AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 12

UPDATE: THREE Western Bulldogs premiership players could return from injury for the mini-final against Melbourne — and will the Dees risk Max Gawn? See who’s hurt at your club.

Marcus Adams is consoled by teammates after injuring his foot during the Western Bulldogs’ loss to Sydney. Picture: Getty Images

THE Western Bulldogs could be boosted by the return of Dale Morris and Tom Boyd against Melbourne on Sunday.

Morris suffered an ankle injury against St Kilda in Round 10 while Boyd missed last Thursdsay’s loss to Sydney with a back injury.

“Tom had a back spasm in the days leading up to the Sydney game,” Bulldogs’ head Physiotherapist Chris Bell said. “Since the weekend Tom has continued to make improvements with his back pain and we’ll monitor him over the next couple of days to make a decision on his availability.”

He said Morris will have to get through training this week to prove his fitness.

“We’re putting Dale through a process, he’s completed some modified training already and if he completes that training session on Thursday he’ll come back in line to availability this week.”

Clay Smith could also return from a calf injury but skipper Bob Murphy is 2-3 weeks away.

Defender Marcus Adams has avoided surgery after hurting his foot against the Swans but will miss at least eight weeks.

Scroll down to see our experts’ take on every team’s playing stocks after Round 12

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Luke Brown (fractured cheekbone) 3 weeks

Ben Davis (foot) season

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 10 weeks

MATCH REPORT: CROWS DISMANTLE HAPLESS SAINTS

ON THE BLOCK: Half-forward Riley Knight would be on edge as Adelaide works a refit of its attack to reintroduce tall forward Mitch McGovern for the Round 13 clash with Hawthorn in Thursday night football at Adelaide Oval. This change also brings into question where Adelaide places the comeback man, utility Andy Otten who has been a successful part of the Crows attack.

ON THE CUSP: Tall forward Mitch McGovern is ready to return after making a successful comeback in the SANFL from a serious hamstring tear. Midfielder Paul Seedsman also is off the injury list after being troubled by a groin complaint.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Adelaide enters the break at 9-3 — and a certainty to play finals for the third consecutive season. A top-four finish beckons for the first time since 2012. Big challenge for the Crows coaches in the break is finding a solution to club champion Rory Sloane being heavily tagged.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

MATCH REPORT: LIONS HAND DOCKERS BRUTAL REALITY CHECK

ON THE BLOCK: After recording just their second victory of the year over Fremantle you would imagine only a training injury would see a change to the Lions’ side for the trip to Adelaide. Every player bar Eric Hipwood collected double figure disposals and the big forward batted hard and should be safe.

ON THE CUSP: Brisbane’s best performers in their NEAFL victory over the Suns on Sunday were the likes of Josh Walker and Tom Bell, who are unlikely to earn a senior recall soon. Claye Beams and Liam Dawson were also good and would press for selection if there was an injury.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Chris Fagan has spoken about small wins all season. On Saturday they got a big one, almost reversing the score line from their thrashing by Fremantle last year. However, their match against Port Adelaide in Round 6 was one of their worst of the season. And the Power belted them twice last year. A win might be beyond Fagan but he will want to see the Lions give a more competitive effort.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (leg) 3-4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: IS THIS THE BLUES’ BEST WIN UNDER BOLTON?

ON THE BLOCK: Alex Silvagni has suffered bone bruising on his left knee and will miss a month. He’s been great since getting the call-up to the senior team.

ON THE CUSP: The Northern Blues have won six-straight games in the VFL and have a bunch of AFL-listed players performing solidly, including Sam Kerridge, Nick Graham and ruckman Andrew Phillips. Speedster Ciaran Byrne has also made a welcome back in the twos from a knee injury.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Blues will be riding high after chalking up the best win under Brendan Bolton with a stunning upset over GWS on Sunday. Beating the Suns up north is still a tough proposition but if the Blues can replicate the same defensive gridlock that choked the Giants they can make it two-in-a-row. Why not, Bolton will say.

