AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 8

ESSENDON’S task of upsetting Geelong just got a lot harder with Michael Hurley hit by a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Lance Franklin is set to miss again and Collingwood is looking for answers to another fitness crisis. SEE EVERY INJURY AT EVERY CLUB

Tom Phillips is helped from the ground on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD will re-examine its fitness and football programs to help weed out any problems causing Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore’s recurring hamstring woes.

The pair will face scans on their injured hamstrings on Monday and are certain to face at least another three or four weeks on the sidelines to recover.

SEE EVERY INJURY AT EVERY CLUB BELOW

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Nathan Buckley said the Magpies would again investigate what was causing the repeated hamstring setbacks and potentially make changes to its rehabilitation program.

“Rest assured we’re not sweeping them under the carpet. We’ve got to find the answer to it,” Buckley said.

“We want access to our best players more often, so we’re not sitting on our hands.

“It is significant. We have looked at it. We looked at it as a group about three weeks ago, and we’ll have another look now.

“We need to keep providing the best opportunity for players, we need to keep getting rehab right so we can get players back, and fit, and standing up to the competition.”

See your club’s injury list below.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Taylor Walker (Glute) Test

Sam Gibson (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Alex Keath (Ankle) 1-2 weeks

Wayne Milera (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Riley Knight (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Rory Sloane (Foot) 2-3 weeks

Brad Crouch (Groin) 2-3 weeks

Curtly Hampton (Adductor) TBC

Kyle Hartigan (Hamstring) test

Elliott Himmelberg (Concussion) TBC

Paul Hunter (Ankle) TBC

Andrew McPherson (Groin) 3-4 weeks

Reilly O’Brien (Shoulder) Test

Brodie Smith (Knee) Indefinite

Taylor Walker looks on after the Showdown loss. Picture: Sarah Reed

MATCH REPORT: CROWS STUNNED BY POWER

ON THE BLOCK: Sam Jacobs and Taylor Walker both left the ground to go into the rooms during the Showdown but played out the game and will be tested at training this week. Myles Poholke and Jordan Gallucci might come under some scrutiny at selection but with the SANFL team having the week off there’s not a lot of guys putting pressure on from underneath.

ON THE CUSP: Riley Knight looks the most likely to return to the Crows team for their Friday night clash against the Western Bulldogs providing soreness around his hamstring has eased. Back-up ruckman Reilly O’Brien will also be on standby in case Sam Jacobs misses the game with his wife Izzy due to give birth to their first child any day this week. Kyle Hartigan should be back in the frame after recovering from a hamstring injury.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Expect the Crows to rebound from their Showdown loss against the Bulldogs at home on Friday night, but I’m not convinced Walker or Jacobs will play. As the Crows have shown this season if there’s any risk, they will err on the side of caution. Kyle Hartigan is the most obvious inclusion if he’s fit.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Toby Wooller (Finger) 7-8 weeks

Jack Payne (Shin) 5-6 weeks

Sam Skinner (ACL) TBC

MATCH REPORT: DOGS TOO GOOD FOR FIGHTING LIONS

ON THE BLOCK: It is hard to know what to do with the Lions at selection. They are competitive almost every week. They also lose every week. How many changes do they need to make? Cameron Rayner has now played the opening eight games of the year. It could be worth giving him a break over the next week or two. Matt Eagles didn’t set the world on fire in his second game and may be under pressure to maintain his spot.

ON THE CUSP: The Lions enjoyed a smashing win over Gold Coast in the NEAFL on Saturday, not allowing the Suns to kick a goal.

Brisbane had a host of good players including Ryan Lester, Josh Walker, Rohan Bewick and Ryan Bastinac. Coach Chris Fagan has a lot of guys putting their hands up if he does want to make some changes.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Lions are going to win a game at some stage. The simple fact is, they aren’t that bad. But where is that win going to come from? This week they take on a Hawthorn team coming off an eight day break and a disappointing loss. There is also no way Clarko will allow his boys to lose to Luke Hodge. With Sydney coming up the following week, 0-10 is unfortunately in play.

