AFL injury list: Who’s hot, who’s hurt at your club after Round 3

INJURY NEWS: GWS has been dealt a double blow with Ryan Griffen and Will Setterfield to miss 10 weeks after suffering ankle injuries.

Max Gawn was not impressed with his injury on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

INJURIES don’t come much bigger than big Max Gawn.

The Demons have been dealt a major blow with their star ruck facing surgery on his injured hamstring and an extended stint on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, get the latest news on Daniel Wells, Harley Bennell, Majak Daw and more.

See every club’s injury list below.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Mitch McGovern (hamstring) TBC

Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Ben Davis (foot) indefinite

Tom Doedee (knee) test

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

Josh Jenkins (ribs) test

Alex Keath (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

Paul Seedsman (groin) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: In what is a bad blow for the Crows, forward Mitch McGovern has a severely torn right hamstring — and perhaps tendon damage that could wipe out his next eight weeks. The injury occurred midway through the final term. After another impressive win, most of the Crows can feel safe.

ON THE CUSP: The Crows could welcome back a couple of established stars this week. Josh Jenkins is close to making his comeback from a rib injury while veteran midfielder Scott Thompson could come in for his first game of the 2017 season. Thompson was battling an adductor injury.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Things really couldn’t be going much better for the Crows. They are on top of the ladder having already beaten two top four rivals from last year. Adelaide will take on Essendon this week and given the Bombers just lost to the lowly ranked Carlton, a 4-0 start to the season is an exciting possibility. The clash will take place at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Mitch McGovern is helped from the ground. Picture: Sarah Reed

BRISBANE

INJURIES

Darcy Gardiner (quad) TBC

Allen Christensen (shoulder) 2 weeks

Rhys Mathieson (ankle) 1-3 weeks

Reuben William (shoulder) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Darcy Gardiner was a casualty out of the loss to St Kilda on Sunday, limping off the ground in the second quarter with a “pretty decent” corkie to the quad and not returning. Forward Eric Hipwood had a shocker at the weekend, scoring one Supercoach point for his two ineffective disposals, but kicked 4.2 from the first two rounds.

ON THE CUSP: Dropped after playing the first two games, midfielder Ryan Bastinac — who was one of only two Lions players to play every game last year — responded at the weekend to be named Brisbane’s best in a NEAFL win over NT Thunder. Defender Marco Paparone also impressed in that match.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: A flat Brisbane coach Chris Fagan conceded after the 31-point loss to St Kilda on Sunday his side was “not there yet with our decision making and our skill”. The Lions are showing improvement from last year and have been largely competitive in the first three rounds but need to find greater consistency. Richmond — which is riding a wave of confidence after a 3-0 start to the season — is next up for the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday. The home side will consider themselves a good chance but the Tigers clearly have the wood over them in this match-up, having won their past nine games against Brisbane dating back to 2009.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) 6 weeks

Jed Lamb (knee) 1-2 weeks

Jacob Weitering (cut head) test

Charlie Curnow (quad) test

ON THE BLOCK: Not sure there will be any changes for Saturday night’s clash against Gold Coast after Carlton notched its first win of the season over Essendon. Levi Casboult had a quiet day with only five possessions but it was hard going for the big blokes in wet conditions. Sam Kerridge had only eight disposals and may come under selection pressure.

ON THE CUSP: Speedster Cameron Polson had 28 possessions in the VFL and hard nut Nick Graham racked up 37 and eight clearances over the weekend. Hard ball-winner Zac Fisher is another showing positive signs. The club is being patient with key forward Harry McKay.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Carlton is a big chance to go 2-2 with a win over Gold Coast on Saturday night. There will be ups and downs but Brendon Bolton was pleased with the defensive pressure and effort in the clinches against the Bombers. Anything like that again should be enough to topple the Suns.

