Barometer: Every club’s injury list plus who might be going in and out of your AFL team for Round 11

IS RICHMOND’S dream run with injuries over? Two premiership stars will spend several weeks on the sidelines. Plus the latest on Jack Riewoldt, and another setback for ex-Tiger Brett Deledio. WHO’S ON THE CUSP AT YOUR CLUB?

Esava Ratugolea of the Cats reacts in pain after injuring himself.

RICHMOND’S dream run with injuries is over with two premiership stars out until at least Round 15.

Bachar Houli, who hurt his groin during Saturday’s win against St Kilda, and Dion Prestia, who hasn’t played since Round 7 with a calf injury, have both been ruled out until after the Tigers’ bye.

SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST BELOW

“Dion’s injury, initially, we thought was sort of more on the minor end and it would only be a week or so,” Richmond physical performance boss Peter Burge said.

“It took a little bit longer to settle down, as to where we thought it would. He started running a week and a half ago and did a good week of conditioning last week. He’s just at that point now where we can’t quite progress back into skills.”

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It has left the midfielder in “a holding pattern” for now.

“We’ve had to revise our time-line a bit, but given Dion’s pre-season, and some of the interruptions he’s had, we want to make absolutely sure he’s right for the second half of the year. So we are being cautious.”

In better news, Jack Riewoldt trained at Punt Rd on Tuesday morning as he faces more concussion tests.

Riewoldt suffered concussion in Saturday’s win over St Kilda with the Saints to decide in the next two hours whether to challenge Jake Carlisle’s two-match ban.

The Tigers premiership star appeared in good spirits today but no call on his Dreamtime at the G chances will be made for at least another 48 hours.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES:

Luke Brown (concussion) test

Andrew McPherson (groin) 1 week

Taylor Walker (glute/back) 2-3 weeks

Riley Knight (hamstring tendinitis) 2-3 weeks

Rory Sloane (foot) 2-3 weeks

Brad Crouch (groin soreness) TC

Mitch McGovern (ankle) 6-7 weeks

Paul Hunter (ankle)9-10 weeks

Paul Seedsman (adductor) TBC

Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Is anyone safe after the Melbourne debacle? The 91-point loss to the Demons in Alice Springs was easily the Crows’ biggest margin of defeat in the Don Pyke coaching era, eclipsing the 59 points they lost to against North Melbourne in Tasmania in Round 7 last year. Young players Myles Poholke (nine disposals), who came into the side on Sunday as a late replacement for Paul Seedsman — who hurt his adductor muscle in the pre-game warm-up — and Jordan Gallucci (seven possessions) would be under serious pressure to retain their spots. But defenders Jake Kelly (nine touches) and Kyle Hartigan (10) also failed to fire on what was a rare shocking day for the club.

ON THE CUSP: Adelaide’s long injury list is not only hurting it at AFL level but also in the SANFL. The Crows remain the only winless team in the State League competition after falling to West Adelaide by 69 points at Richmond Oval on Saturday. Young midfielder Matthew Signorello, veteran utility Andy Otten, hard-running onballer Curtly Hampton (three goals, 23 disposals) and rookie-listed midfielder Jackson Edwards were the Crows’ best while ruckman Reilly O’Brien was again strong. Hampton — injured early in the season — must be close to a recall to give the side some more run and creativity.

ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Key men Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane are out for at least two more weeks so much will depend on the injury status of Brown and Seedsman, who have returned to Adelaide from Alice Springs on the injured list. The club is yet to reveal the full extent of their injuries, although Brown’s concussion is believed to be the less serious of the two. If they are ruled out of Sunday’s Adelaide Oval clash against an equally banged-up GWS, replacements will have to be found. Hampton and Otten appear the most obvious contenders to be recalled to an injury-ravaged side that will still have a host of key men sidelined.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES:

Matt Eagles (abnominals) TBC

Jarrod Berry (hamstring) test

Jack Payne (Shin) 3 weeks

Sam Skinner (ACL) indefinite

Toby Wooller (Finger) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: reality TV star come AFL defender Matt Eagles has an abdominal injury and is expected to miss several weeks. Emerging midfielder Jarrod Berry also finished the game on the sidelines with hamstring tightness and will be tested later in the week. After a win over Hawthorn and a solid showing against the Swans there is unlikely to be much pressure on any players at selection.

