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Stephen Coniglio says ‘someone was looking over me’ as he dodged a serious knee injury against Richmond and has revealed the story behind this heartbreaking photo. Who’s hurt at your club?
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GWS Giants star Stephen Coniglio says “someone above was looking down over me” when he avoided serious damage to his knee against Richmond.
Coniglio remains an outside chance of a miracle finals return after he was cleared of an ACL tear.
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Coniglio will go under the knife on Tuesday for surgery to remove cartilage after breaking down against Richmond on the weekend, and he is set to miss at least eight weeks.
That rules the superstar midfielder out for the rest of the AFL regular season, but if his recovery goes to play he could push for a return in week one of the finals — should the Giants emerge from their current slump and qualify.
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In a post on Instagram, Coniglio thanked fans for their support and revealed the touching story behind a photo of him with Richmond defender Nathan Broad after suffering the injury in the opening minutes on Sunday.
“A big thank you for all the kind messages of support I’ve received in the last 24 hours. Today the news on my scans were better than first thought but for sure someone above was looking down over me yesterday. Here is a photo from the game I came across last night that struck a cord with me overnight on reflection,” he wrote.
“A photo of Nathan Broad helping me up after I hurt myself. An act of sportsmanship and kindness from a good friend and opposition player.
“Broady and I actually started our footy career together in the U12s at our local club Upper Swan FC and then continued with Swan District both with aspirations and dreams of one day potentially getting drafted and playing in the AFL. Not for the first time yesterday, we were doing exactly that — playing AFL on the MCG of all places.
“For me this is a minor hiccup but a reminder to never minor or major setbacks get in the way of your dreams in life. Everything happens for a reason.”
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Coniglio had pulled up with a sore knee in the Giants’ previous match against Brisbane and played with heavy strapping against Richmond on Sunday.
But the Giants moved to emphatically deny any suggestion they had mismanaged Coniglio.
“There’s obviously relief Stephen has avoided injury to his ACL and there does still remain a chance he returns to the field this season which is great news,” Giants football manager Wayne Campbell said.
“He’s an incredibly dedicated and professional player and there’s no doubt he’ll attack his rehab with those same qualities.
“Stephen underwent scans and assessment following last week’s game and in consultation with our medical staff and the player himself, was cleared to play yesterday.
“Yesterday’s scans showed this is an entirely new injury and separate to the incident last week.”
The 25-year-old vice-captain will have an arthroscope in Melbourne on Tuesday to remove some cartilage that was injured in the incident on Sunday.
Coniglio met with leading knee surgeon Professor Julian Feller in Melbourne on Monday afternoon.
“I’ll get the operation done tomorrow and then go from there. I guess just blessed in a way that it could’ve been a lot worse and grateful someone was definitely looking over me,” Coniglio told reporters on Monday.
“Nah it doesn’t (impact the contract), I’m happy now, I just need to get my health right and then worry about if I can contribute in a small part for the team for the rest of the season.”
A 12-month injury had the potential to hamper restricted free agent Coniglio’s contract status/
Coniglio, who remains unsigned in the run to September, has been linked to several Melbourne clubs, including St Kilda and Hawthorn.
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EAGLES SWEAT ON NIC NAT SCANS
West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui could miss the rest of the season after suffering a syndesmosis ankle injury in the one-point loss to Collingwood last Friday.
Naitanui copped a knock to his leg and ankle during a collision early in the game, but bravely played out the match.
The extent of the damage has become clearer over the past few days, with the Eagles nervously awaiting the results of scans.
West Coast will release the results of those scans within the next 48 hours.
The Eagles expect Naitanui to miss several weeks as a minimum. But if the injury is serious, it would be curtains for 2019.
“It is an ankle syndesmosis injury, but we are waiting on a medical report to shed more light on the precise nature of the problem and the way forward,” Eagles football operations manager Craig Vozzo said.
“We expect he will miss an extended period, but cannot put a time frame on that until we have more information.”
Naitanui was just three games into his comeback from a second knee reconstruction, and his stunning form gave West Coast’s midfield a sharper attacking edge.
The 29-year-old missed last year’s premiership after undergoing knee surgery, and he was desperate to taste the ultimate success this year.
- AAP
BLOW FOR BOMBERS
Essendon defender Michael Hurley will have shoulder surgery this week in a huge blow for the Bombers in their pursuit of a finals berth.
