Barometer: Every AFL club’s injury list after Round 14

HAWTHORN’S hopes for an assault on the AFL’s top 4 have taken a hit with star veteran Shaun Burgoyne to miss an extended period. But there could be some good news for Geelong and Adelaide on the injury front. EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST

Collingwood star Adam Treloar appeared to suffer a serious hamstring injury against the Blues, but the sore Pie says it was just cramp. Picture: AAP

HAWTHORN has suffered a big blow as it plots its course for September with veteran Shaun Burgoyne to miss at least a month.

The Hawks were optimistic Burgoyne, who left the ground during Saturday’s win over Gold Coast, hadn’t suffered any significant damage to a hamstring.

But the Hawks have revealed the three-time premiership star is “a little bit worse” than first thought.

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“He’s pulled up pretty well, but the scan that we did yesterday showed that he is probably going to miss around four weeks,” Hawks fitness boss Andrew Russell said.

“It’s probably a little bit worse than we first imagined when he came off.

“He had some signs, and we knew he had a low-grade hamstring injury at the time, but the scan suggested it is a little bit worse.”

CARLTON has lost defender Lachie Plowman for the season and is sweating on the fitness of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and Levi Casboult.

There’s better news at Adelaide with the Crows hoping Rory Sloane’s likely return can inspire a surge in the second half of 2018.

The Crows are among the clubs looking to bring back some A-grade talent as they try to get their season back on track.

Geelong could also welcome back some of its stars for Friday night football.

Scott Selwood, Harry Taylor, Daniel Menzel and Cam Guthrie are all in the selection frame for Friday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs.

Richmond could also regain a couple of key players in Bachar Houli and David Astbury for Thursday night’s top-of-the-table clash against Sydney.

Check out all your club’s injuries — and potential inclusions — in this week’s Barometer.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Eddie Betts (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Luke Brown (ankle) test

Brad Crouch (groin) season

Harry Dear (knee) TBC

Paul Hunter (ankle) 4-6 weeks

Riley Knight (hamstring tendinitis) test

Rory Laird (broken hand) test

Tom Lynch (side strain/ribs) test

Mitch McGovern (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Paul Seedsman (hip) test

Rory Sloane (foot) test

Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite

ON THE CUSP: Could the Crows’ main man return? Talk in Adelaide is Rory Sloane might be back, just as the Crows’ season is slipping away. All eyes will be on the hard-at-it midfielder at training this week. In a much-needed boost, the Crows could also regain Luke Brown (ankle), Rory Laird (hand) and Tom Lynch (side strain) for Saturday afternoon’s twilight clash with the Eagles.

ON THE BLOCK: The Crows hope Paul Seedsman is right after injuring a hip in the thumping loss to Hawthorn. Don Pyke will already be without Eddie Betts from that side, while Patrick Wilson, Myles Poholke and Jordan Galluci could come under pressure depending how many Crows are fit to resume.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: The Crows are coming off four consecutive losses and face a testing next month. After the Eagles they play Richmond at the MCG, Geelong in Adelaide, Brisbane and then Melbourne — Adelaide’s chance to avenge its embarrassing loss to the Demons in Alice Springs last month. They’ll need everything to go right from here on if they’re to make a late run at September.

Rory Sloane is ready to resume. Pic: Getty Images

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Harris Andrews (concussion) 2-4

Tom Bell (ankle) 3 weeks

Rohan Bewick (hand) 1-3 weeks

Charlie Cameron (ankle) season

Matt Eagles (abnominals) test

Daniel McStay (shin) 1-2 weeks

Jack Payne (shin) season

Mitch Robinson (toe) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: The Lions will be sweating on the fitness of their two key defenders — Harris Andrews and Darcy Gardiner. Andrews will miss at least a fortnight after being on the end of a sickening blow from GWS star Jeremy Cameron. Gardiner battled on manfully after rolling an ankle in the first term. Chris Fagan was happy with the character and effort from his side so there’s unlikely to be any unforced changes.

ON THE CUSP: The out-of-form Lions reserves were well beaten by GWS in a rare curtain-raiser at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon so nobody overwhelmingly knocked down the door for senior selection. Cedric Cox was handy off the halfback flank while Jacob Allison and Ben Keays were also good for Brisbane. Claye Beams (31 disposals, four goals) was impressive in his return from injury.

