Barometer: All the latest injury news at your club after Round 4
MELBOURNE veteran Jordan Lewus has been ruled out of next Tuesday night’s Anzac eve clash against Richmond with a broken hand. Plus selection headaches at Collingwood and Richmond and a young Giant out for the season. EVERY CLUB’S INJURIES
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MELBOURNE veteran Jordan Lewus has been ruled out of next Tuesday night’s Anzac eve clash against Richmond with a broken hand.
Lewis underwent surgery on Monday to insert a plate and will miss at least one week, but could also be forced out of the clash with Essendon in Round 6 given the short turnaround between the two games.
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The midfielder, who has copped some criticism this week for a disappointing performance against his former side, suffered the injury in the second term of the 67-point loss.
“We’re hoping he’s only going to miss one, but maybe a little bit longer than that,” fitness boss Dave Misson told the club’s website.
“We think he’s a pretty good healer and the surgeon was happy with what he did yesterday.”
Neville Jetta is expected to be fit to play against the Tigers despite hurting his ankle against the Hawks.
“It was a pretty ugly … he was lucky to get out of it with just a minor ankle problem,” Misson said.
“He’s pulled up pretty well and he’s had a lot of swelling, but (he’s had) just a bit of soreness in-and-around that area.
“We’ll just assess Nev later in the week ... we expect him to be available.”
Meanwhile, Tom McDonald is edging closer to a return, with the Demons targeting the Essendon clash as a potential return date if all goes well.
Jack Viney remains 3-4 weeks away.
WHO’S INJURED, WHO’S HOT AND WHO’S NOT AT YOUR CLUB? FIND OUT BELOW
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Rory Sloane (foot) test
Eddie Betts (hamstring) TBC
Lachie Murphy (groin) test
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Brad Crouch (groin) 5 weeks
Matt Crouch (hamstring) 2 weeks
Sam Gibson (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Alex Keath (ankle) test
Andrew McPherson (groin) 5 weeks
Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Only All-Australian defender Rory Laird can walk into the lecture hall at West Lakes today for the review of the 48-point home loss to Collingwood without fearing some stern questions about his performance on Friday night. A rethink of the Adelaide attack probably puts first-year forward Darcy Fogarty on the yoyo between the AFL and the SANFL. Many other decisions are going to test coach Don Pyke on how he judges performances against promise. Some players will just get another chance out of hope that pride delivers better form.
ON THE CUSP: Adelaide’s high count of soft-tissue injuries — with small forwards Eddie Betts and rookie-listed Lachlan Murphy joining the queue at the medical room this week — is softened by Jordan Gallucci, Riley Knight, Curtly Hampton and Andy Otten working up match fitness and confidence in their bodies in the SANFL on Saturday. Adelaide needs hardness at the contest making Hampton’s return from injury timely. The Crows also need some more midfield energy, giving reason to look at Gallucci.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Training will have a harder edge as Adelaide deals with the challenge of matching Sydney at the SCG. The Crows have won just one of seven games against the Swans since 2012. It is all about response with the Crows, starting with its leaders and ruckman Sam Jacobs. If Sydney coach John Longmire sees smoke coming across the Blue Mountains, he will know it’s from the fire stoked in the Crows’ belly.
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: Wow, where do we start? The Lions were beaten in every position in a two-goal disaster against Richmond and you could pick any number of players who deserve a stint in the NEAFL. Former Cat Josh Walker is having no impact but there are few obvious replacements.
ON THE CUSP: The Lions’ NEAFL side belted Sydney and there were some familiar names putting up their hands for a spot in the ones if Chris Fagan decides to make wholesale changes. Ryan Bastinac, Cedrix Cox, Ryan Lester, Jack Frost, Daniel McStay, Tom Bell and Claye Beams could all get a call-up. Daniel Rich would be a handy inclusion if he’s fit but he’s now missed more than a month of footy and might need a NEAFL warm-up.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Brisbane won plenty of fans with fighting losses against Melbourne and Port Adelaide. Hopefully the Melbourne weather kept them away from the MCG on Saturday so they didn’t witness one of the club’s worst performances. The Lions were outplayed everywhere but it all started at the contest. Despite Saturday’s debacle, they are a chance to register their first win of the season on Sunday in the Q-Clash against Gold Coast fresh off two weeks in WA.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Marc Murphy (plantar fascia) 1-2 weeks
Matt Kennedy (ankle) TBC
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 11th-hour withdrawal of skipper Marc Murphy left an already youthful Carlton side exposed for leadership against North. Ed Curnow and Patrick Cripps — who battled gamely through a Ben Jacobs tag — were the only two players who could genuinely hold their heads high in another disappointing display. Lochie O’Brien gathered 11 disposals on debut but while North had just six players with less than 15 touches, Carlton had only seven with 15 or more. Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer spent most of the last quarter on the bench but coach Brendon Bolton said it was only precautionary given the game was well and truly gone.
