AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 17
INJURY LIST: WESTERN Bulldogs confirm the bad news on Jake Stringer’s hamstring injury, while Scott Pendlebury could be done for 2017. Who’s injured at your club?
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COLLINGWOOD skipper Scott Pendlebury could miss the rest of the year with a broken finger.
The Magpies star suffered the injury in his side’s win over Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium at the weekend.
He said he was unsure how many weeks he would miss.
“I’ve broken it up the top. I’ll have surgery tonight to put a pin in it,” Pendlebury said.
“From there we will see about the recovery and how long it takes. It is a bit of a wait and see; it is the first time I’ve had a hand injury.”
THE TACKLE: WHO’S BEST: BUDDY, DANGER OR DUSTY?
MRP CONCERN: SPANNER IN DUSTY’S BROWNLOW WORKS
SORE HAND: INJURY COULD STOP PENDLES FACING EAGLES
CAT CONCERN: TOP CAT CONFIDENT ON ABLETT-LIKE DANGER
Meanwhile, Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer will miss up to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Stringer injured his left hamstring in the second quarter of Sunday’s win against Carlton.
“We’ve assessed Jake today (Monday) and can confirm he does have a hamstring strain,” head physiotherapist Chris Bell told the club’s website.
“We’re going to put a structure around Jake but at this stage, we imagine he will miss the next two-to-three games of football.”
Adelaide could delay a decision on star onballer Rory Sloane’s fitness until the day of their looming blockbuster against Geelong.
Sloane was concussed during the Crows’ win against Melbourne and is in doubt for Friday night’s top-of-the-table clash against the Cats.
Sloane will undergo concussion tests throughout the week and Adelaide assistant coach James Podsiadly says a final test could be held on Friday morning.
How is your club’s list placed as we get closer to finals?
See who’s in danger of getting the chop at selection and who’s banging down the door.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Rory Sloane (concussion) test
Jake Lever (hamstring) TBC
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) test
Ben Davis (foot) 1 week
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
Curtly Hampton (ankle) 7 weeks
Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 3 weeks
Wayne Milera (calf) TBC
Reilly O’Brien (back) TBC
Matthew Signorello (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: CROWS FIND RECIPE FOR TOP END SUCCESS
ON THE BLOCK: Adelaide boss Don Pyke will be loathe to make any changes following a 46-point win against Melbourne in Darwin. Pyke maybe forced into changes on Friday night against Geelong with gun onballer Rory Sloane in doubt with concussion and Jake Lever battling hamstring soreness.
ON THE CUSP: Rory Sloane has to pass concussion tests to face Geelong in a six-day turnaround on Friday at Adelaide Oval. Veteran Scott Thompson responded to his demotion with 22 touches, nine tackles, five clearances and goal in the Crows SANFL outfit’s shock loss to bottom side West Adelaide. Troy Menzel continues to build towards a recall with three goals while rookie Myles Poholke slotted a career best three goals.
RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Adelaide hasn’t beaten Geelong for four years spanning five losses. Toppling the Cats without elite midfielder Rory Sloane and key defender Jake Lever will test the Crows but doubt over Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield evens the top two contest. Adelaide has evolved since its last loss to Geelong with Matt and Brad Crouch firing and inspirational leadership from Taylor Walker could break its Cats hoodoo in a thriller.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Tom Bell (ankle) season
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
Darcy Gardiner (elbow) 5 weeks
Mitch Robinson (foot) season
MATCH REPORT: DUSTY DOMINATES AS TIGERS TAME LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: Nick Robertson is in strife with the MRP for a headbutt on Tigers captain Trent Cotchin and also potentially for using his knees. He is likely to get time. Ryan Lester has had a couple of quiet weeks but they need his leadership.
ON THE CUSP: Jarrad Jansen had produced a solid month in the NEAFL before the weekend’s bye and may have forced Chris Fagan’s hand. Jansen has not played at senior level this year but Fagan has always been about rewarding form so he may get his chance.