GREG DAVIS’S FORECAST: The Lions head west to take on Fremantle. It might be game where Brisbane would consider resting Luke Hodge but the future AFL Hall-of-Famer had 30 disposals, six rebounds, four tackles and 11 marks against the Giants. He might still be given a break given Brisbane’s following match is against Carlton at the Gabba in Round 16 in a clash that could decide the wooden spoon. Freo will be fresh after coming off the bye so Brisbane could be up against it.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Levi Casboult (finger) TBC

Lachie Plowman (knee) season

Matthew Kreuzer (ankle) TBC

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) season

Ciaran Byrne (quad) test

Sam Docherty (knee) season

Matthew Kennedy (ankle) test

Kym Lebois (broken collarbone) test

Harrison Macreadie (hamstring) test

Caleb Marchbank (ankle) test

Marc Murphy (foot) 1-2 weeks

Tom Williamson (back) season

ON THE BLOCK: A vastly improved effort against Collingwood but it came at a cost. Lachie Plowman will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury while ruckman Matthew Kreuzer sat out the second half with an ankle injury. Full-forward Levi Casboult dislocated his finger in the warm-up against the Pies with scans set to decide his immediate future.

ON THE CUSP: The Northern Blues had a stirring victory over Collingwood in the VFL with the two players who had been dumped at the selection table, Nick Graham and Darcy Lang responding positively. Graham was a standout with a game-high 38 disposals while Lang had 25 possessions which included 12 clearances. Jarrod Pickett also kicked three goals.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: Kreuzer and Casboult will be touch and go but it is Kade Simpson’s 300th game on Saturday against Port Adelaide so they will be doing everything to run out with him. Captain Marc Murphy is also an outside chance to make his return from a foot injury.

After a bright start to the season Pie Sam Murray is stuck in the VFL. Pic: Michael Klein

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Levi Greenwood (concussion) TBC

Adam Treloar (hamstrings) 6 weeks

James Aish (knee) 5-6 weeks

Jarryd Blair (hanstring) 3-4 weeks

Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season

Jamie Elliott (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Alex Fasolo (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (knee) season

Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite

Jack Magden (broken jaw) test

Darcy Moore (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Ben Reid (calf) test

Josh Smith (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Travis Varcoe (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Daniel Wells (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Adam Treloar will be out until at least late August after being booked in for surgery on his left hamstring. The gun midfielder also tore his right hamstring in a bizarre incident in the final quarter against the Blues. Collingwood is jumpy about soft-tissue problems after Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliott suffered repeated setbacks. Levi Greenwood is also in doubt after suffering concussion. Jordan de Goey also copped a knock to the leg.

ON THE CUSP: Collingwood will get players back over the second half of the season. Ben Reid is on track to return from a calf flare-up against Essendon at the MCG. Darcy Moore could play VFL this weekend but must build his form before he will be given a senior recall. Jamie Elliott is also in the same boat as he progresses from more hamstring trouble. Elliott has not played a senior game yet this season.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Collingwood has won five straight for the first time since 2012 and now sits inside the top four. They have speed in the forward line and one of the AFL’s top midfields. They will head north to play Gold Coast on Saturday night looking for six-in-a-row after a scrappy 20-point win over Carlton on Sunday at the MCG.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Josh Begley (knee) season

Joe Daniher (groin) indefinite

Martin Gleeson (ankle) 6-8 weeks

Jayden Laverde (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Darcy Parish (thumb) 2-4 weeks

Mason Redman (ankle) 8 weeks

David Zaharakis (collarbone) 4-5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Plenty to like for the Bombers in their electrifying win in Perth. Only Mason Redman appears in doubt from last week after he picked up an ankle injury. Hard to see John Worsfold making too many changes to a winning line-up as every Bomber did their bit against the Eagles. Unlucky youngster Mason Redman is a forced out after hurting his ankle in the last five minutes.

