AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 21

RICHMOND has revealed the diagnosis on Josh Caddy’s hamstring as finals contenders count the cost of another painful weekend. ALL THE LATEST INJURY NEWS

Rory Sloane talks with Adelaide doctors on Saturday night.

RICHMOND remains hopeful forward Josh Caddy will return for a Round 23 clash with St Kilda after scans on his injured hamstring yesterday returned favourable results.

Caddy limped off late in the opening term of the Tigers’ clash with Geelong on Saturday, heading straight down to the rooms and not returning to the field

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THE TACKLE: GREENE DEBATE GOOD FOR THE GAME

Scans yesterday showed some damage to the 24-year-old’s left hamstring but the Tigers are confident it will not sideline Caddy for long.

“It’s certainly not a bad one which is good news,” Richmond football manager Neil Balme told the Herald Sun.

“We haven’t put a timeline on it yet but almost certainly he’ll miss this week. We’ll see what happens after that.”

Scroll down to see your club’s latest injury list and selection analysis.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Curtly Hampton (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 1 week

Taylor Walker (foot) test

Rory Sloane (knee) test

Jake Kelly (knee) test

MATCH REPORT: JOE RUFFLES FEATHERS BUT CROWS FLY HOME

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to fault anyone in a 43-point win over Essendon and even fourth-game defender Alex Keath should keep his spot as the Crows roar towards finals. Charlie Cameron was quiet with only 13 touches but there’s no chance he’ll be dropped. The only changes to play Sydney on Friday night would be forced by injuries depending on how Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker and Jake Kelly pull up this week. “They’re obviously still a little bit sore but ... we’re hopeful they’ll be right to play,” Crows assistant coach Scott Camporeale told reporters on Monday.

ON THE CUSP: Harrison Wigg was the travelling emergency to Melbourne and would be first in line if Sloane’s knee keeps him out of Friday night’s clash with the Swans. Paul Seedsman had a game-high 29 disposals and kicked three goals in the SANFL on Saturday and Troy Menzel booted four goals so both may be considered if spots open up this week.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Are we watching the Grand Final preview this Friday night? The Crows have top-two and two home finals stitched up, while the Swans are still fighting for top-four and the double chance so have a bit more on the line. A lot may hinge on whether Sloane and Walker get up for the game but regardless if the Crows can win they will claim the minor premiership. The Crows are 9-2 at Adelaide Oval this season and a win will send them into September full of confidence.

Rory Sloane spent time off the ground against Essendon. Picture: Getty

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Tom Bell (ankle) season

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

Alex Witherden (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: LIONS’ FUTURE LOOKING A LOT SUNNIER

ON THE BLOCK: Brisbane got through the derby without any major injury concerns and smashed their biggest rivals so coach Chris Fagan won’t be baying for blood. However, there are a couple of potential ins who have been walk-up starts. Claye Beams was first in and probably first out if changes are made. Cedric Cox is also starting to look like he may need a spell.

ON THE CUSP: Alex Witherden walks back into the side if he recovers from his injured hamstring and the same applies to Jarrod Berry, who was a late withdrawal from the QClash with a foot injury. Both are considered strong chances to be passed fit.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: There is a lot of momentum behind the Lions but the Demons pose a serious challenge. Brisbane’s clearance work isn’t at the level of the best teams and the Demons are strong in that area. However, they score from their chances and their pace would trouble Melbourne. It may be closer than people think, but the Dees deserve to be favourites.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Patrick Cripps (fractured fibula) season

David Cuningham (ankle) test

Ed Curnow (bruised larynx) season

Daniel Gorringe (quad) 1 week

Nick Graham (suspension) Available Round 22

Patrick Kerr (hip) season

Caleb Marchbank (arm) TBC

Harry McKay (toe) test

Liam Sumner (concussion) test

Andrew Phillips (foot) season

Cameron Polson (shoulder) season

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (knee) season

Simon White (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: KENNEDY’S SIX GOALS SINK BLUES

ON THE BLOCK: After one of the club’s best performances of the second half of the season, the Blues may be happy to select the exact same 22 players to take on Hawthorn this week. However, given they are coming back from Perth, Brendon Bolton may be keen to inject some fresh legs into the mix. Dennis Armfield was quiet, winning only nine touches, while Billie Smedts didn’t see much action. The Blues managed to get through the game without any fresh injury concerns.