ON THE CUSP: The Lions need a mid-sized or perhaps another tall defender and there isn’t an obvious candidate. Chris Fagan might consider swinging Dan McStay back to defence but would be loathe given he is relishing an extended run up forward. Jacob Allison can play tall and has played senior footy this year or else it would have to be Josh Walker. If Berry is out Ryan Lester would be the ideal candidate although Brandon Starcevich could also be in line.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Brisbane has produced a solid month of footy now with narrow losses to Collingwood, the Bulldogs and Sydney and an upset victory against Hawthorn. And after they matched the big-bodied Swans in contested footy on Saturday suddenly the task against the Kangaroos doesn’t seem as great. The Roos deserve favouritism but if the Lions can just improve their composure they are capable of getting their second win of the year.

Lion Matt Eagles was injured against the Swans. Pic: Getty Images

CARLTON

INJURIES:

Marc Murphy (foot) TBC

Ciaran Byrne (Quad) 3-4 weeks

Levi Casboult (Broken rib) 1-2 weeks

Sam Docherty (Knee) Season

Nick Graham (TBC) TBC

Kym Lebois (Broken collarbone) 3-4 weeks

Harrison Macreadie (Hamstring) TBC

Caleb Marchbank (Ankle) 1-2 weeks

Cillian McDaid (Foot) 1-2 weeks

Jarrod Pickett (Wrist) 4 weeks

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) 1 week

Tom Williamson (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: The effort was better but one of the decisions the Blues hierarchy have to decide on is how big they go in the forward half. Harry McKay, Patrick Kerr and Charlie Curnow all kicked a goal each from minimal opportunities against the Cats. Some fringe players will have some sleepless nights leading up to selection with David Cunningham, Jed Lamb and Lochie O’Brien at the top of that list.

ON THE CUSP: The Blues VFL team got pumped by Essendon so not a lot putting their hand up. Jack Silvagni was named best player with 23 touches and six tackles which is probably enough for a reprieve.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: The Blues don’t have too many options with captain Marc Murphy still a month away. Jacob Weitering needs to stay in the team despite struggling in his AFL return after six weeks in the reserves.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES:

Travis Varcoe (hamstring) TBC

Mason Cox (knee) TBC

Daniel Wells (rested) available

Jack Magden (broken jaw) 6 weeks

James Aish (Knee) 7-8 weeks

Tim Broomhead (Broken leg) season

Jamie Elliott (Hamstring) TBC

Alex Fasolo (Ankle) 6-7 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (Knee) season

Kayle Kirby (Heart issue) indefinite

Tom Langdon (Leg) available

Max Lynch (Ankle) test

Brayden Maynard (Ankle) test

Darcy Moore (Hamstring) TBC

Josh Smith (Hamstring) 4-5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Travis Varcoe finished on the bench on Friday night with a suspected hamstring strain and will be assessed during the week. Mason Cox escaped with a $2000 fine after his report for rough conduct on Jason Johannisen, leaving him available to play this week.

ON THE CUSP: Brayden Sier was an emergency for last Friday night’s clash with Western Bulldogs but failed to play out a VFL game on Saturday after suffering a suspected abductor injury. Callum Brown (25 disposals, 10 tackles) and Sam Murray (22 disposals, 8 marks) both had reasonable numbers in that VFL game but were not named in Collingwood’s best. Daniel Wells was rested from the AFL side last week and is likely to return.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Magpies are building nicely, their eight-goal-to-none second half against the Bulldogs showing what they are capable of. That was achieved despite quiet games from some of the forwards, including the returning Ben Reid who played his first game since Round 6 after battling Achilles soreness. Nathan Buckley’s side has now won six of its past eight games and will be favoured to make that seven of nine against Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday.

