Barometer: Every AFL club’s injury list after Round 16

THINGS have gone from bad to worse for Essendon after Sunday’s loss to Collingwood with Jake Stringer out for at least a month and Patrick Ambrose’s season likely over. See every club’s injury list here.

Ben McEvoy and Josh Dunkley after their heavy collision. Pic: Getty Images

ESSENDON will be without forward Jake Stringer for at least a month.

The first-year Bomber injured his calf during the club’s loss to Collingwood on Sunday.

Meanwhile, defender Patrick Ambrose will miss the rest of the season after suffering a significant hamstring strain.

“Stringer has a calf strain and the normal recovery for such an injury has him looking at four weeks on the sidelines,” physical performance manager Justin Crow said on Monday.

“Pat Ambrose has a hamstring strain and the tendon is impacted, but it will not require surgery.

“Early estimations suggest this is a 10-week injury.”

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Jake Stringer will miss a month of footy. Picture: Michael Klein

ST KILDA is confident Jake Carlisle will prove his recovery from a punctured lung on Wednesday after another injury blow on Monday.

The Saints have ruled out No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin for up to three weeks with a low-grade mid-foot sprain.

McCartin had only six possessions in the game as he battled on despite his foot issues.

Carlisle ran only a few laps at the club’s open training session but he and doctors are confident he will take on Carlton on Friday night.

His punctured lung caused a hole only the size of the needle used to deaden the pain, meaning it will have healed up over the weekend and present no risk if he plays.

St Kilda fans clamouring for a mood-lifting debut for Nathan Freeman will likely have to wait several more weeks.

He won 25 possessions in the VFL but is yet to force the selection door open, several Saint-listed players in better form.

SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST AND NEWS BELOW:

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Daniel Talia (foot) TBC

Richard Douglas (ankle) TBC

Eddie Betts (hamstring) test

Brad Crouch (groin) season

Harry Dear (knee) 1-2 weeks

Jackson Edwards (ankle) 3 weeks

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (calf) test

Elliott Himmelberg (calf) TBC

Paul Hunter (ankle) test

David Mackay (ribs) 3 weeks

Mitch McGovern (ankle) 1 week

Andrew McPherson (hamstring) TBC

Reilly O’Brien (shoulder) season

Andy Otten (Achilles) 1-2 weeks

Brodie Smith (knee) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: After seeing too few have to do too much in Friday night’s 47-point loss to Richmond at the MCG, Crows coach Don Pyke has some big decisions to make at selection for the must-win Thursday night clash with Geelong at Adelaide Oval. One of these will be deciding if Curtly Hampton stays in the 22 — and whether he continues to be used as a “defensive forward” at half-forward. Pyke is regaining players from a heavy injury list that already has forced him to play 32 this season, but the options at selection do not allow for a major shake-up

ON THE CUSP: First-class cricket convert Alex Keath has to be a chance of a recall for the first time since Round 23 (against West Coast in Perth) when he finished a six-game audition that took the 26-year-old Victorian off the rookie list to be on the senior list at Adelaide. His return will be paramount in dealing with Geelong key forward Tom Hawkins if key defender Daniel Talia has to miss with a foot injury. Midfield-forward option Rory Atkins should earn a recall after serving his time in the SANFL to find better form.

MICHAELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: The tightrope either snaps … or the Crows get another week on the “mathematical” charts as a would-be finals contender. At 7-8 and with percentage slipping, the Crows must win at least six of their remaining seven home-and-away games to qualifying for a fourth consecutive AFL finals series — starting with a win against Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. It seems too much to ask of Adelaide in a season of erratic results and major hits on the injury list.

Adelaide’s run in the remaining seven home-and-away games is Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, also-ran Brisbane (Gabba), top-eight side Melbourne (Adelaide Oval), top-four contender Port Adelaide in Showdown 44 at Adelaide Oval on Saturday August 4, Greater Western Sydney in Canberra, would-be finalist North Melbourne (Adelaide Oval) and Carlton (Etihad Stadium).

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Harris Andrews (concussion) TBC

Tom Bell (ankle) 1 week

Charlie Cameron (ankle) season

Matt Eagles (abnominals) 1 week

Marco Paparone (hamstring) 3 weeks

Jack Payne (shin) season

ON THE CUSP: The Lions NEAFL side narrowly lost to Southport and there weren’t any players who absolutely demanded a call up. Ryan Bastinac, Corey Lyons and Claye Beams were the best in wet conditions but it would be hard to predict them forcing their way into the seniors.

