The Barometer: Who’s hurt, who’s on the cusp at selection at your club?

WESTERN Bulldogs speedster Jason Johannisen will miss 10 weeks after scans revealed tendon damage to his hamstring.

Jason Johannisen comes off with an injured hamstring.

WESTERN Bulldogs speedster Jason Johannisen will miss 10 weeks after scans revealed tendon damage to his hamstring.

Johannisen’s injury was a further blow for the Dogs, who lost skipper Robert Murphy to a season-ending knee injury the previous week.

The Bulldogs said the defender wouldn’t need surgery.

Who’s hurt and who’s in line for selection at your club? We look at every club’s playing stocks after Round 4.

ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Brad Crouch (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Curtly Hampton (foot) test

Paul Hunter (ankle) test

MATCH REPORT: CROWS HOLD OFF SWANS

ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Sam Jacobs sent a scare through the Crows camp when he limped off 12 minutes into the third quarter on Saturday night, but he ran out the game against Sydney. In the rooms post-match the big man was walking around fine and joking with teammates in a pleasing sign for supporters. Coach Don Pyke described Jacobs’ injury scare as “a bit of a knock on the knee” but said he was fine. As for the rest: “a couple of guys will probably get checked and see how they recover but early signs are good,” Pyke said.

ON THE CUSP: The twos had a bye, while the seniors are going as well as anyone right now, so it’s not going to be easy breaking into this best 22. Nathan van Berlo, Charlie Cameron and Cam Ellis-Yolmen would be next in line for selection.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: A six-day turnaround for Adelaide leads to a clash with the reigning premier Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night. It’s hard to see anyone forcing their way into the Adelaide line-up based on Saturday night’s complete team performance in the win over the Swans and gun midfielder Brad Crouch is expected to miss at least another week with a hamstring strain before being considered for selection.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES

Stefan Martin (confussion) test

Daniel McStay (virus) TBC

Darcy Gardiner (elbow) TBC

Dayne Beams (knee) indefinite

Cian Hanley (groin) indefinite

Rhys Mathieson (cheekbone) 1-2 weeks

Marco Paparone (hamstring) test

Tom Rockliff (calf) test

Sam Skinner (knee) 10 weeks

Josh Watts (groin) 2-3 weeks

Michael Close (wrist and foot)

Josh Watts (groin)

MATCH REPORT: LIONS PREVAIL IN FIERY QCLASH

ON THE BLOCK: Stef Martin woke up with headaches and a swollen face after being poleaxed by Steve May.He got scans on Sunday and will get more on Monday as the club closely monitors his concussion symptoms. Darcy Gardiner will have scans on his elbow.

ON THE CUSP: Skipper Tom Rockliff is a strong chance to play against the Bulldogs while first-year midfielder Ben Keays was good again for the Lions reserves. Ruckmen Trent West and Archie Smith will be on high alert as Martin is unlikely to play this weekend as Brisbane will take an ultraconservative approach with him.

GREG DAVIS’S FORECAST: Brisbane’s brutal opening two months of the season rolls on with the Lions to face the Western Bulldogs this Saturday night. The Lions will be buoyant after their QClash victory and the dry conditions under the roof at Etihad will suit their run-and-gun gamestyle which the playing group has really bought into. In four games this year, Brisbane has had 113 scoring shots, 40 more than the same time last year. They just need to start kicking straight to be competitive with the Doggies.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Dennis Armfield (hamstring) test

Andrejs Everitt (calf) test

Ciaran Sheehan (hip) test

Harry McKay (back) 6 weeks

Jack Silvagni (hamstring) 1 week

Andrew Walker (calf) test

Blaine Boekhorst (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: INJURIES SOUR DOGS WIN OVER BLUES

ON THE BLOCK: The Blues will monitor the health of captain Marc Murphy after he succumbed to stomach illness at halftime against the Bulldogs. Although able to resume, Murphy was benched in the third quarter after suffering a gashed head. Ciaran Byrne also needed attention to a head cut.

ON THE CUSP: With Liam Jones kicking five goals in the VFL. coach Brendon Bolton might look at tweaking his forward line.

LEO SCHLINK’S FORECAST: The Blues head west to face struggling Fremantle at Subiaco with a clear appreciation of Bolton’s game plan — collective offense and collective defence.

