Barometer: All the latest injury news at your club after Round 3

CARLTON will be missing young defender Caleb Marchbank for the next month while Pearce Hanley’s injury curse continues. See who’s injured and who could be up for selection at your club.

CARLTON has been dealt a serious blow as it searches for its first win of the season.

Star defender Caleb Marchbank is set to miss the next month after injuring his ankle in the loss to Collingwood.

“There’s not a whole lot of damage there thankfully but he will be out for around four weeks,” head of football Andrew McKay told the club website.

“It will depend on his level of pain tolerance when he makes his way back into the skills program, but at this stage he’ll be out for around four weeks.”

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Meanwhile, injury-cruelled Sun Pearce Hanley is set to undergo surgery after dislocating his shoulder in Gold Coast’s loss to Fremantle.

“Pearce has had a scan – he’s gone back to the Gold Coast and we’ve met this morning with the medical team,” football operations manager Jon Haines told the club website

“It’s not a great result for Pearce, but in that context, we’ll be meeting with the surgeon in the next few days to assess our options.”

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Andy Otten (achilles) test

Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Brad Crouch (groin) 5 weeks

Matt Crouch (hamstring) 2 weeks

Sam Gibson (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Curtley Hampton (groin) test

Alex Keath (ankle) test

Andrew McPherson (groin) 5 weeks

Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: A few of the players on the fringe may struggle to hold their spot after quiet games against St Kilda. Lachlan Murphy contributed with some nice pressure acts but was in and out of the game, as were Wayne Milera and Cam Ellis-Yolmen. The Crows have plenty of depth and there are challengers coming from the SANFL side.

ON THE CUSP: Darcy Fogarty didn’t put a foot wrong in his first two matches but in the end the selection panel decided the forward line would be too top-heavy with him in it after Tom Lynch’s return. That doesn’t mean the club won’t try to find a spot for him in this week’s match against Collingwood.

JESPER FJELDSTAD’S PREDICTION: Collingwood had a sound win against Carlton but on the evidence so far have a big step up in class when they face the Crows at their beloved Adelaide Oval. It is difficult to see the Magpies contain Adelaide’s raft of dangerous forwards if the Crows win enough of the ball in the middle. Crows by eight goals.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Marco Paparone (sciatic nerve) 1-2 weeks

Daniel Rich (ankle) test

Jack Payne (shin) 4 weeks

Sam Skinner (knee) long-term

Toby Wooller (finger) 10 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: No fresh injuries from the trip to Adelaide and it’s hard to see Chris Fagan swinging the axe after such a brave effort. If he had to find someone, Cedric Cox and Josh Walker didn’t do a lot.

ON THE CUSP: More heartbreak — the Lions went down by one point in the NEAFL to NT Thunder. Ben Keays kicked three goals and exciting draftee Zac Bailey two. Both were named in the best along with Liam Dawson and Ryan Bastinac.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: It would have been a flat flight home after the Lions just failed to pull off one of the upsets of the season. After a strong start they were headed but came again and were unlucky not to find a way to kick a matchwinning goal when they controlled the footy for the last two minutes. They have to lick their wounds and regroup for a trip the MCG to face Richmond — a side they have lost their past 11 matches against.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Ciaran Byrne (quad) 3 weeks

Sam Docherty (knee) season

Darcy Lang (ankle) test

Cillian McDaid (foot) 3-4 weeks

Matthew Lobbe (quad) test

Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 4 weeks

Jarrod Pickett (wrist) 9 weeks

Alex Silvagni (hamstring) 1 week

Tom Williamson (back) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Blues will be without Caleb Marchbank for the next four weeks after the defender injured his ankle on Friday night. There will be some long discussions at match committee this week. Recycled players Aaron Mullett and Jed Lamb didn’t have a great night against Collingwood while Cam Polson only recorded two kicks. Is Jacob Weitering safe? The defensive unit needs to find cohesion — and quick — because Collingwood’s burst of 10 consecutive goals didn’t receive much resistance.