ON THE BLOCK: The only guaranteed starters out of the side at the moment are Charlie Cameron and Harris Andrews. Cameron won’t return this year and coach Chris Fagan has declared Andrews was unlikely to return this week. Given the Lions have produced two pretty complete team performances in the past week and didn’t make any changes after the win against Fremantle, it would be an unlucky player who was dropped after beating Carlton.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Lions have already beaten Hawthorn this season and are full of confidence after their first back to back wins in over three years so expectations will be high. This presents a great challenge for the Lions. Winning in Launceston is never easy but they will expect at least to be still in the game in the final quarter.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Andrew Phillips (hamstring) TBC

Jacob Weitering (calf) TBC

Caleb Marchbank (heart) TBC

David Cunningham (hamstring) 5-7 weeks

Jesse Glass-McCasker (knee) 4-5 weeks

Tom De Koning (hamstring) test

Sam Docherty (knee) season

Sam Kerridge (groin) test

Kym LeBois (knee) test

Harrison Macreadie (hamstring) test

Lachie Plowman (knee) season

Angus Schumacher (groin) test

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) season

Tom Williamson (back) season

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see Brendon Bolton swinging the axe this week but given the extent of the loss to Brisbane there could be plenty in the mix if he was to. There were some injuries to deal with first though, with Andrew Phillips (hamstring), Jacob Weitering (calf) and Caleb Marchbank (elevated heartrate) all failing to finish the game.

ON THE CUSP: Harry McKay was a travelling emergency against Brisbane but the calls are growing louder to give him a good run in the final seven rounds of the season after just six AFL games so far this season. Northern Blues had a bye in the VFL at the weekend, meaning no other players were on show.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The horror loss to Brisbane means a fifth wooden spoon since 2002 is almost certainly on the way for the Blues. Yes, there have been a few injuries, but after six wins last year we expected much better from Carlton this year. Bolton’s side has the easiest run home over the final seven rounds according to Champion Data and faces fellow struggler St Kilda this weekend but nothing is proving easy at the moment for a club which is at its lowest point in quite some time.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

James Aish (knee) 1 week

Flynn Appleby (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Will Hoskin-Elliott (bruised shin) test

Jarryd Blair (hanstring) 1 week

Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season

Lynden Dunn (knee) season

Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test

Alex Fasolo (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (knee) 9-11 weeks

Levi Greenwood (concussion) test

Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite

Ben Reid (knees/calf) 3-5 weeks

Adam Treloar (hamstrings) 7 weeks

Daniel Wells (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Collingwood has come away with a couple of injury concerns after beating Essendon at the MCG. Will Hoskin-Elliott injured his knee early but played out the game and will be monitored during the week while Flynn Appleby was almost in tears on the bench after hobbling off with a hamstring injury. Otherwise, expect few changes to a winning line-up ahead of a top-four blockbuster against West Coast.

ON THE CUSP: As if sitting second after a win over Essendon wasn’t positive enough for Collingwood. Darcy Moore looks ready to return after a successful comeback in the VFL. While he played limited minutes he was strong across halfback and looms as the obvious replacement for Lynden Dunn. Travis Varcoe could also be in line for a recall after his second game in the VFL after a hamstring injury. Adam Oxley could help replace Appleby in defence.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: There’s plenty to like about Collingwood at the moment, sitting second with plenty of momentum. A tough clash against West Coast looms on Sunday but it is at the MCG. North Melbourne awaits the following week before what could be a Grand Final preview against Richmond on Saturday afternoon in Round 19. Mouth-watering. Moore’s return would help sure up the defence in Lynden Dunn’s absence.

Darcy Moore in action in the VFL. Pic: Michael Klein

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Josh Begley (knee) season

Joe Daniher (groin) 3-5 weeks

Martin Gleeson (ankle) 5-7 weeks

Darcy Parish (thumb) 1 week

Mason Redman (ankle) 5-7 weeks

David Zaharakis (shoulder) 3-4 weeks

Orazio Fantasia (groin) TBC

Patrick Ambrose (hamstring) 10 weeks

Jake Stringer (calf) 4 weeks

David Myers (calf) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Essendon will make changes for Saturday’s game. Patrick Ambrose did his hamstring and will miss 10 weeks. Jake Stringer will miss four weeks after hurting his calf. Orazio Fantasia was a late withdrawal because of a groin problem.