Alex Silvagni wrestles with Jeremy Cameron before his injury. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Jamie Elliott (ankle) 1-3 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 6 weeks

Ben Reid (quad) 1 week

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 3 weeks

Travis Varcoe (hamstring) 1 week

Daniel Wells (calf) 4-5 weeks

Jesse White (hamstring) test

Rupert Wills (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: Lynden Dunn was very sore after backing in front of a charging Mitch Hannan in the last quarter on Monday, but he has an extra week to recover. Josh Smith had a stinker and Tom Langdon was rusty in his return from injury.

ON THE CUSP: With two weeks until their next game the Pies will be hoping the likes of Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid and Travis Varcoe are part of the selection discussion against Port Adelaide. Jarryd Blair (39 disposals), Chris Mayne (four goals), Jackson Ramsay (28 disposals) and Mason Cox (2 goals) were the standouts in the VFL.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Will they make the eight? Are they good enough to play finals? The Pies seem destined to tease us all the way to Round 23. Did just about everything right against the Demons — even kicking straight — but couldn’t hold on for what would have been a fourth straight win. The Pies have a bye to regroup before hosting Port then face a rematch against the Hawks and another blockbuster MCG clash against Essendon — get your tickets now.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Darcy Parish (calf) test

Patrick Ambrose (quad) 6 weeks

Mitch Brown (ankle) test

Jayden Laverde (ankle) 2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: PORT’S TOP FOUR HOPES PEAR SHAPED

ON THE BLOCK: Tough to change a side after a 70-point win that had so many contributors. With no injuries, Bombers coach John Worsfold has a bit to ponder over the bye week as he considers whether to tinker with a winning formula.

ON THE CUSP: Darcy Parish is expected to return having missed the win over Port Adelaide due to a calf issue. An extra week off for the bye should do him good and he should be back against the Swans, as should Mitch Brown after the ankle injury that has kept him out since Round 6. Shaun McKernan and Matt Dea also performed strongly in the VFL, but finding a spot for anyone will be tough after the performance delivered against the Power.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: It was everything the Bombers would have wanted it to be against the Power as they dominated with speedy and slick play from siren to siren. The challenge now is to maintain it. If they can, it’s a scary prospect as they face a run home that features just two games against top eight teams. There’s an opportunity there — it’s now up to Essendon to take it.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) test

Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) test

Bray Grey (hamstring) TBC

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Zack Clarke (knee) TBC

Ed Langdon (knee) TBC

Harley Balic (personal leave) indefinite

Harley Bennell (calf) 3-4 weeks

Alex Pearce (leg) TBC

MATCH REPORT: LIONS HAND DOCKERS BRUTAL REALITY CHECK

ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Jon Griffen should make way Aaron Sandilands. Tall forwards Cam McCarthy, Shane Kerstan and Brennan Cox had little impact in the wet conditions, combining for one goal and 16 disposals. Of the trio, Kerstan looks most in danger. Brady Grey will miss with a hamstring injury.

ON THE CUSP: Ross Lyon will be desperate to get Sandilands back after the Lions won 18 more clearances on Saturday, and Hayden Ballantyne to provide a spark in attack. Tom Sheridan could earn a recall after a best-on-ground 29 disposal performance for Peel Thunder last week.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: How was Freo even in the top eight? For three straight weeks, no less. Thankfully the Dockers are out and won’t be coming back. The performance against Brisbane was worse than the 100-point belting they copped from Adelaide.

Docker ruckman Aaron Sandilands missed another game. Picture: Getty Images

GEELONG

INJURIES

Jed Bews (ankle) TBC

Timm House (collarbone) 6-8 weeks

Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 3-5 weeks

Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

Josh Cowan (achilles) 1-2 weeks

Cory Gregson (foot) 8-10 weeks

Tom Hawkins (suspension) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: DANGER: I’LL MISS GAME FOR BIRTH OF CHILD

ON THE BLOCK: James Parsons has been a regular when available from early in the season, but is his defensive pressure enough? The Cats would like him to find more of the footy. Jake Kolodjashnij didn’t have his best night against the Crows and has some pressure from the lower ranks. Tom Hawkins (suspension) will miss.

ON THE CUSP: The Cats must find a replacement for Tomahawk. Could the man with one of the best names in footy come in? Wylie Buzza continues to impress in attack in the VFL and is an option, as is forgotten big man Rhys Stanley and Aaron Black. Defender Tom Ruggles has been pushing for promotion, while George Horlin-Smith is always in the mix.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Geelong has been pretty bold at the selection table this year. Reckon Buzza may get a chance to strut his stuff in the west. The 2017 season is panning out eerily similar to last year. The Pies knock Cats for a six, Cats regroup at home ... but what next? Back on the road, Thursday night will be a stern test against an Eagles side who must win if they’re to play finals.

