AFL injury list: Latest injury news and selection analysis after Round 4
SAM Mitchell thought he snapped his leg but hopes to play against Hawthorn on Sunday. Will he get up and will Collingwood hand Josh Daicos a fairytale Anzac Day debut? INJURY NEWS FROM EVERY CLUB.
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ONE of the biggest rematches of the season is in doubt with Sam Mitchell facing an uphill battle to play in West Coast’s huge clash against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
“It’s not 100 per cent, but it’s better than it was,” the former Hawks captain told the AFL website.
“To be honest, when I first did it I thought ‘Yeah, I’ve broken my leg here’.
“It wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
“If you had of asked me on Saturday morning I would have said, ‘I’m in a fair bit of trouble for a few weeks’, but it’s come good the last couple of days so fingers crossed.
“I’m not ruled out at this stage, so I’m working towards it.”
Meanwhile, Travis Cloke and Steven May are set for stints on the sidelines, Heath Shaw is under a cloud and Collingwood is weighing up handing a son of a gun a fairytale Anzac Day debut.
Scroll down for the latest injury news and selection analysis for every team.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Jake Kelly (eye) test
Josh Jenkins (cracked ribs) unlikely
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 1 week
Alex Keath (hamstring) 2-4 weeks
Mitch McGovern (hamstring) 8 weeks
Paul Seedsman (groin) uncertain
Ben Davis (foot) uncertain
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Don Pyke has played just 24 players — the least of all the 18 AFL coaches this season — and has very little reason to change a winning line-up after beating Essendon by 65 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. But Pyke has a never-ending concept of finding improvement and he can indeed keep adding to his midfield. This puts Carlton recruit Troy Menzel on the yoyo run of being in the side one week and out the next two. His nine disposals (for 1.2) are not compelling for keeping him in the match 22 to play the Suns this weekend.
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Brad Crouch must be in line for a recall now. He has played two solid SANFL games for Adelaide after having his pre-season wiped out by hamstring injuries. He could easily earn his first AFL call-up at the expense of Menzel at selection on Thursday. Ruckman-forward Josh Jenkins, who does indeed have cracked ribs, will be tested on Wednesday but it seems he is still far from sound for AFL action.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Seems a simple week at Adelaide. Crouch for Menzel. And then the Crows go to Gold Coast to extend their unbeaten run against the Suns to 10 games. This will take Adelaide to 5-0 and keep expectations high with a team that is leading the AFL for scoring and becoming a lock for a top-four finish for the first time since 2012. Jenkins’ absence and the extra workload on lead ruckman Sam Jacobs needs to be carefully monitored.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Tom Cutler (hamstring) 2-4 weeks
Darcy Gardiner (corked quad) test
Rhys Mathieson (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Sam Skinner (knee) 5 weeks
Reuben William (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Cutler was out of the game against Richmond by quarter-time and faces up to a month on the sidelines. Tom Rockliff had to leave the field during the final term to have a dislocated finger put back in but returned to the fray. Youngsters Jarrod Berry and Cedric Cox were barely sighted and how does Chris Fagan get Eric Hipwood into the action?
ON THE CUSP: The Lions are 3-0 in the NEAFL after a big win against Southport. Liam Dawson, Ryan Harwood and Jake Barrett were named in the best, along with Allen Christensen who has recovered from a shoulder injury and could be ready to play his first game for 2017.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Brisbane showed some fight during a third-quarter comeback but apart from that there wasn’t a lot to get excited about in a third straight defeat. Chris Fagan says he will encourage his players to keep taking the game on but things won’t get any easier with a trip to Melbourne to face the premiers on Saturday night. Expect another huge game from Stefan Martin against a depleted Bulldogs ruck division.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Ciaran Byrne (knee) June-July
Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) 5 weeks
Jed Lamb (knee) 1-2 weeks
Kym Lebois (quad) 3-4 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Harrison Macreadie spent time off the field receiving treatment for a leg problem. He returned to the field after halftime but might be due for a spell in the VFL after another quiet outing. Jarrod Pickett again failed to have a major impact but Brendon Bolton will keep putting games into the kids.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Kerridge picked up 40 disposals for the Northern Blues but Cameron Polson (28 touches) was named best on ground against the AFL-AIS Academy. Small forward Andrew Galluci kicked four goals, Kristian Jaksch bagged three and Harry McKay two.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Blues say Patrick Cripps will play against Port Adelaide on Friday night after he played through soreness against Gold Coast. Bolton is continuing to push the green shoots theme, saying there were “lots of little signs” despite conceding seven goals in a game-defining third quarter. After travelling to Adelaide Oval the Blues host Sydney before a Saturday afternoon blockbuster against Collingwood.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Tom Phillips (ill) test
Jordan De Goey (hand/club-imposed suspension) 3-4 weeks
Tom Langdon (knee) 2-3 weeks
Matt Scharenberg (head) test
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 10-12 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Buckley has maintained a lot of faith in his troops so far at the selection table, but we sense a big statement is coming ahead of the Anzac Day blockbuster. And there’s a few in the gun. Jarryd Blair, Jesse White, Jack Crisp and Tim Broomhead could all be sent to the VFL as Buckley weighs up wholesale changes in the forward half of the ground. Darcy Moore is also struggling and down on confidence but as a 21-year-old key forward should it be any surprise that he is battling to be the main man in only his third season? The kid needs help. The ball use to the forwards was poor against St Kilda and the intensity in the midfield dropped off the cliff in the second and third terms.
