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INJURIES
Brad Crouch (leg) 5 weeks
Mitch Grigg (groin) TBC
Ricky Henderson (ankle) 4-5 months
Sam Kerridge (eye) test
Tom Lynch (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Andy Otten (knee) 1-2 weeks
Sam Shaw (wrist) test
Scott Thompson (corked thigh) test
Taylor Walker (knee) 2-5 weeks
Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) 4-6 months
ON THE BLOCK: The Crows are sweating on the fitness of a couple of key players —
the last thing needed after a third straight loss. Jared Petrenko could be on shaky
ground but it's more a matter of trying to find fit and able troops for the
coaching staff at the moment.
TEX'S FOOTY COMEBACK DELAYED?
ON THE CUSP: Cam Ellis-Yolmen impressed in the SANFL and could earn his AFL debut.
Jarryd Lyons is also right in the mix to come in.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Worrying signs for the Crows in the final term as the Swans
ran away, booting seven unanswered goals to stun the home side. Adelaide looked
wounded and low on confidence, so there needs to be some soul-searching this week
before Brenton Sanderson's men tackle a very winnable month of footy.
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BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Claye Beams (foot) 2-3 weeks
Stefan Martin (back) test
Ash McGrath (calf) 1 week
Luke McGuane (knee) 1-2 weeks
Sam Michael (hamstring) test
James Polkinghorne (knee) test
Daniel Rich (knee) season
Brent Staker (calf) 3-4 weeks
Patrick Weardon (ankle) 10 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Shocking news for Daniel Rich who will require a full knee reconstruction after scans confirmed a ruptured ACL. Lions coach Justin Leppitsch must want to make some statements following his side's meek surrender to the Suns. Michael Close could be in the gun,
while Josh Green didn't do a lot and Lewis Taylor is likely to be given a rest at
times this year.
RICH AND LIONS BRACE FOR WORST
ON THE CUSP: The Lions' twos had a big win over the Suns in the NEAFL, and the good
news was off-season trade Jackson Paine starred with five goals. Youngsters Nick
Robertson, Tom Cutler and Jack Crisp also impressed, as did recently demoted Rohan
Bewick.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: A trip to the Adelaide Oval — and the Power coming off a loss
— is not what the doctor ordered for Brisbane. Still, it's how his men respond that
will tell Leppitsch much about his group. Expect the coach to bring in some fresh
faces, and former Pie Paine should get his chance — especially with Jonathan Brown
looking like he needs some support.
Daniel Rich of the Lions is helped from the field Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Getty Images
CARLTON
INJURIES
Matthew Kreuzer (foot) test
Chris Judd (Achilles) 3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Where to start? It might be like throwing darts at a dartboard come
selection. There's a few untouchables, but not many.
ON THE CUSP: Good reading for Carlton fans in the VFL. The Northern Blues' best
players read: Heath Scotland, Levi Casboult, Patrick Cripps, Tom Temay, Cameron
Wood and Nick Graham. First-round draft pick Patrick Cripps will surely get a start
this weekend, while Sam Docherty is ready to go after overcoming injury.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Time to ring in the changes. The Blues must do something,
anything, to spark their season. Expect a raft of changes at selection as Mick
Malthouse reacts to the "embarrassing" effort against Essendon.
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COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Dayne Beams (ankle) test
Tim Broomhead (wrist) 1 week
Nathan Brown (shoulder) 3-4 weeks
Sam Dwyer (knee) TBC
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 2 weeks
Corey Gault (groin) test
Patrick Karnezis (osteitis pubis) 2-3 weeks
Nick Maxwell (anke) test
Adam Oxley (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Ben Reid (calf) 1-2 weeks
Matthew Scharenberg (feet) indefinite
Paul Seedsman (hip) 1-2 weeks
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: The Pies have injury and MRP concerns, so it's unlikely there'll be
too many unforced changes this week. A couple of regulars are battling niggles and
soreness and may struggle to come up for the Tigers.