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Sam Day (hip) season

Jarrod Harbrow (suspension) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: ABLETT MASTERCLASS ENDS HAWKS’ HOPES

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to think ‘Rocket’ Eade will make too many changes to a team that beat the Hawks for a second time in 2017 - this time on their own turf. Youngsters Jesse Joyce, Mackenzie Willis and Jack Leslie have done some nice things but aren’t getting a heap of the footy. They could be vulnerable if the coach wants to mix it up.

ON THE CUSP: Touk Miller was a late withdrawal against the Hawks with illness. His re-insertion will bolster the Suns’ run. Will brodie played a couple of games in the seniors before a demotion. He responded in style as Gold Coast’s NEAFL team narrowly went down. Mitch Hallahan was also good.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: What to make of the Suns? Not many are talking about them but, with five wins, they’re just a game behind the fifth-placed Power. Can they play finals? More improvement is needed but Saturday night’s clash at Metricon against the emerging Blues will give the rest of the competition plenty of insight into where they sit. Win the Round 13 clash and many will start to take notice.

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 7-8 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 12 weeks

Nick Haynes (hamstring) 2 weeks

Jacob Hopper (finger) 2 weeks

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Rory Lobb (groin) test

Will Setterfield (ankle) 2 weeks

Devon Smith (knee) 3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: IS THIS THE BLUES’ BEST WIN UNDER BOLTON?

ON THE BLOCK: Youngsters Harry Perryman and Harry Himmelberg will come under pressure to hold their spots as will Jonathon Patton from Rory Lobb. Number two draft pick Tim Taranto is also starting to look tired in his debut season and may be rested.

ON THE CUSP: The cavalry will start to arrive after the bye for the injury plagued Giants

Leon Cameron has signalled the return of as many as three players from injury for the trip to take on Brisbane at the Gabba. Nick Haynes has recovered from his hamstring injury, Rory Lobb a groin problem and Jacob Hopper a finger operation.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The loss to the 17th placed Carlton won’t go unpunished with Leon Cameron set to wield the axe after the bye. He will have some quality players available including Lobb, Haynes and Hopper. No.5 pick Will Setterfield is close to a return as well and should see senior football in the back end of the season. Brett Deledio’s first game as a Giant looks as far away as ever after another setback to his calf injury.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Luke Hodge (groin) test

Josh Gibson (groin) test

Isaac Smith (hip) test

Jonathon Ceglar (knee) indefinite

Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) Indefinite

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (toe) 4-5 weeks

Cyril Rioli (knee) 5-7 weeks

Ben Stratton (knee) 2 weeks

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

MATCH REPORT: ABLETT MASTERCLASS ENDS HAWKS’ HOPES

ON THE BLOCK: Josh Gibson will be assessed after he sat out the last quarter against the Suns with a groin injury. Depending on how serious it is, the bye break has come at the right time for him. Kade Stewart only had five disposals, which included two stat-less quarters, and Kaiden Brand didn’t do much, apart from conceding a vital 50m penalty late in the game. Paul Puopolo didn’t kick a goal.

ON THE CUSP: Luke Hodge and Luke Breust were late withdrawals and should be back after the bye week, along with defender Grant Birchall.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The lack of experience hurt proved telling against Gold Coast, but the potential return of a premiership trio is unlikely to save them against Adelaide in the toughest away trip this season.

Luke Hodge was a late withdrawal against the Suns. Picture: Phil Hillyard

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite

Lochie Filipovic (hip) 2 weeks

Colin Garland (knee) season

Max Gawn (hamstring) test

Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) 4-6 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 6-8 weeks

Joel Smith (shoulder) 2 weeks

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Watts had some back spasms during Monday’s win against Collingwood but they didn’t stop him kicking the sealing goal. Oscar McDonald played out the game after copping a knock to his hip. Unusually quiet game from Jordan Lewis (14 disposals) but expect him to bounce back against the Dogs.

