AFL injury list: Injuries to key players strike Western Bulldogs, West Coast in Round 22

HAWTHORN, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs have been hit by injuries to key players on the eve of finals. Who will make it back for September? FULL INJURY LIST AFTER ROUND 22

Nic Naitanui is helped off Subiaco after injuring his knee.

FINALS contenders Hawthorn, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs have been hit by injuries to key players on the eve of finals.

Friday night combatants the Eagles and Hawks were struck by season-ending knee injuries to ruckmen Jon Ceglar and Nic Naitanui.

The Dogs lost acting captain and star half-back Easton Wood to an ankle injury but the damage isn’t as bad as first thought.

We review every club’s playing stocks after Round 22.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Luke Lowden (ankle) TBC

Keenan Ramsey (ankle) test

Paul Seedsman (corked buttock) test

Sam Shaw (concussion) season

Brodie Smith (concussion) test

MATCH REPORT: CROWS AVOID SHOWDOWN HEIST

ON THE BLOCK: All Australian Brodie Smith, who is one of the Crows’ most important players, came off with concussion after an accidental clash with Aaron Young in a marking contest but is said to be recovering well. The issue with Smith is that he has suffered from concussions before and clubs tend to be extra careful with repeat injuries. Coach Don Pyke said he would leave it to the team doctors. Rory Sloane may find he has a case to answer from the MRP after a clash with Brad Ebert.

ON THE CUSP: The Crows can’t afford to manage more than one or two players, because a top-two spot will hinge on the result against West Coast. Ricky Henderson appears to be a logical inclusion for Brodie Smith after showing he’s well above the level when playing in state league ranks.

JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: Will field its strongest team in order to beat West Coast and secure two home finals. Kicking for goals was a concern against the Power but the closeness of the match will have done them no harm. Will play with greater intensity after having blown out some cob webs and will thrive in another big-game atmosphere. Pencil in the Crows for a win, especially now that Nic Naitanui is out with season-ending injury.

Charlie Cameron checks on his Adelaide teammate Brodie Smith.

BRISBANE

INJURIES

Tom Rockliff (shoulder) test

Claye Beams (knee) season

Dayne Beams (knee) season

Rohan Bewick (groin) TBC

Allen Christensen (collarbone) season

Michael Close (knee) TBC

Jonathan Freeman (eye) test

Josh Green (foot) TBC

Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite

Ryan Harwood (knee) season

Jaden McGrath (foot) indefinite

Josh McGuinness (hamstring) 1 week

Dan McStay (ankle) season

Marco Paparone (hamstring) season

Nick Robertson (knee) TBC

Josh Schache (rested) season

Sam Skinner (knee) season

Josh Watts (groin) season

MATCH REPORT: CATS’ LATE LAPSE COULD COST HOME FINAL

ON THE BLOCK: The Lions are short on numbers which limits their ability to make major changes. Josh Clayton debuted against the Cats and provides a few glimpses including a strong mark in the square. You would assume he keeps his spot. Captain Tom Rockliff requires treatment in a shoulder but finished the game and Justin Leppitsch predicts he will be OK to take on the Saints.

ON THE CUSP: Leppitsch said after the loss to the Cats he thought the Lions’ defence was too tall, a selection mix forced on them by the large injury list. Liam Dawson is one player who may come under consideration if he wants an extra ball user in the back half against the Saints.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Leppitsch said after the game all he wanted from his side against the Saints was for them to keep fighting till the end. And it is all he can really ask for in what is set to be his last game as senior coach. The Saints should have too much run for the Lions who looked to be walking on the second half against Geelong.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Jack Silvagni (soreness) test

