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AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 22, 2017

HAS Gary Ablett played his last game for Gold Coast? The Bombers face new injury problems and there is more pain for the Bulldogs. YOUR CLUB’S INJURY LIST

Jake Stringer talks to Bulldogs medical staff.
Jake Stringer talks to Bulldogs medical staff.

HAS Gary Ablett played his last game for Gold Coast?

Ablett is pushing to return from hamstring problems for the Suns’ final game of the season but is far from certain to play against Port Adelaide.

His future next year is yet to be decided.

THE TACKLE: DOGS SET FOR TORRID POST-SEASON REVIEW

AFL DAILY: ROOS COACH WON’T CROSS DITCH FOR DUSTY

RUN HOME: WHAT YOUR CLUB MUST DO IN ROUND 23

Meanwhile, Essendon has fresh injury worries and there is more pain for the Bulldogs.

Scroll down to see your club’s latest injury list and selection analysis ahead of Round 23.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Elliott Himmelberg (foot) season

Andy Otten (ankle) test

Daniel Talia (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: SWANS STEAL CROWS’ FLAG FAVOURITISM

ON THE BLOCK: No major alarm bell about form lines at selection. But key defender Daniel Talia has an ankle injury that may benefit from some time on the sidelines.

ON THE CUSP: If Talia does not stand well on his ankle, Adelaide has Kyle Hartigan and Kyle Cheney ready to take up a key defensive role after coming off the injury and suspension list. There also could be the temptation to put Paul Seedsman back in the line-up.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: While the top-ranked Crows are locked into a home qualifying final — they cannot lose first or second spot — there are those who will suggest Adelaide coach Don Pyke should not push the motor to full revs in the Subiaco Oval closer against West Coast on Sunday. But with Pyke not interesting in “resting” players and the Crows concerned by the 11-day break that would follow to that home qualifying final, the Eagles should expect a red-hot Adelaide line-up to arrive in Perth and to chase the club’s first minor premiership and McClelland Trophy since 2005 (also won in Perth against the Eagles).

Daniel Talia nurses his injured ankle on Friday night.
Daniel Talia nurses his injured ankle on Friday night.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Tom Bell (ankle) season

Allen Christensen (shoulder) season

Mitch Robinson (foot) season

MATCH REPORT: LIONS’ CHALLENGE FALLS JUST SHORT

ON THE BLOCK: Brisbane had a real crack against Melbourne and coach Chris Fagan made a point of referring to the team effort. Claye Beams would be first in line for the chop if there is a change. But he played with great courage and it would be a tough call if he were to be dropped.

Brisbane reports it got through the game unscathed which may force Fagan to drop a player if he wants Jarrod Berry in the side.

ON THE CUSP: Berry is the only regular senior player likely to be available. Berry missed two weeks with a foot injury but will push to prove is fitness and, if successful, would usually be considered an automatic inclusion. The Lions’ NEAFL side skips the first week of the finals after finishing second on the ladder so the likes of Ben Keays and Josh Schache are available and looking for games.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: It is an important game for the Lions. Although both North coach Brad Scott and Fagan have declared their determination to avoid the wooden spoon, you sense Brisbane mean it more. In warm weather on a fast deck on Saturday afternoon you can see Brisbane’s pace and pace of ball movement being too much for the Roos.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Patrick Cripps (fractured fibula) season

Ed Curnow (bruised larynx) season

Patrick Kerr (hip) season

Caleb Marchbank (arm) test

Harry McKay (toe) test

Andrew Phillips (foot) season

Cameron Polson (shoulder) season

Sam Rowe (knee) season

Alex Silvagni (knee) season

Simon White (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: BLUES BUST 12-YEAR HAWK HOODOO

ON THE BLOCK: Midfielder Billie Smedts suffered a concussion against the Hawks on Saturday night and will be assessed this week.