Scans confirmed Hurley had suffered a high-grade AC joint injury in Saturday’s win over North Melbourne.
Hurley left the ground with the injury at the four-minute-mark of the third quarter after being collected by a heavy hip-and-shoulder from Cameron Zurhaar and did not return to the field, finishing the night with his arm in a sling.
Essendon has not ruled Hurley out of playing again this year, but he faces an uphill battle with just six games remaining before finals.
“Once the surgery is complete, we will be in a better position to clarify the length of time he will be sidelined,” Essendon football boss Dan Richardson said.
“While it’s a disappointing outcome, we remain hopeful Michael could return to play before season’s end.”
Essendon faces another crunch game against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
North Melbourne could welcome back ball magnet Shaun Higgins for the Round 18 clash with Brisbane, but gun defender Luke McDonald looks set to miss the rest of the season as the Roos count the cost of a brutal last-minute loss.
McDonald suffered a suspected fractured fibula in the five-point loss, decided by an Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti goal with 20 seconds on the clock.
ADELAIDE
If a dominant 95-point win wasn’t enough of a silver lining on the Crows journey to the Gold Coast, getting through their clash against the Suns injury-free made the night truly sparkle.
So, don’t expect too many changes when the Crows take on Essendon at home on Friday night, but do expect club debutant Tyson Stengle to keep his spot up forward after he kicked three goals against the Suns and had a chance to showcase some of his skills.
Pyke was pleased with Stengle’s performance.
“It was good to see ‘Tys’ out there,” he said. “He’s dangerous … he was consistently hitting the scoreboard at SANFL level, so it was good to give him an opportunity and he certainly didn’t look out of place, so good signs from him.”
Pyke said Saturday night’s win was a good springboard for the rest of the season.
“We have six days into Essendon back in Adelaide, so each week is a challenge as we know in this industry, but it certainly doesn’t hurt from a confidence and a belief viewpoint to come up here and get a good solid win and head back to Adelaide now to play a big game against Essendon on Friday night,” he said.
“The reality is, we’ve got to keep winning. We keep winning, we’ll keep our position on the ladder or keep moving forward on the ladder.”
— Liz Walsh
INJURIES:
Tom Doedee (knee) season
Myles Poholke (calf) 2 weeks
Tom Lynch (calf) 1 week
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (shin) 1 week
Ned McHenry (back) test
BRISBANE
Chris Fagan will have a headache this week and he’ll gladly cop it. There is only one player on the injury list.
Hugh McCluggage, Eric Hipwood and Luke Hodge are expected to be available for selection to take on North Melbourne after missing the huge road victory over Port Adelaide.
Fagan has made some players spend a week in the NEAFL on their return from injury but it is difficult to see that happening to the above trio.
It is interesting to see what he will do with Oscar McInerney, who was basically the replacement for Hipwood after missing the previous week with concussion.
Fagan has played two ruckmen all year but they did well with just the one against GWS last week.
McInerney looked threatening when stationed deep forward against Port but he’d sleep better if he hit the scoreboard more just to silence any voices Fagan may have about going with just the one ruckman.
INJURIES:
Mitch Hinge (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Eric Hipwood (knee) test
Luke Hodge (managed) test
Hugh McCluggage (hamstring) test
CARLTON
Debutant Hugh Goddard had to be for scans on his cheekbone after he was collected by Sydney young gun Nick Blakey in a marking contest. Goddard was able to rejoin his Blues teammates by the final siren, enjoying the spoils of his first win in navy blue, but is likely to be assessed during the week. Paddy Dow copped a big hit from Jordan Dawson in the first quarter which will come under scrutiny from the match review officer. Dow was assessed for concussion but returned and played out the match. Captain Patrick Cripps’ return was a huge boost and the Blues have a dwindling injury list. Defender David Cuningham will be a chance to return for the club’s Round 18 clash against Gold Coast.
— Tim Michell
INJURIES
David Cuningham (knee) test
Charlie Curnow (knee) 1-2 weeks
Sam Docherty (knee) indefinite
Caleb Marchbank (neck) season
Liam Stocker (foot) test
Tom Williamson (back) indefinite
COLLINGWOOD
The news was bad for the Magpies when defender Darcy Moore suffered another hamstring injury.
But things got worse on Sunday when it was revealed skipper Scott Pendlebury had undergone surgery to repair a broken finger.
It’s not yet known how long Pendlebury will be missing.