ON THE CUSP: Two names leap off the page. Daniel Wells must play at the MCG next Tuesday largely because he possess the silken disposal the Pies are lacking. If the Magpies are worried about his calf, then don’t recruit him in the first place. It’s time, Daniel. The tougher one is Josh Daicos. The first-year father-son gem was very good in the VFL on Saturday and is another good ball user. But can the Pies play Jamie Elliott, Wells and Daicos? They’re all arguably a little underdone in the fitness department. Mason Cox could replace Jesse White, but the big fella hasn’t been amazing in the VFL.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Very good one week, deplorable the next. Nathan Buckley is frustrated with these wild swings in form, and so he should be. Goalkicking woes haunted the Pies in the first term when they could have put the Saints under some scoreboard pressure. Collingwood needs to beat Essendon to help protect its coach. Two poor results will put Buckley under familiar pressure. When will this rollercoaster stop?
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Conor McKenna (suspended) 1 week
Ben Howlett (hamstring) test
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 6-7 weeks
David Myers (finger) Test
Jordan Ridley (back) 8-19 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: After a loss like that, Essendon coach John Worsfold could be excused for dropping plenty ahead of the club’s Anzac Day clash with Collingwood. Small forward Josh Green was quiet and didn’t make the most of his chances around goal. Patrick Ambrose didn’t have much impact while Mark Baguley also struggled. The Bombers will be forced to make at least one change with Conor McKenna suspended by the MRP for one week.
IN THE MIX: The Bombers went down in the VFL, losing to Sandringham by seven points. Tom Bellchambers got through the clash and could be set for a senior recall. Heath Hocking and youngster Aaron Francis were also in the best and could force their way into the side. Matt Dea and Craig Bird were both quiet.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: What better way to snap out of a form slump than on Anzac Day. The Bombers were smashed in the clash last year and will be out for revenge. Expect the likes of Jobe Watson, Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker to bounce back from the horror show at Adelaide Oval.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Stephen Hill (corked thigh) test
Michael Apeness (knee) 2-3 weeks
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 5-6 weeks
Harley Bennell (calf) 8-10 weeks
Zac Clarke (knee) TBA
Josh Deluca (groin) 1-2 weeks
Alex Pearce (leg) TBA
Luke Ryan (hip) 3-4 weeks
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBA
ON THE BLOCK: Griffin Logue hasn’t set the world on fire in his two AFL appearances but he’s yet to play in a loss so why change a winning formula? Garrick Ibbotson had only two kicks against Melbourne and Ed Langdon played out the match with a migraine.
ON THE CUSP: Darcy Tucker was the standout in Peel Thunder’s loss to West Perth in the WAFL, gathering 27 disposals and eight tackles. Matt Taberner kicked three goals from 25 touches and Cam Sutcliffe also picked up plenty of the footy. Nick Suban had just one kick. Peel has a bye this weekend.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dockers found the answer to their goalkicking issues in midfielders Lachie Neale and David Mundy, who kicked seven between them in a great win against Melbourne. And with Cam McCarthy starting to show why the Dockers were prepared to hand over two first-round draft picks for him in 2015, things are looking a lot rosier for Ross Lyon (at least until Harley Bennell’s latest indiscretion). This week Freo has a chance to move into the top eight when it hosts North Melbourne at Subiaco.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Ryan Abbott (back) 2 weeks
Corey Gregson (foot) 6-8 weeks
Timm House (shoulder) test
Scott Selwood (toe) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Ruggles was on the end of a big bump from Josh Gibson and Patrick Dangerfield played hurt after copping a knee in the back from Jarryd Roughead in the opening minutes on Easter Monday — but the Brownlow medallist has declared himself a certain starter against St Kilda on Sunday. Sam Menagola and James Parsons can expect a call from the match review panel but it’s hard to find a Cat who didn’t enjoy the win against Hawthorn — Tom Stewart had a team-low eight disposals but managed to chip in with a last-quarter goal.