ON THE CUSP: Onballer Nick Graham was best afield for VFL affiliate Northern Blues in a win over Werribee on Saturday, gathering 26 disposals and kicking three goals.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Blues have avoided the wooden spoon but have the toughest task in football this weekend, a clash against Sydney at the SCG. Carlton pulled off an upset 19-point win over the Swans in Round 6 but Sydney has lost just two of 15 matches since, setting up a huge challenge for Brendon Bolton and his young side.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Taylor Adams (concussion) test

Ben Crocker (ankle) 1 week

Jordan De Goey (hip) season

Alex Fasolo (shoulder) TBC

Tysin Goldsack (soreness) TBC

Levi Greenwood (knee) season

Liam Mackie (ankle) test

Mitch McCarthy (foot) season

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: FROM ASSASSINS TO CRABS, PIES FALL

ON THE BLOCK: Taylor Adams copped a couple of heavy knocks against the Cats and was momentarily struggling to see, but came back on. He had blurred vision post-game, however, and will need to be monitored. Josh Daicos deserves another game after a nine-tackle debut and some nice moments.

ON THE CUSP: Brodie Grundy will return from suspension and Jackson Ramsay will come into consideration. But the injury-plagued season of Daniel Wells appears all but over, with Buckley saying he was unlikely to play the final game of the year. The coach did say plenty of nice things about VFL sharpshooter Kayle Kirby, but was a long way off declaring his AFL debut imminent.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Blimey, how do you assess this season for Collingwood? Obviously on the whole it’s been another disappointing one given another September in the finals wilderness awaits and another slump down the ladder under Buckley. But there’s been signs of life in recent weeks and despite being outplayed by Geelong for large periods, they hung tough and maybe could have pinched it. Buckley has been coaching for his life. Whether that coaching career flatlines or lives, we’re about to find out.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) 4 weeks

Josh Green (foot) TBC

Michael Hurley (calf) 1 week

Matthew Leuenberger (ankle) TBC

Ben McNiece (neck) season

Jackson Merrett (leg) season

MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS IN THE 8, BUT WILL THEY STAY?

ON THE BLOCK: Josh Green was in a world of pain after suffering a foot injury and was using crutches after the game. His season could be over. Josh Begley kicked two goals on debut and Craig Bird had 23 touches; both would be unlucky to miss out but some players will probably have to make way in the next week or two.

ON THE CUSP: Jobe Watson will return after being rested — unless John Worsfold makes a massive selection call. Michael Hurley is probably another week away but the pre-finals bye might complicate that. Kyle Langford, Jake Long and Matt Dea were named in the best in the VFL.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Bombers deserve huge credit for rising from the wooden spoon to the top eight, a result few predicted before March. The win against Gold Coast confirms a first finals campaign since 2014 unless they somehow lose to Fremantle at Etihad Stadium — you don’t want to get ahead of yourselves but after consecutive 104-point losses for the Dockers we can pencil this one in. Some interesting selection decisions to make over the next couple of weeks over who is in the best 22.

Josh Green may have suffered a broken foot against Gold Coast.
Josh Green may have suffered a broken foot against Gold Coast.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) season

Harley Balic (hamstring/personal leave) indefinite

Connor Blakely (shoulder) season

Zac Clarke (knee) season

Brady Grey (hamstring) season

Ed Langdon (knee) season

Lachie Neale (knee) test

Alex Pearce (leg) season

Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) season

Lee Spurr (calf) 1 week

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC

Michael Walters (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: TIGERS SHOW DOCKERS NO MERCY

ON THE BLOCK: Where do you start after consecutive 104-point thumpings? Cam McCarthy was virtually unsighted and a dozen other Dockers had 12 or fewer disposals, although one of them was Harley Bennell who will get another run after a two-goal return.

