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Injuries & Suspensions
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Travis King
‏@TravisKing
18m18 minutes ago
Positive news for @WestCoastEagles with Josh Kennedy back on the training track, moving well, kicking off both feet and jumping at the footy. No Nic Nat today or Rioli, but McGovern joining in skills session after missing recovery yesterday.
Travis King
‏@TravisKing
6m6 minutes ago
Brendon Ah Chee on crutches after rolling his ankle against ex-club Port Adelaide on Sunday.
‏@TravisKing
18m18 minutes ago
Positive news for @WestCoastEagles with Josh Kennedy back on the training track, moving well, kicking off both feet and jumping at the footy. No Nic Nat today or Rioli, but McGovern joining in skills session after missing recovery yesterday.
Travis King
‏@TravisKing
6m6 minutes ago
Brendon Ah Chee on crutches after rolling his ankle against ex-club Port Adelaide on Sunday.
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It is at Subi oval, But because the ground is in the process of being decommissioned as a public venue... The match is closed to the public.
Channel 7 will have reporters and camera's at the ground and will show highlights during the news on Sunday night. However we are unlikely to get much useful info out of the game. I assume Ryan Daniels will be there so he might give us some useful stuff.
Channel 7 will have reporters and camera's at the ground and will show highlights during the news on Sunday night. However we are unlikely to get much useful info out of the game. I assume Ryan Daniels will be there so he might give us some useful stuff.
Sounds like Ah Chee is unlikely for any more JLT time. Probably rules him out for R1...
https://thewest.com.au/sport/west-c...nkle-injury-worse-than-expected-ng-b88758923z
https://thewest.com.au/sport/west-c...nkle-injury-worse-than-expected-ng-b88758923z
https://www.triplem.com.au/sport/af...swans-season-opener-against-west-coast-eagles
McVeigh battling calf soreness. No indication how long he'll be out for but if he's struggling, better for Jake Lloyd?
McVeigh battling calf soreness. No indication how long he'll be out for but if he's struggling, better for Jake Lloyd?
Bit more on Ah Chee. Really sounds like he's already ruled out for R1.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/s...ews/2018-02-28/ankle-sprain-sidelines-ah-chee
It’s a high ankle sprain for Brendon, so we’ve put him on crutches for the next three-to-five days and we’ll progress from there,” Vozzo said.
“He’s obviously disappointed that he’ll be missing games because he’s got a really good base of training from which to build on. The good news is that with that solid pre-season, if we can get him running in the next three-to-four weeks, we won’t be too far behind the eight-ball. Then he’ll be able to make his way back to some games in the early part of the year and hopefully playing in the seniors before you know it.”
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/s...ews/2018-02-28/ankle-sprain-sidelines-ah-chee
It’s a high ankle sprain for Brendon, so we’ve put him on crutches for the next three-to-five days and we’ll progress from there,” Vozzo said.
“He’s obviously disappointed that he’ll be missing games because he’s got a really good base of training from which to build on. The good news is that with that solid pre-season, if we can get him running in the next three-to-four weeks, we won’t be too far behind the eight-ball. Then he’ll be able to make his way back to some games in the early part of the year and hopefully playing in the seniors before you know it.”
Barometer: Melbourne veteran Jordan Lewis will not play in the club’s final JLT series match
Kate Salemme, Ben Broad, Herald Sun
February 28, 2018 12:29pm
Subscriber only
MELBOURNE veteran Jordan Lewis will not play in the club’s final JLT series match after injuring his calf.
Lewis suffered the injury on Saturday in the Demons’ crushing win over North Melbourne.
Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said Lewis was still on track to play Round 1.
“Jordan felt some calf tightness in the first quarter of the JLT game down in Kingston on the weekend,” he said in a statement to the Melbourne website.
“Scans have shown a minor strain and at this stage we won’t take any risks during this period and he won’t play JLT two.
“But we’re confident he’ll be available for Round 1, as he’s done a full pre-season, has got a lot of confidence in his legs and he’s an experienced player.”
Lewis finished equal third in Melbourne’s best and fairest award, with co-captain Nathan Jones.
