Johnstone Injured At Training

Brisbane Lions midfielder Travis Johnstone has been ruled out of Sunday's match with Hawthorn after straining his back at training on Thursday.

Johnstone, a $302k midfielder, has had an inconsistent 2009 with two 'plus-120' scores but seven 'below-65' scores. Nevertheless the ex-Demon is still owned by over 7,000 DT coaches.

The severity of the back strain hasn't been announced by the Lions but typically doctors recommend for injuries like these a few days rest, meaning Johnstone should be okay for Round 13.

Johnstone's Lions teammate Daniel Merrett has also been ruled out Sunday's clash in Tasmania.

Merrett, a $183k defender, had been named to make an early return to the Lions side this weekend after a stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

But the defender, who almost 10,000 DT coaches own, pulled up sore from Thursday's training session and has been replaced in the team by Jason Roe.

All this news about Brisbane's defensive woes could potentially be very good for DT coaches with Lance Franklin or Jarryd Roughead in their sides as the Hawks prepare to take on the Lions.

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DT Round 12 Sunday Teams

Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions, Sunday, Aurora Stadium

Hawthorn
In: Thomas Murphy, Campbell Brown
Out: Cyril Rioli (hamstring), Liam Shiels (illness)
As mentioned yesterday, Shiels value won't rise just yet as he won't play his 3rd game due to illness. Defensive Murphy and Brown are rushed back into Hawks line-up.

B: Brent Guerra, Robert Campbell, Thomas Murphy
HB: Beau Muston, Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Ben McGlynn, Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown
F: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Xavier Ellis
I/C: Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Ryan Schoenmakers, Travis Tuck
Emg: Jarryd Morton, Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy

Brisbane Lions
In: Troy Selwood, Jason Roe
Out: Josh Drummond (calf), Travis Johnstone (back)
Drummond is out injured, along with the late exclusions of Johnstone (bad news for 7,000 odd DT coaches) and Daniel Merrett. $212k defender Roe gets a surprising late call-up for his 4th game of 2009.

B: Ashley McGrath, Tim Notting, Jed Adcock
HB: Sam Sheldon, Lachlan Henderson, Joel Macdonald
C: Albert Proud, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman
I/C: Jared Brennan, Scott Harding, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood
Emg: Aaron Cornelius, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff

Adelaide v North Melbourne, Sunday afternoon, AAMI

Adelaide
In: Brent Reilly
Out: Simon Goodwin (knee)
As expected Reilly comes in for the injured Goodwin. If you're one of the 40,000 DT coaches who still own Jared Petrenko, he's one of the emergencies.

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Michael Doughty, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brad Moran, Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Brad Symes
Emg: James Sellar, Jared Petrenko, Tony Armstrong

North Melbourne
In: Lachie Hansen, Jack Ziebell, Corey Jones, Cruize Garlett
Out: Matt Campbell (hamstring), Daniel Wells (hip/groin), Sam Wright (knee), Ben Warren (cheekbone)
No game for $116k defender Levi Greenwood, but Ziebell is officially back (good news for almost 90,000 DT bosses). Also look out for debutant Garlett who is a cheap-as-chips $75k midfielder.

B: Lachie Hansen, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Brady Rawlings
C: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Ross
HF: Jack Ziebell, Drew Petrie, Cruize Garlett
F: Corey Jones, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Sam Power, Daniel Pratt, David Hale, Leigh Harding
Emg: Daniel Harris, Levi Greenwood, Michael Wundke

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Around The Grounds

• West Coast assistant coach Scott Burns has revealed Eagles star Daniel Kerr's form has been affected by the fact he has been playing with niggling injuries throughout 2009. Almost 20,000 DT coaches own Kerr, but his form hasn't been great this season seeing his price drop almost $100k with an average score of 63. But Burns claimed Kerr, a $243k midfielder, has been playing through injury so DT coaches can hope his form improves with the benefit of a bit of rest. Kerr missed out last round through suspension but returns to play Richmond on Saturday before another week off with the split round.
  