ON THE CUSP: Surely Aaron Francis gets a call up. The no. 6 draft pick has not played a game all season since taking some time out for a mental health issue. But John Worsfold wasn’t giving him much in the press conference. Time to give him a go, Woosha. Could replace Ambrose.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Essendon is still a mathematical chance to play finals but it’s a ling shot no after a 16-point loss to Collingwood. The Bombers have an easier challenge this week against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. John Worsfold says this year is still important to build towards becoming a great team.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Connor Blakely (knee) season

Hugh Dixon (hamstring) 1 week

Nat Fyfe (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Griffin Logue (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Aaron Sandilands (calf) 2 weeks

Lee Spurr (knee) TBC

Sam Switkowski (hamstring) test

Matt Taberner (foot) 2-3 weeks

Alex Pearce (thumb) TBC

Aaron Sandilands (calf) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: After losing Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands last week, at least there were no further injuries in the loss to Melbourne on Saturday. Michael Apeness was largely ineffective as a back-up ruckman, tall forward while Darcy Tucker could only manage eight disposals. Surely Ross Lyon is running out of patience with his underperforming team, saying Melbourne’s 54-point win was flattering to the Dockers.

ON THE CUSP: Surely, this is the week Harley Bennell returns to AFL level. The injury-prone midfielder gathered 13 disposals and laid four tackles in Peel’s loss to Subiaco and he looks to have finally overcome his persistent calf injuries. Taylin Duman was solid in defence with 21 disposals while veterans Michael Johnson and Danyle Pearce impressed. However, it’s unlikely they get recalled as Fremantle looks to its youth.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: The Dockers return home this Sunday but face top-four team Port Adelaide. While a win might be a long shot an improved showing is a must as players battle to not only keep their place in the team but place on Fremantle’s list.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Aaron Black (knee) season

Nakia Cockatoo (illness) test

Harry Taylor (TBC) test

Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) 1 week

Esava Ratugolea (broken ankle) 6-10 weeks

Mark O’Connor (back) TBC

Cory Gregson (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to toss too many from the Cats’ winning team from Sydney. One of Chris Scott’s small forward could get the chop if Dan Menzel comes in. Jordan Murdoch might also face scrutiny as the Cats’ injury list shortens. Harry Taylor didn’t train on Monday and is sore.

ON THE CUSP: Menzel was managed through the VFL with a view to him returning to face the Crows. Big man Ryan Abbott is a chance to make his debut after a string of good VFL performances. In good news for fans, Lachie Henderson was among the best in the VFL team’s sixth straight win. Stewart Crameri booted five second-half goals while George Horlin-Smith — 42 touches, two goals and 14 clearances — is stuck behind a glut of great midfielders but is too good for the lower level.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Not a great surprise the Cats hit back hard after their loss to the Bulldogs. Geelong generally always gives a good account of itself against the competition’s best. The Crows haven’t been that in 2018 but will be a tough assignment on their home deck. It’s last roll of the dice time for Adelaide, and the Cats will need to maintain their intensity of last week if they’re to remain in the top four hunt.

Geelong could blood Ryan Abbott against the Crows. Pic: Glenn Ferguson

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Steven May (hip) TBC

Michael Barlow (jaw, Bell’s palsy) TBC

Jack Bowes (quad) 1 week

Sam Day (shoulder) TBC

Brayden Fiorini (leg) 1-2 weeks

Aaron Hall (pectoral) season

Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Tom Lynch (knee) season

Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 2-4 weeks

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 4-6 weeks

Matt Rosa (hamstring) test

Harrison Wigg (ankle) season

Mackenzie Willis (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: With his side staring down the barrel of another fruitless season, Stuart Dew will likely continue to try the youngsters. Jesse Joyce, Brayden Crossley, Sean Lemmens and Charlie Ballard could all have a spell. Steven May was hobbled by a hip injury but played out the game.

