AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 11

ST KILDA star Nick Riewoldt is unlikely to be right this week while three big names are down for the Magpies. WHO’S INJURED AT YOUR CLUB?

Jamie Elliott is helped off the field. Picture: Getty Images

WHO’S hot and who’s hurt at your club?

ST KILDA star Nick Riewoldt is unlikely to be right for his club’s Round 12 clash against Adelaide.

Riewoldt is battling to bounce back from a knee injury which has kept him sidelined since Round 9.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson refused to rule Riewoldt out altogether but said he was “unlikely” to get up for the clash.

“We would have hoped by now that he was able to do a little bit more,” Richardson said.

“The last message I had from the docs was that it was unlikely but we will give him every chance. “He is a bit of a freak like that Rooey. Not only is he able to get himself up to play, he’s able to play really strong footy.”

Collingwood is in a world of hurt after Jamie Elliott and Daniel Wells suffered serious injuries against Fremantle.

Wells faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines, while Elliott will also miss the Queen’s Birthday clash against Melbourne, and defender Tyson Goldsack is also in doubt.

Scroll down to see our experts’ take on every team’s playing stocks after Round 11.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Luke Brown (cheekbone) 2-4 weeks

Ben Davis (foot) indefinite

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 10-12 weeks

Mitch McGovern (hamstring) available

Paul Seedsman (groin) available

MATCH REPORT: THE CATS BLUEPRINT TO BEATING CROWS

ON THE BLOCK: Jake Lever, Matt Crouch and Tom Lynch were the only Crows wo emerged with their heads held high from a comprehensive loss to Geelong at the Cattery. Young backman Jake Kelly was solid and Hugh Greenwood applied 11 tackles but no one should feel safe in a Crows list under scrutiny. Brad Crouch struggled against the might of Patrick Dangerfield, Andy Otten had a rare down night while Josh Jenkins indifferent comeback continues. David MacKay faded after dominating on recall against Fremantle. However its unfair to isolate individuals in a group stinker.

ON THE CUSP: Jono Beech was the travelling emergency against Geelong and enjoyed impressive SANFL form this season. Mature age utility Beech will could push Otten or Jenkins out for an AFL debut against St Kilda. Midfielders Harris Wigg and Riley Knight will also push for promotion to add urgency lacking against Geelong.

RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Adelaide has been stung by criticism over a lack of physicality in its loss to Geelong while conceding it dished up a “disappointing” performance last Friday night. Skipper Taylor Walker is demanding the Crows “puff their chest out” and respond. St Kilda will arrive in Adelaide this Friday at the worst possible moment with the Crows licking the wounds of a 164-130 contested possession discrepancy against the Cats. Adelaide will cement a top-two spot against the Saints.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Claye Beams (hamstring) test

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

Tom Rockliff (shoulder) test

Jack Frost (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: The week’s break will certainly have refreshed a young Lions squad reeling from a big loss to Collingwood, but it won’t hide the fact that too much was left to Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko that day. As stated last week, will coach Chris Fagan make a statement with some of the senior players, namely Daniel Rich or Lewis Taylor? Only four players had 20 disposals or more against the Magpies, so there will be changes.

ON THE CUSP: Vice-captain Tom Rockliff is a possible inclusion after dislocating his shoulder in Round 8, which would be a huge boost for a Lions side light on for experience. Claye Beams should also push for selection. The NEAFL side also had a bye over the weekend but Ryan Harwood, Rohan Bewick, Tom Bell and Michael Close will all be looked at after strong performances in the reserves the week before.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The Lions should consider themselves half a chance at home this Saturday against Fremantle, which has lost its past two, but they need more players to bring the effort. There’s no point dropping players to the NEAFL if they’re going to be bullies there, then have them return and play so meekly in the seniors.

The Lions could welcome back Tom Rockliff. Picture: AAP

CARLTON

INJURIES

Ciaran Byrne (knee) test

Liam Jones (ankle) test

Sam Rowe (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Some of the younger Blues looked like they needed a rest after the loss to North Melbourne eight days ago. Now they’ve had it, so will Brendon Bolton stick with that 22?

