TOP
ON THE BLOCK: Lindsay Thomas has been offered a week for his high tackle on Bulldog Lachie Hunter. Kayne Turner (hamstring) looks set to miss while Sam Wright (ankle) must prove to club medicos his ankle is OK.
ON THE CUSP: Werribee posted a 42-point win against Footscray with Trent Dumont and Lachie Hanson starring while Mason Wood booted four goals. Farren Ray, Robbie Nahas and Aaron Black also hit the scoreboard so there is plenty of depth at Arden St. Taylor Garner, Daniel Nielson and Ed Vickers-Willis could all return from injury this week but that is likely to be in the VFL.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: North could be 9-0 with games against St Kilda, Essendon and Carlton over the next three weeks — all at Etihad Stadium. The scary thing is Todd Goldstein had a rare off night and Nick Dal Santo, Brent Harvey and Sam Gibson were all quiet against the Dogs but they still got the job done. Jarrad Waite is a freak — in SuperCoach terms his average is 28 points higher than his next best season, and that was eight years ago.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Alipate Carlile (wrist) 4 weeks
Robbie Gray (hamstring) 2-3 week
Aidyn Johnson (hamstring) 5-7 weeks
Jay Schulz (back) indefinite
Will Snelling (foot) indefinite
Matt White (pectoral) indefinite
Chad Wingard (concussion) test
Matthew Lobbe (knee) 3 months
MATCH REPORT: TIGERS IN DISARRAY AFTER POWER DEFEAT
ON THE BLOCK: Jasper Pittard spoke after the match and his left eye looked like it was about to close over — reminding us of a scene from the Rocky movies. The in-form defender’s eye socket will be checked, but he is confident he will be right to play next week. There were no other injuries disclosed by the club.
GRAY blow: @PAFC rules star Robbie Gray out for another 2-3 weeks with his hamstring injury.
— Andrew Capel (@andrewcapel) May 2, 2016
ON THE CUSP: Chad Wingard, the All Australian and Jack Cahill medallist, looked like he was training freely on Friday morning despite being ruled out because of a delayed concussion in the club’s loss to Geelong. Coach Ken Hinkley has said he will take a no-risk approach to his return, but Wingard has given every indication he will be right for the this week. Robbie Gray could miss another 2-3 weeks, while dropped ruckman Matthew Lobbe will be sidelined for the next three months after suffering a knee injury in the Power’s reserves side.
JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: The Power face Brisbane next week and it comes as an ideal time as the club looks like it is getting its house in order. At 3-3, the season is opening up despite horror losses which included an embarrassment in the Showdown against the Crows and internal rifts. Port has set itself up to restore its season rather than being the fall-down club it looked like early in the year. The impressive win against Richmond, when it was missing two of its best players in Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard, proved there’s a bit of depth at Alberton.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Trent Cotchin (jaw/cheekbone) 2 weeks
Kane Lambert (ribs/lung) 3-4 weeks
Kamdyn McIntosh (corked leg) available
Reece Conca (hamstring) 1 week
Nathan Drummond (knee) 1 week
Dylan Grimes (hamstring) test
Alex Rance (suspended) 1 week
Nick Vlastuin (knee) test
Chris Yarran (foot) 3-5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: TIGERS IN DISARRAY AFTER POWER DEFEAT
ON THE BLOCK: When it rains it pours. Just when you think it can’t get any worse for this side, it does. Now 1-5 and with Hawthorn and Sydney on the horizon, an injury/suspension crisis kicks in. Alex Rance (suspended) misses again, Trent Cotchin is out for two with a fractured cheekbone and Kane Lambert has a punctured lung and fractured rib and won’t play for at least a month. Of those not injured, Tyrone Vickery was poor and could face the chop, first-year player Daniel Rioli was quiet and Ivan Maric had his worst game for some time.
ON THE CUSP: Expect Nick Vlastuin (knee) and Kamdyn McIntosh (cork) to be available. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ VFL team lost again, but a few hands went up in what was another reserves debacle after the unthinkable loss to Frankston a week earlier. Ben Griffiths was the side’s best player and could come in for Vickery. Taylor Hunt bounced back and Jacob Townsend was also among the notable performers on the day. Brett Deledio made a seamless return to the big time.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: What more can you say? A weekly car crash that worsens by the week. Finals are everything but mathematically out of reach and now Hawthorn on the rebound awaits in another prime time game with nowhere to hide. Just what you want.
Damien Hardwick admitted the resurrections of the past two seasons gave him some hope, but it’s a desperately fading light at Punt Road.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) indefinite
Dylan Roberton (knee) 1 week
Seb Ross (shoulder) TBC
Jimmy Webster (thumb) TBC
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS HOODOO HAUNTS DEMONS AGAIN
ON THE BLOCK: Seb Ross came off with a sore shoulder but played out the game. Jade Gresham didn’t star and Darren Minchington kicked only 0.1 as a small forward, but hard to find fault after a great team performance.
