Barometer: All the latest injury and selection news at your club after Round 7
SCOTT Pendlebury has been cleared of serious injury and remains in contention to play against Geelong this Sunday. But will the Magpies risk their skipper? SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST
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SCOTT Pendlebury has been cleared of serious injury and remains in contention to play against Geelong at the MCG this Sunday.
Pendlebury suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of last Sunday’s match against Brisbane.
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Scans have cleared the five-time Copeland Trophy winner of serious injury.
“Scott is out of the protective boot he wore home from Brisbane and the upshot is that he has bruising to his ankle and lower shin,’ Collingwood’s general manager of football Geoff Walsh said.
“He has been cleared of anything more serious than that, which is pleasing, and he is a chance to play against the Cats. We will obviously need to see how he negotiates the remainder of the training week.”
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Wayne Milera (hamstring) TBC
Brad Crouch (groin) 3 weeks
Sam Gibson (hamstring) 1 week
Curtly Hampton (adductor) TBC
Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 1 week
Alex Keath (ankle) 1 week
Andrew McPherson (groin) 3 weeks
Rory Sloane (foot) test
Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite
Taylor Walker (hamstring) test
ON THE CUSP: Stand by for a major injection of class and experience but more importantly leadership at the Crows for the Showdown with captain Taylor Walker and vice-captain Rory Sloane both set to return. Sloane has been pushing to play for a fortnight after overcoming a niggling foot injury but Adelaide has been ultra cautious and only wants him back when he’s 100 per cent. Walker meanwhile will test the hamstring he appeared to hurt against Gold Coast two weeks ago and should be right. Riley Knight is the other expected inclusion after he was “managed” and sat out the win over Carlton.
ON THE BLOCK: If those three come in then there are going to be three unlucky casualties from the 55-point win over Carlton on Saturday night. The most likely scenario is Wayne Milera may either not come up or will be “managed” and Darcy Fogarty and Jordan Gallucci make way. If the Crows decide they want Gallucci’s speed and goal sense in the forward line, then the omission may come from the midfield where Cam Ellis-Yolmen is doing nothing wrong and would be very unlucky.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: The Crows have won the past five Showdowns against the Power and are the form team of the two going in to Saturday’s clash. Expect Walker, Sloane and Knight to all come in but could understandably be a little underdone meaning Adelaide could be a little vulnerable against a Port Adelaide team playing in front of its home crowd.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Jack Payne (shin) 1 week
Sam Skinner (knee) indefinite
Toby Wooller (finger) 7 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Most Lions players produced their best individual game of the year against Collingwood so don’t expect widespread unforced changes. Jarrod Berry (ankle) and Cam Raynor (shoulder) are touch and go after suffering injuries in the seven point loss. The Bulldogs aren’t tall so Oscar McInerney may come out of the side and even Matt Eagles, who made an impressive debut, may be a victim of no suitable match-up against the Dogs.
ON THE CUSP: Nick Robertson is available after serving a one match ban. The Lions NEAFL side had the bye so no one had the opportunity to force their way into a side. Should there be the need for changes Sam Mayes or Jake Barrett would be the primary contenders.
Andrew Hamilton’s forecast
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Brisbane played its best game of the year against Collingwood but despite all the back patting about a brave effort, that was a game they could have won. The Bulldogs, likely to be without Marcus Bontempelli, present the same opportunity. If the Lions get a little luck this week on the injury front with Berry and Raynor they are a red-hot chance to get a breakthrough win at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Levi Casboult (ribs) TBC
Lachie Plowman (quad) TBC
Ciaran Byrne (quad) 5 weeks
David Cuningham (hamstring) 1 week
Charlie Curnow (ankle) test
Sam Docherty (knee) season
Matthew Lobbe (hamstring) test
Caleb Marchbank (ankle) test
Cillian McDaid (foot) 2 weeks
Marc Murphy (foot) 1 week
Jarrod Pickett (wrist) 6 weeks
Alex Silvagni (Achilles) 2 weeks
Tom Williamson (back) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Levi Casboult spent a night in hospital after a knock to the ribs/lower back late in the loss to Adelaide. Lachie Plowman is also in doubt after copping a quad injury.