Jacob Weitering after being knocked to the ground. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Daniel Wells (calf) available

Jordan De Goey (broken hand/club suspension) 3 weeks

Tom Langdon (knee and ankle) indefinite

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 10-12 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Chris Mayne is only three games into his long-term Collingwood contract, but he is under pressure to keep his spot. He didn’t kick a goal last Friday night and his impact was marginal. Needs to lift as a host of Magpies prepare to return in coming weeks.

ON THE CUSP: Pencil Jamie Elliott as a certain starter for next Sunday’s clash with St Kilda. He kicked five goals in a VFL game on Saturday, which means he is set to play his first AFL game since the final round of 2015. Daniel Wells will likely play in the VFL next week ahead of a possible AFL inclusion in Round 5. Jordan De Goey will also play VFL after returning from his much talked about broken hand. He can’t play AFL for another three weeks.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: There was a lot to like about Collingwood’s one-point win over Sydney, but the Magpies need to keep raising the bar. The energy and enthusiasm was good; the effort extraordinary and the execution solid. It brought a big smile to Nathan Buckley’s face. The midfield is firing offensively and defensively. Brodie Grundy is in rare form. They still need to get better bang for their buck when going forward, but Elliott could help with this. Incredible tackle numbers last week. Expect a similar pattern this week.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Jayden Laverde (ankle) indefinite

Ben Howlett (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Josh Green (hamstring) test

David Myers (finger) 4 weeks

Jordan Ridley (back) 10 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Bombers came crashing back to earth with a 15-point loss to Carlton, prompting John Worsfold to admit wins over Hawthorn and Brisbane had disguised deficiencies the Blues exposed in the wet.

ON THE CUSP: Ruckman Tom Bellchambers continues to make solid progress through the VFL, while Matthew Leuenberger was a solid contributor against Carlton in his battle with Matthew Kreuzer. The Dons might consider Craig Bird, James Stewart and Jackson Merrett after the trio shone in a VFL trial game against Richmond.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: There are few bigger tests than facing the unbeaten Crows at Adelaide Oval in their current form and there are sure to be sore bodies after the slog on a rain-soaked MCG. Midfielder Travis Colyer was bumped heavily late against Carlton, while defender Michael Hurley suffered a cut head in an accidental collision with Jacob Weitering.

Harley Bennell is still a while off making his AFL return. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) 2-4 weeks

Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Harley Bennell (calf) TBA

Zac Clarke (knee) TBA

Josh Deluca (groin) 2-4 weeks

Ryan Nyhuis (shin) 1-2 weeks

Alex Pearce (leg) TBA

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Having struggled through the opening two rounds of the season, it is unlikely Ross Lyon is going to make any changes after knocking off last year’s premiers. The Dockers will be rapt to have got through the game without any injuries. What a difference a week makes.

ON THE CUSP: Fremantle forward Matthew Taberner was named in the best for the Peel Thunder in the WAFL. Taberner booted four goals and could be in line for a senior recall.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Things can open up pretty quickly in the AFL and the Dockers have been handed a nice bit of luck with the fixture. Fremantle will travel to the MCG to take on a Melbourne side that is missing Jordan Lewis, Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan. If the Dockers could snatch a win, they would move to 2-2 with a home game against the Roos to come. Ross Lyon said there was no need for panic. Maybe he was right.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Ryan Abbott (back) 2 weeks

Nakia Cockatoo (hand) 2 weeks

Corey Gregson (foot) 7-8 weeks

George Horlin-Smith (thumb) TBC

Timm House (shoulder) test

Jake Kolodjashnij (groin) test

Scott Selwood (toe) test

ON THE BLOCK: Tom Ruggles and Jordan Murdoch should be under extreme pressure. Ruggles continues to make silly mistakes at critical times while Murdoch made several crucial fumbles under pressure which should ensure he is headed for a VFL spell.

