Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
INJURIES
Brad Crouch (leg) 3 weeks
Ricky Henderson (ankle) 3-4 months
Jack Osborn (back) 3 weeks
Andy Otten (knee) test
Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) 3-5 months
Taylor Walker (knee) 3-4 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to pick on any Crows involved in the 11-goal demolition of Greater Western Sydney. Substitute Tom Lynch will need to put in a power of work to avoid the vest, while Sam Kerridge was less than convincing against the Giants.
DOUGLAS BUMP TO COME UNDER SCRUTINY
ON THE CUSP: Key forward Lewis Johnston did his chances no harm kicking four goals in Adelaide's SANFL win over Central Districts. Mitch Grigg and Jarryd Lyons were prolific in the midfield while Andy Otten collected 24 disposals. Shaun McKernan moved well as did veteran forward Jason Porplyzia.
GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: The next two games are critical with winnable fixtures against Western Bulldogs (Etihad) and Melbourne (Adelaide Oval). The inconsistent Crows must split to remain in touch with the top eight, while two wins could get West Lakes buzzing ahead of the Round 9 bye. Patrick Dangerfield's blistering return to form was something else, as was Matt Crouch's ball-winning ability prior to being subbed off with cramps.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
BRISBANE
INJURIES
Claye Beams (foot) 2 weeks
Josh Green (hamstring) 1 week
Pearce Hanley (hamstring) test
Matthew Leuenberger (knee) 13 weeks
Stefan Martin (back) test
Ash McGrath (calf) test
Daniel Merrett (suspension) 1 week
Daniel Rich (knee) season
Brent Staker (calf) indefinite
Patrick Weardon (ankle) 11 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Luke McGuane did his best work after the siren — chairing Jonathan Brown off the ground after his 250th game. He had a stinker, just the four disposals and three free kicks against. Jordan Lisle struggled in defence, while Jackson Paine was substituted out of the match with just three disposals.
SPOON LOOMS LARGE FOR LIONS
ON THE CUSP: Tom Rockliff hinted on Monday that Pearce Hanley could return ahead of schedule if he passes a fitness test this week. Daniel Merrett makes a welcome return from suspension while Andrew Raines was best on ground for the twos and James Polkinghorne slotted four goals in the win over Aspley. Ryan Hardwood could push for selection along with Jono Freeman.
GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Brisbane threatened but lacked the class to go with Richmond, and it's not going be any easier against St Kilda in Wellington on Anzac Day. Tom Rockliff and Jonathan Brown hold the keys for Brisbane, while Lewis Taylor is on the cusp of a breakout performance.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
CARLTON
INJURIES
Chris Judd (Hamstring) 5 weeks
Tom Bell (finger) 3-4 weeks
Ed Curnow (fibula) 6 weeks
Michael Jamison (shoulder) test
Matthew Kreuzer (foot) 10-12 weeks
Troy Menzel (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Despite the Blues' spirited first win of 2014 against the Western Bulldogs, the post-match discussion has surrounded Chris Judd, who injured his right hamstring only six minutes into his comeback from an Achilles injury. He is expected to miss at least five weeks. Will 2014 be his last hurrah? The news was not good either for Ed Curnow, who suffered a fourth-term leg injury after crashing into a behind post and will miss six weeks. Tom Bell will be another forced change while Sam Rowe (five touches) and David Ellard (eight) potentially have a nervous wait before Carlton's match committee meets this week.
