AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 21
UPDATE: ST KILDA’S hopes against Richmond have taken a hit with two key players ruled out through injury, while Collingwood puts more players in cotton wool. LATEST INJURY AND SELECTION NEWS
UPDATE: ST KILDA’S hopes against Richmond have taken a hit with key players Tom Hickey and Sam Fisher ruled out with injuries.
Hickey copped a knock to his lower leg early in the loss to Sydney and was hobbling for much of the game.
Fisher will also miss with a low-grade hamstring strain.
The Saints hope both will be back for their Round 23 clash against Brisbane, which could be Fisher’s AFL farewell.
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Meanwhile, Collingwood has put Taylor Adams, Ben Reid and Ben Sinclair and in cotton wool. The trio have been ruled out for the rest of the season with two games left.
Adams will avoid surgery after hurting his ankle against the Bulldogs on Friday night but Magpies football manager Neil Balme said he would miss at least two weeks while Reid “may or may not need surgery” on a PCL injury.
Sinclair has suffered multiple concussions this season and Balme said the club needed to get to the bottom of the problem.
“We need to get to the bottom of it and give him a decent chance to be able to put some games together,” he said.
“We obviously miss him and we’re keen for him to come back, but with all those concussion things we’re very concerned about his future so we’ll do everything we can to make sure he’s OK.”
Balme said Alex Fasolo and Tim Broomhead were “pretty sore” after shoulder surgery and both would take 3-4 months to “get back to square one”.
The news is better for Darcy Moore, who is fine after crashing head-first into the Etihad Stadium fence.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Paul Seedsman (corked buttock) test
Sam Jacobs (ankle) test
Riley Knight (ankle) test
Keenan Ramsey (ankle) 1 week
MATCH REPORT: CROWS ADD TO FREO’S WOES
ON THE BLOCK: Adelaide continues to record percentage boosting wins making it hard for change a successful line-up. However, a fit Sam Jacobs (ankle) will replace impressive first year ruck understudy Reilly O’Brien.
ON THE CUSP: Adelaide coach Don Pyke insists there will be no rested players for the Showdown against Port Adelaide, meaning a quartet of comeback Crows will struggle for promotion. Cam Ellis-Yolmen was the travelling emergency against Fremantle, while Ricky Henderson kicked three goals and match sealer in the SANFL in a 20 disposals return from an Achilles complaint. Defender Andy Otten was exceptional with 21 possessions and seven marks, including five intercepts. Nathan van Berlo was solid on return from a foot injury and Riley Knight also impressed.
RICHARD EARLE’S FORECAST: Adelaide – tied on 60 points with second placed Sydney - has to keep winning to clinch a top two spot meaning it should prevail in Saturday’s Showdown at Adelaide Oval. The Power only have pride to play for and anything can happen in Showdown’s but Don Pyke’s side is ultra professional and won’t let four points slip.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Tom Bell (knee) test
Josh McGuinness (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Jonathan Freeman (eye) 1 week
Rohan Bewick (groin) TBC
Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite
Jaden McGrath (foot) indefinite
Dayne Beams (knee) season
Allen Christensen (collarbone) season
Dan McStay (ankle) season
Claye Beams (knee) season
Ryan Harwood (knee) season
Marco Paparone (hamstring) season
Sam Skinner (knee) season
Josh Watts (groin) season
MATCH REPORT: LIONS HOLD OFF BLUES FOR RARE WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Nine Lions players finished with less than 10 disposals against the Blues. The Brisbane Lions reserves had the bye this weekend so nobody had the chance to press for senior selection and put pressure on a number of underperformers. The recently re-signed Lewis Taylor finished with 10 touches and had another indifferent performance. Hardly the response from a player who just inked a deal for $400,000 a year.
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Tom Bell is a chance to comeback from a knee injury for Sunday’s final home game against Geelong. He was expected to be sidelined for the rest of the year but has been diligent with his rehab to the point where he is in the frame to play again in 2016 and will come straight back into the seniors. Trent West announced his AFL retirement on Monday but is sadly expected to play his farewell game in the NEAFL.
