AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 19
TOM Liberatore has had surgery on his ankle but the club remains hopeful he will return in time to play finals. LATEST INJURY NEWS AT YOUR CLUB
GUN Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has had surgery on his ankle but the club remains hopeful he will return in time to play a role in finals.
Scans on the weekend revealed damage to ligaments, with surgery required to stabilise his ankle.
The star 24-year-old has already gone under the knife and despite fears, the Bulldogs remain optimistic his season isn’t over.
“He’s come through (the surgery) really well so our plan is to get him up and running from a rehab perspective as quick as possible,” football manager Graham Lowe said.
“We need to manage it the right way but we’re optimistic that Tom can play a key part for us towards the end of the season.”
The Dogs will also be without Jackson Macrae for up to a month after the midfielder injured his hamstring against Geelong.
“It has got some tendon involvement which means it will take that bit longer but Jack will commence rehab in the coming days and we’re optimistic he’ll have a role to play toward the end of the season,” Lowe said.
Meanwhile, Richmond defender Jake Batchelor underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder last week.
The club hopes Batchelor will be ready for full-contact drills by December.
“It’s disappointing that Jake won’t be finishing the season, however, he was unable to continue pushing through with pain,” Richmond’s football general manager Dan Richardson said.
“Our medical team recommended that he have it repaired immediately so that he can fully recover by the start of the 2017 pre-season.”
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Taylor Walker (ankle) test
Ricky Henderson (Achilles) test
Sam Jacobs (ankle) TBC
Riley Knight (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Andy Otten (thumb) 1-2 weeks
Nathan van Berlo (foot) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: AWESOME EDDIE INSPIRES MAMMOTH WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Sam Jacobs is the big concern for Adelaide after he hurt his ankle in the second quarter of the 82-point win against Essendon and sat out the rest of the match. The Crows are confident the injury is only minor but they are unlikely to risk further damage at this stage of the season against Brisbane, a side they should easily beat. A six-day break between matches will not help Jacobs’ cause. Every other player did enough against the Bombers to hold their spots against the Lions, including the two who were promoted for the game — David Mackay (24 disposals) and Paul Seedsman (23 and two goals). But there could be an unlucky omission if captain Taylor Walker returns from a minor ankle injury.
ON THE CUSP: Adelaide hopes to regain Taylor Walker, while promoted rookie ruckman Reilly O’Brien is likely to play his first AFL game if the Crows, as expected, take a cautious approach with Jacobs. O’Brien has been starring in the SANFL and deserves an opportunity on the big stage. Adelaide had a strong 25-point SANFL win against Port Adelaide on Sunday to cement a top-five spot with usual suspects Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Mitch Grigg starring with 34 disposals. Former Giant Curtly Hampton played his best game for his new club, having 22 disposals and kicking a goal while displaying his trademark pace.
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Walker is likely to be available to play against the Lions while O’Brien should take Jacobs’ spot with the Crows expected to take a no-risk policy on such an important asset. Midfield ball magnets Ellis-Yolmen and Grigg keep knocking the door down for selection and deserve a spot but unless injuries strike they could be consigned to full seasons in the SANFL.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Clay Beams (knee) indefinite
Dayne Beams (knee) indefinite
Tom Bell (knee) season
Allen Christensen (collarbone) season
Darcy Gardiner (ankle) TBC
Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite
Ryan Harwood (knee) season
Stefan Martin (rested) available
Jaden McGrath (foot) indefinite
Dan McStay (ankle) season
Marco Paparone (hamstring) TBC
Josh Schache (soreness) test
Sam Skinner (knee) season
Archie Smith (shoulder) TBC
Josh Watts (groin) TBC
Reuben William (groin) TBC
MATCH REPORT: RAMPANT POWER STEAMROLLS LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: Usually, a crushing loss at home would be met with swift changes at the selection table but at this stage Justin Leppitsch’s hands are tied. It’s not like it can get much worse and with the Lions injury list, there aren’t a lot of options to chose from. Youngster Matt Hammelmann could find himself back in the NEAFL.
ON THE CUSP: Stefan Martin will surely come back in after being rested against the Power, as will young forward Josh Schache. Jarrad Jansen (30 disposals, six tackles) and Josh Clayton (28 disposals, seven tackles) impressed in the Lions’ NEAFL loss to Aspley. Trent West couldn’t get a call up despite Martin being rested but responded well in the reserves to keep his name in the coaches’ minds.
BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: Brisbane’s humiliating loss to Port Adelaide doesn’t bode well this week with Adelaide waiting at Adelaide Oval. The Crows are in the hunt for a top two finish and will be desperate for a big percentage boost. Just Leppitsch would be well advised to follow Luke Beveridge’s example and take his young, battered team to Adelaide a couple of days early and try to make it a bonding experience.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Marc Murphy (ankle) test
Dale Thomas (calf) test
Andrew Walker (knee) test
Levi Casboult (corked leg) test
Charlie Curnow (knee) 4-5 weeks
Andrew Gallucci (shoulder) season
Ciaran Sheehan (hamstring) season
Ciaran Byrne (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS FALL OVER THE LINE AGAINST BLUES
ON THE BLOCK: Carlton’s big issue is in attack where the Blues are struggling to convert entries into scores. Levi Casboult had another tough day but Matthew Kreuzer took a couple of commanding grabs. Jacob Weitering even spent large slabs of time up forward but copped a knock to the leg, along with Casboult. The two may be sore this week.
ON THE CUSP: So who does Brendon Bolton turn to up forward for more marking presence? Steve Silvagni will do everything to get Giants’ fringe key position player Adam Tomlinson at season’s end. But for now, Liam Jones was an emergency on Saturday and could come in, while Kristian Jaksch played forward in the VFL and kicked two goals. In the midfield, skipper Marc Murphy is a chance to return from that pesky ankle injury.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Carlton’s big issue is in attack where the Blues are struggling to convert entries into scores. Levi Casboult had another tough day but Matthew Kreuzer took a couple of commanding grabs. Jacob Weitering even spent large slabs of time up forward but copped a knock to the leg, along with Casboult. The two may be sore this week, but where does Brendon Bolton turn to for some more marking presence? Steve Silvagni will do everything to get Giants’ fringe key position player Adam Tomlinson at season’s end. Liam Jones was an emergency on Saturday and Charlie Curnow looks done for the year with a knee injury.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Ben Sinclair (concussion) test
Alex Fasolo (shoulder) test
Jarryd Blair (groin) TBC
Darcy Moore (hamstring) TBC
Jarrod Witts (finger) test
Brayden Sier (back) test
Tom Langdon (knee) 3-4 weeks
Dane Swan (broken leg/foot) season
Jamie Elliott (back) season
Jackson Ramsay (knee) season
Matt Scharenberg (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: YOUNG PIES OUTGUN EAGLES
ON THE BLOCK: Big man Darcy Moore dominated for a half at the MCG on Saturday before hamstring tightness forced him off the ground. He is expected to undergo scans on Monday to learn the extent of the damage. In any event, he is at long odds to be available to play against Richmond on Friday night.
ON THE CUSP: Collingwood won’t be playing finals, but its VFL side has won nine in a row and look set for a top-four finish. Brent Macaffer was a tackling machine in the win over Geelong at Victoria Park on Saturday to be named in the best. Fellow 2010 premiership player Tyson Goldsack also impressed. American Mason Cox, who booted two goals, may be in line for a recall should Moore miss.
NICK SMART’S FORECAST: Collingwood’s skill execution and decision making going forward continues to frustrate, although there was no doubting the intensity in its win over West Coast. The Magpies dominated possession and laid a whopping 118 tackles. If that work rate can be maintained, Richmond will be in big trouble.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Mark Baguley (knee) season
Mitch Brown (groin) TBC
Nathan Grima (hip) TBC
James Gwilt (knee) season
Mark Jamar (hamstring) 2 weeks
James Kelly (rested) available
Shaun McKernan (illness) test
Alex Morgan (hamstring) 2 weeks
Mathew Stokes (groin) test
MATCH REPORT: AWESOME EDDIE INSPIRES MAMMOTH WIN
ON THE BLOCK: David Zaharakis is either injured, tired or fed up because his last month has been putrid. If Zaka was in any other side he’d be dropped this week for sure. Sam Michael struggled and his days at AFL level appeared to be numbered. Take your pick from Courtenay Dempsey, Will Hams and James Polkinghorne.