PIES FACE TEST AHEAD OF TIGERS
ON THE CUSP: The Pies' VFL side beat the AIS Academy by 73 points with Ben Kennedy picking up 28 disposals in three quarters, and Quinten Lynch had 21 and two goals.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Some big guns were down and the Pies still got within a kick
in the final minutes against the Cats, so while disappointing it wasn't a bad
effort. Dane Swan and Travis Cloke's form is a concern, but if the Pies can get
their stars all fit and firing at the same time there's plenty of upside for Nathan
Buckley's men.
The Herald Sun's footy writers name their SuperCoach heroes and villains from Round 3
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Tom Bellchambers (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Alex Browne (knee) season
Coutenay Dempsey (hamstring) indefinite
Lauchlan Dalgleish (Achilles) TBC
Will Hams (hip) 2-3 weeks
Nick Kommer (knee) 2-3 weeks
Patrick Ryder (ankle) test
ON THE BLOCK: Hmmmm, tough one. The Bombers had winners everywhere in their huge
win over Carlton. Sub Martin Gleeson came on and gathered 10 touches while Jason
Ashby went at 85 per cent efficiency with his 13 touches — and they were the minor
contributors.
ROUND 3 STUDS AND DUDS
ON THE CUSP: Mark Thompson forecast a continual changing of his line-up this year
as he strives to keep his team fresh in a bid to have them peaking at the right
time. Former GWS youngsters Kurt Aylett and Shaun Edwards were among the best for
Essendon's VFL team and could get a chance this week, while small forwards Leroy
Jetta and Zac Merrett also impressed.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Is Essendon the second best team in the competition? Still
far too early to get a read on exactly how good certain sides are, but the Bombers'
form looks good on paper. We'll get a better guide this week when they travel west
to take on Fremantle, albeit weakened by injury, at Subiaco. The Bombers have a
ruthless, hungry look about them, and another win against a below-strength Dockers
outfit would only fuel the hype about Bomber's men.
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FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Jacob Ballard (hand) test
Michael Barlow (knee) 4-6 weeks
Kepler Bradley (knee) 1-2 weeks
Nat Fyfe (suspension) Round 5
Jonathon Griffin (knee) 1 week
Scott Gumbleton (hamstring) 8 weeks
Garrick Ibbotson (shoulder) TBC
Max Duffy (shoulder) 4-6 weeks
Alex Pearce (shin) 2 weeks
Tanner Smith (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Colin Sylvia (quad) test
Matt Taberner (hip) test
Michael Walters (knee) test
ON THE BLOCK: It may be more a case of Fremantle having to plug some gaps, with a
few stars battling injuries. Jack Hannath could lose his spot for a bigger name,
while Matt de Boer, Cam Sutcliffe and Hayden Crozier's names are often discussed.
ON THE CUSP: Zac Dawson (suspension) will return for the Bombers and stiffen the
backline while Alex Silvagni (Achilles) will be in the mix. Clancee Pearce is a big
chance to return and add some grunt, while Zac Clarke is also a possibility to
finally return from a knee injury. Colin Sylvia would also be a chance to finally
make his debut if he's over his thigh.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: How much time will Ross Lyon spend on Friday night's horror
loss to Hawthorn? Was it a case of clearly being outgunned by a better team, or the
men in purple having a Docker shocker? Perhaps a bit of both. The footy world knows
last year's grand finalists are better than the score suggests, but how they
respond against a rival with almost equally good credentials so far in 2014 will be
fascinating. Freo hosts the high-flying Bombers this week in what shapes as a
corker. On their most-recent outing, the visitors would have to start favourites.
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GEELONG
INJURIES
Allen Christensen (back) 6-7 weeks
Corey Enright (ankle) test
Shane Kersten (knee) 6-8 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) indefinite
Steven Motlop (knee) 2-3 weeks
Billie Smedts (leg) test
Nathan Vardy (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: Last man in Jackson Sheringham is a likely candidate to go out if the
Cats recall some regulars, although his pace was handy late against the Pies. Mitch
Brown has had a quiet two weeks and could be given a spell.
SCOTT'S CATS LOVING THE SCRAP
ON THE CUSP: Taylor Hunt (suspension) is ready to return and all eyes will be on
Corey Enright to see if he's fit to tackle the Eagles in a top-four battle at
Simonds Stadium. Josh Walker can do nothing more to forge his case after starring
in the VFL with four goals in a best afield display.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: The Cats couldn't have asked for a better start to the year.
