AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 14

UPDATE: CHRIS Scott gives the latest on Joel Selwood’s concussion, scans are back on Dayne Beams’ shoulder and could Jesse Hogan return this week? See every club’s full injury list after Round 14.

Joel Selwood is helped from the field by trainers. Picture: Getty Images

ROUND 14 really did have it all.

There were tight finishes, amazing comebacks and Richmond even managed to hold onto a lead.

There were also plenty of injuries to come out of the weekend.

Joel Selwood faces a test to be able to play this week after being concussed in the opening seconds of Sunday’s win against Fremantle.

Meanwhile, Brisbane is hopeful Dayne Beams will be able to play again this year despite a serious shoulder injury.

See who’s hurt and who’s hot at your club in the lead up to Round 15.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Luke Brown (ankle) test

Ben Davis (foot) 3-4 weeks

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 7-9 weeks

MATCH REPORT: HAWKS SECOND-HALF BLITZ STUNS CROWS

ON THE BLOCK: There’s a few Crows on notice after the poor performance against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval when 17th stunned first. Andy Otten — so valuable to the Crows this season — had just six disposals, rookie-list promotion Jono Beech failed to back up his fine first game against St Kilda, Wayne Milera needs to win more of the ball and Jake Kelly is a week-by-week proposition in Adelaide’s best team. There also is an injury doubt over small defender Luke Brown (ankle).

ON THE CUSP: Depth is not a question for a largely injury-free Adelaide side, which has plenty of in-form players in the SANFL who are knocking on the door for an AFL recall. Tall forward Mitch McGovern has had two games back in the State League competition after missing two months with a torn hamstring tendon and should replace Otten. Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson is inching closer to his first AFL game of the year after a standout 33-disposal, 10-clearance, two-goal effort in the 36-point win against Central District while Paul Seedsman, Riley Knight and David Mackay also had big SANFL games. Former Magpie Seedsman had had two games back after missing the first half of the season with groin soreness and defender Kyle Cheney has done enough in the local competition to press his claims.

ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Coach Don Pyke flagged there would be changes after the loss to Hawthorn. How many will depend on whether Brown recovers from an ankle injury suffered against the Hawks. McGovern is almost certain to return while Knight and Thompson are next in line in the pack of chasers.

Mitch McGovern is in the mix to return for Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Dayne Beams (shoulder) 3-4 weeks

Tom Bell (ankle) season

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Ryan Harwood (foot) TBC

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS TAME LIONS FROM THE TOP

ON THE BLOCK: Scans revealed a scanned AJ joint for Dayne Beams. Tom Bell cannot be considered after suffering multiple leg fractures in the NEAFL which have ended his season.

ON THE CUSP: Chris Fagan would be reluctant to force too many changes from what was an encouraging display by his young side. And the players who let them down badly, Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich, have credits in the bank. It leaves the Lions’ searching for a midfielder. Ben Keays was best on ground in the NEAFL while Liam Dawson booted five goals. Josh Shache is likely to spend another week in the twos.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Chris Fagan insists they plan to win but the reality is the coach just wants four quarters of effort against Essendon and to see them continue to play the game the way he wants it played. He’d rather lose and build towards becoming a great side like GWS have done than play safe down the line football. The tactical side of the game is coming together for the Lions. Their defence is holding up well despite a lot of inside 50s and they have no trouble scoring from their limited opportunities. Turnovers in the middle of the ground, which restrict their own attacking entries and make life tough for their defenders, is their biggest weakness.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Daniel Gorringe (adductor) 1-2 weeks

Andrew Phillips (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (knee) 2 weeks

Liam Sumner (adductor) test

Tom Williamson (back) 1-2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: BLUES GO DOWN TO TIGERS

ON THE BLOCK: Some of Carlton’s outside midfielders and key ball users had a tough day against Richmond. Sam Petrevski-Seton (4 possessions), Billie Smedts (8) and Jarrod Pickett (6) failed to have much impact on a day when the Tigers’ ball-winners controlled the flow. Jed Lamb also faces a test in his recovery from concussion.