See your club’s injury list below:
ADELAIDE
INJURY LIST
Taylor Walker (foot)
Daniel Talia (ankle)
Brodie Smith (knee)
Hugh Greenwood (achilles)
Jordan Gallucci (foot)
Key defender Daniel Talia was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s first JLT clash against Fremantle with an ankle injury and the Crows won’t take any risks with their All-Australian defender. Jordan Gallucci has been earmarked as Charlie Cameron’s replacement in a small forward role but those plans have copped a major setback after he hurt his foot at training. Taylor Walker won’t feature in any of the Crows’ pre-season matches after straining the plantar fascia in his foot. Adelaide is hopeful the skipper will be ready for Round 1. Brodie Smith will miss most, if not all, of the 2018 season with a serious knee injury and Hugh Greenwood is still making his way back from foot surgery.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURY LIST
Cian Hanley (retired)
Sam Skinner (knee)
Marco Paparone (back)
The Lions face the Sydney Swans — the team they conquered in their AFLX tournament earlier this month — at Moreton Bay on Saturday and there’ll be plenty of excitement for Lions fans as Chris Fagan’s young group aims to keep its momentum rolling ahead of the premiership season. The good news for the coach is he’ll have virtually a full list to choose from for the Swans showdown. Marco Paparone won’t play as he continues to recover from surgery to relieve pressure on his sciatic nerve. Most rivals will be eager to see when the Lions roll out new recruit Luke Hodge.
CARLTON
INJURY LIST
Sam Docherty (knee)
Sam Rowe (knee)
The Blues are ready to roll with the Saints at Ikon Park this Wednesday the first assignment allowing fans to get a gauge of Brendon Bolton’s squad over the summer. The Blues have had time to come to terms with the fact they’ll be missing star rebounder Sam Docherty for the season, with the likes of mature-age recruits Aaron Mullett and Cam O’Shea in the frame to try to fill that void. Bolton has also praised the summers of Irishman Ciaran Byrne and second-year speedster Tom Williamson as the coach looks to replace his All-Australian star.
Key big man Sam Rowe hopes to be back for Round 1 as he continues his knee recovery.
There’s good news in the shape of Ed Curnow returning after a serious larynx injury, while Carlton fans will be eager to see top-10 draft picks Paddy Dow — who impressed in AFLX — and Lochie O’Brien strut their stuff.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURY LIST
Jeremy Howe (calf)
Darcy Moore (achilles)
Daniel Wells (achilles)
Jamie Elliott (ankle)
Levi Greenwood (knee)
Alex Fasolo (shoulder)
Jordan De Goey (club suspension)
Collingwood already has a number of injury concerns and Round 1 is still a month away. The Magpies’ first JLT Series squad for this weekend likely won’t feature Jamie Elliott (ankle), Alex Fasolo (shoulder) and Levi Greenwood (knee) who are all still recovering from off-season surgery, while Daniel Wells and Darcy Moore are battling achilles problems and haven’t been training fully in recent weeks. Jeremy Howe has also been restricted by a calf injury and didn’t play in the intra-club practice match last Thursday night. Jordan De Goey is suspended indefinitely after being caught drink driving.
ESSENDON
INJURY LIST
Michael Hurley (wrist)
Jake Stringer (cut head)
Travis Colyer (foot)
Kobe Mutch (knee)
Jayden Laverde (hamstring)
Aaron Francis (on leave)
Zach Merrett (concussion)
It was a horror weekend for the Bombers, with one of the few positives the fact they didn’t suffer any serious damage on the injury front. Zach Merrett should be fine to face the Cats in Colac in a fortnight, while several big names should also come in for the club’s final pre-season tune-up.
Michael Hurley will almost certainly be back from the knock to the wrist he sustained in an intra-club game, while Cale Hooker, Tom Bellchambers and Orazio Fantasia should all face the Cats after sitting out JLT1.
The Bombers can ill-afford more injuries with Travis Colyer to miss the first few rounds of the season, while exciting youngsters Jayden Laverde and Aaron Francis are also unlikely to play in the opening rounds of the season. Young midfielder Mutch was ruled out of the JLT Series after having knee surgery.
Essendon's Zach Merrett copped a heavy bump against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein
FREMANTLE
INJURY LIST
Sean Darcy (calf)
Harley Bennell (calf, suspension)
Cam Sutcliffe (concussion)
Stephen Hill (leg)
Good signs for the Dockers in their first JLT hitout against Adelaide on Sunday — and crucially, no significant names added to the injury list.