ON THE CUSP: Coach Brendon Bolton said he would be off to watch the VFL play Saturday in search of some fresh faces. Well, he wouldn’t have liked what he saw — a 31.15 (201) to 11.5 (71) loss to Collingwood. Another recycled player, Cam O’Shea, was named the best … but is he really the answer? Forwards Patrick Kerr and Jack Silvagni did OK.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Blues have lost 12 of their past 13 games and have started 0-3 for the fifth time in six years. The exception was last year, when they were 1-2. Footy is meant to be cyclic but supporters must be wondering when it is going to be their turn to be competitive, particularly when Luke Beveridge can get a rise out of a far younger Western Bulldogs outfit. The stakes are high against North Melbourne in Hobart this week.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Tim Broomhead (leg) season

Tyson Goldsack (knee) season

Levi Greenwood (knee) 1-2 weeks

Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite

Darcy Moore (hamstring) 3 weeks

Josh Smith (hamstring) 1 week

Daniel Wells (achilles) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Mercifully, for a side that’s once again been hit with a high-quality injury list, the Pies got through their first win of the season against Carlton unscathed. And with Steele Sidebottom escaping suspension for his sling tackle on Zac Fisher, Nathan Buckley has the luxury — shock horror — of making changes based purely on form. In that sense, first-round draft pick Jaidyn Stepehenson, impressive in the first fortnight, may be one to make way. Stephenson had six touches and no impact against the Blues and maybe a little respite in the magoos will reset the batteries nicely. Suddenly, the pressure is on for spots because, as we’re about to discuss, there’s some quality ready to return.

ON THE CUSP: Given the Collingwood VFL side booted a staggering 31.15 (201) in their hammering of Carlton, the hands have gone up everywhere. At the front of the queue are Jamie Elliott (five goals) and Jordan De Goey (four), while Alex Fasolo snared three goals and Chris Mayne was named in the best players. Their potential return is clouded by the fact Josh Thomas kicked five goals at AFL level and Will Hoskin-Elliott continued his unfluential season with three. These are the sorts of headaches Bucks would prefer.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Buckley declared there was blue skies on the horizon and a “payday” looming soon. Well, suddenly the clouds have gone and the players have cashed in.

A comprehensive win over the Blues and a rapidly-improving injury list has the Pies feeling good about themselves before this week’s huge clash against Adelaide in Adelaide. It is as daunting an assignment as there is in this league but the Pies moved the ball better against Carlton that we have seen for some time. That all starts with that big ball of energy in the middle. Brodie Grundy is having some sort of a season.

Jamie Elliott could play his first game of the season against Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Patrick Ambrose (wrist) 2 weeks

Travis Colyer (foot) 3 weeks

Matt Dea (knee) TBC

Marty Gleeson (ankle) 10-11 weeks

Ben McNiece (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: Everyone will be on notice this week. Essendon probably didn’t have one of the best 12 players on the ground on Sunday. There were 40 defensive half turnovers so it will be a big week on the track for the Bombers. The midfield was soundly beaten, too. Zach Merrett had only 13 possessions in his battle with Mitch Honeychurch but we expect a strong response. Conor McKenna could be missing for a while after being sent straight to the tribunal for allegedly biting Bulldog Tory Dickson.

ON THE CUSP: Does Michael Hartley have to come back to help strengthen the backline? Cale Hooker finished Sunday’s game in defence but we are unsure if he will stay there. Shaun McKernan and Jackson Merrett were both impressive in the VFL, kicking eight goals between them.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Geez, that was bad. John Worsfold labelled Essendon’s 21-point loss to Western Bulldogs the worst in his time at Tullamarine and we agree. For all the talk about the trade period this team can still leak like a sieve and Woosha knows it. Need a big lift in all parts of the ground for Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide otherwise the Power will cut them up on the outside.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Harley Bennell (calf) TBA

Hugh Dixon (ankle) TBA

Sean Darcy (knee) TBA

Stefan Giro (knee) 2-3 weeks

Bradley Hill (knee) test

Griffin Logue (foot) TBC

Cam Sutcliffe (concussion) test

Lee Spurr (knee) 2-3 weeks

Michael Walters (hand) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Michael Walters sent a scare through the Dockers camp when he came off the field in the final minutes with a sore hand — replays showed he was stomped on which must hurt, but he should be OK for next week. He wasn’t the only Docker who had his hand stood on — Hayden Ballantyne suffered the same fate in the first term but played out the game. Aaron Sandilands escaped with a fine for his high bump on Jarryd Lyons.