GREG DAVIS’S FORECAST: Reality will bit hard when the Cats came to town for Round 22. A brave Brisbane was rightfully buoyant after clinging on to their third win of the year but Carlton threw away a host of chances to go past the Lions and were kicking themselves post-match. Geelong will not be so wasteful as they continue their push to finals. The Cats need a percentage boost as teams clamber for positions within the top eight and they will look to put the Lions to the sword quickly and emphatically. Brisbane also do not back up well after a win or a good performance. Trouble brewing.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Marc Murphy (ankle) test
Charlie Curnow (knee) 2 weeks
Ciaran Byrne (knee) season
Andrew Gallucci (shoulder) season
Ciaran Sheehan (hamstring) season
Matthew Dick (hamstring) season
Daniel Gorringe (hip) season
MATCH REPORT: LIONS HOLD OFF BLUES FOR RARE WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Andrew Phillips struggled against Stefan Martin but with Daniel Gorring out for the season should play out the season. David Cuningham had eight tackles on debut and should retain his spot despite managing only seven disposals. Blaine Boekhorst needs to do more and Liam Jones didn’t kick a goal.
ON THE CUSP: Marc Murphy has struggled to get over an ankle injury and will be assessed again this week as he hopes to return before season’s end. The Northern Blues had a bye in the VFL so the likes of Nick Graham, dropped for the clash against Brisbane, and Andrejs Everitt were unable to press their case for a recall.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The Blues redeemed themselves in the second half and particualrly the final quarter against Brisbane but at the end of the day it was an opportunity lost for Brendon Bolton’s team. Carlton was expected to knock off the struggling Lions but were hammered in a disappointing first half. They have a chance to redeem themselves against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday but at the very least should at least record one more victory in a better-than-expected season, against Essendon in Round 23.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Ben Sinclair (concussion) season
Ben Crocker (concussion) test
Mason Cox (shoulder) test
Brayden Sier (back) 1 week
Ben Reid (knee) season
Taylor Adams (ankle) season
Jamie Elliott (back) season
Alex Fasolo (shoulder) season
Tim Broomhead (shoulder) season
Tom Langdon (knee) season
Jackson Ramsay (knee) season
Matt Scharenberg (knee) season
Dane Swan (broken leg/foot) season
MATCH REPORT: BONT THE STAR AS BULLDOGS HOLD ON
ON THE BLOCK: Tom Phillips won’t enjoy when the match review shows him playing on in the first quarter right in front of goal. The young Pie had his kick smothered and watched in horror as the footy whisked to the other end for Jake Stringer to goal. Adam Oxley didn’t have a huge Friday night.
ON THE CUSP: Travis Cloke kicked five, but are his papers stamped? Brent Macaffer was best-afield as the VFL side prevailed yet again while Mason Cox could return. Ben Reid is likely to be put on ice for the remainder of the season after succumbing to a knee injury that has plagued him for most of the season.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: These Magpies should beat Gold Coast and won’t be without a sneaky shot against Hawthorn. They sit No.2 on the injury ladder and their form against the best has been impressive. The Dogs might have been younger, but Bucks still fielded the fifth-most inexperienced side of Round 21. Plenty of promise for 2017, while Adam Treloar might be on his way to a Copeland Trophy in year one as a Pie. A decision on Dane Swan is due. Have we seen the last of the champ?
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Brendon Goddard (groin) test
Nathan Grima (hip) test
Tom Wallis (Achilles) test
Alex Morgan (hamstring) test
Mark Baguley (knee) season
James Gwilt (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS STUN SUNS TO RECORD SECOND WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Grimley didn’t have a huge impact against the Suns while Michael Hartley had his nose mangled early on but bravely played out the famous win. Jake Long surely did enough to play out the season.
ON THE CUSP: Brendon Goddard has declared himself right to go against the Bulldogs while boom kids Aaron Francis and Darcy Parish enjoyed a week off and will be fresh.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Suddenly, the Round 23 game against Carlton looks very winnable. And the Bombers will likely be in a position where they can salute and still claim the No.1 pick. You have to sit back and admire the spirit of this footy club, which has now officially been led by Zach Merrett. Big week ahead for Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney, who will play game No.250 against his old side on Sunday.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Aaron Sandilands (glute) test
Tanner Smith (hamstring) test
Zac Dawson (suspended) 1 week
Harley Balic (wrist) TBC
Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) season
Brady Grey (ankle) season
Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) season
Alex Pearce (leg) season
Michael Barlow (shoulder) season
Harley Bennell (calf) season
Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) season
MATCH REPORT: CROWS ADD TO FREO’S WOES
ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Aaron Sandilands appears likely to miss the trip to face GWS on Saturday after picking up a gluteal strain on Sunday. Sandilands has played more games with Matthew Pavlich than anybody and he will be desperate to be available for Pavlich’s farewell match in Round 23. Developing key forward Michael Apeness didn’t have a kick but could be retained, with Pavlich set to be rested for the Giants clash in preparation for the final round.