Carlton’s most pressing issue is its lack of finishing polish, hardly surprising given it fielded 10 players with fewer than 30 games experience against the Western Bulldogs, an outfit Bolton believes will challenge seriously in September. The Docker’s smothering defence will present another challenge to the “New Blues”, but the evidence of development is definitely there.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

Tyson Goldsack (illness) TBA

Travis Cloke (elbow) test

Ben Reid (knee) test

Jamie Elliott (back) 4-12 weeks

Jonathon Marsh (hamstring) test

Jackson Ramsay (knee) season

Matt Scharenberg (knee) season

Dane Swan (foot) season

Marley Williams (foot) 3 weeks

Jarrod Witts (hand) test

MATCH REPORT: DEMONS TURN UP HEAT ON PIES

ON THE BLOCK: Travis Cloke could be sidelined with an elbow injury, while Ben Reid hurt his knee, but played through the match. Brodie Grundy has been up and down in the ruck, and some onballers, such as Levi Greenwood and Jack Crisp, haven’t had a great start to the year. Tom Langdon’s kicking also landed him in trouble.

ON THE CUSP: We think Nathan Buckley wants to shake things up after another loss to Melbourne left the Pies at 1-3. American import Mason Cox is a strong chance to get the call up, while the Pies have also been impressed with youngsters Josh Smith and Rupert Wills. Smith will need to be promoted onto the senior list but is a hard nosed ball-winner. Wills is a tall and powerful midfielder taken pick No. 63 in last year’s draft. Jarrod Witts may also enter the ruck frame.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Pies need to find their mojo fast. They think the problems are fixable, but the pressure is mounting. A loss to Essendon would be disastrous and the Eagles will be very tough to beat the week after. Buckley wants consistency but is not getting it.

ANZAC DAY CLASH A ‘FREE HIT’ FOR WOOSHA. LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW:

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Jayden Laverde (shoulder) TBC

Alex Morgan (hamstring) 3 weeks

MATCH REPORT: WAYWARDS CATS DOWN DONS

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to question the endeavour and effort of the Essendon group after a brave performance against Geelong. Jayden Laverde is set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering an AC joint injury, while Mitch Brown copped a knock to the nose but should be fine to play next week. Expect big Joe Daniher to bounce back against the Magpies after the Cats restricted him to just six kicks and one mark.

ON THE CUSP: Three goals to Shaun McKernan in the Bombers’ strong win over North Ballarat on Friday night enhances his chances of pushing for a senior recall. Others to perform well included Jonathan Simpkin (25 touches), Ryan Crowley (23), Will Hams and Jackson Merrett.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Essendon can look to ahead to Anzac Day with more confidence after keeping Geelong to only nine goals on Saturday. The biggest home-and-away game of the year, in terms of occasion, had been tipped as a one-sided match several week ago, but the Bombers are building with the likes of Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti giving great hope for the future.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (knee) 2 weeks

Harley Balic (wrist) TBA

Harley Bennell (calf) 8 weeks

Connor Blakely (fractured toe) 1 week

Zac Clarke (knee) 1 week

Ethan Hughes (hamstring) 1 week

Sean Hurley (hip) 10 weeks

David Mundy (calf) 1 week

Aaron Sandilands (ribs) 6 weeks

MATCH REPORT: ROOS DOWN DOCKERS TO GO TOP

ON THE BLOCK: The saving grace from this shocking start to the season is there were no fresh injuries out of the loss to North Melbourne. But Ross Lyon said key midfielder David Mundy remained “unlikely” to return this week after being a late withdrawal against West Coast with a calf strain. Harley Bennell (calf) and Aaron Sandilands (lung) are sidelined long term.

ON THE CUSP: Given Peel Thunder didn’t play in the WAFL it’s difficult to say. Logic says Matt de Boer (soreness) and Tendai Mzungu (omitted) would be a chance for a recall after missing the North game.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Lyon’s air of defiance hasn’t left him, but the fact is his side is 0-4 and 17th on the ladder only four AFL matches after contesting a preliminary final. It is a staggering fall from contention and one so severe the Dockers will have to make history to feature in September. No side in the history of the top eight system has played finals after losing its first four games. How has it gone so wrong, so quickly? Clearly Lyon is trying to adapt his players to a more offensive style in a bid to move with the rest of the competition. But to say there’s been teething problems would be an understatement. Carlton awaits at home in Round 5. They couldn’t, could they? Don’t be stupid ... but could they?