ON THE CUSP: It was a tough day at the office for Carlton in the VFL on Saturday, with the Northern Blues smashed by Casey. Of the AFL-listed players, Rhys Palmer finished the match with two goals. Irishman Ciaran Byrne was also among the best. Liam Sumner left the field with concussion and faces a battle to be right for either senior or VFL action this week.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Following Brisbane’s win in the QClash, the Blues are now in a battle to avoid another wooden spoon. Carlton’s final two matches of the year are against Hawthorn and Sydney and it is hard to find a win there. The Blues need to hope Brisbane keeps losing.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Jordan De Goey (hip) season

Will Hoskin-Elliott (hip) test

Levi Greenwood (knee) 1-2 weeks

Brodie Grundy (suspended) available Round 23

Liam Mackie (ankle) test

Mitch McCarthy (foot) 1-2 weeks

Sam McLarty (hip/groin) test

Adam Oxley (ankle) season

Scott Pendlebury (broken finger) season

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) season

Travis Varcoe (elbow) season

Daniel Wells (thigh) test

Rupert Wills (quad) test

MATCH REPORT: RYDER, GRAY DOUBLE ACT STRIKES AGAIN

ON THE BLOCK: Collingwood will be sweating on the fitness of Will Hoskin-Elliott after he pulled up sore after Sunday’s loss. The Magpies confirmed on Tuesday that Jordan de Goey will undergo surgery and miss the final two games of the season. Jarryd Blair must come under pressure from father-son prospect Josh Daicos after collecting just six disposals and one goal.

ON THE CUSP: After a strong showing against Port Adelaide, Nathan Buckley is unlikely to make mass changes but if Daniel Wells is fit he’s an automatic inclusion. Tim Broomhead did his chances of a recall no harm by kicking three goals and picking up disposals at will through the midfield in Collingwood’s big VFL win over North Ballarat. Josh Smith and Jackson Ramsay also had plenty of the pill. Kayle Kirby is the VFL’s leading goalkicker but is unlikely to get a call-up with Port Melbourne’s Jordan Lisle just one major behind.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: As Brendon Bolton is so fond of saying, there are “green shoots” at Collingwood after the Magpies gave Port Adelaide a scare. Ben Reid up forward has been a revelation and there are a few fans scratching their heads knowing that Reid was playing VFL just a month or two ago. Matthew Scharenberg too, had to force his way into the AFL set-up and has more than proved himself a star of the future.

Will Hoskin-Elliott will be monitored this week after hurting his hip against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Mark Baguley (rested) test

Tom Bellchambers (foot) test

Mitch Brown (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Ben McNiece (neck) TBC

Jackson Merrett (leg) 6-8 weeks

MATCH REPORT: JOE RUFFLES FEATHERS BUT CROWS FLY HOME

ON THE BLOCK: Coach John Worsfold hasn’t ruled out resting Jobe Watson for the trip to Metricon Stadium to play the Suns. Ben Howlett was quiet, managing just nine disposals in the loss to Adelaide, while Matthew Leuenberger will be nervous if Tom Bellchambers is fit to return from a foot problem. Matt Dea gathered 18 disposals and a nasty knee to the head in his sixth game for the season after replacing the omitted Michael Hartley.

ON THE CUSP: Zach Merrett will return after his one-match ban and Mark Baguley should be back after being rested for the clash against the Crows. The Bombers are unsure whether Bellchambers will be fit to return from a foot injury.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Currently in 10th position on the ladder with a very healthy percentage of 104.5, the Bombers are still right in the mix for finals, just a game behind seventh-placed Melbourne. Essendon should easily account for the Suns at Metricon before a Round 23 clash against struggling Fremantle at Etihad. That should be two from two in the final rounds but will other results go their way? Let’s hope Jobe Watson at least gets to play one more final before he bids farewell to the AFL.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Harley Balic (hamstring/personal leave) indefinite

Connor Blakely (shoulder) season

Zac Clarke (knee) TBC

Hayden Crozier (concussion) TBC

Brady Grey (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Ed Langdon (knee) season

Alex Pearce (leg) season

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season

Lee Spurr (calf) 2 weeks

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC

Michael Walters (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS NO MATCH FOR BUDDY, SWANS

ON THE BLOCK: For one week we’ll introduce a new section: Who’s not on the block? Nat Fyfe. He was the only Docker to gather more than 21 disposals. Sean Darcy broke even in the hitouts. Pretty much everyone else was horrible.