Unbeaten from three starts and now a chance to host the Eagles- who seem a genuine
top-four side — on their own turf. Mark LeCras seems certain to miss, too, meaning
Chris Scott may be doing a rain dance this week as he plans ways to try to combat
West Coast's tall timber. Expect the three talls of Hamish McIntosh, Dawson Simpson
and Mark Blicavs to again play in the same side as Geelong strives for four on the
trot, while Josh Walker is likely to replace Mitch Brown.
David Swallow of the Suns looks to handball. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Getty Images
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Harley Bennell (calf) 1-2 weeks
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite
Jesse Lonergan (hand) TBC
Jack Martin (shoulder) indefinite
Zac Smith (knee) indefinite
Seb Tape (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Not many facing the chop following one of the club's best wins. The
53-point romp over the Lions included winners on every line. Matt Shaw was the sub
and didn't get as long to impress as others, so he may be the most likely out if
'Bluey' McKenna does want a change.
ON THE CUSP: The Suns' reserves were hammered by the Lions. Home-grown product Alex
Sexton was good, while Karmichael Hunt kicked a goal and remains in the frame for a
call-up. Harley Bennell is still at least a week off with his calf injury.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Gold Coast may have touched up the Lions at the weekend but
this Saturday night they take on an entirely different beast. Hawthorn will present
a very different challenge for the Suns, and will provide Guy McKenna's side with a
far better guide as to how much improvement they have made in 2014. No-one is
expecting victory but, on their home turf, expect Gazza and his sidekicks to give a
good account of themselves.
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GWS
INJURIES
Phil Davis (kidney) indefinite
Dylan Shiel (quad) 1-2 weeks
Tim Mohr (knee) 4 weeks
Rhys Palmer (hamstring) 3-5 weeks
Sam Schulz (shoulder) 3-4 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to nudge anyone from a winning line-up — especially such a young side that's rarely enjoyed singing the song. Starting sub Will Hoskin-Elliott, Sam Frost, Lachie Plowman and Adam Kennedy are some of the fringe players who are more likely to feel any selection heat.
ON THE CUSP: Plenty of talent on the GWS list from which to choose. Stephen Gilham could bolster a backline missing Phil Davis and Tim Mohr, Jed Lamb is still waiting for his chance to impress at his new club while Kristian Jaksch and Tim Golds starred in the Giants' reserves win over the Swans.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Leon Cameron would enjoy playing with a settled line-up. He's unlikely to make many changes this week when the Giants host the Western Bulldogs. Dyln Addison — subbed off at the weekend — will be out to prove his old side he still had plenty to offer them. Could this be the week GWS, in a bid to stretch the Jordan Roughead-less Bulldogs, include Tom Boyd? We'd like to see that.
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HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Jed Anderson (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
Brad Sewell (hamstring) test
Luke Hodge (groin) test
Brendan Whitecross (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Jon Ceglar and Angus Litherland were the newbies among the Hawks
bunch against Freo — not that it mattered. They are most likely to go if Alastair
Clarkson is able to recall some of his premiership heroes.
ON THE CUSP: Will skipper Luke Hodge come back from a groin after just one week?
The Hawks can probably give him another week off, although Hodge told Nova on
Monday: "I am very very confidential I will play". Ben Stratton returned from a
hamstring in the VFL at the weekend and was Box Hill's best. Ryan Schoenmakers also
returned at the lower level and impressed, while Brian Lake's suspension from the
Grand Final is now over — however the coach flagged a return via Box Hill.
BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: The Hawks are flying. On Friday night they silenced anyone
questioning their desire following their premiership and again assumed outright
premiership favouritism with a blistering display against Freo. Soldiers are set to
return to the senior line-up in coming weeks, which is a scary thought for
opposition sides.
