Footy Barometer - Round 11

A COMPLETE rundown on every club's playing stocks. Who's hurt, who's in danger and who's on the cusp of selection.

A COMPLETE rundown on every club's playing stocks. Who's hurt, who's in danger and who's on the cusp of selection.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES
David Mackay (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Shaun McKernan (corked thigh) 1 week
Brad Crouch (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: Other than Bernie Vince, who was reported for striking Zac Clarke off the ball, there is not a lot for the selectors to worry about at AAMI Stadium. Veteran Graham Johncock came on in the third quarter and collected three disposals for a goal.

ON THE CUSP: Andy Otten's hot streak in the SANFL continued with another 24 disposals including seven clearances for South Adelaide. Otten also had five marks and a goal. St Kilda recruit Tom Lynch was close to best on ground for Glenelg with 33 touches, 11 marks, seven clearances and six inside-50s. Young Jarryd Lyons was ferocious with 17 touches and 10 tackles.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: With the bye this week Brenton Sanderson will be looking to freshen up his troops ahead of their Round 12 clash against St Kilda. Expect ball magnet Scott Thompson to come out of the break with a new lease on life after a couple of lean weeks as the victim of heavy tags. No surprises here, but emerging stars Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane and twin towers Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker will be front row centre as the Crows turn their attentions to a finals campaign.

BRISBANE

INJURIES:
Todd Banfield (leg) 3 weeks
Matthew Leuenberger (achilles) 3 weeks
Brent Staker (knee) season
Simon Black (knee strain) test
Ash McGrath (knee) test
Billy Longer (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: Ash McGrath could miss after being helped from the field late in the Lions’ win over West Coast. Earlier, McGrath hurt his left knee in tackle and spent most of the first and second quarters on the bench receiving treatment. He returned after halftime with heavy strapping but was still able to play a part. Rohan Bewick had a tough day managing only nine disposals including three clangers.  Aaron Cornelius crashed back down to earth after his four-goal effort against North Melbourne in Round 9. Cornelius could only manage three marks and one goal before being subbed off in the third quarter.

ON THE CUSP: Super sub Josh Green (three goals) made the most of limited chances (four kicks) to ignite the Lions late in the piece. Expect Green to get a bit more game time in coming weeks. Veteran Simon Black will be a certain starter if he can overcome a knee strain. Patrick Karnezis was best afield in the reserves’ 117-point win over Broadbeach and big Bryce Retzlaff continued his push for selection, slotting another seven goals. Jordan Lisle (six goals) and Cheynee Stiller were also among the best in the twos.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: The Lions can’t afford to rest on their laurels with Lance Franklin and Hawthorn on the horizon. Loved the way Dayne Zorko (18 disposals, nine tackles) went about it, while Josh Drummond (three goals) had a knack of popping up when the Lions needed him most. Expect Jonathan Brown to come out of the break refreshed and to have impact on the second half of the season.

CARLTON

INJURIES:
Lachie Henderson (groin) test
Jarrad Waite (back) test
Nick Duigan (calf) test
Matthew Kreuzer (hamstring tightness) test
Bret Thornton (gluteal strain) 1 week
Heath Scotland (calf) 3 weeks
Levi Casboult (knee) 4 weeks
Jeremy Laidler (knee) 4 weeks
Nick Heyne (hamstring) 4 weeks
Andrew Carrazzo (shoulder) 4 weeks
Marcus Davies (shoulder) 5 weeks
Marc Murphy (shoulder) 7-11 weeks
Simon White (knee) 8 weeks
Sam Rowe (testicular cancer) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: You can’t lose to Port Adelaide by nine goals and keep the same mix. Several Blues will be sweating on their place in the team including ruckman Shaun Hampson, who is starting to get outshone by Robbie Warnock. The former Docker was quiet around the ground but handy at the stoppages in Kreuzer’s absence. Dennis Armfield was poor, Zach Tuohy was exposed at times but should keep his place while Ed Curnow finished in the red vest. Chris Judd tracked at just 43 per cent disposal efficiency. What the? Get ready for a week of scrutiny on the Blues, with a potential firestorm already lit with Mick Malthouse being linked to Carlton.