ON THE CUSP: Forward Matt Taberner is likely to be recalled to face the Giants as Pavlich rests. Jon Griffin may be considered for a recall if Sandilands doesn’t come up, but the Dockers may decide Zac Clarke and Apeness can handle the ruck duties between them. Fremantle’s WAFL host club Peel had a bye.
BRADEN QUARTERMAINE’S FORECAST: The Dockers have lost seven on the trot and there doesn’t appear to be any relief in sight. A tough trip to face GWS on the rebound at Spotless Stadium on Saturday will be followed by Pavlich’s farewell game at home against the Western Bulldogs in Round 23. All eyes will be on how the club handles Pavlich’s big day and which 21 players are selected to share it with him.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Andrew Mackie (rested) test
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) test
Daniel Menzel (adductor) test
Zac Bates (hamstring) test
Billie Smedts (broken fibula) 1 week
Nathan Vardy (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Jordan Cunico (knee) 2 weeks
Cory Gregson (foot) season
Tom Read (knee) season
Jackson Thurlow (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: CATS ROAR HOME TO SINK SHOCKED TIGERS
ON THE BLOCK: A clean bill of health but a swag of questions to ask about another below-par performance. Mitch Duncan and Steven Motlop were again below-par, while Shane Kersten couldn’t sniff it in a forward line that got few favours from teammates up the ground.
The Cats are starting to look pretty settled and one man surely safe for now is Sam Menegola. Looks a real find.
ON THE CUSP: Andrew Mackie was rested against the Tigers and should return, while Daniel Menzel and Nakia Cockatoo will be monitored after missing with adductor and knee issues respectively. In the VFL, George Horlin-Smith was among the best after 17 disposals and 11 tackles.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: The enigma of the AFL has treated us to some sensational footy and diabolical footy this year. Against the Tigers we got both in one game. Their best can win it, but their worst is almost bottom-four stuff. Shouldn’t lose another one before September with the Brisbane Lions (Gabba) and Melbourne (Simonds Stadium) to come, but the lack of consistent, quality footy must be a concern now.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Nick Malceski (knee) test
Jack Leslie (hamstring) test
Henry Schade (abdominal) test
Cam Loersch (adductor) 1 week
Alex Sexton (corked quad) TBC
Tom Nicholls (knee) TBC
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) season
Gary Ablett (shoulder) season
Trent McKenzie (groin) season
Dion Prestia (knee) season
Michael Rischitelli (knee) season
Luke Russell (toe) season
Danny Stanley (ankle) season
Jesse Lonergan (shoulder) season
MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS STUN SUNS TO RECORD SECOND WIN
ON THE BLOCK: No injuries at Etihad Stadium and every Suns player reached double-figure disposals although Jarrod Garlett managed six clangers out of his 12 touches. Jesse Joyce, Josh Schoenfeld and Brandon Matera dind’t do a lot.
ON THE CUSP: The Suns could blood another player after first-round draft pick Brayden Fiorini was best on ground in the reserves’ win against Southport in the NEAFL. Fiorini, taken at pick 20, had 40 disposals, seven tackles and two goals in the 13-point win. Sean Lemmens, dropped last week, responded with 36 disposals and 10 marks, Darcy Macpherson kicked a couple and Dan Currie put up his hand to support (or replace) Keegan Brooksby in the ruck. The best news from the NEAFL was the return of David Swallow, who got through his comeback game unscathed and picked up 16 disposals.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: After a very competitive month the Suns will be feeling pretty flat after blowing a three-quarter time lead against Essendon. Goalkicking will be top of the agenda this week after kicking 9.15, including 1.7 in the final term. With Collingwood next at Etihad Stadium and Port Adelaide at home in Round 23 Gold Coast fans are a good chance to sing the song at least one more time in 2016.
GWS
INJURIES
Adam Kennedy (concussion) test
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) season
Jarrod Pickett (foot) season
Cam McCarthy (illness) season
MATCH REPORT: NIC NAT MIRACLE GOAL SEALS SHOCK WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Adam Kennedy looks almost certain to miss with concussion after a second serious knock to the head this year. Kennedy was also hurt earlier this year in the round 10 match against Adelaide when he crashed to the ground heavily after a marking contest.
