AFL injury list: Who’s hot and who’s hurt at your club after Round 10
BOB Murphy will undergo a knee clean-up as he recovers from a hamstring injury as West Coast breaths a sigh of relief over Josh Kennedy. LATEST INJURY NEWS AT YOUR CLUB
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WESTERN Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy is expected to undergo a knee clean-up as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
The veteran was expected to miss three weeks after tearing a hamstring late in Saturday’s 40-point win against St Kilda.
It is unclear whether the minor procedure on his left knee, to address wear and tear in the joint, will sideline him for any longer.
The Dogs have the bye this weekend before meeting Sydney on Thursday week at the SCG.
Murphy is likely to miss the Round 13 clash against Melbourne, but could return to face North Melbourne the following weekend.
That would give him 28 days to recover from the hamstring tear.
Toby McLean, Mitch Honeychurch and Tom Liberatore are expected to be in contention to replace Murphy after strong showings for Footscray in the VFL at the weekend.
Meanwhile, West Coast has received a huge boost with the news star forward Josh Kennedy has avoided a major injury and will miss just three weeks with a calf strain.
The two-time Coleman medallist heard a pop when he suffered the injury during the Eagles’ loss to GWS, and initially feared he had torn his achilles tendon.
“He’s hurt his calf, so he’ll be out for a few weeks,” coach Adam Simpson told Channel 7.
“He’ll be back after the bye, but it’s probably just your standard calf (injury).”
And, Adelaide will be without Curtly Hampton for up to three months after the fleet-footed AFL defender underwent ankle surgery.
Scroll down to see our experts’ take on every team’s playing stocks after Round 10.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Ben Davis (foot) season
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season
Curtly Hampton (ankle) 12 weeks
Mitch McGovern (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Paul Seedsman (groin) 1-2 weeks
Troy Menzel (quad) test
MATCH REPORT: RUTHLESS CROWS GIVE NO QUARTER
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to find a weak link in Adelaide’s 100-point thumping of Fremantle. The two players who were dropped the week before — David Mackay and Josh Jenkins — both responded as coach Don Pyke would have wanted. Mackay’s finishing with the footy could have been a bit better but it was a very wet night. Second-gamer Hugh Greenwood has done enough to keep his spot for a while.
ON THE CUSP: A few players are banging down the door in the SANFL, namely upgraded rookie Jono Beech and first-round draft pick defender Tom Doedee who is stringing a few games together along with Kyle Cheney in the reserves. Riley Knight who went out of the side with a corked glute had 19 touches in the SANFL on the weekend and will be considered.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Adelaide hasn’t beaten Geelong for four years and hasn’t won at Simonds Stadium for 14 but it’s time is now. This is as strong as the Crows have been in a decade and their high-scoring forward line and contested ball winning midfield will worry the Cats. If Rory Sloane goes to Paddy Dangerfield or vice versa at the first bounce on Friday night then grab the popcorn and settle in for a cracker.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Claye Beams (hamstring) 1 week
Allen Christensen (shoulder) season
Mitch Robinson (foot) 8 weeks
Tom Rockliff (shoulder) 1 week
Jack Frost (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: ELLIOTT INSPIRES HAIR-RAISING MAGPIES WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Dayne Zorko and Dayne Beams nearly carried the Lions over the line, but more of their teammates need to get their hands dirty. Zorko and Beams racked up 130 and 127 SuperCoach points, but the next best was Jake Barrett on 77. Not good enough. Only four players had 20 disposals or more. Maybe it’s time coach Chris Fagan makes a statement and drops a Daniel Rich or Lewis Taylor, while Ryan Bastinac didn’t make much of impression after earning a recall. Ryan Lester, Ben Keays and Darcy Gardiner also aren’t safe.
ON THE CUSP: Several players were dropped last week and they responded in the reserves’ big win in the NEAFL. Ryan Harwood lead the way with six goals and 21 disposals, Rohan Bewick amassed 36 possessions, and Tom Bell and Michael Close also had plenty of the ball.
CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: A 45-point loss to Collingwood is hard to swallow in the end after the Lions showed greater effort and were only 10 points down deep in the third quarter. Apart from Beams and Zorko, the Lions lack the class players that can win the key moments in game. The week’s break will be welcomed at the Gabba, and then comes a winnable game against Fremantle at home.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Ciaran Byrne (knee) 1 week
Liam Jones (ankle) 1 week
Sam Rowe (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: ROOS’ GREAT ESCAPE LEAVES QUESTION MARKS
ON THE BLOCK: The Blues have the week off which comes at a good time for a couple of youngsters like Sam Petrevski-Seton and Jack Silvagni who looked tired and banged up against North Melbourne. While they will continue to mix and match the younger players, they all popped up and did a couple of nice things during the gallant comeback in the second and third quarters.
ON THE CUSP: If Liam Jones is over his ankle problem then his VFL form suggests he deserves a crack as a key defender. Jacob Weitering went back against the Roos because of Sam Rowe’s absence but his forward presence was missed. The Northern Blues had a practice match yesterday because of the VFL bye. A few listed players went around with Blaine Boekhorst continuing to press for selection. Those trying to get key forward Harry McKay into the seniors, don’t hold your breath. Brendon Bolton wasn’t exactly jumping onto tables and beating his chest about the first-round draftee, saying he “hopes” McKay can get a game before the end of the season.
SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: A freshen up will be a good thing for a team which is developing well despite only winning three games. Bolton will continue to rotate young players but the bonus in recent weeks is his elite senior players are all firing which at least gives them a chance in any game.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
James Aish (fractured cheekbone) 1-2 weeks
Darcy Moore (shin) TBC
Adam Oxley (groin/hip) 7 weeks
Ben Reid (quad) 1-2 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Travis Varcoe (hamstring) 2 weeks
Jesse White (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ELLIOTT INSPIRES HAIR-RAISING MAGPIES WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Not too many players deserving of the axe for the Pies after a patchy but still ultimately comfortable 45-point win over Brisbane. Matt Scharenberg wasn’t eye catching but slotted in well in his 16-possession performance, while the borderline selections like Jarryd Blair pulled their weight.
ON THE CUSP: The Pies will be waiting for some of their wounded stars to return from injury rather than desperate to ring the changes. Josh Daicos was concussed in last week’s VFL game, with no game for the Pies VFL side this weekend. James Aish is a fortnight away with his broken cheekbone, while Travis Varcoe and Ben Reid are both more than a fortnight away. So the Pies could go unchanged against Fremantle given the backline held up well. Henry Schade was dropped from the side for Scharenberg.
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Pies are 4-6 and at last within touching distance of the eight. Their last-gasp loss to GWS is both more meritorious and more painful given the past fortnight. The form of the Giants against West Coast was awesome — showing just how hard they are to beat — and a win against GWS would have put the Pies 5-5 and right in the mix.
The Pies have lost their past five games at Subiaco Oval despite a reputation as a solid travelling side. But despite the inconsistent nature of the win over Brisbane, the midfield is in form and intact and the forward line is showing promise again. Alex Fasolo is at least getting the ball despite 2.4, Darcy Moore took 10 marks, Jamie Elliott is in fine form and Daniel Wells is the silk.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Mitch Brown (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Aaron Francis (groin) test
Jayden Laverde (ankle) 4-5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: NOT THIS TIME, TIGERS DELIVER DEFINING WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Josh Green didn’t have his best game, managing just seven disposals and one goal, while Tom Bellchambers was OK after coming in for Matthew Leuenberger. David Myers is still regaining his touch after a year out last year and a finger injury that delayed the start of his season and Connor McKenna made a couple of mistakes in the last quarter.
ON THE CUSP: Leuenberger missed the Dreamtime game with illness and should be in the mix to return, while Ben Howlett was huge in the VFL with 36 disposals and two goals.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Disappointing night for Essendon on Saturday night after big wins over Geelong and West Coast in the two weeks prior. Is the Cale Hooker move forward over? The question has to be asked this week at the Bombers this week. Garry Lyon said he’s a “liability” and Tim Watson said “I don’t know what he’s doing”, and they’re not alone. Time to put him back into defence where he has won All-Australian honours. A huge clash against GWS looms this weekend before hosting fellow finals aspirants Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium before the bye. Must win at least one of these matches to stay in touch with the top eight.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (knee) season
Harley Balic (personal leave) indefinite
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 3 weeks
Harley Bennell (calf) 4 weeks
Zac Clarke (knee) indefinite
Ed Langdon (knee) test
Alex Pearce (leg) test
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) test
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBC
MATCH REPORT: RUTHLESS CROWS GIVE NO QUARTER
ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle will be desperate for Aaron Sandilands to return after Jon Griffin was less than impressive. The big man managed 31 hitouts but just six disposals and zero marks. Ross Lyon could make so many changes after the Dockers “embarrassing” loss that it’s safe to say everyone is on the block.