ON THE CUSP: Not much from the VFL, then again the Northern Blues are down to their bare bones due to Carlton’s unfathomable injury list. The Blues medical room is more cramped than a peak-hour Frankston train with Kreuzer and Heath Scotland adding their names to the whiteboard this week. Scotland is a worry. The Blues say he will miss only three weeks but a calf tear for a player at his age could prove troublesome. Ratten hinted yesterday Henderson, Waite, Duigan and Kreuzer could all return against the Cats on Friday night. Fingers crossed. Hard to see anyone from the VFL earning promotion but promising signs for the future with key defender Andy McInnes impressing and forward Luke Mitchell kicking two goals.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Time to forget top-four hopes for now and worry about simply making the eight. The Blues sit seventh with a nightmare month ahead, an injury list longer than Aaron Sandilands and sides outside the eight – such as St Kilda and Richmond – snapping at their heels. Yes, the Blues have been savaged by injuries, but so have the Eagles and they remain top of the table. A nine-goal loss to Port Adelaide, a side on its knees three weeks ago, is cause for concern. If the Blues go 0-4 from the Cats, Eagles (away), Hawthorn and Collingwood, the club, and coach, will be drowning in a sea of trouble.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES:
Dane Swan (hamstring) test
Luke Rounds (calf) test
Ben Reid (quad) test
Scott Pendlebury (leg) 3-4 weeks
Heath Shaw (calf) TBC
Lachie Keeffe (knee) Season
Ben Johnson (shoulder) Indefinite
Andrew Krakouer (knee) Indefinite
Brent Macaffer (knee) Indefinite
Josh Thomas (foot) Indefinite
Luke Ball (knee) Season

ON THE BLOCK: Ugle and Wood came in late but the latter played one of his best games and would be stiff to face the chop even with Jolly expected to return. Tom Young could be forced out with a bundle of star power close to returning but hard to see many forced changes. The Pies were in cruise control against the hapless Suns. In the second term they piled on 7.0 in 12 minutes to lock away their seventh straight win, with many calling it a glorified training run at the MCG.

ON THE CUSP: Chris Tarrant got another VFL run into his legs and is ready to rock if required, while the club is adamant Ben Reid and Dane Swan are both a chance to play on Queen’s Birthday against the Dees. You’d think the Pies would opt for caution, so don’t be surprise if both are held over until Round 13 (after the bye). All the focus will be on Scott Pendlebury’s right leg ... it looked fine for the first half as he courageously battled on but was booked in for scans today, which confirmed a cracked tibia bone. He won’t play against the Dees and the Pies hope he’s back to meet West Coast in Round 13. But that looks highly unlikely given the tibia is a weight-bearing bone and will require time to heal. Jolly and Toovey withdrew against the Suns but you’d back both to return this week.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Pies are clearly the form side now and yesterday started a string of seven consecutive MCG games. That streak is broken by a trip to face GWS, so pen in a win there as well. How resilient is this group under Nathan Buckley? If the premiership favourites roll West Coast in Round 13 at the G they can start banking on the double chance in a season when it looks more important than ever given the evenness across the competition.

ESSENDON

INJURIES:
Dyson Heppell (knee) test
David Hille (shoulder) test
Michael Hibberd (hamstring) 1 week
Jason Winderlich (hamstring) unavailable
Brent Prismall (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: You wouldn’t expect any rash changes from Hirdy this week. Yes, effort levels were poor against the Dees but an 8-2 start? Find a club that wouldn’t take that. Tayte Pears remains on the fringe and could be forced out while a banged-up Stewie Crameri is playing like a man who needs a break. He’ll get one in two weeks with the bye, but will the Bombers double it by ruling him out against the Swans?

ON THE CUSP: Yes, we’ve fallen for the hype over and over again ... but those in the know at Bomberland are genuinely fist-punching the air at the prospect of Scott Gumbleton jumping into the mix for the back half of the year. Gumby kicked three and was Bendigo’s best in its upset win against Williamstown on Saturday. Him aside, expect Dyson Heppell to slot back in against Sydney but Michael Hibberd is unlikely to feature from his nasty hamstring tear until after the bye. Cale Hooker also a chance to face the Swans.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Did the Bombers believe their own hype and simply assume they would get the job done against the Dees? With a brutal run to September let’s hope that loss does not come back to bite their top-four hopes. The thinning injury list is a relief while their next two games are huge: Sydney at Etihad and Fremantle in Perth with a bye sandwiched in the middle.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES:
Nat Fyfe (shoulder) 7 weeks
Adam McPhee (leg) test
Josh Mellington (hamstring) 5 weeks
Jordan Wilson-King (shin) 1 weeks
Alex Forster (hip) 2 weeks
Hayden Ballantyne (ankle) TBA
Stephen Hill (shoulder) TBA
Jack Anthony (leg) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Zac Clarke is doing less and less each week and must be getting close to run in the WAFL. Clarke had five possessions and a behind against Adelaide. Tendai Mzungu bounced out of the blocks with 10 first-quarter disposals but faded miserably as emerging Crow star Rory Sloane ran riot. Jack Anthony (four touches) did little to cement his spot in the team.

