AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 18
WESTERN Bulldogs defender Dale Morris is only a slim chance of playing again this season but must rely on his team playing finals. FULL INJURY LIST AT YOUR CLUB
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WESTERN Bulldogs defender Dale Morris is only a slim chance of playing again this season but must rely on his team playing finals.
Morris broke his arm during Saturday’s loss to Gold Coast and the Bulldogs have confirmed the veteran will miss between six to eight weeks.
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If the injury is on the lower end of the scale, Morris could be back for the first week of finals should the Dogs qualify.
There is five games remaining plus the bye weekend after Round 22.
The 10th-placed Bulldogs are percentage outside the top eight.
GEELONG could be without Mark Blicavs for up to six weeks with a fractured tibia.
The Cats have listed Blicavs’ injury as two to six weeks, but there’s no confirmation whether he’ll require surgery.
ADELAIDE will face Collingwood without its star goalkicker after Eddie Betts was rushed to hospital last night.
Betts had emergency surgery to remove his appendix after falling ill on Sunday.
It continues the Crows forward line’s curse of unusual injuries, following Tom Lynch who was struck down by viral meningitis, and Josh Jenkins who almost missed the win against Geelong after being hit with a bout of food poisoning.
Meanwhile, a pair of Collingwood jets also face an extended stint on the sidelines after terrible injuries to Darcy Moore and Travis Varcoe.
Will the little master Gary Ablett be back for the Suns?
FULL INJURY LIST BELOW: WHO’S ON THE BLOCK AND WHO’S ON THE CUSP?
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Eddie Betts (appendix) TBC
Kyle Cheney (suspended) 2 weeks
Brad Crouch (cheekbone) TBC
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
Curtly Hampton (ankle) 3-5 weeks
Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 1 week
Jake Lever (hamstring) test
Wayne Milera (calf) - test
Reilly O’Brien (back) TBC
MATCH REPORT: ADELAIDE UNDERLINES PREMIERSHIP CLAIMS
ON THE BLOCK: Not too many after the Crows’ most impressive win of the season against Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Friday night that makes the minor premiership theirs to lose. Midfielder Brad Crouch (fractured cheekbone) is an obvious first out but the club is yet to reveal how many - if any - games he will miss. Eddie Betts will also miss this week after having an emergency operation on Sunday night to remove his appendix. On form, debutant key defender, former Victorian first-class cricketer Alex Keath, is the player under the biggest selection cloud after a modest debut against the Cats which included six disposals and three marks, although he was very good defensively. Much will depend on whether the player whose spot he took, hamstring victim Jake Lever, proves his fitness at training during the week. Swingman Andy Otten has lost some form after a terrific start to the year and is in a constant battle to hold his spot.
ON THE CUSP: Wayne Milera in the obvious replacement for Crouch if he is, as expected, sidelined from Sunday’s clash against Collingwood at the MCG. Then it’s the usual midfield suspects - Scott Thompson, Paul Seedsman and Jordan Gallucci and mid-forward Jono Beech. Former Magpie Seedsman is the interesting one, having not played an AFL match this year because of pre-season groin problems. 2015 first-round draft pick Tom Doedee is also close to a first AFL game after strong form in the SANFL, along with 2016 pick, the strong-bodied Myles Poholke.
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Crouch has told the Crows he wants to play against Collingwood but it is too big a risk to take for a team sitting comfortably at the top of the table. If Lever proves his fitness he should take Keath’s spot while Milera looms as the obvious replacement for Crouch. Coach Don Pyke however will be keen to get a look at Seedsman at some stage.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Tom Bell (ankle) season
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
Mitch Robinson (foot) season
MATCH REPORT: LIONS GET OVER THE LINE AGAINST CARLTON
ON THE BLOCK: Dayne Zorko faces some MRP scrutiny but may escape with a fine. Chris Fagan has been happy to change his team around all year but that was Brisbane’s best win in a long time and any player dropped this week can consider themselves unlucky.