The news is better on Taylor Adams, who is set for a return to Collingwood’s AFL team next week after he made a successful return from a groin injury in the VFL.
Adams played about three quarters of footy, sitting out the last as the Pies manage him ahead of their trip to western Sydney next week to face the Giants.
The 25-year-old had 16 touches, eight tackles and a goal in the Magpies’ VFL loss.
“We pulled him at the three quarter time, so it was really good to get through a game like today,” Collingwood’s VFL coach Jared Rivers said.
“He felt confident and looked good out there, had the five clearances, his inside and around the contest stuff was really good so really happy.
“As long as he pulls up well which I think he will, he will probably play next week.”
Matt Scharenberg was a rock in Collingwood’s defence and is shaping as Moore’s replacement next week.
Tyson Goldsack was also a standout in his comeback from injury.
And Jeremy Howe will have a fitness test on his calf during the week.
— James Mottershead
INJURIES:
Dayne Beams (hip/mental health) indefinite
Lynden Dunn (knee) season
Jeremy Howe (calf) test
Will Kelly (leg) 1-2 weeks
Tom Langdon (knee) indefinite
Nathan Murphy (back) indefinite
Darcy Moore (hamstring) TBC
Sam Murray (suspension) TBC
Scott Pendlebury (finger)
Ben Reid (achilles) TBC
Jaidyn Stephenson (suspended) 7 weeks
Daniel Wells (knee) 8 weeks
Rupert Wills (calf) test
ESSENDON
Essendon is counting the cost of Saturday’s win over North Melbourne with star defender Michael Hurley suffering a high-grade AC joint injury.
The dual All-Australian suffered the injury in Saturday’s thrilling win and will this week have surgery.
Hurley did not return to the field after going down to the rooms for treatment and finished the night with his arm in a sling.
Essendon will have a better understanding of Hurley’s expected return date after the surgery but remains hopeful he can still feature in their campaign this year.
However, it’s not all bad news for the Bombers ahead of their clash with Adelaide on Friday night.
The club could regain captain Dyson Heppell, who missed a second game against the Kangaroos with a foot injury.
Midfielder David Myers pushed his case for a recall in the VFL on Saturday with 29 disposals and one goal, while forward Josh Begley also performed well in that game, logging 18 disposals and two goals.
— Chris Cavanagh
INJURIES:
Michael Hurley (shoulder) TBC
Dyson Heppell (foot) test
Patrick Ambrose (quad) 1-2 weeks
Tom Bellchambers (calf) 4 weeks
Joe Daniher (groin) season
Sam Draper (knee) season
Irving Mosquito (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Kobe Mutch (knee) TBC
Devon Smith (knee) season
James Stewart (groin) TBC
Dockers superstar Nat Fyfe headed down to the rooms after this passage of play.#AFLHawksFreo pic.twitter.com/YiT9DGtwCt
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) July 13, 2019
FREMANTLE
Expect Ross Lyon to swing a few changes for his team’s must-win clash against the Swans.
The coach, while saying skipper Nat Fyfe needed a bit more protection around the ball, hinted aggression will be on the menu at training this week - and potentially at the selection table.
“People that were in really good form have just tailed off a little bit, and we’ve got to fight to get our form back as a club,” Lyon said. “There’s no isolating of individuals. We need to become a tougher club and we need to become a tougher team and a bit more ruthless.
“We’re just maybe a little bit nice at the minute, but I think that’s something I can coach.”
Travis Colyer was quiet after coming in, while Ethan Hughes, Sam Switkowski and Ryan Nyhuis are others who might feel the heat later this week. And there could be bad news from the MRO with Michael Walters potentially facing sanction for a sling tackle. But who comes in?
Griffin Logue and Brett Bewley might be at the front of the queue, while Mitch Crowden and Taylin Duman might also be considered. And will the coach turn to his old veteran, Aaron Sandilands?
INJURIES:
Harley Bennell (calf) TBC
Brennan Cox (hip) 2-3 weeks
Stefan Giro (knee) season
Stephen Hill (hamstring) test
Jesse Hogan (foot) TBC
Shane Kersten (foot) TBC
Lloyd Meek (foot) season
Alex Pearce (ankle) season
Matt Taberner (foot) season
GEELONG
Geelong got the four points and, importantly, got through relatively unscathed against St Kilda.