JUDD INJURY WON'T LEAVE BLUES HAMSTRUNG
ON THE CUSP: With Judd miss until after Carlton's bye, a spot now opens up in the Blues' midfield. Veteran Brock McLean is a strong chance to claim it after a stellar performance for the Northern Blues in the VFL. McLean gathered 24 touches, as well as 11 clearances, 10 tackles and six inside-50s in his second consecutive best-on-ground performance for the Blues. Nick Graham was also good, finishing with 25 disposals. Out-of-favour forward Jeff Garlett booted two goals and laid six tackles, while Matthew Watson impressed at full-back. Michael Jamison (shoulder) and Troy Menzel (hamstring) will be monitored throughout the week.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: Monday morning is always much sweeter when your team wins on the weekend. This has never been truer for Blues fans, as the victory against the Bulldogs on Sunday has released a significant amount of pressure. What was most pleasing for coach Mick Malthouse was the form of Carlton's big men, with Lachie Henderson and Jarrad Waite booting eight goals between them and ruckman Robbie Warnock playing arguably his best game for the club. If the Blues produce the same grit and determination against the Eagles next Saturday, a second straight win is not beyond them.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Tim Broomhead (shin splints) test
Nathan Brown (shoulder) test
Sam Dwyer (knee) test
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 3 weeks
Adam Oxley (ankle) 1 week
Ben Reid (calf) 1 week
Matthew Scharenberg (feet) indefinite
Paul Seedsman (hip) test
Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 1 week
ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see any Pies getting the chop after their sterling four-quarter demolition of North Melbourne. First-year defender Tom Langdon looks ready for spell, while Jarrod Witts could find himself on the outer should Nathan Buckley want to inject run into his Anzac Day game plan.
SHARP MAGPIES A WORK IN PROGRESS
ON THE CUSP: Key defender Nathan Brown (shoulder) emerged unscathed from his VFL comeback match, while Sam Dwyer was best afield in the Magpies' comprehensive win over Coburg. Taylor Adams and Kyle Martin showed plenty and must be considered, while Patrick Karnezis booted three goals.
GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Write off the Magpies at your peril. Nathan Buckley's squad fired on all cylinders against North. The midfield juggernaut purred, while Travis Cloke made All-Australian defender Scott Thompson look pedestrian in one-on-one contests. After a torrid start (Geelong and Fremantle in the first three rounds) the stage is set for the Magpies (3-2) with games against Essendon and Carlton ahead of their Round 9 bye. We know Essendon lifts for Anzac Day, but the Magpies have won three of the past five instalments — get on!
Magpie Nathan Brown all strapped up at training. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images
ESSENDON
INJURIES
Patrick Ambrose (quad) 1 week
Tom Bellchambers (ankle) test
Alex Browne (knee) season
Corey Dell'Olio (suspension) 2 weeks
Courtenay Dempsey (hamstring) 1 week
Brendon Goddard (groin) test
Will Hams (hip) 2 weeks
Nick Kommer (knee) 1 week
Kyle Hardingham (leg) test
Heath Hocking (hand) test
Jason Winderlich (rested) available
ON THE BLOCK: Kyle Hardingham (50 per cent efficiency) might find himself on the outer after the Bombers' shock loss to St Kilda. Heath Hocking was subbed out with a hand problem.
WE WEREN'T READY: BOMBER
ON THE CUSP: Jason Winderlich will slot back into the Bombers' line-up after being given a week off to rest his body. Brendon Goddard will be put through his paces this week ahead of Friday's blockbuster. Kurt Aylett was the pick of the Bombers' reserves, while Tom Bellchambers kicked a goal in his VFL comeback from ankle surgery.
GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Where did that performance come from? The Bombers were simply outplayed for three quarters and had it not been for a couple of junk-time goals the scoreboard would look even worse. Anzac Day is a whole different story, it wouldn't matter if Essendon was defeated by 150 points last week, the Bombers will rise to the occasion. Looking forward to watching big-game specialist Paul Chapman in action for the first time on April 25, while Winderlich and Goddard — if fit — provide star quality required to upset Collingwood. This is going to be a corker … fingers crossed!
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Michael Walters (ankle) season
Michael Barlow (knee) 3 weeks
Kepler Bradley (knee) 1 week
Max Duffy (shoulder) 5 weeks
Scott Gumbleton (hamstring) 7 weeks
Garrick Ibbotson (shoulder) test
Sam Menegola (knee) 5 weeks
Alex Pearce (shin) 1 week
Tanner Smith (hamstring) 4 weeks
Michael Wood (shoulder) test
ON THE BLOCK: Matt Taberner could find himself back in the WAFL after being subbed out against Sydney. Substitute Nick Suban is no certainty, while Cam Sutcliffe operated at just 60 per cent efficiency.