Cam Sutcliffe suffered a knock to the head in the 10-point loss, but he should be fine before Freo’s second pre-season clash — against West Coast on March 11.
Sean Darcy (calf) missed the JLT opener but he’s back in full training and will hope to press his claims against the Eagles. The club hopes Stephen Hill will also play the Eagles after missing with a leg injury, while Joel Hamling missed the Adelaide clash due to a wedding.
Harley Bennell continues to serve his club-imposed suspension, while a calf injury suffered while training with Peel may also further delay any return to AFL football.
Andrew Brayshaw was an eye-catcher against the Crows, so look for him to play plenty of game time this year as the no. 2 draft pick looked at ease in his senior debut.
GEELONG
INJURY LIST
Gary Ablett (hamstring)
Scott Selwood (ankle)
Patrick Dangerfield (sore back)
Lachie Henderson (knee)
Lincoln McCarthy (groin/hip)
All eyes at Catland will be on favourite son Gary Ablett after it was revealed the ageing superstar had suffered a minor hamstring strain at training last week. Geelong says the veteran wasn’t scheduled to play the club’s JLT opener against Gold Coast on Sunday, but there’ll be some anxious fans if he’s unable to play the club’s second pre-season clash against Essendon a week later.
Chris Scott’s side should have close to a full list from which to choose for the clash with the Suns. The club has stated defender Lachie Henderson is touch and go for the premiership opener as he continues to rehab from minor knee surgery before Christmas. Stewart Crameri has also been on a modified program, while small forwards Lincoln McCarthy and Cory Gregon — both of whom missed almost all of 2017 — will be carefully managed as they prepare to resume top-flight football. Scott Selwood will also have a slower start to his campaign after undergoing ankle surgery.
GOLD COAST
INJURY LIST
Callum Ah Chee (hand, hamstring)
Harrison Wigg (ankle)
Little to report for the Suns, who kick off their campaign against the Cats on Sunday in Townsville.
Earlier this month coach Stuart Dew highlighted Callum Ah Chee and Harrison Wigg as his only major injury worries, so that pair are unlikely to make the trip north.
The Suns impressed in AFLX with several youngsters staking their claim. Expect Dew to select close to his best line-up as the new coach tries to settle on his best 22 before the Suns’ premiership opener with North Melbourne in Cairns.
GWS GIANTS
INJURY LIST
Zac Williams (achilles)
Will Setterfield (knee)
Toby Greene (toe)
Adam Kennedy (knee)
Matt Buntine (knee)
Brent Davis (knee)
GWS’ injury woes continued over the weekend after young gun and former No.5 draft pick Will Setterfield ruptured his ACL in a practice match against Sydney. He will miss the entire 2018 season. The Giants will also be without halfback Zac Williams for most of, if not all, of the season with a torn achilles. In better news for the Giants, the club expects All-Australian Toby Greene to be fit for Round 1 despite only resuming training last week after a toe injury sustained during an overseas holiday. Defenders Adam Kennedy and Matt Buntine are both returning from knee reconstructions and won’t feature in the early home-and-away rounds.
HAWTHORN
INJURY LIST
Grant Birchall (knee)
Kaiden Brand (thumb)
Jon Ceglar (back)
Isaac Smith (ankle)
James Frawley (groin)
Grant Birchall has been ruled out of the Round 1 clash against Collingwood with the star defender still making his way back from persistent knee injuries. Hawks footy boss Graham Wright officially ruled the four-time premiership player out of their season opener last week. All eyes are on Cyril Rioli, with the superstar building his fitness after spending much of the pre-season on compassionate leave. Rioli didn’t play in the intra-club hitout a fortnight ago and neither did Isaac Smith (ankle). James Frawley injured his hamstring in that match but the Hawks are optimistic it won’t sideline him for long. Jaeger O’Meara is set to be unleashed in the JLT Series after being the standout performer in the intra-club.
