The Barometer
JUNE 11, 2014 10:52AM
Have skimmed through and highlighted as many players as i could.
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Sam Shaw (virus) available
Brad Crouch (leg) available
Tom Lynch (jaw) 3 weeks
Lewis Johnston (hand) 10 weeks
Ricky Henderson (leg/ankle) TBA
Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) TBA
ON THE BLOCK: There’d be a few Crows looking over their shoulders at training this week after a meek second handed the game to Fremantle. First-gamer Cam Ellis-Yolmen looked rushed with ball in hand and could come under scrutiny. Sam Kerridge, Josh Jenkins, Andy Ottens and Jarryd Lyons all put in mediocre performances.
ON THE CUSP: Crouch brothers Brad and Matthew starred in the SANFL both collecting 31 disposals including seven clearances. Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said: “My gut feel is Brad Crouch needs another game in the SANFL. He’s missed a lot of footy. Matt Crouch will be right in the mix.” Jason Porplyzia is not without a chance along with Brent Reilly and Mitch Grigg.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Eight-point game coming up with North Melbourne, undefeated on the road this season, flying into the City of Churches. If Adelaide wants to play finals it must beat the Kangaroos ... it’s that simple. Any less and they’ll be two games out with plenty of work to do. Taylor Walker can bounce back after finding it tough at Patersons Stadium.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Daniel Rich (knee) season
Brent Staker (calf) 5 weeks
Patrick Wearden (ankle) 6 weeks
Matthew Leuenberger (knee) 4 weeks
Luke McGuane (knee) season
Trent West (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: James Aish, Darcy Gardiner and Lewis Taylor were largely ineffective against the Bulldogs on Saturday, with Gardiner only recording six possessions. Aish managed 16 disposals and a goal, with 75% efficiency, so will be looking to double his efforts this week.
ON THE CUSP: Brisbane’s injury list is looking grim at the moment, but Ash McGrath’s stellar return from injury through the NEAFL this Saturday is cause for optimism. McGrath kicked fourgoals against the Redland Bombers and he looks more than ready to play his first senior game of 2014 in Round 13. Substitute Zac O’Brien was sidelined until the final term on Saturday but recorded six possessions and three tackles against the Bulldogs so he may get a decent run next week.
NATHAN HEWITT’S FORECAST: Brisbane has a chance to notch three wins in a row when it hosts GWS at the GABBA on Saturday night. Brisbane looks a different side with the inclusion of some experienced players to complement its young list. The younger Giants have improved in the past fortnight and the Lions will need to be at their best to win. Another four points to the Lions will condemn the Giants to the bottom.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Tom Bell (finger) test
Patrick Cripps (leg) 1-2 weeks
Ed Curnow (leg) test
Matthew Kreuzer (foot) 6-8 weeks
David Ellard (calf) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: What’s happened to Jarrad Waite? He’s horribly out of form and needs a run in the VFL. Simon White — seemingly an odd choice as sub against the Cats — didn’t get much of a chance to show his wares against Geelong, while Lachie Henderson’s form woes continued.
ON THE CUSP: Spurred on by the appearance of youngster Chris Judd, the Northern Blues enjoyed a good win in the VFL. While Judd will return to face the Hawks this week, there were also plenty of other youngsters putting their hand up. Jaryd Cachia, Nick Graham, big defender Matt Watson and out-of-favour mid Kane Lucas are all in the mix. Dylan Buckley is a future leader at the Blues and should return.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: So close for the Blues nut nothing to show from the past two weeks. They probably deserved the points against the Cats, but footy isn’t a fair game. This week, the task doesn’t get easier as they face a Hawthorn side starting to regain some soldiers. While Bruce Gibbs’ form is a big tick, the worry for Mick Malthouse is finding a reliable forward target given Waite and Henderson’s woes. At 4-7, this season now seems to be about salvaging respectability and building for 2015.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Jesse White (finger) test
Patrick Karnezis (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Nick Maxwell (calf) 2-3 weeks
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 3 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 3 weeks
Quinten Lynch (broken leg) 3-4 weeks
Matt Scharenberg (feet) 3-4 weeks
Corey Gault (broken collarbone) indefinite
Nathan Brown (shoulder) season
ON THE BLOCK: Alex Fasolo was subbed off with just five kicks and could be vulnerable. Brodie Grundy was serviceable after coming in as a late replacement for Jesse White, and either he or Jarrod Witts could make way if White returns to face the Bulldogs on Sunday.