GEELONG

INJURIES

Mitch Clark (calf) 4-6 weeks

Cam Delaney (knee) test

Sam Menegola (knee) 1-2 weeks

Tom Read (knee) 2-3 weeks

Scott Selwood (foot) 3-4 weeks

Billie Smedts (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Jackson Thurlow (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: WAYWARDS CATS DOWN DONS

ON THE BLOCK: He didn’t do a lot wrong, Jake Kolodjashnij, but he will be a nervous boy this week. The young defender was a late inclusion for the injured Shane Kersten. Based on the last-in, first-out theory, it will be he who makes way for the returning Enright this week. Jordan Murdoch could be another under pressure.

ON THE CUSP: Shane Kersten was a late withdrawal after what Chris Scott described as a “calf issue” late in the Cats’ final training session. He remains an unknown for this week. Lincoln McCarthy was omitted for the Bombers clash but didn’t play at any level. His form had been solid and he may earn a recall. Corey Enright was “managed” against Essendon and is set to return. The VFL side lost to the Northern Blues, but there were promising signs from a few listed players. Jed Bews was the Cats’ best, while George Horlin-Smith had 28 touches and nine clearances. Nathan Vardy made a successful return to football, with five marks and a goal to go with 11 hitouts. On the training track, Billie Smedts has been cleared to resume contact work after his shoulder injury, while Scott Selwood (knee) and Mitch Clark (calf) have started running.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: What exactly is going on here? In property speak, the Cats underwent a full-scale renovation in the off-season, turning a comfortable — but modest — three-bedroom family home into an opulent palatial mansion. It’s not that the cracks are starting to appear, but perhaps this big house is still bedding-in. Comfortably beating Hawthorn, but losing to GWS and struggling to shake Essendon isn’t the sort of form line that would have Chris Scott chortling himself to sleep. Scott described them as a “work in progress”. Mitch Duncan went further, arguing his side was currently mediocre at best. Of course, the degree of list refurbishment the Cats undertook will understandably take time to find synergy. You could also argue, at this time of year, that winning is more important than how you win. In that sense, it’s mission accomplished so far, but sterner tests await and this mob is well aware it needs to improve if it is to come close to what it recruited for.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES

Steven May (reported) TBC

Mitch Hallahan (foot) 8 weeks

Trent McKenzie (nose) 1 week

Jaeger O’Meara (knee) indefinite

David Swallow (knee) indefinite

Rory Thompson (ankle) 1-2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: LIONS PREVAIL IN FIERY QCLASH

ON THE BLOCK: Steven May will be rubbed out for his shirt-front on Stefan Martin. The only question is does he get three weeks from the MRP or does it go straight to the tribunal who will give him more. The second is the likely option and the general feeling is it’s a minimum four weeks. There were plenty of Suns players down on Saturday but Rodney Eade called it an aberration and will be tempted to give those players a shot at redemption. Dion Prestia went off for the second week in a row for treatment on his shoulder. Once again Eade said it was just a stinger and predicted he would be fine to play.

ON THE CUSP: Former Bulldog Jarrad Grant booted seven in the NEAFL and may be on contention. The Suns need to find three big defenders to take on the Roos and may be tempted to shift a forward, either Sam Day or Clay Cameron back which could pave the way for Grant or Peter Wright. Ruckman Daniel Currie may also come into contention to help Tom Nicholls battle All Australian Todd Goldstein.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns have a good record against the Kangaroos, who struggle to match their speed. However, they would have to correct their weak attack on the footy from the Q Clash, especially against a side with bull midfielders like the Roos. The Roos three tall forwards will also obviously stretch the Suns defence. What looked winnable a week ago now looks like a tough ask.

Charlie Dixon's last minute hit on Phil Davis was even stupider. Down by 86 points. Davis visibly in pain. Enough to see him miss v Cats?

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) April 17, 2016

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES

Devon Smith (knee) test

Caleb Marchbank (ankle) 5-7 weeks

Will Hoskin-Elliott (quad) test

Aidan Corr (ankle) 6 weeks

Paul Ahern (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS SMASH PORT IN CAPITAL

ON THE BLOCK: After a big win over Port it’s hard to see anybody getting dropped but with Jeremy Cameron set to return from suspension for the game against St Kilda, one of either Adam Tomlinson or Jonathon Patton will have to make way.