ON THE CUSP: Danyle Pearce was again the standout at WAFL level, picking up 40 disposals for Peel Thunder against Swan Districts (he had 32 last week). Darcy Tucker was also huge with 34 disposals and two goals. If the Dockers need ruck backup mature-age recruit Lloyd Meek won 23 hitouts (plus 18 disposals, five tackles and a goal). Young big man Sean Darcy hurt his knee.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dockers are 2-1 and head to Canberra for what will be an engrossing battle against the Giants. Michael Christian did them a big favour by clearing Sandilands with Rory Lobb in doubt for GWS. Who will get the job on Nat Fyfe? He is back to his unstoppable best and could have six Brownlow votes from the past two games.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Gary Ablett (hamstring) TBC

Nakia Cockatoo (knee) TBC

Cam Guthrie (ankle) TBC

Mitch Duncan (hamstring) test

Lachie Henderson (knee) 1-2 weeks

Lincoln McCarthy (quad) 1 week

Quinton Narkle (knee) TBC

Harry Taylor (foot) indefinite

Jack Henry (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: Gary Ablett’s latest hamstring injury is a massive concern for coach Chris Scott, who expects the midfield superstar to miss more than two weeks. Considering his pre-season hamstring battles, the Cats will give Ablett longer to recover. Scott confirmed Cockatoo has damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, while the extent of Guthrie’s ankle injury is not yet known.

ON THE CUSP: Those injuries means the Cats will be desperate to have Mitch Duncan available for Sunday’s clash against St Kilda. Duncan has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing both of Geelong’s losses to Hawthorn and West Coast. Jordan Murdoch was considered unlucky to miss the Eagles match and Jordan Cunico is also a strong chance of earning a recall after 30 possessions in the VFL a week earlier. Tall duo Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith will also be looked at by the match committee.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: After starting the season on a winning note, the Cats are now in a world of pain having slumped to 1-2 with a growing injury list. They were brave against the Eagles, recovering from a five-goal halftime deficit to lead by 14 points midway through the last quarter before the injuries took their toll. Geelong is at Kardinia Park for the first time this season against St Kilda on Sunday. The Saints are going that bad, the Cats should be good enough to get their season back to parity despite their latest injury setbacks.

Geelong star Gary Ablett suffered another injury blow. Picture: Getty Images

GOLD COAST SUNS

INJURIES

Pearce Hanley (shoulder) TBC

Peter Wright (calf) test

Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) 5-6 weeks

Sean Lemmens (hand) indefinite

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Pearce Hanley’s horrible luck continues. He came off in the second quarter and sat out the match on the bench with ice all over the same shoulder that popped out during the JLT Series. The Suns opted against surgery that time but this may force the issue. Aaron Hall was held to just five disposals by Bailey Banfield, and Kade Koodjashnij also spent time off the ground but played out the game.

ON THE CUSP: Michael Barlow bashed down the selection door with 36 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances in the Suns’ first NEAFL match of the season — a 20-point win against Apsley. Jesse Lonergan had 26 touches but Tom Nicholls went down with a shoulder problem.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Suns have a week to take in the sights of WA before retuning to Perth Stadium to face the Eagles — this time in an away fixture. It will be Gold Coast’s fourth consecutive game on the road. At least they get to play in Queensland in Round 5 when they meet Brisbane at the Gabba (before trips to Adelaide and Ballarat). The tough schedule appeared to take its toll on Dew’s men against the Dockers. They are showing more spirit and defensive intent but how long can they keep it up?

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Matt Buntine (knee) 1 week

Brent Daniels (knee) 1-3 weeks

Toby Greene (hamstring) test

Adam Kennedy (knee) 1-3 weeks

Zac Langdon (hand) 3 weeks

Will Setterfield (knee) season

Tom Scully (ankle) 9-11

Zac Williams (achilles) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Sam Reid was quiet for the Giants, picking up just seven disposals for the night in the loss to Sydney. His spot will come under pressure from former Blue Buckley who kicked four goals in the Giants’ NEAFL win over the Swans.