ON THE CUSP: Brendon Bolton wants an uplift on the tackling front against Adelaide. That means Simon White’s return to form in the VFL is timely. Rhys Palmer will also be in the mix. Both can be trusted to have an honest crack against the Crows.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Adelaide will be keen to return to the winner’s list after getting upset by Hawthorn. Expect Ed Curnow to get the job on Rory Sloane. Brendon Bolton wants a better tackling effort and more daring ball use. That’s where the focus will be at training this week.

Sam Petrevski-Seton was quiet at the weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Jamie Elliott (ankle) test

Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) TBC

Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 8-9 weeks

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Travis Varcoe (hamstring) test

Daniel Wells (calf) 1-2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: FINALS A LONG WAY OFF FOR MAGPIES

ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Buckley hinted there would be changes ahead of the clash with Hawthorn, particularly with the forward set-up. Ben Crocker has kicked a goal in each of his three games this year, but needs to do more to keep his place. James Aish has made a courageous comeback from injury but must start getting his hands on the ball more often. Callum Brown has a big future and with more game time will continue to get better for his experiences.

ON THE CUSP: Jamie Elliott is more unlikely than likely for this week, but Travis Varcoe remains a chance to return. Mason Cox will once more come under strong consideration after kicking six goals in a strong best afield performance for the VFL side on Saturday. He combined well with Chris Mayne (five goals) and Kayle Kirby (three goals), along with backman-turned-forward Lachlan Keeffe (two goals). Matt Scharenberg could be back in the seniors next week after a good VFL effort.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Saturday’s loss to Port Adelaide was disappointing after what had been a solid six weeks. At no stage of the game were they seriously in the contest, with Buckley admitting they appeared to be “bullied” by the bigger and stronger Power outfit. The forward line was ineffectual and needs some restructuring. Darcy Moore needs some assistance up there, and this might mean Ben Reid has to spend more time in attack than defence. The team’s overall use of the ball is still a concern, and that doesn’t help the forward entry. The Magpies need a big win against Hawthorn next Sunday to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Patrick Ambrose (quad) 3-4 weeks

Mitch Brown (ankle) test

Cale Hooker (finger) test

Jayden Laverde (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Darcy Parish (calf) test

MATCH REPORT: SWANS’ EPIC COMEBACK STUNS BOMBERS

ON THE BLOCK: His form has been ultra-impressive and he is second favourite to win the Rising Star but could Andrew McGrath do with a break? The Bombers have already rested McGrath once this season, after six games. He has played another six since then and it could be something senior coach John Worsfold looks at. Friday night wasn’t one to remember for Shaun McKernan. He is under pressure to keep his spot.

ON THE CUSP: Darcy Parish was a standout for the Bombers in the VFL. The young midfielder booted a goal and was named best on ground. Mitch Brown was also impressive while David Myers pushed his case for a senior recall with a strong performance. Of the other big names in the VFL, Matthew Leuenberger, Craig Bird and Brent Stanton were quiet.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: On paper, this week should be pretty easy for the Bombers who will take on the struggling Lions at Etihad Stadium. The only possible curveball could be how the club responds to such a disappointing finish against the Swans. As long as the players can move on quickly, then this is an ideal chance to grab a percentage boost and move a step closer to finals.

Darcy Parish was outstanding in the VFL at the weekend. Picture: David Smith

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Harley Bennell (calf) 2-3 weeks

Nat Fyfe (bruised sternum) test

Brady Grey (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Zac Clarke (knee) TBC

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) test

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC

Jon Griffin (calf) TBC

Alex Pearce (leg) TBC

MATCH REPORT: WITH SELWOOD GONE, DANGER STEPS UP

ON THE BLOCK: The Dockers were one straight kick from Michael Walters away from securing their best win of the year. It will be tough to drop anyone from the side that played so well against the Cats on Sunday but with at least one big name coming back, someone will miss. Shane Kersten has had two very quiet weeks and Tom Sheridan looks out of form. Will Ross Lyon persist with Luke Ryan?