ON THE CUSP: The best news from the VFL was the return of Ben Reid, who survived his first match in 67 days. He kicked the first goal of the game but found going tougher after that as the heavens opened. Now Nathan Buckley must decide how much match practice he needs before returning to the ones. Ben Kennedy and Tim Broomhead did their selection chances no harm.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: The Pies are travelling very nicely indeed, winning seven of their past eight matches and the a horribly out of form Bulldogs next up. The following week’s clash against the Hawks will be pivotal to the Pies’ top-four ambitions.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Jobe Watson (quad tendon) 10 weeks
Dustin Fletcher (ankle) TBC
Nick Kommer (knee) 12 weeks
Alex Browne (knee) season
Jackson Merrett (hand) 1-2 weeks
Marty Gleeson (quad) 12 weeks
Will Hams (hip) 12 weeks
Tayte Pears (calf) 1 -2 weeks
Michael Hurley (back) test
ON THE BLOCK: The Bombers expect a four-week recovery period for Jobe’s thigh. David Myers is on report for striking Devon Smith, and Essendon will likely await Fletcher’s test following a rolled ankle against GWS with bated breath.
ON THE CUSP: Michael Hurley has all but fully recovered from a back injury and looks a near certainty to face Melbourne next week. The Bombers erred on the side of caution in playing him against GWS but will definitely need his presence in the backline against the Demons. Jackson Merrett may be fit to return in the next week but may not easily fit in the Bombers’ current forward line structure. Defender Tayte Pears will be a welcome addition in Round 14.
NATHAN HEWITT’S FORECAST: David Zaharakis is expecting the Bombers will up their ante to fill the hole left by their skipper’s departure, and with wily veterans Brendon Goddard and Brent Stanton managing 30 and 27 disposals respectively against Richmond, the expectation is they will rally against the Demons. Melbourne is on the up and will fancy their chances against the Bombers minus Jobe Watson.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Johnson (knee) 4-6 weeks
Clancee Pearce (shoulder) test
Tanner Smith (hamstring) 2 weeks
Max Duffy (shoulder) 3 weeks
Matt de Boer (knee) 5 weeks
Luke McPharlin (knee) 3-4 weeks
Michael Walters (ankle) 8-12 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The rate at which the Tiges are going the Dockers would be competitive with their B-Team, let’s be honest. So we’re wary of Ross Lyon resting a couple against Richmond despite a couple of injuries. Wonder if Aaron Sandilands might come down with the flu or a bout of soreness. Nat Fyfe has been sore and might need a mini break. Crazier things have happened. Michael Johnson looms as an obvious change given he finished up sitting on the bench subbed out with crutches by his side, while Luke McPharlin (knee) is another blow. Substitute Tommy Sheridan did enough — 11 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency — to suggest he deserves another week.
ON THE CUSP: Clancee Pearce plays as long as he can convince medicos and Ross Lyon that he’s overcome a shoulder Plenty of depth at WAFL level which should rings alarm bells of opposition sides given the Dockers’ cruizy run into the finals. Anthony Morabito starred in Peel Thunder’s loss to East Fremantle racking up 28 disposals including three goals and 10 inside 50s. Hayden Crozier was in good touch with 27 disposals — 23 kicks — and 10 marks, while Colin Sylvia was solid with 21 touches and two goals. Scott Gumbleton kicked one goal from his nine disposals and seven marks.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Sloppy first half allowed the Crows to get a sniff, but from then on it was Dockers at their clinical best. Matthew Pavlich need only kick straight to be at 100 per cent while Lee Spurr is fast becoming one of the most improved players in the competition. Simply can’t see the Dockers dropping in the next six weeks.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Lincoln McCarthy (back) test
Zac Bates (hamstring) test
Josh Caddy (broken foot) 1-2 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Nathan Vardy (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: The search for a second forward target continues at Geelong. Josh Walker battled against the Blues, while the use of Mark Blicavs remains a work in progress. Jed Bews might need a rest after his first few weeks of AFL footy, Billie Smedts doesn’t look comfortable in defence while Jesse Stringer’s place will come under threat as bigger names return.