ON THE CUSP: Heads should roll, but who do they bring in? Injury-prone ruckman Andrew Phillips has staked his claim with strong performances in the VFL two weeks in a row, but you’d think he’d ony get a gig if Kreuzer missed. Jed Lamb booted three goals for the Northern Blues — almost as many as Carlton kicked against North on Friday night. Key defender Sam Rowe could be an option, but who replaces Murphy? Sam Kerridge? Tough week for Bolton at the selection table for all the wrong reasons.
ADAM SMITH’S FORECAST: Expect the heat to rise even further at Princes Park this week after the Blues crashed to 0-4 and registered their lowest-ever score against North Melbourne. Bolton declared post-match reinforcements to help win contested ball — the Blues were smashed 161-131 — were required, but where that comes from remains to be seen. The club will be sweating on scans on Murphy’s injury today, as losing the skipper for any extended period would be another huge blow. After a promising showing against Richmond in Round 1 it’s been a horror three weeks and a date awaits with the high-flying Eagles awaits at the MCG on Saturday.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Taylor Adams (hamstring) test
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test
Tim Broomhead (leg) season
Tyson Goldsack (knee) season
Levi Greenwood (knee) test
Kayle Kirby (heart issue) indefinite
Darcy Moore (hamstring) test
Josh Smith (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Some tough calls looming at Anzac Day selection meetings if injured stars are cleared to return, with no obvious omissions from Friday night’s outstanding win against Adelaide. Mason Cox had only five touches but played his role as a marking target. Jaidyn Stephenson was looking like he might need a rest — before booting five goals.
ON THE CUSP: Wait and see on Taylor Adams and Jamie Elliott, who must be a chance to get up given the 12-day break before facing Essendon. Darcy Moore is also a possibility. Daniel Wells played his first minutes of the season in the VFL on Saturday but will need more game time before being considered. Alex Fasolo kicked one goal in that game.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: What were we saying about the Pies’ horror draw — and Anzac Day being a dud? It is absolutely massive with both teams 2-2, in winning form and knocking on the door of the eight. Nathan Buckley seems to have taken at least one leaf out of Damien Hardwick’s book from last year, making a point of enjoying the wins in a tough industry, and was seen laughing and joking in the rooms on Friday night. He definitely earned it.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Mitch Brown (calf) test
Travis Colyer (foot) 3 weeks
Matt Dea (leg) 1-2 weeks
Aaron Francis (mental health) TBC
Marty Gleeson (ankle) 8-9 weeks
Conor McKenna (suspended) 2 weeks
Ben McNiece (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Late inclusion Michael Hartley did nothing to warrant omission but the probable return of Mitch Brown could see the defender make way for Anzac Day.