ON THE CUSP: As far as big inclusions go, Fremantle could be set for two massive ones this week. As long as they are fit, expect to see Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands back for the Dockers. Ed Langdon is also in the mix to return after recovering from a knee injury.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: After a horror run of form before their bye, the Dockers showed they are still more than capable of causing some upsets in the run towards the finals. They get the chance to claim another scalp this week against St Kilda. If Fremantle holds any hope of being around in September, the Dockers must win this match.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) test

Josh Cowan (achilles) season

Jordan Cunico (ankle) TBC

Cory Gregson (foot) season

Lachie Henderson (groin) test

Darcy Lang (shin) test

Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 4-6 weeks

Quinton Narkle (knee) season

Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Tom Ruggles (collarbone) 4-6 weeks

Joel Selwood (concussion) test

Scott Selwood (hamstring) test

Zac Smith (illness) test

Tom Stewart (eye socket) TBC

MATCH REPORT: WITH SELWOOD GONE, DANGER STEPS UP

ON THE BLOCK: Will Joel Selwood get up? That is the big question after the weekend. Selwood was concussed in the opening seconds of Sunday’s win against Fremantle and spent the rest of the match on the bench. Chris Scott said on AFL360 on Monday night the Cats will wait until Friday or possibly game day to make a final call. Given everything we know about Selwood and everything we have watched him do over his career, it would be a brave punter who counts against him. Tom Stewart is unlikely to play after a head knock.

ON THE CUSP: It is time for the Buzza to be introduced? Wylie Buzza was very close for the Cats last week and again performed well in the VFL. Chris Scott said earlier this year Buzza was edging closer to a senior debut.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Sometimes there is nothing better than winning ugly to kick start a run of good form. That theory is about to tested with the Cats taking on the top of the table Giants this week. After what we watched on Sunday, it should be an easy win for the Giants. However, all season Geelong has played better against tougher opposition. Will that trend continue?

Joel Selwood is helped by trainers on Sunday. Picture: AAP Images

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Gary Ablett (calf) test

Michael Barlow (leg) season

Sam Day (hip) season

Jarrad Grant (groin) 1 week

Aaron Hall (hamstring) 1 week

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) test

Brandon Matera (foot) TBC

MATCH REPORT: LUCKY INJURED GAZ MISSED THIS

ON THE BLOCK: Pearce Hanley’s dodgy hammie will be the Suns’ biggest concern this week. He claims he hasn’t pulled it, but he was tight and a flight back and short turnaround (the Suns couldn’t get back till Monday afternoon) won’t help. Touk Miller also had a corkie in his calf but is expected to be fine. It is hard to single individuals out from that performance. The Suns didn’t fail to turn up nor did they quit, they were just a step behind the Saints in class with ball in hand. Their turnovers were the difference.

ON THE CUSP: Elevated rookie Darcy McPherson would be first in line. He fumbled a few marks and gave the ball back a couple of times in his first game.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: It is now the most critical game in Suns’ history. And the attention will multiply if Gaz plays his 300th. The Suns’ history in big occasions is terrible. Their best wins have always been against the odds upsets. They have the talent to beat the Kangaroos and the pace to worry them. It will be all about effort and attitude.

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 4 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 9 weeks

Jacob Hopper (finger) 3 weeks

Josh Kelly (hip) test

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Devon Smith (knee) test

Jake Stein (groin) test

Tim Taranto (shin) 8-10 weeks

Lachlan Tiziani (knee) 2-3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS TAME LIONS FROM THE TOP

ON THE BLOCK: Matthew Kennedy is the most likely to lose his spot to Kelly after Sam Reid and Matt deBoer both did outstanding defensive jobs on Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich respectively. Daniel Lloyd’s spot is also in jeopardy if Cameron decides to bring Lobb back as well.