The Brisbane Lions are still hunting their first win. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON

INJURIES

Matthew Wright (Ankle) Test

Levi Casboult (Broken rib) 4 weeks

David Cuningham (Hamstring) 1 week

Marc Murphy (Foot) Test

Jarrod Pickett (Wrist) 5 weeks

Ciaran Byrne (Quad) 6 weeks

Cillian McDaid (Foot) 2-3 weeks

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) 1-2 weeks

Tom Williamson (Back) Test

Sam Docherty (Knee) Season

Kym Lebois (Broken collarbone) 8 weeks

Harrison Macreadie (Hamstring) 2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: BLUES STUN BOMBERS FOR FIRST WIN

ON THE BLOCK: Does Bolton tinker with his first winning outfit of the season? That is the question. Matthew Wright the only injury concern with that ankle, but given he played out the game there may be no need for worry. But Ed Curnow is the one to be really anxious about. The star stopper — who absolutely crushed Zach Merrett on Saturday — could be in strife for making contact with an umpire. Watch this space.

ON THE CUSP: When asked whether skipper Marc Murphy would return this week, Bolton’s anticipation was obvious. “Really hope so,” he replied. It’s been a month since Murphy featured after battling that plantar fascia problem. Matthew Kennedy and Jack Silvagni — who collected 21 touches and three goals — were among the best in a 43-point loss for VFL outfit Northern Blues, with Jacob Weitering also named among the best players.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: That winning feeling was a sweet one for the Blues, seven of whom tasted victory in the navy blue — and a lot of sprayed Gatorade — for the first time on Saturday against Essendon. But maintaining it will be tough. Melbourne had a big win over Gold Coast and are another team hunting consistency, so while Bolton said he would allow his players to “smile” and enjoy their first win of the season for a day or two, he is firmly focused on Sunday’s MCG meeting with the Dees. The Blues have lost their last two clashes with Melbourne but confidence is a funny thing in football — will be interesting to see whether they can back up their victory this weekend. Can’t wait to watch Matthew Kreuzer and Max Gawn go head to head.

Ed Curnow is likely to miss this week. Picture: Michael Klein

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Jamie Elliott (Hamstring) TBC

Darcy Moore (Hamstring) Test

James Aish (Knee) 6-8 weeks

Tim Broomhead (Broken leg) Season

Tyson Goldsack (Knee) Season

Kayle Kirby (Heart issue) Season

Brayden Maynard (Ankle) Test

Ben Reid (Achilles) Test

MATCH REPORT: CATS TOO STRONG FOR PIES

ON THE BLOCK: Collingwood will attempt to jump back into the eight with a win against an under siege St Kilda on Saturday night. St Kilda is one of the most wayward goal kicking sides in the competition and the Magpies booted an inaccurate 5.15 in the 21-point loss to Geelong.

ON THE CUSP: The Pies could make at least two changes for the clash against the Saints. Darcy Moore hurt his hamstring on Sunday and Tom Phillips is under a concussion cloud. Making matters worse, Jamie Elliott also suffered another hamstring injury in the VFL and Ben Reid is not yet ready to resume from his Achilles problem.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury will return from an ankle injury on Saturday night. Alex Fasolo has put together a solid month of form in the VFL and will press for selection to play in a smaller forward line. Jarryd Blair is also in the mix along with Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos and key defender Brody Mihocek.

Scott Pendlebury looks set to return this week. Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Michael Hurley (hamstring) 1 week

Martin Gleeson (Ankle) 6-7 weeks

Joe Daniher (Groin) 4 weeks

Andrew McGrath (Calf) 1-2 weeks

Josh Green (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Josh Begley (Knee) Season

Travis Colyer (Foot) 2-4 weeks

MATCH REPORT: BLUES STUN BOMBERS FOR FIRST WIN

ON THE BLOCK: It’s more a case of who isn’t on the block, as John Worsfold prepares to make significant changes ahead of this week’s game against the Cats. There is likely to be one forced change after Michael Hurley suffered a minor hamstring strain against Carlton. Jake Stringer is the highest profile player under the gun. Wayne Carey suggested Stringer needs to go back for an extended stint in the VFL, and seems likely to happen. Others under pressure include Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Darcy Parish, who have been out of form. There are a few others who will be nervous heading into Thursday’s selection, as Worsfold admitted he has run out of patience with some underperforming players.