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Mitch Clark (personal leave) indefinite
Chris Dawes (calf) 2-3 weeks
Jesse Hogan (back) 5 weeks
Aidan Riley (leg) test
Max Gawn (hamstring) — test
ON THE BLOCK: With the dropping of Jack Trengove, Paul Roos has shown he isn't scared to swing the axe and Jack Fitzpatrick, Rohan Bail and Dean Terlich will be in the gun this week. Jay Kennedy-Harris has been the substitute in the first three rounds and should be given an opportunity to start on the ground or spend a week or two in the VFL to maintain his match fitness.
ROOS RETURN COULD TURN NIGHTMARE
ON THE CUSP: Jack Trengove collected 25 possessions and kicked a goal to be one of Casey's best players alongside Neville Jetta, Mitch Clisby and Jordie McKenzie, who will all press for selection. Mark Jamar returned from a foot injury, but will need longer in the VFL to regain match fitness and Colin Garland didn't play VFL as expected but should return this week — maybe even straight into the senior side.
ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: The burning question leading into the GWS game was whether Melbourne could kick a score to win. In the wet conditions it could only manage seven majors, but there is no doubt the intensity and endeavour was there. With key players on the sidelines, Melbourne should be given concessions for its winless start to the season, however what it cannot be excused for its it's ball use. The Demons consistently turn the football over by foot and make it impossible to maintain any control over the game or play with any structure when they keep giving the leather back to the opposition. Melbourne return to the MCG to play Carlton this week and need will need to bring the intensity they delivered against GWS and add polish to their kicking skills to be any chance.
Jack Trengove had 25 disposals for Casey. Picture Sarah Matray Source: News Corp Australia
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Tom Curran (foot) indefinite
Taylor Garner (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Andrew Swallow (Achilles) 3-6 weeks
Robbie Tarrant (lower leg) 1-2 weeks
Jack Ziebell (shoulder) test
Jamie McMillan (broken leg) 4-6 weeks
Cam Delaney (toe) test
ON THE BLOCK: It was hard to fault anyone in North Melbourne's best performance of the season. Drew Petrie was again held goalless, but given his ability to force a contest and bring other players into the game, his output should not be measure on goals alone. Jack Ziebell just has to get through training to play and is the likely replacement for Jamie McMillan, who suffered a non-displaced fracture of the fibula against Port. Dan Currie struggled to mark the ball against Port and will come under pressure from Majak Daw.
ON THE CUSP: Michael Firrito was named Werribee's best player on Saturday and Majak Daw got through another game unscathed in his comeback from a knee injury, while rookie Tim McGenniss is a name to watch after another strong performance in the VFL. North Ballarat had the weekend off so Liam Anthony, Robin Nahas and Joel Tippett were unable to press their claims any further.
ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: North's ability to outrun and outlast Port Adelaide will give it enormous confidence going into the clash with Sydney at the SCG. North's midfield is starting to fire and if Drew Petrie and Aaron Black can provide a dangerous forward target they will be hard to beat. Scott Thompson will have his hands full with Buddy Franklin, but on the small SCG deck he will have plenty of help from Nathan Grima and Lachie Hansen. Levi Greenwood was outstanding with 34 touches and he is a great match-up for the big bodied Josh Kennedy.
The Kangaroos have historically struggled at the SCG in recent times, but they couldn't get Sydney at a better time.
Drew Petrie of the Kangaroos and Alipate Carlile contest for the ball. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Angus Monfries — hamstring (TBC)
Chad Wingard — ankle (assess)
Jay Schulz — foot (assess)
Jarrad Redden — knee (3-4 weeks)
Campbell Heath — shin (3-4 weeks)
Sam Russell — hamstring (6-8 weeks)
Mason Shaw — wrist (6-7 weeks)
FLAG FOR POWER JUST THREE YEARS AWAY
ON THE BLOCK: Angus Monfries is likely to miss at least a month of football with a serious hamstring injury, while Chad Winagrd hurt his ankle in the third term and his movement was restricted for the remainder of the game. If Ken Hinkley decides to make a change, Jasper Pittard and Jarman Impey are struggling and John Butcher has kicked just two goals this season.
ON THE CUSP: Aaron Young was best on ground in the reserves Round 1 loss to Norwood and along with Sam Colquhoun, Cam O'Shea, Aaron Young and Tom Clurey, he continues to wait in the wings. Andrew Moore has recovered from a shoulder injury and is likely to return via the SANFL this weekend.
ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: Port Adelaide has the makings of a top six team, however if this is to materialise it will need to beat fellow finals aspirants and win on the road — two things not achieved in the loss to North Melbourne. The Power played well and were beaten by a good side, but lacked the killer edge we have come to expect. Was it a Showdown hangover? Port return to the Adelaide Oval and host Brisbane in what form lines suggest should be a comfortable victory, however Brisbane have been pretty dogged despite its winless start. Chad Wingard spoke about his teams want to punish sides with pressure from the first quarter, so expect Port to start the game with ferocity.
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RICHMOND
INJURIES
Ivan Maric (ankle) 3 weeks
Matt Dea (hand) 4 weeks
Alex Rance (foot) 2 weeks
Aaron Edwards (knee) 2 weeks
Chris Knights (knee soreness) test
Liam McBean (ankle) test
Nick Vlastuin (concussion) test
Brett Deledio (ankle) test
Shaun Hampson (knee) test
Jake King (quad) test
ON THE BLOCK: Look at all those "tests" — the docs might make it hard for Damien
Hardwick to swing the axe, as much as he might like to after another disappointing
loss. The Tigers say they will have a better idea midweek whether Deledio, Hampson
and King will be fit to face the Magpies. Nick Vlastuin should recover from mild
concussion although a six-day break might work against him. King is important to
Richmond's structure but he has struggled for form this year, towelled up by Liam
Picken on the weekend. And it might be nearly time to make the tough call on
warrior Chris Newman, who has struggled to make an impact in any of the three
matches this year and looked off the pace against a youthful Dogs side.
TIGERS WILL WAIT ON KEY PAIR
ON THE CUSP: The stand-alone VFL side was beaten by 17 goals in its first outing so
there aren't many knocking on the door. Anthony Miles had his usual truckload of
possessions, Brad Helbig, Matt Arnot and Nathan Foley did a bit but that was about
it. Knights and McBean both missed the game and Jake Batchelor was reported to
round out a forgettable day.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: Talk of elimination finals in April might seem premature but
the Tigers simply must win on Friday night if they are to have any hope of
repeating last year's finals appearance. The next month looks like this:
Collingwood, Brisbane, Hawthorn, Geelong. And Richmond hasn't beaten Collingwood
since 2007. A big pre-season win in Wangaratta will inspire some confidence but
that seems a long time ago now. Deledio's run is crucial and a revitalised Jack
Riewoldt has to repeat his second-half heroics from Saturday. Trent Cotchin can't
do it all on his own.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
Sam Fisher (hamstring) 1 weeks
Sam Gilbert (foot) 4-6 weeks
Lewis Pierce (back) 5 weeks
Jack Steven (foot) test
Adam Schneider (back) test
ON THE BLOCK: Beau Maister is under pressure to hold his spot after kicking one
goal in three matches. Shane Savage took his chance after coming on early as the
sub for the unlucky Sam Gilbert, who will miss at least a month with what the Saints say is "severe bruising and soreness" to his foot. Gilbert will not need surgery and the club says he avoided structural damage and just needs rest. Hard to find too many others out of form although the kids could be
rotated.
SAINTS HOPE FOR BEST WITH GILBERT
ON THE CUSP: Jack Billings was the star of Sandringham's VFL win against Frankston,
kicking four last-quarter goals and five for the game. Tom Lee kicked four goals
playing ruck/forward and could take Maister's spot. Josh Bruce (23 disposals) and
Cam Shenton (24 disposals, nine marks) were others to put their hands up. Blake
Acres, the third of St Kilda's top-20 draft picks from last November, returned from
injury in Sandy's development side and had 24 touches and 10 marks. In more good
news, best-and-fairest winner Jack Steven is nearly ready to resume from a foot
injury but that is likely to be in the VFL.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: Gilbert's injury soured an admirable performance from the
Saints out west and now they have a look at a very beatable Adelaide at Etihad
Stadium on Sunday. Luke Dunstan is a ripper, Eli Templeton is exciting and Alan
Richardson is getting the best out of players like Clinton Jones and Farren Ray.
One of the feel-good stories of the year so far.