ON THE CUSP: Dawson Simpson will come into serious consideration after the knee injury to Rory Lobb. The Giants face Aaron Sandilands (if he gets off a report for a high bump) and an in-form Fremantle in Canberra. Simpson has had a strong pre-season and his two senior games last year showed he’s up to the challenge. Former Carlton small forward Dylan Buckley will come into consideration.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Dawson Simpson looks set to get his first run of the season with Rory Lobb in doubt for the match against Fremantle in Canberra. Dylan Buckley could also make his debut for the Giants after an impressive display in the first NEAFL match of the year.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) 9-10 weeks

Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) 2 weeks

Jonathan Ceglar (back) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: A clean bill of health from the loss to Richmond but Tim O’Brien could be due for a stint in the VFL after just seven touches and no scoreboard impact. Will Langford (nine disposals at 55 per cent efficiency) might also be worried.

ON THE CUSP: James Sicily is available after serving his one-match suspension. The Box Hill Hawks started their VFL season with a win. Mitchell Lewis — best known for being drafted following the decision to trade out club legends of the same names — kicked three goals, as did James Cousins, while Jono O’Rourke picked up 29 disposals but will need more VFL time.

JON RALPH’S FORECAST: When Alastair Clarkson took forever to get to Sunday’s press conference you wondered if he had been hauling his Hawks over the coals. But he was optimistic post-match about his team’s performance, with the only injury the club’s “bruised ego” after losing to Richmond again. O’Brien might make way for Sicily, pushing Jack Gunston forward for a big clash against the Demons.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Tom McDonald (toe) 5-6 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite

Jack Viney (foot) 5-6 weeks

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: If Saturday’s win over North Melbourne is a sign of things to come, the guillotine is in danger of going blunt at Melbourne. A comprehensive win with a spread of contributors is coaching gold. Bernie Vince appeared to suffer a groin injury late in the game, but coach Simon Goodwin said later he had merely suffered cramp. If we’re being picky, Alex Neal-Bullen looked off the pace at times, but still got his hands on the footy 19 times.

ON THE CUSP: Tom McDonald and Jack Viney might be out injured, but the depth on offer at Melbourne might be as good as any club. The Demons had a whopping 18 listed players feature in the VFL on Sunday against Coburg. No surprises Casey smashed the Lions by 107 points with Harley Balic and Sam Weideman booting six and fives goals respectively. Cam Pedersen racked up 26 disposals with Mitch Hannan (25 disposals) and Angus Brayshaw (22) not far behind.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Another hoodoo destroyed by this emerging side, this time the 17-match losing sequence against North Melbourne. But three rounds into the season, the Demons are a bit like the teenage P-plater given the keys to the V8 — they have enormous power under the hood; it’s just about learning to harness it. The win against North was exhilaratingly efficient one quarter and wasteful the next. Goodwin says his players “know how exciting they can be”, but the next month will tell us a lot more about how genuine a threat this side is this year. Hawthorn, Richmond, Essendon and St Kilda await in the next four weeks. The Dees have won only one of their past 15 games against the Hawks.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Robbie Tarrant (hamstring) test

Taylor Garner (groin) 1 week

Kyron Hayden (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Oscar Junker (concussion) test

Declan Watson (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Todd Goldstein played one of his worst games in recent memory against Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn, winning a meagre 15 hitouts. Prized draft selection Luke Davies-Uniacke finished with just seven disposals but North should show the faith considering their focus on youth. Kayne Turner was also quiet with six possessions and failed to hit the scoreboard up forward. Majak Daw was the late in for Robbie Tarrant but did enough to hold his spot.

ON THE CUSP: The Roos VFL side was thumped by 43 points by the Under-18 AFL Academy, so there may not be many inclusions aside from Tarrant, who was a late withdrawal on Saturday. Sam Wright made his return and performed strongly to be best on ground. Ruckman Braydon Preuss was prominent albeit against young opposition and will figure in selection. Mason Wood showed glimpses up forward and could also come into calculations.