ON THE CUSP: The Northern Blues also had a bye at the weekend. Dale Thomas is available after breaking his nose against Fremantle and Liam Jones faces a fitness test — he could come in to play as a key defender, allowing Jacob Weitering to play forward.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: A great win against Collingwood was followed by a trio of brave defeats and the bye, so Blues fans will be keen to taste victory again. Unfortunately, it’s going to be tough this week when they host ladder-leader GWS at Etihad Stadium. After that it’s a trip to Gold Coast then a rematch against arch rival Richmond. Keep looking for those green shoots.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

James Aish (fractured cheekbone) test

Jamie Elliott (ankle) TBC

Alex Fasolo (mental health) TBC

Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) TBC

Levi Greenwood (leg) TBC

Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 7 weeks

Ben Reid (quad) 1-2 weeks

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Travis Varcoe (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Daniel Wells (calf) TBC

Jesse White (hamstring) test

Rupert Wills (calf) test

MATCH REPORT: FREO FALL TO INJURY-HIT MAGPIES

ON THE BLOCK: More bad news for the Magpies on the injury front with Jamie Elliott and Daniel Wells going down in the win over Fremantle. Those two outs probably give Ben Crocker some breathing space after a quiet return to AFL ranks. Likewise, Jackson Ramsay failed to have much of an impact.

ON THE CUSP: With forwards Wells and Elliott out, Magpies fans can expect to see draftee Kayle Kirby’s name a lot before Thursday night selection. The No.50 pick in last year’s draft kicked six goals in Collingwood’s VFL win over Sandringham. Fellow draftee and father-son gun Callum Brown was named an emergency for the trip to Perth and must be a strong chance to make his AFL debut. Former Docker Chris Mayne would also be a chance to return.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: That’s three wins on the trot now for Nathan Buckley’s men and a Queen’s Birthday clash against Melbourne looms as a crucial clash before the bye. Beat the Demons and the Pies could very well be in the top eight - depending on percentage. Darcy Moore’s move into the ruck was a stroke of genius from Buckley and if Max Gawn returns from injury, Brodie Grundy will need all the help he can get.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Patrick Ambrose (quad) TBC

Mitch Brown (ankle) 2-3 weeks

James Kelly (groin) test

Jayden Laverde (ankle) 4-5 weeks

Darcy Parish (calf) TBC

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS GO TOP AFTER DISPOSING BOMBERS

ON THE BLOCK: No fresh injuries from a fighting loss to the Giants. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was barely sighted before kicking two late goals. James Stewart has kicked two goals in three games — including 0.2 on Saturday — after his three-goal debut a month ago and David Myers is taking a while to pick up the speed of the game.

ON THE CUSP: Shaun McKernan kicked four goals and Aaron Francis three in the VFL so if John Worsfold wants to change up his forward line, he has options. Heath Hocking and Kyle Langford were also named in the best. James Kelly would be a welcome addition if he overcomes a groin injury. The Bombers aren’t giving much away on Darcy Parish’s injury; high-performance manager Justin Crow told the club website he and Ambrose would be assessed “over the next few days to establish a timeframe to work towards”.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Bombers didn’t get the four points from their trip to Spotless Stadium, but there was a lot to like. Tom Bellchambers was a great addition and they kicked 15 goals despite Joe Daniher booting just one for the afternoon. The Bombers are still just one game out of the top eight but after failing to get over the line against Richmond or GWS, Saturday night’s clash against a hot Port Adelaide looms as a must-win before a Round 13 bye.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) test

Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 2 weeks

Harley Bennell (calf) 3-4 weeks

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Harley Balic (personal leave) TBA

Alex Pearce (leg) TBA

Zac Clarke (knee) TBA

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Jon Griffin failed to have an impact after coming in as a late inclusion for fellow big man Aaron Sandilands, who was out with a hamstring injury. Tall forward Matt Taberner had another quiet outing and Cam Sutcliffe’s spot is also in jeopardy after some kicking errors against the Pies.

ON THE CUSP: Sandilands will come straight back into the side if he passes a fitness test during the week. Tom Sheridan was Peel Thunder’s best in their narrow WAFL loss to Subiaco with a game-high 29 disposals to put his hand up for a recall. Rookie-listed midfielder Josh Deluca (25 disposals) also had plenty of the ball, while first-year ruckman Sean Darcy (49 hit-outs) and young defender Ryan Nyhuis continue to improve.

JORDAN MCARDLE’S FORECAST: Dockers coach Ross Lyon is likely to make a few changes after his team’s second straight defeat. They’ve got a very winnable game against bottom-placed Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night – one they’ll want to win ahead of their Round 13 bye.