ON THE CUSP: With Gold Coast having a bye in the NEAFL no-one underneath got the chance to press their case for promotion. Matt Rosa might be fit to return in a bid to the midfield, while Sam Day and Jack Bowes would be automatic inclusions if fit.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: The Suns were by no means disgraced at the weekend against a North Melbourne team that has blown some sides off the park with their attacking prowess. Dew hopes his team takes confidence from the performance that showed some backbone. Upcoming home matches against Essendon and Carlton will give the Suns hope of notching a rare win.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Brett Deledio (calf) test

Toby Greene (foot) test

Daniel Lloyd (knee) 1 week

Jon Patton (knee) season

Tom Scully (ankle) 5 weeks

Will Setterfield (knee) season

Lachie Tiziani (knee) season

Zac Williams (Achilles) TBC

Jeremy Cameron (suspended) 3 weeks

ON THE CUSP: Toby Greene and Brett Deledio have been training the house down and will come under serious consideration for Saturday night’s clash against Richmond at Spotless Stadium. Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy and Tim Mohr were among the best players in the NEAFL loss to the Swans.

ON THE BLOCK: Harry Perryman was taken off with 10 minutes to go against West Coast with a tight hamstring. Coming back from Perth with a six day break before the vital clash with Richmond at Spotless Stadium he looks unlikely to recover in time.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Toby Greene (foot) will make a return to action for the crunch game against the Tigers on Saturday night at Spotless. It will be his first game since the round five draw with St Kilda. Leon Cameron is highly unlikely to pick both Brett Deledio and Greene, meaning Deledio will likely make his return to action through the NEAFL.

Ben McEvoy and Josh Dunkley collided heavily. Pic: Getty Images

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Ben McEvoy (head) TBC

Grant Birchall (knee) 2 weeks

Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) 2 weeks

James Cousins (adductor) test

Will Langford (finger) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Ben McEvoy will be a massive loss after suffering a fractured cheekbone after his head clash with Bulldog Josh Dunkley. The ruckman is one of Hawthorn’s most important players and replacing him for a period won’t be easy. Jon Ceglar has been back in the side for the past month and will carry the load in McEvoy’s absence, however long that might be. Good to see Jono O’Rourke make his return to AFL football again.

ON THE CUSP: There will at least be one change with McEvoy out, but the replacement will come down to whatever best suits the team. From the Box Hill Hawks’ VFL game this week, Brendan Whitecross impressed with 29 disposals. David Mirra was another good performer.

Glenn McFarlane’S FORECAST: Brisbane opened Hawthorn up — to the tune of 56 points — in one of the biggest upsets of the season in Round 9. So the Hawks won’t be taking the Lions lightly in Launceston on Saturday, as they seek to solidify their spot in the eight. This will be game two against former premiership skipper Luke Hodge. The Hawks kicked their highest score of the season against the Bulldogs on Saturday night, with Luke Breust (six goals), Jarryd Roughead (four) and Jack Gunston (four) in outstanding form. The midfield worked a treat, but that was partly due to McEvoy’s early dominance. The defence is holding together well, too. Games against Brisbane and Carlton should result in wins over the next fortnight, as the Hawks push towards a return to the finals.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Joel Smith (hip) TBC

Jayden Hunt (ankle) 3 weeks

Jake Lever (knee) season

Corey Maynard (hip) indefinite

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Joel Smith will be monitored this week after copping a knock in Darwin. Jeff Garlett was OK in his return to senior footy, the six tackles more likely to please Simon Goodwin than the goal. Charlie Spargo has been in and out of the side in recent weeks. Did he do enough? The Dees hope two stars avoid MRO action.

ON THE CUSP: Hard to take too much from the Casey Demons’ easy win at the weekend — although keeping fellow AFL-affiliated club North Melbourne goalless was quite a feat — despite the Arctic-like conditions. The demoted Dom Tyson was terrific, while Aaron vandenBerg is pushing his case.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Freo done and dusted, now for some sterner tests. Melbourne pummelled the undermanned Dockers everywhere but on the scoreboard, but face a daunting trip to September. On paper, there appears only one ‘gimme’ from their remaining seven matches. The Dees will likely need to win a minimum of four to play finals.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Taylor Garner (hamstring) 4-5 weeks

Cameron Zurhaar (foot) TBC

Billy Hartung (hamstring) TBC

Mason Wood (hamstring) TBC

Declan Mountford (hamstring) 1 week

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season

Jarrad Waite (calf) TBC

Declan Watson (knee) 2-3

Mason Wood (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: CAMERON Zurhaar sustained an ankle sprain, albeit the North Melbourne medicos suspected it was on the minor end of the scale.

