Barometer: AFL injury list, selection analysis after Round 12, ahead of Round 13
UPDATE: WESTERN Bulldogs have been dealt a n injury blow with Luke Dahlhaus to miss a month, while Daniel Menzel will be tested after suffering an ankle injury.
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WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Luke Dahlhaus will miss up to a month after injuring the medial ligament in his knee against Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Dahlhaus will be required to wear a brace for three weeks before the Bulldogs reasses and hope to increase his training load.
“He’s going to be in a brace for the next three weeks and we’ll reassess him once that brace has been removed with a view to progressing his training and we’ll update with a return to play from there,” football boss Graham Lowe told the club’s website.
The Bulldogs are set to regain Marcus Adams for Saturday night’s clash against Geelong, however, after the defender was a late withdrawal for the win over the Power.
Adams rolled his ankle at training the day before the game.
“He’s come in well this week and our expectation is that if he ticks all the right boxes and he progresses through training he’ll be available for selection this weekend,” Loewe said.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was unable to shed any light on an ankle injury to captain Scott Pendlebury after the Magpies’ loss to Melbourne on Queen’s Birthday.
Pendlebury spent time off the field in the second quarter after his ankle was stomped on and he had it heavily iced after the game.
“There was a contest on half-forward. I’m not sure exactly what’s come of it,” Buckley said.
The Pies limp in to next week’s bye with a 4-8 record and several players sore, while Melbourne emerged from Monday’s 46-point win with a clean bill of health.
Meanwhile, West Coast and Sydney have suffered serious blows with star ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Kurt Tippett both sidelined for at least six weeks.
But Hawthorn and Geelong will be boosted by big-name returns in Round 13.
Who’s hot and who’s hurt at your club? Scroll down for the latest injury news and expert analysis
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Nathan van Berlo TBC
Curtly Hampton (foot) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT:CROWS STORM HOME IN SHOCK WIN
ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to fault anyone who played in the Crows’ inspiring win over West Coast on Saturday night. The two inclusions — David Mackay and Scott Thompson — both played their roles and will keep their spots. Mitch McGovern only had the 10 disposals and was fumbly early but hit back hard with a strong second half including a big goal in the third quarter. Having dropped Wayne Milera and Ricky Henderson after last week’s big win over the Saints it’s hard to see coach Don Pyke making any forced changes when the Crows return in a fortnight.
ON THE CUSP: Brad Crouch is the obvious one still waiting to break back into the Crows team. But in part he is being kept out of the side by the form of Jarryd Lyons who is making the most of his opportunities. Nathan van Berlo missed the weekend’s SANFL game due to injury and Wayne Milera was the travelling emergency so all eyes would have been on Crouch to see whether he can force his way back.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Adelaide will enjoy a well-deserved break with players given four days off before returning to training on Friday. They go into the mid-season bye at 8-4 which is better than most expected and after beating West Coast in Perth on Saturday night should start favourites when they host North Melbourne in Round 14. As it stands the Crows only play three top-eight sides in their final 10 games which would have supporters reaching for the internet to start looking up flights in September.
BRISBANE
INJURIES
Harris Andrews (foot) test
Allen Christensen (shoulder) 8 weeks
Dayne Beams (knee) indefinite
Hugh Beasley (knee) 8 weeks
Josh Green (groin) 1 week
Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite
Ryan Lester (quad) 2 weeks
Jaden McGrath (foot) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: LIONS SMASHED IN KNIGHTMARE SHOWING
ON THE BLOCK: Daniel Rich was tagged out of another match with Michael Barlow shutting down the Lions vice-captain on Saturday. Lewis taylor is back in a form slump after a brief revival and veteran defender Daniel Merrett had a forgettable night against the Dockers.
ON THE CUSP: Defender Marco Paparone was Brisbane’s best in the NEAL with 35 disposals and 14 marks while Rhys Mathieson and Billy Evans had 28 disposals each in the loss to Southport.