ON THE CUSP: This is how well the Dockers are going — Zac Dawson was named best player in Peel Thunder’s win against Perth in the WAFL. Ryan Nyhuis and Tom Sheridan had good numbers and Harley Bennell had 16 touches — could Ross Lyon give him a run against the Tigers?

AL PATON’S FORECAST: At least the Dockers get to play at home next week after their 104-point smashing — the biggest loss by any team this year. It was only just over a week ago they won at Subiaco against Gold Coast, although based on Saturday’s results that might not mean a lot. Freo will have fond memories of its last encounter with Richmond early this year but these teams have a strange recent history with Fremantle winning their past two clashes at the MCG and the Tigers taking home the points from their past two visits to Perth. If the Tigers are serious this year they should keep that trend going.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Rhys Stanley (calf) TBC

Mark Blicavs (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Josh Cowan (Achilles) season

Cory Gregson (foot) season

Tom Hawkins (suspension) Return Round 23

George Horlin-Smith (ankle) TBC

Darcy Lang (shin) 1 week

Lincoln McCarthy (hip/groin) season

Quinton Narkle (knee) season

Joel Selwood (ankle) 3-4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: MOTLOP SAVES CATS - AND CAREER?

ON THE BLOCK: Rhys Stanley finished the win against Richmond on the bench with a calf injury; scans will determine how long he’ll miss. Tom Lonergan and Jake Kolodjashnij both spent time off the ground having leg knocks assessed, but played out the match. The two youngest members of the team — Zach Guthrie and Sam Simpson — remain on the very edge of the best 22.

ON THE CUSP: Mitch Duncan will be a handy inclusion after serving his one-match suspension. Tom Hawkins is another week away so Wylie Buzza is a chance to come back after kicking two goals in the VFL. Aaron Black kicked three and Darcy Lang had 15 disposals and laid nine tackles in his return from a broken leg.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Some Cats fans were worried about staying in the eight after last week’s loss to Sydney but things look a lot rosier now. Have had their issues with Collingwood in the past but should overcome the Pies on Saturday to set up a Round 23 showdown with GWS for second spot and a home qualifying final.

Rhys Stanley hurt his calf against the Tigers.

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Sean Lemmens (ankle) TBC

Gary Ablett (hamstring) test

Michael Barlow (leg) season

Sam Day (hip) season

Brayden Fiorini (hamstring) test

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) season

Jack Leslie (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Cam Loersch (hand) season

Tom Lynch (knee) season

Jarryd Lyons (ankle) test

Brandon Matera (foot) test

Tom Nicholls (ankle) 1 week

Matt Shaw (calf) test

Rory Thompson (hamstring) 2 weeks

Jarrod Witts (shoulder) season

MATCH REPORT: LIONS’ FUTURE LOOKING A LOT SUNNIER

ON THE BLOCK: Sean Lemmens injured his ankle late in the QClash loss to Brisbane. He will have scans on Monday but the early indication is he will be unavailable. On form several players should be nervous but there’s not too much in reserve.

ON THE CUSP: Pearce Hanley was pulled out of the derby after his hamstring tightened at a training run on Friday. He is expected to be fit to return to take on Essendon. The attention will be on Gary Ablett — he has expressed his desperation to play and the medicos certainly aren’t ruling him out but they feel it is unlikely. Michael Rischitelli played in the NEAFL after missing the trip to Perth the previous week and is a chance.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns are a side playing without any passion. There was a spike in defensive pressure against the Lions but as soon as the momentum swung Brisbane’s way they ran up the white flag. All interim coach Dean Solomon can ask for this week is to extend that defensive mindset for longer. The Suns have the ability to beat a side like the Bombers but, at the moment, not the heart.

Sean Lemmens was helped from the field after injuring his ankle. Picture: Getty

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

Sam Reid (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Devon Smith (knee) TBC

Tim Taranto (ankle) 3-4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: DOGS DEFENCE COPS GIANT BLOW

ON THE BLOCK: Toby Greene is facing suspension for the third time this season. It’s a report which has the football community split but if he does cop a ban with his bad record it is likely to be more than one week. After announcing his retirement last week, effective at the end of the season, Steve Johnson will come under pressure to hold his spot. He looks to still be struggling with his knees. Dawson Simpson played well but with Shane Mumford set to return from injury he will make way.