ON THE CUSP: Nathan Wilson had 29 disposals in the Giant reserves 150 point belting of Redland in the NEAFL match on Saturday and is the likely replacement for Kennedy. Jack Steele had a massive 43 possessions, Jacob Hopper had 37 and Matt Buntine was also prolific with 33 disposals.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants face a second West Australian team within a week when they take on Fremantle at Spotless Stadium on Saturday. Even if they beat the Dockers and win next week against North Melbourne they will need other results to go their way to secure a top four finish.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Ben Stratton (pectoral) 2-3 weeks
Jarryd Roughead (illness) season
Teia Miles (collarbone) season
MATCH REPORT: RAMPANT HAWKS DEMOLISH KANGAROOS
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to knock the performance of the club’s seventh first-gamer this year Ryan Burton, who kicked a goal with his first kick and showed plenty of promise. His teammates joke that he has a bit of swagger, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It was a very solid debut and he clearly has a future. Billy Hartung’s speed looks to be an asset going into September, and while he looked a little sore on one occasion on Saturday, the Hawks talked about a clean bill of health at the end of the game.
ON THE CUSP: Ryan Schoenmakers made his return from a persistent groin injury in the VFL but will need more game time, while fellow forward Tim O’Brien pressed his case for a recall after three goals from 13 disposals and seven marks. Jono O’Rourke responded to his axing with 20 disposals in Box Hill’s win.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Is there anyone who seriously still thinks Hawthorn can’t win the flag? Surely not. They are still a game clear on the ladder, their eight-goal first term gave a timely reminder of their capabilities, and a perceived lack of outside run theory was smashed by Isaac Smith and Brad Hill on the weekend. The defence is still very strong, the midfield outworked North Melbourne’s, and the small forwards are the most dangerous in the competition. That all adds up to one simple fact — along with the Swans, they are the two teams to beat this finals series. Next stop, Subiaco Oval, and a date with the Eagles.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Sam Weideman (quad) test
Ben Newton (knee) test
Mitch King (knee) season
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: ELECTRIC DEMONS END POWER’S SEASON
ON THE BLOCK: Paul Roos is unlikely to make any changes to the 22 that beat Port Adelaide. Cam Pederson didn’t kick a goal and has been in and out of the side this year and Aaron Vandenberg had just 10 disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Weideman was unlucky to cop a corkie in his debut game that cost him a follow-up against the Power and could come back in if Melbourne want to give him another taste at AFL level. ALex Neal-Bullen dominated at VFL level again with 35 disposals and two goals.
KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: The Demons have put themselves back into the mix to steal North Melbourne’s spot in the top eight should the Kangaroos falter in the final two rounds. Melbourne should beat Carlton on Sunday at the MCG but the big one comes in Round 23 against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Regardless, in the end, of whether they make the finals or not this year, that game looms as a huge confidence boost for the club and its fans if they knock off the Cats again ahead of 2017.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Lachie Hansen (ankle) test
Ben Brown (knee) test
Scott Thompson (groin) test
Ben Jacobs (foot) test
Shaun Higgins (knee) test
Aaron Black (ankle) 1 week
Luke McDonald (hamstring) 1 week
Farren Ray (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Kayne Turner (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Mason Wood (knee) 3 weeks
Jarrad Waite (hip) 2-3 weeks
Taylor Garner (knee) season
MATCH REPORT: RAMPANT HAWKS DEMOLISH KANGAROOS
ON THE BLOCK: Boomer Harvey must rely on the MRP to clear him of a high round-arm tackle on Sam Mitchell. Robin Nahas has more chance of winning lotto than playing in the seniors on Saturday. Nahas laid just two tackles, and coughed the ball up several times. Ryan Clarke will get the rest he missed out on last week. Lachie Hansen was solid as a rock in just his second game for the year, but came off with an ankle injury and despite playing out the game, Brad Scott says his injury will be further assessed this week.