ON THE CUSP: Sadly for Lyon, Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate Peel had a bye due to the inter-league clash with the VFL. However, Sandilands will be the No.1 hope after missing the trip to Adelaide with hamstring soreness.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Well it can only get better for the Dockers. They host Collingwood on Sunday in what could be a season-defining clash for both clubs on the fringe of the top eight. Will Ross Lyon gamble on a selection savaging or bank on a response from an embarrassed playing group? Anything could happen but as long as they kick straight, a win over the Magpies should be straight forward.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) test
Josh Cowan (achilles) TBC
Cory Gregson (foot) TBC
Jack Henry (appendix) 1-2 weeks
Timm House (collarbone) 6-8 weeks
Tom Lonergan (calf tightness) test
Lincoln McCarthy (groin) 6-8 weeks
Quinton Narkle (hamstring) test
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DANGER COULD EASILY WIN THE BROWNLOW THIS YEAR
ON THE BLOCK: Jed Bews suffered a corked thigh against Port Adelaide but coach Chris Scott said post-match there was “nothing significant to suggest he’s in doubt for next week”. Forward James Parsons had limited impact, with just nine disposals and one goal but no marks, only one tackle and two score involvements.
ON THE CUSP: Veteran Tom Lonergan was managed against the Power but could come back in, with this week’s opponent Adelaide having some of towering talls in its forward line. Wylie Buzza has been showing good VFL form and had 19 disposals and kicked 2.2 in his last outing.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Massive game for the Cats against ladder-leader Adelaide on Friday night. Geelong has turned its game around the past two weeks and claimed the scalps of Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide in the process. Geelong has also won its past four games against the Crows and has not lost to them at Simonds Stadium since 2003. Another win for the Cats and they will most certainly be talked about as a genuine premiership contender this year.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (shoulder) test
Callum Ah Chee (back) 1-2 weeks
Ben Ainsworth (calf) test
Sam Day (hip) season
Jarrad Grant (knee) test
Michael Rischitelli (knee) 1-2 weeks
Matt Rosa (concussion) test
Rory Thompson (hamstring) test
MATCH REPORT: DEMONS RISE AS SUNS LOSE THE PLOT
ON THE BLOCK: According to Rodney Eade the Suns could make six or seven changes. The reality is probably closer to three or four. Youngster Brad Scheer was set to be dropped last week but got a reprieve when Gary Ablett was hurt. He had a poor night in Alice Springs and will struggle to hold his spot. Debutant Will Brodie and second-year midfielder Brayden Fiorini were also quiet while Alex Sexton and Michael Barlow are going through a lean spell.
ON THE CUSP: Eade’s call rang hollow because there is not that many of the best 22 currently out of the side. Gary Ablett (shoulder) and draftee Jack Bowes (illness) will return and Matt Rosa is a chance if he passes a concussion test. Trent McKenzie has played one game in the NEAFL but has never been an automatic starter under Eade.
ANDREW HAMILTON FORECAST: It is impossible to predict the Suns. As a club they are in a bad way. Inconsistent effort, poor decision-making and the complete inability to stand up against momentum swings have characterised their season. Then there were good days like they had against Geelong. Recent history shows they bounce back after really poor showings but Saturday in Alice, after the shocker they put in against Port in China, bucked that trend.
GWS
INJURIES
Matt Buntine (knee) season
Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 8 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Ryan Griffen (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Nick Haynes (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Jacob Hopper (finger) 2 weeks
Steve Johnson (knee) test
Adam Kennedy (knee) season
Rory Lobb (groin) test
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 1 week
Tom Scully (knee) test
Will Setterfield (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Devon Smith (knee) 5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: KENNEDY HURT AS GIANTS END EAGLES HOODOO
ON THE BLOCK: It would be hard to drop anyone after what was a gutsy win over West Coast but with three key players likely to return, players will need to make way. Tim Mohr and Harry Himmelberg will be nervous given they were the inclusions for the Eagles clash, while Harry Perryman (10 disposals) and Daniel Lloyd (12) would be stiff.