ANDREW HAMILTON FORECAST: The Lions will think they can beat the Blues. The key is a return to form of their senior players who were all down against the Tigers. If Dayne Zorko, Dayne Beams and Tom Rockliff get going the Lions could claim their fourth win.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Dale Thomas (soleus) TBC
Dylan Buckley (knee) TBC
Alex Silvagni (left knee) TBC
Ciaran Byrne (groin) TBC
Patrick Cripps (fractured fibula) season
Ed Curnow (bruised larynx) 2 weeks
Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) 1 week
Andrew Phillips (foot) season
Sam Rowe (knee) season
Simon White (knee) 2 weeks
Tom Williamson (back) test
MATCH REPORT: BULLDOGS IMPROVE BUT QUESTIONS LINGER
ON THE BLOCK: Defenders Alex Silvagni (knee), Dylan Buckley (hamstring) and Ciaran Byrne (groin) all suffered injuries and are in doubt for next weekend’s clash against Brisbane, along with veteran Dale Thomas (calf) who was a late withdrawal. Wingman Liam Summer had only six possessions and zero tackles.
ON THE CUSP: The Northern Blues got belted by 81 points by Essendon. First-year defender Harrison Macreadie was among the best players. Brendon Bolton says the club’s depth is being tested.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Blues might try to sharpen up on their skill work after a rough kicking day against the Dogs. We see what the Blues are doing and like their progress, but injuries are taking their toll and perhaps their running out of steam. Brisbane will start favourites at home.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Scott Pendlebury (broken finger) TBC
Ben Crocker (leg) test
Mitch McCarthy (foot) 5 weeks
Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 10 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: MAGPIES WIN BUT IS IT ENOUGH FOR BUCKS?
ON THE BLOCK: The Pies will lose their skipper with Scott Pendlebury having surgery this week to repair a broken finger. Huge blow. Other than the superstar a much-needed win should see a relatively quiet week at selection for Nathan Buckley and co this week. Tom Langdon managed 10 disposals and could come under some pressure for the clash against West Coast. Jarryd Blair came in for game No.150 but didn’t set the world on fire with 13 disposals and one goal.
ON THE CUSP: It was a dirty day for Collingwood in the VFL with a 10-goal loss to Williamstown. The result makes it hard for AFL hopefuls to press their case but Jackson Ramsay and Rupert Wills were the Magpies’ best while Kayle Kirby and Chris Mayne managed one goal apiece.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: A rare quiet week at the Holden Centre after a crucial win — on the road to boot — for Buckley and the Magpies. They’ll see West Coast at Etihad Stadium as a winnable game, given the Eagles’ struggles in Victoria. Finals are still a mathematical possibility but highly unlikely, but Buckley has vowed to see the season out and the Pies could play spoiler in the final few weeks.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Patrick Ambrose (quad) 1 week
Mitch Brown (ankle) 7 weeks
Ben McNiece (neck) TBC
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS BROUGHT LOW IN THE “JOE SHOW”
ON THE BLOCK: After one of Essendon’s best four-quarter performances of the season, it’s hard to see John Worsfold making more than the one change. Craig Bird was solid on Friday night, but he could be the unlucky one to make way for the returning Jobe Watson, who is certain to come back after being rested last week.
ON THE CUSP: Jayden Laverde is making the most of his return from injury, kicking six goals for the VFL side on the weekend. That makes nine goals from his past two matches, with his impact increasing with each week. Brent Stanton has been out of favour, but he dominated at VFL level with 36 touches on Saturday.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: The Bombers went back to basics after the loss to the Lions and it seems to have paid dividends. Strong performances against Collingwood and St Kilda have followed, with the sort of consistency Worsfold has been craving. That should continue this week against North Melbourne. The forward line has been working well, the back half has a near perfect blend of experience and youth, and the midfield has plenty of upside. The only negative from last Friday night was the club’s kicking for goal, with Joe Daniher one of the best sources of accuracy. Daniher remains a live Coleman Medal hope.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Stephen Hill (shoulder) TBC
Michael Apeness (knee) season
Zac Clarke (knee) TBC
Alex Pearce (leg) TBC
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season
Tommy Sheridan (hamstring) 2 weeks
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC
MATCH REPORT: HURN LEADS EAGLES TO GRITTY DERBY WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Ross Lyon said he was pleased with his team, describing them as “unyielding” despite the derby loss. You would think that would translate to a settled line up when the Dockers host Hawthorn next weekend. Stephen Hill looks a forced change after popping his shoulder out against West Coast.