ON THE CUSP: Nick Robertson has served his time for striking and is available for selection but who does he replace? Cedric Cox played his best game and must keep his spot. Ben Keays may be the one a bit nervous.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: West Coast in Perth is still a daunting task despite their travel woes. Fagan will be urging his side to produce the same effort they displayed for three quarters on Sunday against Carlton. If they can keep the margin around four goals it would be a positive result.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Dylan Buckley (hamstring) 2 weeks
Ciaran Byrne (adductor) test
Patrick Cripps (fibula) season
Ed Curnow (larynx) 2 weeks
Patrick Kerr (hip) season
Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) test
Andrew Phillips (foot) season
Sam Rowe (knee) season
Alex Silvagni (knee) 3 weeks
Simon White (knee) test
MATCH REPORT: BLUES’ BIG COMEBACK FALLS SHORT
ON THE BLOCK: Jack Silvagni and Jacob Weitering must be in the gun after poor performances against the Lions. Zac Fisher was lively in spurts but needs to get more of the ball to justify selection. Harry McKay came off with a shoulder complaint in the second half but returned to finish the game.
ON THE CUSP: Caleb Marchbank should return after missing with a shoulder problem. Billie Smedts and Denis Armfield were among the best in the VFL, while Blaine Boekhorst, Jarrod Pickett and Liam Sumner could also be considered after being dropped last week.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: They might be young and inexperienced but how on earth could the Blues allow Brisbane to boot 12 goals to three in the first half? Charlie Curnow and Matt Wright can hold their heads high, slotting goals late to cut the margin but the damage was done. Bryce Gibbs has been brilliant this year but capitulated under pressure from Tom Rockliff.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Ben Crocker (ankle) test
Mitch McCarthy (foot) 1-2 weeks
Sam McLarty (knee) TBC
Darcy Moore (neck) TBC
Adam Oxley (groin/hip) season
Scott Pendlebury (finger) TBC
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) TBC
Travis Varcoe (concussion) TBC
MATCH REPORT: PIES PLAY FOR BUCKS IN WIN OVER WEST COAST
ON THE BLOCK: The Pies will chase three wins in a row for the second time this season when they host Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday - with a growing injury list. Already without skipper Scott Pendlebury after surgery to repair a broken finger, Collingwood will now be without Travis Varcoe. It’s uncertain if the former Geelong utility will be ruled out for the season after dislocating an elbow and also suffering concussion.
ON THE CUSP: A two-point win in the VFL over Richmond is another positive for the Pies with Tom Phillips kicking three goals and in a best-afield performance. Mason Cox also played well.
LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Collingwood will draw plenty of self belief out of its gritty win over West Coast but Adelaide is certain to provide an even sterner challenge than the fading Eagles did at Etihad. Another must-win game for the Pies as their finals’ hopes hang in the balance ahead of clashes with North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Geelong and Melbourne.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Martin Gleeson (elbow) TBC
Mitch Brown (ankle) 5-6 weeks
Josh Green (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Ben McNiece (neck) TBC
MATCH REPORT: DONS WIN UGLY AGAINST LOWLY KANGAS
ON THE BLOCK: A few Essendon defenders were down on their usual output against North Melbourne on Saturday, the side struggling to move the ball out of half-back on numerous occasions. But most Bombers played solid roles overall. Marty Gleeson suffered an elbow injury and could miss.
ON THE CUSP: Jackson Merrett has had a good few weeks at VFL level and was Essendon’s best with 13 disposals and 1.3 against Casey on Saturday. Ben Howlett (19 disposals) and Heath Hocking (25 disposals, one goal) also impressed.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: A potentially season-defining game for Essendon this week against a Western Bulldogs side which is slowly building. The Bombers sit eighth on the ladder as it sits but are equal on points with three other sides including the Bulldogs. Finding consistency – the challenge all year – in the run home is key for John Worsfold and his troops. Their finals fate is in their own hands and their best is good enough to get there but is not being shown often enough at the moment.
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FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Walters (knee) TBC
Michael Apeness (knee) season
Harley Balic (leave) indefinite
Zac Clarke (knee) TBC
Taylin Duman (back) TBC
Ed Langdon (knee) 1 week
Alex Pearce (leg) season
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season
Tommy Sheridan (hamstring) 1 week
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC
MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS BURNT BY HAWKS ON HOME DECK
ON THE BLOCK: Ten Fremantle players failed to reach 60 SuperCoach ranking points against Hawthorn on Saturday night, leaving any number of players in the firing line if coach Ross Lyon chooses to swing the axe. Michael Walters looks set to be a forced out with a PCL.