ON THE CUSP: Ross Lyon says he’s hopeful Lachie Neale will get up for the final game of the year after missing yesterday with groin soreness he’s been carrying for a while. Peel Thunder had a win but not much to get excited about except possibly Tom Sheridan’s 23 touches. Zac Dawson had two kicks — so much for that farewell game.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The end of the season can’t come soon enough for Freo but there is likely to be more pain with a final-round assignment against Essendon at Etihad Stadium. The Bombers need to win to play finals and can score quickly when they get on a roll under the roof. It could be very ugly.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Mark Blicavs (ankle) 2 weeks

Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) 2 weeks

Josh Cowan (achilles) season

Cory Gregson (foot) season

George Horlin-Smith (ankle) test

Lincoln McCarthy (hip/groin) season

Quinton Narkle (knee) season

Joel Selwood (ankle) 3 weeks

Rhys Stanley (calf) test

MATCH REPORT: FROM ASSASSINS TO CRABS, PIES FALL

ON THE BLOCK: The Cats emerged with a pressure-easing win over Collingwood — and no additional injuries. Chris Scott’s immediate focus is not so much personnel but finding a remedy for Geelong’s tardy stars.

ON THE CUSP: The return from suspension of power forward Tom Hawkins is a massive boost. Rhys Stanley and Brandan Parfitt might also be among the inclusions.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: With a top-four position already locked away, the Cats have the chance to push for second spot and a home qualifying final when they host GWS at Skilled Stadium.

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Gary Ablett (hamstring) test

Michael Barlow (leg) season

Dan Currie (foot) season

Sam Day (hip) season

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) season

Sean Lemmens (ankle) TBC

Cam Loersch (hand) season

Tom Lynch (knee) season

Jarryd Lyons (ankle) test

Tom Nicholls (ankle) test

Rory Thompson (hamstring) test

Jarrod Witts (shoulder) season

MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS IN THE 8, BUT WILL THEY STAY?

ON THE BLOCK: The NEAFL side plays an elimination final on Saturday and it will be interesting to see if it has any impact on selections. The likes of Mitch Hallahan and Keegan Brooskby have been the mainstays of that side all year. Brooksby is still required to ruck in the seniors but Hallahan or Jesse Lonergan would be in the hot seat if Gary Ablett returns.

ON THE CUSP: Ablett. Again. The Suns insist Ablett is desperate to play what could be his last game for the club. Most footy watchers will believe it when they see it.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The last time these two sides met in China was ugly. The Suns didn’t offer a yelp. Against Essendon on Saturday night they opted for extra numbers in defence and a lot of congestion around the ball to reduce the Bombers’ scoring. Under interim coach Dean Solomon the mantra is to be hard to play against. It is unlikely to lead to a win but the Suns would be confident of avoiding an embarrassment like last time.

GWS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) season

Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) test

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 2 weeks

Steve Johnson (knee) test

Adam Kennedy (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: KELLY ADDS MORE DIGITS TO CONTRACT OFFER

ON THE BLOCK: Harry Himmelberg worked hard in the win over West Coast at Spotless Stadium on Saturday but had little impact. He is likely to make way for Steve Johnson. Matt de Boer will come under pressure from the talented youngsters like Will Setterfield and Tim Taranto but Leon Cameron is likely to stick with the veteran in a hostile environment.

ON THE CUSP: Johnson will come back into the team to meet his old side Geelong on Saturday. The Giants’ depth is building with Setterfield, Taranto, Matt Kennedy, Harry Perryman and Tendai Mzungu all playing well in the NEAFL team, which lost to the second-placed Brisbane Lions reserves. Kennedy had a massive 37 touches and Setterfield 31 for the day.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The stakes are high in Saturday’s clash at Simonds Stadium which will be a playoff for a home final. Johnson will be fired up against his old team and could be playing his last game at the venue he spent 14 years at. But if the Cats win he could be back there again in two week’s time in the qualifying final.