• Rob Murphy will officially be back for the Western Bulldogs this weekend after overcoming a hamstring injury. The $336k forward got through the Bulldogs' main training session in Darwin on Thursday and will play against Port on Saturday night. Murphy said, "It wasn't a really bad hamstring but I was still a bit tight last week so we thought to wait another one."
  

• Adelaide coach Neil Craig has admitted $86k defender/forward Shaun McKernan (brother of Corey) could be in line for an AFL game soon. Craig said, "Shaun came under strong consideration last week and, if his form continues at South (in the SANFL) and with the things he’s doing there, he’ll play AFL football this year."

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DT Round 12 Teams

The news we've been waiting all week for is in. The Round 12 teams, but don't forget it's a split round so only 5 of the matches are in. The big outs include Josh Drummond, Simon Goodwin and Cyril Rioli through injury while Mark Coughlan and Joel Bowden have been left out by Richmond's new regime. Good news though, is Jack Ziebell, Sam Gilbert and Rob Murphy are all back while there's a few rookies getting a debut.

Carlton v St Kilda, Friday night, Docklands

Carlton
In: Jordan Bannister
Out: Brad Fisher (omitted)
Just the one change for the Blues with Fisher dropped after 2 games in the seniors, making way for Jordan Bannister to make his 2009 debut. Still no Mitch Robinson in the 22.

B: Dennis Armfield , Bret Thornton, Steven Browne
HB: Paul Bower, Michael Jamison, Nick Stevens
C: Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo
HF: Marc Murphy, Setanta O’hAilpin, Ryan Houlihan
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Shaun Hampson
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Aaron Joseph
I/C: Jordan Bannister, Jeff Garlett, Shaun Grigg, Heath Scotland
Emg: Mark Austin, Brad Fisher, Mitch Robinson

St Kilda
In: Sam Gilbert, Michael Gardiner, Stephen Milne
Out: Steven King (suspended), Raphael Clarke, James Gwilt (omitted)
The return of Gilbert is great news for plenty of DT coaches, after the $339k defender (who's value has risen a mammoth $117k this season) had a week out with an ankle sprain. Handy ruckman Gardiner is back from suspension, while Milne returns after a knee problem. The outs are nothing major for most DT coaches.

B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Farren Ray, Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Jason Gram, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider
F: Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Clint Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Ben McEvoy, Andrew McQualter
Emg: Raphael Clarke, David Armitage, James Gwilt

Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide, Saturday evening, TIO Stadium

Western Bulldogs
In: Robert Murphy, Scott Welsh
Out: Brennan Stack, Stephen Tiller (omitted)
It looks like Murphy and Lindsay Gilbee have got the all clear to play this weekend which is great news. Jason Akermanis is named despite rumours that he's got swine flu. Of the emergencies, only Tiller travels to the NT.

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Liam Picken
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Hill, Robert Murphy, Callan Ward
Emg: Brennan Stack, Tim Callan, Stephen Tiller

Port Adelaide
In: Daniel Motlop, Robbie Gray, Danny Meyer
Out: Travis Boak (knee), Alipate Carlile (virus), Nick Lower (omitted)
Mark Williams claimed today he expected Motlop, Gray and Carlile to all play, but the latter has dropped out, suggesting you can't believe the Power coach just yet. Motlop (fairly popular with DT coaches) and Gray have been out with ankle and thigh injuries respectively, while cheap Richmond reject Danny Meyer gets a chance to impress. Boak is the big out.

