Worsfold Confident Cox Will Return

West Coast coach John Worsfold claims he is confident $436k ruckman Dean Cox will prove his fitness and play against Melbourne on the weekend.

Cox, owned by over 100,000 DT coaches, missed the Eagles 20-point victory over Hawthorn on the weekend due to a niggling groin strain, but returned to light training on Tuesday morning.

"We're confident that he'll get up," Worsfold said.

"It was a very minor strain and one that we would expect would have healed by now, (but) you're always just making sure that there's nothing else other than that as well.

"There's no caution taken into account. If he's fit he'll play."

Nevertheless it is understood Cox was seen on a Perth News channel tonight claiming he was still only 50-50 to play against the Dees.

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Around The Grounds

• Fremantle have confirmed $361k gun forward Matt Pavlich will miss two to three weeks with a torn calf. Pavlich, owned by over 75,000 DT coaches, injured the calf on the weekend against Collingwood.

• Star Collingwood man Scott Pendlebury could surprisingly return to the Pies side as early as this weekend after a knee injury. Pendlebury, a $455k midfielder, could be back to face Essendon along with Leon Davis who missed the Freo game due to an illness. Pies' forward Paul Medhurst said, “We have Leon and probably Scotty Pendlebury to come back in, so someone has to make way.”

• Carlton coach Brett Ratten has claimed $322k defender Bret Thornton will definitely return to the Blues side this weekend for their trip to face Fremantle. Thornton has withdrawn late from Carlton's last two matches, but Ratten said, "Thornton will come back for sure."

• Veteran $217k Collingwood forward Anthony Rocca continues to struggle with his fitness. Rocca's latest problem is achilles soreness which makes him unavailable for about a month.
  

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McPhee Doubtful For Pies

Essendon's popular $288k DT def/forward Adam McPhee is facing a race against time to be fit for Friday's Collingwood game due to a calfed cork.

McPhee, owned by almost 20,000 DT coaches, missed Essendon's last match against Carlton due to the calf problem and is still struggling with the injury.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights said on Tuesday, "He must train well today. I spoke to him about half an hour ago and I said, 'You would have to train at full throttle and get through the session to be put up for selection.'

"That's probably still a question mark at this stage with Adam. I won't be playing him unless he's 100 per cent fit."

Meanwhile, fellow Bomber Mark McVeigh will not play against the Magpies after copping a one-match internal suspension for missing a training session.

$318k midfielder McVeigh, who has only recently returned from injury, missed the Carlton game through suspension before skipping a club training session on Sunday, forcing the Bombers to discipline him.

All this could open the door for $134k defender Michael Hurley, owned by over 15,000 DT coaches, after he impressed in the reserves on the weekend.

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DreamTeam Update: Tribunal

Another week off for the AFL tribunal after all players charged opted to take early pleas and cop their sentence.

Sydney's troubled $266k forward Barry Hall accepted a two-week-ban for striking Adelaide's Ben Rutten. He'll miss games against North Melbourne and Essendon.

Meanwhile, Kangaroo $351k forward Drew Petrie is free to play the Swans after accepting a reprimand for striking Western Bulldog Brad Johnson.

Richmond young midfielder Trent Cotchin also accepted a reprimand for striking St Kilda's Jarryn Geary and will be free to face Adelaide on the Gold Coast this Saturday.

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News From The Reserves

- In the VFL this weekend, Sandringham got the better of the Coburg Tigers with a 67-point win. St Kilda $244k midfielder David Armitage pushed his case for an AFL run with a best on ground performance, while $235k defender Sean Dempster and Robert Eddy were both in the best.

For Coburg, Richmond's Mark Coughlan was in the news after getting reported for a headbutt. Pressing for an AFL game where $234k Tiger Daniel Connors who booted three goals and was amongst the best, while ruck Adam Pattison was good too.

Williamstown edged Casey Scorpions by four points this weekend with Bulldogs $251k defender Tim Callan recovering from a concussion last week to press his AFL chances with a BOG. $86k Brennan Stack booted 2 goals, Dylan Addison was good while Sam Reid and Andrejs Everitt were also amongst the best and could all be a chance to replace the injured Daniel Giansiracusa in the seniors.