Steve Johnson is set to line up against his old club on Saturday.
Steve Johnson is set to line up against his old club on Saturday.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) season

James Cousins (shoulder) season

Jonathon Ceglar (ACL) season

Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) indefinite

James Frawley (turf toe) season

Josh Gibson (groin) season

Cyril Rioli (PCL) season

Liam Shiels (hip) TBC

Ben Stratton (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: BLUES BUST 12-YEAR HAWK HOODOO

ON THE BLOCK: A few Hawks had little impact against Carlton on Saturday night, key forwards Tim O’Brien and Ryan Schoenmakers — who at times looked sore — at the top of the list.

ON THE CUSP: Slim pickings from the VFL side, with Brendan Whitecross one of few AFL-listed players to produce solid performances for Box Hill on Sunday.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: With Carlton ending any slim finals hopes the Hawks held on Saturday night, Friday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs looks set to be a dead rubber. However, Hawthorn will be keen to end its season on a high, particularly given they will be farewelling former captain and four-time premiership player Luke Hodge after 305 games.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) season

Colin Garland (knee) season

Dean Kent (shoulder) season

Pat McKenna (hamstring) season

Joel Smith (tibia) season

Tim Smith (navicular bone) season

Jake Spencer (ribs) test

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) season

Mitch White (hamstring) 2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: FINALS WITHIN REACH AS DEMONS HANG ON

ON THE BLOCK: Jeff Garlett had another quiet afternoon with just four kicks, although two of them were goals. Billie Stretch didn’t cement his spot and Bernie Vince will come to the attention of the match review panel — again — for separate incidents involving Dayne and Claye Beams

ON THE CUSP: While Jesse Hogan’s return from a broken collarbone was swift and impressive, co-captain Jack Viney remains a “week-to-week” proposition after missing the clash against the Lions with foot soreness. Coach Simon Goodwin would not put a time frame on Viney’s return and added the Demons would not risk him for the final round if his foot was still sore. Goodwin said he had seen improvement in Jack Watts’ form in the VFL, but gave little away about his prospects of a senior return. “There is obviously a lot of talk about Jack and how he plays ... he is improving, which is great for the footy club, but he will be judged on his performance like every other player at the football club. If you ask me how did every other VFL player go at the game, they performed strongly and Jack was one of those.’’

REBECCA WILLIAMS’ FORECAST: Barring everything going wrong in the final round, the Demons’ dream of making the finals has been all but realised. Their 13-point win over the Lions, who they had to fight to shake off for most of the match at the MCG, strengthened their position in the top-eight. Victory against Collingwood in the final round will shore up their September ticket. The Demons have now won their past two matches after brushing off a shaky month-long form patch. It has been an 11-year wait for a finals berth for the Demons and they will be hoping to carry momentum into the post-season. “It’s exciting for our supporters, the position that we’re in, but the job is not done yet. It’s not Round 23, we haven’t achieved anything just yet, we’ve still got a lot of work to do,’’ Goodwin said.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Majak Daw (foot) season

Mitch Hibberd (shoulder) season

Ben Jacobs (lower leg) season

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) test

Jamie Macmillan (finger) season

Aaron Mullett (calf) TBC

Ed Vickers-Willis (PCL) season

Corey Wagner (ankle) TBC

Jarrad Waite (calf) test

Declan Watson (knee) season

Marley Williams (back/shoulder) season

Mason Wood (calf) TBC

Sam Wright (foot/ankle) season

Todd Goldstein (eye) TBC

MATCH REPORT: THE TWO MINUTES THAT SUMMED UP ROO

ON THE BLOCK: A few injury concerns for North out of the loss to St Kilda. Todd Goldstein suffered a scratch on his eye and also hurt his knee late. Daniel Nielsen was concussed by Josh Bruce in a marking contest and Brayden Preuss hurt his shoulder. Goldstein is the big one who we think won’t play against Brisbane.

ON THE CUSP: Lots of injuries make it difficult, with only 25 players to pick from last week. Maybe big man Ben McKay gets a chance or Jed Anderson and veterans Lachie Hansen and Lindsay Thomas get a call-up.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: North can take out the wooden spoon if it loses to Brisbane on Saturday. It means the coveted No. 1 pick. But Brad Scott says tanking can have a devastating affect on club culture and won’t have a bar of it. Love his attitude. North have been competitive all year, mostly.