Sam Kerridge (illness) test

Dylan Buckley (head) TBC

Ed Curnow (left knee) TBC

Ciaran Byrne (knee) season

Charlie Curnow (knee) season

Ed Curnow (knee) TBC

Matthew Dick (hamstring) season

Andrew Gallucci (shoulder) season

Daniel Gorringe (hip) season

Sam Kerridge (ill) test

Jed Lamb (knee) season

Marc Murphy (ankle) season

Ciaran Sheehan (hamstring) season

Jack Silvagni (soreness) test

MATCH REPORT: DEMONS’ SEASON OVER WITH A WHIMPER

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see anyone’s head being on the chopping block after Carlton ended a nine-game losing streak with a gutsy 20-point win over Melbourne on the weekend. Nick Graham and Andrejs Everitt were late inclusions on the weekend, so if the men they replaced are fit to resume then they may fall back out.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Silvagni was a late withdrawal against Melbourne with what coach Brendan Bolton described as “soreness”, while Sam Kerridge was also a late out through illness. Bolton suspected — and hoped — both would be fit to take on Essendon this Saturday. The coach did say the club’s medicos would have to assess the severity of a knee injury that forced Ed Curnow off late against the Dees, although the injury appeared to be more of a knock than anything structurally serious, so there is every chance he will pull up fine. The Northern Blues were trounced by Williamstown in the VFL with no huge standouts pushing their claims by way of AFL-listed players.

MATT WINDLEY’S FORECAST: Silvagni and Kerridge should both come in, but Graham (19 possessions, two goals) and Everitt (16 possessions, one goal) could justifiably say they did enough against the Demons to hold their spots. Levi Casboult (nine possessions, no goals) and Liam Sumner (10 possessions and a goal) were both quiet against the Dees and could be candidates to make way if need be. And while Murphy would be busting to play one more time this season, there is merit in leaving the skipper in cotton wool to ensure he is fit and firing come the start of pre-season.

Ed Curnow injured his knee against Melbourne.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Taylor Adams (ankle) season

Tim Broomhead (shoulder) season

Ben Crocker (concussion) test

Jordan de Goey (foot) test

Jamie Elliott (back) season

Alex Fasolo (shoulder) season

Tyson Goldsack (foot) test

Tom Langdon (knee) season

Darcy Moore (hamstring) season

Jackson Ramsay (knee) season

Ben Reid (knee) season

Matt Scharenberg (knee) season

Brayden Sier (back) test

Ben Sinclair (concussion) season

Dane Swan (broken leg/foot) season

MATCH REPORT: MAGPIES TURN SCREWS ON HAPLESS SUNS

ON THE BLOCK: Darcy Moore’s hamstring strain paves the way for a possible recall for Travis Cloke, who has nine goals from his past two VFL outings. Tyson Goldsack was a late withdrawal with a foot problem which emerged on game day. Speculation continues to swirl around Dane Swan with a possible announcement on the Brownlow medallist’s future this week.

ON THE CUSP: Cloke has kicked nine goals in two matches in the VFL and surely gets a recall to the senior team for what could be his final game in black and white. Tim Golds and Alan Toovey were also among the Pies’ best against Box Hill.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: The Pies could barely have been more impressive in a 71-point demolition of Gold Coast. But for 0.9 in the final term, Nathan Buckley’s team would have posted a record win over the Suns. Stung by a narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs in Round 20, Collingwood gets the chance to end its season on a high against reigning premier Hawthorn this week. To do so, it will need to be even more efficient than it was against the Suns.

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Michael Hartley (nose) test

Mark Baguley (knee) season

Courtenay Dempsey (hamstring) 1 week

Aaron Francis (calf) TBC

Brendon Goddard (groin) test

Nathan Grima (hip) TBC

James Gwilt (knee) season

Alex Morgan (hamstring) season

MATCH REPORT: POLISHED DOGS RUIN DON’S FAREWELL

ON THE BLOCK: Michael Hartley had his nose broken for the second time in two matches but was able to resume. Taking a long-range view, John Worsfold will continue to hand opportunities to his young squad, while the focus on Joe Daniher’s mixed bag of spectacular marking and inconsistent goal-kicking will intensify.

ON THE CUSP: The Bombers had a big win in the VFL with a couple of fringe players putting their hands up. Shaun McKernan kicked three goals against North Ballarat, while Sam Michael kicked two. Shaun Edwards, Nick Kommer and James Polkinghorne were named in the best as they look for one more AFL game before the season ends.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Chasing its third win of the season, Essendon can potentially avoid the wooden spoon if it beats arch-rival Carlton and St Kilda downs Brisbane. Whatever the outcome, Worsfold believes his list is in better shape than it was at the start of the season. And he remains excited about the influx of the club’s suspended band of stars for 2017.