ON THE CUSP: It was all about Jacob Weitering in the VFL with the former No.1 pick collecting 28 disposals and 17 marks in a best-on-ground display. Jack Silvagni also impressed with 20 possessions and nine tackles. Pat Kerr could replace Casboult after kicking three goals. Expect Charlie Curnow and Caleb Marchbank to return
BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: The Blues showed a bit against Adelaide and will more than fancy themselves against the under-siege Bombers. However, the injuries continue to mount with Casboult and Plowman likely out but Curnow and Marchbank should return. If Marc Murphy can overcome his foot injury, the Blues could even be favourites.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Scott Pendlebury (ankle) TBC
James Aish (knee) 9 weeks
Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) 2 weeks
Tyson Goldsack (knee) season
Kayle Kirby (heart) indefinite
Brayden Maynard (ankle) 1 week
Ben Reid (Achilles) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Will Scott Pendlebury be fit to plat the Cats? The Pies and their captain are unsure as they await scans. He arrived back in Melbourne in a moon boot. The Pies had a lot of tired and sore bodies against the Lions after three games in 11 days so there could be more players managed this week. Jarryd Blair and Chris Mayne both played a role but seem the most vulnerable as players near returns from injury. He kicked the winning goal but youngster Jaidyn Stephenson could be due for a rest.
ON THE CUSP: Callum Brown was managed and should be ready to return against Geelong, while Daniel Wells must be very close to ticking the fitness boxing Nathan Buckley is waiting on after getting through another VFL game. Tom Langdon missed a second match with soreness but is likely to come into consideration to tackle the dangerous Cats forward line. Alex Fasolo booted two goals in the Pies’ win over Werribee but is being kept out of the AFL side Stephenson and Ben Crocker. Brayden Maynard (ankle) and Ben Reid (achilles) were both said to be battling 1-2 week injuries so could be a chance to return against the Cats. Levi Greenwood played his first game back from injury on Saturday but will need a couple of weeks in the VFL to build match fitness.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Collingwood players were clearly fatigued in the second half against Brisbane so to secure that win in trying circumstances was massive and says a lot about the maturity of Buckley’s team this year. Now through the difficult block of playing three games in 11 days, the Magpies should be able to reload for its next month and with a 4-3 win-loss record can build momentum towards a potential finals berth. The Magpies have won three of its last four against the Cats and will see an opportunity to knock off another finals contender before the fixture really opens up with matches against the Saints, Dogs and Dockers (home) to come. Collingwood has put itself in a really good position.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Josh Begley (knee) season
Mitch Brown (calf) test
Travis Colyer (foot) 1 week
Martin Gleeson (ankle) 6 weeks
Josh Green (hamstring) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: John Worsfold wouldn’t rule out making several changes for Saturday’s must-win clash with Carlton, but stressed it would only happen if there were players worthy of inclusion. One of those under pressure to find some form or risk being dropped back to the VFL is Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who is sadly out of sorts. He had only seven disposals against the Hawks and slipped a few telling tackles that he would have previously nailed. There are others, too, including out of sorts forward Joe Danihe, who would be feeling nervous when the selection committee meets.
ON THE CUSP: Orazio Fantasia pressed his case for his return to take on the Blues after he played second half of the club’s VFL win over North Melbourne on Saturday. A knee injury on the eve of the season, and a groin issue that kept him out of Anzac Day, has cost him game time. His presence is sorely missed in the Bombers’ team, and Worsfold can’t wait to have him back.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: This is a massive game for the Bombers, and for Worsfold, who must repair a sinking season before it is too late. Part of that is turning around its third-quarter wasteland that has buried them in many games this season. They must show more spirit and system, and relinquish the handball-happy streak that hurt them so badly against the Hawks last weekend. And out of form forwards Joe Daniher and Jake Stringer must start getting more of the ball, and that can come from better delivery into them as well.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Harley Bennell (calf) test
Sean Darcy (knee) 4 weeks
Hugh Dixon (ankle) 4 weeks
Bradley Hill (knee) indefinite
Griffin Logue (foot) 2 weeks
Lee Spurr (knee) 2 weeks
Sam Switkowski (hamstring) indefinite
Matt Taberner (foot) indefinite
Michael Walters (knee) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle got through their 77-point thrashing at the hands of Richmond unscathed – physically at least. Several young Dockers were taught a lesson against the reigning premiers, with Ethan Hughes, Taylin Duman and Mitchell Crowden among those to struggle against the Tigers’ relentless pressure. Ageing ruck giant Aaron Sandilands needs a rest sometime soon, but there’s not exactly anyone banging down the door to replace him.