ON THE CUSP: BRAD Scott said Ben McKay and Sam Durdin were ready to go, although with Scott Thompson and Robbie Tarrant dominating it is hard to see opportunities arising soon. That might be the only real reason Thompson wouldn’t play on 2019. No. 4 pick Luke Davies-Uniacke collected 18 disposals and laid 10 tackles in wet conditions.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: THE next month will determine whether North plays finals. The Roos play Sydney (Etihad Stadium), Collingwood (MCG), West Coast (Hobart) and Brisbane (Gabba). You wouldn’t be confident they will win or lose any of those — they are all hovering almost either side of 50-50. Exciting challenges await, albeit Scott predicted some alterations to the forward structure given they failed to kick 100 points from 63 entries against Gold Coast.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Tom Jonas (knee) 4 weeks

Jake Neade (knee) test

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) test

Joe Atley (back) 1-2 weeks

Willem Drew (heel) season

Joel Garner (shoulder) season

Hamish Hartlett (knee) season

Sam Hayes (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Port Adelaide will be without Tom Jonas for the next month due to a knee injury. He didn’t play out the game on Saturday night and coach Ken Hinkley described it as “significant” without knowing detail. Jonas has been in All-Australian form but the Power will be thanking their lucky stars its not season-ending. Jake Neade and Matthew Broadbent both played SANFL on Sunday and hurt themselves but neither are considered serious. It’s shocking luck for Broadbent who was only playing his second game for the year.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Hombsch looms the most likely replacement for Jonas if he is ruled out of this weekend’s game against Fremantle with injury. Hombsch has been in and out of the team all year but reliable when he gets the chance. Port also likes untried defender Jarrod Leinert so don’t be surprised if he gets a look in as well.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: The Power has won five on the trot and it could well be eight with Fremantle, GWS and the Western Bulldogs all coming up. Tom Jonas’ knee injury is a big concern but Jack Hombsch is waiting in the wings to come in. Todd Marshall might be a chance to come back in if Port re-jigs its team although his replacement on the weekend, Jack Watts, was solid with 17 disposals, two goals and great pressure.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Jack Graham (shoulder) TBC

Dan Butler (ankle) TBC

Nathan Broad (cheekbone) TBC

Dan Rioli (groin soreness) TBC

Mabior Chol (broken foot) 2-4 weeks

Reece Conca (ankle) 5 weeks

Nathan Drummond (hamstring) 1 weeks

Bachar Houli (groin) test

Oleg Markov (knee) 1-2 weeks

Anthony Miles (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: It was the most casualties that this Richmond outfit has seen fall for a while on Friday night with Jack Graham (shoulder), Nathan Broad (cheekbone) and Dan Butler (ankle) all felled, while Dan Rioli was also troubled by an apparent groin issue. It looks like Graham, Broad and Butler could all miss this week’s clash with Greater Western Sydney at the very least.

ON THE CUSP: Damien Hardwick has two ready inclusions for the meeting with the Giants, with Nick Vlastuin back after serving his one-match suspension and Bachar Houli on track to play after that groin injury. Shai Bolton impressed with some fancy trickery in the VFL and was named in the best in the Tigers’ win over Essendon — would love to see him given another chance at the top level. Conor Menadue also hit the scoreboard at Windy Hill, while Tyson Stengle was named among the best players.

LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: These Tigers are one scary prospect for opposition teams at the moment and they should take care of the Giants — who are unfortunately undermanned, particularly in attack — this week. Vlastuin and Houli loom as two huge inclusions for an already humming premiership outfit that just continues to gain momentum by the week. Watch out September.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Paddy McCartin (foot) 1-2 weeks

Josh Battle (eye socket) 1-2 weeks

Nathan Brown (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Josh Bruce (fractured leg) season

Jake Carlisle (punctured lung) TBC

Ben Long (foot) 3 weeks

Darren Minchington (hip) 1 week

Dylan Roberton (heart) season

Koby Stevens (concussion) season

ON THE BLOCK: Paddy McCartin is the only casualty from the loss to Port Adelaide with the key forward suffering a foot injury that will sideline him for at least a week. However, there were a few disappointing performances at Adelaide Oval. Irishman Darragh Joyce could find only three handballs in his second game while it was a quiet night Tim Membrey but that not entirely his fault.