ON THE CUSP: Darcy Lang seems to be the one who is in one week and out the next. He could easily get a reprieve to replace Murdoch while Jed Bews might be worth another shot as the small defender given Ruggles’ struggles.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: The Cats continue to get out of jail and the 3-0 status is certainly false as coach Chris Scott pointed out after Saturday night’s win. A match-up with Hawthorn on Easter Monday should give a clear indication of where they’re at.

Nakia Cockatoo is likely to miss another two weeks. Picture: Getty Images

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Sam Day (hip) indefinite

Michael Rischitelli (knee) indefinite.

*David Swallow copped a nasty cork and finished the game stationed

in attack but is expected to be fit.

ON THE BLOCK: Draftee Jack Bowes has done nothing wrong but is starting to look like he is ready for a spell. However Rodney Eade would prefer to reward the 22 who produced the club’s best ever win so he may get another week.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Consistent effort will be the Suns mantra for the rest of the year. If they replicate the pressure and attack on the footy from the Hawthorn match they can beat Carlton. If they don’t the Blues, who will be full of confidence after their big upset win, will knock them over and the pressure will pile back on Eade and his men.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

INJURIES

Ryan Griffen (ankle) 10 weeks

Will Setterfield (ankle) 10 weeks

Stephen Coniglio (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Matt de Boer (hamstring) test

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Tom Downie (illness) indefinite

Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) 10-12 weeks

Lachie Whitfield (suspension) 5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Ryan Griffen looks set for a long spell on the sidelines with the serious ankle injury he picked up against North.

ON THE CUSP: Jonathon Patton kicked two goals in the Giants reserves loss to Sydney University in the NEAFL. He was a surprise omission from the team which beat North Melbourne by 42 points in Hobart. Matthew Kennedy picked up 36 possessions and Harry Perryman 30.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Matt Kennedy is the likely one to replace Griffen after a stand out performance in the NEAFL. He was dropped after the round one loss to Adelaide but has impressed with his work rate in the reserves. The Giants have steadied the ship after their opening round belting at the hands of the Crows in Adelaide. They face Port Adelaide in Canberra on Saturday and have had the wood on them in recent outings winning at Adelaide Oval and Manuka last year.

Ryan Griffen will miss 10 weeks with an ankle injury. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (jaw) 3 weeks

Jonathon Ceglar (knee) 11 weeks

Kieran Lovell (shoulder) long term

Jonathan O’Rourke (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: After last week’s performance, who isn’t on the block? The Hawks were smashed by a bad team on Sunday and you can expect Alastair Clarkson will come out and make a statement at the selection table. Ty Vickery and Teia Miles could be under some pressure this week after quiet games.

ON THE CUSP: If the Hawks are looking for a bit of a forward line boost, James Sicily could be given a recall after being dropped earlier in the year. Billy Hartung was an emergency on Sunday and could also be given a reprieve by Clarkson.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: The Hawks are officially in uncharted territory. They are 0-3 for the first time in what feels like forever and take on top four hopefuls Geelong this week. For anyone who hasn’t written them off yet, the next two weeks will be telling. We all keep waiting for the Hawthorn of old to come out and make a statement and show that they are still a force. After what we saw on the weekend, we may be waiting a while.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Max Gawn (hamstring) 12 weeks

Jesse Hogan (suspension) 1 week

Jordan Lewis (suspension) 2 weeks

Colin Garland (knee) season

Michael Hibberd (achilles) 1-2 weeks

Liam Hulett (hip) 1 week

Mitch King (knee) 2-3 weeks

Joel Smith (shoulder) 3-4 months

Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 6-8 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) 6-8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: No Jesse Hogan, but Sam Weideman is not working up front.

Mitch Hannan, a mature aged recruit, played well in round 2, but didn’t set the world on fire on Saturday arvo.

ON THE CUSP: Jake’s in. Captain even. Spencer didn’t play a game last year, but he’ll play for a month with Gawn down. What a story.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Demons look good. They’re fun to watch, which I think is very important. If they’d kicked straight against the Cats result would have been different in Round 3. They should flog Freo this week at the MCG.