ON THE CUSP: Max Gawn is the big name up for debate at selection. He’s almost ready to rock after recovering from a serious hamstring injury — but will the Dees rush him straight back into the seniors? “Maxy’s been doing some really good training and he’s probably got a couple more boxes to tick this week,” elite performance manager Dave Misson told the Dees website. We’ll make a decision later in the week as to whether he plays this week, next week or the week after.” Jake Spencer got through his first game back from injury with Casey Scorpions on Saturday and Sam Weideman kicked two goals.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Is it too early for a mini final? The 6-5 Demons meet the 6-5 Dogs on Sunday in a game that will go a long way to determining the September fortunes of both teams. The Dees’ best is good enough but can they sustain it for long enough? The return of Gawn would be massive against the undermanned Dogs ruck division.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) 2 weeks

Sam Wright (ankle/foot) 2-3 weeks

Corey Wagner (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Ben McKay (hip/groin) 2 weeks

Jy Simpkin (AC joint) 2-3 weeks

Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) 6-8 weeks

Oscar Junker (tibia) TBC

Paul Ahern (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: SEASON REVIEW: KANGAROOS DOWN BUT NOT OUT

ON THE BLOCK: Kayne Turner was quiet against Richmond, but Taylor Garner looks like his over his foot injury from that game. Scans have revealed Ed Vickers-Willis suffered a PCL injury against Richmond and he’ll be in a brace for the next three weeks. “No surgical intervention is needed but we anticipate a stint on the sidelines of between six to eight weeks,” Kangaroos senior performance consultant Steve Saunders told the club website.

ON THE CUSP: VFL team Werribee had the bye as week but Andrew Swallow (30 disposals) and key defender Sam Durdin were among the better performers the week before.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The Roos challenged Richmond for a half before falling away last week. If they bring that first-half effort against St Kilda this week, there could still be a small glimmer of hope for finals.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Karl Amon (knee) 3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: PORT’S TOP FOUR HOPES PEAR SHAPED

ON THE BLOCK: Hamish Hartlett had treatment on his hamstring but played out the match. Charlie Dixon was allowed little influence by Michael Hartley but can’t see the key forward being in danger this week, while Jack Hombsch managed just seven disposals.

ON THE CUSP: Aaron Young starred in the SANFL, booting five goals and gathering 36 disposals in a huge Port Adelaide win. The 20-goal win was soured somewhat by a calf injury to Angus Monfries, with the forward to have scans this week.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: It wasn’t pretty for the Power as they were well and truly rolled by Essendon on Saturday night. Ken Hinkley’s men were completely shut out of the game and will be looking at exactly how they allowed it to happen. Charlie Dixon will be looking to bounce back after he was held goalless for the first time this season, and being back on home deck at Adelaide Oval this week will be handy. The Power have won five of their last six meetings with Brisbane and while the Lions are running hot after their win over Fremantle, expect Port Adelaide to extend its good record this week.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Reece Conca (foot) indefinite

Todd Elton (shoulder) TBC

Callum Moore (ankle) 4-5 weeks

Jack Graham (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: DIMMA: I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN SACKED

ON THE BLOCK: After the week off, the Tigers could go into Saturday’s clash against Sydney with an unchanged line-up. Shai Bolton and Jason Castagna didn’t touch the ball a lot in the win against North Melbourne but their forward pressure is hard to ignore.

ON THE CUSP: The VFL team also rested up but Anthony Miles starred the previous week 34 disposals and is getting leather poisoning the seconds. Ben Lennon’s four goals continues to put the pressure on selectors. Nick Vlaustin is ready to return from a shoulder injury.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The fourth-placed Tigers received a bonus after Port Adelaide’s shock loss to Essendon. Big game against Sydney on Saturday. If they’re the real deal, they win, and kill off the Swans’ finals hopes in the process.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Nick Riewoldt (knee) test

David Armitage (groin) 6-7 weeks

Ed Phillips (ankle) 3 weeks

Bailey Rice (ankle) test

Jake Carlisle (hamstring) test

Nathan Brown (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: CROWS DISMANTLE HAPLESS SAINTS

ON THE BLOCK: Forward Josh Bruce made the most of his recall with four goals which means Tim Membrey could be squeezed out if Nick Riewoldt returns. Key defenders Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle both hurt their hamstring, but Brown looks to be the worse of the two. Nathan Wright (eight disposals) was one many Saints passengers.