ON THE CUSP: Not much on the horizon in terms of injury returns, but there are promising signs at VFL level. Jordan Ridley starred in Essendon’s gritty win over Box Hill, Patrick Ambrose was good and the man all Essendon fans want to see back — Aaron Francis — also impressed. Jayden Laverde was good before tweaking his hamstring, thwarting his attempt to win his way back into the AFL side.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Huge fortnight for the Bombers, who again have a spring in their step. Essendon is two games — plus a lot of percentage — outside the eight but if they could upset North Melbourne and Collingwood in the next fortnight, fans will start dreaming of September.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Harley Bennell (calf) test

Taylin Duman (back) TBC

Brady Grey (hamstring) test

Bradley Hill (knee) test

Stephen Hill (quad) TBC

Griffin Logue (ankle) 7 weeks

Alex Pearce (thumb) 2 weeks

Aaron Sandilands (concussion) test

Hugh Dixon (ankle) 2 weeks

Brandon Matera (knee) TBC

Lee Spurr (knee) TBC

Sam Switkowski (hamstring) 2 weeks

Matt Taberner (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle’s spirited win against Adelaide followed by its demolition of Carlton going into its bye last week has kept the feint flicker of light in its 2018 season alive. Ross Lyon may look to maintain that winning formula, but Ryan Nyhuis had little impact with 8 touches.

ON THE CUSP: Fremantle shared its bye with WAFL affiliate, Peel Thunder, so no one had the chance to knock the door down at the weekend. However Cameron Sutcliffe has put his hand up in recent weeks and Cam McCarthy took 11 marks in Peel’s most recent game. Michael Walters will also be available again after serving a one-match suspension.

HARRISON REID’S FORECAST: At 6-7 hope has not completely faded, but a percentage of 88.7 puts them effectively an extra game behind and a finals run from here would be miraculous. Should win this weekend against Brisbane, but a tricky five weeks follows as they run into four of the top 9, plus the in-form Bombers. Won’t go near finals from here, but have exceeded some expectations to date.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Aaron Black (knee) indefinite

Nakia Cockatoo (knee) test

Daniel Menzel (groin) test

Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) 3 weeks

Esava Ratugolea (broken ankle) season

Zac Smith (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: Lincoln McCarthy will miss from the team that lost to the Tigers as the unlucky forward suffered a hamstring blow. Cory Gregson was quiet, while James Parsons is yet to consolidate his place in the best 22.

ON THE CUSP: Scott Selwood, Harry Taylor and Cam Guthrie are all in the frame for a recall after a couple of hit-outs in the VFL, while emerging youngster Quinton Narkle is impressing and pushing for his AFL debut. Dan Menzel is expected to be fit to resume his season this week. Could the Cats bring him straight back to senior footy?

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Things might be starting to turn for Cats, who are preparing to welcome back a host of stars in coming weeks. Geelong meet the Western Bulldogs on Friday night in a definite danger game given the side’s propensity to drop matches in which they’re heavily favoured. From there it gets very tricky with away matches to the Swans and Crows. It’s a crucial few weeks for Chris Scott’s team.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Michael Barlow (jaw) 1 week

Sam Day (shoulder) test

Brayden Fiorini (leg) 3-5 weeks

Aaron Hall (pectoral) 6-8 weeks

Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 3-5 weeks

Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) test

Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 5-7 weeks

Steven May (ankle) 2-4 weeks

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 6-8 weeks

Matt Rosa (hamstring) 1 week

Harrison Wigg (ankle) indefinite

Mackenzie Willis (knee) indefinite

Jack Bowes (quad) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Sam Day left the field in the final quarter against Hawthorn with an injured shoulder. He is due to be scanned this week. The Suns are hopeful there is no structural damage and he is fit to play. However, if Thompson is passed fit Day may not be an automatic selection anyway after Peter Wright made an encouraging return from a three month calf injury in attack alongside Tom Lynch.