ON THE CUSP: Brown aside, it could be hard to break into the Essendon line-up after a dominant win over Port Adelaide. Kobe Mutch and Patrick Ambrose among the best to come out of the VFL loss to Williamstown.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: It is nice to have flexibility but the reality is Essendon is a lot more dangerous and damaging with Jake Stringer forward and Cale Hooker back. Bombers coach John Worsfold was noncommittal about whether the switch would be permanent after the win over Port Adelaide but get the feeling Stringer could be planted one-out in the goalsquare a lot more often this season, starting on Anzac Day against Collingwood.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Ed Langdon (ill) test
Bradley Hill (knee) test
Harley Bennell (calf) TBA
Hugh Dixon (ankle) TBA
Sean Darcy (knee) TBA
Stefan Giro (knee) 2-3 weeks
Griffin Logue (foot) TBC
Cam Sutcliffe (concussion) test
Lee Spurr (knee) 2-3 weeks
Michael Walters (hand) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: There were several underperforming players in Fremantle’s loss to Greater Western Sydney in Canberra who could face the axe. Veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands is a strong chance to be rested in the coming weeks, while Tom Sheridan or third-gamer Adam Cerra could make way for Bradley Hill for Saturday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
ON THE CUSP: Speedster Hill could return from a knee injury sustained against Essendon in Round 2. Midfielder Ed Langdon should come back in after he was a late withdrawal at the weekend due to illness. Promising defender Taylin Duman (28 disposals, 10 marks) continued his strong WAFL form in Peel Thunder’s shock loss to Perth and looks ready for an AFL debut, with Ethan Hughes and Ryan Nyhuis also among the best. If Sandilands is rested, the Dockers have a choice between untried first-year ruckmen Scott Jones and Lloyd Meek.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: The young Dockers showed plenty of fight in their loss to GWS in blustery conditions. Another tough clash awaits Ross Lyon’s men this weekend against a resurgent Bulldogs outfit, with the 2016 premiers returning to form in the past fortnight. But it could provide an opportunity for Sandilands to have a week off, with young Bulldogs tall Tim English just six games into his AFL career. Back-to-back games at Perth Stadium will help Fremantle’s cause after a promising 2-2 start to the season.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (hamstring) 2 weeks
Nakia Cockatoo (PCL) indefinite
Cam Guthrie (ankle) 7-8 weeks
Lachie Henderson (knee) 1-2 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy (quad) 1-2 weeks
Quinton Narkle (knee) TBC
Harry Taylor (foot) TBC
Aaron Black Shoulder TBC
Harry Taylor Foot TBC
Corey Gregson Foot TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Corey Gregson hurt his foot against St Kilda and looks in doubt for this week’s trip to face Port Adelaide. Elsewhere the Cats were really impressive as they generated 62 inside-50s and still looked dangerous going forward so often. Esava Ratugolea was low on the stats sheet but presents well and might just be the Cats’ best ruck prospect, believe it or not.
ON THE CUSP: Timm House is closing in on a debut after winning 26 disposals in the VFL while Charlie Constable is right with him in the queue for a first game. Gary Ablett won’t face the Power but coach Chris Scott hinted he would return shortly after, although Lachie Henderson seems further away than the one week he is listed as.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Forget the star talent sidelined, the Cats’ brand was much improved against St Kilda. They were tougher, more direct and scored far more easily as youngsters Brandan Parfitt and Jordan Cunico impressed. Parfitt played the complete game while Daniel Menzel is emerging as one of the great stories of the year. Scott said that with such a young team, with inexperienced players on GMHBA Stadium, the home advantage isn’t what it was a few years ago. But it’s still as strong as any in the game and that will help given the quality of opponents coming down the highway in the next challenging month.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Pearce Hanley (shoulder) indefinite
Peter Wright (calf) test
Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) 5-6 weeks
Sean Lemmens (hand) indefinite
Tom Nicholls (shoulder) TBA
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Lynch was hampered by an ankle injury for much of the loss to West Coast but he played out the game and should be right for next weekend’s QClash. Ben Ainsworth had a rough night, Jack Bowes returned to replace Pearce Hanley and didn’t do much and Nick Holman had his first poor game. Michael Rischitelli has been a warrior for the Suns but he hasn’t been the same player since returning from an ACL late last year and has had just nine and seven disposals in his past two matches.
ON THE CUSP: Will Will Brodie get his chance? A regular in the pre-season, he was surprisingly left out in Round 1 and hasn’t featured this year. He booted two goals in the Suns’ NEAFL win against GWS. Brad Scheer and rookie Jacob Dawson were best afield.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Gold Coast’s strong start to the season melted in a second consecutive match in Perth. Now comes something brand new for season 2018: a match in their home state. The travel schedule its taking its toll but a win against Brisbane — coming off a 15-goal defeat — would put the Suns back in the positive ahead of another tough road trip to Adelaide.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Jeremy Cameron (foot) test
Josh Kelly (groin) test
Rory Lobb (knee) test
Matt Buntine (knee) 1 week
Brent Daniels (knee) 1-3 weeks
Adam Kennedy (knee) 1-3 weeks
Zac Langdon (hand) 1-2 weeks
Will Setterfield (knee) season
Tom Scully (ankle) 9-11
Zac Williams (achilles) indefinite
Lachlan Tiazani (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Jeremy Cameron was wearing a moon boot on the flight home from Canberra on Saturday night protecting an ongoing foot injury. He also copped a knock to the knee against the Dockers. Leon Cameron said he will monitor his star forward during the week but was reluctant to keep playing him hurt. Sad news out of the NEAFL with youngster Lachlan Tiazani tearing his ACL after kicking three goals in the second quarter. “He’ll have surgery tomorrow and then we’ll sit down and map out a rehab plan for the coming months with him,” GWS head of athletic performance David Joyce said “Lachie knows he has the full support of everyone at the Giants to get him back out on the field, and we’re sure there are bigger and better things to come for him.”