ON THE CUSP: Tom Scully (knee) was a late withdrawal but should be right to return against the Bombers, while Steve Johnson (knee) and Rory Lobb (groin) should also be back but Leon Cameron has already said they won’t be rushed in if they’re not ready.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Just how good are the Giants? With at least nine of their best 22 missing, GWS keep finding a way to win and the victory over the Eagles in Perth is probably the best of their close wins of the last three weeks. They are a seriously scary side to face, even with their huge injury list. Should record two more wins — against Essendon (home) and Carlton (away) — before their Round 13 bye, which will be a welcome weekend off to rest tired and sore bodies.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) 1 week
Jonathon Ceglar (knee) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) TBC
James Frawley (turf toe) 6 weeks
Kieran Lovell (shoulder) indefinite
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) 5-7 weeks
Cyril Rioli (knee) 6-8 weeks
Ben Stratton (knee) 2-4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ROUGHEAD NAILS WINNER TO DENY BUDDY
ON THE BLOCK: Debutant Dallas Willsmore was the only Hawk not to reach double-figure possessions on Friday night but could get a second crack against Port Adelaide. Paul Puopolo had a shocker but has too many tickets to be dropped after one bad game.
ON THE CUSP: Not much to report with Box Hill having the inter-league bye and the likes of Dallas Willsmore and James Cousins finally getting the call-up after a string of impressive performances.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Up to Sydney, back to Melbourne, across to Adelaide. The draw wasn’t kind to the Hawks and neither will the Adelaide Oval crowd. The Hawks and Power have a little bit of recent history and both teams will see this is an eight-point game. The Hawks kept their season alive with the win over Sydney so can’t afford to let that slip straight up the very next week.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) indefinite
Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) 1-2 week
Colin Garland (knee) season
Max Gawn (hamstring) 4 weeks
Jesse Hogan (illness) indefinite
Pat McKenna (hamstring) 10-11 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) 4 weeks
Jake Spencer (shoulder) 2 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 8 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DEMONS RISE AS SUNS LOSE THE PLOT
ON THE BLOCK: Melbourne escaped from their clash with Gold Coast with a brilliant come from behind win. They were all on the block at half-time, but the leaders stood up and dragged them back into the contest. Hard to see many changes.
ON THE CUSP: Big Max has said he will be ready for Round 12. But that’s almost no chance if you ask the Dees. Word is he is flying with his recovery and the club is targeting Round 14. There’s not a mountain of pressure coming from Casey, either. If Goodwin wants to change things up, maybe Ben Kennedy gets a gig and wouldn’t it be great to see Jack Trengove back at the level? He had 20 disposals, eight marks and seven tackles in Casey’s last hitout before the weekend’s bye.
MICHAEL RANDALL’S FORECAST: The struggle for consistency is real. In their past four weeks, the Demons have beaten top-of-the-table Adelaide and gone to the Gold Coast and come away with a big win, mixed in with losses to Hawthorn and North Melbourne. Can they make the eight? They have a bye this week to think about it.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 2-3 weeks
Ben McKay (groin/hip) 2-3 weeks
Jy Simpkin (AC joint) 4 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (suspension) 2 weeks
Corey Wagner (ankle) 3-5 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ROOS’ GREAT ESCAPE LEAVES QUESTION MARKS
ON THE BLOCK: Mason Wood had just four touches to three-quarter time against Carlton but lifted in the last quarter to kick two goals, coach Brad Scott saying post-game his spot in the team was not in doubt. Most other Kangaroos made solid contributions.