ON THE CUSP: Key defender Rory Thompson is listed to be tested after missing the loss to Hawthorn with hamstring tightness and would be a much welcome addition against the Pies and giant forward Mason Cox. The Suns say skipper Steven May is also an outside chance to be considered but is a more realistic proposition for the following weekend.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Gold Coast have produced two more competitive efforts over the past fortnight but are a class below Collingwood. Even if they do regain the services of key defenders they would struggle to match the Pies in the middle of the ground.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Daniel Lloyd (knee) TBC

Rory Lobb (back) 4-6 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) 4-6 weeks

Toby Greene (foot) 1-3 weeks

Tom Scully (ankle) 4 weeks

Will Setterfield (knee) season

Lachie Tiziani (knee) season

Zac Williams (Achilles) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Jeremy Finlayson was quiet in his first senior game in more than a month and could come under pressure to hold his spot for the critical game against fellow finals contender Hawthorn.

ON THE CUSP: Harry Perryman responded well to being dropped by picking up 32 disposals and booting four goals against Brisbane in the NEAFL. With Jeremy Cameron certain to miss at least one spot will open up and Perryman looks the man most likely.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Jeremy Cameron’s brutal hit on Harris Andrews could not but more poorly timed for GWS whose season is on the line. They face Hawthorn, West Coast, Richmond and Port Adelaide in the next month and if they can’t win at least two of those four matches their finals hopes will evaporate.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Grant Birchall (knee) 1-2 weeks

Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) 4 weeks

Changkuoth Jiath (groin) 1 weeks

Dylan Moore (shoulder) test

Cyril Rioli (family leave) indefinite

James Frawley (migraine) available

ON THE BLOCK: Veteran Shaun Burgoyne is out in a huge blow for Alastair Clarkson. The Hawks must find a replacement for the utility. Youngster Harry Morrison and midfielder Will Langford only had 11 and 13 disposals respectively, and were two of the quieter players on the ground in the Hawks victory over Gold Coast in Launceston. Both Ben McEvoy and Paul Puopolo were on baby watch with their wives heavily pregnant, and the pair will now be hoping the arrivals come at some point during the week. Jack Gunston suffered a corked calf in the opening minutes but battled through after being switched from defence into attack.

ON THE CUSP: Back-up ruckman Jon Ceglar was pulled from the 22 on Friday with a groin strain, but is a strong chance to return. Teia Miles and David Mirra were solid in the VFL on Sunday.

ADAM SMITH’S FORECAST: Three wins in on the trot either side of its bye has Hawthorn trending in the right direction and with a very favourable draw looming the Hawks look a genuine finals chance. A huge clash against GWS - who sit two points behind _ awaits this Saturday night, before a stretch of five matches against sides outside the eight. Alastair Clarkson’s men continue to lack polish in front of goal but have still been grinding out wins and with the friendly fixture, there is every chance the Hawks could be 14-5 come Round 21 when it meets Geelong.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jayden Hunt (ankle) 2-4 weeks

Neville Jetta (ankle/head) test

Dean Kent (hamstring) test

Jake Lever (knee) season

Corey Maynard (hip) indefinite

Tom McDonald (ribs) test

Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Dees expect Tom McDonald and Neville Jetta to be available after both suffered some heavy hits against the Power. Alex Neal-Bullen and the Smiths — Tim and Joel — could feel pressure at selection.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Weideman gave Melbourne’s match committee seven reasons to recall him to the senior side in Casey’s 77-point win on Saturday. The 177cm Weideman, booted a season-high seven goals to thrust his name forward the same weekend in which the Dees severely battled to hit the scoreboard. Casey coach Jade Rawlings said he thought Weideman was “sensational”. Tom Bugg hasn’t played since Round 4 but collected 27 disposals, while Billy Stretch (two goals, 27 touches) also proved a key cog in the VFL win.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Another big test, another case of falling short for the Demons. But Melbourne fans shouldn’t be too concerned after watching their men dominate much of the clash with Port. The Dees can get back on track when they face the Saints at the MCG on Sunday before a trip to Darwin to take on Freo, followed by a clash with the Bulldogs. From there, it starts to look a bit tougher.

Jarrad will have to Waite some time yet. Pic: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Sam Durdin (eye) TBC

Taylor Garner (hamstring) TBC

Ben Jacobs (concussion) test

Ben McKay (knee) TBC

Declan Mountford (hamstring) TBC

Billy Hartung (hamstring) TBC

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season

Jarrad Waite (calf) TBC

Declan Watson (knee) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Billy Hartung seems certain to fall out of the team with a hamstring injury, which was sustained just two hours after he was a late inclusion. Kayne Turner’s numbers were low although he is a known favourite of coach Brad Scott and the Kangas are looking pretty settled at 8-5.