B: Michael Pettigrew, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB: Steven Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Danny Meyer, Dom Cassisi, Tom Logan
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Marlon Motlop, Josh Carr, Matthew Westhoff, Justin Westhoff
Emg: Nick Lower, Jason Davenport, Matthew Broadbent

Richmond v West Coast, Saturday night, Docklands

Richmond
In: Tyrone Vickery, Shane Edwards, Robin Nahas, Angus Graham, Tom Hislop
Out: Joel Bowden, Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan, Jordan McMahon, Kayne Pettifer (omitted)
The Tigers have made their intentions clear, dropping the veterans in favour of the youngsters, so if you're looking for some cheap rookies, look no further than the Tigers as they're bound to get a chance. Everyone's getting on $122k ruck Vickery, although it might be wise to wait. Bowden and Coughlan dropping out will mean big problems for many DT coaches. Still no Andrew Raines or Nathan Brown.

B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Dean Polo
HB: Shane Edwards, Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield
C: Andrew Collins, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Cousins
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Robin Nahas
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Tom Hislop, Alex Rance, Tyrone Vickery
Emg: Jake King, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Adam Thomson

West Coast
In: Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, David Wirrpanda
Out: Andrew Embley (ankle), Adam Hunter (shoulder), Ben McKinley (omitted)
Naitanui coming in is big news for almost 27,000 patient DT coaches, while Kerr and Wirrpanda's return is good too. None of Embley, Hunter or McKinley are terribly popular DT players so no real concerns there. Tom Swift gets another run and he's set to burst his bubble with his third game.

B: Matt Spangher, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Adam Selwood, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Mark Nicoski, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa
HF: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Nic Naitanui, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Brad Ebert
I/C: Mitch Brown , Jamie McNamara, Tyson Stenglein, Tom Swift
Emg: Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan, Beau Wilkes

Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions, Sunday, Aurora Stadium

Hawthorn
In: Campbell Brown, Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton, Thomas Murphy
Out: Cyril Rioli (hamstring), Liam Shiels (illness)
Shiels drops out so his value won't shoot up as he won't play his 3rd game just yet. The loss of Rioli is a huge blow for over 50,000 DT coaches, while 2008's late season favourite Morton is back, although that's in an extended bench. Still no Brendan Whitecross.

B: Brent Guerra, Robert Campbell, Thomas Murphy
HB: Beau Muston, Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Ben McGlynn, Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown
F: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Xavier Ellis
I/C (from): Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton, Ryan Schoenmakers, Travis Tuck

Brisbane Lions
In: Troy Selwood, Daniel Merrett, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff
Out: Josh Drummond (calf)
Drummond dropping out is a big loss for about 33,000 DT coaches, although it should only be the one week, while fairly popular DT defender Merrett makes an early return straight back into defence. If rookies Redden ($86k midfielder) or Rockliff ($106k forward) get a game it might be worth monitoring their progress.

B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock
HB: Sam Sheldon, Lachlan Henderson, Joel Macdonald
C: Albert Proud, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman
I/C (from): Jared Brennan, Scott Harding, Travis Johnstone, Tim Notting, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff, Troy Selwood

Adelaide v North Melbourne, Sunday afternoon, AAMI

Adelaide
In: Brent Reilly, Tony Armstrong, Jared Petrenko, James Sellar
Out: Simon Goodwin (knee)
Goodwin missing out this week is a blow and $262k midfielder Reilly will probably take his place. Petrenko, who many DT coaches still own, is named in the 25 again, while fairly popular forward Sellar is in with a sniff.

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Michael Doughty, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
R: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C (from): Brad Moran, Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Brad Symes, James Sellar, Jared Petrenko, Tony Armstrong

North Melbourne
In: Daniel Harris, Lachie Hansen, Jack Ziebell, Corey Jones, Levi Greenwood, Cruize Garlett, Michael Wundke
Out: Matt Campbell (hamstring), Daniel Wells (hip/groin), Sam Wright (knee), Ben Warren (cheekbone)
Changes galore at Arden Street, with Ziebell's return from gastro and the inclusion of rookie Garlett the important ones. Garlett, a $75k midfielder, is named in the 18 and will play so look out for him. Still no Liam Anthony.