Mason Cox copped a $2000 fine for this high bump. Picture: Michael Klein

ESSENDON

INJURIES:

Michael Hurley (Hamstring) test

Darcy Parish (broken thumb) 8 weeks

Patrick Ambrose (calf) 3 weeks

Josh Begley (Knee) season

Joe Daniher (Groin) 3 weeks

Martin Gleeson (Ankle) 4-5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Will John Worsfold tinker with a winning line-up? Matt Dea (eight) and Jordan Ridley (nine) will hope not. However, Patrick Ambrose will be out of action with a calf injury for three weeks.

ON THE CUSP: One of the above could be in trouble if Michael Hurley is fit to return from a hamstring issue. Essendon had another big win in the VFL with Darcy Parish picking up 29 disposals and Mitch Brown kicking four goals. But in a major blow, Parish has since been told he will miss eight weeks after breaking his thumb in the clash. Ben McNiece and Aaron Francis were both impressive across halfback.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Bombers are back on track after successive wins over top-four teams from last year, setting up a huge Dreamtime at the G clash against Richmond on Saturday night. Stats guru Josh Kay noted on Twitter on Saturday night that the Bombers have won all four matches this year against 2017 finalists — and lost all six games against teams that finished outside the eight. Explain that one. Can they keep the record going?

The Dockers could be without Aaron Sandilands this weekend. Pic: Getty Images

FREMANTLE

INJURIES:

Aaron Sandilands (concussion) test

Sean Darcy (Knee) 2-3 weeks

Hugh Dixon (Ankle) 2-3 weeks

Brady Grey (Hamstring) TBC

Joel Hamling (concussion) test

Brad Hill (Knee) TBC

Lee Spurr (Knee) 1-2 weeks

Sam Switkowski (Hamstring) TBC

Matt Taberner (Foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Ruck warrior Aaron Sandilands will face a concussion test ahead of Fremantle’s clash against a resurgent Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday. Sandilands clashed heads with North Melbourne’s Sam Durdin in final term of the Dockers’ loss at Optus Stadium on Sunday and took no further part of the match. Coach Ross Lyon said post-game he would “double down” on the club’s rebuild, meaning underperforming veterans like Danyle Pearce and Hayden Ballantyne could be in the gun.

ON THE CUSP: With Sean Darcy still injured, untried talls Scott Jones, Michael Apeness and Luke Strnadica will come into consideration should Sandilands be ruled out. Jones was an emergency for the Dockers recently, while Apeness shouldered the bulk of the ruck load for Peel Thunder at the weekend, finishing with a game-high 32 hit-outs to go with 20 disposals, seven marks and a goal. Lyon flagged a potential debut for speedster Stefan Giro (34 disposals, seven marks), with defender Taylin Duman (25 disposals, 14 marks and five tackles) also in his plans after impressing in Peel’s loss to East Fremantle on Saturday. Luckless midfielder Harley Bennell got through another game in the WAFL, while backman Griffin Logue made a successful return from a foot injury.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: The loss of Sandilands against North Melbourne changed the momentum of the match and showed just how important the veteran big man is to Fremantle. It’s hard to see the Dockers beating Collingwood away without their champion ruckman. Finals are looking increasingly unlikely after four losses in their past five outings, slumping to 13th with a 4-6 record. Depth is also an issue with a growing injury list and the club’s WAFL affiliate’s poor start to the season.

Ryan Abbott and Wylie Buzza are among the next big Cats in line. Picture: Peter Ristevski

GEELONG

INJURIES:

Harry Taylor (foot) TBC

Esava Ratugolea (Broken ankle) Season

Nakia Cockatoo (Knee) test

Charlie Constable (Concussion) test

Lachie Fogarty (Groin) 1-2 weeks

Cam Guthrie (Ankle) 3-4 weeks

Lachie Henderson (Knee) 4-6 weeks

Daniel Menzel (Groin) TBC

Scott Selwood (Back) test

ON THE BLOCK: The merry-go-round in Geelong’s ruck looks like becoming a weekly event. Rhys Stanley, who came in for Zac Smith against Carlton, didn’t exactly do much to boost his case with the Cats 0-6 in centre clearances in the first quarter. The loss of Esava Ratugolea complicates the issue as he has been a revelation forward and as the back-up ruckman. Tim Kelly is an interesting case study for coach Chris Scott given his hot start to the season has fizzled out. Maybe time for a rest?