Adam Cooney is chaired off by Joe Daniher and Michael Hartley.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Harley Balic (wrist) test

Michael Barlow (shoulder) season

Harley Bennell (calf) season

Hayden Crozier (calf) 1 week

Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) season

Sean Hurley (hip) TBC

Brady Grey (ankle) season

Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) season

Alex Pearce (leg) season

Aaron Sandilands (glute) test

Matt Taberner (leg) TBC

Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) season

MATCH REPORT: PATTON LEADS CHARGE AS GIANTS THUMP FREO

ON THE BLOCK: Big men Michael Apeness and Jon Griffen struggled to make an impact against GWS while Matthew Taberner showed some promise but failed to kick a goal. No-one’s place in the side is certain with Ross Lyon trying to find who has what it takes to succeed next season.

ON THE CUSP: Matthew Pavlich’s return is a formality as he farewell’s AFL football. Anthony Morabito is also in the mix for what could be a farewell game after a near best on ground effort in the WAFL. Morabito collected 21 disposals and nine marks in Peel’s win over Subiaco. Matt de Boer (33 touches), Jack Hannath (47 hitouts) and Josh Deluca were also amongst the best.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: It’s almost over Docker fans. A farewell home game for Matthew Pavlich should inspire Fremantle to a strong showing but a match-up with the Western Bulldogs makes victory difficult to say the least. It’s all about 2017 for Ross Lyon’s team so the quicker Sunday’s game is over the better.

GEELONG

INJURIES

Nakia Cockatoo (knee) test

Daniel Menzel (adductor) test

Nathan Vardy (ankle) 1 week

Cory Gregson (foot) season

Tom Read (knee) season

Jackson Thurlow (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: CATS’ LATE LAPSE COULD COST HOME FINAL

ON THE BLOCK: It wasn’t Geelong’s best performance of the season but they didn’t let their guard down as they have against weaker teams previously this season. Chris Scott will be loath to make changes and risk meddling with a winning line-up so close to finals but two changes are certain with Jimmy Bartel and Josh Caddy to come back in.

ON THE CUSP: Jimmy Bartel will return from his “rest” while Josh Caddy should be right after being a withdrawal on Friday afternoon. Jordan Cunico is yet to feature at AFL level but was one of Geelong’s best in the VFL win over Casey. Jed Bews was also amongst the best.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Melbourne have nothing to play for after their disappointing loss to Carlton but certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. The Demons sprung the upset of 2015 by beating the Cats at Simonds Stadium last year and the Cats cannot afford a slip up in the race for a top four spot. They won’t slip up.

Jimmy Bartel is expected to return for Round 23.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Gary Ablett (shoulder) season

Sean Lemmens (concussion) test

Jack Leslie (hamstring) test

Cam Loersch (adductor) test

Jesse Lonergan (shoulder) season

Nick Malceski (knee) test

Trent McKenzie (groin) season

Tom Nicholls (knee) TBC

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) season

Dion Prestia (knee) season

Michael Rischitelli (knee) season

Luke Russell (toe) season

Henry Schade (abdominal) test

Danny Stanley (ankle) season

David Swallow (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: MAGPIES TURN SCREWS ON HAPLESS SUNS

ON THE BLOCK: Midfielder David Swallow suffered from hamstring tightness in his second NEAFL match back from a serious long-term knee injury and has all but been ruled out of playing against Port. Sean Lemmens (concussion) was taken from the field on a stretcher but was walking and talking in the Suns rooms after the loss to Collingwood. Callum Ah Chee is cooked for the year and could be rested. Tom Lynch is carrying a leg injury but should play against the Power.

ON THE CUSP: Umm ... (tumbleweeds) The Suns play in a NEAFL final this weekend and it will be stretch to have a handful of senior listed players in the squad given the injury toll. Lemmens may come out of the side with Josh Schoenfeld, Seb Tape or Jesse Joyce a possibility of earning a recall. Mitch Hallahan was also good in the reserves’ fighting win over NEAFL powerhouse Aspley.

GREG DAVIS’ FORECAST: The Suns have stopped to a virtual walk. The end of the season cannot come quick enough. It could get ugly against Port if the alarming drop in intensity and workrate continues. Playing at home will help the Suns but the bookends of Steve May and Tom Lynch and midfielder Touk Miller cannot do it all themselves.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Paul Ahern (knee) season

Adam Kennedy (concussion) test

Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) season

Cam McCarthy (illness) season

Jarrod Pickett (foot) season

MATCH REPORT: PATTON LEADS CHARGE AS GIANTS THUMP FREO

ON THE BLOCK: There weren’t many passengers in the Giants 92 point win over Fremantle on Saturday. Adam Tomlinson has been in and out of the seniors all year but produced one of his best performances with 12 marks and 20 possessions against the Dockers. Nathan Wilson was also one who played well after returning from the reserves.