ON THE CUSP: Plenty of options for the Cats. Travis Varcoe, unavailable last week due to a family funeral, impressed in the VFL and should come straight back in. Taylor Hunt and Jackson Thurlow were also good, while Allen Christensen starred in his first game back for the year. Geelong could be tempted to bring him back, perhaps as the sub, against the Saints although another week in the twos is likely. Dawson Simpson had a rest at the weekend but will be right in the mix, while each of last year’s first three draft picks - Darcy Lang, Jarrad Jansen and Jake Kolodjashnij - have put their hand up with strong recent form. Shane Kersten will play at some point this year, while Brad Hartman has been close too.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Some worrying signs at Catland. They escaped with four points against Carlton but there were plenty of cracks, with some of their more-experienced stars making uncharacteristic mistakes, especially in the back half. While the fixture looks favourable on paper in the second half of the season, Chris Scott has plenty of work to do with his team and that starts this Sunday with a home clash against St Kilda.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) 3-4 weeks
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite
Andrew Boston (ankle) indefinite
Josh Hall (shoulder) indefinite
Jack Martin (shoulder) indefinite
Tom Nicholls (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Karmichael Hunt’s position will be under scrutiny after having little impact in his first game for 2014. Youngster Clay Cameron was subbed out early in the third term — when the game was slipping from the Suns — after struggling while Luke Russell also battled. Sam Day couldn’t get into it, raising the question of McKenna’s three-tall forwards policy.
ON THE CUSP: Experienced defenders Matt Warnock and Tom Murphy were among the best in the NEAFL loss to the Swans, but the Suns fielded close to their best side at AFL level. Aaron Hall, Tim Sumner, Jack Hutchins, Sean Lemmens and Alex Sexton are always on the fringe for the Suns.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Pretty fair effort from ‘Bluey’s Boys’ against a red-hot Swans outfit. They were outgunned but didn’t succumb meekly as one may have expected them to, instead fighting it out and going down by six goals when the youngsters were perhaps entitled to be overawed and be blown away by 10 goals. The stern tests continue for the Suns over the next month — West Coast (away), Geelong (home), Hawthorn (Aurora) and Collingwood (home). The Suns would love to split those four matches.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
INJURIES
Josh Kelly (eye) test
Nick Hayes (ankle) indefinite
Phil Davis (kindey) test
Aidan Corr (shoulder) indefinite
Curtly Hampton (shoulder) 6 weeks
Stephen Gilham (hand) 6 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The Giants will go without two of their defenders against West Coast next week, with Aidan Corr (shoulder) and Curtly Hampton (shoulder) sidelined at least for the next few rounds.
ON THE CUSP: GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis shone in the NEAFL this week, racking up 20 possessions and a late goal against the NT Thunder, so looks primed to face West Coast next week. Jeremy Cameron has been cleared of an arm fracture sustained against Hawthorn in Round 10 but missed the Essendon match due to suspension. He’ll likely return in the forward line against the Crows.
NATHAN HEWITT’S FORECAST: GWS has lifted its game over the past fortnight and after admirable performances against Hawthorn and Essendon the young Giants are due for a win. They play a Brisbane Lions outfit gunning for three wins in a row, but the Giants will travel North with every intention of nothing their fourth win for the season. The return of Cameron might be the difference.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Ben McEvoy (corked hamstring) test
Ben Stratton (adductor) test
Billy Hartung (elbow) test
Brian Lake (calf) 1-2 weeks
Sam Mitchell (hamstring) 4 weeks
Josh Gibson (pectoral) 7-8 weeks
Brendan Whitecross (knee) indefinite
Jed Anderson (shoulder) season
David Hale (quad) test
ON THE BLOCK: Billy Hartung is likely to miss with an injured elbow suffered not long after coming onto the ground as the substitute. Beyond Hartung, it will depend on the fitness of Ben McEvoy and David Hale. Should either big man be available then Luke Lowden or Jonathan Ceglar will make way.