ON THE CUSP: The Cats opened their VFL season with a win over Werribee to claim the K-Rock Cup. Rhys Stanley put in a strong ruck performance, Jake Kolodjashnij impressed in his return from injury — coach Shane O’Bree described his game as “amazing” — and exciting draftee Esava Ratugolea booted three goals.
JON ANDERSON’S FORECAST: Sitting on top but have arguably been conclusive in only two of their wins (Fremantle and Hawthorn). The bonus has been the ease in which Brandan Parfitt and James Passons (who will get a holiday) have slotted in, plus the recruitment of Zach Tuohy up back who would be prominent in early B&F voting. Scott Selwood is expected to resume at VFL level this week and Jake Kolodjashnij was very good for the VFL team on the weekend.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Steven May (hamstring) TBC
Michael Barlow (hamstring) test
Pearce Hanley (ankle) test
Ben Ainsworth (corked quad) test
Sam Day (hip) season
Tom Nicholls (shoulder) test
Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite
Rory Thompson (quad) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: The injury demons returned on Saturday night with Steven May and Michael Barlow both suffering hamstring problems. Of them, May’s is the most serious. Meanwhile, Pearce Hanley was out of his return game in the NEAFL by halftime after rolling his ankle. Most Gold Coast players posted good numbers on the stats sheet against Carlton.
ON THE CUSP: Callum Ah Chee dictated play from half-back in the NEAFL, picking up 22 disposals and a goal as the Suns posted a 16-point win against Apsley. Josh Schoenfeld (30 disposals) and Trent McKenzie (32 disposals) also put their names in front of selectors.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Suns are on the brink of the top eight, a position that seemed a million miles away after the Round 1 loss to Brisbane. But the Blues are expected to finish bottom-two and the win against Hawthorn isn’t looking quite as momentous after another Hawks shocker on Easter Monday. There won’t be any doubts if the Suns can overcome — or take the game right up to — ladder leader Adelaide and its all-star forward line on Saturday. May’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Heath Shaw (shin) test
Dylan Shiel (shoulder) test
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Tom Downie (illness) indefinite
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 8-10 weeks
Steve Johnson (knee) test
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 10-12 weeks
Will Setterfield (ankle) 8-10 weeks
Lachie Whitfield (suspended) 4 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Heath Shaw came back onto the field after copping a nasty knock to the shin against Port Adelaide but could struggle to get up for the Derby. Dylan Shiel hurt his heavily strapped shoulder as well and is another who will be watched closely this week.
ON THE CUSP: Steve Johnson will be hopeful of recovering from the knee soreness which kept him out of the win over Port. First round pick Harry Perryman continued his good start to the year in the NEAFL, kicking three goals and gathering 26 possessions. Former Docker Matt deBoer also played well, kicking two goals and gathering 24 touches in his first game back from a hamstring injury.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Expect Shaw, Johnson and Shiel to all play. They will be desperate to put a nail in the coffin of the Swans season with a win against their rivals. The Giants have never won at the SCG.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (fractured jaw) 2-3 weeks
Jonathon Ceglar (knee) indefinite
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) test
Ty Vickery (back) test
ON THE BLOCK: This could be the biggest block at Waverley for years. Not many Hawks get a pass mark for the Easter Monday embarrassment and it might be time for Alastair Clarkson to swing the changes. Tim O’Brien barely touched it, Will Langford had only four kicks and experienced stars Josh Gibson, Paul Puopolo and James Frawley really struggled.
ON THE CUSP: Ty Vickery should be fine after he was a late withdrawal before yesterday’s game with back tightness, but he probably isn’t the answer to all the Hawks’ problems. Jaeger O’Meara is a strong chance to play against the Eagles and there were some strong performances at Box Hill led by Ryan Schoenmakers and Jono O’Rourke, who had 25 disposals in three quarters in his return from injury.
JON ANDERSON’S FORECAST: They don’t have big numbers on the injury list so that can’t be used as an excuse. Their VFL side Box Hill won with Jonathan O’Rourke, Kade Stewart, Dallas Willsmore and rookie Jack Fitzpatrick playing well. And they do require an injection of youthful exhuberance. Alastair Clarkson won just five games with the Hawks in his first season in 2005 but that was a developing team rather than one in serious transition, so he clearly faces his biggest coaching challenge.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Colin Garland (knee) season
Max Gawn (hamstring) 12 weeks
Michael Hibberd (Achilles) 1-2 weeks
Liam Hulett (hip flexor) 1-2 weeks
Mitch King (knee) 2-3 weeks
Jordan Lewis (suspension) 1 week
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) 3-4 months
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 4-5 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Weideman has now had two poor games in a row and Mitch Hannan faded badly after a bright start. Jake Melksham hasn’t delivered yet at his new club.