ON THE CUSP: Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan are available after being omitted from the team that took on the Hawks for failing to meet team standards. Matt Taberner (25 disposals, two goals) had another strong game at WAFL level.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Dockers trailed Hawthorn from start to finish on Saturday night and managed just seven goals for the game. It came after five goals against West Coast the week before and was the ninth time this season Fremantle has kicked 10 goals or less. A tough task awaits against the fifth-highest scoring team in the competition this weekend, Greater Western Sydney. It’s all about development for the Dockers from here on in.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Mark Blicavs (ankle) 2-6 weeks
Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) test
Josh Cowan (achilles) season
Cory Gregson (foot) season
Darcy Lang (shin) 1-2 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy (groin) TBC
Andrew Mackie (wrist) test
Quinton Narkle (knee) season
Mark O’Connor (ankle) - 1 week
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) test
Tom Ruggles (shoulder) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: CROWS GIVE CATS REALITY CHECK
ON THE BLOCK: Following a disappointing performance, the Cats might swing the axe at selection this week. Scott Selwood was quiet, nine disposals, despite laying 10 tackles and bringing good pressure. However, that might not be enough to save the 27-year-old. Small forwards Daniel Menzel, Steve Motlop and James Parsons were quiet and their names will likely be discussed at selection this week. Zach Guthrie, seven disposals, is another who could be in the firing line this week for Geelong.
ON THE CUSP: Jackson Thurlow was Geelong’s best in a disappointing loss to Sandringham in the VFL. With Zach Guthrie struggling against Adelaide, Chris Scott might turn to the more experienced defender to offer some defensive stability and rebound. Aaron Black kicked three and looked dangerous, offering Scott a selection headache this week after his side lacked potency until Harry Taylor was swung forward late against Adelaide. Andrew Mackie will also press for selection as he recovers from a wrist injury, as will Nakia Cockatoo from a hamstring.
JAMES MOTTERSHEAD’S FORECAST: Geelong was disappointing last Friday night and the 21-point margin flattered them in the end, so expect some change this week. Zach Guthrie’s time could be up after Thurlow’s impressive performance in the reserves, while Black could be brought in to give Geelong another avenue to goal. If Black is left out, expect Mackie to be back which will release Harry Taylor forward on a more permanent basis. Menzel, Motlop, Parsons and Scott Selwood will likely be given another chance, but need to improve on last week’ showing.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (hamstring) test
Michael Barlow (leg) season
Sam Day (hip) season
Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) season
Jack Leslie (leg) test
Cam Loersch (hand) TBC
Jarryd Lyons (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Brandon Matera (foot) test
Steven May (hamstring) test
Rory Thompson (hamstring) test
MATCH REPORT: SUNS HUMBLED BY DOGS
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Lynch was involved in a skirmish at quarter time with Jack Redpath that may get looked at. Alex Sexton (arm), Peter Wright (knee) and Pearce Hanley were all sore after Saturday’s game and required treatment during it. They will be a training watch this week. Elevated rookie Darcy McPherson or Jesse Lonergan would be in the firing line if Gaz returns.
ON THE CUSP: Gary Ablett. If the week on – week off pattern holds true Gaz will return to face the Tigers. Rory Thompson was also a late out against the Dogs with his dodgy back which affects his hamstrings. There had been talk Steven May’s hamstring tightness would only cost him a week but the Suns appear to have written the season off and are giving kids a go so there’s unlikely to be any risks taken. Will Brodie played well in the twos.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: It is hard to mount a case for the Suns against anyone at the moment given the feeling of resignation over the club. Their best can beat Richmond but its been a while since we’ve seen that.
GWS
INJURIES
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) test
Jeremy Finlayson (knee) 4 weeks
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 4 weeks
Adam Kennedy (knee) season
Sam Reid (ankle) test
Dylan Shiel (arm) test
Tim Taranto (ankle) 5-7 weeks
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS DON’T DESERVE TOP FOUR: CAMERON
ON THE BLOCK: Steve Johnson will come under pressure to hold his spot after a quiet display against Richmond as will Tendai Mzungu who struggled to make an impact.