ON THE CUSP: James Kelly should return to take on his old side after being spared the trip to Adelaide. Shaun McKernan and Mitch Brown could also come back into the side.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: They’ve done well to get this far the Bombers but fatigue is starting to take its toll. Got belted around the park on Sunday and it’s only going to get worse with Geelong gunning for a percentage boost this week. Mad Monday can’t come quick enough for this lot.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Hayden Ballantyne (facial fracture) 1 week
Harley Balic (wrist) TBC
Michael Barlow (shoulder) season
Harley Bennell (calf) season
Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) season
Brady Grey (ankle) season
Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) TBC
Ryan Nyhuis (knee) test
Alex Pearce (leg) season
Aaron Sandilands (ribs) test
Tanner Smith (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) season
MATCH REPORT: SWANS SOAR TO RUIN PAV’S 350TH
ON THE BLOCK: Zac Dawson is likely to receive a suspension for his high hit on Sydney’s Jake Lloyd in the last quarter when the match review panel meets on Monday. Plenty of players had poor games in the heavy loss to Sydney, but selection will depend on how the match committee approaches Sunday’s derby. If the Dockers decide to treat it as their grand final and put everything into knocking off their bitter cross-town rival, experience should win out at the selection table. But Fremantle might decide the derby cauldron is the perfect environment to test the kids.
ON THE CUSP: Ruckman Aaron Sandilands could return against the Eagles, 17 weeks after he suffered serious internal injuries when he copped a knee in the back from Nic Naitanui in the last derby in Round 3. Hayden Ballantyne will also attempt to prove his fitness following a cheekbone fracture and could wear a helmet if he plays. Young key forward Michael Apeness kicked five goals in the WAFL on Saturday and could receive a call-up.
BRADEN QUARTERMAINE’S FORECAST: Dockers fans should strap themselves in for a rocky ride. It’s hard to see how Fremantle can find another win with games against top-eight teams West Coast (home), Adelaide (home), Greater Western Sydney (away) and the Western Bulldogs (home) to come. Four losses should leave the Dockers with a 16th-placed finish and pick 3 in the national draft.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Jordan Cunico (knee) 2 weeks
Lachie Henderson (concussion) test
Tom Read (knee) 2 weeks
Billie Smedts (broken fibula) 1-2 weeks
Jackson Thurlow (knee) season
Nathan Vardy (ankle) test
MATCH REPORT: DANGER LEADS CATS CELEBRATIONS FOR CHAMPS
ON THE BLOCK: How do you fit 25 into 22? You can’t, and that’s why Geelong coach Chris Scott has some selection dilemmas to consider in the coming month. The Cats have some good players ready to return, and the pressure will come for those who are just holding their spot in the side. Hard to pinpoint anyone specific after their impressive win against the Dogs.
ON THE CUSP: Lachie Henderson is almost certain to return after two games with concussion and Josh Caddy is edging closer to an AFL return from the knee injury that has kept him out of the senior team since Round 14. Scott Selwood, too, is building towards playing his first game for the Cats after solid VFL form. Shane Kersten was stiff to miss, while George Horlin-Smith is in good shape.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Hard to see the Cats losing a game before the finals start. With games against Essendon, Richmond, Brisbane and Melbourne to come, Geelong looks perfectly poised to not only first in the top two, but to also give themselves the chance to lock their finals into their home state. They should push closer to Hawthorn in the premiership betting with the run home inviting and the playing list buoyed by the relative health of the playing list.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (shoulder) season
Dan Currie (finger) 1-2 weeks
Aaron Hall (hamstring) 1 week
Darcy MacPherson (knee) 2 weeks
Dion Prestia (knee) season
Michael Rischitelli (knee) season
Danny Stanley (ankle) season
David Swallow (knee) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: HIGH DRAMA AS WATTS SEALS DEES WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Matt Shaw suffered an ankle injury so a lot will determine on how he pulls up. Jesse Lonergan struggled to make an impact, while Callum Ah Chee and Jarrad Grant could also find themselves kicking the dew of NEAFL grounds.