ON THE CUSP: Josh Kelly should be back for Saturday’s match of the round against Geelong. Not surprisingly the Giants were conservative with their young superstar after he hurt his hip at training. Leon Cameron says he expects Kelly to play. Rory Lobb had his first match in a month in the NEAFL after a hip injury and is likely to return. Harry Perryman made a successful return through the NEAFL after an ankle injury.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants will need all hands on deck as they take on third place Geelong at Spotless Stadium on Saturday. Something bad would need to happen to Josh Kelly for him to miss and Rory Lobb is clearly in the Giants best 22 and will return if he gets through training this week.

Will Josh Kelly return for GWS this week? Picture: Phil Hillyard

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) indefinite

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (turf toe) 2-4 weeks

Josh Gibson (groin) test 2-4 weeks

Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 2-4 weeks

Cyril Rioli (knee) 3-5 weeks

Ben Stratton (knee) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: HAWKS SECOND-HALF BLITZ STUNS CROWS

ON THE BLOCK: No fresh injuries and any Hawk would be stiff to get dropped after toppling the Crows. Luke Breust and Jack Gunston were both quiet, scoring two behinds between them.

ON THE CUSP: If the Hawks are looking for more goalkicking power, look no further than Ty Vickery, who booted four goals for Box Hill. James Cousins, Kade Stewart and Brendan Whitecross were all named in the best.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Collingwood still considers itself a finals hope and the Hawks are level on points with the Pies — and face them on Sunday in what shapes as a season-defining game for both clubs. Last time they met — just six weeks ago — was one of the most remarkable games of the season, with the Hawks flying out to a 43-point lead before being mowed down. Let’s hope the sequel is better than the original. A poor percentage makes a top eight appearance extremely unlikely — although this year, who can tell? — but a win will just about be curtains for the Pies’ September dreams.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite

Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) 4 weeks

Colin Garland (knee) season

Jeff Garlett (hamstring) test

Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) test

Nathan Jones (quad) 4-5 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Christian Salem (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

Jack Watts (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: MIXED NEWS FOR BRUISED, BATTERED DEES

ON THE BLOCK: After a performance like that, why would Simon Goodwin want to make any changes? At least one will be forced though with Christian Salem set to miss with a hamstring injury. Jeff Garlett was very quiet and may have been a little sore going into the match. With a light week on the track he should be all right for this round.

ON THE CUSP: Will Jack Watts be ready to return? Watts left the Demons’ final training session of the week with a hamstring injury and will need to prove his fitness before he is selected by Simon Goodwin. An even better good news story would be the return of Jesse Hogan — the Dees say he has been impressing on the track and is a “sneaky chance”. Ben Kennedy was named best on ground in the VFL while forward Sam Weideman booted six goals. Jay Kennedy-Harris and Jack Trengove were also impressive.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Demons are coming back from Perth on the back of a six day break and will be without Jesse Hogan, Nathan Jones and likely Jack Watts. But after what we watched at the weekend, would anyone be surprised if they pulled out another huge win against Sydney? If they can slow Lance Franklin down then anything is possible.

Christian Salem will be out of action for a number of weeks. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Sam Durdin (concussion) test

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) test

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) TBC

Jy Simpkin (AC joint) 1-2 weeks

Kayne Turner (knee) 5 weeks

Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) TBC

Declan Watson (ankle) test

Jack Ziebell (shoulder) test

MATCH REPORT: UMPS HELP DOGS GET OUT OF JAIL

ON THE BLOCK: Andrew Swallow was excellent in his first game back, while Majak Daw gave a bit and Jamie Macmillan was solid on their returns. In fact, it’s a bit hard to find negatives in a positive team performance, but Ryan Clarke was quiet and Marley Williams has had better games.