ON THE CUSP: Sandringham belted Richmond in the VFL with Jack Lonie pushing has case for an immediate recall with 33 disposals and three goals. Josh Saunders (30 disposals), Tom Curren and Brodie Murdoch (both 26) were also prominent. Paddy McCartin was rested for the weekend but might find it hard to break back in after the player who took his spot, Tim Membrey, kicked five goals.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Can they threaten ladder leader North Melbourne next Sunday? Recent history suggests it will be tough, with the Kangas winning the past four between these teams. Containing the Roos’ tall forwards will be a challenge for the perennially undersized St Kilda backline but if they bring the manic pressure that dismantled the Demons, they will give themselves a shot.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Callum Sinclair (knee) test
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Sam Reid (hamstring) 1 week
Ted Richards (cheekbone) 2 weeks
Gary Rohan (hamstring) test
Michael Talia (foot) 5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SWANS ESCAPE LIONS DEN IN THE WET
ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Callum Sinclair hur his knee late in the game, with the club to sweat on his fitness. A late inclusion for Nick Smith, Zac Jones did some good things but was quiet overall and would be feeling nervous. Aliir Aliir will probably get another chance to show his talents with Ted Richards still at least another two weeks away.
ON THE CUSP: If Sinclair misses through a knee injury talented young ruckman Sam Naismith could be in for the second game of his career. Dean Towers kicked five goals in a best on ground performance against the Lions reserves in the NEAFL. Gary Rohan played his first game of the year but is still a number of weeks away from a possible senior return.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The Swans notched up another victory but there will certainly be some sore boys after the slog in the wet, so recovery will be the focus early in the week. Sydney host Essendon this weekend before travelling to Melbourne to face the Tigers at the MCG. You’d expect John Longmire’s team to head into a blockbuster against Hawthorn in Round 9 at 7-1.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Jeremy McGovern (sore) test
Elliot Yeo (illness) test
Mitch Brown (finger) 4 weeks
Dom Sheed (pectoral) 5 weeks
Alec Waterman (illness) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: EAGLES ROAR HOME TO SMASH PIES
ON THE BLOCK:Jeremy McGovern could be in doubt after missing training on Tuesday. McGovern appeared sore at times during the win over Collingwood. Recruit Lewis Jetta was quiet again with 10 disposals and might have a nervous week ahead of selection. Second-year midfielder Liam Duggan has been carried for the opening six weeks without setting the world on fire but might finally be sent back to the WAFL with first-choice players ready to come in. Adam Simpson indicated late inclusion Mark Hutchings had done enough to hold his spot, while defender Sharrod Wellingham is likely to be given more time despite having just five touches as he works his way back from an interrupted pre-season.
ON THE CUSP: Classy utility Elliot Yeo is set to return against Geelong on Saturday after being a late withdrawal against Collingwood with tonsillitis. Defender Xavier Ellis had 24 touches for East Perth in his return from an Achilles injury in the WAFL on Sunday. His composure in defence might be a useful asset when the Eagles travel to Simonds Stadium.
BRADEN QUARTERMAINE’S FORECAST: The Eagles are four from four at Subiaco this season but know they need to take a scalp away from home to be considered a genuine contender. The fixturing has done them no favours, with a tough trip to Geelong now awaiting following away defeats to Hawthorn (MCG) and Sydney (SCG). West Coast will break its away hoodoo at some stage, but the bookies say it won’t be this week against the Cats.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Tom Liberatore (corked leg) test
Tom Boyd (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Caleb Daniel (calf) 1 week
Nathan Hrovat (ankle) 4 weeks
Jason Johannisen (hamstring) 8 weeks
Robert Murphy (knee) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Clay Smith (knee) indefinite
Roarke Smith (knee) indefinite
Matt Suckling (ankle) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: KANGAROOS DOWN DOGS TO STAY TOP
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Liberatore copped a corked thigh early but despite playing with obvious discomfort should be fine. Fletcher Roberts was called up to plug a hole in the injury-hit backline and looked every bit a player who hasn’t played at the top level since last year. Bailey Dale was again ineffectual in his second game, this time with only two kicks. Jordan Roughead (three touches, 11 hitouts) and Jed Adcock (nine disposals but only one kick) were quiet.
ON THE CUSP: Caleb Daniel should play after missing the last two matches with a calf injury. If not, Lukas Webb and Mitch Honeychurch may be in line for promotion after impressive performances in Footscray’s VFL loss to Werribee. Josh Dunkley played in the opening two games of the AFL season before being dropped but offered a superb reminder of his talents with 34 disposals.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Things don’t get much easier for the injury-hit Dogs and Adelaide awaits next in what could be a bit like getting kicked while you’re down. Undersized and inexperienced in defence, arguably the AFL’s most lethal forward line will roll into town on Saturday night. But if the Dogs can maintain that manic team defence while re-capturing the offensive sizzle that went cold against North they’re every chance.
AFL TIPS: Crows favoured to make it six straight
The Advertiser/Sunday Mail football experts have tipped Adelaide to stretch its winning streak to six straight, in Round 8 against Port Adelaide in Showdown 44.
Experts favour Power to shock Geelong
The Advertiser/Sunday Mail football tipsters believe Port Adelaide can bounce back from its loss to the Bombers and topple the Cats at Adelaide Oval.