ON THE CUSP: Andrew McGrath is only an outside chance of coming back from injury to take on Geelong. Aaron Francis was one of the Bombers’ best in the club’s VFL win over Sandringham, as was Jackson Merrett. Worsfold said on Saturday he would be casting an eye over the young talent in the VFL to see if there were any suitable replacements this week.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Worsfold said the Bombers don’t have a team trademark, and on that level, he is right. The Bombers stink at the moment — in game style, effort and connection — and unless they can rapidly repair it, it’s going to be a very long season. So many of their best players are in below par form, including last year’s All-Australian Zach Merrett, who needs to find a way to break tags. The connect between the players taking the ball inside 50m, and those forwards in there, seems at an all-time low. Skill errors are rife, and so is the collective effort. They won the tackle count against Carlton, but so much of that came off the back of a strong performance from Devon Smith.

A number of Bombers are under the pump to maintain their place in the Essendon seniors. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Hayden Ballantyne (Thigh) Test

Matt Taberner (Foot) TBA

Michael Walters (Knee) 1-2 weeks

Sean Darcy (Knee) 3-4 weeks

Hugh Dixon (Ankle) 3-4 weeks

Bradley Hill (Knee) TBA

Stephen Hill (Quad) Test

Griffin Logue (Foot) 2 weeks

Lee Spurr (Knee) 2-3 weeks

Sam Switkowski (Hamstring) TBA

Nathan Wilson (Back) TBC

MATCH REPORT: SLOW SAINTS CAN’T OVERCOME DOCKERS

ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle got through their 30-point win over St Kilda at Optus Stadium on Saturday night unscathed, aside from Hayden Ballantyne who suffered a corked thigh. A couple of incidents involving in-form skipper Nat Fyfe may get looked at by the Match Review Officer, but he is unlikely to face suspension.

ON THE CUSP: There was a general bye in the WAFL at the weekend due to the annual state game. Stephen Hill was a late withdrawal ahead of the St Kilda clash due to quad tightness but could return this weekend. Livewire Michael Walters (knee) is also a chance to face the Swans, likewise with dashing defender Nathan Wilson. Harley Bennell (calf) is still a few weeks away from being considered for AFL selection.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: It wasn’t pretty, but the Dockers got the job done against St Kilda. After a horror week off-field where Ross Lyon faced more scrutiny over the club’s sexual harassment scandal and injured speedster Bradley Hill had a brush with the law, a win was vital. Fremantle have an even win-loss record at 4-4 and are one game out of the top-eight. Beating Sydney at the SCG is something the Dockers haven’t done in several years, with the clash shaping up as a test of where the young-and-improving side are at.

Hayden Ballantyne will need to prove his fitness this week. Picture: AAP Images

GEELONG

INJURIES

Cam Guthrie (Ankle) 3-4 weeks

Nakia Cockatoo (Knee) 3-4 weeks

Brandan Parfitt (Foot) TBC

Daniel Menzel (Groin) 1-2 weeks

Lachie Henderson (Knee) Indefinite

Scott Selwood (back) test

Tom Hawkins (suspension) available

MATCH REPORT: CATS TOO STRONG FOR PIES

ON THE BLOCK: The Cats are playing seriously good footy and have a lot of players close to returning. The ruck is still a concern with Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith flipping between the VFL and AFL. Late inclusion George Horlin-Smith could be forced out for Scott Selwood, while James Parsons found the footy but could also face an anxious wait.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Hawkins is available after suspension while Lachlan Fogarty, Scott Selwood and Daniel Menzel shouldn’t be far behind. Draftee Charlie Constable suffered a VFL concussion although Lincoln McCarthy booted three goals on return.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Are the Cats the second-best team in it? They’ve played just one bottom team and been in every game, and had West Coast on toast in Perth until they ran out of players. Have put in just one shocking quarter for the year — the last against Sydney — despite a bundle of injuries. Exciting times at the Cattery.