ON THE CUSP: Adam Saad lined up in the NEAFL in his return from a hamstring injury and got through unscathed collecting 11 disposals. Suspect the dasher might need another week in the twos to get back to his damaging best. Mitch Hallahan collected 32 disposals in the Suns’ demolition of NEAFL side Redland. Brayden Fiorini kicked four to go with 31 disposals so he too could push for a senior debut after overcoming a knee injury early in the season. Clay Cameron also in the mix.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Tough loss for the Suns but they’ve got to butter up for Saturday’s clash with rampant expansion cousins GWS at Metricon Stadium. Some good signs with Touk Miller and Co flying the flag despite so many injuries in the midfield ranks. Rocket Eade will be keen to use the next four weeks to get more games into his younger Suns before the stars return for another preseason.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Aidan Corr (ankle) test
Jacob Hopper (back) 1 week
Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) season
Cam McCarthy (illness) indefinite
Jarrod Pickett (foot) season
Jack Steele (hand) test
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS BELT TERRIBLE TIGERS AFTER FAST START
ON THE BLOCK: All eyes will be on the scans on Rory Lobb’s ankle after he limped off Manuka Oval on Saturday just before three quarter time. Leon Cameron said he didn’t think the injury was serious but will be conservative with the talented big man.
ON THE CUSP: The Giants reserves had the bye in the NEAFL but Lachie Whitfield will come into consideration with another week to recover from tonsillitis. He lost 5kg and has regained most of that weight. Jack Steele is also expected to return from a hand injury.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants head to Metricon Stadium to take on the Suns and are eyeing off a top two finish after a percentage boosting win over Richmond in Canberra. The last four games are all very winnable with the last three matches against West Coast and Fremantle at home and North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium to finish. As well as Whitfield, the Giants also have Matt Buntine, Will Hoskin-Elliott, James Stewart and Tim Mohr playing in the reserves.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Daniel Howe (calf) test
Jarryd Roughead (illness) season
Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) 2 weeks
Liam Shiels (hamstring) 1 week
Matt Spangher (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS FALL OVER THE LINE AGAINST BLUES
ON THE BLOCK: Kaiden Brand may be nursing a sore shoulder after a heavy knock from Denis Armfield. James Frawley received a solid bump from Levi Casboult and may have a corked leg to shake off this week. And Tim O’Brien lost a tooth and spent a big chunk of the second half on the bench.
ON THE CUSP: Hawthorn is set to regain Paul Puopolo (hip) and Cyril Rioli (quad) for Saturday’s clash against Melbourne, says coach Alastair Clarkson after missing with minor injuries. Kiwi Kurt Heatherley is pushing for his senior debut.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The Hawks are cruising at the moment, with one eye on two big weeks coming up in Rounds 21 and 22 with games against North Melbourne and West Coast (away) to decide its top four fate. Two games clear on top of the ladder and a favourable draw in recent weeks, Clarkson has had the luxury of not taking risks with players with slight niggles. Melbourne awaits this weekend, another opportunity to rest any sore bodies.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Jay Kennedy-Harris (hamstring) test
Jesse Hogan (knee) test
Mitch King (knee) season
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: HIGH DRAMA AS WATTS SEALS DEES WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Jeff Garlett was barely sighted against Gold Coast and Paul Roos has axed him once this season for failing to provide enough defensive pressure. A ginger Jesse Hogan will ease up on the track this week after hurting his knee in a collision with the point post. Paul Roos forecast multiple changes given a six-day break and a batch of sore players at this stage of the season.
ON THE CUSP: Alex Neale-Bullen continues to look too good for VFL footy and was strong again for Casey. Offcuts Ben Newton (Port Adelaide) and Viv Michie (Fremantle) also starred in the Scorpions’ big win. No.9 draft pick Sam Weideman could get a run before the season is out. The key forward who is an excellent contested mark slotted three goals for Casey on Saturday. Weideman and Hogan are the future key posts of this Demons attack. Ominous.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Demons gave Hawthorn a mighty scare earlier this season in the wet, although if Hogan doesn’t get up it will look a much harder task. Even though he didn’t kick a goal against Gold Coast, he provided a good contest. The Demons have a tough final month but they should account for Carlton and if they can pinch one win from games against Hawthorn, Port Adelaide (away) and Geelong (away) it will be happy 10-win farewell for Paul Roos.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Jarrad Waite (hip) 3-4 weeks
Aaron Black (ankle) 2 weeks
Taylor Garner (knee/hamstring) test
Shaun Higgins (knee) 2 weeks
Ben Jacobs (foot) 1 week
Luke McDonald (hamstring) 2 weeks
Farren Ray (hamstring) 3 weeks
Kayne Turner (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Mason Wood (knee) 5 weeks
Jarrad Waite (hip) test
Sam Wright (ankle) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: ROOS SALUTE BOOMER BUT MATCH A FIZZER
ON THE BLOCK: Jarrad Waite will have surgery on his troublesome hip this week as the Kangaroos search for answers to the hip injury that has derailed what started as a arguably a career-best season for the forward.