ON THE CUSP: Several Dockers-listed players impressed as Peel Thunder recorded their first win since round one against Claremont on Saturday. Forgotten veteran Danyle Pearce had a game-high 33 disposals, while fellow midfielder Tom Sheridan (28 disposals, six tackles) also found plenty of the ball. Speedster Stefan Giro (25 disposals, four inside-50s) looked good as he builds match fitness following a knee injury, while raw big man Luke Strnadica (16 disposals, 21 hit-outs, three goals) had his best game at WAFL level. Swingman Ryan Nyhuis was the travelling emergency against Richmond and will be in the mix again this week, and defender Michael Johnson should return after being “managed”. Luckless midfielder Harley Bennell got through his latest injury return, playing about 50 per cent game time for the Thunder. Bennell, who will play the next three matches in the WAFL, finished with nine disposals, three marks, three inside-50s and two tackles.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Captain Nat Fyfe’s stunning form and the emergence of youngsters Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Bailey Banfield are all positives, but the Dockers don’t look like a top-eight side. They sorely missed the pace and class of Michael Walters and Bradley Hill against the Tigers. After a tough fortnight against the competition’s best two sides, Fremantle get some respite with a winnable clash against the out-of-sorts St Kilda at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. A win would even their record at 4-4.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Jed Bews (shoulder) TBC
Zac Smith (back spasms) TBC
Gary Ablett (hamstring) test
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) 4 weeks
Cam Guthrie (ankle) 4 weeks
Lachie Henderson (knee) indefinite
George Horlin-Smith (concussion) test
Daniel Menzel (groin) 1 week
Brandan Parfitt (foot) indefinite
Quinton Narkle (knee) 2 weeks
Harry Taylor (foot) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Forward Tom Hawkins has been referred directly to the tribunal for making contact with an umpire and will have to await his fate on Tuesday, with a one-game suspension possible.
ON THE CUSP: Coach Chris Scott has declared midfielder Gary Ablett will make his return from a hamstring that has sidelined him since Round 3. Forward Daniel Menzel is also a chance to return after having a reaction to an injection meant to help his groin injury. Defender Harry Taylor (foot) is hopeful of playing this week and is in the mix to slot straight back into the AFL side.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Cats are ticking along pretty nicely given they have been missing up to eight of their best 22 through injury. Three of those – Ablett, Menzel and Taylor – are in the mix to return this week against Collingwood, which would be a major boost. That match shapes as a blockbuster between two sides which both hold 4-3 records but whether Hawkins plays could be a telling factor.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Brayden Fiorini (leg) indefinite
Pearce Hanley (dislocated shoulder) 9 weeks
Sean Lemmens (broken hand) 2 weeks
Jesse Lonergan (knee) indefinite
Tom Lynch (knee) 3 weeks
Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 13 weeks
Steven May (finger) test
Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 13 weeks
Jack Scrimshaw (cheekbone) test
Harrison Wigg (fractured ankle) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Matt Rosa will have scans on the shoulder he hurt against the Bulldogs on Saturday. Although he finished the game he must be in some doubt for Saturday’s match with Melbourne at the Gabba. Jarryd Lyon had a poor game but has credits in the bank. It was a greatly improved performance against the Bulldogs but they failed to capitalise on their periods of dominance before being run over in the final term. The cupboard is bare at the Suns now due to a rising injury list so coach Stuart Dew may not have the luxury of making too many changes.
ON THE CUSP: Captain Steven May is a chance to return from a finger infection. Peter Wright has now played one game in the NEAFL and would help their scoring issues but it would be a gamble to bring him straight back in. Josh Schoenfeld has been in good form in the twos but against Melbourne they may look for more inside ball winning power and last year’s top ten draft pick Will Brodie may get his chance.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns were their own worst enemies against the Bulldogs and again faded in the final quarter. Dew is refusing to mention their travel schedule but it is clear oppositions finish games better than his side most weeks. Although the Gabba is not home, it is at least in their own state which gives the side an extra day to recover and prepare. Expect another brave showing but the Demons would have to be heavy favourites against an injury depleted Suns outfit.