Gary Ablett made a strong return from injury. Picture: Getty Images

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

David Swallow (Knee) TBC

Jesse Joyce (Quad) 1 week

Sean Lemmens (Broken hand) 1 week

Brayden Fiorini (Leg) 4-6 weeks

Pearce Hanley (Dislocated shoulder) 9-10 weeks

Darcy MacPherson (Broken leg) 12 weeks

Tom Nicholls (Shoulder) 12-14 weeks

Matt Rosa (Shoulder) Test

Harrison Wigg (Fractured ankle) Indefinite

Jesse Lonergan (Knee) 4-6 weeks

Tom Lynch (Knee) 3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: DEES RUN ALL OVER SUNS

ON THE BLOCK: Fortunately for many of the Suns who produced stinkers on the weekend, there is very little pressure coming from an injury depleted NEAFL side that failed to kick a goal against the Lions on Saturday. The outs will come through suspension and perhaps injury. Sam Day has been suspended for a week for a low blow to Demon Neville Jetta while captain Steven May has been transferred straight to the tribunal for making contact with an umpire. On the injury front David Swallow sat out the majority of the final quarter after receiving a kick to the knee. It would be a big risk to send a guy on a flight to China if there remains any swelling

ON THE CUSP: Max Spencer must be the obvious inclusion with Day out and May potentially joining him. Coach Stuart Dew said on Saturday his preference was for Peter Wright to play a third NEAFL game after missing nine weeks with a calf injury. There will now be a rethink on that. Josh Schoenfeld has been the best performer in the NEAFL while Will Brodie is the ball winner likely to come under consideration if Swallow misses.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: It is shaping up as another horror trip to China for the Suns. It goes against the grain for a guy like Dew but if Day and May are both rubbed out the conservative play would also be to overlook Swallow and Wright and reload for after the bye. The Suns took Rory Thompson to China last year under an injury cloud and he was a late withdrawal. Gary Ablett also travelled and played but the missed the next match after the bye.

Sam Day won’t play in the China game. Picture: AAP Images

GWS

INJURIES

Matt De Boer (Hamstring) TBC

Phil Davis (Concussion) TBC

Brett Deledio (Hamstring) Test

Toby Greene (Foot) TBC

Josh Kelly (Groin) Test

Adam Kennedy (Knee) TBC

Tom Scully (Ankle) 7-9 weeks

Will Setterfield (Knee) Season

Lachie Tiziani (Knee) Season

Zac Williams (Achilles) TBC

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS DROP VITAL HOME GAME TO EAGLES

ON THE BLOCK: The in-form Matt de Boer picked up a hamstring strain in the loss to West Coast and is almost certain to miss against the Kangaroos. Phil Davis will also be a likely out with concussion after his clash with Jack Darling. Lachie Keeffe was quiet in his second game for the Giants.

ON THE CUSP: Josh Kelly has missed five games with a groin injury but is likely to make his return for Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne in Hobart along with Brett Deledio, who has been out for the last two with hamstring tightness. Matt Buntine was the Giants’ best player in their loss to the Swans reserves in the NEAFL on Saturday. He hasn’t played since Round 2 last year when he ruptured his ACL.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Josh Kelly was close to making his return last week and will almost certainly be given the green light to take on the team that was prepared to pay $9 million for him last year. Brett Deledio will be another plus for the struggling GWS after playing his best footy in a Giants jumper a few weeks ago. Matt Buntine is a ready-made replacement for Phil Davis in defence if needed.

Phil Davis was knocked out against the Eagles. Picture: Getty Images

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Dylan Moore (Shoulder) 1 week

Paul Puopolo (Hamstring) 1 week

Kurt Heatherley (Achilles) Indefinite

Grant Birchall (Knee) Indefinite

Cyril Rioli (Medial ligament) 3-4 weeks

Changkuoth Jiath (Groin) 1-2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: SWANS SNATCH THRILLER AGAINST HAWKS

ON THE BLOCK: The Hawks will need to drop at least one player with Paul Puopolo poised to return. Perhaps fringe player Will Langford will miss out, while Tim O’Brien is yet to really stamp his authority on a game.

