Richmond defender Troy Chaplin is carried off after twisting his knee. Source: Herald Sun
WHO'S hurt, who's on the cusp and who's on the block - a complete rundown of every club's playing stocks.
ADELAIDE
Brodie Martin (ankle) 4 weeks
Taylor Walker (knee) season
Lewis Johnston (knee) 2-3 weeks
Jared Petrenko (shoulder) test
ON THE BLOCK: Very few injuries at West Lakes, but that is not to say there won't be changes this week. Coming off a disappointing loss to Richmond and then a bye, the Crows are expected to swing the axe for this week's clash against the Suns. The likes of Ian Callinan, Ricky Henderson and Matthew Jaensch will have a nervous week.
ON THE CUSP: In a big boost, Jared Petrenko is a chance to play this week. Petrenko sprained his right AC joint in Adelaide's loss to Sydney in Round 11. He'll need to prove his fitness, but the Crows believe he is not without a chance. The likes of Mitchell Grigg and Jarryd Lyons are also knocking on the door.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Morale is not great at Adelaide right now. Their season has not gone according to plan, but there is no doubting they are a proud and professional club. Don't expect them to just roll over when they head to Metricon Stadium to face the improving Suns.
BRISBANE
INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) season
Stefan Martin (ankle) available
Jared Polec (ankle) available
Patrick Weardon (jaw) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Obvious attention turns to Sam Mayes, who has been terrific for much of the season but struggled to get into it against the Cats, while emerging tall Justin Clarke could also face scrutiny at the selection table. Ryan Harwood showed some dash when he came on and would be stiff to be omitted.
ON THE CUSP: Good news for the Lions is that players at the lower level gained confidence at the weekend. Livewire forward Josh Green booted four to put his name back in lights, while runner Rohan Bewick and the experienced Andrew Raines will also press for a call-up.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: It will be tough for Michael Voss to make too many changes to the 22 that fought back to enjoy one of the club's finest ever wins for the Lions' clash against Hawthorn. They face a whole new challenge this week - away to the ladder leaders and premiership favourites, who show no signs of taking their foot off the pedal. The Geelong win was a miracle. This may be something else.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Andrew Carrazzo (calf) test
Marc Murphy (cheekbone) 2-3 weeks
David Ellard (calf) 2 weeks
Patrick McCarthy (foot) 6 weeks
Rhys O'Keeffe (foot) indefinite
Mitch Robinson (shoulder) test
ON THE BLOCK: Out goes skipper Marc Murphy, who will miss 2-3 with a fractured cheekbone. It is a massive loss for the Blues ahead of a very important period for them. Ruckman Sam Rowe may also come out this week. Mitch Robinson has a shoulder injury and faces a fitness test. But the Blues are confident he should play against the Swans.
ON THE CUSP: The Blues should get Andrew Carrazzo back from a calf issue. Tom Bell also is a good chance to return after an impressive performance in the VFL at the weekend. He finished with 25 possessions (11 of them contested).
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: The Blues have had a week off as they prepare for what is a crucial clash against the Swans. They can no longer settle for honourable losses - they need wins if they want to stay in touch with the top eight. This is a massive challenge, but not beyond them. Coach Mick Malthouse will have them primed for battle.
Marc Murphy makes his way from the field after a heavy hit broke his cheekbone. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Luke Ball (calf) test
Travis Cloke (finger) available
Tyson Goldsack (hip) 1-2 weeks
Ben Johnson (calf) 2 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (wrist) 3 weeks
Dayne Beams (quad) 3-4 weeks
Jack Frost (knee) 3-5 weeks
Alex Fasolo (foot) Indefinite
Dale Thomas (ankle) Indefinite
Alan Toovey (knee) Season
ON THE BLOCK: Tyson Goldsack is set to miss with a hip injury. Adam Oxley, who made his debut before the bye, may make way this week. Ditto Ben Kennedy and perhaps Sam Dwyer. It is getting later in the season, so expect to see Collingwood try to stabilise its side over the coming weeks.