ON THE CUSP: James Stewart kicked eight goals and Rhys Palmer kicked six in the GWS reserves 139 point NEAFL win over Brisbane on Saturday. Palmer produced a colossal performance picking up 36 disposals as well. Harrison Himmelberg also played well in his first game back after being rested with 30 touches.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants are still a chance to finish in the top four and will face a North Melbourne team who have effectively qualified for the finals after Melbourne’s loss to Carlton. If GWS win they will still need one of either Sydney, Adelaide, Geelong or Hawthorn to lose to get the double chance.

Jon Ceglar in the hands of Hawthorn trainers after injuring his knee. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Jon Ceglar (knee) season

Daniel Howe (calf) test

Teia Miles (collarbone) season

Jarryd Roughead (illness) season

Ben Stratton (pectoral) 2-3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: WIN COMES AT COST FOR RESURGENT EAGLES

ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Jonathon Ceglar’s season is over after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against the Eagles on Friday night. Veteran Jordan Lewis may cop some heat from the match review panel after he had a swipe at West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett’s chin.

ON THE CUSP: Anyone who can partner Ben McEvoy in the ruck. Former Demon Jack Fitzpatrick and youngster Mark Pittonet are the likely options. Premiership defender Ryan Schoenmakers, who has battled groin injuries for most of the year, can’t be too far away from a senior return after getting through his second consecutive game in the VFL unscathed.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: A shock loss to West Coast on Friday night hampered the Hawks’ top-two ambitions, which could mean a trip to Adelaide or Sydney in the first week of finals. A win against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday is important for Hawthorn’s confidence as much as anything else, especially after two losses in their last three outings. The loss of Ceglar hurts, but the three-time defending champs have dealt with worse heading into finals.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jack Watts (right eye) test

Dean Kent (right leg) TBC

Jeff Garlett (skin infection) TBC

Mitch King (knee) season

Heritier Lumumba (concussion) indefinite

MATCH REPORT: DEMONS’ SEASON OVER WITH A WHIMPER

ON THE BLOCK: Jack Watts (eye) and Dean Kent (corked thigh) copped knocks during the game but neither looked too serious. Sam Weideman couldn’t back up his impressive debut and Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch and Tom Bugg were all quiet.

ON THE CUSP: Jeff Garlett didn’t quite get up last week after a cut on his leg became infected, he should be right to return against the Cats. Cam Pedersen is in reserve and Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes were both in the best for Casey but it seems their papers were stamped a while ago. Will either co-captain play for Melbourne again?

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Disappointment for Demon fans, and neutrals who wanted to keep the season alive for at least one more week. This result illustrates Melbourne isn’t quite there yet, but the improvement this year has been massive and there is plenty to look forward to next year. With nothing to play for a trip to the Cattery isn’t all that appealing but stranger things have happened.

Dean Kent injured his leg in the loss to Carlton.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Aaron Black (ankle) test

Taylor Garner (knee) season

Shaun Higgins (knee) test

Farren Ray (hamstring) 1 week

Scott Thompson (groin) TBC

Kayne Turner (hamstring) 1 week

Mason Wood (knee) 2 weeks

Jarrad Waite (hip) TBC

MATCH REPORT: SWANS HOLD OFF ROOS TO CLAIM TOP SPOT

ON THE BLOCK: Jed Anderson and Aaron Mullett didn’t have much impact against the Swans. But Scott Thompson could be out this week after he failed to play the game out in Hobart with a groin issue.

ON THE CUSP: Brad Scott could have a stack of players available to return against GWS but match fitness and team cohesion will come into the equation. Luke McDonald made a successful return from a hamstring injury in the VFL but it’s wait and see on Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins. Newly re-signed Ed Vickers-Willis was impressive for Werribee yesterday playing on Bulldog Jake Stringer off half-back. Someone might need to replace Thompson.