ON THE CUSP: Majak Daw put his hand up to replace Waite with four goals and nine marks against Northern Blues in the VFL. The Roos could give Sam Durdin a senior debut after the second-year tall kicked four goals from 22 disposals, and Robbie Nahas was lively in attack with 24 disposals, six tackles, a goal and several goal assists.
LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: Having achieved its pre-season target of 12 wins, North faces the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday chasing a third straight victory — and a possible climb up the ladder. Following that, the Roos face a daunting run home, meeting Hawthorn, Sydney and GWS in their last three matches.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Alipate Carlile (knee) season
Charlie Dixon (ankle) 1 week
Hamish Hartlett (calf) TBC
Jack Hombsch (quad) season
Dougal Howard (knee) season
Aidyn Johnson (hamstring) season
Tom Jonas (hamstring) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: RAMPANT POWER STEAMROLLS LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: Half-back Hamish Hartlett will almost certainly miss with a calf strain, meaning Jimmy Toumpas may earn another start. There were no passengers in a 94-point rout of Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.
ON THE CUSP: Cam O’Shea is on the outer at Alberton but out in another impressive performance deep in defence against Adelaide in the SANFL Showdown. Jake Neade showed glimpses of the pace and excitement Port needs each week in the AFL in defeat against Adelaide’s SANFL unit. If Ken Hinkley wants a tag option against Sydney’s formidable midfield then Mitchell is the man.
RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Anyone who stands up or conjures a victory that keeps ninth-ranked Port’s season alive against Sydney at the SCG gets triple credits. Port’s defence — the fourth youngest in the competition containing Tom Clurey, Darcy Byrne-Jones and Logan Austin — runs head on into life against Lance Franklin. Revitalised duo John Butcher (four goals) and Jared Polec (25 touches, eight contested) will receive the hard edged attention that never came in a 94-point rout of diabolical Brisbane. Port have regained vital confidence but toppling the Swans who want a home final could be a bridge too far.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Jake Batchelor (shoulder) season
Brett Deledio (calf) TBC
Shane Edwards (calf) TBC
Corey Ellis (groin) test
Ben Griffiths (groin) TBC
Ben Lennon (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) 4 weeks
Steven Morris (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS BELT TERRIBLE TIGERS AFTER FAST START
ON THE BLOCK: Take your pick. Ty Vickery didn’t light it up in his senior recall, managing just eight disposals, Anthony Miles didn’t have an impact in the midfield and Shaun Grigg had just 16 disposals. Sam Lloyd kicked one of the team’s three goals, while Nathan Drummond and Oleg Markov were quiet but expect Damien Hardwick to keep playing them.
ON THE CUSP: The Tigers will be hoping Brett Deledio’s calf injury comes good, while Shane Edwards and Ben Griffiths will aim to prove their fitness after missing with calf and groin issues respectively. In the VFL Andrew Moore put his hand up by dominating with 37 disposals and Jacob Townsend had 26 disposals, while Nathan Broad and Connor Menadue were prolific.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: All eyes are on Tigerland after getting smashed by GWS, with the heat on all areas of the club. Chief executive Brendon Gale has backed Hardwick as coach but if the team puts in another performance like Saturday against Collingwood under the spotlight of Friday night footy, who knows what might happen. Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Alex Rance are fighting hard but the rest of the team need to follow. Some soul searching to be done ahead of the Pies clash.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Bailey Rice (concussion) test
Jimmy Webster (hamstring) test
Brandon White (hamstring) test
Hugh Goddard (achilles) season
MATCH REPORT: ROOS SALUTE BOOMER BUT MATCH A FIZZER
ON THE BLOCK: No injuries and no howlers against North Melbourne. But the stats sheet didn’t make pretty reading for Sam Gilbert, Daniel McKenzie or Josh Bruce. Luke Dunstan and Tim Membrey were also down.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Fisher and Paddy McCartin were last week cleared to return from hamstring and concussion respectively, but both made their comebacks in the VFL on Sunday. Jack Lonie was also looking to continue his good form in the second tier competition.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: OK, so finals won’t be happening. Yes they would have been a nice bonus on the climb back to relevance, but it was never going to be about this year. What will irritate in the loss to North Melbourne was the shonky kicking for goal that will have them wondering if things could have been different. The Saints have this year beaten Geelong, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs and their nine wins are the most since 2012. With games against Carlton, Richmond and Brisbane Lions to come in the last month, 2016 could be remembered as the launching pad season for this side.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Abe Davis (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Zak Jones (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Jeremy Laidler (hamstring) 2 weeks
Jake Lloyd (concussion) test
Harrison Marsh (hamstring) test
Lewis Melican (hamstring) 2 weeks
Sam Reid (calf/achilles) 2 weeks
Daniel Robinson (shoulder) 3-4 weeks
Michael Talia (club suspension) indefinite
Kurt Tippett (hamstring tendon) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SWANS SOAR TO RUIN PAV’S 350TH
ON THE BLOCK: Jake Lloyd will be the only injury concern after he suffered a heavy last quarter knock from Zac Dawson which saw the Docker reported. Lloyd made his way off the ground under his own steam but didn’t return. Lloyd has been in excellent form in recent weeks and hasn’t missed a game since making his debut in 2014.