DANIEL BATTEN’S FORECAST: It looked like the Roo hoodoo would continue but North failed to deliver after a fast start. North Melbourne will be better suited against the 18th-placed Blues under lights at Blundstone Arena, where they should enter favourites. It will be interesting to see whether Brad Scott opts to go with two ruckman against goliath Matthew Kreuzer.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Ollie Wines (ankle) test

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Willem Drew (foot) TBC

Cameron Hewett (shin) TBC

Jasper Pittard (hamstring) test

Paddy Ryder (achilles) 3-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Dom Barry was off tempo against Brisbane and still needs to bed down game awareness on return to AFL after an outback sabbatical. The former Demon has plenty of talent but could benefit from confidence-boosting hitout in the SANFL with Port Magpies.

ON THE CUSP: Billy Frampton has received strong backing from premiership midfielder Kane Cornes for a debut as Port attempts to negotiate another month without superstar Paddy Ryder. Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin overwhelmed Justin Westhoff, Charlie Dixon and Dougal Howard in a match Port scrapped to win by five points at Adelaide Oval last Saturday. A specialist ruckman could prove attractive for coach Ken Hinkley either against Essendon at Etihad or hosting Geelong at Adelaide Oval. Frampton, pick No.84 in the 2014 draft, is a cult figure for his aggressive approach at Alberton. Jake Neade and Karl Amon were among Port Magpies’ best in their win against Glenelg and loom as enticing options if Hinkley wants more speed at Etihad against the Bombers.

RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Essendon’s pace and precision and at Etihad will worry Port unless it can get organised at the clearances. Ollie Wines has been Port’s standout in the midfield but Tom Rockliff is yet to fire and Sam Powell-Pepper was quiet against Brisbane. Wines carried on despite rolling an ankle while Chad Wingard is also battling hamstring soreness. If Port can break even in ruck and get a complete midfield contribution then it could atone for 70-point loss last June to the Bombers at Etihad. Brilliant Robbie Gray will benefit from two games back in the saddle.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Daniel Rioli (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to find someone to leave out but the match committee might have to with three premiership players available for selection. Reece Conca was a lot better against the Hawks even if his kicking still needs work. Sam Lloyd didn’t do much wrong but could miss out and Jacob Townsend has had a quiet fortnight.

ON THE CUSP: An embarrassment of riches here with an enviably short injury list. Josh Caddy is available after serving his one-match striking ban. Dion Prestia pulled up sore last week but if he gets through training he’s an automatic inclusion. And Nathan Broad has completed his club suspension — and Damien Hardwick has suggested he will come straight into the seniors. Richmond also had a big win in the VFL kickstarted by Shai Bolton kicking the first three goals of the game. Corey Ellis picked up 32 disposals.

JON RALPH’S FORECAST: Hardwick loves Nathan Broad, so there is a chance he comes straight back into the side. That would normally mean Reece Conca or Jayden Short would miss out, but Conca played midfield against Hawthorn. Does that mean Dion Prestia displaces him from that position? Josh Caddy (suspension) is an automatic return. All of it means it will be a long selection committee, with Sam Lloyd probably the last in and first out, given Jack Higgins could easily hold his spot.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Tim Membrey (knee) test

Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Darren Minchington (knee) 5-6 weeks

Ben Paton (thumb) test

ON THE BLOCK: A host of underperforming Saints, including key forward Paddy McCartin, are under the microscope ahead of Sunday’s game against Geelong. Coach Alan Richardson has forecast changes to the forward set-up, after the side has managed only 12 goals in the past two games. McCartin has only kicked one goal in three games this year, but he isn’t the only offender. Expect a few casualties on Thursday night, and not just from the forwards.

ON THE CUSP: Late withdrawal Tim Membrey is still considered doubtful of proving his fitness, having encountered knee soreness last Thursday. Jack Lonie booted four goals in the VFL, Josh Battle scored three, while Sam Gilbert, Jack Steele and Tom Hickey were among the best for Sandringham.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: St Kilda faces an arduous “month from hell” that could determine their prospects for the 2018 season, starting with Geelong followed by Greater Western Sydney, Hawthorn and Melbourne. Unless they can clear up their skills and develop a cleaner route to goal — and fast — Richardson’s team will just be making up the numbers.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Jordan Dawson (quad) test

Alex Johnson (groin) test

Sam Reid (calf) test

Zac Jones (calf) test

Sam Naismith (knee) season

Toby Pink (ankle) 6-7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Sam Reid and Lewis Melican would be big losses for the Swans with both players in great form during Saturday’s win over the Giants. The contributions in the victory came from across the board so the only likely changes for the Bulldogs match will be forced by injury.