ON THE CUSP: And with that in mind, welcome back Luke Ball, Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer. All three are expected to be available for selection against Port Adelaide. Clinton Young surely also has to be close. As for Dayne Beams ... will he ever play again? Amazing that a quad injury that struck him the day before Round 1 has sidelined him for this long. And he is still a good 2-3 weeks away. Frustrating for all involved.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Will be interesting to see how the Magpies come out after the bye. The top four is still a realistic chance for them, but they can't afford to drop games like this. Some relief on the injury front would also help.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Dustin Fletcher (groin) test
Michael Hurley (wrist) test
Courtenay Dempsey (chest) test
Nathan Lovett-Murray (arm) available
ON THE BLOCK: On the injury front, Essendon is the envy of the competition. The Bombers' list is in sensational shape at the halfway point of the season. Michael Hurley is the only real injury concern. Given their vast array of tall targets (hello Joe Daniher), it is unlikely he will be risked if there is any issue there.
ON THE CUSP: Hird has flagged the possibility of playing all of Patrick Ryder, Joe Daniher and Tom Bellchambers against the Eagles after Bellchambers was Essendon's best player in the VFL. Will it happen? Unlikely, but you never know. Courtenay Dempsey is a chance to return, ditto Dustin Fletcher - who missed their last match against Gold Coast with a groin issue.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: No excuses this week for Essendon. The Dons have a 12-day break against a team with a six-day break plus a flight back to Perth. With basically a full list to choose from, Essendon should start favourite. And really it should win. These are the games you must win if you are serious about a top four finish.
FREMANTLE
Michael Barlow (face) test
Matthew Pavlich (achilles) test
Haiden Schloithe (calf) test
Lachie Neale (ankle) available
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 1 week
Anthony Morabito (knee) 2 weeks
Sam Menegola (knee) 8 weeks
Jonathon Griffin (knee) season
Kepler Bradley (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Hayden Crozier is often on the fringes in this line-up, while Matthew Taberner's light frame may be excused against the Cats. The Dockers say Michael Barlow is still a chance to play after surgery on Monday morning to repair a facial injury, but surely he'll take a week off.
ON THE CUSP: All eyes on big guns Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) and David Mundy (calf). Ross Lyon says Mundy had a "slight calf strain" and should return. Viv Michie racked up another 30 touches (and seven inside-50s) in the WAFL to continue to press his claims, but would Ross Lyon blood the youngster at the Cattery? Tanner Smith also continues to progress nicely in the state league.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Fremantle has been getting the job done with ease but faces a bigger test this week - the on-the-rebound Cats on their home patch. Freo doesn't score heavily and will need to kick a decent score at Simonds to win. Or will Rossy's men be able to squeeze the life out of the attacking Cats? A win can consolidate their spot in the top four.
GEELONG
INJURIES
George Horlin-Smith (quad) test
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
Jared Rivers (knee) 2-3 weeks
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 1-3 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Paul Chapman (hamstring) indefinite
Nathan Vardy (back) test
Trent West (back) test
ON THE BLOCK: Steve Johnson is set to miss the next two matches for his high bump on Pearce Hanley. Jordan Murdoch didn't have a great output against Brisbane and was subbed off, starting sub Jesse Stringer could also go either way while Mitch Duncan looks like he may just need a week in the VFL to regain his touch.
ON THE CUSP: The good news for the Cats is their VFL side - filled with young talent - destroyed Port Melbourne in a replay of last year's grand final. Mitch Brown and Josh Caddy were among the best while Billie Smedts also looked a class above the grade and could earn a return to the top level.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Chris Scott is almost certain to react to Sunday's fadeout against the Lions. The question is: how many Cats will get the chop? The most interest may come in the ruck department. Will Dawson Simpson, so good in the first-half against the Lions, earn another game if Vardy or West are fit to return? Vardy is a walk-up start if his body is OK but the Cats always err on the side of caution with the talented big man. Given the importance of this clash, one would think Scott will opt for more experienced, harder bodies.