The only real concern is Gary Ablett, who will spend a week recovering in a bid to face the Hawks next weekend.
“The body’s a bit sore, but I’ll be right,” he said after the win.
“I’ll be spending plenty of time in the ice bath this week and be ready for the Hawthorn game.
“Someone fell across my hip. I’m not exactly sure what happened but I felt something and there’s a bit of swelling in there … some physio this week will get it all right.”
Defender Jake Kolodjashnij missed the St Kilda match with concussion but should be OK to return. Sam Menegola is ready to go but will likely come back through the VFL.
Scott Selwood played at the lower level again at the weekend but was forced off after copping a knock to the ribs. He may be in doubt just as he edged closer to a potential AFL return.
James Parsons, Lachie Henderson and Sam Simpson all impressed, while Quinton Narkle did some nice things but might find it tough to force his way into Chris Scott’s 22.
— Ben Broad
INJURIES:
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) 2-3 weeks
Jordan Cunico (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Jake Kolodjashni (concussion) test
Sam Menegola (knee) test
Scott Selwood (ribs) TBC
GOLD COAST
Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew lamented after their humiliating 95 point loss to Adelaide on Saturday that there wasn’t much on offer in the NEAFL that might make a difference to his shattered senior side.
He is correct. But maybe not for the right reason.
The Suns aren’t going to find the answer to their woes in the reserves. Even if there was four, five or six guns running around in the twos.
The response has to come from the players who should be burning with embarrassment with what they have dished up the past two weeks. The talent gap between the Suns and their past two opponents is undeniable. But they were losses caused by a complete lack of effort. Dew knows that.
Peter Wright could come in and provide a target, maybe a youngster could be given a chance and grab it with both hands. But ultimately the Suns need a change of attitude, not personnel.
- Andrew Hamilton
INJURIES:
Callum Ah Chee (ankle) indefinite
Ben Ainsworth (foot) 1-2 weeks
Jack Bowes (quad) 2 weeks
Sam Collins (hip) season
Brayden Crossley (personal leave) TBC
Sam Fletcher (quad) test
Nick Holman (back) indefinite
Sean Lemmens (ankle) test
Jack Martin (finger) TBC
Wil Powell (knee) indefinite
Josh Schoenfeld (knee) 1-2 weeks
Rory Thompson (knee) season
Harrison Wigg (knee) season
Aaron Young (knee) TBC
GWS
GWS Giants’ season pretty much hinges on Stephen Coniglio’s scans today after the restricted free agent hobbled off five minutes into the loss to Richmond. Coniglio appeared to wrench his left knee last week but the 25-year-old midfielder did it properly in Sunday’s 27-point loss trying to change direction a low speed. With Callan Ward (ACL) already out for the season and Josh Kelly (calf) hobbled the Giants despite their wealth of young prospects can least afford to lose another top flight midfielder in the run to September. Lachie Whitfield will be sore today after his comeback game from a busted collarbone. The Giants star copped one in the ribs late against Richmond but returned to play out the game after a stint on the bench. No other injuries to report from the MCG. Jackson Hately looks the most likely to replace Coniglio next week after racking up big numbers in the NEAFL last week.
- Gilbert Gardiner
INJURIES:
Stephen Coniglio (knee) TBC
Aidan Corr (calf) 2 weeks
Isaac Cumming (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Matt de Boer (shoulder) 5-6 weeks
Lachie Keeffe (hand) test
Josh Kelly (calf) 2-3 weeks
Shane Mumford (soreness) test
Xavier O’Halloran (knee) 3-4 weeks
Jon Patton (knee) TBC
Tommy Sheridan (calf) TBC
Callan Ward (knee) season
HAWTHORN
INJURIES:
Jack Gunston (soreness) test
Changkuoth Jiath (jaw) 1-3 weeks
Tom Mitchell (broken leg) indefinite
Tim Mohr (dislocated knee/ACL) season
Jarryd Roughead (side strain) test
Ryan Schoenmakers (calf) 1-3 weeks
Jack Scrimshaw (knee) 1 week
Chad Wingard (hamstring) 1 week
MELBOURNE
Once upon a time, Melbourne would have made the decision to retire Jordan Lewis right now, knowing the Demons cannot make finals. Lewis is in his final year and will not be part of the 2020 recovery mission, so shouldn’t his spot be given to an emerging player over the last six games? It was an emphatic no from Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin after another eight-point loss to Western Bulldogs left the club in third last spot on the ladder. According to Goodwin, the days of the Demons giving away games to younger players for experience are over. Simply, the Demons will continue to pick their best 22 each week to give the club its best chance of banking the four points, and more importantly, build the winning culture, regardless of ladder position. They have been an incredible disappointment the Demons, but Harry Petty was at least one silver lining on Sunday as the VFL defender booted three goals in a surprise forward role. But what has happened to this club this season remains a mystery. Goodwin and Co. have escaped any heat so far this year after stunning the competition last year with a preliminary final finish. But they would want to climb the ladder next season otherwise the pressure will come.