ON THE CUSP: The Swans reserves had the bye in the NEAFL, making it difficult for Ted Richards and Ben McGlynn to press their claims for a senior recall.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans face Port Adelaide at the SCG on a six-day break coming back from Perth but shouldn’t be taxed by Sunday’s stroll in the park against Fremantle. After Port they face St Kilda and North Melbourne away and Richmond at the SCG in Round 23. On current form they should be able to win each of these matches to lock up a top four spot or possibly a top two finish.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Elliott Yeo (illness) test
Tom Barrass (rested) available
Kane Lucas (knee) season
Fraser McInnes (hamstring) 1 week
Nic Naitanui (Achilles) test
Jack Redden (shoulder) TBC
MATCH REPORT: YOUNG PIES OUTGUN EAGLES
ON THE BLOCK: Liam Duggan had his knee assessed during the loss to Collingwood but returned and played out the game, as did Jeremy McGovern after coming off second best in a marking contest. Dom Sheed was quiet in his return to the senior team, and Sharrid Wellingham battled after overcoming an ankle issue to play against the Pies. Simon Tunbridge and Malcolm Karpany will be nervous ahead of team selection this week.
ON THE CUSP: Nic Naitanui was hopeful of getting up for the clash against the Pies, so he’ll definitely be in the mix to return from an Achilles injury this weekend. Elliott Yeo was a late withdrawal due to illness and should be OK to return. Jack Redden was out with a shoulder issue and was missed, while Tom Barrass will was rested and could return.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Another away game for the Eagles and another loss. It was a huge opportunity missed for Adam Simpson’s team to notch up another win at the MCG after defeating Carlton at the venue a fortnight ago. West Coast could have been equal on points with second-placed GWS and should have accounted for an understrength Collingwood. Now it has a fight on its hands to make top four or secure a home elimination final with games against GWS (away), Hawthorn (home) and Adelaide (away) in the last month of the home-and-away season.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Marcus Adams (foot) 1-2 weeks
Matthew Boyd (achilles) test
Kieran Collins (shoulder) TBC
Tom Campbell (foot) TBC
Tom Liberatore (ankle) 4-5 weeks
Jackson Macrae (hamstring) 4 weeks
Dale Morris (hamstring) test
Robert Murphy (knee) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Jack Redpath (knee) season
Matthew Suckling (achilles) test
Mitch Wallis (broken leg) season
Bailey Williams (knee) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DANGER LEADS CATS CELEBRATIONS FOR CHAMPS
ON THE BLOCK: The Dogs can’t take a trick. Tom Liberatore was close to best on ground before rolling his ankle in a tackle on Friday night at Kardinia Park. Libba will certainly miss this week if not the rest of the year. Jackson Macrae added to the Doggies injury woes when he pinged his hamstring late in the loss to Geelong. Joel Hamling and Zaine Cordy could also make way.
ON THE CUSP: Matthew Boyd, Matt Suckling and Dale Morris should all return for injury after being given the week off to overcome minor niggles. Nathan Hrovat and Lucas Webb the best of the of the VFL brigade.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: They’ve got guts and grit in spades the Dogs but quickly running out of players. Simply can’t take a trick on the injury front and don’t expect any favours from North Melbourne at Saturday night. Bonti and Jake Stringer were well held against the Cats, while Dahlhous butchered his kicks. Will need more from that trio to be any chance of getting the choccies this week.
Originally published as AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 19