The Barometer: Jobe Watson and Dane Swan likely to return in Round 21, Nat Fyfe and Mark LeCras no certainties
ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Lewis Johnston (hand) 2 weeks
Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) 3-4 weeks
James Podsiadly (nose) test
Tom Lynch (neck) test
Andy Otten (knee) TBC
Kyle Hartigan (lacerated spleen) season
ON THE BLOCK: Certain to be at least one change with Andy Otten’s omission with a knee injury. Then it’s likely to be a matter of horses for courses for the coach as his side prepares for a huge clash with Richmond at the Adelaide Oval. Ricky Henderson seems a little out of touch and could be on thin ice and starting sub Mitch Grigg is always on the fringe.
ON THE CUSP: Scott Thompson is battling to regain full fitness while James Podsiadly could also return to the line-up, but do the Crows need the veteran after their demolition job on Brisbane? Matt Crouch, defender Sam Shaw and Sam Kerridge will also be in the frame but Brenton Sanderson won’t want to disrupt the mojo too much.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Up, down, up ... what will we get this week from the Crows? Sunday’s win over the Lions was super impressive stuff from Sando’s men, especially given the heat and the loss of two soldiers in the second term. It was attacking, attractive stuff — and a valuable percentage booster. This week they can further consolidate their spot in the eight- and kill off the Tigers’ September dream. Another win will have all in the eight watching on a little nervously.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Tom Cutler (groin) test
Patrick Wearden (quad) 1 week
Brent Moloney (Achilles) retired
Jack Redden (ankle) season
Daniel Rich (knee) season
Brent Staker (foot) season
Trent West (knee) season
Luke McGuane (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Coach Justin Leppitsch said his men were bullied against the Crows. So does ‘Leppa’ give those who copped the brunt of that bullying the axe or persist for another week? Youngster Jonathan Freeman and Michael Close were quiet while Justin Clarke was subbed out at half-time after having no influence.
ON THE CUSP: Matthew Leunberger played in the NEAFL again and was among the best in the Lions’ big win over Southport. Surely he earns a recall against Collingwood? Ryan Lester and James Polkinghorne both impressed — as did rookies Zac O’Brien and Nick Hayes.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: The Lions had been good for a month ... before Sunday’s disappointing rout at the hands of the Crows. Perhaps this long season is catching up with the young Lions? And the hard end to the season only gets harder over the final three weeks of the season, with closing matches against Collingwood, Fremantle and Geelong. Sit back and enjoy watching the kids develop, Lions fans.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Andrejs Everitt (knee) 3 weeks
Dylan Buckley (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Lachie Henderson (eye socket) season
Cameron Giles (foot) season
Matthew Kreuzer (foot) test
Andrew Walker (knee) season
Mitch Robinson (eye socket) season
Jaryd Cachia (shoulder) season
Chris Yarran (calf) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Chris Yarran was subbed out with a calf injury very early in Carlton’s win over Gold Coast. He’ll be assessed during the week, but early signs aren’t good if he wants to play Friday night. Besides that, every Carlton player contributed in some capacity in Round 20.
ON THE CUSP: Matthew Kreuzer is an outside chance to return this weekend after spending the majority of the season on the sidelines with a foot injury. Nick Holman was one of the Northern Blues’ best players in the VFL on the weekend.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: It’s hard not to get caught up in the Blues’ exciting brand of footy and some of the individual performances accompanying that brand. Jarrad Waite is close to career-best form, Chris Judd is slapping retirement in the face and another young Irishman, Ciaran Sheehan, is making an immediate impact. The Blues return to the Friday night stage to face the Cats — a side they have not defeated at Docklands since the venue opened. But they will take ample confidence out of their recent form and the fact they stuck with Geelong right up until the last minute in Round 12.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Dane Swan (foot) test
Nathan Brown (shoulder) season
Ben Hudson (shoulder) retired
Adam Oxley (ankle) season
Nick Maxwell (ankle) retired
Taylor Adams (finger) 4-6 weeks
Sam Dwyer (hamstring) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has vowed to wield the axe at selection following his team’s humiliating loss to West Coast. Jesse White could be first in line, after he again had a limited impact, only booting one goal from eight touches and 11 hitouts. Sam Dwyer was subbed out against the Eagles and had his hamstring iced after only gathering eight disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan was very close to playing against the Eagles yet the club opted to err on the side of caution. However he is a strong chance to play in Round 21, along with fellow midfielder Luke Ball, who gathered 27 disposals in the VFL on the weekend. While White’s efforts were disappointing against West Coast, his potential replacement, Brodie Grundy, was named best afield in Collingwood’s VFL victory over Essendon. Grundy made the most of his opportunities up forward to boot three goals, while Patrick Karnezis was also among the Pies’ best, finishing with 28 disposals. Paul Seedsman, returning from a groin injury, got through the VFL clash unscathed.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: After a big collective sigh of relief last weekend, Collingwood fans exhaled a collective sigh of frustration after their team was thumped by West Coast. Reports indicate it was a soul-searching Magpies post-match meeting, with Buckley revealing not a single player admitted they had brought the right attitude and effort to Subiaco Oval. For a team on the finals cusp, it was an inexcusable display. Luckily, the Pies have a very winnable game against Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday night. Not only must they win, they must win big, as their percentage took a hammering against the Eagles.