Ruckman Aaron Sandilands was a late withdrawal against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

GEELONG

INJURIES

Jed Bews (ankle) TBC

Josh Cowan (achilles) TBC

Cory Gregson (foot) TBC

Jack Henry (appendix) 1 week

Timm House (collarbone) 5-7 weeks

Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 5-7 weeks

Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 5-7 weeks

MATCH REPORT: THE CATS BLUEPRINT TO BEATING CROWS

ON THE BLOCK: The Cats head into the bye in a great position, coming off three straight home wins and with a group of players in form. There are no pressing issues selection wise as the likes of Darcy Lang and Jordan Murdoch, who have previously been up and back from the VFL, playing their best football of the season. Another youngster Tom Stewart has established himself over the past couple of weeks in the back half while Zac Smith has certainly ended the ruck debate about him or Rhys Stanley with three of the best games of Geelong career.

ON THE CUSP: The Geelong VFL team were ordinary against Williamstown on Sunday, kicking just three goals to three-quarter time. George Horlin-Smith is the most interesting case given he had a great start to the season but was dropped before the senior team’s spike in form. He’s the most likely next man up.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: No need for changes. The bye has come at a great time for superstars Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield who have been unbelievable over the past three weeks. Defender Jed Bews missed the Adelaide game because of an ankle problem and given his form before the injury he deserves to come back straight in if he’s fully recovered.

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Callum Ah Chee (back) 1-2 weeks

Sam Day (hip) season

Jarrad Harbrow (club suspension) TBC

Michael Rischitelli (knee) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: SUNS FIND WRIGHT STUFF TO END EAGLES HOODOO

ON THE BLOCK: Youngster Will Brodie has struggled in his two senior games and with plenty of back-up available he may be sent back to the NEAFL to further his education. Other players who had been quiet, such as Alex Sexton, turned their form around against West Coast. All eyes will be on Matt Rosa who suffered a head knock in his comeback game from a long concussion. Rosa played out the game but has had delayed symptoms in the past.

ON THE CUSP: Gold Coast’s NEAFL side had 20 AFL listed players in their demolition of Southport on Saturday. Coach Rodney Eade will be reluctant to make too many changes to the side that won against West Coast. Draftee Jack Bowes would be first in line.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns have been terrible on the road this season and finding resilience away from Metricon Stadium will be a priority this week. The fact they have beaten Hawthorn already this year will give the side confidence as will the fact they have almost a complete lost to pick from. It looms as the biggest game of the season, if they can defeat the Hawks and then get the job done at home against Carlton the ledger is suddenly square again.

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 7-8 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 3 weeks

Nick Haynes (hamstring) 4 weeks

Jacob Hopper (finger) 1-2 weeks

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Rory Lobb (groin) test

Will Setterfield (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Devon Smith (knee) 5 weeks

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS GO TOP AFTER DISPOSING BOMBERS

ON THE BLOCK: Harry Himmelberg has looked very good playing up forward the last two weeks as a replacement for Rory Lobb but if the West Australian has recovered from his hip injury Harry looks like the one to miss out. Sam Reid could also be in trouble if Steve Johnson recovers from the knee soreness which has kept him out for two weeks.

ON THE CUSP: Leon Cameron indicated after the win over Essendon that Johnson and Lobb would both be in contention for a return to action this week against Carlton. Jacob Hopper is also likely to be available after recovering from a finger injury. There isn’t much pressure coming from below at GWS where only a handful of reserve grade players healthy.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Leon Cameron is desperate to get to the bye without dropping Sunday’s clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium. The Giants tripped up at the venue when they lost to St Kilda in round seven. He will be keen to get Johnson and Lobb back into the line-up before their time on the sidelines stretches to three weeks.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) test

Jonathon Ceglar (knee) indefinite

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) TBC

James Frawley (turf toe) 5 weeks

Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Cyril Rioli (knee) 5-7 weeks

Ben Stratton (knee) 2-3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: HAWK DEMOLITION A POWER-FUL STATEMENT

ON THE BLOCK: Paul Puopolo was quiet again, and Jack Gunston had another stinker, failing to kick a goal and gathering a season-low seven disposals, which prompted suggestions the Hawks should consider trading him at season’s end. But can coach Alastair Clarkson afford to lose more experience from the side? If he sticks with the premiership duo, then youngsters Blake Hardwick and Dallas Willsmore are under pressure.

ON THE CUSP: If the Hawks do decide to drop a premiership star or two, they will have replacements in Will Langford, who racked up 30 disposals and three goals in Box Hill’s draw with Port Melbourne, and Grant Birchall, who should return from a knee injury.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The end of Hawthorn’s era of dominance was confirmed when it lost to Gold Coast in Round 3 at Metricon Stadium, and the Hawks meet the Suns again this Saturday at the MCG. But which team will turn up? The one that can produce inspiring performances like it did against Sydney, Melbourne and to an extent Collingwood, or the other which has crashed to Port Adelaide and St Kilda. An MCG clash against Gold Coast would have been considered a certain victory, but that’s not the case this week.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite

Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) 3-4 weeks

Colin Garland (knee) season

Max Gawn (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Jesse Hogan (cancer) indefinite

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 10-12 weeks

Joel Smith (shoulder) 3-4 weeks

Jake Spencer (shoulder) test

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

ON THE BLOCK: The Dees enjoyed the weekend off after their stunning comeback win against Gold Coast in Alice Springs. Josh Wagner could make way for Christian Salem.