B: Lachie Hansen, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Brady Rawlings
C: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Ross
HF: Jack Ziebell, Drew Petrie, Cruize Garlett
F: Corey Jones, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow
I/C (from): Daniel Harris, Sam Power, Levi Greenwood, Daniel Pratt, David Hale, Michael Wundke, Leigh Harding

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Burgoyne Is Bur-gone

Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rohde has revealed bad news for DreamTeam coaches with Shaun Burgoyne in their sides.

Rohde admitted the $365k midfielder won't be returning as expected in Round 13 and instead has ruled Burgoyne out indefinitely.

Burgoyne is suffering from bone bruising in his left knee which has kept him out since Round 3. Still almost 3,000 DT coaches own Burgoyne, but this news surely is reason to offload the Power star.

Rohde revealed, "There was no structural damage. But there is no surgery or procedure available to ease the pain Burgoyne senses when he runs.

"There is nothing we can do for it but rest. Every time Shaun has tried to run, he has still had pain, so we've backed off and waited again. We let the knee settle down - and then we try again.

"The specialist says this can take anything between two and 12 weeks."

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Bolton 50-50 For Pies

Sydney Swans defender Craig Bolton is rated a 50-50 chance to face Collingwood on Saturday week due to a knee strain.

Bolton twisted his knee on the weekend against Hawthorn and scans have revealed he has a slight medial ligament strain putting him in doubt for game on June 20.

Around about 7,500 DT coaches have Bolton ($268k) in their team and that injury news is a concern for them, especially considering the Swans play in the second-half of the always-tricky split round.

In other injury news from the SCG, $182k midfielder Jared Crouch seems to be over a knee knock and should be fit to take on the Pies, while veteran Leo Barry reportedly is a little behind schedule with his recovery from a pre-season knee injury with Swans coach Paul Roos admitting he wasn't sure when the $268k defender would be back.

Roos also revealed high-priced young forward Patrick Veszpremi could make his 2009 debut in Round 13 against Adelaide although the Swans coach said it was more likely he'd play the week after against the Kangas.

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Richo Hopeful For Round 19

2008's DreamTeam must-have Matthew Richardson has told the media he's hoping to return to AFL footy for Round 19.

The $375k midfield/forward, started the season off in fine style with four +100 scores before being decked by a hamstring tendon injury in Round 6.

"I reckon I'm ahead of schedule with my rehab. Realistically, if I got a month of football in at the end of the year, that would be a pretty good case," said Richardson.

Despite being out injured for so long, almost 20,000 DT coaches still have big 'Richo' on board, so positive news of his rehab will be welcome for many.

Also, as reported here earlier today, it has been confirmed the Tigers will give a senior AFL debut to youngster Tyrone Vickery this weekend. Vickery, Richmond's first pick in the 2008 AFL Draft, is a ruckman priced at $122k.

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Around The Grounds

• Bulldogs forward Rob Murphy will fly with his team to Darwin for Saturday's match against Port where he should return from a three-game absence from a hamstring injury. "At this stage Murphy and [Scott] Welsh will play and we'll take a 23rd [player], but we're pretty confident they'll be right," said Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade. Welsh returns from suspension.
  

• Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop has overcome an ankle injury and will also be making the trip to the Top End after two weeks out. Power teammate Alipate Carlile missed training on Wednesday due to a cold, but is expected to play. There continues to be whispers that the Brisbane Lions' popular DT defender Daniel Merrett could be a chance for an early return from an ankle injury this weekend. Lions teammate Joel Macdonald told afl.com.au, "Merrett could be a chance.” Brisbane play Hawthorn on Sunday.
  

• The Carlton match committee have revealed they'll consider Richard Hadley, Chris Yarran, Greg Bentley and Adam Hartlett for this weekend's match against St Kilda after all had enjoyed good VFL form recently.
  

• Western Bulldogs backman Tom Williams is still battling a foot injury and is a few weeks away from a return. Eade revealed about the $169k defender, "He's improved but he's still a couple of weeks away."

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