GWS
INJURIES
Jeremy Cameron (toe) 1 week
Brett Deledio (hamstring) 1 week
Toby Greene (foot) indefinite
Josh Kelly (groin) 1 week
Adam Kennedy (knee) indefinite
Rory Lobb (knee) 1 week
Tom Scully (ankle) 8 weeks
Will Setterfield (knee) season
Lachie Tiziani (knee) season
Zac Williams (Achilles) indefinite
ON THE CUSP: Rory Lobb is set to return after a month on the sidelines with a knee injury. Leon Cameron will be keen to have him back in the line-up but will have concerns over his match fitness and may bring him back through the NEAFL.
Harry Perryman was among the best in the reserves and is highly rated by Leon Cameron. Dawson Simpson bounced back well after being dropped with a good performance.
ON THE BLOCK: Nick Shipley picked up just the solitary possession in Friday night’s bad loss to Geelong. Former Carlton small forward Dylan Buckley was also quiet in his debut for the club but wasn’t helped by the Giants horrible ball use.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants could certainly use any number of their injured stars when they take on the in-form West Coast at Spotless Stadium on Saturday but are unlikely to get any of them. Harry Perryman looks the most likely to be promoted along with Dawson Simpson who would allow Jon Patton to return to the forward line while Jeremy Cameron remains on the sidelines.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Ricky Henderson (illness) test
Will Langford (back spasms) TBC
Grant Birchall (knee) 6 weeks
Dylan Moore (shoulder) 1 week
Paul Puopolo (hamstring) 1 week
Cyril Rioli (knee) 3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see too many changes coming from the Hawks, who would have been pleased with the way their impressive group of younger players took on the Bombers last Saturday. Much of that will come back to match-ups as Alastair Clarkson eyes off a Sydney outfit still smarting about their loss to North Melbourne.
ON THE CUSP: Ricky Henderson is likely to return after gastro made him a late withdrawal, while the back spasms that kept Will Langford out will be assessed. Jono O’Rourke’s solid form in the VFL will again see his name again under discussion, while Paul Puopolo (hamstring) is still a few weeks away.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Who would have tipped Hawthorn would be fourth on the ladder with five wins from the first seven rounds? Clarko and his lieutenants have done a superb job in balancing their experienced players with a group of hungry young players, and now get the chance take on the Swans on their home MCG deck under the Friday night lights. After a few Friday night blowouts, this one looks like being a cracker. Win that, and a return to the finals after a year’s absence, will be a step closer for the Hawks.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Neville Jetta (head) TBC
Harley Balic (plantar fascia) 2 weeks
Dean Kent (hamstring) 4 weeks
Mitch King (elbow) 3 weeks
Corey Maynard (hip) 2 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite
Christian Salem (thumb) 1 week
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 4 weeks
Jack Viney (foot) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to see Simon Goodwin making too many changes to a team that’s now won two games on the trot. Neville Jetta will be monitored during the week after clashing heads with Saint Paddy McCartin. Co-captain Jack Viney is pushing to play but could be held back with the Demons travelling to Brisbane to face GOld Coast.
ON THE CUSP: Melbourne’s VFL affiliate Casey had the bye this week, meaning the club’s fringe players missed out on a chance to impress.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Melbourne has winnable games against Gold Coast and Carlton over the next fortnight to help catapult them up inside the eight. Things for Simon Goodwin’s men are starting to click after a rocky start to the year. The Demons trialled a new, taller three-pronged forward set-up and it worked against St Kilda. Tom McDonald, Sam Weideman and Jesse Hogan combined for seven goals and Max Gawn wreaked havoc early. Doubt Simon Goodwin will change much. The VFL team had the bye.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) TBC
Majak Daw (foot) indefinite
Declan Mountford (ankle) test
Mitch Hibberd (knee) 2 weeks
Gordon Narrier (hip) indefinite
Declan Watson (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Ed Vickers-Willis is a likely out after injuring his knee in the tense win over Sydney. Given the Kangas win, Brad Scott would be wise to reward his players with a quiet week at selection.