MELBOURNE
INJURY LIST
Jack Viney (foot)
Jordan Lewis (calf)
Dom Tyson (calf)
Jeff Garlett (rib)
Dean Kent (shoulder)
Aaron vandenBerg (foot)
Joel Smith (left)
As well as Lewis, Dom Tyson also suffered a calf injury, this time at training, and didn’t play against the Kangaroos. Coach Simon Goodwin has declared Jack Viney a definite starter in Round 1 despite developing stress fractures in his foot and could return for the club’s second pre-season game against St Kilda on March 8. Jeff Garlett (rib) and Dean Kent (shoulder) weren’t considered for the clash against North Melbourne. Aaron VandenBerg had foot surgery in June last year and is still a while away.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURY LIST
Mason Wood (thumb)
Jed Anderson (thumb)
Declan Mountford (AC joint)
No fresh injuries for the Kangas following their JLT loss to the Demons. And there were some good signs despite Melbourne kicking away in the second half.
Mason Wood sat out the clash with his fractured thumb but he’ll be aiming to return when his side meets Richmond at Ikon Park under lights on Wednesday March 7.
Jed Anderson is yet to play after thumb surgery the week before Christmas. Declan Mountford’s recent shoulder blow means he’ll miss the pre-season warm-ups but there’s still plenty of young talent on display for the Roos. Luke Davies-Uniacke did some nice things against the Demons and will likely feature again when his side gets another stuff test against the Tigers.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURY LIST
Chad Wingard (hamstring)
Jared Polec (hamstring)
Matthew Broadbent (ankle)
Steven Motlop (shin)
Tom Rockliff (knee)
A couple of concerns for the Power following its close loss to West Coast in JLT1. Ken Hinkley didn’t seem too worried but Robbie Gray could be in hot water for his headhigh bump on Jeremy McGovern, but Michael Christian disagreed with the star slapped with a one-match ban — meaning he could miss Round 1 against Freo. Steve Motlop suffered a “whack to the shin” and will be assessed this week.
Port erred on the side of caution with Chad Wingard, but Jared Polec is racing the clock as he battles a hamstring issue. Recruit Tom Rockliff also missed JLT1 with knee soreness.
Matthew Broadbent has already been ruled out for the opening rounds of the year.
The Power meets the Crows in a pre-season Showdown at Adelaide Oval on March 10.
RICHMOND
INJURY LIST
Daniel Rioli (foot)
Toby Nankervis (concussion)
Nathan Broad (club suspension)
Shaun Hampson (back)
Nathan Drummond (knee)
Toby Nankervis suffered concussion in the Tigers’ big win over Essendon in Wangaratta on Saturday and played no further part in the match. Richmond’s second JLT game isn’t until March 7, so the ruckman should be OK to play again before Round 1. The biggest concern is Daniel Rioli, who is back running after surgery on the foot he hurt in the Grand Final win, but is only an outside chance of playing in Round 1. Shaun Hampson remains on a modified program and Nathan Drummond is increasing his workload as he aims to make a comeback from a second knee reconstruction.
ST KILDA
INJURY LIST
Jack Billings (hamstring)
Nathan Freeman (hamstring)
Jimmy Webster (hip)
Good news for the Saints, who begin their 2018 campaign against the Blues on Wednesday night.
Only three first-choice St Kilda players are not available for selection after last week’s intra-club clash at Sandringham. While Nathan Freeman’s latest hamstring setback will see him put on ice, Jack Billings hopes to play the Saints’ second JLT clash at Casey Fields on March 8.
Jimmy Webster is unlikely to face the Blues as he recovers from a knock to a hip in AFLX.
Paddy McCartin and David Armitage will likely play at Ikon Park, as will top draft picks Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield.
Dan Hannebery at Swans training. Pic: Nathan Edwards
SYDNEY
INJURY LIST
Dan Hannebery (calf)
Heath Grundy (foot)
Alex Johnson (groin/hip)
Zak Jones (knee)
Isaac Heeney (knee)
Dan Hannebery is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 with coach John Longmire conceding the star midfielder is “touch and go” for the season opener due to a calf injury. The Swans will be conservative with Hannebery, with the priority ensuring he is fit to play the majority of the season rather than pushing him for Round 1. Heath Grundy is in a similar position due to a foot injury. Isaac Heeney (knee), Zak Jones (knee) and Jarrad McVeigh all didn’t feature in the practice match against GWS on Friday night. Lance Franklin played a half against the Giants before putting his feet up following three bouts of post-season surgery but has declared himself a certain starter in Round 1. Luckless Swan Alex Johnson has had groin surgery after experience hip/groin pain as he ramped up his training earlier this month. He will likely resume running in the lead up to Round 1.