Max Gawn leaves the ground with the help of trainers on Saturday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Ben Jacobs (foot) 2 weeks

Oscar Junker (broken tibia) 8-10 weeks

Jy Simpkin (corked thigh) test

Jarrad Waite (shoulder) 2-4 weeks

Mason Wood (knee) 4-5 weeks

Sam Wright (ankle) 2 weeks

Majak Daw (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Kangaroos got through the match unscathed from an injury point of view but someone will have to come out of the side for Majak Daw. Daw was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s team after failing to overcome the effects of a head knock he sustained at club training on Friday. Ryan Clarke was a late inclusion for Daw. Clarke finished with 13 disposals.

ON THE CUSP: Outside of Daw, a couple of key Roos are still a few weeks away from making their returns. Sam Wright is tracking well in his recovery from an ankle injury but is still two weeks away. However, the news wasn’t as good for Mason Wood who had a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. He will likely miss another month of football.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST:

At 0-3 on the win-loss ledger, things aren’t about to get any easier for the Kangaroos. They will take on a Western Bulldogs outfit this week which will be smarting from a shock loss to the Dockers. The Roos then face a trip to Perth the following week to take on Fremantle. It does leave you wondering when that first win for 2017 will come?

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Jack Hombsch (knee) 2-3 weeks

Dougal Howard (knee) test

Angus Monfries (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Aaron Young (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: Aaron Young suffered a knock to his shoulder in the Showdown but did manage to play out the game. He should be all right to play this week but the club will keep a close eye on him. The small forward had only five touches and failed to kick a goal. Brett Eddy also struggled, kicking just one goal.

ON THE CUSP: Port Adelaide has a pretty clean bill of health heading into Round 4. Angus Monfries is nearing closer to his return from a hamstring injury. The club is hopeful he will be able to play in Round 3 of the SANFL and then could potentially return to the senior team in Round 6 of the AFL season.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: This week is shaping up as a big test for the Power. After putting so much energy into the Showdown and coming up short, the Power must make a positive response. It won’t be easy though. The Power will take on Greater Western Sydney in Sydney.

Aaron Young in action during the Showdown. Picture: Sarah Reed

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (groin) test

Jack Steven (Punctured lung) test

Hugh Goddard (Achilles) test

Nick Coughlan (foot) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: No injuries of note and not too many players who didn’t play their role in the win over Brisbane on Sunday. Key forward Paddy McCartin was quiet with just five touches and one behind but did provide a target in attack. More likely to be a couple of midfielders squeezed out of the side this week.

ON THE CUSP: Star midfield duo Jack Steven and David Armitage both look set to return from injury this weekend in what be a major boost for the Saints. After suffering a punctured lung in the Round 2 loss to West Coast, Steven was back running strongly on Friday while Armitage (groin) was close to playing at the weekend after missing the Eagles’ clash.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: First win for St Kilda over Brisbane on Sunday after a 0-2 start to the season, coach Alan Richardson praised his side for showing “a lot of maturity” in the dying stages after the Lions hit the lead late in the third quarter. Collingwood — coming off a fighting win over Sydney on Friday night — awaits the Saints this Sunday in what shapes as a flip-of-the-coin game. The expected returns of Steven and Armitage will help given the Magpies’ midfield strength.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Ben Griffiths (concussion) test

Shaun Hampson (back) indefinite

Jack Graham (ankle) indefinite

Nick Vlastuin (head knock) available

Shane Edwards (hip) 3-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Nick Vlastuin’s broken nose aside, the Tigers emerged from a solid 11-point win over West Coast with no other obvious injury concerns. It’s hard to change a winning side but Todd Elton and Ben Lennon could be unlucky players to make way.

ON THE CUSP: Steven Morris will press for selection after a strong hitout in Richmond’s VFL trial loss against Essendon. Ben Griffiths’ recovery from concussion will be assessed.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Richmond ventures to Brisbane on Sunday to face the Lions at the Gabba, seeking to secure a 4-0 start to a season for the first time since 1995. Damien Hardwick will again demand accountability and intensity to complement the Tigers’ attacking flair.