For Casey, Melbourne defenders Daniel Bell ($250k) and Paul Wheatley ($407k) were amongst the best, while good games also came from Clint Bartram and Shane Valenti, so maybe a run with the Dees for those lads next week. Also Matthew Newton kicked 3 goals.

North Ballarat thumped the Collingwood reserves with an emphatic 68 point win. Sam Power pressed his case for a Kangaroos recall with a good game, while North pair Aaron Edwards and Michael Wundke ($86k forward) each kicked 3 goals.

For the Magpies, emerging midfielder Ryan Cook was in the best and young $75k midfielder Kevin Dyas had a good game.

Frankston grabbed their first win of the season with a 23-point triumph over the Bendigo Bombers this weekend. For the Bombers, $134k defender Michael Hurley could be a chance for a run with Essendon next week after 22 disposals, while $188k forward Leroy Jetta was good with 27 touches and $139k ruck Tom Bellchambers did well in ruck with 14 disposals. Also Michael Quinn got 3 goals and Jay Neagle snagged 2.

Geelong's reserves overcame the Northern Bullants by 33 points with young $86k Cat Nathan Djerrkura the best afield. Mathew Stokes didn't press his chances for a Geelong recall too hard with an okay game kicking 2 goals. Kane Tenace (2 goals), Simon Hogan, Ryan Gamble and Tom Lonergan was all in the best.

For the Bullants, amongst their Carlton brigade $110k youngster David Ellard was the best, while Jordan Russell did okay along with Cameron Cloke who booted 3 sausage rolls.

Werribee got the better of the Box Hill Hawks with a 17-point win. For Werribee, Kangas $171k big man Todd Goldstein was again very good with 3 goals while Leigh Adams played well too.

For the Hawks, $86k midfielder Liam Shiels will press his case for a bubble-bursting 3rd AFL game after a decent match, while $86k youngster Jordan Lisle kicked 4 goals and Beau Dowler got 2 and was amongst the best.

- In the WAFL, Subiaco thumped Peel Thunder by 107 points with West Coast's $349k midfielder Chad Fletcher really pressing for an AFL game after a dominant display with 38 possessions. Young $136k Eagles midfielder Adam Cockie was also good for Subi.

Claremont knocked off West Perth by 14 points with Eagles $75k rookie Lewis Stevenson impressive for the Tigers. West Coast defender Beau Wilkes was concussed in the match.

For West Perth, Fremantle $238k man Kepler Bradley racked up 25 possessions while Eagles big man Mark Seaby was dominant in the ruck. Docker Adam Campbell was relatively quiet.

South Fremantle kept up their premiership chances with a 39-point win over Perth. Freo's $300k midfielder Daniel Gilmore racked up over 30 possessions for the third week in a row, with 33 disposals and 13 marks. West Coast $75k rookie Callum Wilson was really good with 19 possessions, 11 marks and 5 goals for the Bulldogs, while Dockers' forward Ryan Murphy was quiet.

- In the SANFL, Glenelg got the better of Woodville-West Torrens by 34 points. Port Adelaide's $122k forward Nick Salter pressed for an AFL game with 6 goals and was very impressive for the Eagles. Adelaide's Brett Burton didn't end up playing in this one, while fellow Crow Jared Petrenko had a mixed day with just 12 touches and a goal.

For Glenelg, Port Adelaide's $308k midfielder Steven Salopek was back in the SANFL with Glenelg but didn't have a great day although he did kick a goal. Adelaide's $86k forward James Sellar did well in the ruck for Glenelg with 19 hit-outs and 11 disposals.

Port Adelaide Magpies defeated North Adelaide by 22 points this weekend with young $86k Power ruckman Jackson Trengove in Port's best. For North, Adelaide's $86k youngster Rory Sloane played his best game at SANFL level with 18 possessions in defence.

West Adelaide knocked off Norwood by 19 points with another Port Power youngster, $86k forward Matthew Lobbe, amongst the best for West. For Norwood, Adelaide's $86k forward Will Young impressed with 16 touches and 7 marks.