WEST COAST
INJURY LIST
Nic Naitanui (knee)
Josh Kennedy (ankle)
Jeremy McGovern (concussion)
Eric Mackenzie (toe/feet)
Brendon Ah Chee (ankle)
Two of the Eagles’ best are racing the clock to play the Round 1 clash with the Sydney Swans at Perth Stadium. Nic Naitanui is taking longer than hoped to get over his knee injury, while Josh Kennedy continues to rehab his ankle after a clean-out just before Christmas.
Eric Mackenzie looks set to miss the start of 2018 with a foot stress fracture.
West Coast scraped home against Port in its JLT opener but will monitor Jeremy McGovern this week after his collision with Robbie Gray, while Brendon Ah Chee will have scans on a rolled ankle.
Willie Rioli (knee) might play his side’s second practice game — against Fremantle on March 11.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURY LIST
Dale Morris (knee)
Lin Jong (knee)
Horrible news for the Dogs over the weekend with veteran defender Dale Morris suffering a partial tear of his ACL in a training mishap. Given it isn’t a full tear of the ligament, the club has opted not to operate to give the 35-year-old the best chance of playing this year and he will instead undergo a targeted strength and rehab program. This time last year a host of Dogs were recovering from post-premiership surgery but the list is in much better shape heading into their first JLT Series hitout against Hawthorn on Saturday. Lin Jong is still on the comeback trail following a knee reconstruction but should return early in the season. Jack Redpath will miss Round 1 due to suspension.
Kate Salemme, Ben Broad, Herald Sun
February 28, 2018 12:29pm
Subscriber only
MELBOURNE veteran Jordan Lewis will not play in the club’s final JLT series match after injuring his calf.
Lewis suffered the injury on Saturday in the Demons’ crushing win over North Melbourne.
Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said Lewis was still on track to play Round 1.
“Jordan felt some calf tightness in the first quarter of the JLT game down in Kingston on the weekend,” he said in a statement to the Melbourne website.
“Scans have shown a minor strain and at this stage we won’t take any risks during this period and he won’t play JLT two.
“But we’re confident he’ll be available for Round 1, as he’s done a full pre-season, has got a lot of confidence in his legs and he’s an experienced player.”
Lewis finished equal third in Melbourne’s best and fairest award, with co-captain Nathan Jones.
See your club’s injury list below:
ADELAIDE
INJURY LIST
Taylor Walker (foot)
Daniel Talia (ankle)
Brodie Smith (knee)
Hugh Greenwood (achilles)
Jordan Gallucci (foot)
Key defender Daniel Talia was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s first JLT clash against Fremantle with an ankle injury and the Crows won’t take any risks with their All-Australian defender. Jordan Gallucci has been earmarked as Charlie Cameron’s replacement in a small forward role but those plans have copped a major setback after he hurt his foot at training. Taylor Walker won’t feature in any of the Crows’ pre-season matches after straining the plantar fascia in his foot. Adelaide is hopeful the skipper will be ready for Round 1. Brodie Smith will miss most, if not all, of the 2018 season with a serious knee injury and Hugh Greenwood is still making his way back from foot surgery.
BRISBANE LIONS
INJURY LIST
Cian Hanley (retired)
Sam Skinner (knee)
Marco Paparone (back)
The Lions face the Sydney Swans — the team they conquered in their AFLX tournament earlier this month — at Moreton Bay on Saturday and there’ll be plenty of excitement for Lions fans as Chris Fagan’s young group aims to keep its momentum rolling ahead of the premiership season. The good news for the coach is he’ll have virtually a full list to choose from for the Swans showdown. Marco Paparone won’t play as he continues to recover from surgery to relieve pressure on his sciatic nerve. Most rivals will be eager to see when the Lions roll out new recruit Luke Hodge.
CARLTON
INJURY LIST
Sam Docherty (knee)
Sam Rowe (knee)
The Blues are ready to roll with the Saints at Ikon Park this Wednesday the first assignment allowing fans to get a gauge of Brendon Bolton’s squad over the summer. The Blues have had time to come to terms with the fact they’ll be missing star rebounder Sam Docherty for the season, with the likes of mature-age recruits Aaron Mullett and Cam O’Shea in the frame to try to fill that void. Bolton has also praised the summers of Irishman Ciaran Byrne and second-year speedster Tom Williamson as the coach looks to replace his All-Australian star.