ON THE CUSP: Jesse Hogan gets the chance to make up for his Round 2 brainfade when he returns from suspension for the Anzac Eve clash with Melbourne. He owes his teammates. Simon Goodwin insisted that Hogan — despite the controversy surrounding his smoking at a music festival in WA last weekend — had worked hard on his return to Melbourne. Expect him to have a big game against the Tigers.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: About the only thing Simon Goodwin was satisfied with after the loss to the Dockers was the fact that there were no additional injuries. But he admits to concerns that his team has produced two poor quarters over the past fortnight which have cost them dearly. Melbourne’s third term against Fremantle ultimately lost it the game. The Demons needed to be more consistent across four quarters. Jake Spencer did an OK job on Aaron Sandilands, and will be better for the run. Clayton Oliver was once more outstanding, but he needs some more help through the middle of the ground.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Ben Jacobs (foot) 1 week
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 7-9 weeks
Jarrad Waite (shoulder) 1-3 weeks
Mason Wood (knee) 3-4 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) 1 week
Majak Daw (concussion) available
ON THE BLOCK: The Kangaroos endured another narrow defeat against the Bulldogs and emerged with no fresh injuries but frustration grows at Arden St as Brad Scott attempts to add finesse to an outfit which prides itself on being hard and selfless at the contest. Wasteful finishing cost the Roos in their slender loss to the Western Bulldogs, a weakness certain to draw plenty of focus from coaching staff this week.
ON THE CUSP: Majak Daw is likely to be available after suffering concussion two weeks ago. The versatile big man could return to bolster an already formidable ruck tandem of Todd Goldstein and Braydon Preuss. Sam Wright is nearing a return from ankle injury but Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood are still potentially weeks away.
LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Roos supporters don’t need to be reminded of their perfect 9-0 start to last season as they stare down the barrel of a 0-5 opening to 2017. Facing Fremantle on the road is yet another monumental challenge for North.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Cameron Hewett (concussion) test
Jack Hombsch (knee) 2-3 weeks
Matthew Lobbe (hamstring) test
Angus Monfries (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Powell-Pepper has hit the wall with two poor performances in a row. Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Jonas and Jarman Impey also didn’t have great games.
ON THE CUSP: Paddy Ryder is available for selection after serving his one-match suspension. Angus Monfries could play his first game for 2017 if he gets through training this week but that’s likely to be in the SANFL. “We’ve been managing Gus over the past few weeks and if he gets through training on Tuesday we expect him to be available for selection,” high-performance manager Darren Burgess said. “Lobbes picked up a minor knee injury in the SANFL in Round 1, but we’re hopeful he’ll be back this week.” Brett Eddy kicked three goals for the Port Magpies.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Port has lost two in a row but those defeats could be to the eventual Grand Finalists (Adelaide and GWS) and the Power wasn’t disgraced in either. Now comes a chance to cement a top-eight spot with a home game against Carlton on Friday night followed by a trip to the Gabba to face Brisbane.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Nathan Broad (shoulder) 8-10
Shane Edwards (hip) 2-3 weeks
Jack Graham (ankle) indefinite
Ben Griffiths (concussion) test
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Connor Menadue could go straight back out of the side after picking up just nine disposals in his first game of the year. Todd Elton is providing a contest up forward but is the obvious casualty when Ben Griffiths returns. Jayden Short would be looking for a big game to cement his spot.
ON THE CUSP: Griffiths has now missed two matches with concussion and should be right to go against the Demons next Monday night. Plenty of candidates from the VFL after a massive 189-point win against North Ballarat. Ben Lennon kicked six goals, Sam Lloyd five and Anthony Miles had 35 disposals.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The 4-0 Tigers are trying to keep the lid on but that is getting harder by the week. Bigger tests await in coming weeks starting with a classic eight-point game against fellow finals hopeful Melbourne — a team Richmond hasn’t beaten since 2013. After that it’s the Crows in Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. If Richmond is still in the upper reaches of the ladder after that bracket it will be all aboard the Tiggy train.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
David Armitage (soreness) test
Nick Coughlan (foot) 2 weeks
Hugh Goddard (back) test
Jack Steven (punctured lung) test
ON THE BLOCK: Alan Richardson says David Armitage will be assessed this week after leaving the field late in the win against Collingwood. After missing the previous two games with a groin problem he must be in doubt. Ben Long would be nervous after gathering just six disposals in his AFL debut.