ON THE CUSP: After returning to the club last week following cancer surgery, key forward Jesse Hogan is still touch and go for next Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash. Christian Salem will return from suspension.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: Melbourne cannot afford a repeat of its lackluster opening half two weeks ago against the Magpies, but the occasion of Queen’s Birthday should ensure the players are switched on from the opening bounce. This is suddenly a danger game for the Demons, with Collingwood level on wins and full of confidence after three consecutive victories. The absence of Pie stars Jamie Elliott and Daniel Wells tips the balance in Melbourne’s favour.

Will Jesse Hogan return? Picture: AAP

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Taylor Garner (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK:There will be several Kangaroos on notice and feeling nervous after the disappointing loss to Richmond on Saturday night. Coach Brad Scott said the manner of the defeat wasn’t reflective of the competitive nature the side had shown so far this season. They wasted the ball, gave the forwards little hope due to the poor entry into attack, and as a consequence, the skill errors and execution made it difficult to defend. There will be some soul searching over the bye week for both North Melbourne and Werribee. Taylor Garner (foot) will at least have the week off to nurse his injury.

ON THE CUSP: A good win from Werribee over Ruchmond, with the best players including veteran Andrew Swallow and Sam Durdin. It remains to be seen whether Swallow will win another chance, given he has already been dropped twice this year.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: As disappointing as Saturday night was, it has been a solid first half of the season for the new-look Kangaroos. Four wins and seven losses could easily have been a better return, but for coughing up a few handy leads earlier in the year. There is still plenty of work ahead, but the Kangas kids are doing a solid job. It’s important they maintain the level of improvement in the second half of the year, starting with a big game against St Kilda on Friday week.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Karl Amon (knee) test

Cameron Hewett (groin) test

Dan Houston (hip) test

Chad Wingard (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: It’s going to be an interesting selection meeting at Alberton this week - interesting only for the medical reports rather than the football chatter. Midfielder Karl Amon should resume after being a late withdrawal against Hawthorn with a knee injury. This puts Melbourne recruit Jimmy Toumpas out of the 22. Midfielder-forward Chad Wingard should be clear of the calf injury that has cost him two games. This puts Aaron Young on edge again.

ON THE CUSP: Pretty simple if fitness coach Darren Burgess reports that Amon and Wingard are right to go.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: A competitive Essendon and the fast track of Etihad Stadium makes for another good test of Port Adelaide, particularly of how the league’s best defence holds up on quick rebounds from the Bombers. The form of Power lead ruckman Patrick Ryder will be hard to watch for the Essendon fans. Port Adelaide should advance to 7-4, be firm in the race for a top-four finish and looking forward to a solid month of building on that impressive percentage.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Reece Conca (foot) indefinite

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

Jack Graham (ankle) 2 weeks

Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Callum Moore (ankle) 4-6 weeks

Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) 1 week

Todd Elton (shoudler) TBC

Ivan Soldo (hip) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: A clean bill of health from the win against North Melbourne heading into the bye. Shai Bolton and Jason Castagna didn’t get a lot of the footy but both contributed to the Tigers’ manic forward pressure. The only worry is from the VFL with injuries to Todd Elton and Ivan Soldo. Elton’s is more serious with a decision to be made this week about possible shoulder surgery.

ON THE CUSP: Ben Lennon keeps knocking on the door, kicking another four goals in Richmond’s five-point loss to Werribee. Is it time to give him another chance at the top level? The issue is the match committee seems to have decided they can’t play he and Sam Lloyd in the same team. Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis also starred in the VFL. Nick Vlastuin will be monitored closely after missing a month.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Tigers could have been 10-1 or 9-2, but 7-4 is still a very good place to be in a season when no one tipped them to play finals. Richmond is playing a strong brand built on a huge spike in pressure and tackling, and a rock solid defence led by Alex Rance and big improver David Astbury. Add Dusty and it’s a pretty good recipe. After a week’s rest the Tigers return with games against Sydney and Carlton at the MCG and a chance to set up a serious tilt at September.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (groin) indefinite

Ed Phillips (ankle) 4-6 weeks

Nick Riewoldt (knee) test

Jimmy Webster (hand) test

Nathan Wright (concussion) available

ON THE BLOCK: Plenty of players will be nervous after a couple of forgettable weeks before the Saints bye. Jack Sinclair and Darren Minchington are yet to cement their spots.