Key big man Sam Rowe hopes to be back for Round 1 as he continues his knee recovery.
There’s good news in the shape of Ed Curnow returning after a serious larynx injury, while Carlton fans will be eager to see top-10 draft picks Paddy Dow — who impressed in AFLX — and Lochie O’Brien strut their stuff.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURY LIST
Jeremy Howe (calf)
Darcy Moore (achilles)
Daniel Wells (achilles)
Jamie Elliott (ankle)
Levi Greenwood (knee)
Alex Fasolo (shoulder)
Jordan De Goey (club suspension)
Collingwood already has a number of injury concerns and Round 1 is still a month away. The Magpies’ first JLT Series squad for this weekend likely won’t feature Jamie Elliott (ankle), Alex Fasolo (shoulder) and Levi Greenwood (knee) who are all still recovering from off-season surgery, while Daniel Wells and Darcy Moore are battling achilles problems and haven’t been training fully in recent weeks. Jeremy Howe has also been restricted by a calf injury and didn’t play in the intra-club practice match last Thursday night. Jordan De Goey is suspended indefinitely after being caught drink driving.
ESSENDON
INJURY LIST
Michael Hurley (wrist)
Jake Stringer (cut head)
Travis Colyer (foot)
Kobe Mutch (knee)
Jayden Laverde (hamstring)
Aaron Francis (on leave)
Zach Merrett (concussion)
It was a horror weekend for the Bombers, with one of the few positives the fact they didn’t suffer any serious damage on the injury front. Zach Merrett should be fine to face the Cats in Colac in a fortnight, while several big names should also come in for the club’s final pre-season tune-up.
Michael Hurley will almost certainly be back from the knock to the wrist he sustained in an intra-club game, while Cale Hooker, Tom Bellchambers and Orazio Fantasia should all face the Cats after sitting out JLT1.
The Bombers can ill-afford more injuries with Travis Colyer to miss the first few rounds of the season, while exciting youngsters Jayden Laverde and Aaron Francis are also unlikely to play in the opening rounds of the season. Young midfielder Mutch was ruled out of the JLT Series after having knee surgery.
Essendon's Zach Merrett copped a heavy bump against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein
FREMANTLE
INJURY LIST
Sean Darcy (calf)
Harley Bennell (calf, suspension)
Cam Sutcliffe (concussion)
Stephen Hill (leg)
Good signs for the Dockers in their first JLT hitout against Adelaide on Sunday — and crucially, no significant names added to the injury list.
Cam Sutcliffe suffered a knock to the head in the 10-point loss, but he should be fine before Freo’s second pre-season clash — against West Coast on March 11.
Sean Darcy (calf) missed the JLT opener but he’s back in full training and will hope to press his claims against the Eagles. The club hopes Stephen Hill will also play the Eagles after missing with a leg injury, while Joel Hamling missed the Adelaide clash due to a wedding.
Harley Bennell continues to serve his club-imposed suspension, while a calf injury suffered while training with Peel may also further delay any return to AFL football.
Andrew Brayshaw was an eye-catcher against the Crows, so look for him to play plenty of game time this year as the no. 2 draft pick looked at ease in his senior debut.
GEELONG
INJURY LIST
Gary Ablett (hamstring)
Scott Selwood (ankle)
Patrick Dangerfield (sore back)
Lachie Henderson (knee)
Lincoln McCarthy (groin/hip)
All eyes at Catland will be on favourite son Gary Ablett after it was revealed the ageing superstar had suffered a minor hamstring strain at training last week. Geelong says the veteran wasn’t scheduled to play the club’s JLT opener against Gold Coast on Sunday, but there’ll be some anxious fans if he’s unable to play the club’s second pre-season clash against Essendon a week later.
Chris Scott’s side should have close to a full list from which to choose for the clash with the Suns. The club has stated defender Lachie Henderson is touch and go for the premiership opener as he continues to rehab from minor knee surgery before Christmas. Stewart Crameri has also been on a modified program, while small forwards Lincoln McCarthy and Cory Gregon — both of whom missed almost all of 2017 — will be carefully managed as they prepare to resume top-flight football. Scott Selwood will also have a slower start to his campaign after undergoing ankle surgery.