GREG DAVIS’ FORECAST: It is not looking good for Brisbane. West Coast is not great on the road but the Eagles will be stinging after losing to Adelaide and they’ll get a dry track at the Gabba this Saturday to help them make amends. The Eagles are flat-track bullies and the desperately out-of-form Lions are just the sort of roadkill they feast upon. You’d like to think the 83-point loss to Freo might spark the Lions into action and forced them to play for some pride but we have fallen into that trap before. This could get ugly. Real ugly.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Blaine Boekhorst (wrist) 1-2 weeks
David Cunningham (hip) 2 weeks
Marc Murphy (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Charlie Curnow (glandular fever) 2 weeks
Harry McKay (back) 2 weeks
Andrew Galucci (shoulder) season
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS SUPREME AS BLUES ROLL OVER
ON THE BLOCK: The Blues basically stunk it up against St Kilda but that shouldn’t take away from their gains of the first five rounds after they paused for the bye at 6-6. The forward line was quiet against the Saints but that was more reflective of the poor midfield output than their form. Liam Sumner was quiet playing forward and Andrew Walker was quiet until two last-term goals boosted his tally to three goals.
ON THE CUSP: Marc Murphy might need another week after the bye but will push hard with his ankle injury. Another four goals from Jack Silvagni will push his case as well. Andrew Phillips is pushing hard for Daniel Gorringe’s spot. And Jason Tutt and Mark Whiley keep racking up good numbers.
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: Even with Murphy in their side taking on GWS and knocking them off might be a bridge too far. But the week off will do the Blues the world of good with Jacob Weitering and Matthew Kreuzer both down against St Kilda after great starts to the year. The Blues run into a tough period of games so need to maintain the rage.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Scott Pendlebury (ankle) TBC
Jack Frost (shoulder) TBC
Ben Reid (knee) TBC
Taylor Adams (hamstring) 4 weeks
Tim Broomhead (ankle) 1 week
Jamie Elliott (back) season
Alex Fasolo (fractured scapula) 3 weeks
Tom Langdon (ankle) 1 week
Darcy Moore (fractured collarbone) 3 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (knee) season
Matt Scharenberg (knee) season
Dane Swan (leg/foot) season
ON THE BLOCK: Does it even matter any more? Jack Frost (shoulder), Scott Pendlebury (ankle) and Ben Reid (knee) all copped knocks against Melbourne, but don’t none look overly serious. Jarrod Witts was poor, Mason Cox did little and Ben Crocker was quiet. But it’s a bit like the deck chairs on the Titanic isn’t it?
ON THE CUSP: Some good news in the rezzies. Travis Cloke was described as “outstanding” by the Collingwood website in the win over Casey Scorpions, while James Aish was prolific and hungry with 34 possessions. Adam Oxley responded to his omission by laying a team-high 12 tackles and being among his side’s better players.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Another game, another train wreck. What on earth is going on at Collingwood? Against Melbourne they were again they were sliced open in transition, again gave up goals out the back and again the midfield was beaten. This time there was a new problem - a horribly top-heavy forward line that made keeping the ball in its forward line virtually impossible. The bye arrives after two consecutive thrashings and the season well and truly done at 4-8.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Mark Baguley (knee) indefinite
Ryan Crowley (hamstring) 3 weeks
Aaron Francis (quad) TBC
Nathan Grima (hip) TBC
Michael Hartley (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Jonathan Simpkin (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Brendon Goddard (broken nose) likely to play
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (rested) available
MATCH REPORT: BOMBERS FAIL TO DELIVER ON BIG STAGE
ON THE BLOCK: Take your pick. The Bombers are tiring quickly and will likely rotate a couple more this week. Mark Jamar’s radar was askew but he presented well while the omissions this week will likely be decided by workloads.