ON THE CUSP: Cameron will come straight in for his first game of the season after being rubbed out in the NAB Challenge. No. 2 draft pick Jacob Hopper amassed 38 disposals and kicked two goals in the NEAFL against the Canberra Demons. Nick Haynes also played well in his third match back after a groin operation. Tim Mohr also played his third match in the NEAFL after a second knee reconstruction.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Jon Patton is steadily working his way back to form and has done enough to keep his spot in the team, meaning Adam Tomlinson will have to come out for Jeremy Cameron. If Smith is fit he will probably take Jack Steele’s spot in the team to play the Saints at Etihad on Sunday as GWS tries to move into the positive in the win-loss column.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Josh Gibson (hamstring tightness) test

Ryan Schoenmakers (groin soreness) test

Jack Fitzpatrick (knee) test

Bradley Hill (wrist) 1-2 weeks

Jarryd Roughead (knee) 8-11 weeks

Matt Spangher (calf) 1-2 weeks

Zac Webster (quad) 1 week

Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite

MATCH REPORT: HAWKS FIND WAY TO DENY SAINTS

ON THE BLOCK: The Hawks struggled without defensive general Josh Gibson against St Kilda, with captain Luke Hodge forced to assume the role from a back pocket. Gibson will be back for Friday night’s blockbuster against Adelaide as will key forward Ryan Shoemakers. Youngster Daniel Howe will make way for Gibson while Tim O’Brien looms as being a tad unlucky given he did some nice things and booted two goals in his first game of the year against the Saints.

ON THE CUSP: Jon O’Rourke was a surprise axing last week and will be in the running for a return while veteran utility Brendon Whitecross continues to push for more senior action. Speedster Bradley Hill has been sorely missed and the initial diagnosis was six weeks so he will start to come under consideration.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: The Hawks were all over the shop without Gibson against the Saints, with big man trio Paddy McCartin, Josh Bruce and Nick Riewoldt causing problems. Given Adelaide has one of the tallest and most dynamic forward setups in the comp his return is crucial while Shoenmakers will help the forward structure, which also didn’t look its usual dangerous self on Saturday. James Sicily was forced to be the main target against St Kilda and he is more suited to being the third banana behind Shoenmakers and Jack Gunston. The Crows should be concerned that Cyril Rioli had a stinker against the Saints with just nine touches ... it rarely happens twice in a row.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) test

Angus Brayshaw (concussion) test

Chris Dawes (calf) 1-2 weeks

Jake Spencer (plantar fascia) 2-3 weeks

Jay Kennedy-Harris (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Mitch King (knee) season

MATCH REPORT: DEMONS TURN UP HEAT ON PIES

ON THE BLOCK: The Demons have few concerns with form or injury going into Sunday’s game against Richmond. Angus Brayshaw’s concussion will be monitored. The Demons’ three inclusions for their 35-point win over Collingwood — Cam Pedersen (20 possessions and two goals), Brayshaw and debutant Jayden Hunt — all performed well.

ON THE CUSP: Club champion Bernie Vince returns this week from a one-game suspension and small forward Jeff Garlett, who kicked 40 goals last season, has assured coach Paul Roos he’ll be fit to take on the Tigers after missing two games with an ankle injury.

GREG BUCKLE’S FORECAST: The Demons (2-2) go into Sunday’s game against Richmond (1-3) with a real sense of optimism after what Roos labelled as the best performances in two consecutive weeks he’s seen in his three seasons with the club. Jack Watts is firing up forward and Max Gawn is also oozing with confidence in the ruck. Gawn’s likely clash with Ivan Maric should provide an entertaining contest. It’s just another week for Roos, who says the Tigers will be under just as much pressure this week as the Magpies were last week. The Tigers will need to regain form quickly to combat the spirited young Demons, who are playing with heart.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Taylor Garner (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Jed Anderson (hamstring) 7 weeks

Daniel Nielson (knee) 2 weeks

Joel Tippett (back) 4 weeks

Ed Vickers-Willis (shoulder) 2 weeks

MATCH REPORT: ROOS DOWN DOCKERS TO GO TOP

ON THE BLOCK: Injury-free after the rousing win over Fremantle. Robbie Tarrant spent much of the first quarter on the bench with an ankle problem, but was cleared to play-on after getting re-strapped.

ON THE CUSP: Hard to see too many changes to a side that’s flying at present, but a stack of listed players ran around for Werribee in the VFL at the weekend. Sam Durdin (four goals), Majak Daw and Aaron Black (three goals) were all prominent.

SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: The Roos have gone the big 4-0. On top of the ladder for the first time in 17 years, they’re the last undefeated side in it — a far cry from the slow starts that have plagued it in recent seasons. Gold Coast is up next at Metricon, an opponent and a stadium that the Roos haven’t coped well with. North has lost its last three meetings with the Suns — two of them heavily.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Alipate Carlile (wrist) 4-6 weeks

Dan Houston (hip/groin) 1 week

Jay Schulz (back) indefinite

Matt White (pectoral) indefinite

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS SMASH PORT IN CAPITAL

ON THE BLOCK: Robbie Gray and Charlie Dixon could come under scrutiny for off-the-ball incidents during the heavy loss to the Giants. Gray would be the most concerned after dropping Giants co-captain Callan Ward with a wayward elbow. Karl Amon, Jake Neade and Jimmy Toumpas could find themselves on the outer after poor performances.

ON THE CUSP: No game for the twos so Paul Stewart, Jarman Impey and Sam Colquhoun will need to put their best foot forward at training or rely on the match review panel for a bit of help.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: There are issues all over the field for Ken Hinkley but they start in defence, where the Power has leaked 20 or more goals in three of its four matches. Yesterday the Giants had a ludicrous 75 inside-50s. Port has a chance to turn things around in the next month, at least on the ladder, with games against Richmond, Brisbane and Carlton — but they have to regroup to face Geelong first.

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Nathan Drummond (knee) TBC

Chris Yarran (foot) 4-5 weeks

Reece Conca (hamstring) 3 weeks

Ben Griffiths (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Dylan Grimes (hamstring tendon) 1-2 weeks

Brett Deledio (quad) TBC

David Astbury (ankle) TBC

Shaun Hampson (corked calf) TBC

MATCH REPORT: ELECTRIC EAGLES FLOG TIGERS

ON THE BLOCK: There will be at least two changes with Shaun Hampson and David Astbury set to miss through injury. Andrew Moore had no impact in his first game as a Tiger and could be sent back to the VFL, Troy Chaplin is plugging holes and Ty Vickery can’t get near it. Shane Edwards and Nick Vlastuin aren’t likely to be dropped but the Tigers need them to find form fast.

ON THE CUSP: Some good news! Richmond’s VFL team came from 19 points down at quarter-time to win by 52 with Ivan Maric tuning up for his senior return with an influential display. Anthony Miles responded to his demotion with 30 touches, Jayden Short had 20, Steven Morris 20 and Jacob Townsend and exciting draftee Oleg Markov 19 each. And Damien Hardwick has to think about seeing what Liam McBean can do at senior level after he bagged five goals. Brett Deledio is again being talked about as a possible inclusion but he is unlikely to be rushed back after playing just half a game this season.

AL PATON’S FORECAST: Has a Round 5 game ever carried more weight? The under siege Tigers have nine days to fix their “broken” game plan before facing Melbourne in an Anzac eve Sunday night clash at the MCG. Adding more pressure is the recent history between these teams — the Demons have won the past two encounters and are riding a wave after a win against Collingwood. Simply, the Tigers can’t afford to lose this with games to follow against Port Adelaide (MCG), Hawthorn (MCG), Sydney (MCG) and Fremantle (Subiaco).

David Astbury grabs his ankle on Friday night. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES

Callum Sinclair (foot) TBC

Alex Johnson (knee) indefinite

Sam Naismith (hand) 1 week

Sam Reid (calf/Achilles) 3 weeks

Gary Rohan (hamstring) 3 weeks

Michael Talia (foot) 6 weeks

MATCH REPORT: CROWS HOLD OFF SWANS

ON THE BLOCK: In his first game back after being dropped Dean Towers was very patchy against the Crows, turning the ball over on a number of occasions. He had a great pre-season after an outstanding finish to 2015 but has struggled to find form since the NAB challenge.