Daniel Nielson was stretchered off after being crunched in this marking contest.
Daniel Nielson was stretchered off after being crunched in this marking contest.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) test

Dan Houston (dislocated shoulder) TBC

Jasper Pittard (calf) test

Sam Gray (corked thigh) test

MATCH REPORT: EUREKA! POWER HAS A REASON TO BELIEVE

ON THE BLOCK: Ken Hinkley says form not age will decide selection even in finals and backed the performance of his rookies including Dougal Howard, Dan Houston, Riley Bonner and debutant Todd Marshall in a rousing win against Western Bulldogs in Ballarat. Marshall is most under pressure to hold his spot but Hinkley may persevere with his 2016 first round draft pick against Gold Coast. Tom Jonas faces likely match review panel scrutiny for an off-the-ball hit on Western Bulldogs onballer Luke Dahlhaus at Mars Stadium.

ON THE CUSP: Jasper Pittard is expected to return from a calf strain that saw him rested as a precaution against Bulldogs while Jack Hombsch fronted in Port Adelaide’s demolition of SANFL rival Norwood on Sunday. Brett Eddy, Aaron Young and Jackson Trengove carved up Norwood in a goal-fest and one of the trio could replace Marshall if Hinkley wants to opt for hardened bodies in finals.

RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Justin Westhoff has already told The Advertiser Port Adelaide will come out all guns blazing against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval next Saturday with a top-four spot in the line. The Suns have nothing to play for which contrasts with a Port side on a roll. Expect an annihilation by Port Adelaide.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Josh Caddy (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Nathan Drummond (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: TIGERS ROAR INTO TOP FOUR

ON THE BLOCK: Are you serious? Jacob Townsend was a surprise selection against the Dockers and would ordinarily be first out, but six goals changes that. First-gamer Jack Graham laid 11 tackles and Oleg Markov was also good. The one player who could be on thin ice is Jason Castagna, who had just one kick against Fremantle and has been quiet for a few weeks. But his speed is important.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Lloyd picked a bad week to gather a mammoth 50 disposals and four goals in the VFL. Anthony Miles chimed in with 45 of his own in a big win against Sandringham.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Are the planets aligning for the Tigers? One the same day they put Fremantle to the sword Ben Griffiths and Reece Conca made successful returns in the VFL, giving Damien Hardwick almost a full list to pick from going into finals — now guaranteed, which is an effort in itself. But the Tigers still need to win on Sunday to lock in the double chance and they won’t need reminding that last time they faced St Kilda was a debacle. Playing at the MCG should help.

Sam Gilbert will miss the Saints’ final game of the year.
Sam Gilbert will miss the Saints’ final game of the year.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (groin) season

Nick Coughlan (hamstring) season

Nathan Freeman (ankle) season

Hugh Goddard (foot) season

Paddy McCartin (concussion) indefinite

Darren Minchington (ankle) season

Leigh Montagna (hamstring) 2 weeks

Nathan Wright (ankle) season

MATCH REPORT: THE TWO MINUTES THAT SUMMED UP ROO

ON THE BLOCK: Sam Gilbert will miss with an abdominal injury suffered against North. He still made the big effort to chair Nick Riewoldt off the ground at the end of the game. Billy Longer was beaten by Todd Goldstein and Jake Carlisle could come under scrutiny from the match review panel for a quarter-time tussle with Luke McDonald.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Lonie and Bailey Rice were Sandringham’s two best players in the VFL on Sunday and will push for a recall. Daniel McKenzie is another in the frame. Leigh Montagna is still out with a hamstring.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: St Kilda can still pinch a spot in the eight if Essendon and West Coast lose and the Saints knock over the red-hot Tigers. Remember St Kilda gave Richmond a big touch-up earlier in the year. The Saints also have strong motivation to win for Nick Riewoldt, who will retire at season’s end.