ON THE CUSP: Poppy was “95 per cent” last week and that means he must play against the Lions this week. James Cousins collected 23 disposals for Box Hill and remains on the edge.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Clarko says the Swans get away with “blue murder” at times with their blocking tactics in defence. Was Roughie stiff to be denied a mark in the last quarter? Will the Hawks get a better run this week? At 5-3 it’s still been an almighty start to the season with a vastly different line-up. Now for a date against Hodgey’s winless Lions, an important game to bounce back in given West Coast and Port Adelaide follow before the bye.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Mitch King (Elbow) 2-3 weeks

Corey Maynard (Hip) TBC

Dean Kent (Hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Pat McKenna (Hamstring) Indefinite

Aaron vandenBerg (Ankle) 6-8 weeks

MATCH REPORT: DEES RUN ALL OVER SUNS

ON THE BLOCK: Not many after a pretty complete performance against Gold Coast. Someone will have to make way for the co-captain. It would cause a lot of SuperCoach heartache but could Charlie Spargo use a rest?

ON THE CUSP: Jack Viney is set to play his first senior game of the season after getting through his VFL return unscathed on Sunday. Billy Stretch (31 disposals) was best on ground in Casey Scorpions’ win against Box Hill, with Tom Bugg, Corey Wagner and Jeff Garlett also waiting in the wings.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Melbourne was playing well early in the season and not winning but now it all seems to have clicked for Simon Goodwin’s men, who have won three straight and have a chance to push towards the top four when they meet Carlton at the MCG on Sunday.

Jack Viney will return this week. Picture: David Crosling

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Taylor Garner (Hamstring) Test

Majak Daw (Foot) Test

Gordon Narrier (Hip) TBC

Declan Watson (Knee) Indefinite

Ed Vickers-Willis (Knee) TBC

Mitch Hibberd (Knee) 1-2 weeks

Declan Mountford (Ankle) Test

MATCH REPORT: DID NORTH FIND BLUEPRINT TO STOP DUSTY?

ON THE BLOCK: North went tall in its forwards structure against the Tigers with Mason Wood and Jarrad Waite floating around Ben Brown. After his heroics against Sydney the previous week, Wood managed two goals but also had a few forgettable moments. Waite came off late with a badly corked thigh so he could be under some doubt with Brad Scott likely to review with the three-pronged set-up is the way to go against the Giants in Hobart next week. Small forward Kayne Turner struggled with just six possessions and could be in the gun while Luke McDonald is likely to have a holiday courtesy of the Match Review Officer..

ON THE CUSP: Scott commented after the gallant loss to the Tigers that North’s VFL team had earlier had an ordinary afternoon. Cameron Zurhaar, who’d showed a bit before getting dropped, was in the best players so could be a chance to return at the expense of Turner or for McDonald.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST:

A decision on how many talls is too many is what confronts the Kangaroos match committee. Maybe Waite rests because of his knock as Majak Daw again did some nice things as a tall defender and would benefit from having faith shown in him.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Aidyn Johnson (Groin) 1 week

Todd Marshall (Personal reasons) Indefinite

Matthew Broadbent (Ankle) TBC

Hamish Hartlett (Knee) Season

Jarrod Lienert (Knee) 7-9 weeks

Lindsay Thomas (Suspension) Round 10 return

MATCH REPORT: CROWS STUNNED BY POWER

ON THE BLOCK: No injury scares for the Power in their thrilling Showdown win and it was a case of all played well so no one deserves to be dropped for the clash with Gold Coast in Shanghai.

ON THE CUSP: The Magpies had the week off with the state game bye but it will be hard to mount a case to break into Port’s side for the trip to China. Can’t see Dom Barry coming back into the team in a hurry, but Todd Marshall was due to return to the club after spending time with his family following the loss of his father and will come straight in when he’s ready.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide should make it two from two in China this weekend when it plays Gold Coast in Shanghai. The Power have their tails up after a spirited win over the Crows and importantly played Tom Rockliff and Steven Motlop back into form. Will beat the Suns and go into the mid-season bye at a very respectable 6-3.