ON THE CUSP: Mumford returns from a one-match ban for his head high bump on Max Gawn. Devon Smith missed the win over the Western Bulldogs with a sore knee but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s clash with West Coast at Spotless Stadium.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants need to win their last two matches against West Coast and Geelong at Geelong to hold on to second spot on the ladder and potential home finals. Johnson looks like he needs another rest but if he loses his spot to Devon Smith he may not get it back. Mumford will be a big in for the clash with the Eagles who have it all to play for as well.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) season

James Cousins (shoulder) season

Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) season

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (turf toe) 1-2 weeks

Josh Gibson (groin) 1-2 weeks

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) test

Cyril Rioli (PCL) season

Ben Stratton (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: HODGE FAREWELLS TASSIE IN STYLE

ON THE BLOCK: Coach Alastair Clarkson is chasing the next piece of silverware, he says. He is happy to use this period to teach and develop. But who starts centre half-forward in Round 1 next year? Ryan Schoenmakers and Ty Vickery have a big summer ahead.

ON THE CUSP: Jaeger O’Meara may return for the final-round game against the Bulldogs after making a successful and impressive comeback from injury in the VFL. Paul Puopolo also played VFL and is in line for a call-up over the next fortnight after finally overcoming a groin problem. Kurt Heatherley is still in the mix.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Clarko is all about playing the kids and developing the team without some injured stars. In Luke Hodge’s second-last game, they should be too good for Carlton at Etihad Stadium next week before the big Round 23 clash against the Bulldogs.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Oscar McDonald (ribs) TBC

Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) season

Colin Garland (knee) season

Jesse Hogan (collarbone) test

Dean Kent (shoulder) season

Pat McKenna (hamstring) season

Joel Smith (tibia) season

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Jake Spencer (ribs) TBC

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

Mitch White (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

Christian Salem (suspended) Return Round 23

MATCH REPORT: DEE’S PAIN ALMOST OVER, SAINTS’ ENDURES

ON THE BLOCK: It was heart-in-throat stuff, but Angus Brayshaw escaped his first-term head clash with Koby Stevens without injury. Oscar McDonald copped a heavy knock and played on, but has sore ribs and may need a rest. Despite the Dees’ dominance, Sam Weideman was largely invisible, but you feel they need to keep playing the kid, given Jesse Hogan’s injury. Jack Viney was on crutches on Monday but the club says that’s nothing to worry about.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Bugg is available but will he make it back after his punch six weeks ago? Will be interesting to see what the Demons decide to do with the on-the-edge stopper. While they have a few injuries, Melbourne has a wealth of star performers playing in the VFL and they are all dominating. Ben Kennedy booted three goals and joined Billy Stretch and Jack Trengove with 31 touches apiece, while Jay Kennedy-Harris had 28 leading the Casey Demons to a big VFL win. Any or all would be at home in the Dees’ side, with JKH putting forward the strongest case. There will be no Salem this week after he accepted a one-match suspension from the VFL tribunal.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: One week they’re cooked, the next they’re in the premiership mix. It’s been a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde season for the Dees, but they’ve at least stamped themselves as a better contender than the Saints. Surely they beat Brisbane in Melbourne this week and then they have the blockbuster against a Collingwood side that has very little to play for. Barring a shocking capitulation, it’s surely finals time again for the grand old flag.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jack Ziebell (foot) test

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Majak Daw (foot) TBC

Mitch Hibberd (shoulder) season

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) season

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 1 week

Jamie Macmillan (finger) season

Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) season

Corey Wagner (ankle) TBC

Jarrad Waite (calf) 1 week

Declan Watson (knee) season

Marley Williams (back/shoulder) season

Mason Wood (calf) TBC

Sam Wright (foot/ankle) season

MATCH REPORT: HODGE FAREWELLS TASSIE IN STYLE

ON THE BLOCK: Todd Goldstein looked disappointed after the siren on Sunday after failing to take a mark against the Hawks. No certainty to finish top-10 in the Roos’ best-and-fairest. May not hold his spot this week either.

ON THE CUSP: Lindsay Thomas kicked three goals in the VFL but the Roos are heading in another direction. Ben McKay is next in line for a debut after spending some time down back in the VFL.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: North Melbourne was competitive again against Hawthorn with a young side. They take on St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in a race to avoid the wooden spoon with Brisbane and Carlton. The No.1 draft pick wouldn’t hurt.

Ollie Wines collected Tom Langdon in the head just after this photo was taken. Picture: Getty

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) 1 week

Jack Hombsch (hip) TBC

MATCH REPORT: RYDER, GRAY DOUBLE ACT STRIKES AGAIN

ON THE BLOCK: Not a convincing 27-point win against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval on Sunday night when novice Dougal Howard made his return after 14 months on the sidelines with a knee injury as a defender rather than a ruckman-forward. There may be questions about forward Jarman Impey’s recent form, particularly after just 11 touches and one goal against the Magpies.