Stevie J cops two-week ban
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Tom Lynch (knee) 8 weeks
Michael Rischitelli (elbow) test
Harley Bennell (hamstring) test
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) test
Brandon Matera (ankle) indefinite
Henry Schade (ankle) TBA
Zac Smith (knee) season
Matthew Warnock (arm) test
ON THE BLOCK: The Suns have lost forward Tom Lynch for up to eight weeks with a knee injury. Michael Rischitelli sprained his elbow against Essendon and remains in doubt this week. In terms of unforced changes, there will be a couple given the Suns have a stack of players set to return. The likes of Liam Patrick, ruckman Daniel Gorringe and Tom Murphy may be a bit nervous.
ON THE CUSP: How long have you got? If all goes well, the Suns will have Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Matthew Warnock, Jesse Lonergan and Seb Tape all available for selection this week. Steven May kicked six goals in the twos last week and is knocking hard on the door. Jared Brennan and Karmichael Hunt have also made successful returns from injury through the reserves, so there is quite a lot of coach Guy McKenna to consider.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Has been a terrific start to the season by the Suns - who have developed a real appetite for the contest. And, it seems, an appetite for victory. But they cannot afford to drop the intensity against what is sure to be a desperate Adelaide side at Metricon Stadium. Should be nicely freshened up following the bye.
Harley Bennell runs laps at Metricon Stadium during Gold Coast training. Picture: Scott Fletcher Source: Gold Coast Bulletin
GWS
INJURIES
Jonathan Patton (knee) season
Chad Cornes (shoulder) indefinite
Phil Davis (back) 2-3 weeks
Andrew Phillips (hamstring) test
Nathan Wilson (calf) test
Rhys Palmer (infected foot) TBA
ON THE BLOCK: After their first weekend since the start of the season without a loss, Kevin Sheedy's revolving door is set to continue swinging at Blacktown. Lachie Plowman, Zac Williams, Jeremy Bruce and Devon Smith are in a large group who could be sent back to the NEAFL.
ON THE CUSP: The Giants had a bye in the second-tier comp as well, so who knows? Tom Bugg, Stephen Gilham and Anthony Miles are on the fringe, Rhys Palmer could return after he was a late withdrawal in Round 12 and Dom Tyson is playing again after returning from a serious knee injury.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: After a stunning performance against Geelong the Giants were back to their worst against Port Adelaide. Hard to see them getting close to North at Etihad Stadium this week and they will be looking to Melbourne in Round 19 as their best chance to record a victory in 2013.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) test
Josh Gibson (ankle) test
Paul Puopolo (quad) test
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) test
Jed Anderson (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season
Matt Suckling (knee) season
Alex Woodward (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: A couple of fitness tests to come later in the week, but apart from that all continues to go swimmingly for Alastair Clarkson's men. Hard to pick holes with a winning line-up. Xavier Ellis may be the only nervous Hawk who played against the Eagles.
ON THE CUSP: Youngster Mitch Hallahan and recruits Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher impressed for Box Hill. But could little magician Cyril Rioli return from his serious hammy? Hawk fans are hoping, while late withdrawal Paul Puopolo will likely come straight back should he overcome the quad strain sustained before the Eagles clash.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Oh yes, they're a happy team at Hawthorn. A game clear on top of the ladder (11-1), the coach can now go into "list management" mode for the second half of the season as he plans his finals campaign. If Birchall and Gibson aren't cherry-ripe this week they may have a rest - and the Hawks will still get home easily.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
James Frawley (hamstring) test
Jack Grimes (shoulder) 3 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) indefinite
Jack Viney (toe) test
ON THE BLOCK: Out goes ruckman Jake Spencer, who has been hit with a three-game suspension for his front-on bump that forced St Kilda counterpart Ben McEvoy out of Saturday's game with concussion. While the likes of Cam Pedersen, Shannon Byrnes and Lynden Dunn are expected to find themselves in the gun.
