AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 16

CARLTON takes a hit with some bad news on star Patrick Cripps as big names Gary Ablett, Josh Kennedy and Jeremy Howe look set to return. LATEST INJURY LIST

Dylan Grimes shows the battle scars of copping a hammering from Tim Membrey.

GARY Ablett, Josh Kennedy and Jeremy Howe are possible big-name inclusions this week as several stars sweat on the match review panel.

But all eyes will be on Carlton star Patrick Cripps as we await news on the kick to the calf that forced him to miss most of yesterday’s clash with Melbourne.

St Kilda forward Tim Membrey and Collingwood midfielder Levi Greenwood are set to cop bans, while Richmond captain Trent Cotchin will also come under scrutiny for his gut punch against the Saints.

WHO’S INJURED, WHO’S ON THE BLOCK AND WHO’S ON THE CUSP BELOW

Hugh Greenwood should walk straight back into the Crows’ side after a week’s rest. Picture: AAP

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Luke Brown (knee) test

Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Ben Davis (foot) 2 weeks

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 6-8 weeks

Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 6 weeks

Tom Lynch (viral meningitis) test

Reilly O’Brien (back) ongoing assessment

Harrison Wigg (hip) test

MATCH REPORT: CROWS BLITZ ‘SHELL-SHOCKED’ DOGS

ON THE BLOCK: Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson ended a 293-day absence from the AFL on Friday night but chalked up just 10 touches while appearing off the pace of the AFL today. He could survive to help midfielder Rory Sloane cope with the tagging expected from Melbourne in Darwin, but it seems a luxury. The match review panel has to assess captain Taylor Walker’s bump-and-shove of Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen into a goalpost at Adelaide Oval — an incident that should draw no more than a fine.

ON THE CUSP: Basketball convert Hugh Greenwood will return after being rested from the 59-point win against the Western Bulldogs. The Crows are getting more interested in looking at untried defender Tom Doedee, more so if Luke Brown needs to kept off the park to clear the bruising to a knee.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Adelaide plays a premiership match in the Northern Territory for the first time in this return bout with Melbourne, which shocked the Crows with a 41-point win at Adelaide Oval in May. The Crows should lock their third consecutive appearance in a top-eight AFL final series by scoring the 12th win of the season with a win against the Demons in Darwin.

The Lions will wait on Josh Walker’s leg injury. Picture: AAP

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Tom Bell (ankle) season

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Darcy Gardiner (elbow) TBC

Ryan Harwood (foot) TBC

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

Josh Walker (leg) TBC

MATCH REPORT: DANGEROUS CATS TOO GREAT FOR ZORKO

ON THE BLOCK: Josh Walker left the field midway through the first quarter of Saturday’s heavy loss to Geelong. After receiving treatment down in the rooms he attempted some run-throughs on the boundary before conceding his night was over. He faces a stint on the sidelines. Brisbane were poor against the Cats but have been competitive until then. Coach Chris Fagan said his side looked tired, especially some younger players. It will be interesting to see if he is prepared to give underperformers another chance. He has shown no fear changing his side around all season.

ON THE CUSP: Josh Schache kicked five goals and was best on ground in the NEAFL at the weekend. It is his second haul of five in the past three games. He looms as the obvious replacement for Walker. Ben Keays, Marco Paparone and Jarrad Jansen were also good players.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Lions head to Etihad Stadium to take on the Tigers. Richmond will be looking to bounce back after their shocking loss to St Kilda and will be the heavy favourites. But the venue no longer holds any fears for the Lions after knocking over Essendon in Rd 15 and they also have a point to prove. You would suspect Fagan gets a much improved effort out of his side and they can make a contest of it.