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Patrick Ambrose (jaw) 1-2 weeks
Michael Hibberd (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Jobe Watson (Hip flexor tendon tear) 1 week
Nick Kommer (knee) season
Alex Browne (knee) season
Will Hams (hip) season
ON THE BLOCK: Joe Daniher is sore and tired. After finishing with 0.1 from eight touches, a spell in the VFL might be the perfect medicine. With a couple of big stars set to return, Orazio Fantasia, who did nothing wrong in his nine-disposal debut match, is likely to face the axe. He was subbed out for Elliott Kavanagh, who could only manage four disposals.
ON THE CUSP: This week is likely to be the week Bombers captain and Brownlow Medallist Jobe Watson returns to the senior side. Watson should make his long-awaited return from a quad tendon injury against West Coast, while Michael Hibberd is also in line to return from a hamstring injury. Tom Bellchambers produced a strong performance in the ruck and up forward for Essendon’s VFL side, booting two goals from 17 touches. Nick O’Brien (38 disposals) and Ariel Steinberg (23 disposals and eight marks) also put their hands up for senior selection. Defender Martin Gleeson, who burst onto the AFL scene at the start of this season, also returned from injury via the VFL on the weekend.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: A tired performance from the Bombers against Richmond on the weekend, highlighted by a dysfunctional forward line. Any hopes Essendon fans had of mounting a challenge for the flag are well and truly gone. Yet their team still finds itself inside the top eight and a genuine chance to make the finals. Therefore Saturday’s twilight clash against 11th-placed West Coast carries great rewards for the winner and big ramifications for the loser. While the game will be played at Docklands — the Bombers’ home ground — the Eagles might have more run, energy, willingness and confidence to win.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Nat Fyfe (shoulder) test
Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) test
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) test
Scott Gumbleton (leg) TBC
Kepler Bradley (hamstring) test
Clancee Pearce (hip) 1 week
Alex Silvagni (ribs) test
Luke McPharlin (calf) TBC
Brady Grey (back) season
ON THE BLOCK: Luke McPharlin will miss with his calf. There would have to be question marks over star pair Nat Fyfe (shoulder) — as brave as he was to play on — and Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring). Then it’s a matter of who Rossy was most displeased with from Saturday night’s gallant effort. Will Danyle Pearce pay for playing on and bombing it in?
ON THE CUSP: Michael Walters (19 possessions and a goal) returned in fine style in the WAFL. The coach must be tempted to bring him in against Hawthorn this week. Anthony Morabito (23 touches, two goals) also impressed and would add run, while Lyon nominated Alex Silvagni post-match as a candidate to come in for McPharlin.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Really good signs for the Dockers at Simonds Stadium despite the heartbreaking loss. Their prime movers in the middle were all back to near their best — especially in the second half — and that trademark pressure also returned. Freo looked hungry, and capable of matching it with the best. This week will provide the Dockers with an even greater test when they go toe to toe in a Grand Final rematch — and the team that belted them at the MCG earlier this season — with Hawthorn. The Dockers have some sore bodies, but so do the Hawks. If the home side can get over the Hawks, it would provide enormous belief on the eve of September.