ON THE CUSP: Here come the cavalry! Ben Brown and Scott Thompson will definitely play, while Ben Jacobs and Sam Wright could also make long-awaited returns from injury. Shaun Higgins should go close to senior selection this week, with Luke McDonald next in line but get the feeling he might get a run in the VFL to blow out the cobwebs.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: They’re sore, underdone and just not good enough. Sydney will run rings around them on Saturday in Hobart despite the Roos great record down south. Forward line works in spits and spurts - not exactly what you want coming up against the best defence in the competition - while the gap between the best and worst of Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell is wider than Bass Strait. Look forward to the Robbie Tarrant lining up against Buddy Franklin, did a good job on the Swans superstar last time they met.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Logan Austin (corked leg) test
Tom Jonas (hamstring) 1 week
Hamish Hartlett (calf) season
Chad Wingard (hamstring) season
Alipate Carlile (knee) season
Jack Hombsch (hip) season
Dougal Howard (knee) season
Aidyn Johnson (hamstring) season
Matthew White (cheekbone) season
MATCH REPORT: ELECTRIC DEMONS END POWER’S SEASON
ON THE BLOCK: The cupboard is almost bare at Alberton and the hits keep coming. All-Australian forward Chad Wingard (hamstring) and star midfielder Hamish Hartlett are done for the year and pacy winger Matt White (cheekbone) leaves the Power limping to the finish line of the home-and-away season that ends with a Showdown and away clash with Gold Coast. Charlie Dixon, also looks far from right on his feet after recently missing with an ankle injury.
ON THE CUSP: Ken Hinkley may have no choice but to recall veteran key forward Jay Schulz and John Butcher to get a 22 to play the rampant Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. Big decision looms as to whether the derby is the right moment to introduce 2015 draftee Riley Bonner.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide’s only mathematical equation now — after falling to 11th with a 9-10 record, including a damning 4-7 count at home — is how much will the record books be rewritten in this weekend’s derby with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval? Yes, it has become a disaster at Alberton with coach Ken Hinkley admitting there is enough evidence from the past two seasons — in which the Power has not lived up to be a top-four or top-six contender — to confirm Port Adelaide has some players who are not up to AFL standard and his once-admired squad needs to be reworked. Also, the skill base of the team requires much revision. And for the record ... the Power’s biggest losing margin in a Showdown: 83 points in the so-called “dream final” in the 2005 semi-finals at Football Park.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Ben Griffiths (groin) test
Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) 2 weeks
Brett Deledio (calf) season
Steven Morris (knee) season
Jake Batchelor (shoulder) season
Chris Yarran (personal) TBC
MATCH REPORT: CATS ROAR HOME TO SINK SHOCKED TIGERS
ON THE BLOCK: Only broken hearts in the Richmond dressingroom after an agonising defeat at the hands of Geelong in Jack Riewold’ts 200th game on Sunday. The Tigers were plucky, but ultimately the result reflected the side’s season at large. Ben Lennon was scratchy in his return to the seniors, but it would be a harsh call to drop the kid with two rounds to go given his paucity of match time so far this season.
ON THE CUSP: Reece Conca (hamstring) and Ben Griffiths (groin) were on the brink last week, so would likely come in to consideration for Saturday’s MCG clash with St Kilda. The Tiges will be gearing themselves for one last 2016 assault this weekend given the last round is a daunting assignment against a minor premiership-hunting Sydney at the SCG. As such, strong performers in Sunday’s VFL win against the Cats such as Conca and Corey Ellis will make a habit of walking past coach Damien Hardwick’s office door this week.
MATT WINDLEY’S FORECAST: Despite the loss, you can’t imagine Hardwick swinging the axe brutally in retaliation given his side’s promising efforts in the first three quarters at the MCG. And given the fact there were no injuries to come out of the game, one wouldn’t be surprised to see the “No Change” sign appear on Richmond’s teamsheet on Thursday night.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Sam Fisher (hamstring) 1 week
Tom Hickey (leg) 1 week
Jarryn Geary (back) test
Hugh Goddard (Achilles) season
Luke Dunstan (shoulder) season
MATCH REPORT: BRILLIANT BUDDY ENDS SAINTS’ FINALS HOPES
ON THE BLOCK: Sam Fisher was cleared of structural damage to his jaw after being poleaxed by Toby Nankervis but suffered a low-grade hamstring tear earlier in the game that will sideline him against Richmond. Tom Hickey will also miss after hobbling for much of the loss to Sydney. Darren Minchington had minimal impact against the Swans, Dan McKenzie came in late and could go straight back out and Jack Billings’ form remains a worry.