ON THE CUSP: The Demons should welcome back defender James Frawley from injury this week. Max Gawn and James Magner are two other likely inclusions.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: A better effort and performance at the weekend. And now this week they face what looms as a winnable game against the Western Bulldogs. But it all depends on their mindset.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Tom Curran (foot) season
Lindsay Thomas (hamstring) TBA
ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle has a way of making a lot of players look worse than they are, but Sam Wright, Taylor Hine and Aaron Black were among the Roos who just couldn't get into the game at Patersons Stadium. And what has happened to Leigh Adams this season? He kicked almost a goal a game last season and was one of the most damaging half-forwards in the comp. This year it's five goals in 12 games - and none since Round 6. Meanwhile, the Roos will sweat on scans of Lindsay Thomas's left hamstring and Brad Scott says he is unsure if Ben Cunnington will be available to face GWS on Sunday after he withdrew yesterday for personal reasons.
ON THE CUSP: Good news from the VFL with Robbie Tarrant kicking three goals for Werribee in his return from a long-term leg injury. Tarrant came on at quarter-time and finished with 14 disposals. Jordan Gysberts continued his strong second-tier form with 23 touches and Majak Daw kicked one goal. Kieran Harper wasn't risked in the second half after experiencing pain in his ankle.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: North is now three games outside the eight and would need a miracle run home to sneak into the finals, but they have a chance to get some momentum against GWS on Sunday. Games against Brisbane and Melbourne are on the horizon give Roos fans reason to hope but clashes against Richmond and Carlton in the next month could seal the Kangaroos' fate.
Lindsay Thomas in the hands of the trainers on the sidelines. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Travis Boak (finger) test
John Butcher (illness) test
Sam Colquhoun (hamstring) test
Cameron Hitchcock (rolled ankle) test
Paul Stewart (back) test
Jackson Trengove (foot) test
Jarrad Redden (hip) season
ON THE BLOCK: Not too many. Very few deserve to lose their spot after what was a stunning win over the Sydney Swans. Although a couple will as the Power have some players to return from injury. Given that some will have to make way, Matt Thomas and Campbell Heath may find themselves as the unlucky ones.
ON THE CUSP: He was expected to miss two weeks, but Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak is now rated a 50-50 chance to face Collingwood. Jackson Trengove will also be available for selection, subject to a fitness test later this week. Cameron Hitchcock and Paul Stewart are also expected to be available.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Terrific win against the Swans at the weekend. They will take that confidence, plus maybe skipper Travis Boak and a few others, into Saturday's big clash against Collingwood at AAMI Stadium. No reason why they can't take it up to the Magpies here.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Troy Chaplin (knee) test
David Astbury (hamstring) test
Shane Tuck (shoulder) 1 week
Dylan Grimes (foot) 3-4 weeks
Ben Darrou (jaw) 4-5 weeks
Chris Knights (knee) season
Cadeyn Williams (shoulder) season
ON THE BLOCK: Close watch this week on key defenders Troy Chaplin and David Astbury. Damien Hardwick says scans cleared Chaplin of structural damage after he twisted his knee late in Saturday night's win against the Bulldogs. Astbury was subbed out with a "minor hamstring strain". But given the injury history of both, the club won't take any risks. In terms of form Nick Vlastuin had his first poor game and Matty White kicked a goal but is a regular in this section.