Central Districts defeated South Adelaide by 16 points with Crows' $111k man Myke Cook busy, while $86k defender Shaun McKernan was good in the ruck with 17 hit-outs and 11 possessions.

- In the QAFL, Brisbane's reserves destroyed Broadbeach by 92 points. $86k Lions forward Matt Tyler was outstanding on his return from injury with 7 goals. $86k midfielder Jack Redden continues his push for an AFL game with another very good match, while Tom Rockliff and Travis Johnstone were busy.

- In the Canberra AFL, the Sydney Swans' reserves were thumped by Eastlake by 60 points. $86k schoolboy Daniel Hannebery was Sydney's best with 36 touches, while $173k midfielder Tim Schmidt returned from injury in style with 31 disposals and 12 marks. $217k defender Nick Malceski returns to some form with 29 touches while $86k youngster Daniel O'Keefe kicked 2 goals.

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Around The Grounds

• Adelaide's $244k forward/ruck Brad Moran is expected to miss the rest of the AFL season due to a serious knee injury. Moran limped off late against Sydney on the weekend and had an MRI scan on Monday. The scan revealed a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. "No decision has been made on whether he will have surgery, but as a guide it is probably a 12-week injury," a club spokesman said.

• On an official Hawthorn FC press release, the Hawks have listed $242k forward Mark Williams as out of action for 6-8 weeks with a knee injury. Williams injured the knee on the weekend against the West Coast Eagles.

• Adelaide's $248k midfielder Brent Reilly has been named as a likely starter for the Crows against Richmond this Saturday on the Gold Coast. Reilly had been out with a hamstring injury. Also Crows' skipper Simon Goodwin is still no certainty for the match and a decision will be made later in the week on his dodgy knee.

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Giansiracusa Out For 6 Weeks

The Western Bulldogs' star $377k forward Daniel Giansiracusa is facing six weeks on the sidelines in a huge blow for many DT coaches' forward lines.

Giansiracusa struggled with a knee injury in the Bulldogs win over North Melbourne on Sunday but got through the game before arthroscopic surgery on Monday revealed the severity of the problem.

According to the Herald Sun, Giansiracusa has suffered cartilage damage in the knee.

Giansiracusa worryingly admitted after the game, "The knee sort of locked and wouldn't go back to normal. It's happened a couple of times during the year."

The forward has a history of knee problems and the latest blow means it is time to trade him, which is bad news for the 20,000 DT coaches who own him.

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MRP Update: Hall Banned Again

Sydney's $266k forward Barry Hall has been offered a two-week-ban by the AFL match review panel for striking Ben Rutten on the weekend.

Hall can accept the two-week-suspension with an early plea, otherwise risking a third game out.

North Melbourne's $351k ruck/forward Drew Petrie can accept a reprimand and not miss a game after being charged for striking Bulldog Brad Johnson.

Richmond $283k youngster Trent Cotchin will cop a reprimand with an early plea after being charged for striking St Kilda's Jarryn Geary.

Other enquiries were made about reports for Sydney pair Heath Grundy and Jesse White, Hawk Jordan Lewis and Port's Peter Burgoyne, but no further action was taken in these cases.

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Fevola In Doubt For Trip West

Carlton's $357k forward Brendan Fevola may be unavailable this weekend after undergoing surgery on his little finger over the weekend.

Fevola, owned by almost 90,000 DT coaches, may not make the trip west with Carlton as they prepare to face Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

"Brendan had minor surgery on Saturday to repair ligament damage in his little finger," Carlton's general manager football operations Steven Icke told carltonfc.com.au.

"We are hopeful that Brendan will train later in the week and be available for selection."

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Cox May Miss Another

West Coast's popular $436k DT ruckman Dean Cox could miss another week of footy due to a nagging groin strain.

The big Eagle, owned by over 100,000 DT coaches, missed West Coast's win over Hawthorn on the weekend and is no guarantee for the club's next game against Melbourne according to the Perth Sunday Times.