ON THE CUSP: Unfortunately it’s not No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis. The star junior injured his right quad in the VFL and is set for another stint on the sidelines. Hopefully he gets his chance before the season is done. Jason Ashby was super in the VFL loss while Jayden Laverde impressed on return from a serious shoulder injury. But you can lock in Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. The electrifying defender was managed last week but will face the Giants on Sunday.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: It’s about to get real ugly for the Bombers. They played with so much spirit for the first nine weeks but reality is sinking in and fans are switching off. A Sunday twilight game against GWS presents a huge challenge — on and off the field. After that it’s a trip west to face the Eagles on the big stage. As Woosha keeps saying, fans should be cherishing watching the baby steps being taken by Darcy Parish, Orazio Fantasia, McDonald-Tipungwuti etc. Langford is re-signed, Laverde is close to a return and Joe Daniher started like a house on fire against the Hawks. Sprouts of excitement. Stay with the Bombers.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (collarbone) 5 weeks
Harley Balic (wrist) TBC
Harley Bennell (calf) season
Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) season
Jon Griffen (hamstring) TBC
Ethan Hughes (calf) 2 weeks
Sean Hurley (hip) 1-2 weeks
Garrick Ibbotson (wrist) 1-2 weeks
Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) indefinite
Matthew Pavlich (groin) test
Alex Pearce (tibia) season
Clancee Pearce (concussion) test
Ryan Nyhuis (knee) 3-5 weeks
Aaron Sandilands (ribs) 3 weeks
Alex Silvagni (calf) 3 week
Shane Yarran (calf) test
MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS SMASH TERRIBLE LIONS
ON THE BLOCK: Tanner Smith and Zac Clarke were certainly serviceable in Matthew Pavlich’s absence, but someone will have to make way for the star if he returns this weekend. After a massive win like that, though, it’s hard to see many — if any — coming out based on form given the team got through unscathed.
ON THE CUSP: Matt De Boer continues to perform strongly for Peel Thunder in the WAFL after repeatedly being named as an emergency for the Dockers. Certainly knocking on the door is Tendai Mzungu, who has featured just three times at senior level this season. Star veteran Pavlich will also face a fitness test as he looks to return from a groin niggle.
LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: A month ago, it was hard to consider that Fremantle could be going for three on the trot. And while that’s exactly what the Dockers are looking to do against Port Adelaide this weekend, it’ll be anything but easy. The Power — which could welcome back forward Jay Schulz after 11 weeks — is coming off a heartbreaker and should, in theory, account for the Dockers at Domain Stadium. But as has been the case with both sides so far this season, it really does depend which team turns up.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Daniel Menzel (ankle) test
Zac Bates (quad) 5-7 weeks
Wylie Buzzard (quad) 2-4 weeks
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) 3-5 weeks
Jordan Cunico (knee) 3-5 weeks
Cam Delaney (knee) TBA
George Horlin-Smith (knee) 6-7 weeks
Tom Read (knee) 1-2 weeks
Scott Selwood (foot) 1-2 weeks
Jackson Thurlow (knee) season
Billie Smedts (leg) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: DANGER DELIGHT AS CATS KNOCK OFF ROOS
ON THE BLOCK: Someone will have to make way for Tom Hawkins who will return after suspension. Rhys Stanley was his replacement against the Kangaroos. He had just six touches, no marks. Daniel Menzel thinks he damaged ankle ligaments on the artificial grass around the boundary line at Etihad, but luckily scans have cleared him of serious injury. He could still miss this weekend, however.
ON THE CUSP: The cusp is hard to miss, he’s 197cm and weighs 105kgs and he’ll be itching to get out there after his contentious suspension. Tom Hawkins will come straight back in. The Tomahawk will be icing on an on-paper depleted cake that stepped up superbly on Saturday night. Menzel and Shane Kersten were especially fantastic — the very clever Kersten tap to the advantage of a running Menzel who goaled on the angle was sublime.
ELIZA SEWELL’S FORECAST: Dangerfield V The Bont will be worth the price of admission alone. Cam Guthrie could go to Bontempelli and Luke Beveridge may have learnt from Brad Scott’s decision not to send Sam Gibson to Patrick Dangerfield from the first bounce. Sat on or not, hard to imagine anyone stopping this premier pair at the moment.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Dan Currie (finger) 2 week
Brayden Fiorini (knee) 5 weeks
Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) test
Darcy MacPherson (knee) 8 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) 3 weeks
Adam Saad (hamstring) test
Danny Stanley (hamstring) test
David Swallow (PCL) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: TIGERS BREATHE EASY AFTER SUNS SCARE
ON THE BLOCK: Kade Kolodjashnij will be monitored during the week after he was knocked out when Tigers forward Sam Lloyd’s knee accidentally struck him in the head. The Suns’ injury list is shrinking by the week; Adam Saad and Danny Stanley will push for selection from hamstring injuries after this weekend’s bye which means Sean Lemmens (nine disposals) and rookie Jesse Joyce (six disposals) are at risk. Rodney Eade didn’t mince words when asked about Rory Thompson’s return game, describing his zero kick return as “very poor”.
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Aaron Hall responded to his axing with a 30 disposals and a goal in the NEAFL along with eight tackles, rediscovering his hunger which would have pleased coach Rodney Eade. Forward Jarrod Grant returned after a fortnight with a hamstring injury and kicked a goal from 16 disposals.
CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: Eade was adamant the Suns would get back to somewhere near their best when players started returning from injury. That proved to be the case on Sunday with Gold Coast pushing Richmond all the way before some costly errors denied the Suns their first win since Round 3. After the break this weekend the Suns play Hawthorn, St Kilda and Brisbane and would be confident of winning at least one of those games. There is light at the end of the tunnel with Jaeger O’Meara pencilled in to play in the NEAFL in three weeks and David Swallow getting closer to a long-awaited comeback. Finals are out of the question but at least the Suns will have a team that’s capable of shaping the top eight.
Rapt to be given the all clear. Thanks to all the @goldcoastsuns fans, family and friends for the messages. pic.twitter.com/AYNYogoMGj
— Kade Kolodjashnij (@kolodjashnij28) June 12, 2016
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Aidan Corr (ankle) 2 weeks
Adam Kennedy (back/shoulder) 2 weeks
Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 3 weeks
Cam McCarthy (illness) indefinite
Tim Mohr (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Jarrod Pickett (foot) season
Gary Rohan (hamstring) TBC
Devon Smith (knee) 5-6 weeks
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS TAKE MASSIVE STEP IN DERBY
ON THE BLOCK: Leon Cameron predicted a rest for Steve Johnson, who has a sore foot. The hard surface at Etihad Stadium will make him a certain absentee from Sunday’s game against Essendon..
ON THE CUSP: Riverina big man Matthew Flynn kicked three goals in the Giants’ one-point win over the Swans reserves in the NEAFL. Jack Steele was also impressive with 33 disposals and a goal while fellow midfielder Matthew Kennedy had 26 and kicked three goals.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Look for Jack Steele to make his return to senior football for Steve Johnson, who will be rested. After a tough month with matches against the Bulldogs, Adelaide, Geelong and the Swans, the Giants have an easier run with Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood and Brisbane to come.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Ryan Burton (leg) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) test
Matt Spangher (knee/hamstring) 7-9 weeks
Jarryd Roughead (melanoma) indefinite
Luke Hodge (knee) 2 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) indefinite
Alex Woodward (knee) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS TOO STRONG FOR HAPLESS DONS
ON THE BLOCK: Marc Pittonet looks the most likely having managed just six handballs for the night, plus the fact that Jonathon Ceglar should slot straight back in after serving his one-match ban. Will Langford kicked a goal but is the standout as most likely to make way for star Sam Mitchell who should return.
ON THE CUSP: Mitchell is expected to return after a back issue saw him miss the win against Essendon, while Taylor Duryea (hip) should also be recalled for Friday night’s clash against North Melbourne. A number of other Hawks — including Kieran Lovell and Dallas Willsmore — performed strongly in the VFL, but how do you fit them into this side? A nice problem for Alastair Clarkson and Co to have.
LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: To say it’s the match of the round is probably an understatement. The three-time premier taking on the ladder leader on a Friday night — this one has got it all. Hawthorn does what’s expected and prevails and it’s normal transmission, but if the Kangaroos get up they’ll be considered serious contenders. Expect the Hawks to at least try and show them who is boss.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) available
Mitch King (knee) season
Colin Garland (cheekbone) available
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) indefinite
Christian Salem (illness) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DEES TOPPLE TOP-HEAVY PIES
ON THE BLOCK: Nobody. Not only did the Demons devour Collingwood, but several of their players produced career-best games. Think Max Gawn, Sam Frost, Ben Kennedy and Oscar McDonald. Comeback lad Jack Trengove was instrumental in the second quarter while Jayden Hunt was damn exciting with his pace and dash.
ON THE CUSP: Jeff Garlett was dropped but is in Melbourne’s best side and still needs to rediscover form. Viv Michie was solid in a Casey side which kicked just two goals. Angus Brayshaw is back in full training but won’t play this week. Expect him to be eased back in the second half of the year. Likely to face the Swans unchanged.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The talent-laden Demons are starting to match potential with consistency. Is there a more exciting bunch of kids in the land? Yes, the Dogs and Giants, but this mob could join them in coming years. And we are only just starting to see Petracca and haven’t seen key forward Sam Weideman yet. What a shrewd move to trade the first pick this year, anticipating a rise. A trip to Sydney to face the Swans on the rebound is daunting, but Max Gawn could dominate again given Kurt Tippett’s injury. The Dees renaissance is one of the stories of the year - they have combined strong coaching with smart drafting and several trade hits. Recruiting Ben Kennedy, Dom Tyson, Tom Bugg, Sam Frost and Bernie Vince from other clubs in the Roos era is looking more and more intelligent by the week.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Shaun Atley (ankle) TBC
Jed Anderson (hamstring) test
Ben Cunnington (corked thigh) TBC
Nick Dal Santo (adductor) TBC
Shaun Higgins (knee) 7 weeks
Kayne Turner (hamstring) test + 4-week club imposed ban
Ben Jacobs (foot) 6-7 weeks
Robin Nahas (finger) TBC
Andrew Swallow (concussion) test
Sam Wright (ankle) 6-8 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DANGER DELIGHT AS CATS KNOCK OFF ROOS
ON THE BLOCK: Plenty of focus on the injuries this week with up to five players trying to prove their fitness before Friday’s game against Hawthorn. Andrew Swallow (concussion), Ben Cunnington (thigh), Nick Dal Santo (adductor), Robin Nahas (compound fracture of finger) and Shaun Atley (ankle) were all casualties. It will be a light week on the track for the Roos with the quick turnaround.
ON THE CUSP: Farren Ray, Trent Dumont and Corey Wagner were rested from Werribee’s VFL match on Sunday as insurance as North Melbourne faces a season-defining clash against Hawthorn this Friday night. Lachie Hansen kicked three goals for Werribee in his second game back from concussion.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Another significant test for the Kangaroos this week against Hawthorn. Brad Scott knows his side hasn’t silenced all of the doubters, but that is something that is keeping his players on a level keel, despite their strong start to 2016. A win over Hawthorn this week would at least shut a few of the critics up.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Tom Jonas (suspension) available Round 17
Alipate Carlile (knee) 10-11 weeks
Jack Hombsch (hamstring) 2 weeks
Matthew Lobbe (knee) 6-7 weeks
Jay Schulz (back) test
Will Snelling (foot) indefinite
Matt White (pectoral) 4 weeks
MATCH REPORT: BRILLIANT DOGS INFLICT MORE PORT PAIN
ON THE BLOCK: The Power was gallant in defeat and any player would be stiff to get dropped, including Jarman Impey who was quiet against the Bulldogs a week after his man-of-the-match display against Collingwood. Dougal Howard could be the unlucky one to make way if Jay Schulz makes an unlikely return.
ON THE CUSP: All eyes will be on key forward Schulz as he pushes for a recall to the AFL after an 11-week absence forced by his second round of back surgery. Power midfield coach Michael Voss notes Schulz is “pushing pretty hard” and his “timeline (on the injury list) has come in a lot”. But the big question will be — is Schulz ready to step back into AFL immediately or should he work his way back carefully through the SANFL?