ON THE CUSP: Ryan Abbott has been the best big man in the VFL for several weeks and has probably earnt a look given the loss of Ratugloea and the form issues with Stanley and Smith. Small forward Linc McCarthy has had a couple of games back from an extended injury spell and could be close to returning.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: Look for another debutant with Ryan Abbott to get his chance to be the big man the Cats are craving. Harry Taylor’s foot injury isn’t as bad as first thought so he could be back in the mix. Nakia Cockatoo is set to resume in the VFL.

Tom Lynch might be back for the Suns’ first game at Metricon for 2018. Pic: Getty Images

GOLD COAST

INJURIES:

Sam Day (suspension) available

Brayden Fiorini (leg) 2-3 weeks

Pearce Hanley (shoulder) 8 weeks

Josh Jaska (hamstring) 1 week

Jesse Joyce (quad) 1 week

Jesse Lonergan (knee) 2-3 weeks

Tom Lynch (knee) test

Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 10 weeks

Jack Martin (illness) test

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 10-12 weeks

Matt Rosa (hamstring) TBC

Harrison Wigg (ankle) indefinite

Mackenzie Willis (ACL) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Matt Rosa did a hamstring in China and is expected to miss a month. There were no other significant injuries out of the game and the side have had the week off. Players such as Brayden Crossley, Charlie Ballard and Jack Leslie may have to make way for some returning stars but with the NEAFL side also having the bye there is unlikely to be many omitted because of form.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Lynch is set to play his first game since Round 6 if he gets through training this week. Jack Martin, who pulled out after the warm-up against Port Adelaide with a stomach bug is also set to return while Sam Day is available after serving a one-match suspension. Other inured players such as Sean Lemmens and Brayden Fiorini may be ready to return through the NEAFL.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Some of the Suns’ best wins have come against the Cats and they will be hoping for a big effort in their first game at Metricon Stadium for the year. A much needed rest after a gruelling travel schedule should have freshened them up and the return of some senior players will also give them some confidence.

The Giants can’t wait for Toby Greene’s return. Pic: Getty Images

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES:

Phil Davis (Concussion) test

Matt de Boer (Hamstring) 2 weeks

Brett Deledio (calf) 8-10

Toby Greene (Foot) 2-3 weeks

Adam Kennedy (Knee) TBC

Tom Scully (Ankle) 7-9 weeks

Will Setterfield (Knee) season

Lachie Tiziani (Knee) season

Zac Williams (Achilles) 10-12 weeks

ON THE CUSP: Phil Davis was slow to recover from his concussion last week but is expected to be available for Sunday’s clash with the Crows in Adelaide. However, Brett Deledio’s calf curse has struck again with the midfielder now facing 8-10 weeks on the sidelines after injuring himself while in rehab for a hamstring injury. Sam Reid was a late withdrawal with hamstring tightness and will be tested this week. Jeremy Finlayson and Isaac Cumming were both among the best players in the NEAFL win over Redland.

ON THE BLOCK: Tim Mohr is the one who will come under pressure to hold his spot if Phil Davis returns. Dylan Buckley played will in his second game in Giants colours but will come under scrutiny for a strange “reverse headbutt” during Saturday night’s loss to the Bombers.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Phil Davis will make a welcome return to the line-up and will certainly be needed to help contain the Crows potent forward line which includes Josh Jenkins and Tom Lynch. Tim Mohr is the most likely to make way for the co-captain. Jeremy Finlayson will also be a strong chance to play after performing well in the NEAFL.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES:

Grant Birchall (Knee) 4 weeks

Kurt Heatherley (Achilles) 1-2 weeks

Changkuoth Jiath (Groin) 1 week

Dylan Moore (Shoulder) 1 week

Cyril Rioli (Knee) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The Hawks just weren’t quite good enough against West Coast, but Alastair Clarkson made it clear he would continue playing a mix of kids and veterans to find his best team. And to work towards the next piece of silverware. All of Ryan Burton, James Sicily and Blake Hardwick in particular were impressive, with Mitch Lewis and Harry Morrison showing glimpses. Clarkson knows he could probably play veterans in their place but will persist nonetheless.