ON THE CUSP: Braydon Preuss must have a sore arm because his hand has been up for a while. Had another excellent game in the VFL loss to Footscray.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Another one for “brave in defeat” dossier, but this was an improvement on recent weeks. Coulda, shoulda, woulda, but they were incredibly unlucky and deserve praise for repeatedly getting up off the canvas. Gold Coast is very winnable.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Karl Amon (knee) test

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) test

Aidyn Johnson (AC joint) TBC

Angus Monfries (calf) test

Jared Polec (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: GRAY TURNS ON MASTERCLASS

ON THE BLOCK: Aaron Young has failed to recapture the form he carried through last year and risks being dropped. Jake Neade always adds to the highlight reel with a ferocious tackle or a nice goal but the question is whether he has convinced the selection committee on his consistency.

ON THE CUSP: Wingman Jared Polec had been pushing hard to make it for the Collingwood and is close to a certainty to return for the Power’s match against Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, and Matthew Broadbent will probably have recovered from a sprained ankle. Karl Amon could return from knee injury but is likely to need another week.

JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: The bookmakers have installed Port Adelaide as firm favourites, and with good reason. The early odds of $1.30 and $3.50 respectively are there because the Power is playing well again. It’s best asset is not the exciting dash and direct attack, but the fact that they keep restricting opposition sides to scores that are unlikely to be winning ones.

Jared Polec could be back for Port Adelaide this week. Picture: Getty Images

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Reece Conca (foot) indefinite

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

Todd Elton (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Ben Lennon (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Callum Moore (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Steve Morris (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

MATCH REPORT: DUSTY LIFTS TIGERS, BUT ISSUES ARISE

ON THE BLOCK: Richmond’s small forward line has been struggling a little in recent weeks and may be in line for some tweaking. Rebounding defender Bachar Houli will come under scrutiny from the Match Review Panel after his high hit on Carlton’s Jed Lamb.

ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Anthony Miles — who was an emergency for the match with Carlton — continued a strong run of form in the VFL, best afield in the Tigers’ 84-point thumping of Northern Blues. Jacob Townsend and Taylor Hunt were also impressive while Nick Vlastuin made his return to the field from a shoulder injury.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: A tough slog against Carlton but the Tigers finished strongly to collect the four points. The Tigers meet fourth-placed Port Adelaide on Saturday night. Houli looks set to receive weeks from the Match Review Panel, which would make for at least one change to a side that has gone in unchanged the past two games. Richmond’s last trip to Adelaide Oval in Round 6 was not pretty, a 76-point loss to Adelaide the result. Coach Damien Hardwick will be hoping his side can put in a better performance against the Power, who beat the Tigers in both matches between the sides last year.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (groin) 2-3 weeks

Nick Coughlan (hamstring) TBC

Hugh Goddard (foot) season

Paddy McCartin (concussion) 1-2 weeks

Daniel McKenzie (leg) TBC

Darren Minchintgon (ankle) test

Ed Phillips (ankle) test

Nathan Wright (concussion) test

MATCH REPORT: LUCKY INJURED GAZ MISSED THIS

ON THE BLOCK: A win and no fresh injuries from Etihad Stadium yesterday. Blake Acres struggled to get into the game but the Saints went in unchanged against the Suns and could do the same this week.

ON THE CUSP: Not great news from the VFL apart from the form of Jack Steele, who pushed his case for a recall with 36 disposals, eight tackles and a goal. Key forward Paddy McCartin was out of the game before quarter-time with another head knock and has been ruled out of any footy this week, while Darren Minchington and Dan McKenzie also joined the casualty list in a 25-point loss to Coburg.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: How good are the Saints? It’s a question no one seems to have an answer to despite the club sitting in the top eight after 14 rounds. The past two weeks have produced solid wins without blowing anyone away, righting the ship after three straight losses. Now it gets interesting with six consecutive matches against teams placed 4th-12th, starting with Fremantle in Perth, where the Saints haven’t won since 2011.