DOCKER SIMPSON 'DROPPED HIS BUNDLE'
ON THE CUSP: Tommy Sheridan racked up 32 disposals in Peel Thunder's loss to East Fremantle. Garrick Ibbotson was solid off half-back in the WAFL while comeback kid Anthony Morabito collected 19 disposals including five inside-50s.
GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Are the Dockers vulnerable? Surely not … but it raises the question: do they have enough depth to cover a mounting injury toll? What Michael Barlow lacks in Nat Fyfe-style pizzazz he makes up for sheer grunt. Michael Walters is another sorely missed in the forward line. This weekend's result depends on which North Melbourne turns up, but as long as the Dockers' Big 4 (Pavlich, Mundy, Sandilands and Fyfe) are anywhere near their best they'll have enough firepower to account for the Kangaroos.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
GEELONG
INJURIES
Mitch Brown (ankle) test
Allen Christensen (back) 5-6 weeks
Shane Kersten (knee) 6-8 weeks
Andrew Mackie (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) indefinite
Steven Motlop (knee) 1-2 weeks
Billie Smedts (leg fracture) 6 weeks
Nathan Vardy (knee) season
Zack Bates (hamstring) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Jackson Sheringham had limited game time after replacing Andrew Mackie, who was subbed out after an injury scare the previous week. George Burbury (11 disposals) and Travis Varcoe (10) could be nervous if Chris Scott wants to make some changes for Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Walker (four goals) was Geelong's best at VFL level while young defenders Joel Hamling and Jake Kolodjashnij also impressed against Box Hill. The highlight for the Cats was the return of Steven Motlop from a knee injury; he kicked one goal after spending the first quarter on the bench. "It was a good physical hitout for me," Motlop told the Cats website. "I didn't come out trying to do anything tricky, I just tried to keep it basic. The next two days are pretty important to see how my knees pull up, but I don't feel too bad at the moment."
AL PATON'S FORECAST: Ageing list, host of injuries, undefeated and a game clear on top of the ladder after Round 5. Can anything stop the Cats? Port Adelaide at a packed Adelaide Oval on Sunday will be another challenge especially on a shorter break after a heavyweight clash against the Hawks, but you wouldn't back against them.
ROUND 5: IF YOU DON'T MIND UMPIRE!
GOLD COAST
INJURIES
Harley Bennell (calf) 1 week
Clay Cameron (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Charlie Dixon (groin) 1-2 weeks
Karmichael Hunt (concussion) test
Jack Martin (shoulder) indefinite
Zack Smith (knee) indefinite
Seb Tape (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Not too many in this category, as there were many contributors in the Suns' win over Melbourne on Sunday. However, substitute Jack Hutchins gathered just four disposals when he came on during the fourth quarter. Despite his limited time on ground, he finished with a sub-par disposal efficiency of 50 per cent.
DEMONS NEARLY PINCH SUNS SCRAP
ON THE CUSP: It was not a great afternoon for the Suns' NEAFL side, which went down to Sydney by 100 points on Saturday. However, among the team's best players were, again, Tom Murphy and Tim Sumner. Jesse Lonergan, Seb Tape and Daniel Gorringe, who have been hampered by injuries over the first few weeks of the season, all played in the NEAFL too. Nathan Bock is not too far away.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: Five weeks into the home-and-away season and Gold Coast still sits inside the top eight with a 3-2 record. Gary Ablett continues to lead this side superbly, while Tom Lynch and Sam Day — when they get their kicking boots on — will win games off their respective own boots one day. The Suns must prove how much they have progressed on Saturday, though, when they take on GWS at Metricon Stadium. A five-goal plus win is a necessity.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
GWS
INJURIES
Phil Davis (kidney) indefinite
Shane Mumford (knee) 1-2 weeks
Tim Mohr (knee) 2-4 weeks
Rhys Palmer (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Sam Schulz (shoulder) 3 weeks
Dylan Shiel (quad) test
Lachie Whitfield (foot) 1-2 weeks
Callan Ward (concussion) test
Heath Shaw (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: The Giants were outstanding in the first 15 minutes of the game against Adelaide, but couldn't convert their dominance around the ground into scoreboard pressure. From there, they fell away to the point the game was done and dusted by halftime. When playing their best, these brash young kids can take it up to anyone, but when they go to sleep things can get ugly. They lacked the composure of Heath Shaw across half-back and the trio of tall forwards — Jeremy Cameron, John Patton and Tom Boyd — didn't really get the supply to have an impact. Leon Cameron will place on emphasis on defence this week and anyone identified as not paying sufficient respect to this area of the game plan will be in danger.