Patrick Cripps in the hands of trainers after being booted in the leg against the Dees on the weekend. Picture: AAP

CARLTON

INJURIES

Patrick Cripps (leg) season

Ed Curnow (bruised larynx) 3-4 weeks

Daniel Gorringe (adductor) test

Andrew Phillips (foot) season

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (knee) test

Tom Williamson (back) test

MATCH REPORT: GALLANT BLUES FALL SHORT AGAINST DIES

ON THE BLOCK: Patrick Cripps won’t be seen until 2018 after copping a kick to the calf, with scans later revealing a fractured fibula. Simon White will also need scans after injuring his knee in the loss. Brendon Bolton has been rotating his young players but it would be hard to drop anyone after that gutsy performance.

ON THE CUSP: Blaine Boekhorst was Northern Blues best in the loss to Port Melbourne with 36 disposals, while Tom Williamson and Alex Silvagni will face fitness tests as they near returns from back and knee injuries respectively. Harry McKay kicked a goal and had nine disposals in the VFL as he continues to be on the cusp of his AFL debut.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Another gallant defeat but the Blues would have walked away from the MCG on Sunday buoyed by its continued improvement and development. But the players and coaches are competitive beats and fans want wins so while there were positives the team would have been disappointed with another close loss. Carlton will fancy themselves against the out of form Bulldogs on Sunday at the MCG and would see an opportunity to get two more wins on the board by stringing with a clash against Brisbane at the Gabba the week after. There is plenty to like and get excited about.

Darcy Moore could be back for Collingwood after missing a week. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Darcy Moore (hamstring) test

Jeremy Howe (calf) test

Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 7 weeks

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 1 week

Daniel Wells (calf) test

MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS END ALL HOPE FOR MAGPIES

ON THE BLOCK: It’s time for change. Josh Thomas looked a little fumbly against Essendon, Mason Cox didn’t tear the game apart and Levi Greenwood will cop a suspension. Ben Reid is safe after “playing his role” the week after a surprise omission. The block is more about the coaching box with the Nathan Buckley situation becoming messier by the week. Bucks was honest, respectful and open to the media post-game. Admiration.

ON THE CUSP: It’s time for an accelerated look at the kids. Kayle Kirby and Josh Daicos are at the front of the queue, while Callum Brown also deserves another chance. Brown is the club’s sole debutant this season, simply not enough for a side sitting 5-10. Kirby kicked four in the VFL and while his fitness still needs a lot of work, why not throw him in? Kirby’s TAC Cup coach Brett Henderson reckons he’s a bit of a Cyril Rioli and Byron Pickett mix. Sounds OK. Powerful midfielder Rupert Wills was another VFL standout, collecting 25 disposals.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Seven weeks to go, finals shot and Nathan Buckley in the gun — how do the Magpies manage this one? President Eddie McGuire jets back from overseas this week with his club enduring its worst season since 2005, before Scott Pendlebury joined. Take a look at the kids, play with dare and dash and get some excitement back. That seems the method most likely to electrocute the Magpies back into spirit. After a gloomy first two rounds of the season, a road trip to Sydney helped bond the group as it stunned the Swans. They’ll be hoping for a repeat against Gold Coast this week.

Could the ‘other’ Merrett win his way back into the senior side. Picture: Richard Serong

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Patrick Ambrose (quad) 2-3 weeks

Mitch Brown (ankle) 6-7 weeks

Ben McNeice (neck) test

Michael Hartley (corked thigh) TBC

MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS END ALL HOPE FOR MAGPIES

ON THE BLOCK: John Worsfold didn’t panic last week, making just the one change. So don’t expect too many changes after the win over Collingwood. Michael Hartley needs to overcome a corked thigh while there is a slight doubt on Marty Gleeson. Zach Merrett returned to the fray after his clash with Levi Greenwood and will right to take on the Saints. Other than that, the Dons had a clean bill of health after the match.

ON THE CUSP: Some solid names in the Essendon VFL side beating down the door after a big win over North Ballarat. The forgotten Merrett, Jackson, booted three goals and was among the Dons’ best, while Jayden Laverde also split the middle three times. Ben Howlett was in everything and both Aaron Francis and Heath Hocking deserve consideration, although why would you change a winning formula?