SYDNEY

INJURIES

Nic Newman (knee) test

Darcy Cameron (shoulder) season

Robbie Fox (ankle) 2 weeks

Sam Naismith (side) test

MATCH REPORT: SWANS STEAL CROWS’ FLAG FAVOURITISM

ON THE BLOCK: As impressive as the win over the Crows was last Friday night, Will Hayward (six possessions), Dean Towers (six) and Callum Sinclair (eight) all had quiet nights.

John Longmire will almost certainly pick the team he expects to play in the first week of the finals.

ON THE CUSP: The Swans reserves are top of the ladder in the NEAFL and have plenty of talent to back up their in-form senior team. Harry Cunningham played well in the team’s latest win against Gold Coast and is building form after a bad hamstring injury. Shaun Edwards, James Rose, and Aliir Aliir all kicked multiple goals against the Suns reserves. Senior emergencies Nic Newman and Jordan Dawson both travelled to Adelaide but didn’t play.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans’ hopes of a top-four finish are partially out of their hands because they need Richmond to lose to St Kilda in Round 23. They will also need to beat Carlton by a big margin to move past Port Adelaide, which is equal on points but 0.4 per cent ahead of the Swans on the ladder. The Blues defeated Sydney the last time they met in Round 6 at the MCG but will face a different team at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Matthew Allen (foot) season

Sam Butler (hamstring) season

Tom Lamb (knee) test

Mark LeCras (hamstring soreness) test

Scott Lycett (shoulder) season

Nic Naitanui (knee) Late 2017 season

Daniel Venables (toe) season

MATCH REPORT: KELLY ADDS MORE DIGITS TO CONTRACT OFFER

ON THE BLOCK: Josh Hill came back into the team but might not stay long after just two kicks and 0.0 on the scoreboard. Jack Darling, Mark Hutchings, Lewis Jetta and Luke Partington were also quiet.

ON THE CUSP: Mark LeCras should be OK to return after missing two weeks with a hamstring problem. Sharrod Wellingham was dropped and responded with 34 disposals for East Perth. Chris Masten remains on the fringe and Willie Rioli had 20 touches but didn’t score a goal.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: A stronger showing than most pundits predicted, running the Giants very close at Spotless Stadium. But given the best players were retirees Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis, where does that leave the Eagles next year? The more immediate issue is trying to make the finals, which is still mathematically possible but would require a win against Adelaide and other results to fall their way. It might come down to needing a big favour from cross-town rivals Fremantle against the Bombers.

Jake Stringer’s season appears over.
Jake Stringer’s season appears over.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (foot) 2 weeks

Stewart Crameri (hip) season

Lin Jong (knee) season

Brad Lynch (hamstring) 2 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

Jake Stringer (hamstring) TBC

Easton Wood (hamstring) 4 weeks

Jason Johannisen (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: EUREKA! POWER HAS A REASON TO BELIEVE

ON THE BLOCK: At least one change is needed. Jake Stringer’s season is over after the Bulldogs lost him to yet another hamstring injury within the first 10 minutes of Saturday’s game against Port Adelaide.

ON THE CUSP: With the Dogs set to miss the finals, Matthew Boyd will return for his 292nd and final game. He’s been out of the side since Round 16, but will take centre among alongside Bob Murphy in Friday night’s clash against Hawthorn. Tom Boyd kicked three goals in three quarters of his VFL comeback game but is unlikely to be rushed back.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: What loomed at the start of the season as a pre-finals appetiser has proved to be anything but. It’s more about the farewells than anything else. The Bulldogs’ rollercoaster season never really got into gear at any stage. Unless a miracle happens — and it would need to be a miracle given their poor percentage — the Dogs will be the first premiership team since Hawthorn in 2009 to miss the finals the following year.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-injury-list-whos-hot-and-whos-hurt-after-round-22-2017/news-story/829a911ad2ba7d70acc55dc71bfbf67d