GEELONG
INJURIES
George Burbury (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Taylor Hunt (groin) test
Josh Cowan (Achilles) season
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Nathan Vardy (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Shane Kersten continues to develop — and battle a bit — as the second key forward (when he’s really a third tall at 191cm). The Cats have a pretty settled line-up and any changes would likely be forced. Travis Varcoe is still acclimatising to a running defender role. However his pace is important.
ON THE CUSP: Jed Bews, Billie Smedts and Dawson Simpson remain the men most likely, while Lincoln McCarthy, Jordan Schroder and Jackson Thurlow were OK in the VFL at the weekend. Josh Walker was also prominent.
BEN BROAD’S FORECAST: Two ticks in the past two weeks for Chris Scott’s men from two tough assignments. With North and Fremantle done and dusted, the tasks don’t get any easier for Geelong. Carlton, who has given the Cats headaches in recent times, awaits this Friday night before Hawthorn in Round 22. The Cats know if they win this week, they can set themselves up for a crack at the Hawks and a top-two finish. But first, the in-form Blues.
GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (shoulder) season
Andew Boston (ankle) season
Josh Hall (shoulder) season
Nathan Bock (leg) retired
Tom Nicholls (knee) indefinite
Charlie Dixon (quad) 2-3 weeks
Zac Smith (ankle) ankle
Jack Hutchins (quad) TBC
Luke Russell (hip) test
Michael Rischitelli (hip) TBC
Trent McKenzie (concussion) TBC
ON THE CUSP: Karmichael Hunt and Seb Tape were among Gold Coast’s best players in the NEAFL loss to Sydney, while Louis Herbert returned and kicked two goals.
ON THE BLOCK: Michael Rischitelli is likely to miss this week’s game against Port Adelaide and Trent McKenzie will need to recover from his head knock to be available. If Guy McKenna chooses to make some changes based on form, he could throw a blanket over half the side.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: Gold Coast hosts the Power in another must-win clash. Despite their shocking run of form, the Suns still sit equal-seventh and in finals contention. However, they aren’t playing anywhere near well enough to secure a September position and Port Adelaide looks to have its mojo back. Too many Suns have dropped off in the absence of Gary Ablett and its midfield needs to lift if it’s any chance of beating the Power.
GWS GIANTS
INJURIES
Dylan Addison (knee) 2 weeks
Jake Barrett (quad) 1-2 weeks
Tom Scully (knee) season
Nick Haynes (ankle) season
Aidan Corr (shoulder) season
Curtly Hampton (collarbone) test
Sam Schulz (ribs) 3 weeks
Stephen Coniglio (thumb) season
Jeremy Cameron (shoulder) season
Lachie Whitfield (shoulder/foot) season
Tim Mohr (knee) season
Rory Lobb (knee) 3 weeks
Kristian Jaksch (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Josh Hunt (hip) test
Jed Lamb (ankle) TBC
ON THE CUSP: Stephen Gilham has battled injury this season and played just one senior game, however he was swung forward in the reserves game on the weekend and kicked six goals. He is out of contract at the end of the season and could be given one last crack. Midfielder Mark Whiley was BOG and could play his first senior game for 2014. Josh Hunt needs to train strongly to return from an ankle injury.
ON THE BLOCK: Jed Lamb needs to overcome an ankle injury to retain his place in the side, but given the Giants’ growing injury list, major changes to the side that lost to North Melbourne are unlikely.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: The Giants will enjoy a rare trip to the MCG and play Melbourne in an attempt to notch their fifth win for the season. The result will have a major impact on the national draft order, as the loser is likely to gain the second pick. The Giants finish the season with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, so this is their best chance to win another game. Both sides are limping to the end of the season, but if the Giants can kick a score they should win the game. Melbourne has been difficult to score against this year, but the Giants can do some damage when they get on a run. If Jon Patton kicks a bag, the Giants win.
HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Brendan Whitecross (knee) season
Jack Gunston (knee) test
Jed Anderson (shoulder) season
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) 2-4 weeks
Shem Tatupu (foot) season
Luke Hodge (back) test
ON THE CUSP: Brad Sewell returned from a hamstring injury via the VFL, Brian Lake is available after serving his suspension and Jack Gunston could make a shock return from his knee injury for the clash with Fremantle on Sunday afternoon.