ON THE CUSP: Will Langford took his omission in the right spirit and was among Box Hill’s best players on the weekend, as was Jonathon Simpkin and Alex Woodward, who continues to press for an AFL debut after two knee reconstructions in three seasons.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: As Geelong found last Friday night, Carlton can be a tricky opponent when playing its best football. Hawthorn is beginning to regain some of their first-choice players, but remain vulnerable and Brendon Bolton’s men will need to bring their best. With six first-choice players on the sidelines, it is an opportunity for fringe players to put their hand up to play at the pointy end of the season. This hunger should drive the Hawks through the middle part of the season. Even with so many injuries, Hawthorn should demolish Carlton.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Shannon Byrnes (foot) 2-4 weeks
Mitch Clisby (quadriceps) 2-4 weeks
James Frawley (toe/hamstring) test
Jesse Hogan (back) indefinite
Max King (leg) 4 weeks
Jake Spencer (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Jack Trengove (foot) season
ON THE CUSP: Midfielder Dean Kent was instrumental for the Casey Scorpions in their loss to the VFL Pies on Saturday, booting three goals from 22 touches. He’ll likely be up for selection to face Essendon next round. No word yet on Jesse Hogan, whose back injury has him sidelined indefinitely and yet to debut for the Demons.
ON THE BLOCK: Christian Salem managed only seven disposals with 43% efficiency against the Pies on Monday, and may need a break. And could sub James Kennedy-Harris need a spell? He’s been effective in that role but made a costly blue immediately after coming on.
NATHAN HEWITT’S VERDICT: Essendon will be reeling after the loss of skipper Jobe Watson to injury and are primed for defeat. Melbourne have the form to exploit the newly-made holes in the Bombers’ midfield, and if Nathan Jones (29 disposals, one major) and Bernie Vince (25 disposals, one major) can double their efforts they will be in with a very real chance.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Nathan Grima (foot) test
Robbie Tarrant (leg) available
Taylor Garner (hamstring) 2 weeks
Cam Delaney (foot) 1 week
Jamie Macmillan (broken fibula) 3 weeks
Daniel Wells (foot) 3 weeks
Joel Tippett (pectoral) 8-12 weeks
Tom Curran (foot) indefinite
Lindsay Thomas (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: It’s going to be easy to make a case for Majak Daw given Drew Petrie’s explosion following the project forward’s substitution. But it was arguably Daw’s most complete half so far this. The excitement machine backed himself on several occasions, taking running bounces to try and avoid capture. Unfortunately for Daw, his disposal let him down at times — wayward shot on goal in the first quarte and blatant ignorance of Aaron Black standing on his own in the goal mouth in the second. When Daw harnesses his athleticism and bulk, uses it to advantage, watch out. For the time being, however, suspect he’ll be back in Werribee Tigers colours this week. Leigh Adams will be put through his paces this week after being crunched head/shoulders first into the Etihad Stadium turf. Liam Anthony did enough to suggest he deserves another week, while Sam Wright would need a solid week on the track.
ON THE CUSP: Kangaroos coach Brad Scott spoke glowingly about Lindsay Thomas’s chances after he was held back with high hamstring tightness. Ben Jacobs suffered another bout of leather poisoning in North Ballarat’s narrow win over Box Hill. Jacobs racked up 39 possessions — 25 contested — including 16 clearances and seven tackles. Hard to hold out you’d think? Luckless forward Robbie Tarrant is likely to spend at least another week at VFL level to build match fitness, while Dan Currie, Mason Wood and Ben Brown remain in contention. Daniel Wells is not expected back before Round 14.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Can’t read too much into North’s win over Richmond as a better side — not to disrespect the Tigers — should have put the Roos to the sword. Scott’s biggest problem is trying to work out why it takes opposition sides to get a run-on for North to switch on. One thing’s for certain, a similar showing at Adelaide Oval with rampant Crows supporters at full voice might not bring about the same result. While we suspect Daw to go, it’s going to be hard to justify bringing in another tall given Drew Petrie’s dominance in the second half. Last but not least, who would have thought Brent Harvey, at 36, in his 19th AFL season could be having a career-year. Boomer is averaging 26 disposals and a goal a game — just a freak.