ON THE CUSP: Nick Suban (20 touches, six inside-50s, five marks) is doing everything right in the WAFL to win a spot back in the team while utility Adam McPhee (leg) must prove his fitness this week. Young gun Lee Spurr collected 23 touches and 13 marks for Peel Thunder. Anthony Morabito (18 touches, one goal) is still a couple of weeks away from an AFL return.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: It doesn’t get any easier for the Dockers who now face the electrifying Tigers on Saturday. On a positive note, Stephen Hill (20 touches) got a bit of the football despite coming up gingerly from a heavy tackle in the third term. Paul Duffield looks lost coming out of defence. What happened to Duffield circa 2010?

GEELONG

INJURIES:
Joel Corey (foot) available
Corey Enright (shoulder) available
Steve Motlop (shoulder) available
Tom Hawkins (knee) test
Allen Christensen (concussion) test
Travis Varcoe (foot) test
Jordan Murdoch (finger) indefinite
Dawson Simpson (back) indefinite
Nathan Vardy (hip) indefinite
Josh Cowan (achilles) indefinite
Daniel Menzel (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Expect the revolving door some of the young brigade are caught in to be in full effect this week with several Cats stars likely to return. Debutants Jordan Schroder and Lincoln McCarthy could be forced to make way while Tom Gillies, Jesse Stringer and Billie Smedts all remain on the fringe despite looking long-term rocks for the next generation at Geelong.

ON THE CUSP: Joel Corey, Steve Motlop and Corey Enright boast 471 games’ experience. That trio withdrew on Saturday but could all return to face the Blues on Friday night. Tom Hawkins is also a chance despite going under the knife last week, while Travis Varcoe is not far away.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Suddenly after two straight wins the Cats are a game clear in the eight. To stay there they must beat Carlton on Friday night and given Port Adelaide did so with ease Chris Scott’s charges will start heavy favourites. Etihad Stadium doesn’t suit the Blues, so all signs are pointing the Cats way. After that it’s the bye then the Swans in Sydney before Geelong’s draw opens up. Big few weeks ahead.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES:
Brandon Matera (foot) - 1-2 weeks
Jack Hutchins (quad) - 2-3 weeks
Jarrod Harbrow (fractured elbow) - 4-5 weeks
Charlie Dixon (cheekbone) - 4-6 weeks
David Swallow (knee) - 6-8 weeks
Dan Gorringe (Achilles) – indefinite
Nathan Bock (leg) – indefinite
Jeremy Taylor (quad) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Has Kyal Horsley’s dream run come to an end? He was subbed off in the third quarter against the Pies with just 10 disposals. More than 85,000 SuperCoaches will be sweating on his selection this week. Michael Rischitelli won’t be dropped but he was hardly sighted in a head-to-head dual with Steele Sidebottom. Sam Day could find his name being bandied around at selection after picking up seven disposals and three marks.

ON THE CUSP: Zac Smith might find it hard to break back into the team with his replacement, Tom Hickey, holding his own against Magpie Cameron Wood. Hickey had 24 hitouts and 19 disposals. Jared Brennan remains on the outer but is too good a player to be running around in the NEAFL. Maverick Weller, Seb Tape and Dion Prestia could return.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Hard to see the Suns troubling St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. Gary Ablett should miss with leather poisoning after picking up a record-equaling 53 possessions against the Pies.  Jokes aside, Gold Coast must find an avenue to goal as the Suns cannot rely on hard-nut Campbell Brown each week. Aaron Hall showed promise working out of the forward pocket. It would be great to see Alik Magin get a bit more game time up after starting as the substitute for consecutive weeks. Last time out in the reserves Magin booted four goals.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