ON THE CUSP: Jack Steven is a likely inclusion against the Cats after recovering from a punctured lung. Paddy McCartin responded to his AFL demotion with nine marks and two goals in Sandringham’s seven-point win against Essendon. Koby Stevens (28 disposals and seven tackles) and Jack Sinclair (25 disposals, 10 tackles) pushed their claims.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: It hasn’t been all that pretty but the Saints have their season back on track at 2-2 and rediscovered their brand after quarter-time against Collingwood with their trademark manic pressure. One area that needs to improve is accuracy in front of goal, with a return of 36.57 from the past three games.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Isaac Heeney (glandular fever) test
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Jarrad McVeigh (calf) test
Sam Naismith (knee) test
Dane Rampe (arm) 5 weeks
Dan Robinson (collarbone) 5-6 weeks
Gary Rohan (back/hamstring) test
Kurt Tippett (ankle) test
ON THE BLOCK: Callum Sinclair played well against his old team West Coast on Thursday night but will be under pressure to hold his spot with Kurt Tippett and Sam Naismith set to return. Jordan Foote, Nic Newman and Harry Cunningham will all be under pressure to stay in the team as well with up to five injured players returning.
ON THE CUSP: The cavalry is arriving for the Swans, who could have as many as five of their best 22 back for the derby. Tippett, Naismith, Jarrad McVeigh, Isaac Heeney and Gary Rohan will all be available for selection.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans will be cautious not to introduce too many underdone players at once. Tom Papley was given a run last week because for exactly this reason. Expect Tippett, Naismith, McVeigh and Heeney to play against the Giants while Rohan will play in the NEAFL. Will Hayward has been outstanding in the role, Rohan traditionally plays.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Sam Mitchell (ankle) test
Jack Darling (ankle) test
Scott Lycett (shoulder) 6-7 weeks
Nic Naitanui (knee) season
Drew Petrie (hand) 6-7 weeks
Willie Rioli (hamstring) 5-6 weeks
Simon Tunbridge (knee) 10-plus weeks
Jake Waterman (foot) 8 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: It will be a nervous wait for Sam Mitchell this week. Not only is he preparing to come up against his former side, he will also need to prove his fitness after injuring his ankle. Liam Duggan didn’t blow the Eagles away with his performance against Sydney, collecting 14 touches in his first hitout of the season. However, if the Eagles are required to make a forced change in Mitchell, senior coach Adam Simpson is unlikely to want to mix up his side too much.
ON THE CUSP: Jack Darling was a late out last week against Sydney but he is expected to be fine after recovering from an ankle injury. Lewis Jetta also pushed his case for a quick recall after being dumped for the Round 4 clash. Jetta had 36 disposals in the WAFL for East Perth. Also impressive was Dom Sheed, who had 24 touches and kicked a goal. Looking further ahead, Adam Simpson has told Seven News he is still hopeful Nic Naitanui will return this season. “We’re not going to rule it out and there’s still hope,” he said.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Eagles have another chance to try and shake their “flat track bullies” tag this week when they travel to Melbourne to take on Hawthorn at the MCG. Having just lost to the Tigers at the home of football two weeks ago, Adam Simpson and his men will be keen to show they have improved their road form issues. If Sam Mitchell plays, expect an intriguing build up in what will be the first time the Hawthorn premiership captain has come up against his former team.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Travis Cloke (ribs) 4-6 weeks
Tom Boyd (concussion) test
Stewart Crameri (hip) test
Tory Dickson (abdominal) 2 weeks
Dale Morris (leg) 6-7 weeks
Jack Redpath (knee) Long term
Jordan Roughead (hamstring) 3 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
Mitch Wallis (broken leg) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Travis Cloke will miss 4-6 weeks with broken ribs after being flattened by North Melbourne skipper Jack Ziebell. Tom Boyd is under a cloud after a knock to the head against the Roos. Boyd, who was sidelined on Good Friday with delayed concussion symptoms, will be evaluated this week.
ON THE CUSP: Pocket dynamo Caleb Daniel could return after his strong performance in Footscray’s VFL loss to Box Hill. Stewart Crameri was OK before sitting out the second half. Talented forward Patrick Lipinski, taken pick No. 28 in the draft, booted four goals. Lukas Webb, Bailey Williams and Mitch Honeychurch have minor claims.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: They’re just going, the premiers. North Melbourne had their measure for most of the game on Good Friday but Bulldogs found enough when it mattered to get across the line. Expect the Bulldogs to sharpen up their contested game against Brisbane and quite possibly run up the scoreboard.
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