West Coast footy manager Neale Daniher said, "He will have to show that he's pain free for us to consider him when we increase his training through the week.

"We won't know that until more into the middle of the week. We have had him in cotton wool all last week with very little training at all really.

"If it takes another week to have him fully right again, then we'll have to wear that."

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DT Round 13 Movers & Shakers

Plenty of price fluctuations and changes this week, and with DT finals now just 5 weeks away it is getting towards business time. So I'll try to point out a few bargains, cash cows, dreamers etc etc. Anyway as per usual we'll go through it chronologically starting with the winners from Friday night.

For Essendon, the Hayden Skipworth bandwagon is still alive after the midfielder scored an 84 to take him up $24k to $296k.

Veteran forward Scotty Lucas (82) posted another healthy increase of $23k up to $332k while midfielder Andrew Welsh (110) played his second game for the season and at $338k with a breakeven of 65 next week he might be a handy pickup.

For Carlton, there's alot of DTers jumping off the Ryan Houlihan train after the forward/defender posted a 67 to drop $18k down to $260k overall.

Other news from the Blues, sees midfielder Kade Simpson (68) drop a staggering $26k to $333k.

For Collingwood, forward Alan Didak is the talk of the DT world with an unbelievable price increase of $49k following a score of 156. Didak's value is now $426k with a negative breakeven next week.

Also midfielder Dayne Beams (102) is up $13k to $193k with a negative breakeven next round, but forward Paul Medhurst (93) drops $15k to $309k. Big news for Collingwood is midfielder Dane Swan's continued hot form with a 158 taking him incredibly up $11k to an unprecedented total value of $519k.

For Fremantle, defender Greg Broughton is winning friends by the week following a score of 80 which saw him up $32k to $269k.

Forward Matt Pavlich was injured on the weekend and scored just 16 so his value is down $25k to $361k, while ruck Aaron Sandilands continues his strong form with a 138 taking him up $12k to $419k.

For Adelaide, the time could be right soon to swoop on gun midfielder Tyson Edwards if you're after him, after he scored a 76 this week. Consistent Edwards' value is up $5k to $424k, but he has a breakeven of 153 next round.

Also from West Lakes, midfielder Chris Knights (87) is sliding down $8k to an affordable $346k with a high BE next week, while popular young forward Taylor Walker (24) is down $17k to $211k.

For Sydney, Darren Jolly's supreme form in the ruck this season continues as he scored 81 on the weekend taking his value up $12k to $355k.

Also from the Swans, their number one scorer for 2009, midfielder Jude Bolton (91), is down $9k to a juicy $408k with a BE of 129 next round.

For the Brisbane Lions, premium midfielder Luke Power (121) continues his hot form up $30k to $410k with a low breakeven of 16 next round.

Also forward Jonathon Brown (110) is soaring too up $26k to $369k with a low BE, while forward/ruck Mitch Clark (87) is down $11k to $359k. Also forward Rhan Hooper (37) stumbles a staggering $27k down to $199k.

For Melbourne, gun forward Aaron Davey (133) is attracting plenty of attention with another stellar performance with his value up $23k to a nice $356k.

Rookie forward Jack Watts (36) is down $5k to $145k, experienced midfielder Brock McLean (38) drops $23k to $351k, while young $126k forward Liam Jurrah (51) will burst his bubble big-time next round (should he play) with a BE of -19.

For West Coast, gun midfielder Matt Priddis takes his value soaring again with a score of 117 taking him up $18k to $400k.

Defender Shannon Hurn (79) returns to form up $15k to $244k, while young forward Mitch Brown (71) is doing well for many DT coaches up $12k to $227k. Midfielder Daniel Kerr is really struggling following a 53 he's down $5k to $240k.

For Hawthorn, the most popular DT player, Buddy Franklin, continues to frustrate with a score of 60 taking him down $11k to $273k with a BE of 126 next round. Question is, how low can he go?

Premium midfielder Sam Mitchell (147) is in hot form up $19k to $427k, fellow mid Brad Sewell (113) drops $16k to a tempting $421k with a 128 BE, while young back/forward Ryan Schoenmakers (63) is up a handy $15k to $138k with a negative BE next round.