ON THE CUSP: Stephen Coniglio picked up 36 possessions in the Giants NEAFL win over Sydney University. Harry Himmelberg was also impressive with 25 possessions and a goal. Brett Deledio also did well in his first game for the year gathering 17 possessions in a half of football. Leon Cameron has indicated he will need at least one full game under his belt to be considered. Matt deBoer will also be available after missing the Tigers match with concussion.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Stephen Coniglio will be certain to return to the seniors after the Giants disappointing loss to Richmond. Coniglio has played just two senior games this year after seriously injuring his ankle pre-season and then again during the middle of the year. Tendai Mzungu is the one most likely to make way for Coniglio.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) indefinite
James Cousins (shoulder) season
Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite
James Frawley (toe) 1-2 weeks
Josh Gibson (groin) indefinite
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) test
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Paul Puopolo (adductor) indefinite
Cyril Rioli (PCL) 3-5 weeks
Ben Stratton (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS IN PERTH
ON THE BLOCK: A certain paper in WA splashed with how Freo was ahead of the Hawks in their rebuild. The Hawks gave them a reality check on the weekend. The Hawks were on their game from the first bounce and outclassed the Dockers all over the ground. They’ve found one in debutant Conor Glass, who I’m reliably informed was the best player in Gaelic Footy. Feel like Tim O’Brien was the only player who didn’t win his position, but the Hawks must persist with him.
ON THE CUSP: It’s still a long injury list, so it’s a surprise the Hawks are still finding ways to win. Had they got over GWS and then beaten Geelong, we’d almost be talking finals. Clarko has to be happy with the way things are going. Can’t see too many changes, although the big fella Marc Pittonet will be champing at the bit after being in the best for Box Hill and Teia Miles kicked a couple of goals to put his name forward.
MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: To go to Perth and come away with a 50-odd point win — even if it was against the woeful Dockers — is nothing to sneer at. Coach Alastair Clarkson won’t be celebrating game 300 too long — he’s got to worry about game No. 301 against the form side of the competition, Sydney. It’s at the ‘G, so expect a tight contest.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Tom Bugg (suspended) available Round 22
Lochie Filipovic (hip) 2-3 weeks
Colin Garland (knee) season
Max Gawn (ankle) test
Nathan Jones (quad) test
Dean Kent (shoulder) TBC
Pat McKenna (hamstring) season
Tim Smith (navicular bone) season
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season
Bernie Vince (suspended) available Round 20
MATCH REPORT: RAMPANT DEES SCORCH PORT ADELAIDE
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see Simon Goodwin making too many changes for the clash with North Melbourne. Goodwin was pleased with Jack Trengove’s performance in his first AFL game of the season, though he insisted it was too early to guarantee he will play against the Kangaroos. Max Gawn will be monitored throughout the week after battling his way through an ankle injury on the weekend. Jack Viney will play on the weekend, but expect him to have a few days off his feet following his return from plantar fascia surgery.
ON THE CUSP: Nathan Jones will attempt to prove his fitness for this week’s game, but is more likely to have to wait until the following week to return from his calf injury.
GLENN MCFARLANE’S FORECAST: The Demons couldn’t have been more impressive, comprehensively beating Port Adelaide in all aspects of the game. The final margin flattered the opposition, and could have been greater. Jesse Hogan returned to some of his best form, the midfield centre clearances were humming along, and the Demons’ backline - once considered a concern - is holding up strongly with the likes of Jayden Hunt, Michael Hibberd and Neville Jetta doing great work. Should beat the Kangas, even down in Hobart.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Lachie Hansen (hamstring) TBC
Mitch Hibberd (shoulder) season
Ben Jacobs (lower leg) season
Oscar Junker (tibia) TBC
Jamie Macmillan (finger) TBC
Braydon Preuss (back) - Test
Robbie Tarrant (back) test
Kayne Turner (knee) 1 week
Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) season
Corey Wagner (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Marley Williams (back) test
Mason Wood (calf) test
Sam Wright (foot/ankle) TBC
MATCH REPORT: YOUNG ROOS PUSH DONS
ON THE BLOCK: Coach Brad Scott was not thrilled with some of Majak Daw’s physical efforts in the ruck against Essendon on Sunday and said post-match his spot in the side was very much up for grabs. Debutant Nick Larkey did not record a disposal on debut but will be better for the run if he does return to the VFL.