Jonathan Ceglar came back into the side to combat West Coast’st two ruckman and did enough to suggest Clarkson will persist with him.

ON THE CUSP: James Cousins was concussed last week and while he improved late in the week he was eventually a late out. Cyril Rioli is likely to return after the bye, but before that the Hawks take on Port Adelaide in Tasmania. Kieran Lovell, Teia Miles and the consistent Brendan Whitecross continue to be consistent performers at VFL level.

JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Hawks have dropped their past two games after being 5-3, a walloping against the Lions and an honourable loss to flag contender West Coast.

At times when Jarryd Roughead and Luke Breust fire they seem to have enough firepower to take on the best, but they could manage only nine goals against the Eagles as they set up to limit the Eagles to a winning score. Still get the feeling they are a star midfielder short of A grade status, even though Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell and Liam Shiels were all good against the Eagles. Now they take on Port Adelaide in Tassie and Adelaide at home, a defining stretch for the Hawks

Jake Lever and Simon Goodwin enjoyed Alice Springs. Pic: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

INJURIES:

Dean Kent (Hamstring) 3 weeks

Corey Maynard (Hip) indefinite

Pat McKenna (Hamstring) indefinite

Aaron vandenBerg (Ankle) 4-5 weeks

Sam Weideman (Calf) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Ummm, who do you chop from a team that’s won its past two matches by a combined 200 points? The answer is no-one, unless Simon Goodwin thinks someone might need a rest, he wants to slightly mix things up or he can see a specific role for one of his men performing strongly at VFL level.

ON THE CUSP: There’s a few. The Demons are flying and have several men putting their hand up at the lower grade (they must feel like they’re banging their head against a brick wall at present). Billy Stretch starred in Casey’s VFL win, while the likes of Dom Tyson, Jeff Garlett and Tom Bugg are also stuck in the magoos but pushing hard for a recall.

BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: If you’re a Melbourne fan it might be hard not to look ahead and dream of the likely Queen’s Birthday blockbuster with the Pies, but first things first for the AFL’s hottest side. The Dees face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday and they’ll start the warmest of favourites at a venue that once haunted them. A win can firm up their top-four position — and really set them up for the back half of the year.

Kanga Sam Durdin (right) came off second best from a big collision with Aaron Sandilands. Pic: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES:

Sam Durdin (concussion) test

Declan Mountford (Ankle) test

Daniel Nielson (Concussion) test

Ed Vickers-Willis (Knee) season

Declan Watson (Knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Sam Durdin (concussion) is the only injury concern from North Melbourne’s spirited win over Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Durdin will be monitored during the week after clashing heads with Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands in the last quarter. It’s unlikely Brad Scott will make too many unforced changes to his well-performed side.

ON THE CUSP: Athletic backman Majak Daw could come back in against Brisbane after being rested for the Perth trip. Several Kangaroos-listed players put their hand up in the club’s 36-point VFL win over Box Hill on Saturday. Cameron Zurhaar was lively up forward with four goals, 18 disposals and seven tackles, while Nick Larkey had a game-high five majors. Former Giant Paul Ahern continues to build form following a long-term knee injury, averaging 23.6 disposals in his past six VFL outings. Forward Nathan Hrovat was the travelling emergency against Fremantle and will come into consideration again.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Aside from the ladder-leading Eagles, North Melbourne has been the surprise packet of the season. Everything is going to plan for Brad Scott’s men, with a finals berth looking more likely by the week. The Roos are in fifth spot on the ladder with a 6-4 record heading into another winnable clash against the Lions at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. They then take on the Cats in Geelong before the bye.