ON THE CUSP: Rising Star nominee Sam Powell-Pepper will be back after taking the weekend off and could be the instant replacement for midfielder Ollie Wines if he is put in the stands by the MRP for his first-quarter high bump on Collingwood defender Tom Langdon. The lingering question from the weekend is whether defenders Jack Hombsch (hip) and Matthew Broadbent (ankle) are fit to play and which is most needed? And can coach Ken Hinkley recall Jackson Trengove after his demotion to the SANFL at the weekend? It will be another interesting match committee session at Alberton this week.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide takes on premiers Western Bulldogs on new soil at Ballarat in a must-win game for both sides that could meet again three weeks later in an elimination final at Adelaide Oval. The Power (12-8) needs one win from its remaining two games against the Bulldogs and Gold Coast (Adelaide Oval) to qualify for finals for the first time since 2014. And a win against the Dogs on the road will give more credibility and confidence than smashing non-contender Gold Coast at home in the season-closer. It was not a convincing win against the Magpies at home on Sunday, but as coach Ken Hinkley says, they were coming off a low, low base after the Showdown massacre.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Josh Caddy (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Reece Conca (foot) 1 week

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

Ben Griffiths (shoulder) test

Steven Morris (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: TIGERS FALL SHORT AS HOODOO STRIKES AGAIN

ON THE BLOCK: There will be at least one forced change with Josh Caddy to miss next Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at Subiaco with a hamstring issue. The club remains hopeful he could be back for Round 23. They have ruled out resting any of their stars - Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Alex Rance - for the Dockers’ game, given the club’s top-four quest. Pressure will come on Corey Ellis and Ivan Soldo to keep their spots. Important small forwards Jason Castagna (three disposals) and Dan Butler (four disposals and one goal) didn’t have any impact against Geelong, but deserve to stay in given what they have done so far.

ON THE CUSP: Damien Hardwick said the Tigers will look at some of the good performers from the VFL on the weekend as possible inclusions. Jacob Townsend was his team’s best player in the curtain-raiser game, Jack Graham is showing good promise, Ben Lennon kicked three goals and could fill Caddy’s role up forward, while Anthony Miles and Jayden Short could also be in the mix.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: The Tigers let a big opportunity slip through their grasp against the undermanned Cats on Saturday. They need to win their last two games against Fremantle and St Kilda to lock in a top-four berth, especially with Sydney breathing down their neck. Alex Rance doesn’t play two bad games in a row and will hit back hard, Jack Riewoldt will better for the hitout, and Subiaco against the Dockers doesn’t look anywhere near as fearsome as the Cats at Simonds Stadium.

Josh Caddy kicked the first goal against Geelong then hurt his hamstring minutes later. Picture: Michael Klein

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Koby Stevens (concussion/ear) TBC

Jack Billings (left eye) TBC

David Armitage (groin) season

Nick Coughlan (hamstring) season

Nathan Freeman (ankle) 5 weeks

Hugh Goddard (foot) season

Ben Long (suspension) available Round 23

Paddy McCartin (concussion) indefinite

Darren Minchington (ankle) season

Leigh Montagna (hamstring) 4 weeks

Bailey Rice (shin) 1 week

Nick Riewoldt (concussion) test

Nathan Wright (ankle) season

MATCH REPORT: DEE’S PAIN ALMOST OVER, SAINTS’ ENDURES

ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to win a game of footy when you only turn up for two-and-a-bit quarters. Koby Stevens was left concussed and with a burst eardrum after a head clash with Angus Brayshaw, and Jimmy Webster hardly went near it. Jack Billings had a serious shiner, but you feel like he should be OK this week. You look at the stats and the Saints looked like they had plenty of prime movers, but that doesn’t tell the whole story - they butchered the footy and the Dees made them pay early and then spent too many petrol tickets trying to get back into it.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Lonie was the chief destroyer for Sandringham on the weekend. They lost to the Casey Demons, but he brought his own ball, racking up 34 disposals and must be first cab off the rank to replace Stevens if he misses.