Sam Reid will be a big loss for the Swans. Picture: AAP

ON THE CUSP: Zak Jones was close to a return for the Sydney derby against the Giants but the Swans chose the conservative route. He will need to complete a full week’s training to be considered for Saturday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. Aliir Aliir played his first game since injuring his ankle in the JLT match against Brisbane. If they lose Sam Reid and Lewis Melican to injury he will come into consideration along with Jack Maibaum.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans look likely to lose Reid and Melican for Saturday’s clash against the Bulldogs, opening the way for Aliir Aliir to play his first game for the season. Sydney will be pleased to face a struggling Bulldogs outfit after three very intense opening rounds against West Coast, Port Adelaide and GWS.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Brendon Ah Chee (ankle) 2 weeks

Liam Duggan (hamstring) TBC

Josh Kennedy (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Eric Mackenzie (toe) indefinite

Liam Ryan (ankle) 10-12 weeks

Nathan Vardy (adductor) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Eagles will be without goalsneak Liam Ryan for the next three months after scans showed a broken ankle. Ryan hobbled off the ground after kicking his third goal with a desperate lunge late in the final quarter. Any time of the sidelines may give fellow small forward Daniel Venables a reprieve after the Victorian failed to have an impact in the second half with just two disposals.

ON THE CUSP: Coach Adam Simpson indicated after the Eagles’ win that star forward Josh Kennedy was getting closer to a return. The question is whether Simpson believes the two-time Coleman medallist is ready to come straight into the team this weekend against the Suns or wait another week. “We’ll see how we go. He’s in the training phase now so we’ll see how fit we can get him to throw him in there. He’s pretty keen, though,” Simpson said. Liam Duggan missed the Cats clash with hamstring soreness with the Eagles to provide an update on the injury early this week. Simpson also confirmed first-year star Liam Ryan was also set to miss an “extended period” with the ankle injury sustained against the Cats.

CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: It’s hard to get a gauge on how good this West Coast team is, but it can no longer be taken lightly, particularly at its new home. The Eagles threatened to blow the Cats away after leading by five goals at halftime before a goalless third quarter. Then when the match looked lost, the Eagles benefited from Geelong’s injury problems with a six-goal burst in the final 10 minutes to snatch victory. But the Eagles are a huge chance to go 3-1 when they host Gold Coast on Saturday night.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Marcus Adams (ankle) 8-9 weeks

Kieran Collins (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Hayden Crozier (knee) 1 week

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Dale Morris (knee) 8-9 weeks

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jordan Roughead (concussion) test

Clay Smith (knee) 1-2 weeks

Jackson Trengove (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Bulldogs probably had the best dozen players on the ground against Essendon. With a clean bill of health you wouldn’t expect many changes. Jack Redpath is one who might be discussed, although coach Luke Beveridge said the leader “played his role” after a difficult preparation to his first game for the season.

ON THE CUSP: Jordan Roughead should be OK to return against Sydney, although perhaps he’s not an automatic inclusion. Patrick Lipinski kicked four goals in the VFL in an encouraging display but is unlikely to bob up this week while Lewis Young is in form if the Dogs search for extra defensive reinforcement against twin towers Lance Franklin and Sam Reid.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The dominant win against Essendon was back to the Bevo Bulldogs the footy world grew to love. They took 152 marks to completely control the footy and the coach heaped praise on a glut of players including Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Zaine Cordy and prized kids Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton. Beveridge labelled the defensive unit’s aerial work as “insane” given it was “just young kids playing against some giants”. How is this for a comparison? Hawthorn won the 2008 flag, missed finals in 2009 and started 1-6 in 2010 before storming into finals. The Dogs won the 2016 flag, missed finals in 2017 and have started 1-2 in 2018. Beveridge says birth certificates are no excuse but Sunday’s response was mighty impressive given it was with clearly the most inexperienced Round 3 team, fielding 394 games less than 17th-ranked Brisbane Lions.

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