ON THE CUSP: Peel Thunder took the honours in the WAFL derby against West Coast affiliate East Perth with Matt Taberner kicking five goals and Cameron Sutcliffe racking up 31 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal. But all eyes were on injury-cursed star Harley Bennell as he played his first game of the season. Thankfully, he got through unscathed with 12 disposals and a goal. Lyon suggested Bennell would need a couple of more weeks before returning to AFL level. “I was really nervous watching it because I thought if that calf was to go again, we’d have to pick up the pieces,” Lyon said. “He’s got great mental toughness, he’s a better man than me.”
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Fremantle only has itself to blame for the derby loss, which essentially ended its finals hopes. You can’t kick 5.14 and expect to win games of football at any level. Now they face Hawthorn. It’s a game that could go either way. Lyon will not want a poor finish to the season.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Patrick Dangerfield (left leg) TBC
Cameron Guthrie (head) TBC
Josh Cowan (Achilles) season
Cory Gregson (foot) season
Darcy Lang (shin) 3 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 3 weeks
Quinton Narkle (knee) season
Mark O’Connor (ankle) 1 week
Tom Ruggles (collarbone) 3 weeks
Tom Stewart (fractured eye socket) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: DANGER INJURY BAD NEWS ... FOR HAWKS
ON THE BLOCK: Patrick Dangerfield faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Friday night’s battle against his old mob. Dangerfield couldn’t walk on the weekend and will be sent for a scan today, but teammates including captain Joel Selwood expect him to play. The superstar suffered a foot sprain, but played out the match against Hawthorn as an old-school full-forward bagging 5.6. A sore Dangerfield couldn’t stand up for post-game interviews, completing them with his left foot slumped in a bucket of ice. Late inclusions Zach Guthrie and Sam Simpson could be forced to make way if Geelong gets players back. Simpson showed promising signs, particularly early, against the Hawks.
ON THE CUSP: The Cats expected Scott Selwood to play, right up until game day. But his tight hamstring didn’t quite make it to the line. Andrew Mackie’s diagnosis was made the day before with both players late withdrawals against the Hawks, but both shaping as likely inclusions against the Crows. Not a whole lot of promise from the AFL-listed Cats shown in their 62-point VFL hammering by premier Footscray, where Jackson Thurlow collected 26 disposals.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Is it time Chris Scott received greater plaudits for his seven seasons in charge? Scott’s winning percentage is a staggering 72, steering Geelong to 113 wins from 158 games. He has the Cats on top of the ladder after Round 17 and in the box seat to earn another home qualifying final should they knock over the Crows on Friday night. And come September, they know have an extra trick — Dangerfield the full-forward. Watch defences sweat if he is left one-out in the goalsquare.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Steven May (hamstring) TBC
Jarryd Lyons (ankle) TBC
Michael Barlow (leg) season
Sam Day (hip) season
MATCH REPORT: MAGPIES WIN BUT IS IT ENOUGH FOR BUCKS?
ON THE BLOCK: Steven May faces a couple of weeks on the sideline with a hamstring injury and Jarryd Lyons will also have scans today on his ankle. Although there were some poor efforts in the wet on Saturday night, with that expected loss of experience it is unlikely Rodney Eade will make too many unforced changes.