ON THE CUSP: Zak Jones was among the best in the Swans reserves after being dropped last week. George Hewett was also in good form and could make a return after a bright start to his AFL career.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Despite the loss to the Crows the Swans don’t have many players in bad form, but Towers is one of them and he looks likely to lose his place in the team to face the Eagles at the SCG to Hewett. Sydney has a good record against its modern rival, winning six in a row before suffering a 52-point loss in Perth last year.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Jarryn Geary (concussion) test

Dylan Roberton (knee)

Jimmy Webster (quad)

Luke Dunstan (hamstring)

MATCH REPORT: HAWKS FIND WAY TO DENY SAINTS

ON THE BLOCK: He may have kicked their final goal to bring them within three points but goalsneak Eli Templeton didn’t do enough in his return. It will be interesting to see what the Saints hierarchy do with Tom Lee, who also came in for his first game of the season against Hawthorn. He was recruited as a forward but that failed and has been turned into a defender in the VFL of recent times. His athleticism was impressive against the Hawks but some crucial turnovers by foot might have him in the gun. Hard-nosed defender Jarryn Geary was concussed late but is expected to come up for next Sunday’s Etihad Stadium clash against the Giants.

ON THE CUSP: Jimmy Webster and Luke Dunstan both missed against the Hawks because of slight niggles and would be automatic inclusions if they have recovered. Youngster Hugh Goddard looked good last year but has yet to get a game this season and should come under consideration if a line is drawn through Lee.

SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: The Saints were stiff. They hunted the man and ball impressively with their pressure and leg speed a standout. The move of Nick Riewoldt to the wing worked a treat as Paddy McCartin and Josh Bruce look threatening as twin towers up forward. But it will be all worth nothing if the Saints don’t turn up against the GWS on their home deck. This is a game that must win to justify the obvious improvement and belief which was evident against the reigning premiers.

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Matt Priddis (groin) test

Mitch Brown (finger) 6 weeks

Xavier Ellis (Achilles) 2-3 weeks

Kurt Mutimer (hamstring) test

Dom Sheed (pectoral) 6-7 weeks

Alec Waterman (illness) indefinite

Sharrod Wellingham (knee) test

MATCH REPORT: ELECTIC EAGLES FLOG TIGERS

ON THE BLOCK: Ruckman Scott Lycett is facing a week on the sidelines for his left-hand jab at Ty Vickery on Friday night. Second-year midfielder Liam Duggan is becoming vulnerable at the selection table, while running defender Jackson Nelson might have to make way when Sharrod Wellingham returns.

ON THE CUSP: Jonathan Giles is in line to make his West Coast debut should Lycett be suspended, after putting himself in pole position to partner Nic Naitanui in the ruck after a strong showing in the WAFL on Saturday. Wellingham said he was ready to return after getting through his comeback match for East Perth, while Matt Priddis is considered a 50-50 chance to face Sydney after being a late withdrawal on Friday night with a groin injury.

BRADEN QUARTERMAINE’S FORECAST: The Eagles face another big road test against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday, having come up well short against Hawthorn at the MCG in Round 2. West Coast has not won away since Round 16 last year and will be desperate to take a scalp on the road to back up its impressive home form. The Eagles last beat the Swans at the SCG in 1999, when Mick Malthouse was coach.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Jason Johanissen (hamstring) 10 weeks
Matthew Suckling (ankle) TBC

Tom Boyd (shoulder) TBC

Josh Prudden (knee) TBC

Nathan Hrovat (ankle) 4-5 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) TBC

Roarke Smith (knee) TBC

Robert Murphy (knee) season

Easton Wood (hamstring) test

MATCH REPORT: INJURIES SOUR DOGS WIN OVER BLUES

ON THE BLOCK: The injury toll will begin to bite after the loss of Jason Johannisen to a serious hamstring injury compounded the season-ending knee blow for Robert Murphy last weekend. Making matters worse, Tom Boyd (shoulder), Matthew Suckling (ankle) and Jordan Roughead (ankle) are also sore from the win over Carlton and will race against time to be fit for the clash against the Lions. Expect Johannisen to be out for 3-4 months after surgery to fix a high hamstring problem. Another defender, Josh Prudden, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the VFL. It will test their depth.

ON THE CUSP: Easton Wood should step straight back into the senior side after missing two matches with a hamstring problem. Tory Dickson is also a likely inclusion after returning from a quad issue in the VFL, while Jack Redpath is also in the frame to cover Boyd. If Roughead misses, ruckman Tom Campbell and Will Minson are also waiting in the wings for a senior call up after playing in the VFL. Lukas Webb and Mitch Honeychurch also showed at the weekend the Dogs have decent depth in their Footscray side.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Dogs were looking like a genuine top four contender but the serious injury blows in the past two weeks will test those September ambitions. Regardless, they should be too strong for the Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Originally published as The Barometer: Who’s hurt, who’s on the cusp at selection at your club?