ON THE BRINK: Former skipper Andrew Swallow was an emergency for the Carlton game after being dropped for the second time in three weeks. Ruckman Braydon Preuss was also an emergency, having displayed solid VFL form but not played at AFL level since Round 4.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Kangaroos remain patchy, displaying their best to establish a 45-point lead against Carlton and their worst to find themselves four points down less than two quarters later. But the pleasing thing was they rallied late to score a fourth win in five rounds, the season is still alive. Richmond is next up this weekend — a team North Melbourne has beaten in seven of the past eight encounters. Win that and the Kangaroos’ campaign will be right back on track heading into the bye.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Nathan Krakouer (heel) test
Will Snelling (ankle) test
Chad Wingard (calf) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DANGER COULD EASILY WIN THE BROWNLOW THIS YEAR
ON THE BLOCK: Bit tough to take issue with the work done by the 22 who failed by just two points against Geelong on Thursday night. But there may be another chat with specialist forward Aaron Young, who claimed a recall to play the Cats by the injury to midfielder-forward Chad Wingard (calf). More so if coach Ken Hinkley is looking for more bite in his attack.
ON THE CUSP: Angus Monfries has been in the AFL wilderness for almost 700 days as a consequence of the WADA-imposed sanction from the Essendon supplements saga and the injuries he copped in the pre-season. His SANFL form is encouraging — and his record against Hawthorn is impressive. “Gus” has kicked 11.1 — including four straight in the 2015 preliminary final — in his past four games against the Hawks. He may be just the man for the occasion at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide is on a seemingly eternal chase for credibility in this year’s AFL premiership race. Is it a top-four challenger? Is it a top-eight certainty? Ken Hinkley’s men certainly cannot afford to make a mess of this home game against a Hawthorn team that may be on the cusp of making a mess of September predictions. This is another great test of the Power’s eagerness to play competitive football with heat at the contest.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Dan Butler (groin soreness) test
Reece Conca (foot) indefinite
Nathan Drummond (knee) season
Jack Graham (ankle) 2 weeks
Ben Griffiths (concussion) indefinite
Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite
Callum Moore (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: NOT THIS TIME, TIGERS DELIVER DEFINING WIN
ON THE BLOCK: No injuries to report from Saturday night and it’s hard to see any changes to a winning line-up. Todd Elton had just five disposals but kicked his first goal of the season and Jason Castagna is looking a bit tired.
ON THE CUSP: Anthony Miles had 35 disposals, Ben Lennon kicked three goals against a close-checking Marty Gleeson and Jake Batchelor won the award for best on ground in a strong VFL win. But the highlight was an amazing goal from the boundary by Mabior Chol — could Damien Hardwick gamble on him as Jack Riewoldt’s sidekick?
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Despite dominating the territory battle it looked like the Tigers would find another way to lose thanks to a series of misses including Riewoldt shanking two set shots from inside 25m. But in the end he, skipper Trent Cotchin and Toby Nankervis stood up when it mattered to deliver a vital win. Next up is the Roos, a team Damien Hardwick has beaten only twice in 10 attempts. Going into its bye at 7-4 would be massive
ST KILDA
INJURIES
David Armitage (groin) indefinite
Tom Hickey (knee) test
Ed Phillips (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Nick Riewoldt (knee) test
Jimmy Webster (hand) test
Nathan Wright (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS ROLL OVER AS STRINGER INSPIRES DOGS
ON THE BLOCK: Some serious soul searching is required for the Saints ahead of their clash with Adelaide on Friday week. A few fringe players will be feeling nervous, but the poor performance of Sandringham on the weekend has only complicated matters. Nick Riewoldt is far from certain from making his return from his knee issue in time to take on the Crows, with the prospect he could miss a few extra weeks.
ON THE CUSP: Jack Lonie was an emergency for the clash against the Bulldogs and will be under further consideration after 31 disposals and two goals in the 99-point loss to Footscray on Saturday. Alan Richardson suggested Josh Bruce needs to work on a few aspects of his game before he can be guaranteed an AFL recall. Bruce didn’t kick a goal in the VFL — Sandy only kicked five goals for the game — won’t help his cause.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: It was hardly the ideal way for the Saints to head off to the bye weekend with consecutive poor performances against Sydney and Western Bulldogs. Richardson said his team was “nowhere near” where it needed to be after 10 rounds, sitting at 5-5. The midfield needs to lift and to provide more support for Jack Steven. Paddy McCartin was solid and if he can hold onto more of his marks, he will be more of a force. The Saints need to get more bang for their buck in the forward line, and that might be as much about the delivery inside 50m as it is about personnel.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Harry Cunningham (foot) 4-8 weeks
Kieren Jack (hip) test
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) test
Sam Naismith (knee) test
Daniel Robinson (fractured jaw) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ROUGHEAD NAILS WINNER TO DENY BUDDY
ON THE BLOCK: Jake Lloyd and Sam Reid both suffered concussion and will benefit from the weekend off as the Swans have the bye. Oliver Florent will be nervous ahead of selection for the Round 12 clash against the Bulldogs as he’s been in and out of the side and managed just seven disposals against the Hawks. Kurt Tippett is struggling.