ON THE CUSP: Josh Kelly leads a host of talent looking to force their way into the team which beat Fremantle in Canberra. He will be tested along with Rory Lobb and Zac Langdon.
Big men Lachie Keefe and Matt Flynn both played well in the NEAFL loss to the Suns.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants travel to Melbourne to take on St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, the site of a shock loss to the Saints in Round 7 last year. GWS may lose Cameron but have plenty to come back including Josh Kelly and Rory Lobb. They are also travelling a lot better than a year ago.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Cyril Rioli (knee) 5-6 weeks
Paul Puopolo (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
James Frawley (migraine) TBC
Grant Birchall (knee) 9-10 weeks
Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) 2 weeks
Jonathan Ceglar (back) 1 week
Ryan Schoenmakers (ankle) test
ON THE BLOCK: They’ve lost two guns for an extended period. Cyril Rioli hurt his medial ligament and Paul Puopolo has done his hamstring and it looks like a bad one. They’re two aces in the forward half who apply that crucial pressure at ground level. James Frawley also played on with a migraine in the win over Melbourne. Fair effort.
ON THE CUSP: They just keep finding good players “to replace a soldier” as Clarko likes to say. Gun youngster Ryan Burton was left out of the win on form but is a likely replacement for Sunday’s clash against North Melbourne. Burton was one of Box Hill’s best players over the weekend. Hard nut James Worpel, Jon O’Rourke and Will Langford would also be in the mix.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Hawthorn is back in the top four. It’s a genius club after one year out of the finals. Yesterday’s win over Melbourne with two men down on the bench was full of merit and spirit. And winnable games against North Melbourne and St Kilda could help entrench the Hawks in the top part of the ladder if they’re good enough. Another flag for the Hawks? It’s possible.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Dom Tyson (ill) TBC
Tom McDonald (toe) 1-2 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite
Jack Viney (foot) 3-4 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Tomas Bugg and even veteran Jordan Lewis could be in the gun. Bugg made some poor decisions and Lewis had little impact against his old team. Josh Wagner and James Harmes may also face selection pressure. Everyone should be on edge except Clayton Oliver, Nathan Jones and Max Gawn after that.
ON THE CUSP: Speedster Jayden Hunt and midfielder Dom Tyson will press for a recall against the Tigers. Mitch Hannan could also add some versatility. The temperature gauge will go up a notch against the premier so Simon Goodwin will want some composure on Anzac Day eve.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: This was Melbourne’s worst loss in some time. If they are to shed their brittle stereotype after a decade of missing finals then they simply have to show more spirit than the junk they served up yesterday. Especially with Hawthorn battling away two men down. You would expect some stern conversations at the club this week.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Taylor Garner (groin) 1 week
Kyron Hayden (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Nathan Hrovat (thumb) 2-3 weeks
Oscar Junker (concussion) test
Declan Watson (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Changes to a side that handed out an 86-point thumping will be few, although there were a few quiet Roos against Carlton. First-round draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke had just nine possessions, while Kayne Turner picked up only seven but did apply six tackles in his customary pressure forward role. The return of All-Australian defender Robbie Tarrant had little affect on Majak Daw, who again impressed in his new defensive role.
ON THE CUSP: Preseason SuperCoach buzz boy Paul Ahern must be considered after playing a starring role in North Melbourne’s VFL win over the Northern Blues. Braydon Preuss is always a danger, providing some good competition between the Roos’ three big men, while mid-forward Cam Zurhaar will hope his efforts caught Brad Scott’s eye. Luckless defender Sam Wright is an interesting one, among the best as he continues his return from injury.