GLENN MACFARLANE’S FORECAST: Solid performance from the Bombers against a team that never looked like beating them, but is it good enough to beat the inform Saints? Big game ahead which will show where Essendon really is at. The mids proved too good for the Pies, the forwards were cool and efficient (Orazio Fantasia, take a bow) and the defence rock solid.

Hayden Ballantyne is on the block after he hardly touched it against the Roos. Picture: AAP

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Zac Clarke (knee) TBC

Josh Deluca (ankle) test

Ed Langdon (knee) test

Cam McCarthy (suspension) available Round 18

Alex Pearce (leg) TBC

Harley Bennell (calf) test

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC

Tom Sheridan (hamstring) TBC

Joel Hamling (hip) TBC

David Mundy (ill) TBC

MATCH REPORT: FREO SURVIVES GOLDSTEIN SCARE

ON THE BLOCK: The outlook for Sheridan and Hamling (Ross Lyon said he “lost some power in his hip”) will become clearer today. Hayden Ballantyne was barely sighted (four disposals) and could be cooked.

ON THE CUSP: David Mundy felt ill on Sunday morning and pulled out of the team but should be good to go against the Eagles next Sunday. Cam Sutcliffe, Sam Collins and Matt Taberner all had plenty of it in Peel Thunder’s win against West Perth.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Freo hadn’t won for five weeks but they broke the drought in style with a thrilling four-point win against the Kangaroos. Nat Fyfe was back to his Brownlow best and Ryan Nyhuis kicked four goals after coming in as a late replacement for Mundy — and playing as a forward for the first time. The Dockers are only a game out of the top eight but a terrible percentage effectively makes it an extra game. Bring on the derby.

It’s been a while, but Nakia Cockatoo could press his chances for selection for the Cats this weekend. Picture: Michael Klein

GEELONG

INJURIES

Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) test

Josh Cowan (Achilles) season

Jordan Cunico (ankle) test

Cory Gregson (foot) season

George Horlin-Smith (ankle) test

Darcy Lang (shin) TBC

Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 4-6 weeks

Daniel Menzel (knee) test

Quinton Narkle (knee) season

Tom Ruggles (collarbone) 4 weeks

Scott Selwood (hamstring) test

Tom Stewart (fractured eye socket) 4-6 weeks

MATCH REPORT: DANGEROUS CATS TOO GREAT FOR ZORKO

ON THE BLOCK: The Guthrie brothers had seven kicks between them and Wylie Buzza didn’t make a big contribution. Hard to make many changes to a winning line-up but the Cats have a few to come back in.

ON THE CUSP: The Cats went down to Collingwood by 26 points in the VFL but thanks to the long injury list there were only a handful of AFL-listed players on the park, and none had a major influence. Scott Selwood, Daniel Menzel and Nakia Cockatoo will all try to prove their fitness this week.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Cats are now a game-and-a-half clear in the top four and seem a level above the teams fighting for 4th-8th. Up next is a traditional rivalry against the Hawks and while the teams aren’t in same postcode on the ladder, Chris Scott isn’t taking it easy: “Geelong will never lose respect for Hawthorn and never disregard the challenge they can pose.” Will Scott tag Tom Mitchell? Will anyone get near Patrick Dangerfield?

Will Gaz make it back? Picture Glenn Hampson

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Gary Ablett (hamstring) test

Michael Barlow (leg) season

Sam Day (hip) season

Jarrad Grant (groin) test

Aaron Hall (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Pearce Hanley (hamstring) test

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) test

Brandon Matera (foot) 1 week

MATCH REPORT: SUNS CRUSHED AS SWANS EYE FINALS

ON THE BLOCK: Ben Ainsworth couldn’t back up his great game against North Melbourne, gathering just six disposals. Darcy Macpherson and Sean Lemmens weren’t much better.

