INJURY LIST: See how your club shapes up
West Coast v Richmond
The Eagles made six changes for last round’s 12-point win over Brisbane Lions but rather than sticking with the same squad, Adam Simpson looks likely to bring in four experienced players this week. With just a few games remaining in his decorated career, Dean Cox will return to the ruck to replace Callum Sinclair. Defenders Brad Sheppard and Mitch Brown look likely to return from injury this week and may take the place of Sam Butler and Jacob Brennan while youngsters Dom Sheed or Simon Tunbridge may make way for Josh Kennedy’s return from suspension. Aside from this, Sharrod Wellingham and Jamie Bennell enjoyed good days in the WAFL last weekend, but one wonders whether one good week is enough for Wellingham to earn his place back after a disappointing season.
The Tigers, meanwhile, will have to make at least two changes to the team that beat Port Adelaide as Ricky Petterd (finger) and Daniel Jackson (glute) are unavailable. It’s especially a shame for Petterd, as he produced one of his best games as a Richmond player against Port. Reece Conca (concussion) and Ben Lennon (concussion) have been cleared to play, Shaun Grigg (hamstring) looks likely to come back via the VFL, so there may be an opportunity for Matt McDonough or mature-age recruit Nathan Gordon to come in after good VFL performances.
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast
The Lions will make a major inclusion for this game as skipper Tom Rockliff returns from a week’s suspension. Rockliff was missed big time as his side fell to a 12-point loss to the Eagles before the bye, but he’s sure to come back fit and firing. That’s an especially bad sign for a Gold Coast midfield missing Gary Ablett as Rockliff had 35 touches and kicked three goals in the Round 3 QClash. Although, he wasn’t bad against the Eagles, veteran Ash McGrath may be the one to make way for Rockliff while Claye Beams may not have recovered from an injury last game. Matthew Leunberger is also a slim chance to come back from his Achilles injury, but with Stefan Martin impressing in the ruck, will probably be eased back through the NEAFL.
The Suns defensive stocks will be seriously tested this week as former Hawk Tom Murphy is suspended. Murphy was in the team to replace the injured Trent McKenzie, and his absence will hurt. Alex Sexton, Aaron Hall and Jack Martin were all quiet against the Bulldogs in Cairns but with a fortnight off will likely be given another chance, although Matthew Warnock and Jack Hutchins will be in the mix. Kade Kolodjashnij is the big mystery for the Suns. Originally listed as a four-week injury after hurting his hamstring against the Bulldogs, Kolodjashnij has recovered better than expected and may be a chance to play.
Hawthorn v Sydney
MORE: Hawthorn fans should unsettle Franklin, for flag's sake
The Hawks look likely to bring in two big guns for Saturday’s blockbuster clash with the Swans. Brad Hill has recovered from a knee injury and should return along with Josh Gibson (pectoral). Gibson hasn’t played since the club’s last game against the Swans but he’ll be straight into it as he has to take on good mate Lance Franklin. In Cyril Rioli’s ongoing absence, the Hawks may opt for more outside pace by bringing in Billy Hartung after he played a game back in the VFL last weekend, having recovered from an elbow injury. Taylor Duryea or Matt Spangher may be in the gun in defence if Gibson is back, while Ben Ross and Will Langford may be the players to make way for Hill and Hartung.
Sydney have three big names starting to push for a comeback from injury. Kurt Tippett (knee) has missed two games but may be back, while Rhyce Shaw (ankle) and Dan Hannebery (ankle) are all pushing their claims. The Swans will be unlikely to bring them all back in one hit, however, especially for what will be a bruising clash with the Hawks. But with Hawthorn’s lack of height in defence being exposed by Adelaide in the last game, bringing Tippett in – if he’s fit – will be a temptation. Last round debutant Dean Towers may struggle to keep his place in the side, along with Brandon Jack.
Collingwood v Adelaide
Collingwood have lost two big players for this week’s clash, with former skipper Nick Maxwell retiring after suffering a serious ankle injury during last round’s big loss to Essendon. Dane Swan hasn’t been himself of late and now we know why, as the Brownlow medallist will miss a month with what may be a chronic foot injury. The Pies do have some replacements on board, though. Ben Reid could come into the team for his first match this season after battling calf complaints for most of the year. Reid could play for Maxwell, although Lachlan Keefe may also be given another chance. With Adelaide having a very tall forward line, don’t be surprised to see both included. Jamie Elliott should return from a hamstring issue to take Swan’s place, while Alex Fasolo has recovered from a foot injury and could come into the team. Kyle Martin is also meant to be upgraded off the rookie list ti play. With Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs being in good form, it will be interesting to see if Brodie Grundy comes in to play in tandem with Jarryd Witts. That would be bad news for Jesse White, who had a shocker against Essendon – he wasn’t alone – while Taylor Adams, Ben Kennedy and Paul Seedsman may also be in the gun. Tom Langdon is a chance to be rested.
For the Crows, the big question revolves around gun midfielder Scott Thompson. Thompson has been in exceptional form - again – this season, but was battling a hamstring issue that forced him off in last round’s loss to Hawthorn. If Thompson doesn’t play, the Crows may just make a straight swap with David Mackay, who’s recovered from a hamstring injury. Sam Kerridge (foot), Charlie Cameron (groin) and Jared Petrenko (leg) may all be fit given the fortnight off, although Brenton Sanderson won’t make too many changes to the team that impressed against Hawthorn. Jason Porplyzia was the sub last week and may be the one to drop out for others.