ON THE CUSP: Not much to cheer about from Coburg's 44-point loss to Casey Scorpions, although with tall backs needed it's noteworthy that Jake Batchelor, Matt Dea and Ricky Petterd all got through their returns from injury unscathed. Dea might be first in line for a call-up.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: Richmond got the job done with minimum fuss against the Dogs and although there is talk the Tigers are only beating teams below them on the ladder, the higher you get the more teams there are beneath you to beat. St Kilda this week offers another chance to consolidate a place in the eight. Get on Jack Riewoldt to kick a bag - he's booted 15 in his past two games against the Saints.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Sam Fisher (foot) test
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1 week
Darren Minchington (hamstring) 1 week
Lanny Hayes (calf) test
Sam Gilbert (knee) 4-5 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) season
Bea Maister (hamstring) 6-7 weeks
Jason Blake (calf) 3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Jimmy Webster (nine disposals), Brodie Murdoch and Clint Jones (11 each) might be in trouble if some big names finally return (see below). Ben McEvoy will be monitored after being subbed off with concussion.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Fisher was a late withdrawal on Saturday and will come into calculations again, along with Lenny Hayes who has now played one game since Round 5 - could he be nursed back through the VFL? Sandringham could use a boost after losing to Frankston by 96 points. Josh Saunders, Nathan Wright and Ahmed Saad were named in the Zebras' best.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: The game against Melbourne was far from pretty but the Saints were entitled to enjoy their third win of the season, especially after another week of off-field drama. Backing it up won't be easy, with Richmond up next on Sunday afternoon in yet another twilight fixture. The Tigers used to be St Kilda's bunny - the Saints won 13 in a row against Richmond from 2003-11, but that monkey has been shrugged in the past two years.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Adam Goodes (knee) 1 week
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) season
Andrejs Everitt (achilles) test
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) indefinite
Gary Rohan (leg) 3-4 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Rhyce Shaw (abdomen) indefinite
Sam Naismith (knee) indefinite
Sam Reid (quad) 1 week
Shane Mumford (cheek) 2 weeks
Lewis Jetta (shin) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Scans today confirmed Adam Goodes damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Saturday, but coach John Longmire said today he was confident the injury would only sideline the champ for one game. Selection wise, Tony Armstrong may be in the gun after a disappointing showing against the Power.
ON THE CUSP: The Swans would love to welcome back guns Sam Reid and Lewis Jetta this week. But Longmire says they are another week away. Andrejs Everitt should return from an achilles issue. Draftee Tim Membrey is a chance to come in this week. Jed Lamb also a chance to return.
NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Very un-Sydney like at the weekend. That loss to Port Adelaide caught nearly all of us by surprise. It could spell bad news for Carlton. The defeat should sharpen the focus for this week. Expect to see a very different Swans outfit this week.
Adam Goodes leads Sydney players off the field. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Shannon Hurn (ankle) 9-10 weeks
Scott Selwood (thumb) 6-8 weeks
Brad Colledge (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Adam Selwood (back) 2 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 2 weeks
Brad Dick (hamstring) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Some bad injury news today with Shannon Hurn (ankle) and Scott Selwood (broken thumb) both ruled out of the clash against Essendon on Thursday night - and a fair while after that. Veteran Andrew Embley will also miss a week after dropping his knees into Ben Stratton.
ON THE CUSP: There will be a few changes this week. The likes of Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard, Mark Hutchings and Josh Hill are all in line for a recall. You could also probably add Ashley Smith and Jacob Brennan to that list. Coach John Worsfold has a big week ahead.
Shannon Hurn of the Eagles leaves the field on crutches. Source: Getty Images
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Shaun Higgins (foot) season
Brett Goodes (wrist) test
Josh Prudden (ankle) 2 weeks
Fletcher Roberts (quad) test
Koby Stevens (shoulder) test
Tom Williams (shoulder) season
Easton Wood (hamstring) 3 weeks
Tom Young (calf) test
ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Hrovat could drop out again after managing just two kicks before being subbed off against the Tigers. Nick Lower and Liam Picken had similar numbers but are in the team for their defensive talents. Luke Dahlhaus is a shadow of the exciting player that burst onto the AFL scene over the past two seasons. Brett Goodes is in doubt with a wrist setback.
ON THE CUSP: Mitch Wallis put up his hand for a recall with a best-on-ground performance for Williamstown on Saturday while Tory Dickson is ready for an AFL call-up after booting four goals in his second game back from injury. Koby Stevens should be right after failing to come up from a shoulder injury last weekend.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Dogs were on the wrong end of another big margin but the positive signs from the kids will keep the mood positive at the kennell. Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae, Clay Smith and first-gamer Lachie Hunter all showed plenty, although the fact Ryan Griffen and Matthew Boyd were the team's best players by the length of Whitten Oval shows how much development is still required. Clashes against Melbourne and GWS in the next two weeks should ensure a successful middle part of the season for the Dogs.
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