ON THE CUSP: The news was no better in the NEAFL where Sydney’s reserves scored a 107-point win against Gold Coast. Daniel Currie kicked two goals and Michael Rischitelli was named in the best. Gary Ablett, Pearce Hanley, Kade Kolodjashnij and Brandon Matera would all be welcome inclusions.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Optimistic Gold Coast fans might have their calculators out but there’s no way this team is playing finals judging by the dismal performance against the Swans, when the Suns went two quarters without kicking a goal. Worse, they didn’t even look like kicking one as the thrilling ball movement of a week earlier went out the window in the face of Sydney’s pressure. Rodney Eade and Nathan Buckley will have an interesting chat before their teams face off on Saturday.

Toby Greene is among a number of gun Giants who could all be back in the side in time for the Battle of the Bridge. Picture: Getty Images

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 3 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Jeremy Finlayson (knee) 6 weeks

Toby Greene (ankle) test

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 7-8 weeks

Harrison Himmelberg (finger) 2-3 weeks

Jacob Hopper (finger) 2-3 weeks

Steve Johnson (knee) test

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Tim Mohr (calf) 3 weeks

Tim Taranto (ankle) 7-8 weeks

Lachlan Tiziani (knee) 1-2 weeks

Zac Williams (hamstring) test

Josh Kelly (ankle) TBC

MATCH REPORT: DRAW! GIANTS, HAWKS IN LAST-SECOND THRILLER

ON THE BLOCK: Harry Perryman picked up just 13 touches after being recalled for the draw with Hawthorn and will be the first to make way. Tendai Mzungu played well in his second game for the club with 15 touches and a goal but will also be under pressure to hold his spot.

ON THE CUSP: Toby Greene (ankle), Zac Williams (hamstring) and Steve Johnson (knee) are all expected to return from injury for the 13th Sydney Derby. Greene and Williams have missed the last two games and Johnson just the one as he manages his ongoing knee problems.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants have won their last three Sydney Derbies but will face a Sydney team which is getting stronger by the week and has only a fraction of their injury concerns. Greene, Williams and Johnson are big ins but GWS are struggling to build any momentum, a win over their cross town rivals would certainly get the ball rolling.

Can Paul Puopolo prove his fitness in time for the grudge match with the Cats? Picture: AAP

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) 2-3 weeks

Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) indefinite

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (turf toe) 4 weeks

Josh Gibson (groin) 1-2 weeks

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 3 weeks

Paul Puopolo (groin) test

Cyril Rioli (PCL) 5 weeks

Ben Stratton (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: DRAW! GIANTS, HAWKS IN LAST-SECOND THRILLER

ON THE BLOCK: While James Sicily starred, fellow forward Tim O’Brien had a bit of a dirty day against GWS. Kade Stewart’s been in and out, but might need a decent run at it — appears he’s the stopgap for Grant Birchall. And Kaiden Brand got absolutely towelled by Jonathan Patton, who booted five goals in the nailbiting draw. Really, it’s amazing what they’ve been able to achieve with the likes of Birchall, Frawley, Gibson, O’Meara, Rioli and Stratton on the sidelines.

ON THE CUSP: The Hawks will hope Poppy is good to go after groin soreness kept him out of the match against GWS, while Josh Gibson is still a couple of weeks away. Box Hill lost top spot on the VFL ladder by falling to Williamstown and there were few who could hold their heads high. Could the Hawks blood another kid in Harry Morrison? A deep pick in last year’s draft, Morrison was adjudged best on ground for Box Hill on the weekend. A ball magnet. Rookies James Cousins or Oliver Hanrahan could also be options, while Dallas Willsmore and Brendan Whitecross have been OK, although the Hawks may not want to change things too much after a strong performance against the Giants.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: Game No. 300 for Hawk legend Luke Hodge and, as if they needed more motivation, it’s against the old enemy, Geelong. Forget ladder position in this clash and forget the 86-point drubbing the Cats handed the Hawks in Round 4. Alastair Clarkson — incidentally up for his 299th match as coach — has reinvented the Hawks yet again and they will be no easy beats for a Geelong side eyeing top spot.