GOLD COAST
INJURY LIST
Callum Ah Chee (hand, hamstring)
Harrison Wigg (ankle)
Little to report for the Suns, who kick off their campaign against the Cats on Sunday in Townsville.
Earlier this month coach Stuart Dew highlighted Callum Ah Chee and Harrison Wigg as his only major injury worries, so that pair are unlikely to make the trip north.
The Suns impressed in AFLX with several youngsters staking their claim. Expect Dew to select close to his best line-up as the new coach tries to settle on his best 22 before the Suns’ premiership opener with North Melbourne in Cairns.
GWS GIANTS
INJURY LIST
Zac Williams (achilles)
Will Setterfield (knee)
Toby Greene (toe)
Adam Kennedy (knee)
Matt Buntine (knee)
Brent Davis (knee)
GWS’ injury woes continued over the weekend after young gun and former No.5 draft pick Will Setterfield ruptured his ACL in a practice match against Sydney. He will miss the entire 2018 season. The Giants will also be without halfback Zac Williams for most of, if not all, of the season with a torn achilles. In better news for the Giants, the club expects All-Australian Toby Greene to be fit for Round 1 despite only resuming training last week after a toe injury sustained during an overseas holiday. Defenders Adam Kennedy and Matt Buntine are both returning from knee reconstructions and won’t feature in the early home-and-away rounds.
HAWTHORN
INJURY LIST
Grant Birchall (knee)
Kaiden Brand (thumb)
Jon Ceglar (back)
Isaac Smith (ankle)
James Frawley (groin)
Grant Birchall has been ruled out of the Round 1 clash against Collingwood with the star defender still making his way back from persistent knee injuries. Hawks footy boss Graham Wright officially ruled the four-time premiership player out of their season opener last week. All eyes are on Cyril Rioli, with the superstar building his fitness after spending much of the pre-season on compassionate leave. Rioli didn’t play in the intra-club hitout a fortnight ago and neither did Isaac Smith (ankle). James Frawley injured his hamstring in that match but the Hawks are optimistic it won’t sideline him for long. Jaeger O’Meara is set to be unleashed in the JLT Series after being the standout performer in the intra-club.
MELBOURNE
INJURY LIST
Jack Viney (foot)
Jordan Lewis (calf)
Dom Tyson (calf)
Jeff Garlett (rib)
Dean Kent (shoulder)
Aaron vandenBerg (foot)
Joel Smith (left)
As well as Lewis, Dom Tyson also suffered a calf injury, this time at training, and didn’t play against the Kangaroos. Coach Simon Goodwin has declared Jack Viney a definite starter in Round 1 despite developing stress fractures in his foot and could return for the club’s second pre-season game against St Kilda on March 8. Jeff Garlett (rib) and Dean Kent (shoulder) weren’t considered for the clash against North Melbourne. Aaron VandenBerg had foot surgery in June last year and is still a while away.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURY LIST
Mason Wood (thumb)
Jed Anderson (thumb)
Declan Mountford (AC joint)
No fresh injuries for the Kangas following their JLT loss to the Demons. And there were some good signs despite Melbourne kicking away in the second half.
Mason Wood sat out the clash with his fractured thumb but he’ll be aiming to return when his side meets Richmond at Ikon Park under lights on Wednesday March 7.
Jed Anderson is yet to play after thumb surgery the week before Christmas. Declan Mountford’s recent shoulder blow means he’ll miss the pre-season warm-ups but there’s still plenty of young talent on display for the Roos. Luke Davies-Uniacke did some nice things against the Demons and will likely feature again when his side gets another stuff test against the Tigers.
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURY LIST
Chad Wingard (hamstring)
Jared Polec (hamstring)
Matthew Broadbent (ankle)
Steven Motlop (shin)
Tom Rockliff (knee)
A couple of concerns for the Power following its close loss to West Coast in JLT1. Ken Hinkley didn’t seem too worried but Robbie Gray could be in hot water for his headhigh bump on Jeremy McGovern, but Michael Christian disagreed with the star slapped with a one-match ban — meaning he could miss Round 1 against Freo. Steve Motlop suffered a “whack to the shin” and will be assessed this week.