RENDELL'S PREDICTION CLOSE TO A REALITY
ON THE CUSP: The Giants reserves had the bye this weekend, so fringe players like Dylan Addison, Jono O'Rourke, Jacob Townsend, Stephen Gilham, Matt Buntine and Andrew Phillips didn't have the opportunity to press their claims any further. Leon Cameron will be keen to add some experienced heads to the side and particularly in the back half of the ground. Gilham and Addison are a chance to come in, while Heath Shaw is expected to return after missing Round 5 with a minor hamstring strain. Dylan Shiel is a first team player, but will likely return via the NEAFL after missing several weeks with a quad strain.ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: GWS set the bar high with its Round 1 triumph against Sydney and while they Giants have played some good quarters since, they've hardly replicated the same form. The Melbourne game was a pass, but they had chances to win against St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs and didn't. Gold Coast presents another challenge this weekend, not only because the Suns are a quality young side, but because these two teams are expected to face off in big games in the coming years. The leger is 3-1 in Gold Coast's favour and GWS will need to string four quarters together and for the midfielders to give the forward line a chance to kick a score to win the game.
The Giants should welcome back Heath Shaw this week. Picture: Mark Kolbe Source: Getty Images
HAWTHORN
Jed Anderson (shoulder) test
Liam Shiels (AC joint) 3-4 weeks
Brad Sewell (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Matt Spangher (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Brendan Whitecross (knee) indefinite
Alex Woodward (shoulder) test
ON THE BLOCK: Mitch Hallan did everything right once he came on after starting as the sub (six disposals at 100 per cent efficiency) but he didn't get much time to show what he can do. Ben Stratton played the whole match for the same number of disposals but Kyle Cheney is in the gun with Brian Lake's imminent return.
ON THE CUSP: Lake played his second game in the VFL on Saturday night and is set for a job on Jack Riewoldt. Some consolation for the Hawks after their Easter Monday loss is that the Box Hill Hawks defeated Geelong on Saturday night to keep top spot on the VFL ladder. Sam Grimley kicked four goals, Jon Ceglar dominated the ruck and Billy Hartung was named in the best.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Hawks will be keen to bury another curse (albet a relatively minor one) against Richmond on Sunday after losing their past two against the Tigers. A loss to Geelong was a small speed bump on a hugely impressive season. After Richmond an engagement with St Kilda is in the diary before a trip to Sydney to renew acquaintances with Lance Franklin.
THE TACKLE: SHOW SAINTS RESPECT
MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Jesse Hogan (back) 3-4 weeks
Viv Michie (jaw) 3-5 weeks
Luke Tapscott (hamstring) test
Dean Kent (calf) test
Jack Trengove (foot) season
ON THE BLOCK: A few Dees looked below the required AFL standard during their team's loss to Gold Coast on Sunday. Jordie McKenzie struggled to contain the masterful Gary Ablett and had only 10 possessions himself. Cam Pederson (nine disposals) and Neville Jetta (nine) also struggled to find the footy. Jack Watts kicked at 82 per cent efficiency, but only touched the ball 11 times.