ADAM SMITH’S FORECAST: North will be buoyed by the performance in Hobart as the side squared the win-loss ledger at 2-2 but a tough stretch is on the horizon. The Roos face Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Sydney in Sydney and reigning premier Richmond in the next month, before returning to Tasmania for a clash with GWS. Shaun Higgins is a star, while former Hawks pair Billy Hartung and Jed Anderson played arguably their best matches for the club against the Blues.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Matthew Broadbent (ankle) TBC
Willem Drew (foot) TBC
Cameron Hewett (shin) TBC
Todd Marshall (concussion) test
Tom Rockliff (calf) test
Paddy Ryder (Achilles tendinitis) 2-3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Port was poor in its 22-point loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium but after starting the season with three consecutive wins coach Ken Hinkley isn’t likely to make too many unforced selection changes. There are fitness queries over former Lion Tom Rockliff (calf) and exciting young key forward Todd Marshall (concussion) which could force his hand. Former Sun Trent McKenzie was serviceable in his first game for the Power and deserves another shot.
ON THE CUSP: The biggest selection query at Alberton this week is whether midfield hard nut Sam Powell-Pepper is given the green light to play after he served a one-match, club-imposed ban for breaking a team curfew last Sunday morning. He also is being investigated by the AFL over an incident at a city establishment. Defender Jasper Pittard made a strong return from a hamstring injury in the SANFL in Port’s draw with the Eagles on Saturday while Lindsay Thomas, Joe Atley, Jimmy Toumpas, Dom Barry and Jack Trengove were serviceable. Hinkley has publicly ruled out promoting young ruckmen Billy Frampton, Sam Hayes and Peter Ladhams for the injured Ryder, saying they are not ready for the rigours of the AFL.
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: If Powell-Pepper survives any more punishment he will come into the side for Saturday night’s Adelaide Oval clash against Geelong. Rockliff and Marshall were hurt against the Bombers, with tests to determine their fitness. Atley and versatile utility Jarrod Lienert are among those players pushing for promotion.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Daniel Rioli (foot) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Toughie. Damien Hardwick had to turf two blokes who had done nothing wrong to get flag stars Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia back in the 22. Maybe Jack Graham has a rest, either through injury (his thumb was strapped after the game), Michael Christian or rotation.
ON THE CUSP: Nathan Broad is the interesting one. Was available for selection in Round 4 after completing his three-match club suspension but was named an emergency. The Tigers will be keen to give him a chance to continue where he left off in a premiership-winning defence. First-year dynamo Jack Higgins might have to wait another week for a second crack at the big time, but he’ll get plenty of chances in the future.
ELIZA SEWELL’S FORECAST: The Tigers are 3-1 and looking good but it’s worth remembering two of those wins have come against Carlton and Brisbane. Hawthorn was a genuine scalp while the loss to Adelaide in Adelaide can probably be written off as insignificant in the scheme of winning premierships in 2018. Tough test awaits in Round 5 — Tuesday night, Anzac Day eve, v Melbourne at the MCG. Bookies have the Tigers solid favourite and on form Dimma’s boys are 4-1 before facing the Pies at the MCG on a Sunday arvo in Round 6.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Dylan Roberton (heart) TBC
Josh Bruce (back) 8 weeks
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Daniel McKenzie (concussion) 1 week
Tim Membrey (knee) Test
Darren Minchington (knee) 5-7 weeks
Jimmy Webster (hip) test
Rowan Marshall (concussion) test
ON THE BLOCK: Alan Richardson conceded he has a lot of players out of form. Where do you start? The Saints’ ball use was again ordinary although their effort was OK. Jack Lonie didn’t have a huge impact while Dylan Roberton (heart) and Rowan Marshall (concussion) meant St Kilda was down to two rotations against Geelong. Fingers crossed for Roberton, a popular team man and father of three, that he gets the all-clear.