ON THE CUSP: Jack Leslie would have been the prime candidate to replace May but he broke his leg in the NEAFL on Saturday. It leaves the Suns light on for key defenders. Keegan Brooksby is a ruckman and booted six goals as a forward in the NEAFL at the weekend and will be the logical choice if the Suns believe they need another key defender. Trent Mckenzie had a tough night in the seniors when he shifted on to Pie Ben Reid but Eade may again ask him to play tall in Cairns.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns travel to Cairns to play the Bulldogs and on form you couldn’t possibly tip them. That is usually when they pull off an upset. However, the Dogs returned to a bit of form on the weekend and, being just a game out of the eight, cannot afford to drop this one.
GWS
INJURIES
Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) TBC
Matt de Boer (concussion) TBC
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 1 week
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Jeremy Finlayson (knee) 4 weeks
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 5 weeks
Harrison Himmelberg (finger) 2 weeks
Jacob Hopper (ankle) 2 weeks
Adam Kennedy (knee) season
Tim Mohr (calf) 2 weeks
Sam Reid (ankle) test
Tim Taranto (ankle) 8 weeks
MATCH REPORT: BIG SCALP PROVES SWANS ARE CONTENDERS
ON THE BLOCK: Jeremy Cameron is the big injury watch as the Giants’ casualty list continues to grow. He was a late withdrawal before Saturday night’s derby and will be assessed this week, but Leon Cameron suggested he wouldn’t be taking any risks with the star forward: “He was close to playing, but in saying that, no doubt he’s tight in his hamstring so he might be touch and go for next week as well. (You) don’t risk those sort of players because it could end up being six or eight weeks if they do a big hamstring. Hopefully he gets through training at the end of the week. If he does he’ll play, if he doesn’t we’re not going to risk a player of that calibre.” Replacement Tendai Mzungu had just four kicks. Matt de Boer will also be monitored after he requred stitches following an accidental elbow to the ear from Nic Newman. Defenders Nathan Wilson and Aidan Corr were below their best against the Swans but with such a long injury list look likely to hold their spots.
ON THE CUSP: Steve Coniglio is close to a return to action after playing just two matches this year due to an ankle injury. He has made a faster than expected recovery but the Giants may want to see him spend some time in the reserves to build up match fitness. Will Setterfield was outstanding in the NEAFL with 29 possessions and a goal and is knocking on the door for a debut. If de Boer doesn’t recover from his nasty head knock, look for Setterfield to make his debut against the Tigers. The academy product was taken with pick five in the National Draft. He is a Marcus Bontempelli type of player who suffered a bad ankle injury earlier in the year. His form in the NEAFL since his return has been outstanding. The Giants reserves went down by 59 points in the derby curtain-raiser and there isn’t much other AFL-listed talent to draw on.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Giants are out of the top two after winning just one of their past four games, and a top-four spot suddenly isn’t a certainty with a tough run home including away games against the Cats and Bulldogs. This weekend’s rematch against Richmond - just one game behind GWS in fifth spot — is massive. The last time the Giants visited the MCG they lost to Melbourne — in Round 1 last year. The last time they played Richmond it was a three-point result — but without Jeremy Cameron the Giants probably don’t win.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
James Sicily (ankle) TBC
Shaun Burgoyne (thumb) TBC
Grant Birchall (knee) TBC
Jonathon Ceglar (knee) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite
James Frawley (turf toe) 2 weeks
Josh Gibson (groin) 1 week
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 2 weeks
Cyril Rioli (knee) 5 weeks
Ben Stratton (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: DANGER INJURY BAD NEWS ... FOR HAWKS
ON THE BLOCK: James Sicily injured his ankle in the third quarter, while Shaun Burgoyne battled gamely, despite suffering a thumb injury. Kade Stewart and Tim O’Brien needed to do more, but coach Alastair Clarkson will continue to get more game time into the younger core.