NO STARS FOR COMEDY GOAL REVIEW
ON THE CUSP: Christian Salem gave his biggest push yet for an AFL debut, accumulating 34 disposals in a best-on-ground performance for Casey Scorpions in the VFL on Sunday. Mark Jamar played another game for Casey and finished with two goals, while fellow ruckman Max Gawn played his first VFL game in 2014 after being hampered by a hamstring injury. James Strauss and Mitch Clisby also impressed for the Scorpions to push their case for senior selection.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: While the Dees would have been disappointed to go down to the Suns, their never-say-die attitude would have encouraged fans. Every time the Suns looked to run away with the match, Melbourne responded on the scoreboard to stay in the match, even until the final minute. Ultimately, the experience and class of Gary Ablett was the difference. Chris Dawes is growing in confidence, highlighted by his haul of 2.4 from 17 touches and six inside-50s against the Suns. You feel, though, it could be a long night for the Dees against a rejuvenated Sydney at the MCG on Saturday night.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Ben Brown (knee) 1 week
Tom Curran (foot) indefinite
Cam Delaney (foot) test
Taylor Garner (hamstring) test
Jamie McMillan (broken leg) 4 weeks
Andrew Swallow (Achilles) 1-3 weeks
Robbie Tarrant (lower leg) 1 week
Jack Ziebell (shoulder) test
ON THE BLOCK: Scott Thompson is set to miss a week after being reported for striking Travis Cloke. Daniel Currie can't afford to miss a beat at training this week with Majak Daw firing in the VFL. Currie struggled against the Magpies, collecting six disposals including a goal before being subbed out. Brad McKenzie failed to fire while Aaron Mullett lacked his customary run and carry. Substitute Ben Jacobs toiled hard for his 15 disposals.
SCOTT FORECASTS KANGAROOS SHAKE-UP
ON THE CUSP: All eyes on Jack Ziebell this week with the Kangaroos' enforcer to be put through his paces ahead of North's trip across the Nullarbor. Daw was best for Werribee, kicking five goals in the narrow loss to Port Melbourne. Robin Nahas, Mason Wood, Taylor Hine and Kieran Harper remain in contention, while Taylor Garner must prove he's overcome a hamstring complaint to make his return — most like through the VFL. Meanwhile, first-year defender Trent Dumont (draft pick No.30) was best afield for VFL affiliate North Ballarat, while rookie Tim McGenniss is doing everything right to earn his stripes.
GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Warning — the following forecast might contain information unpleasant to North Melbourne fans. History is against North Melbourne ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Fremantle. The Kangaroos have lost nine of their past 10 games in Perth including the past four to the Dockers. Ziebell will add strength and leadership to the developing midfield, while Drew Petrie must do more than crunch packs if North is going to buck the trend. On a brighter note, North Melbourne also had 1-10 record at the SCG before knocking over the Swans recently. The Kangaroos must combine effort with skills and poise under pressure to avoid another embarrassing loss.
North Melbourne vice-captain Jack Ziebell in action. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin Source: News Corp Australia
PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Chad Wingard (head/chest) test
Karl Amun (ankle) TBC
Angus Monfries (hamstring) 1 week
Jack Hombsch (hamstring) test
Jarrad Redden (knee) 4-5 weeks
Campbell Heath (shin) test
Sam Russell (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Lewis Stevenson (toe) 6 weeks
Mason Shaw (wrist) 4-5 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Despite a few players occupying spots on the injury list, the Power are close to full-strength at the moment. And it will be hard to drop anyone from the side following a gutsy 14-point win against West Coast on Saturday. Aaron Young might be the unlucky one if any changes are made after he only managed six disposals and seven SuperCoach points as the sub.