ON THE CUSP: Top draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke could continue his in again-out again formline after collecting 18 disposals in the VFL. With Vickers-Willis down Sam Durdin is well placed to get the call up after having 17 touches. Nathan Hrovat finished with 12 touches and two goals.
BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: What a win by North Melbourne. The Kangaroos remain in the top eight after stunning Sydney at the SCG but faces a far tougher test on Sunday in Richmond at Etihad Stadium. A solid showing will only enhance North’s reputation.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Matthew Broadbent (ankle) indefinite
Hamish Hartlett (knee) season
Sam Hayes (shin) indefinite
Peter Ladhams (knee) indefinite
Jarrod Lienert (knee) 7 weeks
Todd Marshall (personal reasons) indefinite
Lindsay Thomas (suspension) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: There are plenty of players who should be worried after a lacklustre performance against the Eagles in Perth on Saturday night. Karl Amon and Jake Neade could make way for experienced players who are likely to return but there could be other casualties.
ON THE CUSP: Former Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff and Sam Powell-Pepper both played well for the SANFL team against Norwood on Friday night and appear certain inclusions. Coach Ken Hinkley said they had needed a run for missing a bit of football, and they both did enough to return in the Showdown.
JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: Showdowns are notoriously difficult to predict, but form and logic suggest the Crows would be too much for the Power, which with the exception of a nice win against North Melbourne have struggled for consistency and form for several weeks after a good start to the season.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Nathan Drummond (hamstring) TBC
Ben Miller (hamstring) TBC
Dion Prestia (calf) TBC
Trent Cotchin (knee) test
Oleg Markov (quad) 1 week
Daniel Rioli (foot) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see too many changes this week after Richmond belted Fremantle. Sam Lloyd was last in after being a late inclusion for Trent Cotchin. Dan Butler had a quiet day with just 11 disposals, two tackles and no scoreboard impact.
ON THE CUSP: Cotchin will face a fitness test after being a late withdrawal on Sunday. Expect Brandon Ellis to return after being axed last week after gathering 18 disposals and laying six tackles. Anthony Miles continues to bang down the door at VFL level after 32 touches four tackles and a goal against Footscray. Corey Ellis had 20 disposals.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The Tiggy Train rolls on. Fremantle put up a fight in the third quarter but as they’ve done all season, Richmond steamrolled them in the final term. Earlier in the season, we would have said North Melbourne would provide little resistance but after a gutsy win over Sydney in Sydney, the Kangaroos can’t be under-estimated.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Ben Long (foot) 9 weeks
Paddy McCartin (head) TBC
Sam Gilbert (leg) TBC
Shane Savage (ribs) TBC
Josh Bruce (back) 4 weeks
Darren Minchington (knee) 2 weeks
Dylan Roberton (heart) season
Koby Stevens (concussion) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Paddy McCartin is in doubt for the Fremantle match after suffering whiplash and struggling with his diabetes condition on Sunday. He was feeling unwell on Sunday night, football manager Simon Lethlean said. Jack Billings is another who was below his best on Sunday, while Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle were beaten in defence by Melbourne’s key forwards.
ON THE CUSP: Jack Sinclair was dropped to the VFL and fired for Sandringham at the weekend. Jack Lonie and Bailey Rice were also among Sandringham’s best players. Blake Acres sat out with groin soreness but is expected to be available and Ed Phillips is also in the mix. Nathan Freeman returned from another hamstring surgery at the weekend but will spend more time in the VFL.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Saints are struggling and face a tough month ahead including a pair of trips to Perth, starting with Saturday night’s clash against Fremantle. It was another disastrous day on the goal kicking front and that has to improve, coach Alan Richardson said.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
James Bell (hamstring) 3 weeks
Jordan Dawson (quad) 3 weeks
Jordan Foote (toe) 3 weeks
Lance Franklin (bruised heel) 1 week
Dan Hannebery (groin) 1 week
Alex Johnson (groin) 3 weeks
Lewis Melican (hamstring) 2 weeks
Sam Naismith (knee) season
Toby Pink (ankle) 1 week
Sam Reid (quad) 8 weeks
ON THE CUSP: Lance Franklin will be jumping out of his skin to play against his old team under Friday night lights and the MCG. He did limited training on the weekend along with Dan Hannebery who is recovering from a groin injury. John Longmire indicated Franklin was closer to playing than Hannebery. Aliir Aliir is in the mix as well after playing well in the NEAFL loss to Aspley.