INJURIES:
Dean Brogan (wrist) 1-2 weeks
Josh Bruce (back) 1-2 weeks
Stephen Clifton (knee) 1 week
Israel Folau (hamstring) test
Josh Growden (leg) 4-5 weeks
Adam Kennedy (shoulder) test
Anthony Miles (knee) test
Setanta O'hAilpin (knee) season
Rhys Palmer (groin) test
Jonathon Patton (knee) 1 week
Liam Sumner (foot) 4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Devon Smith had a day to forget against the Cats, picking up just 10 possessions at 60 per cent efficiency. Sam Reid was towelled up by Steve Johnson but let’s hope he learned a thing or two about the game from the triple-premiership winning marvel. Debutant Nick Haynes avoided the red substitute’s vest but will he be so lucky at selection? Haynes collected six touches in the first half but could only manage two after the main break. Jacob Townsend copped a knock to the head.
 
ON THE CUSP: Kevin Sheedy has a number of players coming back from injury including Adam Kennedy, Israel Folau, Dean Brogan and top draft pick Jonathon Patton. Sheeds is confident Patton will make his AFL debut after this week’s bye. Patton had revolutionary knee surgery in Sweden during the off-season. Others in the wings include Adam Tomlinson, Rhys Palmer, Nathan Wilson and Matthew Buntine.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Despite going into the mid-season break with only one win, the Giants have won a lot of admirers. Sheedy has his boys playing a hard-at-it, no-frills attacking brand of football based around a tough-as-teak midfield (Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar and Co) and exciting power forward Jeremy Cameron. Add to the mix experienced heads Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Luke Power and James MacDonald and the foundations for a stronger second half of the season are in place. The Giants won’t get near Richmond on Saturday week but a clash against Melbourne in Round 13 is very winnable.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES:
Broc McCauley (elbow) 5-6 weeks
Jarrad Boumann (appendix) 1-2 weeks
Chance Bateman (shoulder) 2 weeks
Luke Hodge (knee) 3 weeks
Will Langford (shoulder) 3-4 weeks
Max Bailey (wrist) TBC
Michael Osborne (knee) season
Alex Woodward (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: You’d be stiff to face the axe after a win like the Hawks enjoyed on Saturday.  Even Brad Hill looked OK after starting as the sub. Expect Alastair Clarkson to fly the same squad to Adelaide this week to face the Power.

ON THE CUSP: Box Hill had the bye (although played a scratch match against Coburg) but Gilham and Gunston remain at the top of the list of players trying to force their way in. Hard to see anyone else hot on the radar. The big one is obviously captain Luke Hodge and he confirmed on Saturday he’s another three weeks away.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: A 62-point loss one week. A 115-point hammering dished out the next. What to make of the fickle Hawks?  Premiership favourites again and now a healthier percentage than both the Pies and Crows, which could be telling. You get the feeling Saturday might have been the start of something... the Hawks now face Port Adelaide, Brisbane (MCG), Carlton, GWS and the Dogs. You’d back them to win them all and reflect on the Richmond pounding as a blip on the radar.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES:
James Frawley (foot) test
Clint Bartram (knee) test
James Strauss (leg) test
Leigh Williams (virus) 2 weeks
Jordan Gysberts (jaw) 2-4 weeks
Liam Jurrah (ankle) 2-4 weeks
Rory Taggert (back) indefinite
Max Gawn (knee) season
Neville Jetta (ankle) indefinite
Michael Evans (back) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Brad Green was quiet again but brave to even play after his lung scare last week. Despite the win Green, Colin Sylvia and Sam Blease (who was subbed out early in the third quarter with a hip knock) would all want to lift their output.

ON THE CUSP: Aaron Davey tried hard for Casey, gathering 23 touches while Troy Davis is closing in on a debut and was prolific again. Josh Tynan made an impressive return and raw key forward Lucas Cook kicked three goals. James Frawley is a chance to return against the Pies as well.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: It’s a grand old flag it’s a... sing it again Dees fans. Mark Neeld’s side is off the bottom of the ladder and out of hell, for a week at least. While one win won’t change Melbourne’s long-term dire situation, it does allow fans to see there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The effort was tremendous, epitomised by Nathan Jones while Jack Watts played arguably his best game for the club. Suddenly they can look forward to the Queen’s Birthday clash instead of dread it.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Scott McMahon (illness) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (knee) 5-6 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (soreness) available
Kieran Harper (leg) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: This has to be one of the biggest blocks in the league at the moment.  Aaron Black went from chocolates to boiled lollies. He bagged four goals on debut but could only manage one behind against the Hawks. Jamie Macmillan was largely ineffective as were brothers Luke and Cameron Delaney. Young gun Kieran Harper was subbed off after hurting his left leg during the second quarter but should be right with the bye this week. Aaron Edwards (one goal) was quiet but to his credit laid seven tackles (Ben Cunnington with 10 had the most).