PORT ADELAIDE
INURIES
Angus Monfries (ankle) test
Travis Boak (ankle) test
Cameron Hitchcock (shin) 3-4 weeks
Matt White (foot) TBC
Tom Jonas (groin) test
Andrew Moore (collarbone) 4-6 weeks
Campbell Heath (knee) 12-14 weeks
Sam Colquhoun (knee) season
Brent Renouf (knee) season
Jarrad Redden (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: It’s competitive for spots in a top four side and despite playing their role for the team in the win over St Kilda, Sam Gray, Aaron Young and Ben Newton will come under selection heat with three first choice players on the cusp.
ON THE CUSP: Captain Travis Boak should return to the side having missed Round 12 with a minor ankle injury, as should Angus Monfries and Matty White. Interestingly Irish rookie Daniel Flynn’s return to the club is on the right track, he was named BOG in the Port Adelaide reserves on the weekend.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: Port were average against the Demons, better against the Saints and will need to be at its best against Sydney on Saturday afternoon at the SCG. It will be interesting to see how Ken Hinkley’s game plan performs on the tighter confines of the SCG. Port Adelaide’s midfield strength is built around speed and spread, but the key to winning games of football on the SCG is about stoppages. In its only loss this season, Port Adelaide lost the clearance count to North Melbourne 35 — 50. Lose the stoppages and a team lets Buddy Franklin, Adam Goodes and Kurt Tippett plenty of opportunities. Win the clearances and contested possession and Port wins.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Liam McBean (finger) 1 week
Chris Newman (calf) 2 weeks
Jake King (foot) 5 weeks
David Astbury (knee) season
Kamydn McIntosh (foot) TBC
Chris Knights (knee soreness) TBC
Daniel Jackson (hip) test
Shaun Grigg (hamstring) test
Dylan Grimes (toe) test
Reece Conca (groin) test
ON THE BLOCK: Ross Lyon put it perfectly in 2008 when he said: “Reputations really count for nothing”. The master tactician didn’t baulk at selection either, dropping Nick Dal Santo and Stephen Milne to the VFL. History tells us they were better for the life lesson. Richmond coach Damien Hardwick must act, and he could do a lot worse than channel Lyon in making similar calls this week. Brett Deledio springs to mind, he stunk yesterday. The midfielder spent more energy backchatting umpires and tangling with Michael Firrito than he did trying to win the ball and steady the ship for Richmond. No point only going after low-hanging fruit (Ty Vickery, Ben Griffiths, Ben Lennon), Troy Chaplin and even Jack Riewoldt — two of his three goals in junktime — could do with a sharpen up. There will be at least two changes with Ty Vickery and Matt Thomas suspended.
ON THE CUSP: No VFL action this week so Tigers will need to go back to the well to find replacements ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash with Fremantle. Shaun Hampson could earn an instant reprieve replacing Vickery, Aaron Edwards kicked four last week in the VFL and should push for selection. Daniel Jackson, Shaun Grigg, Dylan Grimes and Reece Conca must pass fitness tests to play.
GILBERT GARDINER’S FORECAST: Sorry Tigers, but it’s only going to get worse with Fremantle and Sydney on the horizon. The only positive to take out of the miserable loss to North was Dustin Martin’s brilliant first half and Tigers’ debutant Anthony Miles’ — rookie recruited from GWS — refusing to give up.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Spencer White (foot) 1 week
Trent Dennis-Lane (ankle) 2 weeks
Sam Fisher (hamstring) 3 weeks
Tom Hickey (foot) 4 week
Nathan Wright (broken leg) 5 weeks
Blake Acres (ankle) 5 weeks
Sam Gilbert (foot) 6 weeks
Eli Templeton (broken arm) 3-4 months
Jarryn Geary (elbow) 3-4 months
Tom Simpkin (concussion) test
Adam Schneider (foot infection) 3-4 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Jack Billings was used as the substitute and provided some impact off the bench, despite the game being done, but Billings still might need some time back in the VFL to help him take the next step in his development. Tom Lee, Sam Dunell and Brodie Murdoch had little impact against Port, while defenders Tom Simpkin, Luke Delaney and Josh Bruce would all be nervous if James Gwilt and Jimmy Webster win reprieves.