Tim Rockliff made a successful return last week. Picture: Getty Images

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Oleg Markov (Quad) 1 week

Nathan Drummond (Hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Ben Miller (Concussion) Test

Shaun Grigg (Hamstring) 1 week

Daniel Rioli (Foot) TBA

MATCH REPORT: DID NORTH FIND BLUEPRINT TO STOP DUSTY?

ON THE BLOCK: It’s not a good idea to have an off day when you’re part of this all conquering outfit. It was the much-heralded small brigade who were down against the Roos with Jason Castagna (six possessions) and Dan Butler (10 touches) quiet while Jacob Townsend also only had 11 disposals. You’d think they have enough credits in the bank to stay in although Townsend has already seen some VFL action this season.

ON THE CUSP: The Tigers VFL team had a big win Anthony Miles once again best-on-ground. Brandon Ellis, Connor Menadue and Corey Ellis were all in the best players. Do you make a change? Why bother, this current senior outfit is ticking over perfectly.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: Nothing to see here at the selection table for the Tigers given they’ve won six on the trot and would be confident with the line-up heading into a top-of-the-table clash with West Coast in Perth next Sunday.

Richmond players celebrate a goal against the Kangaroos. Picture: Getty Images

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Jake Carlisle (Concussion) TBC

Josh Bruce (Back) 3-4 weeks

Paddy McCartin (Head) Indefinite

Ben Long (Foot) 10-12 weeks

Dylan Roberton (Heart) Season

Koby Stevens (Concussion) Indefinite

Darren Minchington (Knee) 2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: SLOW SAINTS CAN’T OVERCOME DOCKERS

ON THE BLOCK: Would a week or two in the VFL help Jack Billings? He should be St Kilda’s best player but is clearly bereft of confidence. Nearly the whole team is out of form (Jimmy Webster and debutant Ed Phillips excepted) but David Armitage or Rowan Marshall loom is the most likely omissions after Saturday night’s loss to Fremantle. Jake Carlisle will be monitored after copping a knee in the head from Nat Fyfe.

ON THE CUSP: A worry for the Saints is they have most of their best 22 available with the exception of Dylan Roberton, Josh Bruce, Ben Long and maybe Kobe Stevens and Paddy McCartin, and none of those will be playing for a while. Bailey Rice, Jack Lonie and Brandon White were Sandringham’s best in a 21-point loss to Essendon’s VFL side.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: How much can you go on about horrible goalkicking? The Saints were at it again, kicking themselves out of the game by halftime in what has become a dispiriting pattern. Surely one week it will just click and the Saints will pull off an upset, could it be Saturday night against an injury-hit Collingwood?

Is it time for Jack Billings to go back to the VFL? Picture: AAP Images

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Lance Franklin (Bruised heel) TBC

Jordan Dawson (Quad) 3 weeks

James Bell (Hamstring) 3 weeks

Dan Hannebery (Groin) test

Jordan Foote (Toe) 2-3 weeks

Lewis Melican (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Toby Pink (Ankle) Test

Sam Reid (Quad) 6-8 weeks

Sam Naismith (Knee) Season

Alex Johnson (Groin) 3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: SWANS SNATCH THRILLER AGAINST HAWKS

ON THE BLOCK: Debutant Tom McCartin might keep his spot with news Lance Franklin will miss a fourth match with a heel injury. Dan Robinson would be unlucky to miss out if Dan Hannebery is included after an excellent game against the Hawks. Dean Towers could also be in trouble if John Longmire decides to give Aliir Aliir a chance.

ON THE CUSP: John Longmire confirmed on Monday that Franklin will miss again and said he wasn’t sure he will be back next week, either. “Bruised heels can be tricky,” he said. Dan Hannebery will have to prove his fitness at training. Aliir Aliir was among the best in the Swans reserves along with Harry Marsh and Nic Newman.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: After winning coming within two points of winning all three games without Lance Franklin in the team and sitting at 5-3, John Longmire will feel no pressure to rush his star forward back. Buddy is likely to get another week’s rest with a view to being cherry ripe when he does return. Dan Hannebery will boost the midfield and Aliir Aliir will provide Callum Sinclair support in the ruck.

