There’s a few AFL stars who’ll be missing this week after hammies went ‘ping’ and knees went ‘pop’ in round four, but no big names are coming back just yet.
Marc Murphy’s foot went ‘snap’ so he’s gone for a month or more, and while it’s hardly like-for-like the door will open for the ‘great Blue hope’ Harry McKay.
The 20-year-old key forward put in a pretty handy VFL performance last week and it’’ll keep the Carlton fans happy to see him given a go, even if he adds nothing to their chances of beating West Coast.
MORE: The Rover's rant: Maybe it is time for Hodgey to go | Ablett may miss more time than expected
Eddie Betts literally finished Adelaide’s game against Collingwood on ice and won’t be in the side to take on Sydney on Friday, with Riley Knight to take his spot after some big SANFL returns. A bigger concern for the Crows is Rory Sloane and my word is he'll be rested with his damaged foot, and Curtly Hampton will come in. Get some dollars onto the Swans.
David Mackay ruled out of Sydney clash, Rory Sloane 'underdone' and remains a test https://t.co/7NQF4LRuem #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/oJuCsxH0fz
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) April 18, 2018
Hawthorn also suffered from the round four ‘little-man curse’, losing their two best small forwards Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo - and don't go betting on Cyril missing just the four weeks the club is estimating. I'm told there's some major concerns at the Hawks that this knee problem is as bad, if not worse, than the one that ended his 2017 season early.
While Hawthorn can’t easily replace him and 'Poppy' it does make it easy to find space for Ryan Burton to slot back in.
The second spot should be filled by Will Langford who brings the pressure if not the goalkicking, but the way he can butcher scoring opportunities is a delight for all non-Hawk fans to watch. Rookie James Cousins is also a chance after good VFL form and an impressive three games last year.
MORE: All the injury news ahead of round five
Don’t expect to see either Josh Kelly or Rory Lobb back for Greater Western Sydney with the Giants not wanting to risk two of their most important players in a road trip to face St Kilda.
They’re not quite going to make wholesale changes at Melbourne but Tomas Bugg and Jake Melksham will be a couple to pay the price for last week’s horrible loss, and should be replaced by Dom Tyson and Jayden Hunt. Veteran Jordan Lewis is also out after breaking his hand against Hawthorn.
Jordan Lewis will miss our Anzac Day Eve match against Richmond at the MCG due to injury. Details here: https://t.co/wRl5oZGagI
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) April 17, 2018
It may seem like shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic for the Demons but it won’t make any difference – they’ll beat Richmond no matter who they have in – they’re just one of those teams, aren’t they? And if they don’t knock off the Tigers then you can say goodbye to Melbourne’s finals hopes.
Speaking of Richmond, they lose Jack Graham to suspension, opening the door once again for ball-magnet Anthony Miles. The Tigers like their team structure and Miles is the most similar type to Graham available, but I have a sneaky suspicion they could opt for Sam Lloyd. The 27-year-old is working on his midfield skills and also brings some uncanny goal sense, and they do like that versatility down at Punt Road.
Other selection moves will include Sam Powell-Pepper coming back in for Port Adelaide after serving his club-imposed ban, at the expense of Karl Amon. Dylan Roberton’s heart problems will see David Armitage come straight back in for St Kilda, but that won’t be the only change down at Moorabin. Bradley Hill will be right for Fremantle while Zaine Cordy and Jackson Trengove will come in for Lachie Hunter and Shane Biggs at the Bulldogs.