ON THE CUSP: Wayward forward Lindsay Thomas answered his critics in the best way possible with six goals for VFL affiliate North Ballarat. Running machine Matthew Campbell, Cameron Richardson and the Kangaroos’ second pick in the 2011 Draft Tom Curran also put their hands up for selection.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Talk about soul searching and home truths. . . North Melbourne will have it spades this week and next as the club looks to bounce back from a humiliating loss to Hawthorn in Tassie. The Buddy-led Hawks outpointed the Kangaroos in all facets of the game including inside 50s (-30) and clearances (-15). Nathan Grima was the only shining light in defence while Todd Goldstein continues to relish the No.1 ruck responsibility. Brent Harvey was again tagged out of the game and had no influence. Drew Petrie tried hard but butchered his disposals with 33 per cent efficiency. The bad news is it doesn’t get any easier for the Roos who face Gold Coast, Adelaide, St Kilda, West Coast, Carlton and Richmond in coming weeks.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES:
Travis Boak (foot) 3-4 weeks
Jay Schulz (ribs) test
Robbie Gray (knee) season
John McCarthy (late withdrawal)
Cameron Hitchcock (hamstring) test
Jasper Pittard (hamstring) 1 week
Tom Jonas (knee) 1 week
Nick Salter (foot) 3 week
Aaron Young (ankle) test
John Butcher (hip) test
Mitch Banner (knee) 1 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Port’s three-game winning streak has been dealt a blow with midfield gun Travis Boak (foot) set to miss a month of football while spearhead Jay Schulz (ribs) is in doubt for Sunday’s clash against Hawthorn. Boak will see a surgeon today to find out his fate. Young midfielder Andrew Moore collected just two possessions after being subbed on in the final quarter. Moore was a late replacement for John McCarthy.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Logan starred in Glenelg’s five-goal loss to North Adelaide with 27 disposals, nine marks and a goal. Veteran playmaker David Rodan was good for Norwood picking up 16 touches, six clearances and five tackles. Others to perform well in the SANFL include Steven Salopek (23 disposals), Daniel Stewart (12 hitouts, two goals) and Matthew Lobbe (15 hitouts, seven clearances).

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: How could you fault a team on a three-game win streak with the latest victim a one-time, albeit injury ravaged, premiership contender? Well, you can’t. Matthew Primus has answered his critics in the best way possible leading a resurgent Port to victory against North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Carlton. There is a sense of belief at Alberton with Danyle Pearce and Matthew Broadbent in red-hot form.

RICHMOND

INJURIES
Luke McGuane (knee) test
Dylan Grimes (hamstring) 3 weeks
Kelvin Moore (hip) indefinite
Brad Helbig (foot) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Who could you possibly drop? Addam Maric was the sub yet he came on and was crucial in winning the match with that ferocious tackle on Brendon Goddard in the last quarter. The Tigers were sensational and produced the ultimate team performance. Don’t expect any changes to that formula.

ON THE CUSP: Brad Miller and Matthew White are hot on the radar but are finding it tough to crack a side oozing confidence and flair. They remain outside chances of coming in but the injury list is thin and the Tigers are up and about.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Should we bother with the second half of the season or hand the Tigers the cup now? If you believe some of the Tigers army, there’s no point. Yes, Richmond is arriving but still it sits outside the eight. But with Fremantle (MCG) and GWS on the horizon that could quickly change. Incredible that Richmond has played all of last year’s top eight inside 10 rounds but it bodes well for the next two months of footy.

ST KILDA

INJURIES:
Sam Fisher (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Jimmy Webster (shin) 2-3 weeks
Ben McEvoy (knee) 3 weeks
Rhys Stanley (hamstring) 4 weeks
Jarryn Geary (orbital fracture) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Jamie Cripps was down, subbed out in the third quarter with just three touches. James Gwilt also battled but that can be expected after such a long layoff from AFL footy. Other than that an impressive performance from most Saints in one of the games of the season.