POWER'S FITNESS POLICY PAYING OFF
ON THE CUSP: Angus Monfries, who is undoubtedly in the Power's best 22 players, will be monitored throughout the next week or two as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Port Adelaide's SANFL team takes on Woodville-West Torrens on Monday afternoon, with a handful of fringe Power hoping to regain their spot in the senior side. Forwards John Butcher and Cameron Hitchcock both staked their claims for senior selection a few weekends back, booting five goals each against Glenelg.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: Wins like the one Port Adelaide registered on Saturday night elevate sides into top-four contention. It was a dogged win, highlighted, again, by the Power's ability to run sides off their feet in the final term. Pacy recruits Jared Polec (27 disposals) and Matt White (19 and five inside-50s) continue to prove how important they are to Port's midfield. However, another massive test in Geelong awaits them on Sunday. The atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval will be electric.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
RICHMOND
INJURIES
Jake King (toe) 2-3 weeks
Matt Dea (hand) 1-2 weeks
Brett Deledio (Achilles) test
Aaron Edwards (knee) test
Chris Knights (knee soreness) 1 week
Ivan Maric (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Alex Rance (foot) test
Cadeyn Williams (shoulder) 1-2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Matt Thomas is an interesting case. He again won the hard ball early on Thursday night but he was subbed out not long after halftime and the Tigers looked quicker and more lively with Nathan Gordon on the field. Sam Lloyd was quiet after starting his career in a blaze of glory but should be safe while Shane Edwards got his season going with two late goals. Dylan Grimes isn't doing much wrong defensively but offers very little going the other way (averaging seven disposals a game this year) and could be in trouble when Alex Rance is fit.
TIGERS TAP INTO RUCK DILEMMA
ON THE CUSP: Top draft pick Ben Lennon is closing on an AFL debut after picking up 28 disposals and 16 marks playing across half-back in the VFL. Jake Batchelor (30 touches) played his best game of the year while Matt McDonough was again prominent. Rookie Anthony Miles was the VFL outfit's top ball-winner but Ty Vickery kicked just one goal as the second-tier side went down to Williamstown by 70 points. Damien Hardwick said in his post-game press conference after the win against the Lions that Brett Deledio and Alex Rance could both play against the Hawks. Was he being optimistic?
AL PATON'S FORECAST: Anomaly or genuine bogey? Richmond has played Hawthorn once in each of the past two years and won both games, by 41 and 62 points. Sunday's clash at the MCG will be a massive test but an extra four days to prepare and the possible return of two key players will add to the confidence gained by a seven-goal win at the Gabba. That game wasn't pretty but the Tigers' produced some link-up play through the middle that hasn't been seen too often this season. A win would put the Tigers right back in the hunt — if Plough was still there you suspect this might be the match for which every player signs the Sherrin.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
ST KILDA
INJURIES
David Armitage (leg) 2 weeks
Sam Gilbert (foot) 4-6 weeks
Lewis Pierce (back) 4 weeks
Nathan Wright (broken leg) 10-12 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Seb Ross had only four touches after coming on late to replace Eli Templeton, who had only seven himself before putting on the sub vest. Hard to see any others being dropped on form although Josh Bruce could get a tap on the shoulder if Sam Fisher is ready to return. James Gwilt suffered a jarred back but should be right, but the news isn't as good for David Armitage who remains in hospital after suffering a freak gash to his knee courtesy of Patrick Dangerfield's boot studs a week ago.
ON THE CUSP: Fisher picked up 20 disposals and seven marks in his return match in the VFL and will be on the plane to Wellington, although the Saints say that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be in the 22 against Brisbane. Shane Savage, who was born in New Zealand and was used to promote the match during the pre-season, is a chance to return after 27 touches for Sandringham. Trent Dennis-Lane kicked four goals and Terry Milera two in the Zebras' 35-point win against North Ballarat, but the Saints are well served for small goalkickers.
AL PATON'S FORECAST: The "bottoming out" script is undergoing a hasty revision after the Saints' best win of the season. After playing the winless Lions at "home" in Wellington on Anzac Day St Kilda is likely to be safely in the top eight with a 4-2 record. After that things get tougher with a clash against the Hawks before home games against Carlton and Gold Coast leading into the bye. Alan Richardson won't want to look too far ahead but with champions firing at the top end of his list and the excitement of Jack Billings, Jack Newnes, Luke Dunstan and new shutdown king Tom Curren, St Kilda is providing a great value for money in 2014.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
Adam Goodes (knee) test
Tom Mitchell (ankle) test
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Sam Reid (Achilles) TBC
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Not too many this week after a more Sydney-like performance against Fremantle. But with a couple of big names on the cusp, a few Swans must make way at some stage. The two substitutes — Brandon Jack and Jake Lloyd — only managed 11 disposals between them.