ON THE CUSP: Not expecting many changes for the Hawks’ clash with Fremantle in Perth. Brendan Whitecross was again one of the best players for the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL on the weekend. Ty Vickery probably needs to do more before making a return, but did kick two goals and was among the better players in the VFL.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: There is a lot to like about this reshaping of Hawthorn’s list. The Hawks fought desperately against the Cats and it was only one man — Patrick Dangerfield — who stood between them and victory last Saturday. Big challenge on the road this week against Freo, but if they can maintain the intensity, they can take the game up to the Dockers.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Dean Kent (left shoulder) TBC
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) 2 weeks
Tom Bugg (suspension) 5 weeks
Lochie Filipovic (hip) 3 weeks
Colin Garland (knee) season
Nathan Jones (quad) 3 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 5 weeks
Christian Salem (hamstring) 2 weeks
Tim Smith (foot) season
Dom Tyson (knee) test
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season
Jack Viney (foot) 2 weeks
Jack Watts (hamstring) test
MATCH REPORT: CROWS FIND RECIPE FOR TOP END SUCCESS
ON THE BLOCK: Another week, another Demon facing scrutiny from the Match Review Panel. Following Round 17 it will be Bernie Vince who will be looked at closely for two incidents on Saturday night. Vince has already been reported for a hit on Richard Douglas but could also be in trouble for an errant elbow which made contact with Eddie Betts. Dean Kent is facing an extended period of time on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder. Form wise, Cameron Pedersen didn’t have much impact on Saturday night and could be under pressure to maintain his spot.
ON THE CUSP: In a frustrating fixture quirk, Melbourne’s VFL side had a bye at the weekend meaning the coaches didn’t get a chance to look at any reserves players. However, in good news for the Demons, Simon Goodwin has already confirmed Jack Watts and Dom Tyson will return against Port Adelaide this week. Watts has overcome a hamstring injury while Tyson has recovered from a knee complaint. However, hard nut duo Jack Viney and Nathan Jones are still some weeks away. Given the Demons are returning from the heat of Darwin, could they look at some fresh legs from Jack Trengove?
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Injuries are really hurting the Demons but finally they get a bit of experience back. After all the good work done during the first two thirds of the season, Melbourne really needs four points this week. A win, and the Demons are still in the hunt for a top four berth or at the very least, a home elimination final. However, a loss and just playing finals becomes a question. Port Adelaide has struggled against the very best sides in the competition all season. We are about to find out if Melbourne is one of them.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Mitch Hibberd (shoulder) TBC
Corey Wagner (ankle) TBC
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Ben Jacobs (lower leg) 3 weeks
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) TBC
Jamie Macmillan (finger) 6 weeks
Kayne Turner (knee) 1 week
Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) TBC
MATCH REPORT: POWER FIND TOP-FOUR MOTIVATION
ON THE BLOCK: Youngster Mitch Hibberd was just starting to string together some games when he hurt his shoulder against the Power and another youngster in Corey Wagner also had his match cut short when he went over on his ankle. Todd Goldstein battled and Majak Daw looked at sea again and his career is at a crossroads. Do the Roos keep the faith and continue playing him?
ON THE CUSP: Both Jarrad Waite and Marley Williams failed fitness tests ahead of the clash with Port Adelaide, so they’ll hopefully be right to go against Essendon. Werribee was absolutely smashed by Richmond on the weekend, but Trent Dumont was their clear best and could slot straight back in for one of the two injured boys, after being dropped against Power. The ruck problem is compounded by injury to much-hyped Braydon Preuss. He’s got a bad back and can’t get on the park and that takes the pressure off Daw and Goldstein, because the big stocks are thin. No one is belting down the door.
MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: A few weeks ago, I wrote a story about how North can still make the finals — That didn’t go so well. It’s all about development — and a high draft pick — from here. The Roos have to work out what they are going to do with the Goldstein-Preuss-Daw ruck conundrum going forward. A date with the fired up Bombers isn’t the most enticing and I’m predicting more pain on the weekend... then again, who knows, with the way the results have gone this year.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Paddy Ryder (ankle) TBC
MATCH REPORT: POWER FIND TOP-FOUR MOTIVATION
ON THE BLOCK: May be far too difficult for Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley to change a team that has won by 70 points against North Melbourne but then defender Jack Hombsch probably thought the same after the 32-point win against West Coast at Perth the previous week.