ON THE CUSP: Nick Riewoldt should return after missing an extra week. Nathan Freeman’s AFL debut has to soon after the injury-plagued midfielder collected 29 disposals in the eighth straight game in the VFL. Darren Minchington also impressed with 27 disposals and three goals.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: It’s also fallen apart for the Saints. They have lost three in a row to Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Adelaide by 50, 40 and 57 points and it could be curtains on their season if becomes four against North Melbourne on Saturday. After that comes games against Gold Coast and Fremantle, which could keep the finals flame flickering.

Nick Riewoldt could return this week. Picture: Michael Klein

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Harry Cunningham (foot) 3-4 weeks

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) test

Daniel Robinson (fractured jaw) 1-2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: SWANS STILL HAVE FINALS PULSE

ON THE BLOCK: Dean Towers was quiet in the win over the Western Bulldogs and could be replaced by any number of players from the NEAFL win over the Giants. Defender Lewis Melican was down on form and will come under pressure from Aliir to hold his spot for the crunch game against Richmond at the MCG.

ON THE CUSP: Kurt Tippett played well in the Swans 170-point hammering of the Giants reserves but is unlikely to force his way past Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair who both played well against the Western Bulldogs. Ollie Florent, Aliir Aliir, Gary Rohan and Jordan Foote all played well in the reserves as did left footer Jordan Dawson who looks very close to playing senior football again after making his debut against Collingwood in round three.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Dean Towers is likely to lose his spot to Jordan Dawson who was outstanding in the NEAFL kicking four goals and gathering 25 disposals and making 11 tackles. He looked a little overawed in his debut against the Magpies but will be better for the run. Aliir will get his chance to show his enormous talents on the open spaces of the MCG at the expense of Melican.

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Matthew Allen (foot) 1-2 weeks

Josh Kennedy (calf) 1-2 weeks

Nick Naitanui (knee) late 2017 season

Willie Rioli (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Simon Tunbridge (knee) 2-3 weeks

Jake Waterman (foot) 5-6 weeks

Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Eagles have had plenty of time to brood over their lacklustre performance against the Suns. The emotion would have subsided with week off but that shouldn’t stop Adam Simpson from swinging the selection axe. He needs Jack Darling and Mark LeCras to stand up after the pair kicked just one behind between them. Dropping Darling would be a huge statement, particularly with Josh Kennedy still injured, but Elliot Yeo is capable of taking charge of the attack after his three goals against Suns. Jamie Cripps and Mark Hutchings are also on shaky ground.

ON THE CUSP: Sharrod Wellingham had the extra week to get over his ankle injury and should return. East Perth had a bye in the WAFL but played the previous Monday and was led by Jack Redden’s game-high 29 disposals and two goals. Axed midfielder Chris Masten picked up 28 disposals and Scott Lycett made a successful return from a PCL reconstruction with 16 hitouts and 11 possessions.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: Three weeks ago the Eagles were third on the ladder certainties for the top eight, but they haven’t won since. They’re not the same team that beat Port Adelaide away in Round 7 and in their current form are vulnerable at home against an in-form Geelong this Thursday night.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (foot) TBC

Tom Boyd (back) test

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 7-8 weeks

Dale Morris (ankle) test

Bob Murphy (knee) 2-3 weeks

Josh Prudden (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: SWANS STILL HAVE FINALS PULSE

ON THE BLOCK: Travis Cloke didn’t kick a goal and had just eights disposals and Tim English hardly touched the ball again. There were plenty of Bulldogs who had off nights but Luke Beveridge will stick solid with most.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Boyd is a big chance of coming straight back into the team at the expense of Cloke, while Clay Smith is also available after recovering from a calf injury and Dale Morris will have a fitness test later this week. Ruckman Tom Campbell had 17 disposals and a goal, and Zaine Cordy kicked two crucial final-quarter goals in the VFL team’s narrow win. Lukas Webb had a team-high 23 disposals and is ahead of Tom Liberatore, who wasn’t named in the best, in the selection pecking order.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: A week ago the Bulldogs were sneaking up on the top four but they looked anything in last Thursday night’s smashing by the Swans. Next three weeks are crucial against Melbourne, Melbourne and West Coast but neither are gimme games.