ON THE CUSP: With the bye this weekend the Swans should come out the other end heading into Round 12 with some key players available, headed by veterans Kieren Jack (hip) and Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring). Aliir Aliir kicked three goals in the NEAFL and Michael Talia and Jeremy Laidler both played well in defence. Jordan Foote, Robbie Fox and Shaun Edwards also put in good performances.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The Swans missed a huge opportunity against the Hawks but in the end playing catch-up for the whole game and being down two players took its toll despite snatching the lead in the last term. John Longmire’s team is currently 3-7 and in 15th on the ladder with some already declaring their season is over. With the Bulldogs (home), Tigers (away) and Bombers (home) to come, we will soon know whether their remarkable run of finals appearances will end. Win those games and their season will still be alive. In need of some luck on the injury front.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Matthew Allen (foot) 4 weeks
Josh Kennedy (calf) 3 weeks
Mark LeCras (hip) test
Scott Lycett (shoulder) test
Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite
Luke Shuey (calf) test
Simon Tunbridge (knee) 3 weeks
Jake Waterman (foot) 6-7 weeks
Francis Watson (ankle) test
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: KENNEDY HURT AS GIANTS END EAGLES HOODOO
ON THE BLOCK: Every Eagles fan had their hearts in their throat when spearhead Josh Kennedy went down, but it appears he has avoided the dreaded achilles snap, with coach Adam Simpson saying he looks to have suffered a calf injury. Who knows how long he will be out for, but he’s a massive loss and it puts the heat on Jack Darling to perform — he had just seven touches, but kicked two goals in the loss to GWS. Malcolm Karpany didn’t do much as a late inclusion for Luke Shuey and Liam Duggan hardly got near it.
ON THE CUSP: The WAFL had the bye on the weekend as their rep side became the first team from Western Australia to beat a VFL team in Melbourne — by 10 goals. There were two big late outs for the Eagles with Mark LeCras succumbing to a hip injury and Shuey also missing the clash. The Eagles will be hoping both men are fit for the Gold Coast trip.
MICHAEL RANDALL FORECAST: A trip to Metricon without Kennedy after their loss Greater Western Sydney on home turf isn’t the walkover we might have thought it was a week ago. The Eagles have dropped to sixth and a loss on the Gold Coast could see them pushed out of the eight. Will be interested to see where the goals come from without their key man.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Matthew Boyd (shoulder) test
Stewart Crameri (hip) season
Josh Dunkley (shoulder) 7-8 weeks
Patrick Lipinski (collarbone) test
Brad Lynch (hamstring) test
Bob Murphy (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Josh Prudden (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Clay Smith (calf) 2-3 weeks
Roarke Smith (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS ROLL OVER AS STRINGER INSPIRES DOGS
ON THE BLOCK: The Bulldogs have the bye, so Luke Beveridge has another week to make any decisions but chances are Bob Murphy is out for at least one week, maybe two, with a hamstring injury. That said, with Jordan Roughead back, does Tim English get another game? Bailey Williams showed glimpses but could come under pressure.
ON THE CUSP: Toby McLean took out his AFL axing on Sandringham with an impressive 36 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal while Mitch Honeychurch continues to bang down the door at VFL level with 33 disposals and four goals. Tom Liberatore finished with 24 disposals and six tackles but you’d think he will need more than that to force Beveridge’s hand.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: As Luke Beveridge said after the win over the Saints, the Dogs go into their bye with some momentum. Tory Dickson followed up those comments saying despite early-season struggles the depth at the club would stop any premiership hangover and a 99-point VFL win would seem to back that up. However, coming out of the bye is a trip to Sydney to face the Swans and the Bulldogs will want to come out firing.
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