ON THE CUSP: Daniel Nielson was the Kangas’ VFL standout, cleanly taking several intercept marks in defence with Ben McKay and Sam Durdin off injured. Top draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke collected 18 disposals and laid four tackles while Will Walker booted a couple of goals.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Kangaroos got out of jail against the Western Bulldogs, a team they face again in six weeks. The next five weeks will set up the season. Are the Roos a top-four team, a top-eight team or will they fall out of the finals? They face Essendon (Etihad), Gold Coast (Etihad), Sydney (Etihad), Collingwood (MCG) and West Coast (Hobart). One win would make September a pipedream, three wins would keep them on target but if they could snatch four wins they could start dreaming about the double chance.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) 1 week

Willem Drew (heel) season

Hamish Hartlett (knee) season

Sam Hayes (knee) season

Trent McKenzie (quad) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to find any passengers from Friday night’s win over Melbourne. The defence was outstanding, the forwards delivered when they needed and there were no injuries. Todd Marshall had a quiet night (nine disposals) but expect the Power to stick with him while Brad Ebert played himself back into form with two important goals.

ON THE CUSP: The Port Magpies had the bye in the SANFL meaning Jack Watts didn’t get the chance to stake his claim for a spot. But Jarrod Leinert has recovered from a knee injury and the Power liked what they were seeing in the dashing defender before he went down. Jack Trengove is the other waiting to break into the AFL side but needs some luck.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Port is a genuine top-four contender having won five of its past six games and rolled Richmond and Melbourne in the past three weeks. The Power shouldn’t have any trouble with Carlton in Melbourne this weekend and then it’s St Kilda, Fremantle, GWS and the Bulldogs which on paper will start favourite in them all.

David Astbury should return to face the Swans. Pic: Getty Images

RICHMOND

INJURIES

David Astbury (ankle) test

Mabior Chol (broken foot) 6-8 weeks

Shaun Hampson (back) TBC

Bachar Houli (groin) test

Oleg Markov (knee) 2-4 weeks

Dion Prestia (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Tigers are coming off the bye after beating Geelong in a tough contest in Round 13. Ryan Garthwaite was impressive on debut but is vulnerable if David Astbury is declared fit.

ON THE CUSP: Astbury was a late withdrawal for the clash against the Cats and should be declared fit for Thursday night’s blockbuster against Sydney. Dion Prestia is getting closer to resuming from a calf injury as he completes a mini-preseason and Bachar Houli will be touch and go.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Can’t wait for Thursday night’s top-of-the-ladder clash as the Tigers and Swans meet at Etihad Stadium. Why isn’t the game at the MCG? That’s a conversation for another day. The match is the first of a big six-week stretch for Damien Hardwick’s team, where they can cement a top-two finish with matches against Adelaide, GWS (away), Collingwood and Geelong. Everything is looking good for the reigning premiers with little to worry about on the injury front and the team in great form.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Blake Acres (groin) test

Jarryn Geary (calf) test

Ben Long (foot) 4-6 weeks

Darren Minchington (hip) test

Lewis Pierce (hamstring) test

Bailey Rice (concussion) TBC

Dylan Roberton (heart) season

Koby Stevens (concussion) season

Jimmy Webster (adductor) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: A few Saints would have slept a little bit easier during their bye, after finally snatching a win the week prior, for the first time since round 1. Bailey Rice was KO’ed in the final term. Will he retain his place in the side given the promising start to his career? The revolving door that is St Kilda’s ruck spot may circulate again after Billy Longer could only manage 7 disposals, and lost the hit-outs to Jarrod Witts.

ON THE CUSP: Jarryn Geary should be OK to resume in a huge boost to the club’s defensive stocks. Jimmy Webster might also be cleared. Sandringham hasn’t played since being held goalless against Williamstown two weeks ago. Tom Hickey’s impressive 24 disposals in the wet was untimely for Billy Longer. The two may play musical chairs and switch places once again. Sam Gilbert also had 24.