ELIZA SEWELL’S FORECAST: Now finals are assured, Brad Scott could test out a few guys who haven’t seen the big stage in a while. After getting close against the Swans, North will be out to get a scalp ahead of September.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Logan Austin (groin) TBC

Alipate Carlile (knee) season

Charlie Dixon (ankle) 1 week

Hamish Hartlett (calf) season

Jack Hombsch (hip) season

Dougal Howard (knee) season

Tom Jonas (hamstring) TBC

Aidyn Johnson (hamstring) season

Matthew White (cheekbone) season

Chad Wingard (hamstring) season

MATCH REPORT: CROWS AVOID SHOWDOWN HEIST

ON THE BLOCK: Brad Ebert, who has been a battering ram all season, returned to the field after his face was cut open by a late spoiling attempt from Rory Sloane, but Ebert is as tough as they come. Should be back for the final match against the Gold Coast and will then be one of the few players who deserve a holiday. Jay Schulz did not seem himself but is more likely than not to get a final chance to prove his worth.

ON THE CUSP: Billy Frampton has played well all season in the SANFL and could be allowed to prove himself in the final dead rubber of the year as a foil to ruckman Matthew Lobbe. Others who have played well in the reserves can expect a call-up, but only if there are genuine injury concerns. The players will have six months to recover from any niggling injuries they are carrying and everybody will want to finish the year on a good note.

JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: On the basis of its performance in the Showdown, the Power look likely to finish the season on a good note. What’s more, coach Ken Hinkley has already made it clear there are players who are fighting for their spot on the list. Expect Port to finish with a close but important win and then head into an early pre-season with a heavy focus on improving its foot skills.

Brad Ebert copped a cut head after a marking contest with Rory Sloane.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Jake Batchelor (shoulder) season

Brett Deledio (calf) season

Ben Griffiths (groin) season

Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) 1 week

Steven Morris (knee) season

Chris Yarran (personal) season

MATCH REPORT: SAINTS WIN UGLY OVER LACKLUSTRE TIGERS

ON THE BLOCK: Injury-wise, Jack Riewoldt needed stitches to a cut lip, but nothing to see here. Bachar Houli was in obvious pain after copping a knock to the left wrist he had a screw put in earlier this year. Form-wise, does it really matter any more?

ON THE CUSP: Have played just about everyone but the property steward. Anthony Miles put his hand up for a recall with a best on ground performance in the ressies, while out-of-contract mid Reece Conca was also prominent.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Nothing to play for, a young team and a road trip to face the rampant finals-bound Swans at the SCG — Lord have mercy on the Tigers. Hardwick and Co. clearly warehoused this campaign some time ago and the last several weeks have been about experimentation. Defensively they may have found something and Todd Elton offered some encouragement against the Saints. But let’s not kid ourselves, after a long and torturous season these blokes are already on the Bintangs in Bali.

ST KILDA

INJURIES

Luke Dunstan (shoulder) season

Sam Fisher (hamstring/jaw) test

Tom Hickey (calf) test

Hugh Goddard (achilles) season

Jarryn Geary (back) test

MATCH REPORT: SAINTS WIN UGLY OVER LACKLUSTRE TIGERS

ON THE BLOCK: It’s so frustrating to see Paddy McCartin once more look like taking a game by the scruff of the neck, only to see him stopped by injury. His broken collarbone means he will now look to 2017, but if he can have a change of fortune in terms of injuries, it won’t be long in next season when his breakout game comes, Not expecting too many changes this week, other than McCartin’s loss. Expect the coach to keep faith in Jason Holmes for another week as Alan Richardson praised him after the game for his work on Shaun Hampson.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Hickey will try to prove his fitness after missing last week with a leg injury and if Sam Fisher is over a hamstring twinge he will come back for what could be a farewell game. Not a lot to get excited about from the VFL with Sandringham falling to Richmond. Josh Saunders had 30 disposals and Cam Shenton continued his recent goalkicking form - he could come in for McCartin.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: OK, so there’s no finals, but the Saints have plenty of incentive to win their final round game against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium. This team won only six games last season; that figured can - and should be - doubled with a powerful win this week. Last week wasn’t their best game, albeit they still won their 11th game of the year, but this should be a season-ending game that provides more hope for 2017 and beyond.

Lance Franklin copped a heavy knock to the hip/ribs.