THAT'S MORE LIKE IT, SWANS
ON THE CUSP: The returns of Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes are imminent. Tippett kicked three goals and moved well during his 40 minutes for the Swans' NEAFL side on the weekend. Goodes is expected to start full training this week as well, but Tippett is more likely to come into consideration first. Despite a sub-par start to 2014, Tom Mitchell is too good to be on the sidelines for too long. Toby Nankervis continued his excellent NEAFL form, booting four goals in a best-on-ground performance on Saturday. Shane Biggs also impressed against Gold Coast's reserves side.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: That's better! The Swans regained their hard-nosed, team-orientated mojo against a quality Fremantle outfit. It would have made coach John Longmire thrilled to see the likes of Josh Kennedy, Rhyce Shaw and Ben McGlynn all make significant contributions. However, as Kennedy suggested in the post-match wash-up, his side must replicate that intensity and competitiveness every week. A good place to start is against Melbourne this Saturday.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
WEST COAST
INJURIES
Xavier Ellis (calf) test
Shannon Hurn (knee) 3-4 weeks
Mark LeCras (broken arm) 3-4 weeks
Beau Waters (shoulder) season
ON THE BLOCK: Xavier Ellis, who was plagued by calf issues during his time at Hawthorn, succumbed to another calf injury against Port Adelaide on Saturday. Skipper Darren Glass will happily accept a one-match ban for cleaning up Chad Wingard. Josh Hill produced another disappointing performance, failing to kick a goal from nine touches. Jamie Cripps managed only eight possessions.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Butler was switched from defence into the midfield for East Perth in the WAFL on Good Friday and impressed. Big man Scott Lycett was a dominant force up forward, booting 5.1 from 15 touches and eight marks. Plenty of young Eagles turned heads too, including Jeremy McGovern (20 possessions), Blayne Wilson (24) and Callum Sinclair (20). Tom Barass, who has been hampered by a hip injury so far this season, amassed 17 touches in just over a half in his first game of 2014.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: The Eagles had a golden opportunity to announce themselves and beat a quality side at home. They did not. While fitness was an issue — Port Adelaide overran Adam Simpson's men in the fourth quarter — the inaccuracy of Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling in front of goal was costly, with the key forwards finishing with 3.8 between them. The Eagles' fight and desire will be tested next Saturday when the team travels to Etihad Stadium to take on a rejuvenated Carlton. If they can rebound and win, a top-eight spot seems more realistic.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Jarrad Grant (foot) 2-3 weeks
Dale Morris (ankle) test
Daniel Pearce (knee) 4-8 weeks
Josh Prudden (knee) 2 weeks
Jordan Roughead (shoulder) 6 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Mitch Wallis had a day to forget against Carlton, gathering just nine disposals while allowing direct opponent Marc Murphy to return to form with 28 disposals and two goals. After copping plenty of elbows, hips and shoulders from Carlton opponents, Wallis was subbed out of the game. Liam Jones was held goalless from 10 disposals while Lin Jong only accumulated 10 too, but he is still learning.
ROUND 5: IF YOU DON'T MIND, UMPIRE!
ON THE CUSP: Dale Morris has served his one-game suspension, but he still has to overcome the ankle injury he suffered during the same tripping incident against GWS. In the VFL, Tory Dickson led the way in Footscray's forward line to boot five of his team's 13 goals. Livewire Mitch Honeychurch was named the Dogs' best player.
BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: A reality check for the Dogs against the Blues after two straight victories. It is very difficult to win games when you concede seven goals and only kick three yourself in the first quarter. The positive aspect for the Dogs is there is room for improvement in many individuals, particularly Will Minson, Tom Liberatore and Robert Murphy. Next Sunday's game against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium turns is undoubtedly the Dogs' most important game of the season to date.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
The Barometer: Round 6
Dengan url
http://sportifoclube.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-barometer-round-6.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
The Barometer: Round 6
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar