Barometer: AFL injury list, selection analysis ahead of Round 12
UPDATE: TODD Goldstein has given the strongest indication yet he’ll be back this weekend but the news isn’t so good for the Bulldogs, St Kilda and Port Adelaide. Every club’s injury list
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TODD Goldstein expects to be back in the Kangaroos team to face Geelong on Saturday night.
Goldstein was a late withdrawal against Richmond last Friday night with knee soreness, but says he could have played if it was a final.
“I think everything’s tracking the way it should,” he told Channel 9.
WHO’S HOT AND WHO’S HURT AT YOUR CLUB? SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LATEST INJURY LIST
“It should be fine, it’s just a slight knock that should take a week or so to recover.
“There’s no point in taking any risk, we may as well take that one off and we had confidence that Maj (Majak Daw) could come in and do a job for us and he did that so I think it worked out well.”
But the Western Bulldogs have ruled out stand-in skipper Easton Wood for Saturday’s match against Port Adelaide.
Wood pulled out of Sunday’s win against West Coast after suffering a low-grade hamstring injury, but the Dogs remain hopeful he will return against Geelong the week after.
Bulldogs youngster Toby McLean, meanwhile, was diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain and will wear a moon boot for three or four weeks.
ADLEAIDE
INJURIES
Rory Laird (corked thigh) test
Riley Knight (ankle) available
Sam Shaw (concussion) test
Curtly Hampton (foot) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: JENKINS BAGS SEVEN AS CROWS HUMILIATE SAINTS
ON THE BLOCK: Not going to be easy making changes — especially after the way late inclusion Matt Crouch dominated the stoppages. Charlie Cameron and Wayne Milera played only bit-part roles.
ON THE CUSP: Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson (rested against St Kilda) should resume for game No. 296 against West Coast at Subiaco Oval in Perth where Eagles premiership hero Don Pyke returns as the enemy coach. But how Pyke makes room for Thompson will be challenging, more so considering his late replacement against the Saints - Matt Crouch - had a game-high 36 disposals on Sunday.
MICHELANGELO RUCCI’S FORECAST: Adelaide came close to perfection in the 88-point thrashing of St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. But there is always something to work on — such as conversion from set shots after the Crows had a 10-12 and one out-of-bounds from their 23 cracks at goal. The match-up with West Coast is an interesting test for the Crows defence — and, as always, the midfields... the one being built by Adelaide coach Don Pyke in his first year at West Lakes and the one he left behind for Adam Simpson in Perth.
BRISBANE
INJURIES
Allen Christensen (shoulder) 8 weeks
Dayne Beams (knee) indefinite
Hugh Beasley (knee) 8 weeks
Darcy Gardiner (finger) test
Cian Hanley (groin) indefinitely
Ryan Lester (leg) 1 week
Jaden McGrath (foot) indefinite
Harris Andrews (foot) test
Rohan Bewick (groin) test
Darcy Gardiner (finger) 2 weeks
Archie Smith (concussion) test
MATCH REPORT: LIONS CHIPS GO COLD, BLUES BURN TO VICTORY
ON THE BLOCK: The Lions need to make a statement to Daniel Rich. The Lions vice-captain had just four disposals to his name by halftime after being tagged out of a game — yet again. Captain Tom Rockliff had 26 touches to halftime. Rich should be sent to the reserves to find form. Jono Freeman did not have his best day against the Blues either, while Tom Bell was far too quiet (seven disposals) against his former side. Allen Christensen will miss eight weeks with a broken collarbone. “It was quite a complicated break and we had to operate on that on Saturday night,” said Lions head of physiotherapy Shane Lemcke told the club’s website. “He is recovering well but it will keep him out for quite a while given the severity of the break.”
ON THE CUSP: Rhys “Beast Mode’’ Mathieson had 29 disposals and eight tackles for the Lions NEAFL side in Canberra on Saturday. Harris Andrews is a chance to make a comeback from a foot injury.
GREG DAVIS’ FORECAST: Brisbane to be far too overconfident about playing against a side with one win to their name and getting handed a football lesson by Fremantle this Saturday. The Lions get far too ahead of themselves, far too quickly, for far too little. The talk post-match was how they “won’’ the second half and they would be returning home where they are much more competitive. That is a recipe for another loss
CARLTON
INJURIES
Blaine Boekhorst (wrist) 2 weeks
David Cunningham (hip) 3 weeks
Matthew Kreuzer (concussion) test
Marc Murphy (ankle) 4 weeks
Liam Sumner (ankle) test
Charlie Curnow (glandular fever) 3 weeks
Harry McKay (back) 3 weeks
Andrew Phillips (hamstring) test
Andrew Galucci (shoulder) season
MATCH REPORT: LIONS CHIPS GO COLD, BLUES BURN
ON THE BLOCK: Matthew Kreuzer was physically ill with concussion signs at halftime and must pass tests to face the Saints. Aside from him the Blues had an even spread of contributors against the Lions with their side well settled.
ON THE CUSP: Silvagni. Jack Silvagni. The kid kicked four goals in the VFL and took four grabs inside 50. Seriously exciting. It might not be this week, but Silvagni has certainly put himself in the conversation. Mark Whiley had 31 disposals while fellow former Giant Kristian Jaksch deserves a look soon.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: The Blues are shooting for their seventh win from eight games against St Kilda on Sunday — hands up if you thought that possible pre-season? Put your hands down, liars. On form they look every chance to make it five-straight wins against the Saints and if they go to the break at 7-5 they have every reason to believe they can make September.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Taylor Adams (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Tim Broomhead (ankle) 2 weeks
Jamie Elliott (back) season
Alex Fasolo (fractured scapula) 4 weeks
Tom Langdon (ankle) 2 weeks
Darcy Moore (fractured collarbone) 3-4 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (knee) season
Matt Scharenberg (knee) season
Dane Swan (leg/foot) season
MATCH REPORT: SEASON SLIPPING AWAY FOR PIES
ON THE BLOCK: Thankfully the Pies didn’t cop any fresh injuries against Port Adelaide apart from Jeremy Howe’s knee injury. He flew high for a customary specky and limped off the ground but played out the game and will be sore, but available. Jack Frost was caught with the ball early, then he and Howe stuffed up a quick handball exchange that cost the Pies another goal. Jesse White has been very solid in recent weeks but missed a sitter running into open goal and another from 20m out.
ON THE CUSP: Nathan Buckley was effusive about the VFL performances of Jonathan Marsh and Jarrod Witts, with Marley Williams also back from a mid-foot sprain. He played limited minutes in the first of his two VFL games but was solid over the weekend. But Collingwood’s problems aren’t really at half back, with Smith and Maynard solid. Will Marsh replace White?
JON RALPH’S FORECAST: On the formline of Sunday, the Pies are likely to be knocked off by Melbourne for the second time in the 2016 season. This was a train wreck against Port — the tactics didn’t work, the midfield was well-beaten, the defence was under siege as a result and there were just three winners on the day — Mason Cox, Ben Reid and Howe. After wins over Brisbane and Geelong, and the close loss to the Dogs, this was a major step back. Now they need to make a stand against Melbourne as they did against the Cats, or the season is already done after 12 rounds.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Mark Baguley (knee) indefinite
Ryan Crowley (hamstring) 4 weeks
Nathan Grima (hip) TBC
Michael Hartley (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Jake Long (knee) test
Jayden Laverde (shoulder) available
Mathew Stokes (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Jonathan Simpkin (hamstring) 3-5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS SNAP DROUGHT, BELT BOMBERS
ON THE BLOCK: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti escaped a suspension for his high bump on Dockers forward Chris Mayne but coach John Worsfold says the in-form rookie has had a heavy workload and may need a rest anyway. Top-up Ryan Crowley will miss at least a few weeks with a hamstring injury, while a number of his teammates performed below-par and could face the axe.
ON THE CUSP: James Kelly will come straight back in after being rested against the Dockers. Essendon’s VFL side had the bye at the weekend, but West Australian Yestin Eades was in good form leading up to it with six goals in his last four games.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Essendon slumped to the bottom of the ladder after last week’s loss to Fremantle, and it’s hard to see them moving anytime soon. The Bombers’ injury-list is growing and they face top-eight outfits Hawthorn and GWS before the bye.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Apeness (collarbone) 6 weeks
Harley Balic (wrist) TBC
Harley Bennell (calf) season
Nat Fyfe (fractured leg) season
Ethan Hughes (calf) 2 weeks
Sean Hurley (hip) 1-3 weeks
Garrick Ibbotson (wrist) 1-3 weeks
Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) indefinite
Alex Pearce (tibia) season
Clancee Pearce (concussion) test
Ryan Nyhuis (knee) 3-5 weeks
Aaron Sandilands (ribs) 2-4 weeks
Alex Silvagni (calf) 2-4 week
Shane Yarran (calf) test
MATCH REPORT: DOCKERS SNAP DROUGHT, BELT BOMBERS
ON THE BLOCK: Michael Apeness fractured his collarbone and will be sidelined for the medium-term, further hurting Fremantle’s already thin key-position stocks. The Dockers will be loathe to make many more changes to a team that finally broke its drought against Essendon.
ON THE CUSP: Clancee Pearce is likely to be available after being sidelined with concussion, while Ethan Hughes (calf) is also closing in on a return. Zack Clarke is another who might be considered to offer extra height in Apeness’ absence.
CHRIS ROBINSON’S FORECAST: A long-awaited win will lift spirits around the port club this week. Fremantle will surely sense a golden opportunity to string two together with a trip to Brisbane, with the Lions struggling to be competitive in recent outings. Thankfully, the win over the Bombers also halted any suggestion of tanking after a week where the draft system was thrust into the spotlight.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Zac Bates (quad) 6-8 weeks
Wylie Buzzard (quad) 2-4 weeks
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) 4-6 weeks
Jordan Cunico (knee) 4-6 weeks
Cam Delaney (knee) TBA
George Horlin-Smith (knee) 6-8 weeks
Tom Read (knee) 2 weeks
Scott Selwood (foot) 1-2 weeks
Rhys Stanley (foot) test
Jackson Thurlow (knee) season
Billie Smedts (leg) indefinite
MATCH REPORT:CATS HAVE LAST LAUGH IN STEVIE J HOMECOMING
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see the Cats making any other changes than getting ruckman Rhys Stanley back in for Saturday night’s clash against North Melbourne. Stanley was a late withdrawal with a foot complaint last week and would be a handy to have back to take on North’s big man, Todd Goldstein, who is expected to return from a knee problem. But Geelong is unsure if Stanley will be fit to play. Zack Smith played his best game for the Cats against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday and could lead the ruck on his own, again.
ON THE CUSP: He would be at least a month or six weeks away from a senior game, but Mitch Clark made an encouraging comeback in the VFL on Sunday, kicking three goals. It was his first game of the year after struggling with more Achilles trouble. Sam Menegola had 21 touches in his first game since the NAB Challenge, before he went down with a knee issue. Billie Smedts broke his leg in the same VFL game.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Cats got back on the winner’s list against the Giants and have the quality defence options to help curb North’s big gun forward line. The ruck battle will be intriguing but the Cats are buoyed by Smith’s effort at the weekend. Expect Sam Gibson to get a big job on Patrick Dangerfield or Steve Motlop.
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Clay Cameron (foot) test
Dan Currie (finger) 2 week
Sam Day (hip) test
Brayden Fiorini (knee) 5 weeks
Jarrad Grant (hamstring) test
Kade Kolodjashnij (ankle) test
Darcy MacPherson (knee) 8 weeks
Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite
Adam Saad (hamstring) 1 week
Danny Stanley (hamstring) 1 week
David Swallow (PCL) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: SWANS SHINE IN WET TO BEAT SUNS
ON THE BLOCK: Rodney Eade said after the loss to Sydney in atrocious weather at Metricon Stadium that 21 of his 22 players could hold their heads high. He didn’t name the one player in his sights but it could only be Aaron Hall who just refused to put his head over the ball.
ON THE CUSP: Rory Thompson, Trent McKenzie, Mitch Hallahan played in the NEAFL on the weekend and will be available for selection this weekend. Sam Day will also be tested and, if passed fit, will be rushed straight into the senior side. Hallahan may not rush straight into the side but the rest are in if the fitness staff deem them capable.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns produced their best performance in two months against the Swans. Admittedly the weather turned it into a slog, but holding your own against the Swans in those conditions, the Suns actually won the contested count, was a major plus for Rodney Eade. They head to Melbourne this weekend to take on Richmond at the MCG. it is the most winnable game for the club since the Q Clash.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
INJURIES
Paul Ahern (knee) season
Aidan Corr (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Ryan Griffen (back) test
Adam Kennedy (back/shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Cam McCarthy (illness) indefinite
Tim Mohr (hamstring) 3-5 weeks
Jarrod Pickett (foot) season
Devon Smith (knee) 5-6 weeks
James Stewart (knee) test
MATCH REPORT: CATS HAVE LAST LAUGH IN STEVIE J HOMECOMING
ON THE BLOCK: Several Giants had off games but suspect they’ll get their chance to make amends in Sunday’s Battle of the Bridge.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Reid and Tom Downie were among the best for the Giants relegated to NEAFL action at the weekend. Will Hoskin-Elliott played well in the narrow loss to NT Thunder. Rhys Palmer must prove he has overcome a toe complaint before breaking back into the side.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: The conditions didn’t suit Leon Cameron’s tall timber in attack but Jeremy Cameron, Rory Lobb and Jonathon Patton — who combined for just one goal — could do from watching a replay of Tom Hawkins’ last quarter effort. Yes, delivery was perfect but the big Cat stood up when it counted after being well held for three quarters. The young Giants, precariously placed in sixth on the AFL ladder, must find a way to take it right up to Big Brother Sydney when the two sides meet on Sunday.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Ryan Burton (leg) indefinite
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) 1 week
Jack Gunston (ankle) 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 EXTEND STREAK OVER DIES ... JUST
ON THE BLOCK: Brad Hill won’t be dropped, but he seriously needs to lift. He just hasn’t had the same sort of spark this season and the Hawks need to him back firing as it heads into the second half of the season. He had 15 disposals and kicked a goal gifted to him on Saturday, but didn’t do any serious damage. The Hawks look to have found another good young player in Kade Stewart, who had 16 touches, kicked a goal and had nine tackles in a solid debut. Jack Gunston finished his 100th game on the bench after being trodden on but the Hawks are confident he’ll play next week.
ON THE CUSP: Will Langford will return after being rested and defender Ryan Schoenmakers is not far away, possibly as soon as this weekend if the Hawks decide not to take any risks with Gunston against the bottom-placed Bombers.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: The Hawks just know how to win, and there can be no more important attribute in footy. Eight wins from 11 games is a fine return from the first half of the season, with games against Essendon, North Melbourne and Gold Coast to come before the bye. Alastair Clarkson says Luke Hodge and Ryan Schoenmakers won’t be far away from returning, as the club gears itself for a shot at AFL history.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) 2 weeks
Colin Garland (cheekbone) test
Mitch King (knee) season
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) indefinite
Christian Salem (illness) 3 weeks
Jack Viney (fractured knuckle) 3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: HAWKS EXTEND STREAK OVER DIES ... JUST
ON THE BLOCK: Jayden Hunt and big forward Chris Dawes were among several Demons who struggled against the Hawks, including small forward Jeff Garlett who had a shocker.
ON THE CUSP: Ben Kennedy, who was dropped last week, collected 30 disposals and three goals in Casey’s win on Sunday. Demons coach Paul Roos said he was encouraged by the club’s midfield depth and it would have pleased him to see Ben Newton (27 possessions), Jack Grimes (24) and Alex Neal-Bullen (23) also among Casey’s best.
GREG BUCKLE’S FORECAST: Coach Paul Roos was pleased with his midfield’s efforts against Hawthorn but the Hawks drew away in the final term for an 18-point win and dominated on the outside. Roos said the Demons lost the territory battle at times against the Hawks and need to kick more often and be more direct. Collingwood’s midfield will offer another stiff test for the Dees.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Sam Wright (ankle) 6-8 weeks
Todd Goldstein (knee) test
Jed Anderson (hamstring) test
Shaun Higgins (knee) 8 weeks
Lachie Hansen (concussion) test
Kayne Turner (hamstring) 1 week + 4-week club imposed ban
Ben Jacobs (foot) 6-8 weeks
MATCH REPORT: ROOS RUN RIOT OVER WOUNDED TIGERS
ON THE BLOCK: Defender Sam Wright will miss six to eight weeks after scans revealed his left ankle sprain requires surgery. Kangaroos director of football Geoff Walsh said it was disappointing for the 25-year-old. “After having just spent a month on the sidelines having injured his opposite ankle, it’s a tough blow for Sam but we expect him back in time for any potential finals’ campaign. Pretty much impossible to find a non-contributor in a thorough Tigers dismantling. Majak Daw may again end up the unlucky one, which is unfortunate because he again showed glimpses of his talent. But it’s difficult to see North playing Daw, Todd Goldstein and Ben Brown in the same side as Drew Petrie and Jarrad Waite.
ON THE CUSP: First and foremost, hopefully coach Brad Scott. Hospitalised with a serious viral illness late last week, Scott was said to be improving by Friday night and should be fit to don the polo again and return to the coaches box. He should be looking down on Goldstein, who missed the Tigers game with knee soreness. The All-Australian ruckman was touch-and-go for the Sydney game in Round 10 and hadn’t trained properly for a fortnight, prompting the Roos to leave him out.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Normal service resumed in Hobart. Irritated by a first loss of the season against Sydney a week prior, North hit Richmond right between the eyes for win No.10 and a devastating one at that. Daniel Wells, Brent Harvey and Nick Dal Santo ran amok, Andrew Swallow was a colossus inside and Drew Petrie was back to his best after a quiet outing against the Swans. But the tests keep coming for a side some still aren’t convinced by. Roll Geelong at Etihad Stadium and a few more will jump on board.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Tom Jonas (suspension) available Round 17
Alipate Carlile (knee) 10-12 weeks
Jack Hombsch (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Matthew Lobbe (knee) 6-8 weeks
Jay Schulz (back) 2-4 weeks
Will Snelling (foot) indefinite
Matt White (pectoral) 4-5 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SEASON SLIPPING AWAY FOR MAGPIES
ON THE BLOCK: Port Adelaide reported no injuries from its big win against Collingwood on Sunday but it didn’t escape the weekend unscathed. Veteran full-back Alipate Carlile suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for the Magpies in the SANFL on Saturday — scans revealed a partial tear of the PCL and medial ligament but he will avoid surgery. Former Demon Jimmy Toumpas hurt his ankle playing in the SANFL and Hinkley said he is in doubt for this week. Defender Jack Hombsch ss a couple more with a strained hamstring.
ON THE CUSP: There were some strong performances from experienced midfielders in the SANFL, with Brendon Ah Chee and rookie-listed Kane Mitchell the standouts. They could come into consideration to play against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday although it would be hard to see who they could replace after the strong effort against Collingwood. Hinkley said key forward Jay Schulz (back) and speedster Matt White (pectoral muscle) are recovering well from long-term injuries and should be ready to resume after Port’s round 14 bye.
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: It will be hard for Ken Hinkley to change a winning line-up after one of the team’s best performances of the season. A young gun such as Dougal Howard could go if he wants to get Ah Chee into the team but he is more likely to go with a settled line-up.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Steve Morris (knee) season
Ben Griffiths (knee) test
Dylan Grimes (hamstring) test
Nick Vlastuin (concussion) test
Reece McKenzie (mental health) TBC
Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) 9 weeks
Bachar Houli (wrist) 5-7 weeks
Ben Lennon (shoulder) 4-5 weeks
Chris Yarran (mental health) indefinite
MATCH REPORT: ROOS RUN RIOT OVER WOUNDED TIGERS
ON THE BLOCK: As expected, Steven Morris needs another reconstruction - to the same knee that buckled in the SANFL in 2009. He’s lion-hearted, Morris, but he was still visibly shattered on the flight out of Hobart on Saturday and faces a fight to resurrect his career. Ben Griffiths (ankle) will most certainly miss weeks, while there must be significant concerns for Dylan Grimes, who was dramatically withdrawn two minutes before the first bounce on Friday night after experiencing “awareness” in the warm-up. Nick Vlastuin suffered game-ending concussion and will be in some doubt for this week. A week after making no changes, Damien Hardwick will be forced to make sweeping one’s.
Thank you to everyone for the messages of support. It's very much appreciated ðŸ‘ðŸ»
— Steve Morris (@stevemorris38) June 5, 2016
ON THE CUSP: Damien Hardwick went along to Sunday’s VFL match praying some of the “emerging young talent” he’s been talking up would announce themselves. Instead he watched the Tigers’ “twos” remain goalless until the last quarter against Coburg. But Reece Conca’s third VFL game will definitely be his last after he dominated with 30-odd touches, a couple of goals and 10-plus tackles. It’s early days, but Nathan Drummond is showing positive signs after returning from his knee reconstruction. Mabior Chol, Connor Menadue and Ivan Maric are also running around in the reserves.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: What appeared to be another mid-season resurrection is now a road to nowhere. This wasn’t a nightmare against the Kangaroos, it was a two-hour night terror. Richmond gave up a staggering 72 inside-50s, lost the disposal count, lost the tackle count by 36 and the game by 70. It was surely a finals killer and, with a three-match winning streak stopped dead in its tracks, possibly a morale killer as well. Next is Gold Coast at the MCG, a side they’ve had their issues with in the past but smashed by 83 points at the same ground last year. Fair to say Dimma would take a similar result.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) indefinite
Paddy McCartin (concussion) 2 weeks
Hugh Goddard (achilles) season
Sean Dempster (knee) 4 weeks
Billy Longer (concussion) 4 weeks
Nick Riewoldt (knee soreness) test
Sam Fisher (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
MATCH REPORT: SAINTS LIMP HOME AFTER HORROR SHOW
ON THE BLOCK: As if losing by 88 points wasn’t bad enough, four key talls could miss Sunday’s clash against Carlton. Hugh Goddard’s injury is the worst, he could be out for 12 months after appearing to snap his Achilles tendon in his first game for the year. Paddy McCartin has been ruled out with concussion, while Nick Riewoldt is only a 50-50 chance of lining up against Carlton. Saints assistant coach Jamie Cox said: “Paddy certainly won’t play this week given it’s his second concussion for the year. His neck was cleared in hospital.” Saints defender Sean Dempster (knee) will also miss four weeks after a “procedure” on his knee. Hardly any player can say they played well but Brodie Murdoch and Jimmy Webster are probably most in danger of demotion.
Thanks for the messages everyone. I'm all sweet. Very lucky to have great docs and people looking after me. We'll bounce back. #gosaints
— Paddy Mccartin (@paddymccartin11) June 5, 2016
ON THE CUSP: The usual suspects performed well in the VFL. Darren Minchington, Blake Acres, Jack Lonie and Eli Templeton were all productive in Sandringham’s two-point win against Geelong. Nathan Wright had 15 touches and two goals after being tried up forward - will the No.24 pick from the 2012 draft get a look in for his first game of 2016?
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Blowout losses are part of a young team’s development but two in a month are not what Alan Richardson would have had in mind. Rebounding against the Blues will be a much tougher assignment than it looked in Round 1, although even then it was hardly a gimme considering Carlton has won the past four clashes between these teams. With the bye to follow it might be a chance to rest up sore bodies, or will Riewoldt and Co push through hoping to go into the break on a positive note?
SYDNEY
INJURIES
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
Sam Reid (achilles) test
MATCH REPORT: SWANS SHINE IN WET TO BEAT SUNS
ON THE BLOCK: George Hewett could be given the week off to get over the concussion he sustained against Gold Coast. Harrison Marsh only got the eight disposals, while James Rose did enough to warrant another go after being a late replacement for Callum Mills (managed).