ON THE CUSP: Robbie Tarrant is expected to return after being a late withdrawal against the Bombers with back soreness. Ruckman Todd Goldstein had 52 hit-outs, eight disposals and six tackles for Werribee in the VFL on Sunday in a solid performance after being dropped.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Seven straight losses for the Kangaroos but five have come by 27 points or less so Brad Scott’s side is not travelling as badly as its 17th spot on the ladder suggests. North Melbourne meets Melbourne this weekend, a side who it has not lost to since 2006. That’s an incredible 16 straight wins and the young Roos will be confident they can make it 17.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Todd Marshall (concussion) test
Chad Wingard (ankle) 2-4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: POWER OVERCOME BY DEMON JUGGERNAUT
ON THE BLOCK: Logan Austin is an emerging defender but looked out of his depth against Jesse Hogan and when you’ve got Jack Hombsch in the reserves the question will be asked at selection this week. The other possible change is Joe Atley, he’s been okay in his first two games but Port has enough midfielders and could do with some versatility to play the Saints. But with injury doubts over Wingard and Broadbent, there could be two forced changes already.
ON THE CUSP: Pittard and Hombsch have now both spent multiple weeks in the reserves and with their experience could be called on to play St Kilda. But Hinkley has made it very clear he only wants them in the side if they’re in good form. Karl Amon has resumed from a long lay-off with a knee injury and will start to mount a case but Dougal Howard had to sit out Sunday’s SANFL action due to suspension.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Not exactly a pressure test coming off the loss to Melbourne when they host a struggling St Kilda at Adelaide Oval, so the Power can play themselves back onto the winners’ list but will they play themselves back into form? With a Showdown looming the following week they need to be challenged and then stand up. Simply must win contested ball this week which has been their trademark for most of the season. Expect multiple changes at selection.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Anthony Miles (knee) TBC
Reece Conca (foot) TBC
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Steven Morris (hamstring) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: TIGER TRAIN TOPS GWS, INTO TOP FOUR
ON THE BLOCK: Damien Hardwick is in the ideal position of having to find someone to drop rather than wanting to bring players in on performance. He has already confirmed that Bachar Houli will be back against Gold Coast after serving his four-week suspension for hitting Jed Lamb. And yet Corey Ellis, a late in for Anthony Miles (knee) was strong in the win over GWS. There weren’t too many passengers in the win, with Ivan Soldo playing as a second ruckman and getting less game time than the rest.
ON THE CUSP: Ben Griffiths suffered another injury on Sunday in the VFL - this time a dislocated shoulder. He might need surgery or at least will face several weeks on the sidelines to rehab the injury. Hardwick said Miles would need a week or two on the sidelines with his knee injury. In the VFL, Taylor Hunt kicked three goals and Tyson Stengle four, with Oleg Markov playing well off half back.
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Tigers are on fire, finding a way to bounce back after a horror first term against GWS. All Griffiths would have needed was a strong game in the VFL and he would have played in the AFL next week or the week after. Nankervis was tried as a key forward with limited success but was better in the ruck. So the Tigers will just need to keep winning games with Jack Riewoldt as their star forward and a collection of smaller forwards around him.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Leigh Montagna (hamstring) TBC
Nathan Freeman (ankle) TBC
Sam Gilbert (hand) 2-3 weeks
Hugh Goddard (foot) season
Paddy McCartin (concussion) indefinite
Darren Minchington (ankle) 4-5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS CAN’T HANDLE THE PRESSURE AGAINST SYDNEY
ON THE BLOCK: Leigh Montagna will miss a few weeks at least after doing his hamstring. Some of the smaller Saints were pushed around in Sydney with Jack Lonie, Jade Gresham and Jack Sinclair all quiet. Rowan Marshall showed enough in his first game to keep his spot.