ON THE CUSP: David Armitage was best-afield for Sandringham, but is he the answer? Armitage collected 31 disposals (18 contested) and laid four tackles. Father-son Bailey Rice and defender Logan Austin both won 20 disposals while Tim Membrey is getting close to a return.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Saints are in a pile of trouble and are playing like a bottom-four team. Can they turn it around? It’ll be difficult this week against GWS, and you wonder how many supporters will turn up after fewer than 20,000 attended the Round 3 loss to Adelaide.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Jordan Dawson (quad) test
Alex Johnson (groin) test
Lewis Melican (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Sam Reid (hamstring) 8 weeks
Sam Naismith (knee) season
Toby Pink (ankle) 6-7 weeks
Jordan Foote (toe) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Aliir Aliir looked out of sorts in his first game of the year and will come under pressure to hold his spot. If Gary Rohan is ready to play he will be the logical replacement.
ON THE CUSP: After taking compassionate leave to be with his wife following the loss of their baby daughter Willow, Gary Rohan could be available for Friday night’s clash against Adelaide at the SCG. Tom McCartin and Ben Ronke both played well in the NEAFL loss to Brisbane.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans will be looking to continue their recent dominance of the Crows when they meet at the SCG on Friday night. They have won six of their past seven match against Adelaide and will go to school on Collingwood’s comfortable win last Friday night.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Brendon Ah Chee (ankle) 1 week
Daniel Venables (ankle) TBC
Liam Duggan (hamstring) TBC
Eric Mackenzie (toe) indefinite
Liam Ryan (ankle) 10-12 weeks
Nathan Vardy (adductor) 2 weeks
Oscar Allen (shin) 1 week
Hamish Brayshaw (knee) 5 weeks
Tony Olongo (knee) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: When you win by 80 points, it’s hard to find any faults, but the Eagles may have to find replacements for pressure forward Daniel Venables and midfielder Liam Duggan. Venables was playing his best game for the club when he suffered a serious ankle injury late in the game.
ON THE CUSP: East Perth had the bye on the weekend, but workhorse Luke Partington is coming off a 33-disposal, two-goal performance in the WAFL and could replace Duggan, while Malcolm Karpany had 26 touches in the win over West Perth a week ago and could step in for Venables. The big man stocks are looking strong for the Eagles, with ruckman Fraser McInnes has found a mountain of the footy, putting in a pair of best afield performances to start the WAFL season. Will Schofield has been solid, as has Kurt Mutimer. Skinny key position rookie Jarrod Brander has impressed early doors and while he may be a while off selection, he is one to watch for the Eagles’ faithful.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Slide? What slide? After winning three of their first four games, West Coast are beginning to prove the doubters wrong. Many expected the Eagles to finish bottom-four after losing a host of experienced names including Brownlow medallists Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell, but ‘generation next’ has arrived. Dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy returned seamlessly into a new-look forward-line alongside youngster Willie Rioli, Daniel Venables and Jake Waterman, while Nic Naitanui has shown he’s one of the competition’s best ruckman since coming back from a long-term knee injury. Adam Simpson’s men will go into Saturday’s clash against a disappointing Carlton as red-hot favourites, with an intriguing Western Derby at Optus Stadium to follow Sunday week.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Jackson Trengove (shoulder) test
Hayden Crozier (knee) 1-2 weeks
Kieran Collins (ankle) 4-5 weeks
Clay Smith (knee) 3-4 weeks
Dale Morris (knee) 5-7 weeks
Marcus Adams (ankle) 7-8 weeks
Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite
Tom Liberatore (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: The Dogs were largely brilliant against the Swans and will be kicking themselves they didn’t square their season at 2-2. Lachie Hunter will be assessed by the one-man MRP but would be unlikely to receive a suspension while Mitch Honeychurch committed a couple of mistakes to start the last quarter. Unlikely to make many changes.
ON THE CUSP: Zaine Cordy is available after serving a one-match suspension while Jordan Roughead and Jackson Trengove will also be considered. Former Docker Hayden Crozier (knee) has missed three matches now and would love to get up against his old side, but he might not be ready. Josh Schache returned in the VFL although Tom Boyd stole the show with five second-half goals. Luke Beveridge was thrilled with his contested marking near goal in the third quarter although Boyd might need a longer stretch of form to break into the 22.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Fears after Round 2 that this season would be a write-off suddenly look grossly premature. The Bulldogs are back and if they can start capitalising in front of the sticks will be very hard to beat. Tim English looks a star in the making as the No. 1 ruckman and if the Dogs can roll Fremantle this week their draw opens up with games against Carlton, Gold Coast and Brisbane Lions to follow — all in Victoria.
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