Is it time? Jack Trengove had another massive game in the VFL. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite

Tom Bugg (suspension) available Round 22

Lochie Filipovic (hip) 3 weeks

Colin Garland (knee) season

Jeff Garlett (hamstring) test

Nathan Jones (quad) 3-4 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Christian Salem (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Dom Tyson (knee) test

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

Jack Viney (foot) 4-5 weeks

Jack Watts (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: DEMONS VANQUISH GALLANT BLUES

ON THE BLOCK: Injuries have tested Melbourne’s depth significantly and Simon Goodwin was ecstatic to get the win over the Blues. Joel Smith got an opportunity but would probably be the first man to make way for any of the returning senior midfielders.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Trengove was best-on in the VFL for Casey. Would love to see the former co-captain get another chance at senior level, even if it is a farewell game. A very popular player at Melbourne. Key forward Sam Weideman went goalless.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Melbourne will travel to Darwin to take on Adelaide. Jack Watts remains unlikely to return from a hamstring injury while Dom Tyson will try to prove his fitness after a knee issue. The Dees are in fifth and are a big chance to break their 11-year finals drought this season.

Majak Daw looked lost on the weekend. Will he keep his spot in the Roos’ side? Picture: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Trent Dumont (managed) test

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) TBC

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) TBC

Jamie Macmillan (finger) 6-8 weeks

Braydon Preuss (elbow) test

Kayne Turner (knee) 3 weeks

Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) TBC

Jarrad Waite (calf) 3 weeks

Declan Watson (ankle) test

Marley Williams (back) 1-2 weeks

Mason Wood (calf) TBC

MATCH REPORT: GOLDSTEIN FLUFFS CHANCE TO WIN IT FOR ROOS

ON THE BLOCK: Majak Daw can do incredible things on the football field but for the most part he looks lost. The ruck/forward just can’t seem to get himself in the right positions to cause opposition teams any headaches. Corey Wagner failed to fire a shot and could make way for a tough assignment against Port Adelaide.

ON THE CUSP: Rookie Cameron Zurhaar was promoted last week but missed out on selection. The hard-running forward must be considered again along with rookie Will Fordham (22 disposals), who was the pick of the Roos in VFL action. Ryan Clarke (20 disposals, 10 tackles) remains in the frame, while Sam Wright and Ben Jacobs continue to work their way back from extended injury breaks. Braydon Preuss was damaging early for Werribee but left the field injured.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Todd Goldstein has turned the corner. Forget that kick, he missed ... move on. The All-Australian big man had the benefit of a dream match up against a developing ruckman, but what impressed the most was Goldstein’s willingness to fly for pack marks. The Roos will need to be on their best behaviour to avoid getting blown apart by Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. Win, lose or draw, the most important thing is getting as many games into the kids as possible. A high draft pick and one or more elite ball users should see the Kangaroos rebound hard next year.

If he’s right to go, Matthew Broadbent should walk straight back into the Power side. Picture: Sarah Reed

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Karl Amon (knee) assess

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) TBC

MATCH REPORT: POWER BACK IN FOUR WITH WIN OVER EAGLES

ON THE BLOCK: Jarman Impey has kicked just one goal in his last five games and had just three touches to three-quarter-time against West Coast on Sunday. But he was involved in a goal-saving tackle, then goal-producing run through the middle in the last term which should save his spot. Still not getting a lot from Sam Gray but after a win like that in Perth, coach Ken Hinkley is hardly going to make sweeping changes at selection.

ON THE CUSP: We’re still waiting to see when Hinkley will call on Dougal Howard who has now passed the 12-month mark from his knee reconstruction. The Magpies had a good win over Adelaide in the SANFL on Saturday, Aaron Young had 33 disposals while Aidyn Johnson and Brett Eddy both kicked three goals to keep themselves in the selection frame. Expect Matthew Broadbent to be first in if he’s fit.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Return from a spirited win over West Coast in Perth to host North Melbourne at home and while the Kangaroos have been arguably the most disappointing team of the year, therein lies the danger for the Power. If they relax and think it’s fait accompli then they can come unstuck. On the flip side if they want to stay top four they simply must beat the Kangaroos which is what everyone will expect them to do.