ON THE CUSP: Tim Membrey will make a welcome return after serving his two-match suspension. Sandringham scored a big win in the VFL with Josh Battle booting four goals and Irish rookie Ray Connellan three. Mav Weller kicked two but wasn’t named in the best while David Armitage made a welcome return, but will need more match practice before being considered. The bad news from the VFL was another injury for Nathan Freeman. Fortunately, it wasn’t a hamstring this time with Freeman hurting his right ankle in the opening minutes.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The remarkable performance against Richmond becomes more mystifying by the week. Where did that come from? And where did that form go? The Saints need to get back to somewhere close to that level to get past a hot-and-cold Port Adelaide on Saturday if they are to stay in the finals race.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season
Harry Cunningham (foot) test
Robbie Fox (ankle) 3-5 weeks
Colin O’Riordan (ankle) 1 week
Sam Reid (groin) test
MATCH REPORT: SWANS SLAUGHTER SAINTS TO ENHANCE FINALS CLAIMS
ON THE BLOCK: With 10 wins from their last 11 matches the Swans ship is looking very steady but if there is one who is likely to make room for a more senior player it’s Sydney local Dan Robinson who could make way for Will Hayward who is in the Swans best 22 after a stunning start to his AFL career.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Reid will have to prove his fitness at training this week after missing his first game for 2017 with a groin injury. Will Hayward booted six goals in the Swans NEAFL win over NT Thunder on Saturday. He combined up forward with Kurt Tippett who made a welcome return to form with five goals himself. Jordan Dawson continues to impress as well with three goals and 40 disposals as the Swans build real depth in their reserves.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans face their great rivals Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night. Both teams will be coming off six day breaks but the Hawks will be returning from their win over Fremantle in Perth. The great form of Callum Sinclair will allow Sam Reid another week to recover from his groin injury.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Matthew Allen (foot) season
Sam Butler (hamstring) 1 week
Scott Lycett (shoulder) TBC
Eric Mackenzie (hamstring) test
Nic Naitanui (knee) late 2017 season
Daniel Venables (toe) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: EAGLES LOSE THE UNLOSEABLE AGAINST PIES
ON THE BLOCK: Jeremy McGovern and Luke Shuey both copped knocks to the knee against Collingwood but should be OK. Jackson Nelson is in danger of losing his spot and Andrew Gaff needs to bounce back after becoming the latest victim of the Levi Greenwood clamp.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Mitchell will return after being managed. Fringe players Chris Masten, Sharrod Wellingham and Josh Hill are all about the mark after good performances in the WAFL.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Barracking for the Eagles must drive you nuts. Just when you’re ready to shove it up all those armchair critics, the team dishes up something like the last 15 minutes at Etihad Stadium yesterday against a battling team with only two fit players on the bench. West Coast should get back on the bike with three very winnable games over the next three weeks, including home clashes against the Lions and Blues, before the Round 22 and 23 encounters against the Giants and Crows that will decide their September fate.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Marcus Adams (foot) indefinite
Tom Boyd (mental health) indefinite
Tom Campbell (abdominal strain) 1 week
Stewart Crameri (hip) season
Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Fergus Greene (arm) 1-2 weeks
Lin Jong (knee) season
Brad Lynch (hamstring) 5-6 weeks
Dale Morris (arm) 6-8 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
Jake Stringer (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: MORRIS INJURY SOURS DOGS BIG WIN OVER SUNS
ON THE BLOCK: The Bulldogs enjoyed a big win in Cairns against Gold Coast with a lot of solid contributors, so don’t expect too much change next week. However, Dale Morris is a definite out for the Dogs after suffering a broken arm which will likely be curtains for his season. Tom Liberatore was quiet, finishing with just 13 disposals, and might find himself suiting up for Footscray again next week.
ON THE CUSP: There is one definite opening for the Dogs next week with Morris out, and Luke Beveridge might turn to elder statesman Matthew Boyd after the veteran had 36 disposals and two goals in the VFL. Lukas Webb was also impressive in Footscray’s win, tallying 30 disposals and four goals. Travis Cloke continues to improve, notching three goals and could yet play a significant part in the Bulldogs’ season.
JAMES MOTTERSHEAD’S FORECAST: It’s go-time for the Dogs, their premiership defence hinges on games like the one on Sunday against Essendon. Beveridge won’t make too many changes to his winning side, but the addition of Boyd could prove vital in stopping Essendon’s high-scoring attack. Liam Picken kicked six last week, but is unlikely to repeat this every week and Cloke might be called upon to give the Dogs an extra avenue to goal.
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