SYDNEY

INJURIES

Lance Franklin (hip/ribs) TBC

Abe Davis (ankle) 1 week

Kieren Jack (ankle) test

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Zak Jones (ankle) 1 week

Lewis Melican (hamstring) test

Sam Reid (calf/Achilles) TBC

Daniel Robinson (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Callum Sinclair (knee) 2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: SWANS HOLD OFF ROOS TO CLAIM TOP SPOT

ON THE BLOCK: Ben McGlynn is the one who came in for Kieren Jack and will almost certainly be the one who makes way for him should Jack prove his fitness this week.

Lance Franklin picked up a hip pointer in the first quarter against the Kangaroos and went of twice for treatment but managed to play out the game and is expected to be fit for the match against the Tigers.

ON THE CUSP: The Swans expect to have Kieren Jack back for Saturday’s clash with Richmond at the SCG. Jack injured his foot at training on Thursday restricting his recovery time but he should be able to play. Ted Richards kicked two goals in the Sydney reserves win over Sydney Uni in the NEAFL and Jordan Foote picked up 37 possessions.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans lead Adelaide by 2.8 per cent and will need a good win over Richmond to secure the minor premiership. The Tigers have caused them plenty of problems recently winning their last three matches including round eight this year when Sam Lloyd converted after the siren. They have also won six of the last nine against Sydney. Kurt Tippett pulled up well after playing 75 minutes in the ruck and is expected to extend that time on Saturday.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Kane Lucas (knee) season

Kurt Mutimer (hamstring) test

Nic Naitanui (knee) season

Xavier Ellis (retired)

MATCH REPORT: WIN COMES AT COST FOR RESURGENT EAGLES

ON THE BLOCK: Disaster with scans confirming a year out of the game for superstar Nic Naitanui. Ruck back-up Scott Lycett also went off hurt at one stage but came back on and played out the game. Fitness staff will earn their pay cheques this week making sure he’s fit to play Adelaide, and, more importantly, finals. Jackson Nelson has already been dropped four times this year and will be nervous again while Josh Hill had only two kicks, but don’t expect too many changes after a momentous win.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Redden and Liam Duggan both played in the WAFL on the weekend and produced impressive numbers. Jonathan Giles provides ruck insurance.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Fantastic win but sadly all the news is about Naitanui and whether the improved Eagles can win the flag without him. There have to be huge doubts. But first up West Coast has to beat the Crows in Adelaide to avoid travelling in the first week of the finals.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Easton Wood (ankle) Test

Marcus Adams (foot) 2 weeks

Tom Campbell (foot) TBC

Kieran Collins (shoulder) season

Tom Liberatore (ankle) 2 weeks

Jack Macrae (hamstring) 2 weeks

Dale Morris (hamstring) test

Robert Murphy (knee) season

Josh Prudden (knee) season

Jack Redpath (knee) season

Matthew Suckling (Achilles) TBC

Mitch Wallis (broken leg) season

Bailey Williams (knee) test

MATCH REPORT: POLISHED DOGS SPOIL DONS’ FAREWELL

ON THE BLOCK: Easton Wood is certain to miss this week’s clash against Fremantle. Other than that, will the Dogs spare anyone a trip west? Five players have played every game this season - Bontempelli, Picken, Roughead, Hunter and Biggs - but with a pre-finals bye the incentive to do so is diminished.

ON THE CUSP: Dale Morris will return against the Dockers, Matthew Suckling should be available and a bloke called Jake Stringer is in the wings. Bevo was coy on Stringer on Sunday night, but you’d think he plays against the Dockers. Stringer is surely a September certainty, it’s just a matter of whether he comes back in Round 23 or week one of finals. Suckling has to force somebody out of the AFL side to get in this week and that could be tough, given Roarke Smith is a favourite (and for good reason). Bailey Williams, Mitch Honeychurch and Tom Campbell are all back to health and in reserve.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: All eyes will be glued to Friday night footy, with the Dogs frantically cheering Adelaide on. A West Coast win could see the Dogs go 16-6 - a record which has guaranteed top-four historically - yet finish seventh and head to Perth for a knockout final. The Dogs can still get the double chance but would need to beat Fremantle, watch the Eagles go down and hope North Melbourne and Collingwood can upset GWS and Hawthorn. The pre-finals bye helps the four healing Dogs - Wood, Libba, Macrae, Suckling - prepare for September. Geez, Bevo’s pups have been courageous.

Originally published as AFL injury list: Injuries to key players strike Western Bulldogs, West Coast in Round 22