ON THE BLOCK: The MRP will determine Jarryd Roughead’s fate this afternoon, while Billy Hartung, Jonathan Simpkin, Will Langford and Taylor Duryea will come under selection heat over the next three weeks as Hawthorn’s preferred finals side materialises. Luke Hodge should be available despite being subbed out against Melbourne after copping a knee to his back.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: Alastair Clarkson said last week that this block of three matches against Fremantle, Geelong and Collingwood provides the ideal preparation leading into the finals series, but the Hawks need to keep winning to secure a home final. Hawthorn is equal on points with Fremantle and Geelong and if it drops this game, the Round 22 clash with Geelong becomes crucial. Crucially, Hawthorn has just a six-day break from the trip west before it plays the Cats next Saturday night, who will enjoy a luxurious eight-day break.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Shannon Byrnes (foot) retired
Jesse Hogan (back) 1-4 weeks
Jayden Hunt (back) 3-4 weeks
Jake Spencer (ankle) season
Jack Trengove (foot) season
Jimmy Toumpas (appendicitis) 5 weeks
Jack Grimes (hamstring) TBC
Max King (leg) 2-3 weeks
Luke Tapscott (knee)
Cam Pederson (nose) test
ON THE CUSP: Paul Roos has stated he will use the final three weeks to determine which players want to remain at the club, so out-of-contract players Dan Nicholson, James Strauss and Mitch Clisby are likely to be given an opportunity at some point. Christian Salem, Jack Fitzpatrick and Alex Georgiou were among Casey’s best in its 108-point loss to Port Melbourne.
ON THE BLOCK: Jay Kennedy-Harris touched the ball just four times and laid only one tackle in a rare opportunity out of the subs vest, but he wasn’t alone in another poor performance by Melbourne. Matt Jones, Viv Michie, Dean Kent and Rohan Bail would be nervous.
ADAM BALDWIN’S FORECAST: GWS at the MCG presents a big opportunity for Melbourne to get back onto the winners list. It will be interesting to see whether Paul Roos decides to open the game up and beat the Giants with attack or continue to attempt to grind the opposition with repeat stoppages and numbers behind the ball. A number of Demons are playing for their future at the club and some their AFL careers, so expect them to come out firing after a really flat patch.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Tom Curran (foot) indefinite
Cameron Delaney (toe) season
Taylor Garner (hamstring) indefinite
Jamie Macmillan (broken fibula) 1 week
Tim McGenniss (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Robbie Nahas (shoulder) 2 weeks
Robbie Tarrant (tibia) season
Joel Tippett (pectoral) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: A couple of pre-game injury blows out of Saturday’s big win over GWS, with Lachie Hansen (hip) and Levi Greenwood (leg) late withdrawals. However coach Brad Scott was hopeful both players would be available to take on the Western Bulldogs in his post-match press conference. Greenwood’s replacement, Aaron Mullett, started as the sub and only collected six touches when he came on. The man Mullett replaced, Aaron Black, had another shocker, booting one goal from only nine touches.
ON THE CUSP: Some great news in the VFL, with Daniel Wells making a successful return and putting his hand up for senior selection. Despite copping a kick to the shin, Wells, who was playing his first game since injuring his foot in Round 5, emerged from North Ballarat’s win unscathed. Others to impress for the Roosters were Joel Tippett, who held Geelong’s Mitch Brown to one goal, and Liam Anthony (25 disposals, 13 tackles, 10 clearances). For Werribee, Mason Wood continued his great season for Werribee, booting two goals from 24 touches.