ON THE CUSP: Running defender Matthew Broadbent has missed three games in the past four weeks with an ankle injury suffered at training before the Collingwood game last month. He is a chance this week.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide returns to the MCG to play Melbourne for the first time since Ken Hinkley started his coaching stint at the Power in March 2013. Given the pain on the Demons injury and tribunal list, the Power should advance to 11-6 and get closer to third spot.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Dylan Grimes (nose) TBC
Reece Conca (foot) TBC
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Bachar Houli (suspension) 1 week
Steven Morris (hamstring) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DUSTY DOMINATES AS TIGERS TAME LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: Damien Hardwick had already responded harshly to last week’s loss to St Kilda with four changes for the clash against Brisbane, so Sunday’s 31-point win shouldn’t spark much more change. Hardwick expected Dylan Grimes to be OK after copping a whack to the nose. “I think he has got a bit of a busted nose,’’ Hardwick said. “His girlfriend tells me he’s a nine out of 10 so it probably brings him back down to an eight, he’s a good looking cracker, he will be OK.’’
ON THE CUSP: He might not be an immediate proposition, but Hardwick was encouraged by the return form of Ben Griffiths in the VFL after being sidelined with concussion. “He was really good, got through a half, looked really lively, too,’’ Hardwick said. “He’s probably a game or two away, but he’s back playing, which is a positive for him and us, I’m really excited for him.’’
REBECCA WILLIAMS’ FORECAST: The Tigers kept themselves in touch with the top four with their victory against the Lions, which now sets up a bumper clash against the GWS Giants at the MCG on Sunday. Hardwick has warned that the Tiges are out for revenge after their three-point loss to the Giants earlier in the season. “(It’s a) big game (against) GWS. They would be disappointed with their loss last week, probably just couldn’t capitalise on their chances they had and we probably owe them one as well,’’ Hardwick said.’
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Sam Gilbert (finger) TBC
David Armitage (groin) TBC
Nick Coughlan (hamstring) 1 week
Hugh Goddard (foot) season
Billy Longer (hamstring) test
Paddy McCartin (concussion) TBC
Tim Membrey (suspension) 1 week
Darren Minchington (ankle) TBC
Mav Weller (ankle) test
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS BROUGHT LOW IN THE “JOE SHOW”
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Gilbert had surgery on his hand and will miss a few weeks, while ruckman Tom Hickey was also beaten by Tom Bellchambers in his return to the seniors. Young Forwards Josh Battle and Ben Long were also quiet.
ON THE CUSP: Nathan Freeman was not in Sandringham’s best players from the weekend’s eight-point win over Port Melbourne. Forward Rowan Marshall and midfielders Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres were as well as ruckman Jason Holmes.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Tough gig up against the in-form Swans in Sydney. The Saints dropped out of the eight and could be four points behind if they go down again next weekend. Alan Richardson has already begun the search for answers as to why the Saints were so flat. They’ll want a response.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Sam Reid (groin) TBC
Gary Rohan (glute) TBC
Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season
Harry Cunningham (foot) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: BIG SCALP PROVES SWANS ARE CONTENDERS
ON THE BLOCK: When you’ve won nine of your last 10 games, there aren’t too many players under the pump come selection. Add to that a win over the premiership favourites and any player dropped from Saturday night’s team is going to be unlucky. From an injury perspective, Gary Rohan looked to have injured his right hamstring during the third quarter but managed to come back on and finish the match. Rohan will still need to prove his fitness during the week. Sam Reid was quiet and battled through a tight groin. He is in serious doubt for Saturday night’s clash with St Kilda at the SCG. Reid has played every game this year after missing the entire 2016 season with calf injuries..
ON THE CUSP: The Swans also enjoyed a big win over the Giants in the NEAFL. Will Hayward played a half in the NEAFL, booting two goals after two weeks out with a foot injury, and when going is in the Swans best 22. Jordan Dawson was outstanding again in the reserves with four goals and 29 possessions, James Rose had 32 touches and three goals. Harry Marsh (32) and Brandon Jack (33) also had plenty of the footy while Aliir Aliir kicked two goals playing as a forward. Kurt Tippett’s prospects of a return to senior football look remote after he limped off with a groin injury in the NEAFL.
LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Can anyone stop the Swans? Based on what we have seen over the last 10 weeks, this side is every bit as good as the one that made last year’s Grand Final. To think they were $100-1 for the premiership not long ago. This week does present some challenges though. Sydney takes on a tough St Kilda outfit which already has a number of big scalps this year. With the Swans returning to the SCG, it is hard to see them getting beaten.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Elliot Yeo (knee) TBC
Matthew Allen (foot) season
Sam Butler (hamstring) 1 week
Eric Mackenzie (hamstring) 2 weeks
Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite
Willie Rioli (hamstring) test
Simon Tunbridge (knee) test
Daniel Venables (toe) 2 week
MATCH REPORT: HURN LEADS EAGLES TO GRITTY DERBY WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Jack Redden was a late inclusion for Elliot Yeo but would be hard done by if dropped after impressing with 29 disposals. Nathan Vardy struggled to make an impact, finishing with just four touches and zero marks. Otherwise, it was a solid team effort.
ON THE CUSP: Elliot Yeo should come straight back in after being a late withdrawal before the western derby. Sharrod Wellingham didn’t play at WAFL level after being held over as an emergency. Luke Partington was East Perth’s best in the reserves’ derby against Fremantle affiliate Peel, collecting 28 disposals and a goal. Tom Cole had 25 touches.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The Eagles are back in the eight — albeit on percentage only — with a dreaded trip to Melbourne this week. However, they face Collingwood, who should hold no fears for Adam Simpson’s men. West Coast will hope to build on its breakthrough win over the Bulldogs at Etihad a fortnight ago against the Magpies and solidify its finals place.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Jake Stringer (left hamstring) 3 weeks
Marcus Adams (foot) 8 weeks
Matthew Boyd (achilles) test
Tom Boyd (mental health) indefinite
Tom Campbell (abdominal strain) 2-3 weeks
Stewart Crameri (hip) season
Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 4 weeks
Fergus Greene (arm) 3 weeks
Lin Jong (knee) season
Brad Lynch (hamstring) TBC
Roarke Smith (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: BULLDOGS IMPROVE BUT QUESTIONS LINGER
ON THE BLOCK: Jake Stringer will miss a few matches with what appeared a standard hamstring tear. Fellow spearhead Jack Redpath was held scoreless by Liam Jones and could face selection pressure, particularly with coach Luke Beveridge a fan of Travis Cloke’s second game back in the VFL after a break with depression.
ON THE CUSP: Easton Wood will return from a soft suspension against Gold Coast in Cairns on Saturday. Cloke is in the mix to play his seventh game this season, while if the Dogs go small it will likely be Clay Smith (31 VFL disposals). Matthew Boyd said on radio he could come up from a sore Achilles this week, although might require a VFL return.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: There were glimpses shown in Sunday’s scrappy win against Carlton. At times the handball flow was similar to 2016, but it will count for little unless the Dogs can score an interstate victory which has so far eluded them in 2017. The Dogs are 0-6 outside of Melbourne after winning two finals on the road last year. Debutant Lewis Young reminded Essendon great Tim Watson of Jake Lever, while the selfless job Mitch Honeychurch did on Blues weapon Kade Simpson was impressive. Young, the youngest player on an AFL list, showed some spunk when he gave it to Levi Casboult after he missed a soda. Recruiter Simon Dalrymple might just have found another one late in the draft. Bailey Dale looks more damaging by the week, Toby McLean is evolving into a clever midfielder and Caleb Daniel’s ball use was so smart he required a tag from Sam Kerridge. Plenty of promising youthful signs 16 games on from what was the AFL’s youngest Grand Final team in 16 years. But can they play finals?
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Hurt locker: Every club’s injury list, return dates for sidelined stars
With just three weeks until Opening Round, how long is your club’s injury list? Check out who is fit, who’s not and when they will return.