MICK RANDALL’S FORECAST: Time for some soul searching at the Saints. What will the post-Nick Riewoldt era look like? They can still mathematically make the finals, but it’s out of their hands now. North at Etihad this week should be a win and then they have a tough one to close out the season against the Tigers - a team they hammered earlier in the season. Win them both and hope results go their way, I guess, but they simply must use the ball better - and learn to kick for goal.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Nic Newman (knee) TBC

Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season

Robbie Fox (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Josh Kennedy (hamstring) test

Sam Naismith (side) test

Colin O’Riordan (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: SWANS BUDDY GOOD AHEAD OF CROWS TEST

ON THE BLOCK: Nic Newman limped off the SCG in the third quarter of Saturday’s belting of Fremantle and didn’t return after hyper-extending his knee. The injury was the result of a clash with Kurt Tippett and looks likely to see him miss Friday’s mega-clash with the Crows in Adelaide. The six-day turnaround won’t help his chances.

ON THE CUSP: John Longmire mentioned the names Harry Cunningham and Dan Robinson as those pushing for selection. Ruckman Sam Naismith has missed the past two matches with an abdominal strain but is unlikely to force Tippett or Sinclair out of the team on current form. Robinson, Cunningham, Sam Fisher, Jordan Dawson and Aliir Aliir all played well in the NEAFL.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The finals have come early with Friday night’s Crows-Swans blockbuster and coach John Longmire will get a read on just how far his side could go in September by going up against the premiership favourites. If Newman fails to prove his fitness Harry Cunningham looks the most likely replacement. He was in career-best form before he hurt his hamstring in the Round 9 win against St Kilda. He has some good form in the NEAFL and his strong defence pace would be a valuable asset at Adelaide Oval.

Nic Newman didn’t return after hurting his knee. Picture: Getty

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Mark LeCras (hamstring soreness)

Matthew Allen (foot) season

Tom Barrass (groin) test

Sam Butler (hamstring) season

Lewis Jetta (calf) test

Tom Lamb (knee) test

Scott Lycett (shoulder) season

Nic Naitanui (knee) Late 2017 season

Josh Rotham (hamstring) test

Simon Tunbridge (calf) test

Daniel Venables (toe) 2-3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: KENNEDY’S SIX GOALS SINK BLUES

ON THE BLOCK: Jackson Nelson must be doing important jobs because he isn’t getting much of the footy. Sharrod Wellingham came in late against the Blues and didn’t do much while Luke Partington booted an important goal but had only two other kicks.

ON THE CUSP: Adam Simpson is hopeful Mark LeCras will return next week after he was a late withdrawal with a sore hamstring. No surprises in the WAFL with Chris Masten getting leather poisoning against Swan Districts. Willie Rioli kicked four goals. Time is running out for a miracle Nic Naitanui comeback.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Adam Simpson’s post-match assessment was simple: “We’re in the eight at the moment.” Yep. It might be the last time Simmo can say that this year unless the Eagles’ form improves dramatically with the top two sides to come in the final two weeks of the home-and-away season.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (foot) indefinite

Tom Boyd (mental health) indefinite

Matthew Boyd (Achilles) 1 week

Tom Campbell (Abdominal strain) 1 week

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Lin Jong (knee) season

Brad Lynch (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Dale Morris (broken arm) 4-5 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

Easton Wood (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Jason Johannisen (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: DOGS DEFENCE COPS GIANT BLOW

ON THE BLOCK: Luke Beveridge said on Friday night that there were a few who weren’t up to scratch against the Giants. Tom Liberatore and Jake Stringer were two who bore criticism from commentators across the weekend, having combined for 21 disposals. No injury worries, with Luke Dahlhaus’s bloodied face thanks to the boot of Toby Greene the only real issue for Bulldogs medical staff on the night, but he should be fine to play.

ON THE CUSP: The Bulldogs’ VFL outfit at Footscray had a bye on the weekend so everyone is fresh. Dale Morris could potentially be in the frame to return after breaking his wrist in Round 18, while Jason Johannisen - who has missed two games with a hamstring injury - may also return. Mitch Honeychurch has also recovered from the infection that saw him hospitalised following the game in Cairns, while Tom Boyd could play in the VFL next weekend having at the beginning of July taken a break from football to deal with his mental health.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: It’s off to Ballarat for the Dogs as they look to rediscover their mojo against Port Adelaide. With a top of just eight degrees - and showers - forecast, pack the woolies if you’re also making the trip. The reigning premiers have a dogfight on their hands as they look to snag a top-eight spot and will have to treat every game as if it’s a final from here. Must clean up their ball use as it proved costly against the Giants.