BEN WATERWOTH’S FORECAST: That’s better! Granted North’s win was against an underdone, tired GWS line-up, it was four valuable points that helped improved the likeliness of a home elimination final. Drew Petrie’s five goals were invaluable, while Ben Cunnington’s three-goal, 29-possession game should secure him three votes. However Brad Scott will know that his side can’t afford to drop its intensity and willingness — something it tends to do regularly against lower-ranked sides — when it faces the Western Bulldogs. On paper, the Roos win. But the game will ultimately be decided by how North players handle what’s happening between the ears.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
John Butcher (viral meningitis) assess
Matt White (groin) assess
Aaron Young (foot) assess
Jarrad Redden (knee, virus) season
Brent Renouf (knee) season
Sam Colquhoun (knee) season
Campbell Heath (knee) 1-2 weeks
Dominic Cassisi (retired)
ON THE BLOCK: Jasper Pittard, who hasn’t missed a game so far this season, started as Port Adelaide’s sub against Sydney and finished with only six disposals. Kane Mitchell was given another chance at senior level, but had little impact, only collecting 11 disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Port coach Ken Hinkley confidently predicted midfielders Matt White (groin) and Aaron Young (foot), who have both missed the past two weeks, would be fit to face Gold Coast on Saturday to give the Power some much-needed speed. Tall forward John Butcher will be monitored at training after contracting viral meningitis two weeks ago. Tom Logan starred in the SANFL, booting two goals from 40 disposals, 18 marks and three rebound 50s. Sam Gray and Brendon Ah Chee also impressed.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: The Power’s loss to Sydney will rightly be graded a gallant loss, but, ultimately, stats and win-loss ratios don’t lie. Despite improved performances from Robbie Gray (37 disposals), Jared Polec (29) and Brad Ebert (27), Port recorded its fifth loss in six matches. Hinkley’s boys take on Gold Coast on Saturday in an important match for both teams, especially the Power. If they win, a home elimination final is theirs. With Gold Coast well down on confidence, most would expect Port to bounce back.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
David Astbury (knee) TBC
Daniel Jackson (glute) 1 week
Jake King (foot) retired
ON THE BLOCK: Matt Thomas in on the brink after copping the red vest on Friday night following 11 minimal-impact disposals. Hard to find many other candidates after a six-match winning streak; Steve Morris made some bad blues but Damien Hardwick loves his toughness while Dylan Grimes and Jake Batchelor don’t get much of the footy but they are doing their jobs down back.
ON THE CUSP: Some big numbers in a 98-point VFL win against Bendigo. Liam McBean now tops the VFL goalkicking table after another bag of five, but with Ben Griffiths showing a bit against the Bombers it’s hard to find a spot for him unless the Tigers go very tall in attack. More likely is Ben Lennon, who starred with 25 disposals and a goal. Chris Knights, Matt Arnot and Sam Lloyd (23 disposals, four goals) were also prominent.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Richmond is fulfilling its end of the finals bargain by winning, this time in particularly impressive fashion after being on the ropes more than once against Essendon. A visit to Adelaide Oval on Saturday night will be even bigger, but the Tigers are high on confidence and have an extra two days to prepare. Win this and overcome St Kilda the next week and the Tigers will set up a massive Round 23 showdown with Sydney. Lose and they can start planning for 2015.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Jack Billings (hamstring) TBC
Josh Bruce (shin) TBC
Jarryn Geary (elbow) 1 week
Eli Templeton (broken arm) season
Daniel Markworth (hamstring) season
Tom Lee (shoulder) season
Beau Maister (AC joint) season
Jimmy Webster (foot) season
Arryn Siposs (shoulder) season
Tom Hickey (knee) season
Beau Maister (shoulder) season
ON THE BLOCK: Josh Bruce was subbed off against the Bulldogs with a leg injury and Alan Richardson said Jack Billings would get scans after “nicking” his hamstring. Brodie Murdoch came on as the sub and showed he can kick with a great long goal but he didn’t do much else. Rhys Stanley couldn’t get near it, Billy Longer had no impact and Shane Savage played his worst game for a while.
ON THE CUSP: This is where it gets interesting. The Saints’ VFL affiliate Sandringham had a 45-point win against Coburg and there are some options to replace Bruce if he’s injured or Stanley if he’s demoted. One of them is key forward Spencer White, who was infamously compared to Lance Franklin when he was taken at pick 25 in the 2012 draft. He is yet to play a senior game but might get his chance after stringing several good VFL matches together indulging a five-goal return on Saturday. Trent Dennis-Lane also bagged five while Sam Dunnell, Clint Jones and Blake Acres controlled the midfield.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Ultimately a slack final 10 minutes of the first quarter cost the Saints yesterday, although you aren’t going to win too many games giving up 32 scoring shots to the opposition. But there were plenty of positives headed by Seb Ross’s best AFL game, the return of Sam Gilbert’s dash off half-back and the discovery of an unlikely forward target in James Gwilt, who kicked 3.1 after being shifted to attack in the second half. That was probably St Kilda’s last chance to get off the bottom of the ladder with a trip to Sydney next week followed by games against Richmond and Adelaide (away) to finish the season.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Tom Derickx (hamstring) season
Aliir Aliir (shoulder) season
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Lloyd Perris (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: With a reasonably clean bill of health, there are very few spots in the Swans’ senior side up for grabs. If we are to be harsh, Gary Rohan only had 13 touches from a full game. But you can’t even knock the performance of sub Jake Lloyd, who sparked his side with eight possessions when he was injected into the game.