Paddy McCartin suffered another head knock at the weekend. Picture: Getty Images

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Kurt Tippett (ankle) test

Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season

Harry Cunningham (foot) 1 week

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) test

Daniel Robinson (fractured jaw) test

MATCH REPORT: SWANS’ EPIC COMEBACK STUNS BOMBERS

ON THE BLOCK: Kurt Tippett missed last week with an ankle injury but will come into consideration if he can train well this week. Jarrad McVeigh made his return from a calf injury in the NEAFL and moved well kicking two goals. Jordan Dawson continued his good form in the reserves with two goals and 23 possessions.

ON THE CUSP: Callum Sinclair is the one who will be under pressure should John Longmire decide to bring Kurt Tippett back. Dean Towers was quiet against the Bombers and made some mistakes with the ball in hand.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Friday night’s match with Melbourne shapes as a huge clash. After missing last week with an ankle injury Tippett is unlikely to be recalled leaving Sinclair to hold his spot. Jordan Dawson was quiet in his debut against Collingwood in round three but has outstanding form in the reserves and is worth another go.

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Matthew Allen (foot) season

Josh Kennedy (calf) test

Jackson Nelson (hamstring) TBC

Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite

Willie Rioli (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Daniel Venables (toe) 2 weeks

Jake Waterman (foot) 4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: MIXED NEWS FOR BRUISED, BATTERED DEES

ON THE BLOCK: How will Adam Simpson react to Saturday night’s meltdown against the Demons? Jack Darling has kicked two goals in three weeks but will likely keep his spot. Veteran Will Schofield looks out of form and could be sent back to the WAFL. Jamie Cripps is also out of form while Thomas Cole had limited impact against the Demons.

ON THE CUSP: Boy oh boy do the Eagles need Josh Kennedy back. He is going to be touch and go for this week as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Jack Redden could be looked at for a senior recall. He hasn’t played since Round 9. Chris Masten and Sharrod Wellingham were both impressive for East Perth in the WAFL. Masten had 33 touches while Wellingham had 21.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: How big is this week for the Eagles? They take on the Western Bulldogs in a battle between seventh and eighth. A loss and they could be out of the eight. For a side that was in contention for the top four not long ago, that is a huge blow. However, with a win anything is possible moving forward. The Dogs are hardly in standout form themselves, just getting over North Melbourne on Saturday night.

Chris Masten has pushed his case for a senior recall. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (foot) 10-11 weeks

Tom Boyd (Calf) test

Travis Cloke (mental health) indefinite

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 6-7 weeks

Fergus Greene (wrist) 5-6 weeks

Lin Jong (knee) season

Robert Murphy (hamstring) test

Liam Picken (knee) test

Roarke Smith (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: UMPS HELP DOGS GET OUT OF JAIL

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see Luke Beveridge tinkering too heavily with the winning line-up that — until late in the last term — was all over the Roos. Tom Liberatore was quiet as he continues to work his way back into senior football but proved handy, while the team’s big men inclusions Jack Redpath and Tom Campbell starred. Liam Picken’s knee injury will be assessed after initial diagnosis of a medial ligament strain.

ON THE CUSP: Veteran Matthew Boyd continued to stake his claim for a recall with a game-high 31 disposals in the VFL. Premiership forward Clay Smith also performed strongly at the contest, racking up 11 tackles for the game. Tom Boyd remains out with a calf but shouldn’t be too far away.

LAUREN WOOD ’S FORECAST: It was a win the Bulldogs needed after a “trying” few weeks — as Beveridge put it — and he wasn’t going to complain as his men staved off the late-coming Roos. A great opportunity to consolidate and maintain their spot inside the top eight against the Eagles next week as they look to atone for the narrow loss suffered in Perth earlier in the season. Jake Stringer and Marcus Bontempelli were firing against the Roos and prove a scary combination.