Shane Edwards will be out for another three to six weeks. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

SYDNEY

INJURIES

Kurt Tippett (ankle) test

Isaac Heeney (glandular fever) 2 weeks

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Jarrad McVeigh (calf) 1-2 weeks

Tom Papley (knee/shin) test

Dane Rampe (arm) 6 weeks

Dan Robinson (collarbone) 5-8 weeks

Gary Rohan (back/hamstring) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: If Kurt Tippett proves his fitness this week Callum Sinclair will be the one most likely to miss out. A knee injury and then the improvement of Sam Naismith has starved Sinclair of opportunities. Friday night’s game against Collingwood was his first since round 16 last year.

ON THE CUSP: Tippett’s ankle isn’t as bad as first thought and he has a good chance of playing in Thursday night’s match against West Coast in Perth. Brandon Jack and Sam Fisher both picked up 34 disposals in the Swans reserves 102 point win in the NEAFL against Southport. Mobile tall forward Toby Pink kicked six and James Rose three goals. The winless Swans will be desperate to include the ruckman

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Tippett will almost certainly make the trip to Perth and be given every chance to prove his fitness. The Swans are looking to avoid their worst start to a season since 1993 when they lost the first 11 of the year but face a massive task taking on West Coast in Perth. Sydney’s injury list has their depth being tested more than any time in the last two decades. 10 of Friday night’s team which lost to Collingwood by a point made their debuts in the last 13 months.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Matthew Allen (hamstring) test

Tom Cole (quad) test

Scott Lycett (shoulder) 8-10 weeks

Nic Naitanui (knee) indefinite

Drew Petrie (hand) 9 weeks

Willie Rioli (hamstring) 6-7 weeks

Simon Tunbridge (knee) indefinite

Jake Waterman (foot) 7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: It wasn’t the sort of game that Lewis Jetta wanted, or needed. Just hasn’t looked the same sort of player in recent seasons and was dropped back to WAFL level last week due to a minor glute issue. Seems to be lacking confidence as evidence by one poor shot for goal which fell short from 35m, but he wasn’t the only Eagles to have a forgettable day.

ON THE CUSP: Expect Eagles coach Adam Simpson to consider a few changes for Thursday night’s clash with Sydney, particularly for the quick turnaround. The club will also monitor the recovery rate of some of their veterans as they aim to get themselves up for this clash.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Another poor MCG effort from the Eagles, which must be an increasing concern for coach Adam Simpson. From the moment the Melbourne skies opened up and the rain teemed down, West Coast looked out of sorts and just didn’t seem to have the energy and desperation that Richmond had in spades.

Lewis Jetta struggled for the Eagles on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

WESTER BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Kieran Collins (knee) 1 week

Stewart Crameri (hip) TBC

Tim English (shin) test

Liam Picken (concussion) test

Tory Dickson (abdominal) 2-3 weeks

Dale Morris (leg) 6-8 weeks

Jack Redpath (knee) Long term

Jordan Roughead (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Roarke Smith (knee) season

Mitch Wallis (broken leg) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Liam Picked suffered a nasty head knock against the Dockers and didn’t take any further part in the game. He will be evaluated during the week but, as one of the toughest players in the league, don’t be surprised if he fronts up and has a big game in Round 4.

ON THE CUSP: A couple of premiership winning Dogs could be in line to come in this week following the club’s first loss of the year. Clay Smith and Josh Dunkley were emergencies at the weekend and will both be looked at closely for Round 4, particularly with the Bulldogs coming back from Perth.

LIAM TWOMEY’S FORECAST: Every team is allowed an off night. What will be interesting to see is how the Western Bulldogs respond. They have the chance to really make a statement, taking on the winless North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. Expect a few players who had quiet games to come out firing on all cylinders.