Lance Franklin evades Daniel Talia. PIC SARAH REED. Source: News Corp Australia
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Kurt Tippett (knee) 1-2 weeks
Adam Goodes (knee) 2-3 weeks
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) season
ON THE BLOCK: After impressing in the pre-season Gary Rohan has struggled in the first three rounds. He started as the substitute against Adelaide and provided the Swans with a bit of spark with a nice goal. Rohan isn't setting the world on fire by any stretch of the imagination, but provides a good substitute option so should hold his spot. Rhyce Shaw's ball-use was horrible in the first two games, but his 18 touches against the Crows went at an improved 78 per cent. Tom Mitchell needs to lift after just nine touches and the red vest. Jarrad McVeigh may face scrutiny from the tribunal for a high hit on Adelaide's Matthew Jaensch.
ON THE CUSP: Kurt Tippett isn't far away, while Brandon Jack and Dean Towers continue to press for selection. Toby Nankervis kicked two goals in the NEAFL on the weekend.
ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: A week is a long time in football and after dominating the Crows, John Longmire's men will be feeling a lot better about themselves. Buddy was best on ground and Sydney's second half was particularly impressive. However, there is no relenting in AFL football and the Swans face yet another test against North Melbourne on Sunday. A win leaves the Swans 2-2 and back on track, while a loss means 1-3 and more questions. North were ultra-impressive against Port Adelaide and it's midfield showed a want to outwork a really fit side, while the Swans midfield has looked sluggish at times this season. It will be fascinating to see how Buddy operates in the tighter confines of the SCG.
Jackson Macrae kicks at goal. Picture Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Jarrad Grant (foot) 5 weeks
Sam Darley (abdominal) 2 weeks
Daniel Pearce (knee) 6-10 weeks
Jordan Roughead (shoulder) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Jason Johannisen had just four disposals against the Tigers, Tom
Williams had some howlers and Mitch Wallis couldn't curtail Trent Cotchin. Other
than that Roughead's shoulder injury is the main concern.
ON THE CUSP: Koby Stevens is set to return from a bout of whiplash. Lots of good news from the Dogs' VFL side, with Mitch Honeychurch, Tom
Young, Brett Goodes among those to shine while Ayce Cordy kicked five goals and
Tory Dickson four. Marcus Bontompelli missed the VFL win to go to Etihad in case of a last-minute injury and will be close again this week.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Dogs can thank a great mix of youth and experience for
their first win of the season, with the youth (Macrae, Hunter) setting up the
victory against Richmond in the first half and the experience (Boyd, Giansiracusa)
sealing the deal in the last quarter. And Tom Liberatore everywhere throughout.
After a slow start to the season, things are suddenly looking bright with a clash
against GWS in Canberra followed by winnable games against Carlton, Adelaide and
Melbourne before the bye.
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WEST COAST
INJURIES
Tom Barrass (hip) 2-3 weeks
Mark Hutchings (back) test
Beau Waters (shoulder) season
Mark LeCras (arm) 6 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (groin) test
Scott Selwood (ankle) test
Shannon Hurn (knee) 4-6 weeks
Chris Masten (corked thigh) test
BROKEN ARM SIDELINES LECRAS FOR SIX WEEKS
ON THE BLOCK: The Eagles have injury concerns going into Saturday's clash against Geelong with Mark LeCras out and Chris Masten, Sharrod Wellingh and Scott Selwood in doubt. LeCras suffered a broken arm and will miss six weeks.
ON THE CUSP: Dom Sheed continues to perform well in the WAFL and is a strong chance to come into the side, while Mark Hutchings returned WAFL last weekend after a month on the sidelines.
ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: After breezing through the NAB Challenge and the first three rounds of the season, Adam Simpson's team has been begging for a true test of its progress. A trip to Skilled Stadium to play Geelong is exactly that and the football public will be wiser on where the Eagles are at by 10.30 on Saturday night. West Coast's form this year has been faultless and they are playing a brand of football that lends itself to beating the best. Their midfield is firing and through Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy they have forward targets who can kick a score. Tipsters are already spruiking the Eagles as a top 4 lock and if they get the chocolates against the Cats they are the real deal.