Jack Trengove is edging closer to his first game for the Power. Picture Sarah Reed

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES:

Matthew Broadbent (Ankle) TBC

Willem Drew (Heel) season

Hamish Hartlett (Knee) season

Aidyn Johnson (Groin) 1 week

Jarrod Lienert (Knee) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Port is coming off the bye and a good win over the Suns before that. Can’t see anyone dropping out of the side.

ON THE CUSP: The Magpies lost their SANFL clash against North Adelaide by 79 points so there isn’t a lot of selection pressure from below. Jasper Pittard and Jack Trengove had 59 disposals between them and Lindsay Thomas kicked two goals.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: The fight for a spot in the eight is on in earnest and Port’s spot is far from secure even with a game in hand. The next two games are huge — Hawthorn in Launceston and Richmond at Adelaide Oval. Expect Ken Hinkley to go in with the same 22 for the third week in a row.

Jake Carlisle collects Jack Riewoldt high. Pic: Getty Images

RICHMOND

INJURIES:

Jack Riewoldt (concussion) TBC

Dylan Grimes (back) test

Jason Catagna (knee soreness) test

Bachar Houli (groin) 4 weeks

Nathan Drummond (hamstring) test

Shaun Hampson (back) TBC

Dion Prestia (calf) 4-5 weeks

Shai Bolton (corked quad) test

Anthony Miles (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: First-year small forward Jack Higgins has failed to kick a goal from his past two games (he wasn’t helped by the score review) and had limited impact against the Saints on Saturday. Bachar Houli (groin) is out until after Richmond’s Round 14 bye but Jack Riewoldt (concussion) should be OK to take on Essendon after both out the second half against St Kilda. The Tigers say they’ll monitor Riewoldt this week, the club to undergo “correct protocol”, but the full-forward joined training on Tuesday morning.

ON THE CUSP: Corey Ellis was Richmond’s best in the VFL on Saturday with 28 disposals. In his second game back from a broken foot, Daniel Rioli stepped up his game time to record 12 disposals while Sam Lloyd (33 disposals, four goals) and Jacob Townsend (22 disposals, two goals) responded strongly after being dropped. Dylan Grimes will return after missing a week but Jason Castagna is no certainty.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: Essendon on Saturday night in the Dreamtime game will not be the easy kill it looked set to be a few weeks ago after impressive consecutive wins by the Bombers, over Geelong and GWS. The Tigers have won their past 14 games at the MCG and will still be favoured to make that 15, but it will be a tough task especially if Riewoldt misses.

The Saints might turn to veteran David Armitage as they try to find a win. Pic: Getty Images

S T KILDA

INJURIES:

Luke Dunstan (shoulder) TBC
Brandon White (corked thigh) TBC

Nathan Freeman (shoulder) 3-4 weeks

Nathan Brown (knee) 4 weeks

Blake Acres (Groin) 4-6 weeks

Josh Bruce (Back) 2-3 weeks

Sam Gilbert (Thumb) 5-6 weeks

Ben Long (Foot) 9-12 weeks

Dylan Roberton (Heart) Season

Koby Stevens (Concussion) Season

ON THE BLOCK: Brandon White will have to prove his fitness this week after spending a large chunk of Saturday’s match against Richmond on the bench following a bad corky. Jake Carlisle will come under scrutiny from the AFL’s match review officer after being reported for his hit on Jack Riewoldt which left the Tigers’ forward concussed.

ON THE CUSP: Veteran David Armitage was a standout for Sandringham in the VFL on Sunday, responding from being dropped with 39 disposals and 10 tackles. Injury-cursed defender Hugh Goddard could also be in line for his first AFL game in two years after also impressing with 15 disposals and seven marks in that match.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Saints’ execution, and goalkicking, against Richmond was better but they let one slip by being overrun in the second half by a Tigers’ side which had just two fit players on the bench. It does not get any easier this week with a trip to Perth to take on a West Coast side which has won nine on the trot. That could get very ugly if St Kilda is even a little bit off.