- Jay Clark
INJURIES:
Jeff Garlett (shoulder) season
Marty Hore (shoulder) TBC
Kade Kolodjashnij (head) TBC
Neville Jetta (knee) test
Kade Kolodjashnij (head) TBC
Tom McDonald (knee) season
Jake Melksham (foot) 2-3 weeks
Aaron Nietschke (knee) eason
Joel Smith (groin) season
Tim Smith (calf) TBC
Tom Sparrow (knee) 3-4 weeks
Billy Stretch (foot) TBC
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) TBC
Guy Walker (shoulder) indefinite
NORTH MELBOURNE
Luke McDonald is the major injury concern at Arden Street after he suffered a suspected fractured fibula during the club’s loss to Essendon.
Meanwhile, forward Nick Larkey, who earnt the Round 16 Rising Star nomination, will be further assessed during the week after receiving treatment from paramedics over an ongoing heart palpitations issue.
In better news, Majak Daw got through a half in the VFL and gathered nine disposals, while Luke Davies-Uniacke responded to his omission from the AFL side with 30 disposals and seven tackles in the seconds.
The Kangaroos now hold a 7-9 record on the back of their five-point loss to the Bombers, finals now appearing a long shot.
North Melbourne meets Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.
— Chris Cavanagh
INJURIES
Taylor Garner (club suspension) Round 19
Aaron Hall (personal leave) indefinite
Kyron Hayden (achilles) season
Shaun Higgins (ac joint) 1 week
Ben Jacobs (head/neck) indefinite
Tom McKenzie (back) tbc
Tom Murphy (ankle) 1 week
Bailey Scott foot (indefinite)
Dom Tyson (calf) tbc
Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season
Will Walker (knee) season
Mason Wood (quad) test
PORT ADELAIDE
Playmaking defender Ryan Burton is expected to miss at least a month of football after straining a hamstring in the eight-goal loss to Brisbane at Adelaide Oval.
Burton, who missed two games with a mild strain to the same hamstring in Rounds 9 and 10, broke down while chasing Lions speedster Charlie Cameron during the third quarter.
The former Hawk fell to the turf and was helped from the ground by trainers in obvious pain.
“It’s a significant hamstring,’’ Power coach Ken Hinkley said after the game.
“When you see them pull up like that when they are running at top speed, it’s normally not a good (result).
“I asked the doctor and he said sometimes they can be three or four weeks and sometimes they can be worse.
“We can be pretty certain that Ryan is going to miss a month of footy but we haven’t had the scans yet.’
Hinkley said defender Dan Houston, a late withdrawal against Brisbane with a virus, and back-up ruckman Paddy Ryder, who also was ill and unavailable for selection on the weekend, should be fit for Saturday’s clash against Richmond at the MCG.
Ryder however is almost certain to resume in the SANFL after being replaced as Port’s lead ruckman by Scott Lycett.
First-year ace Xavier Duursma, dropped for the match against the Lions, will be considered for a recall.
INJURIES:
Ryan Burton (hamstring) TBC
Tobin Cox (kidney) TBC
Riley Grundy (finger) TBC
Jake Patmore (knee) season
Jack Trengove (leg) 1-2 weeks
Jack Watts (leg) indefinite
RICHMOND
Injured Richmond premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis (adductor) is close to a return following a long lay-off. Nankervis is likely to be available for selection to face Collingwood next Friday week but Tigers coach Damien Hardwick isn’t prepared to take any unnecessary risks with the big man. Jack Riewoldt will only be better for the run after resuming against the Giants, in what was the Tiger’s second game since Round 2 following a knee injury. He looked sharp in spurts and combined nicely with fellow spearhead Tom Lynch. The Tigers got through unscathed against the Giants last Sunday. But Hardwick has selection headaches all the same with Tigers star Josh Caddy starting the VFL win over Werribee. Caddy finished with 26 disposals and two goals. Exciting forward Jack Higgins had 22 disposals, along with Jacob Townsend. Liam Baker collected 20 disposals and a goal while Dan Butler kicked two majors.