West Coast v Richmond
The Eagles made six changes for last round’s 12-point win over Brisbane Lions but rather than sticking with the same squad, Adam Simpson looks likely to bring in four experienced players this week. With just a few games remaining in his decorated career, Dean Cox will return to the ruck to replace Callum Sinclair. Defenders Brad Sheppard and Mitch Brown look likely to return from injury this week and may take the place of Sam Butler and Jacob Brennan while youngsters Dom Sheed or Simon Tunbridge may make way for Josh Kennedy’s return from suspension. Aside from this, Sharrod Wellingham and Jamie Bennell enjoyed good days in the WAFL last weekend, but one wonders whether one good week is enough for Wellingham to earn his place back after a disappointing season.
The Tigers, meanwhile, will have to make at least two changes to the team that beat Port Adelaide as Ricky Petterd (finger) and Daniel Jackson (glute) are unavailable. It’s especially a shame for Petterd, as he produced one of his best games as a Richmond player against Port. Reece Conca (concussion) and Ben Lennon (concussion) have been cleared to play, Shaun Grigg (hamstring) looks likely to come back via the VFL, so there may be an opportunity for Matt McDonough or mature-age recruit Nathan Gordon to come in after good VFL performances.
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast
The Lions will make a major inclusion for this game as skipper Tom Rockliff returns from a week’s suspension. Rockliff was missed big time as his side fell to a 12-point loss to the Eagles before the bye, but he’s sure to come back fit and firing. That’s an especially bad sign for a Gold Coast midfield missing Gary Ablett as Rockliff had 35 touches and kicked three goals in the Round 3 QClash. Although, he wasn’t bad against the Eagles, veteran Ash McGrath may be the one to make way for Rockliff while Claye Beams may not have recovered from an injury last game. Matthew Leunberger is also a slim chance to come back from his Achilles injury, but with Stefan Martin impressing in the ruck, will probably be eased back through the NEAFL.
The Suns defensive stocks will be seriously tested this week as former Hawk Tom Murphy is suspended. Murphy was in the team to replace the injured Trent McKenzie, and his absence will hurt. Alex Sexton, Aaron Hall and Jack Martin were all quiet against the Bulldogs in Cairns but with a fortnight off will likely be given another chance, although Matthew Warnock and Jack Hutchins will be in the mix. Kade Kolodjashnij is the big mystery for the Suns. Originally listed as a four-week injury after hurting his hamstring against the Bulldogs, Kolodjashnij has recovered better than expected and may be a chance to play.
Hawthorn v Sydney
MORE: Hawthorn fans should unsettle Franklin, for flag's sake
The Hawks look likely to bring in two big guns for Saturday’s blockbuster clash with the Swans. Brad Hill has recovered from a knee injury and should return along with Josh Gibson (pectoral). Gibson hasn’t played since the club’s last game against the Swans but he’ll be straight into it as he has to take on good mate Lance Franklin. In Cyril Rioli’s ongoing absence, the Hawks may opt for more outside pace by bringing in Billy Hartung after he played a game back in the VFL last weekend, having recovered from an elbow injury. Taylor Duryea or Matt Spangher may be in the gun in defence if Gibson is back, while Ben Ross and Will Langford may be the players to make way for Hill and Hartung.
Sydney have three big names starting to push for a comeback from injury. Kurt Tippett (knee) has missed two games but may be back, while Rhyce Shaw (ankle) and Dan Hannebery (ankle) are all pushing their claims. The Swans will be unlikely to bring them all back in one hit, however, especially for what will be a bruising clash with the Hawks. But with Hawthorn’s lack of height in defence being exposed by Adelaide in the last game, bringing Tippett in – if he’s fit – will be a temptation. Last round debutant Dean Towers may struggle to keep his place in the side, along with Brandon Jack.
Collingwood v Adelaide
Collingwood have lost two big players for this week’s clash, with former skipper Nick Maxwell retiring after suffering a serious ankle injury during last round’s big loss to Essendon. Dane Swan hasn’t been himself of late and now we know why, as the Brownlow medallist will miss a month with what may be a chronic foot injury. The Pies do have some replacements on board, though. Ben Reid could come into the team for his first match this season after battling calf complaints for most of the year. Reid could play for Maxwell, although Lachlan Keefe may also be given another chance. With Adelaide having a very tall forward line, don’t be surprised to see both included. Jamie Elliott should return from a hamstring issue to take Swan’s place, while Alex Fasolo has recovered from a foot injury and could come into the team. Kyle Martin is also meant to be upgraded off the rookie list ti play. With Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs being in good form, it will be interesting to see if Brodie Grundy comes in to play in tandem with Jarryd Witts. That would be bad news for Jesse White, who had a shocker against Essendon – he wasn’t alone – while Taylor Adams, Ben Kennedy and Paul Seedsman may also be in the gun. Tom Langdon is a chance to be rested.
For the Crows, the big question revolves around gun midfielder Scott Thompson. Thompson has been in exceptional form - again – this season, but was battling a hamstring issue that forced him off in last round’s loss to Hawthorn. If Thompson doesn’t play, the Crows may just make a straight swap with David Mackay, who’s recovered from a hamstring injury. Sam Kerridge (foot), Charlie Cameron (groin) and Jared Petrenko (leg) may all be fit given the fortnight off, although Brenton Sanderson won’t make too many changes to the team that impressed against Hawthorn. Jason Porplyzia was the sub last week and may be the one to drop out for others.