ON THE BLOCK: Ollie Florent had a very quiet first half against North Melbourne before finishing better after the long break. He will come under pressure to hold his spot if Hannebery proves his fitness for Friday night. Harry Cunningham was also quiet and could make way for Franklin or Aliir Aliir.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Wins against the Hawks have been hard fought for the Swans since their epic 2012 grand final win with the record standing at 3-9. Lance Franklin will help their chances in a big way and Sydney will benefit from the two weeks where he hasn’t been the central figure in their forward thrusts. Aliir Aliir is a big chance to come into the team to give Callum Sinclair some assistance in the ruck.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Luke Shuey (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Hamish Brayshaw (knee) 3 weeks
Lewis Jetta (calf) 1 week
Eric Mackenzie (toe) indefinite
Liam Ryan (ankle) 8 weeks
Dom Sheed (foot) indefinite
Nathan Vardy (adductor) 1 week
Daniel Venables (ankle) 9 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Star midfielder Luke Shuey his hurt hamstring in the opening minutes of West Coast’s 42-point win over Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Saturday. Coach Adam Simpson said Shuey had a “one or two week injury”. It’s unlikely Simpson will make too many other changes considering his side hasn’t lost since round one.
ON THE CUSP: It’s not only the Eagles that are flying, with the club’s WAFL affiliate East Perth also on a winning run. The Royals made it four on the trot with a 33-point win over East Fremantle on Sunday, with Luke Partington (29 possessions, five inside-50s and a goal) and Brayden Ainsworth (23 possessions, five tackles and a goal) putting their hand up to replace Shuey. Young defender Josh Rotham was dominant across half-back, first-year forward Jarrod Brander keeps improving and big man Fraser McInnes continued his impressive season. Speedster Lewis Jetta is a chance to return from a calf injury.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: West Coast are making the majority of pre-season predictions look sillier by the week. Saturday’s clinical win over Port was the Eagles’ sixth in a row, putting them only percentage behind ladder leaders Richmond with a 6-1 record. The next three weeks will go a long way in deciding whether Adam Simpson’s men finish in the top four. First up is a depleted Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium, followed by a likely top-of-the-table clash against the Tigers at Optus Stadium.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Marcus Bontempelli (hip) test
Marcus Adams (ankle) 3 weeks
Kieran Collins (ankle) test
Tory Dickson (hamstring) 4 weeks
Tom Liberatore (knee) season
Brad Lynch (hamstring) 6 weeks
Dale Morris (knee) 4 weeks
Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite
Jack Redpath (knee) 11 weeks
Clay Smith (knee) 5 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Mitch Honeychurch was the late inclusion for Marcus Bontempelli and was one of several players to turn the ball over in windy conditions. Tim English had a “muddling” day and while he went some way to redeeming himself with that last-quarter goal he might be due for a rest. Lewis Young is another who could return to the VFL.
ON THE CUSP: Marcus Bontempelli must train on Thursday if he is any chance of captaining against the Brisbane Lions. If he doesn’t get up it will be Norm Smith winner Jason Johannisen’s turn to toss the coin. Josh Schache’s three goals have been all the talk and while Schache coolly slotted the matchwinner from 50m, the pass from Lukas Webb was even more beautiful. It was Webb’s 21st disposal while Jackson Trengove collected 20 as he shared the ruck duties with Tom Campbell. Shane Biggs was also important in the one-point VFL win.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: A danger game against the Lions awaits however if the Dogs can salute it would be a tremendous effort to reach 4-4 given the personnel challenges. They can start dreaming about twin defensive pillars Marcus Adams and Dale Morris playing their first games for the season while Easton Wood will hopefully only miss one more week. The Dogs have fielded the youngest team every round this season and in Ballarat they had six players aged 18-20 and 15 aged 21-25. That’s a crazy profile and makes for a very exciting future.
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