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide is still a 50-50 club with a 6-6 win-loss record and the “what if” question haunting Ken Hinkley and his group after losing three games by 10 points or less in the past five weeks. And the review at Alberton this week of the tape from the three-point thriller against the Western Bulldogs will also torment a few Power players for the mistakes they made in decisive moments in the second and third terms.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Steve Morris (knee) season
Nick Vlastuin (concussion) test
Reece McKenzie (mental health) TBC
Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) 8 weeks
Bachar Houli (wrist) 5-6 weeks
Ben Lennon (shoulder) 4 weeks
Chris Yarran (mental health) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: TIGERS BREATHE EASY AFTER SUNS SCARE
ON THE BLOCK: Daniel Rioli didn’t find the ball at all in the second and third quarters and looks due for a rest, which he’ll get this weekend with the Tigers having a bye. That will also give David Astbury time to recover from his ankle injury even though the defender returned to the ground late in the game against Gold Coast. Ty Vickery had just three disposals and it wouldn’t surprise to see him sent back to the VFL to find form. Jake Batchelor came in as a late replacement for Nick Vlastuin and didn’t exactly cement his spot after committing one of the worst clangers of the season, lining up for goal from 50m and hitting a Gold Coast defender on the chest 25m away.
ON THE CUSP: Vlastuin has an extra week to recover from the head knock he sustained against the Roos two weeks ago. Midfielder Andrew Moore put his hand up with 34 disposals in the VFL and axed defender Troy Chaplin impressed at Richmond’s VFL team restricted Werribee to six goals. Ivan Maric was solid carrying most of the ruck load.
CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The Tigers were last week considered just a 1 per cent chance to make the top eight and it would have been zero if not for Dustin Martin’s heroics on Sunday. They scraped home against the Suns to keep their finals hope flickering but coach Damien Hardwick concedes the team is a long way off its best. After the bye, the Tigers should knock off the hapless Lions which will keep fans believing, but after that comes the Power and Bulldogs which will determine their 2016 fate.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Sean Dempster (knee) 4 weeks
Sam Fisher (hamstring) 2 weeks
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) indefinite
Tom Lee (knne) TBC
Paddy McCartin (concussion) 1 week
Hugh Goddard (achilles) season
Billy Longer (concussion) 3 weeks
Nick Riewoldt (knee soreness) test
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS SUPREME AS BLUES ROLL OVER
ON THE BLOCK: Key defender Tom Lee’s knee injury will be assessed in the next day or two. First-gamer Lewis Pearce, a ruck/forward, kicked a goal and had 10 hitouts on debut but may have to make way with Nick Riewoldt and Paddy McCartin likely to return after the break.
ON THE CUSP: The Saints have a bye before hosting Geelong on June 25. The break should work out well for Riewoldt, who missed last weekend’s win over Carlton with a knee injury. Big forward McCartin is also likely to return after having one game off with concussion.
GREG BUCKLE’S FORECAST: A match against the in-form Cats will give the Saints a good indication of where they’re at. Coach Alan Richardson says the Saints are still inconsistent, with a 5-7 win-loss record including two big defeats on the road against the Eagles and the Crows. Speedy ball movement led by Jack Steven and improving ruckman Tom Hickey will arm the Saints with some confidence going into a game where Geelong’s midfield depth will be tough to counter.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Kurt Tippett (knee) 6 weeks
Gary Rohan (hamstring) test
Harry Marsh (hamstring) 1 week
Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite
Tom Papley (shin) test
Ted Richards (concussion) 1 week
Daniel Robinson (shoulder) 7-11 weeks
Michael Talia (foot) 6 weeks
George Hewett (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: GIANTS TAKE MASSIVE STEP IN DERBY
ON THE BLOCK: The Swans have a major worry with Kurt Tippett who will miss “up to six weeks” after scans on Monday confirmed a tear in a hamstring tendon that joins his knee. Tippett has a history of patella tendinitis and missed large parts of his first two seasons in Sydney with the injury. Harry Marsh will miss a week with a hamstring injury and Gary Rohan suffered bleeding into his hamstring and the Swans are likely to be conservative with the speedster.