- Gilbert Gardiner
INJURIES:
Noah Balta (quad) 1-2 weeks
Luke English (shoulder) test
Callum Moore (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Toby Nankervis (adductor) 1-2 weeks
Marlion Pickett (finger) 2-3 weeks
Alex Rance (knee) season
Jack Ross (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Fraser Turner (leg) 3-4 weeks
ST KILDA
Will he or won’t he?
It’s become the weekly question regarding St Kilda’s boom recruit Dan Hannebery given how injury has ruined his season.
After a gutsy performance against Geelong on Saturday night, Saints coach Alan Richardson didn’t really have an answer about the ex-Swan’s availability because of hamstring soreness.
“It’s just wait and see on how he pulls up,” Richardson said. “He had that four week block, a couple of VFL games and a couple of AFL games.
“There is no doubt he has pulled up a bit sore so we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.”
On that evidence, it doesn’t sound too promising about Hannebery returning for next Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.
The Saints VFL team also went down to Geelong on Saturday with defender Jonathon Marsh named best for Sandringham.
— Scott Gullan
INJURIES:
Josh Battle (adductor) TBC
Logan Austin (shoulder) indefinite
Jack Bytel (back) season
Jarryn Geary (leg) 4-6 weeks
Dan Hannebery (soreness) test
Dean Kent (quad) season
Max King (ankle) season
Billy Longer (concussion) indefinite
Paddy McCartin (concussion) season
Ed Phillips (hamstring) test
Lewis Pierce (concussion) indefinite
Dylan Roberton (heart) season
Jack Steven (mental health) 1-3 weeks
Jimmy Webster (hand) test
SYDNEY
INJURIES:
Darcy Cameron (quad) test
Lance Franklin (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Jack Maibaum (knee) season
Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) test
Sam Naismith (knee) indefinite
Callum Sinclair (shoulder) 3 weeks
Nick Smith (hamstring) season
Durak Tucker (knee) indefinite
WEST COAST
The loss of in-form small forward Jamie Cripps to a groin injury robbed West Coast of one of its most dangerous attacking weapons on a night where Josh Kennedy went goalless. Cripps limped off with nine minutes left in the first quarter on Friday night after hurting himself while dribbling a shot on goal. While the result would have stung, the Eagles otherwise escaped without injury concerns. Speedy small forward Jack Petruccelle was due to play in the WAFL on Sunday and looms as a direct replacement for Cripps.
— Tim Michell
INJURIES
Jamie Cripps (groin) TBC
Patrick Bines (hernia) 1-2 weeks
Liam Duggan (ankle) 4-5 weeks
Harry Edwards (foot) 1-2 weeks
Mark Hutchings (hamstring) 1 week
Nathan Vardy (ankle/knee) 2 weeks
Daniel Venables (concussion) TBC
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Imagine the lift Dale Morris’s return is going to give the Western Bulldogs when he makes his comeback from a partial ACL rupture. The popular veteran defender got through his third game in the VFL yesterday and is pushing for a recall as the Dogs make a surprise late charge for the finals. Morris is a beloved figure who has once again defied the odds in his latest injury comeback. But will Luke Beveridge pull the trigger this week against the Saints? Let’s hope so. He hasn’t played since Round 23 last season. The Bulldogs are one game outside the eight and would need to win at least four of their last six games to seal a spot. Toby McLean will be out for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury and Rhylee West, Lin Jong and Mitch Wallis are among those pushing for a senior berth. Marcus Bontempelli faces a light week on the track after hurting his left ankle in the eight point win over Melbourne.
- Jay Clark
INJURIES:
Caleb Daniel (hamstring) 1 week
Ryan Gardner (knee) 6-8 weeks
Fergus Greene (shoulder) season
Tom Liberatore (knee) test
Lukas Webb (ankle) 2-3 weeks
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Sam Mitchell has reflected on the ugly end to his side’s semi-final loss during which Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley clashed with Hawks players.
Cats prelim preparations rocked as coach collapses at training
Chris Scott says Geelong is dealing with a “quite confronting” scenario after its preliminary final preparations were rocked when assistant coach Steven King collapsed at training.