For Geelong, gun midfielder Joel Selwood continues to slide into great value following a score of 63 he's down a huge $39k to $373k with a BE of almost 200 next weekend.

Other sliders at Geelong are Jimmy Bartel (87) down $9k to $435k, Steve Johnson (78) down $18k to $405k and Cam Mooney (45) down $31k to $300k. Forward Paul Chapman (144) is up a mammoth $24k to $439k with a low BE next round.

For Port Adelaide, prime midfielder Domenic Cassisi (54) is down $20k to $398k with a big breakeven next week, proving good value.

Fellow midfielder Danyle Pearce is down $24k to $283k following a score of 54, while young mid Jason Davenport bursts his bubble fetching a nice profit for patient DT coaches with a 95 up $47k to $133k. Davenport has a breakeven of minus 68 next weekend.

For the Western Bulldogs, star midfielder Daniel Cross continues to rack up decent scores with a 111 taking him up $14k to lovely value at $360k.

Forward Daniel Giansiracusa represents good value too down $4k despite a 88 moving him to juicy $377k with a BE next round of 115. Young mid Callan Ward (71) continues to soar up $17k to $296k now.

For North Melbourne, defender Nathan Grima continues to dazzle with a solid score of 58 taking his value up $31k to $221k. Don't expect his value to stop rising just yet either, with a negative breakeven next round.

Also for the Kangaroos, young forward Ben Warren sustained a season-ending leg injury on Sunday, but failed to trouble the scorers prior to that, so those DT coaches looking to trade him now can do so at the unchanged price of $218k.

For St Kilda, defender Brendon Goddard continues to slide into delightful value despite a 128, he's down $8k to $396 with a breakeven of just 76 next round. Time to buy him if you haven't got him.

Also from the Saints, premium midfielder Leigh Montagna (85) is sliding down $15k to $465k, along with back Sam Fisher (53) down $18k to a lovely $315k. Defender Jason Gram however is on the up following a 123 he's moved up $29k to $354k.

For Richmond, midfielder Shane Tuck continues to be the Tigers star man with 120 taking him up $14k to $432k.

Mid/forward Brett Deledio is slumping slightly with an 84 dropping him down $9k to $354k, while ruck Angus Graham slides down $19k to $220k following a score of 66.

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Around The Grounds

• Collingwood's popular DreamTeam midfielder Scott Pendlebury is making a fast recovery from the knee injury he picked last week against the Swans in Sydney according to the Herald Sun. Pendlebury, a $455k midfielder owned by over 18,000 DT coaches, is expected to miss the Magpies' upcoming Friday night clash with Essendon but is a good chance to face the Western Bulldogs the week after at Docklands.

• Richmond's $294k midfielder Mark Coughlan has been reported whilst playing for Coburg in the VFL putting his Tigers' future further in doubt. Coughlan, owned by almost 20,000 DT coaches, was reported for headbutting Sandringham's Colm Begley. The midfielder has been out of favour at Punt Road since Jade Rawlings took over as coach.
  

• St Kilda's $178k defender Max Hudghton is in doubt for next week's match against Geelong after suffering an ankle injury on the weekend. Hudghton, owned by over 3,500 DT coaches, injured ligaments in his right ankle and will have a scan on the problem on Monday. "It's probably 48 hours before you get (a true indication) because the swelling will be almost too new," St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said, "He'll ice it all night, ice every two hours. We would love to get him up... but it's certainly not career-ending or season-ending."

• Hawthorn's $242k forward Mark Williams will undergo scans after injuring his knee on Saturday night against the Eagles. Williams will almost certainly miss Hawthorn's Round 14 game against the Bulldogs on Saturday, but his long-term absence isn't clear yet. Hawks teammate Stuart Dew, who was a late withdrawal against West Coast, is still battling a quad problem.

• Finally, according to the Herald Sun, Carlton's $328k defender Paul Bower will miss up to two weeks with a medial ligament injury he sustained on Friday night against Essendon.