ON THE CUSP: Highly regarded ruckman Sam Naismith will almost certainly get his chance with the knee injury to Tippett. Naismith, from Gunnedah in country NSW, has played just the one game back in 2014. He played up forward in the Swans reserves loss to GWS kicking two goals. Tyrone Leonardis kicked three goals in the same match and could become the seventh Swan to debut this season.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Swans’ depth will again be tested in Sunday’s clash against Paul Roos’ Melbourne at the SCG. Naismith is the likely replacement for Tippett and Leonardis and Brandon Jack will contend to replace Gary Rohan.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Nic Naitanui (Achilles) 6-8 weeks
Dom Sheed (pectoral) 2 weeks
Alec Waterman (illness) indefinite
Eric Mackenzie (illness) test
Sam Butler (groin) test
MATCH REPORT:CROWS STORM HOME IN SHOCK WIN
ON THE BLOCK: Major blow with Naitanui sent in for surgery to correct a persistent Achilles issue. Adam Simpson signalled his intention to make changes after his side’s late collapse against Adelaide, where the Eagles conceded the final eight goals of the match. Late inclusions Tom Barrass and Xavier Ellis showed promising signs but could be squeezed back out of the side depending on availability, while Jamie Cripps and Liam Duggan struggled for impact.
ON THE CUSP: Eric Mackenzie (illness) is likely to return against Brisbane, while fellow defender Sam Butler (groin) will be assessed after his late setback just before bounce-down. The likes of Jackson Nelson and Lewis Jetta missed out on the chance to impress at WAFL level due to the general bye for WA’s state game against Tasmania.
CHRIS ROBINSON’S FORECAST: The loss to the Crows will leave a sour taste in the Eagles’ mouths, but they’re short-priced favourites to return to the winners’ list in their next two games against the Lions (away) and Essendon (home). But West Coast will be craving another chance to redeem themselves against a flag contender after five defeats against top-eight sides this year.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Marcus Adams (leg) test
Zaine Cordy (ankle) 1 week
Luke Dahlhaus (knee) 3-4 weeks
Jason Johannisen (hamstring) 2 weeks
Toby McLean (foot) 4-8 weeks
Robert Murphy (knee) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Roarke Smith (knee) 2 weeks
Koby Stevens (abdominal) 2 weeks
Nathan Hrovat (shoulder) TBC
Easton Wood (hamstring) 2 weeks
Luke Dahlhaus (knee) TBC
MATCH REPORT: STARS TURN GAME IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
ON THE BLOCK: Joel Hamling had to catch a late flight to Adelaide to cover for a late injury to Marcus Adams and will be out again if Adams returns, as expected. Luke Dahlhaus will be missing for a few weeks at least after hurting his knee after copping friendly fire from Tom Campbell. Mitch Honeychurch made the most of his opportunity but Josh Dunkley remains on the fringe.
ON THE CUSP:Adams should return against the Cats after missing with illness, but Easton Wood is likely to miss again. Lin Jong could replace Dahlhaus after kicking two goals in a strong VFL display. The best news from Footscray’s narrow win against Geelong was Clay Smith’s 36 disposals in his first game since wrecking his knee in Round 6 last year. Tom Boyd showed some positive signs in his second game back from a shoulder injury.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Dogs were simply superb in holding off a much improved Port Adelaide and deserve their top-four spot, but face an almighty fight to hang on to it. Next week is a genuine blockbuster against the Cats then the Dogs get a week off before facing Sydney. Marcus Bontempelli’s Brownlow odds are getting shorter by the week and Caleb Daniel’s footy brain could be recognised by Rising Star judges.
Originally published as Barometer: AFL injury list, selection analysis after Round 12, ahead of Round 13
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