ON THE CUSP: Close watch on Nick Riewoldt’s knee. He faces a fitness test later in the week to see if he has recovered from bone bruising. Jimmy Webster also faces a test on a broken hand and Tom Hickey has also been cleared to return from a knee injury.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The bye came at a good time for the Saints. A trip to Adelaide to didn’t. But the Crows don’t look as unbeatable as they did earlier in the year and Alan Richardson would have been taking a lot of notes as Geelong dismantled Adelaide’s attack on Friday night. After Adelaide the Saints face North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Fremantle in a trio of winnable matches.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Harry Cunningham (foot) 6 weeks

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) test

Sam Naismith (knee) test

Daniel Robinson (fractured jaw) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The extra week’s rest should ensure Jake Lloyd and Sam Reid are sufficiently recovered from concussion. Youngsters Ollie Florent and Will Hayward have shown glimpses but might need a week in the NEAFL to build back up to AFL match fitness. Pressure will also come on the Swans ruck pairing of Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair.

ON THE CUSP: Annoyingly for the Swans’ fringe players, the NEAFL team also had the bye this week. The week before, Aliir Aliir was swung forward with positive results as he kicked three goals. Shaun Edwards returned from injury and impressed with two goals while Michael Talia and Jeremy Laidler are battling for a spot in the Swans’ defence. Kieren Jack is also a chance to return after missing the last six weeks with a hip injury. It is the same injury which prevented him from playing any pre-season matches.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: If ever there was a game to turn a season around with, it’s this Thursday for Sydney. Reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs at the SCG. The Swans’ home ground hasn’t been kind to them this season, losing four of five games and the Dogs have won their past two there to boot. However, after the disappointing loss to Hawthorn a fortnight ago, John Longmire has an extra week to focus his men for a shot at a premiership contender.

Kurt Tippett could be under the pump. Picture: Getty Images

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Josh Kennedy (calf) 2 weeks

Matthew Allen (foot) 4 weeks

Scott Lycett (shoulder) test

Nick Naitanui (knee) late 2017 season

Simon Tunbridge (knee) 3 weeks

Jake Waterman (foot) 6-7 weeks

Francis Watson (ankle) test

Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: No injuries from the trip to Metricon Stadium apart from a lot of bruised egos. Eric Mackenzie returned from the wilderness but had little impact and a host of others struggled including Jack Darling and Mark LeCras, who combined for one behind.

ON THE CUSP: The Eagles’ side in the WAFL East Perth plays on Monday with WA enjoying the Queen’s Birthday holiday a week earlier than their Victorian friends. Chris Masten and Malcolm Karpany will be hoping to reclaim their spots after being dropped for Round 11 and Scott Lycett and Sharrod Wellingham are close to a return.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: If the Eagles want footy pundits to take them seriously, they have a funny way of showing it. After Round 8 West Coast was third on the ladder after defeating the Western Bulldogs. Three straight losses since then — to Essendon, GWS and Gold Coast — have them teetering on the edge of the top eight with more question marks about their ability to travel and to win a close game when the chance was there to at least roll the dice in the final minute. After a week of soul-searching they host Geelong in Perth. Huge.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Matthew Boyd (shoulder) test

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 7-8 weeks

Patrick Lipinksi (collarbone) test

brad Lynch (hamstring) test

Bob Murphy (knee) 3-4 weeks

Josh Prudden (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Clay Smith (calf) 2-3 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Tim English had just one kick in his debut game against the Saints nine days ago, his position will depend on how the Dogs see their ruck mix. Bailey Williams was also quiet.

ON THE CUSP: Will Tom Liberatore come back in? He had 24 disposals and six tackles after being demoted to Footscray last weekend. The VFL side had a bye this week as well. Matthew Boyd is likely to be available but is no certainty to be picked. Interestingly, Luke Beveridge picked Will Minson for the equivalent game last season — does that mean a recall for Travis Cloke or Jack Redpath, or will he stick with the structure that beat the Saints.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dogs won’t have any fears about travelling to the SCG after beating the Swans there in the past two seasons — plus last year’s Grand Final and the replay in Round 2. Bevo’s men have quietly moved to the doorstep of the top four (one win behind Richmond but having played one fewer game), and can build their premiership defence with the Sydney clash followed by a trio of home games at Etihad Stadium (Melbourne, North Melbourne, West Coast).