Is Nick Vlastuin the replacement for Dylan Grimes if he misses with that nasty cheek injury? Picture: Michael Klein

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Reece Conca (foot) indefinite

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Bachar Houli (suspension) Round 19

Ben Lennon (hamstring) 1 week

Steven Morris (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) test

Dylan Grimes (concussiont) est

MATCH REPORT: SAINTS CRUISE AS TIGERS DROWN IN EXPECTATION

ON THE BLOCK: A lot of credits which had been built up over recent weeks may be wiped out by Damien Hardwick given how insipid a number of his players were against the Saints. Taylor Hunt’s career at Punt Rd is over with his return to the senior side a forgettable one. Youngster Tyson Stengle didn’t have a great second game of his career while Connor Menadue also struggled. Dylan Grimes is in doubt after appearing to suffer a cheekbone injury following a late hit by St Kilda’s Tim Membrey.

ON THE CUSP: Nick Vlastuin was talked about last week by Hardwick and he would be the perfect replacement for Grimes. Shai Bolton was surprisingly left out in favour of Stengle but will definitely return. Oleg Markov was dropped for Hunt and will be in contention while it might be time to reward Anthony Miles’ excellent work in the VFL.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: Richmond were horrible and smelt of a team believing their own publicity. Hardwick should turn over three or four just to send a message with Vlastuin, Bolton, Markov and Miles the likely inclusions.

The Saints are set to make at least one change, with Tim Membrey facing a suspension after clocking Dylan Grimes. Picture: AAP

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (groin) 2-3 weeks

Nick Coughlan (hamstring) 2 weeks

Hugh Goddard (foot) season

Paddy McCartin (concussion) test

Darren Minchington (ankle) 6-8 weeks

Jimmy Webster (suspension) Available Round 18

Brandon White (concussion) test

Nathan Wright (calf) test

MATCH REPORT: SAINTS CRUISE AS TIGERS DROWN IN EXPECTATION

ON THE BLOCK: Are you serious? If we have to be picky Ben Long remains on the fringe. Tim Membrey is likely to get a holiday after cleaning up Dylan Grimes.

ON THE CUSP: Paddy McCartin is the obvious replacement for Membrey. He didn’t play VFL on the weekend, and neither did Nathan Freeman, but the Saints say both remain in the frame. Luke Dunstan had 32 disposals and two goals in Sandringham’s loss to Footscray and father-son pick Bailey Rice (30 disposals) isn’t far off an AFL debut.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: A week ago we said we’d find out a lot more about St Kilda in their run of games against top-eight chances. Fair to say they get a tick for Saturday night. The Saints were incredible across the board and while Richmond was awful, Seb Ross and his crew fired a huge warning shot to every other finals contender. After briefly sitting fourth on Saturday night the Saints had to settle for seventh spot and a five-point percentage jump. Friday night is another massive game; the Saints have the opportunity to put a two-game gap on Essendon. It should be fun to watch.

Skipper Josh Kennedy was a late out for the Swans on the weekend, but should be available for the Battle of the Bridge. Picture: AAP

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season

Harry Cunningham (foot) 1-2 weeks

Will Hayward (foot) 1 week

Kurt Tippett (ankle) 1 week

Josh Kennedy (quad) TBC

Zac Jones (corked thigh) TBC

MATCH REPORT: SUNS CRUSHED AS SWANS EYE FINALS

ON THE BLOCK: Dan Robinson was the late inclusion for Josh Kennedy (Quad) and looks the one most likely to make way for the skipper’s expected return. Robinson picked up 14 disposals and did well to win his spot back in the team after breaking his collarbone in round one and then suffering a broken jaw in the NEAFL.