HARRISON REID’S FORECAST: It was ugly, it looked unlikely in the third quarter, and it was against the lowly Suns, but they won. Finally. May have preferred not to have the bye after the first sign of momentum in weeks. Still winnable games in the run home against Carlton and Western Bulldogs. Failed season so far, but pride can still be salvaged.

Sam Reid is preparing to make his return to footy. Pic: AAP

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

James Bell (hamstring) 1 week

Matthew Ling (toe) season

Lewis Melican (hamstring) test

Callum Mills (broken foot) season

Sam Naismith (knee) season

Sam Reid (quad) test

ON THE BLOCK: Changes are highly unlikely to the team which beat West Coast for a second time two weeks ago.

ON THE CUSP: Lewis Melican (hamstring) and Sam Reid (quad) are both chances to return after extended breaks, Reid has missed since Round 1 and Melican since Round 3. Both will almost certainly return through the NEAFL but will add depth and play a role in the run to the finals.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans will be up and about for this shot at the defending premiers and favourites. Callum Mills, Melican and Reid are the only players missing from their best 22 which now has their young stars firing. With only two matches at the MCG this year they would have preferred a clash at footy’s mecca for September preparation but have a 14-1 record there over the last four years.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Hamish Brayshaw (knee) test

Jack Darling (ankle) 3 weeks

Josh Kennedy (leg) 1-3 weeks

Malcolm Karpany (knee) 2-4 weeks

Daniel Venables (ankle) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Eagles coach Adam Simpson may have some thinking to do following two successive defeats. Fraser McInnes’s return to the senior side may be short lived after just eight disposals and one tackle. Jackson Nelson has threatened to nail down his spot during his 10 games this year but could only manage six disposals against Essendon and may be in jeopardy. Will Schofield is having his leanest year since 2009, averaging just over 7 touches in three games and didn’t do himself any favours on Thursday in his first game since Round 8.

ON THE CUSP: Luke Partington may be closing in on his first senior game of the year after he topped the disposals for East Perth with 27. Dom Sheed responded well to being dropped for the second time this year with 25 of his own, and a second crack at senior footy beckons for Brayden Ainsworth, who was named in the best players.

HARRISON REID’S FORECAST: Two losses on the trot, sure, but the Eagles are a long way from selling the farm just yet. Still sitting comfortably at 3rd, equal on points with first placed Richmond. Didn’t have Kennedy or Darling at the weekend and a lapse in an outstanding season was inevitable. Tough games in the next two weeks against Adelaide in Adelaide and GWS, but games the Eagles should win. Winning in Melbourne is still Adam Simpson’s side’s biggest hurdle. Collingwood at the ‘G in Round 17 will size them up — then we’ll really know where they’re at.

The Bulldogs must pick themselves up to face the Cats. Pic: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Bailey Dale (foot) 1-2 weeks

Tory Dickson (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Tim English (foot) test

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jack Redpath (knee) 4-5 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) test

Matt Suckling (hamstring) test

Jackson Macrae (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Lukas Webb (thumb) 2-3 weeks

Easton Wood (hamstring) 10-12 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Luke Beveridge’s angry dissection of the last two minutes of his side’s loss to North Melbourne doesn’t bode well for Mitch Wallis, but it would be an extreme decision to dump him because of that. Jackson Trengove went into the rooms early in the final quarter with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Rourke Smith was quiet in defence.

ON THE CUSP: Matthew Suckling should be right to return from an achilles problem, while Jordan Roughead and Shane Biggs were part of an impressive VFL win in which Kieran Collins and Fergus Greene were good.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: With an injury list as long as the Flemington straight and a losing streak not too far behind, most expected a heavy defeat against North Melbourne. Instead we got the sort of Western Bulldogs performance more commonly seen in 2016 as a crazy pressure game and ballistic ball movement threatened to sink North Melbourne. But Luke Beveridge was a long way from glass half-full after what he described as a complete defensive breakdown in the last two minutes that saw the Dogs pipped with 20 seconds left. The furious coach read the riot act to the players in the rooms after the game and while this may be a transitional period for the Bulldogs, Beveridge isn’t going to accept failure as part of the development process.

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