ON THE CUSP: No Sandy action due to a VFL bye but Raph Clarke and Adam Schneider impressed in the development league (reserves). Both are ready and able to crack into the 22 when picked. Unfortunately Sam Fisher isn’t, expect him to miss one more week with that dodgy hamstring.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: It might have been a riveting game for spectators but that would be little consolation to Scott Watters and his team. They desperately wanted the four points on Friday night. Did three consecutive six-day breaks hurt their chances? Either way they have fallen out of the eight but could rectify that with a win against the Suns this week before the bye.

SYDNEY

INJURIES:
Adam Goodes (torn quad) 3-4 weeks
Shane Mumford (back) test
Gary Rohan (leg) season
Luke Parker (collarbone) 8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Rising star Luke Parker will miss two months with a broken collarbone. Parker was injured in a clash with Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd during the Swans' barn-storming 92-point win at the SCG. Tony Armstrong was OK after coming on as the substitute after halftime.

ON THE CUSP: Nick Malceski was dropped last week but should return after being named as an emergency. Matt Spangher provided a strong target in the twos with four first-half goals against Gold Coast. Mitch Morton bagged four of his own while Andrejs Everitt chimed in with two – including a torpedo from outside the arc off a single step. Mark Seaby dominated the ruck duel against Suns recruit Josh Fraser.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Sydney faces one of the more difficult tasks in football and that is beating Essendon under the roof at Etihad Stadium. The Bombers just love the joint and will be hard to toss especially after a shock six-point loss to Melbourne. Ruckman Shane Mumford will benefit from his run against the Western Bulldogs. Mumford (15 hitouts) played second fiddle to Mike Pyke who finished with 42 hitouts against Will Minson.

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Bradd Dalziell (knee) 3 weeks
Andrew Embley (shoulder) 6 weeks
Josh Kennedy (ankle) 7 weeks
Mark LeCras (knee) season
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 4 weeks
Sam Butler (thigh) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Beau Waters will come under scrutiny for a high bump on Jack Redden in the third term. Patrick McGinnity struggled in a forward tagging role and was ultimately subbed off. Tom Swift would be stiff to miss after picking up 25 disposals and six tackles in his first game of the year.

ON THE CUSP: Luke Shuey will slip straight back into the team after serving his one-match ban for striking. Sam Butler must overcome a thigh strain but if he does he will also be a certain starter. Mitch Brown and Ryan Neates have been good in the WAFL.

GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Daniel Kerr will relish the week off after copping heavy back-to-back Ryan Crowley (Fremantle) and Andrew Raines (Brisbane) tags.  Woosha will be looking for his midfielders to give the silky ball winner a chop-out against the Blues on Friday week. Shuey’s big body and penetrating kicking was sorely missed against the resurgent Lions. But the loss is merely a blip on the ladder-leading Eagles’ radar who should bounce back hard against the sputtering Blues.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES:
Lukas Markovic (hamstring) 2 weeks
Jason Johannisen (knee) 2 weeks
Jason Tutt (knee) 3 weeks
Tom Williams (shoulder) 4 weeks
Dale Morris (leg) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Oh dear, take your pick. Daniel Giansiracusa didn’t hit the scoreboard, Luke Dahlhaus couldn’t break a line, Cooney went at 56 per cent efficiency and the conditions didn’t favour Cordy, Minson or Roughead. Put it down as a dirty day after six weeks of intense, competitive footy. Daniel Pearce could head back to the VFL after coming in late for Skinner and donning the substitute vest.

ON THE CUSP: Clay Smith was the Dogs’ highlight from Williamstown’s loss to Bendigo. The hard nut gave everything and fitted in well amongst seasoned opponents like Rick Ladson, Brendan Lee and Ben Duscher. He’s a long way from AFL but Jack Redpath took a big step forward, clunking marks and booting four goals. Unfortunately, Liam Jones did not. The dropped forward failed to kick a goal and was beaten, while Justin Sherman also couldn’t break the VFL game open.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Ten games into Brendan McCartney’s coaching career reads four wins, four respectable defeats and two debacles. Not bad for a side fielding nine players short on 30 games and they are at least rapidly adapting to a vastly new game plan. Interestingly, the Dogs still won the contested ball count against the Swans despite the 92-point hammering. That part of the game is seemingly down pat with Wallis, Boyd, Cooney, Griffen and Liberatore leading the charge to “crack in”. Time for the Dogs to add the outside run and polish, particularly up forward, to seal the deal and really leap forward.