ON THE CUSP: Blake Acres looms as a massive inclusion for the Saints after the midfielder collected 33 disposals in Sandringham’s draw with Coburg. It was Acres’ first game back from a groin injury. Jack Lonie continued his strong VFL form with 27 disposals. Forward/ruckman Rowan Marshall kicked three goals to give Alan Richardson something to think about this week.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: It’s time. The most talked about Friday night clash of the season … Carlton v St Kilda. Sadly, alot of that talk has been ridicule. St Kilda will be eyeing a third win in the last four games as they started to show some of the form expected from a pre-season finals contender before the loss to the Power. The Saints were far from disgraced in the loss with only late goals blowing out the margin.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Kieren Jack (knee) TBC

Jarrad McVeigh (collarbone) TBC

Dan Hannebery (calf) TBC

Isaac Heeney (concussion) test

Matthew Ling (toe) season

Callum Mills (broken foot) season

Sam Naismith (knee) season

Tom Papley (hip) 1 week

Gary Rohan (hamstring) TBC

Sam Reid (Achilles) 6-8 weeks

ON THE CUSP: Isaac Heeney is ready to return from concussion and Tom Papley will put his name in the frame after recovering from a hip injury. Irishman Colin O’Riordan was best on ground in the Swans win over GWS in the NEAFL and is knocking on the door to make his debut. Sam Reid played only a quarter of footy in his second game back before coming off with a serious Achilles injury.

ON THE BLOCK: The Swans have a host of injuries from Friday night’s loss to the Cats with Jarrad McVeigh (Collarbone- 6 weeks) and Dan Hannebery (Calf- 3 weeks) and Kieren Jack (Knee-Test). Dean Towers was quiet with just eight touches and will come under pressure to hold his spot.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley will be welcome additions to the team which will take on North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Look for Colin O’Riordan to follow in the footsteps of Tadhg Kennelly to become the second Irishman to wear the Swans red and white.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Jack Darling (ankle) 1 week

Callan England (back) 1 week

Mark LeCras (wrist) 3 weeks

Malcolm Karpany (knee) 2 weeks

Josh Kennedy (knee) 1 week

Eric Mackenzie (toe) season

Tony Olango (hamstring) 2 weeks

Josh Rotham (groin) test

ON THE BLOCK: A crucial win for the Eagles as they keep their top-four hopes alive with a gutsy win over GWS. However, Adam Simpson is unlikely to be fully satisfied and Daniel Venables could be in the gun after just four touches in his return. His six tackles could be a saving grace. In fact, nine Eagles finished with single-figure disposals.

ON THE CUSP: There’s good news on the injury front for West Coast with Simpson suggesting as many as four big names could return against Collingwood at the MCG. Simpson hinted forwards Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras could all be available while Dom Sheed and Tom Barrass are also in the mix. After a long absence, Darling would be likely to return via the WAFL. A problem for fringe Eagles is East Perth had the bye in the WAFL and they weren’t able to push their AFL case.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: Securing their 11th win was crucial for the Eagles with Collingwood waiting in Round 17. West Coast are now third, two games clear of a pack of clubs in sixth to ninth. Regaining Kennedy and Barrass would be huge for Simpson’s hopes of upsetting the second-placed Magpies. At this stage Darling would be long odds to return straight to the AFL team after a serious ankle injury.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Lachie Hunter (ankle) TBC

Aaron Naughton (ankle) TBC

Bailey Dale (foot) season

Tory Dickson (hamstring) 1 week

Lin Jong (collarbone) 4-5 weeks

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Jackson Macrae (hamstring) 1 week

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jack Redpath (knee) 3-4 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) retirement

Matt Suckling (Achilles) 1-3 weeks

Lukas Webb (thumb) 1 week

Bailey Williams (foot) 3-5 weeks

Easton Wood (hamstring) 7-8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Aaron Naughton will be assessed for an ankle injury after limping off in the final term against Hawthorn on Saturday night while Lachie Hunter hurt his knee but returned to the field.

ON THE CUSP: Mitch Honeychurch racked up 27 disposals, seven marks and five tackles in an impressive VFL performance for Footscray on Saturday. Lewis Young and Fletcher Roberts were also strong in that loss to Box Hill.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Post-halftime fade-outs are killing the Bulldogs. They have won just two second halves this season and lost their last eight overall after it happened again against the Hawks on Saturday night. They face Melbourne this weekend — a team who they lost to by 49 points in Round 11. It could be another tough day at the office, but it’s all about setting up for the future for the young Bulldogs now.

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