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES:

Callum Mills (broken foot) Season

Sam Naismith (Knee) Season

Zak Jones (Head knock) Test

Lewis Melican (Hamstring) Test

James Bell (Hamstring) 1 week

Jake Brown (Shoulder) 1 week

Jordan Dawson (Quad) 1 week|

Jordan Foote (Toe) 1 week

Alex Johnson (Groin) 1 week

Sam Reid (Quad) 6-8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: The slippery and wet conditions didn’t suit Tom McCartin, who had little impact against the Lions. He could be given a chance to go back to the NEAFL and build up some form.

ON THE CUSP: The Swans’ depth is starting to improve with Dan Robinson, Nic Newman, Robbie Fox and Dean Towers all among the best the reserves win over Brisbane in the NEAFL. Lewis Melican is also due to return this week from a hamstring strain.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans are travelling well at 7-3 after a challenging start to the year. Lance Franklin’s absence with a bruised heel has been a blessing in disguise allowing Will Hayward and Ben Ronke to develop in his absence. Tom McCartin may lose his spot this week to Dean Towers, who played well in the NEAFL.

WEST COAST

INJURIES:

Eric Mackenzie (Toe) 3-4 weeks

Daniel Venables (Ankle) 5-6 weeks

Liam Ryan (Ankle) 4 weeks

Hamish Brayshaw (Knee) 3 weeks

Luke Shuey (Hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: West Coast marched on with their ninth straight win, just the kind of victory they need to prove their road credentials. Willie Rioli’s bum tap will likely be played out at the tribunal but it seems unlikely he would be suspended for minimal umpire contact with Ray Chamberlain. Apart from that, Adam Simpson flagged some sore players, with Nic Naitanui (back), Elliot Yeo (knee) and Chris Masten (hamstring) carrying niggles.

So there is a chance they might be rested next week against St Kilda to give them a fortnight’s rest. Luke Shuey is almost ready to come back from a hamstring issue. Pre-game the feeling was he wouldn’t be risked the last game before the bye.

But Adam Simpson says if he misses next week when ready as a precaution his absence will stretch to well over a month. So if he’s right to go, they will play him.

ON THE CUSP: Asked about high draft picks Jarrod Brander and Oscar Allen, Simpson said they were playing solid footy for East Perth. Given there are no key position injuries, they might have to wait a week or two but they are clearly in the selection frame.

JON RALPH’S FORECAST: The Eagles are in a perfect spot, able to rest sore players and with young kids waiting in the wings. They should be able to knock off St Kilda at home and then hit the bye at 11-1. If they rest a few players like Yeo and Naitanui, they will be perfectly placed to attack the second half of the year after the bye in scintillating form and with a minimal injury list. Liam Ryan isn’t too far away with his own injury issues either.

The signs are getting better for veteran Bulldog Liam Picken. Pic: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES:

Zaine Cordy (concussion) TBC

Kieran Collings (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Tim English (foot) 3 weeks

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Brad Lynch (hamstring) 1 week

Aaron Naughton (ankle) 1 week

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jack Redpath (knee) 9 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Zaine Cordy sat out the second half after experiencing a bout of delayed concussion. Mystery surrounds when the Bulldogs defender actually copped a knock to the head but the 21-year-old was unable to play out the game. Josh Schache was OK early but like a lot of his teammates faded after quarter-time. Hayden Crozier and Patrick Lipinski only played bit-part roles for the disappointing Dogs.

ON THE CUSP: Lukas Webb and Mitch Wallis were among the best in Footscray’s loss to Collingwood, while Mitch Honeychurch and Fletcher Roberts booted two goals apiece. Veteran Dale Morris got through his second VFL game, while Aaron Naughton (foot) could press for selection with a solid week on the track.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Buckle up, Bulldogs. There is more pain to come. We have seen what Melbourne is capable of doing to battler teams and for the time being that is exactly what the Bulldogs are dishing up. The bye (Round 12) can’t come quick enough for the Dogs after back-to-back losses. With Redpath injured, a question mark over Schache and Tom Boyd’s best being in the ruck, where are the goals going to come from?

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