Will Lance Franklin return this week? Picture: Getty Images

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Hamish Brayshaw (Knee) 4 weeks

Dom Sheed (Foot) 1 week

Lewis Jetta (Calf) Test

Jack Petruccelle (Ankle) TBC

Liam Ryan (Ankle) 7-8 weeks

Eric Mackenzie (Toe) Indefinite

Luke Shuey (Hamstring) 1 week

Nathan Vardy (Adductor) 1-2 weeks

Daniel Venables (Ankle) 7-9 weeks

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS DROP VITAL HOME GAME TO EAGLES

ON THE BLOCK: Sitting at the top end of the ladder at 7-1 and coming off another great win, anyone dropped from this side is going to be unlucky. But with a number of stars knocking on the selection door, there will be changes. Fraser McInnes is likely to come out and be replaced by the returning Nic Naitanui. The rest will depend on fitness. While any of Jackson Nelson, Mark Hutchings and Brayden Ainsworth would be unlucky to lose their places, at least one or two of them might be squeezed out.

ON THE CUSP: As well as Nic Nat, the Eagles have three more guns just waiting to get back into this side. Jeremy McGovern is the most likely to play against the Tigers. He missed the GWS win with a calf injury. Luke Shuey and Dom Sheed may need another week on the sidelines before being officially ready but they are getting close. Lewis Jetta will also be in the mix to play this week.

LAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: This is going to be a massive clash. Next Sunday will see the Eagles host Richmond in a battle between first and second on the ladder. If the Eagles can win this, it is very hard to see them missing the top four and they could even start eyeing a top two finish. And we know what this club can do with home finals in the bank. The two sides haven’t played since early last year when the Tigers came away with an 11-point win at the MCG.

Jeremy McGovern missed the Eagles’ win over GWS. Picture: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Aaron Naughton (Ankle) Test

Dale Morris (Knee) 1-2 weeks

Easton Wood (Hamstring) test

Marcus Adams (Ankle) 2-3 weeks

Kieran Collins (Ankle) 2-3 weeks

Tory Dickson (Hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Brad Lynch (Hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Liam Picken (Concussion) Indefinite

Clay Smith (Knee) 4-6 weeks

Jack Redpath (Knee) 9-11 weeks

Tom Liberatore (Knee) Season

MATCH REPORT: DOGS TOO GOOD FOR FIGHTING LIONS

ON THE BLOCK: Aaron Naughton will definitely miss some football, but how much is the question. The promising defender rolled his right ankle late in the first quarter against Brisbane and missed the rest of the game.

Speaking before scans, Luke Beveridge said the club was confident Naughton wouldn’t be sidelined for too long, despite what the club suspects is lateral ligament damage.

Lukas Webb was quiet on his return, Lewis Young was OK in his second game of the year, but definitely isn’t assured of staying in. Hayden Crozier was just so-so.

ON THE CUSP: Beveridge called his ruck-forwards in for a meeting during the week to tell them there’s a spot up for grabs in a side that used Tom Boyd and Josh Dunkley in the ruck against the Brisbane Lions.

With Jordan Roughead and Jackson Trengove missing games, Tom Campbell playing “all right” in the VFL and Tim English needing to “recalibrate” in the second tier competition, the opportunity is there for what the coach says is the “land of the giants” in the VFL.

Tom Boyd isn’t the long-term solution in the ruck and Steph Martin threatened to badly expose the Dogs. But Beveridge won’t pick reinforcements if they aren’t ready, but he admitted Crows pair Sam Jacobs and Josh Jenkins may force his hand this week.

Aaron Naughton is helped from the field. Picture: AAP Images

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: OK, so they’re not the 2016 premiership flag side with a hangover. Instead, they’re very much a side in transition and the youngest side on the ground every round this season.

But that’s three in a row now for the Western Bulldogs, which prompted Luke Beveridge to admit he had no idea where the side was headed in the short-term.

Against the Lions they kicked goals from turnover when prior to that they’d done it from stoppage, a change Beveridge described as “Chameleon”-like.

Regardless, 4-4 with a setback list that boasts names like Dale Morris, Easton Wood, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Adams, is a remarkable effort.

Adelaide awaits, which is a formidable challenge, but the future looks bright regardless.