Port erred on the side of caution with Chad Wingard, but Jared Polec is racing the clock as he battles a hamstring issue. Recruit Tom Rockliff also missed JLT1 with knee soreness.
Matthew Broadbent has already been ruled out for the opening rounds of the year.
The Power meets the Crows in a pre-season Showdown at Adelaide Oval on March 10.
RICHMOND
INJURY LIST
Daniel Rioli (foot)
Toby Nankervis (concussion)
Nathan Broad (club suspension)
Shaun Hampson (back)
Nathan Drummond (knee)
Toby Nankervis suffered concussion in the Tigers’ big win over Essendon in Wangaratta on Saturday and played no further part in the match. Richmond’s second JLT game isn’t until March 7, so the ruckman should be OK to play again before Round 1. The biggest concern is Daniel Rioli, who is back running after surgery on the foot he hurt in the Grand Final win, but is only an outside chance of playing in Round 1. Shaun Hampson remains on a modified program and Nathan Drummond is increasing his workload as he aims to make a comeback from a second knee reconstruction.
ST KILDA
INJURY LIST
Jack Billings (hamstring)
Nathan Freeman (hamstring)
Jimmy Webster (hip)
Good news for the Saints, who begin their 2018 campaign against the Blues on Wednesday night.
Only three first-choice St Kilda players are not available for selection after last week’s intra-club clash at Sandringham. While Nathan Freeman’s latest hamstring setback will see him put on ice, Jack Billings hopes to play the Saints’ second JLT clash at Casey Fields on March 8.
Jimmy Webster is unlikely to face the Blues as he recovers from a knock to a hip in AFLX.
Paddy McCartin and David Armitage will likely play at Ikon Park, as will top draft picks Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield.
Dan Hannebery at Swans training. Pic: Nathan Edwards
SYDNEY
INJURY LIST
Dan Hannebery (calf)
Heath Grundy (foot)
Alex Johnson (groin/hip)
Zak Jones (knee)
Isaac Heeney (knee)
Dan Hannebery is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 with coach John Longmire conceding the star midfielder is “touch and go” for the season opener due to a calf injury. The Swans will be conservative with Hannebery, with the priority ensuring he is fit to play the majority of the season rather than pushing him for Round 1. Heath Grundy is in a similar position due to a foot injury. Isaac Heeney (knee), Zak Jones (knee) and Jarrad McVeigh all didn’t feature in the practice match against GWS on Friday night. Lance Franklin played a half against the Giants before putting his feet up following three bouts of post-season surgery but has declared himself a certain starter in Round 1. Luckless Swan Alex Johnson has had groin surgery after experience hip/groin pain as he ramped up his training earlier this month. He will likely resume running in the lead up to Round 1.
WEST COAST
INJURY LIST
Nic Naitanui (knee)
Josh Kennedy (ankle)
Jeremy McGovern (concussion)
Eric Mackenzie (toe/feet)
Brendon Ah Chee (ankle)
Two of the Eagles’ best are racing the clock to play the Round 1 clash with the Sydney Swans at Perth Stadium. Nic Naitanui is taking longer than hoped to get over his knee injury, while Josh Kennedy continues to rehab his ankle after a clean-out just before Christmas.
Eric Mackenzie looks set to miss the start of 2018 with a foot stress fracture.
West Coast scraped home against Port in its JLT opener but will monitor Jeremy McGovern this week after his collision with Robbie Gray, while Brendon Ah Chee will have scans on a rolled ankle.
Willie Rioli (knee) might play his side’s second practice game — against Fremantle on March 11.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURY LIST
Dale Morris (knee)
Lin Jong (knee)
Horrible news for the Dogs over the weekend with veteran defender Dale Morris suffering a partial tear of his ACL in a training mishap. Given it isn’t a full tear of the ligament, the club has opted not to operate to give the 35-year-old the best chance of playing this year and he will instead undergo a targeted strength and rehab program. This time last year a host of Dogs were recovering from post-premiership surgery but the list is in much better shape heading into their first JLT Series hitout against Hawthorn on Saturday. Lin Jong is still on the comeback trail following a knee reconstruction but should return early in the season. Jack Redpath will miss Round 1 due to suspension.