ON THE CUSP: David Armitage played his second game for Sandringham (the first was a trial during the VFL bye) after recovering from a laceration to his knee. James Gwilt was among the best players in the VFL and will come into selection consideration, as was Jimmy Webster whose club-imposed suspension has expired.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: It doesn’t get any tougher in 2014 than a trip to the Portress to play the top side, but it doesn’t get any easier for Alan Richardson’s men in Round 13 when they travel down the highway to tackle Geelong. The Cats aren’t in premiership-winning form and will want to use this game to get things back on track. The Saints simply need to remain competitive in games for longer and should be boosted by some experienced heads to assist with this. That’s the reality of a rebuild.
SYDNEY
INJURIES
Alex Johnson (ACL) season
Patrick Mitchell (knee) test
Tom Mitchell (ankle) TBC
Kurt Tippett (knee) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Likely to more be a case of ‘who’s unavailable?’ for the coach this week at selection, with all eyes on Kurt Tippett and Buddy. Tom Derickx could be unlucky despite his solid contribution over recent weeks, while sub Jake Lloyd could also be given more game time in the NEAFL.
ON THE CUSP: Mike Pyke played reserves and is likely to resume against Port. Brandon Jack and forward Tim Membrey were terrific against the Suns’ youngsters in the NEAFL, with Membrey eyeing a call-up if both megastars are out this week. Ryan O’Keefe (remember that guy?) was also among the best but it’s unknown if he’s on Longmire’s radar in 2014.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Pretty good display from the Swans against a not-too shabby opponent on its home patch. They had an even contribution from their star-studded midfield group, and won comfortably without Buddy and K-Tipp providing a heap in attack. This week promises to be a corker against the top-of-the-table Power, and the footy world will get to see exactly where both sides sit in the pecking order. The outcome could depend on who takes the field, but the home side will be confident regardless who takes the field.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Beau Waters (shoulder) season
Blayne Wilson (thumb) 3-4 weeks
Josh Kennedy (Cheekbone) 1-2 weeks
Brant Colledge (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Simon Tunbridge (calf) 1-2 weeks
Brad Sheppard (corked buttock) test
ON THE BLOCK: Adam Simpson has a lot of players out of form at the moment and unfortunately he can’t drop everyone, but it might be time to dip into the WAFL and give players an opportunity. Sharrod Wellingham started as the substitute against Hawthorn and the next step might be the WAFL. Jack Darling is giving the Eagles nothing in the air at centre-half forward and might also need a spell in the twos.
ON THE CUSP: Mark Hutchings and Jeremy McGovern showed the Eagles have players in the twos who can step up to the next level when given opportunity. Simpson has been fairly trusting in his troops, but it’s time to wield the axe. Callum Sinclair kicked six goals for East Perth and Patrick McGinnity, Ashley Smith and Dom Sheed all had good games.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: At 4-7 after Round 12, West Coast season is at a tipping point. This week they host Gold Coast and must win to stay in touch with the top eight. Quite simply the Eagles are not playing well enough to deserve a September berth, but the potential that inspired many tipsters to include them in top 4 forecasts is still there. A win in front of their home fans against a top 8 side on Saturday afternoon could turn their season around. It’s all about the midfield, they need to take a leaf from Port Adelaide’s book and lift their work rate to give the forwards a chance.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Matthew Fuller (shoulder) available
Daniel Pearce (knee) available
Josh Prudden (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Tory Dickson (ruptured pectoral) 6-7 weeks
Clay Smith (AC) 7-8 weeks
Shaun Higgins (ribs) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Shaun Higgins could miss after copping a heavy knock to the ribs. There’s no word yet on whether Fletcher Roberts will be included in the forward line to face the Pies, but with the inclusion of Jarrad Grant this week, he could face omission for another week.
ON THE CUSP: Defenders Matthew Fuller and Daniel Pearce will likely face Collingwood in Round 13. Veteran Matthew Boyd may still be tender following a tight hamstring but could return.
NATHAN HEWITT’S FORECAST: See what Collingwood turns up today, but the Doggies need to show something. They will be devastated with what they served up against the Lions on Saturday night. Against Collingwood and before a big crowd is just the stage to give their supporters some hope.