ON THE CUSP: Mills should be a walk-up start for the Battle of the Bridge. Dean Towers and Aliir Alirr were among the Swans’ best in NEAFL action. Xavier Richard slotted six goals in runaway win over Gold Coast’s reserves.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Expect the Swans to head into their Round 14 bye with 11 wins under their belts. The Swans should have too much class in the midfield and firepower up forward to get the chocolates over their cross-town rivals, while Melbourne at the SCG poses little to no headaches. Looking forward to the ruck battle between in-form Kurt Tippett and Giants enforcer Shane Mumford.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Jackson Nelson (elbow) available
Dom Sheed (pectoral) 2-3 weeks
Alec Waterman (illness) indefinite
Elliot Yeo (quad) available
Nic Naitanui (nose/foot) test
MATCH REPORT: EAGLES UNABLE TO FIX VIC HOODOO
ON THE BLOCK: The hotel they use in Melbourne? The buffet chef? The bus driver from the airport? Something, anything. Yet another loss on the road for the Tarzan and Jane Eagles, who must frustrate their supporters no end. Truth be told, they fought against the Dogs and defended bravely when everything pointed to a belting. Minus 39 contested ball and 124 fewer disposals doesn’t make pretty reading for a side that has now won only once away from Subiaco since Round 16 last year. Any danger of some help for Matthew Priddis? He had 20 contested possessions and no other Eagle had more than eight. Nic Naitanui copped a broken nose and turned up to club HQ today on crutches due to an unspecified foot injury, but says he’ll play on.
ON THE CUSP: Jeremy McGovern was a late out with a virus, but will recover in time to face Adelaide. East Perth is due to play Monday in the WAFL, with Mitch Brown, Tom Barrass and Patrick McGinnity among those pushing for promotion.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Gonna go real early and say they’re done as far as the premiership goes. Now 7-4, this fragility outside Perth is threatening to cost them a top-two spot. Have lost four out of five interstate this year and in their three Victorian games they’ve gone home having kicked only seven (Hawthorn), 12 (Geelong) and 11 goals (Western Bulldogs). Throw in last year’s meltdown in the GF and it’s hard to mount any sort of case they are a serious threat.
Nic Naitanui leaving @WestCoastEagles HQ on crutches. Will he be fit for @Adelaide_FC clash. @9NewsPerth pic.twitter.com/ujIksDmhhG
— Paddy Sweeney (@SweeneyPaddy9) June 6, 2016
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Zaine Cordy (ankle) 1 week
Jason Johannisen (hamstring) 3 weeks
Lin Jong (suspended) available
Toby McLean (foot) 4-8 weeks
Robert Murphy (knee) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Clay Smith (knee) available
Roarke Smith (knee) indefinite
Koby Stevens (abdominal) TBC
Easton Wood (hamstring) 2 weeks
MATCH REPORT: BULLDOGS CONTINUE TO ROLL
ON THE BLOCK: Toby McLean will have scans on a nasty looking right foot injury sustained while laying a tackle in the second quarter that ended his game. Club medicos were praying afterwards that the promising youngster had escaped bone damage. Yet another half-back, Easton Wood, was a late withdrawal after the skipper complained of hamstring soreness, but there was an expectation he’ll come up this weekend. His replacement, Fletcher Roberts, was faultless in what was a strong 22-man effort to outlast West Coast. If the spate of injuries are causing frustration, coach Luke Beveridge isn’t showing it, declaring it the “nature of the game”.
ON THE CUSP: Wood will come back, but that may be the only change. The VFL side was poleaxed by Williamstown. Senior-listed players Lukas Webb, Jed Adcock, Joel Hamling and Declan Hamilton were the best performers in a 72-point loss.
SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Have to admire this side because there wouldn’t be too many others who would be able to cope with so many injuries to one area. On Sunday against the Eagles, Wood joined Robert Murphy and Jason Johannisen as the starting backline watched from the stands. Yet the Dogs’ ferocity at the coalface, pressure and intensity are traits that go beyond personnel. Yet the “connection” between that midfield dominance and the forwards is what Beveridge and co. are desperate to see click. It was better against the Eagles, but a game they dominated only resulted in an eight-point win. Against the top-shelf sides there will be a greater need to capitalise.
Originally published as Barometer: AFL injury list, selection analysis ahead of Round 12
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