ON THE CUSP: After being dropped to the NEAFL Callum Sinclair responded with five goals straight in the Swans reserves. James Rose was also impressive with four goals and 28 touches while Brandon Jack was also very strong with three goals and 26 disposals. Aliir Aliir picked up a ton of the footy in the same match but will struggle to force Lewis Melican out.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans are building plenty of momentum as the head into the back end of the season winning seven of their last eight including the last five. They will like their chances against at Giants team which has scraped through with consecutive draws and a host of tight wins. Sydney have lost the last three against GWS including last year’s qualifying final.

He’s back: Josh Kennedy should return to spearhead the Eagles attack. Picture: Getty Images

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Matthew Allen (foot) season

Tarir Bayok (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Sam Butler (hamstring) 3 weeks

Josh Kennedy (calf) test

Nic Naitanui (knee) Late 2017 season

Jackson Nelson (hamstring) test

Willie Rioli (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Simon Tunbridge (knee) 1-2 weeks

Daniel Venables (toe) 1-2 weeks

Jake Waterman (foot) 1-2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: EAGLES NOT UP TO POWER TASK

ON THE BLOCK: Everyone was down which gives Adam Simpson plenty of options at selection. Malcolm Karpany couldn’t reproduce his goalkicking magic of a week ago, Sharrod Wellingham has fallen off a cliff, Nathan Vardy and Scott Lycett were smashed by Paddy Ryder and Brad Sheppard was very quiet. We know he’s a fullback but zero kicks and four handballs from Eric Mackenzie isn’t ideal.

ON THE CUSP: Josh Kennedy. Finally. Simpson says he’s ready after five games out with a calf injury. East Perth had a bye in the WAFL. Chris Masten, Jack Redden and Thomas Cole remain on the edge of the best 22.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The derby is always huge but this is simply gigantic, with the cross-town rivals playing for a chance to stay in the top eight conversation. That’s clearly a longer shot for Fremantle but the Eagles can ill afford another Perth loss and percentage hit like they took on Sunday despite being three goals clear in the second quarter. The good news is the fixture opens up after that with games against Collingwood (Etihad Stadium), Brisbane (Subiaco) and Carlton (Subiaco) in the next month. But they wouldn’t want it to come down to the last two rounds against GWS and Adelaide.

Big Trav booted three goals in the VFL — will Bevo bring him back to the seniors? Picture: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (foot) 9-10 weeks

Shane Biggs (calf) TBC

Bob Murphy (hamstring) TBC

Tom Boyd (mental health) indefinite

Tom Campbell (abdominal strain) TBC

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 5-6 weeks

Fergus Greene (arm) 4-5 weeks

Lin Jong (knee) season

Roarke Smith (knee) season

Lukas Webb (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: CROWS BLITZ ‘SHELL-SHOCKED’ DOGS

ON THE BLOCK: Will Bevo dust off out the old-fashioned selection axe this week? If he does Clay Smith, Caleb Daniel, Mitch Honeychurch and Tom Liberatore could be in the gun. And what’s happened to Liam Picken and Easton Wood? No easy answers at the kennel.

ON THE CUSP: Travis Cloke and Tory Dickson each kicked three goals for Footscray while Lukas Webb and Bailey Williams remain on the fringe. Not sure any of those players will solve Luke Beveridge’s problems straight away.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Pundits were quick to write off the Dogs’ finals chances after the abysmal second half on Friday night, and fair enough. But the fixture suggests all is not lost. Carlton is next at the MCG followed by Gold Coast in Cairns, Essendon and Brisbane (Gabba). Even on current form you would confidently back the Dogs in at least two of those and the others are up for grabs. Four wins will change the outlook considerably, but unfortunately they need three teams above them to stumble. West Coast is shaky, the Swans have a tough draw ... then it might come down to how Richmondy Richmond really is. In short, the Dogs’ fate is largely out of their hands so let’s just focus on getting a win against the Blues, which is no sure thing.