ON THE CUSP: Jarryn Geary was a late late withdrawal after suffering back pain during the warm-up and will come straight in if he’s fit. With Hickey out, the Saints have a choice of three VFL ruckmen in Billy Longer, Jason Holmes and Lewis Pierce. Jimmy Webster led the stats sheetin Sandringham’s loss to Box Hill with 27 disposals, Jack Sinclair had 25 and Cam Shenton has kicked 10 goals in the past two weeks.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The finals dream is over (barring a 200-point win against Brisbane in the last round) but Saints fans shouldn’t feel too disheartened. They matched it with the Swans for a half before being blown away by a Buddy-inspired onslaught. Jake Carlisle will be a welcome inclusion next season and a priority will be to add depth to a midfield that can battle when Jack Steven is shut down. They finish the season with two very winnable games and should finish on the positive side of the win-loss column, an excellent launching pad for 2017.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Lewis Melican (hamstring) test
Kurt Tippett (hamstring tendon) test
Zak Jones (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Sam Reid (calf/Achilles) 1-2 weeks
Callum Sinclair (knee) 2-3 weeks
Abe Davis (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Daniel Robinson (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Michael Talia (club suspension) available August 19
MATCH REPORT: BRILLIANT BUDDY ENDS SAINTS’ FINALS HOPES
ON THE BLOCK: Toby Nankervis will come under scrutiny from the Match Review Panel for a bump he delivered to St Kilda’s Sam Fisher. Fisher left the field holding his jaw but was later cleared of serious injury. Sam Naismith in outstanding form in the ruck and won’t lose his place if Naismith is suspended given Kurt Tippett’s expected return.
ON THE CUSP: Tippett needs to simply get through training this week and he will be in for the match against North Melbourne in Hobart on Saturday. The big man hasn’t played since round 12 when he suffered a hamstring tendon injury in the loss the GWS. He has been training at full pace for two weeks and is expected to hit the ground running.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: If the resurgent West Coast beat Hawthorn in Perth on Friday night the Swans could go to the top of the ladder with a victory over North Melbourne in Hobart. Tippett could spend more time up forward than in the ruck with youngster Sam Naismith in excellent form.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Jack Redden (shoulder) test
Liam Duggan (calf) test
Kurt Mutimer (hamstring) test
Kane Lucas (knee) season
Xavier Ellis (retired)
MATCH REPORT: NIC NAT MIRACLE GOAL SEALS SHOCK WIN
ON THE BLOCK: It’s unlikely Adam Simpson will look at too many changes to an outfit that pulled off one of the club’s most memorable wins with a last-second triumph over GWS. But Simon Tunbridge is likely to face at least a game on the sidelines when the Match Review Panel assesses a sling tackle that left Adam Kennedy concussed.
ON THE CUSP: Patrick McGinnity and Lewis Jetta both registered solid numbers for WAFL side East Perth on the weekend, staking their case for a recall. Jackson Nelson was the travelling emergency for the GWS game, while Liam Duggan could be in contention as he recovers from a calf complaint.
CHRIS ROBINSON’S FORECAST: It’s a mouth-watering match-up — West Coast hosting Hawthorn in a Friday night blockbuster in the west. Last year’s grand finalists go toe-to-toe with plenty to play for amid a logjam in the top eight. Should the Eagles win, and claim the scalps of GWS and the Hawks off consecutive six-day breaks, they’ll make a statement about their September chances.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Marcus Adams (foot) test
Dale Morris (hamstring) test
Bailey Williams (knee) test
Jack Macrae (hamstring) 2 weeks
Tom Liberatore (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Tom Campbell (foot) TBC
Robert Murphy (knee) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Jack Redpath (knee) season
Mitch Wallis (broken leg) season
Kieran Collins (shoulder) season
MATCH REPORT: BONT THE STAR AS BULLDOGS HOLD ON
ON THE BLOCK: Coach Luke Beveridge said Collingwood “threw the kitchen sink” at his side on Friday night, but on what must feel like a rare occasion the Bulldogs escaped a nailbiting encounter without adding to their already significant injury list. And that, at this stage of the season, is almost as significant a win as the three-point victory over the Magpies.
ON THE CUSP: The Bulldogs had the bye in the VFL so it’s hard to say anyone from outside Friday 22 has really had the opportunity to push their selection claims. Marcus Adams would have been in line for selection but Beveridge revealed the defender has had a setback with his foot injury and will miss the clash against Essendon.
MATT WINDLEY’S FORECAST: Beveridge said last week that big man Tom Campbell was a chance to return for the Pies game, so you’d think he should come in to the reckoning to face Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday given he’s got an extra nine days to get his foot cherry ripe. The Bombers have proven themselves to be no easybeat of late - just ask Gold Coast - but while the Bulldogs can ill-afford to flirt with form or momentum given their neck-and-neck race with West Coast for a home elimination final, it must be tempting for Beveridge to at least think about giving one or two players a week on the sidelines for an extra freshen up.
Originally published as AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 21