ON THE CUSP: Take your pick! Plenty of solid performers in the Swans’ NEAFL win on the weekend, with Tommy Walsh, Ryan O’Keefe and Dean Towers among the best players. Everyone’s favourite reserves player, Tom Mitchell, booted two goals, as did Toby Nankervis and Tim Membrey. Oh to be a Swans selector this Thursday night.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: In the words of Limp Bizkit, the Swans’ bandwagon just keeps Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’. While the Power gave them a genuine test at the Adelaide Oval, the Swans flexed their muscle in the fourth quarter to run away with the match. Josh Kennedy is likely to poll another three votes, meaning his Brownlow Medal chances continue to rise. Saturday’s clash against St Kilda will be a cakewalk. But John Longmire will particularly want his boys to grind the Saints into the ground with three per cent now separating the second-placed Swans and first-placed Hawks on the ladder.
WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Xavier Ellis (AC joint) TBC
Mark LeCras (calf) test
Elliot Yeo (hand) 1-2 weeks
Matt Rosa (pectoral muscle) season
Tom Barrass (groin) season
Beau Waters (shoulder) season
Malcolm Karpany (shoulder) season
Brad Sheppard (ankle) season
Sharrod Wellingham (knee) season
Rowen Powell (shoulder) season
Scott Selwood (ankle) 2-3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Xavier Ellis was subbed out during West Coast’s win over Collingwood on Sunday. He is expected to miss at least two weeks after suffering an AC joint injury. Patrick McGinnity, who was given an opportunity to play a full game, only collected 14 disposals.
ON THE CUSP: Mark LeCras was a late withdrawal from the Eagles’ clash with Collingwood due to a calf injury. However coach Adam Simpson said LeCras “might not be available next week” during his post-match press conference. Just quietly, though, Scott Selwood, who hasn’t played since Round 12 due to an ankle injury, is running well at training and making a case for a return within a fortnight. Brant Colledge and Jacob Brennan gathered 46 disposals between them for East Perth in the WAFL.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: Beware the wicked wings of the west! The Eagles, who now sit 11th on the ladder, seem to be peaking at the right time of the season, following two impressive wins over Adelaide and, most recently Collingwood. They’re an exciting, entertaining team to watch because they run hard and hit the scoreboard regularly. The Eagles face Essendon on Sunday in a massive game for both teams. And with their tails up and confidence high, Adam Simpson’s men are a genuine chance to make it three straight.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Matt Fuller (shoulder) season
Josh Prudden (knee) season
Mitch Wallis (ankle) season
Clay Smith (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Sub Lachie Hunter only accumulated three touches when he was injected into the Dogs’ clash against St Kilda. Mark Austin made a couple of blatant mistakes, but he’d be unlucky to cop the selection axe.
ON THE CUSP: Jarrad Grant, who has been in and out of the Bulldogs’ senior side all year, again put his hand up for selection, booting five goals for Footscray in the VFL. Jason Tutt also impressed, named among the best players after booting three goals against Werribee. Fletcher Roberts was solid down back while Tom Young (30 disposals) provided great rebound out of defence.
BEN WATERWORTH’S FORECAST: Some good signs for the Doggies during their win over St Kilda. Shaun Higgins (26 disposals) produced his best game of the season, while Jake Stringer (four goals) turned many heads up forward. Above all, when the Saints challenged after quarter time, Brendan McCartney’s men had the answers, particularly during the final 10 minutes of the match. They return to Docklands on Sunday to take on North Melbourne. The result of that match will predominantly depend on which Kangaroos side rocks up. So considering that, never discount a Dog victory.