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DT Round 13 Injury & Suspension News

There's a full weekend of fixtures this round so should be a fairly exciting edition here. Anyway I'll keep you posted on all the latest injury & suspension newsafter straight after every game right here.

St Kilda v Richmond: Andrew Collins is a late withdrawal for Richmond. Saints defender Max Hudghton struggled with an ankle problem which could be bad.

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs: Kanga Ben Warren is gone for the season after a leg injury. He was taken to hospital. Popular Dogs defender Lindsay Gilbee played but with limited time on ground due to his ankle problem.

Geelong v Port Adelaide: Cat David Johnson's game was over barely before it started with a bad leg injury. Port's Robbie Gray also came off with a sore knee. Also Port's Peter Burgoyne is on report for rough conduct on James Kelly.

West Coast v Hawthorn: The Hawks had two late withdrawals with Stephen Gilham (illness) and Stuart Dew (quad tightness) dropping out. During the game Hawk forward Mark Williams was forced off with a bad knee injury and will be assessed on Monday.

Brisbane Lions v Melbourne: Dees forward Matthew Bate withdrew late with a virus, but it can't be too bad as he was jogging on the Gabba before the game. During the game, Lions ruck Mitch Clark was troubled by his quad again.

Adelaide v Sydney: Big bad Barry Hall is in the report book again today for striking in the third quarter. It's touch-and-go whether or not he'll get suspended though. Swans pair Jesse White and Heath Grundy also were reported for striking. Also Crow ruckman Brad Moran had a minor knee problem late.

Collingwood v Fremantle: Big problem for many DT coaches with Matt Pavlich (full story) sustained a 'likely-three-week' calf injury. For Collingwood, Leon Davis was a late withdrawal with illness, while Dockers defender Clancee Pearce dropped out although I don't know why yet. Also Docker Steven Dodd copped a heavy hit which put him on a stretcher but came back.

Essendon v Carlton: The major concern for the Bombers is midfielder Jobe Watson who injured an ankle but he'll only miss two weeks (for full story). For Carlton, Paul Bower injured his knee and coach Brett Ratten said it was unlikely he'd play next week. Also Blues defender Bret Thornton was a late withdrawal for the 2nd game in a row, while there were minor knee knocks for Bombers trio Dustin Fletcher, Hayden Skipworth and Tayte Pears.

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Minor Calf Strain For Pavlich

Freo coach Mark Harvey has allayed fears of a long stint on the sidelines for Matt Pavlich but did reveal the $387k forward has a minor calf strain and could miss 3 weeks.

Pavlich's calf injury, which he suffered early in Saturday's match against Collingwood, would've worried the 73-odd-thousand DT coaches who own the Dockers skipper.

And Harvey commented after the game, "He's got a minor calf strain and that's all I know at the moment.

"It's what they call a grade one so at this stage … how long [he's out] I don't know."

Typically, a doctor would prescribe three weeks rest for a grade one strain, otherwise risking further damage.

A three week absence for Pavlich, would create a difficult dilemma for many DT coaches with finals around the corner.

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Watson To Miss 2 Weeks

Scans on Essendon's $379k midfielder Jobe Watson's injured ankle have revealed damage which will see him out for two weeks of action.

The Bombers star midfielder, owned by over 8,500 DT coaches, suffered the ankle injury late in the first-half meaning he only scored 53 on Friday.

But after having scans done on Watson's ankle on Saturday morning, it was revealed he had sustained strained ligaments and muscle damage.

Essendon footy operations manager Paul Hamilton said, "The scans have provided some good news in that Jobe hasn't suffered a major injury.

"Jobe was feeling pretty sore after the game but our medical staff have all the advice they need and are confident he will not miss too much footy. He will rest his ankle this week and we will see how quickly he recovers and confirm a more definite return date for him then.

"Jobe is an extremely important part of our young side so it is disappointing to lose him for important clashes with Collingwood and Sydney but we will give him the time he needs to fully recover."

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Around The Grounds

• Adelaide's $374k forward Brett Burton has put off his return to SANFL footy due to hamstring soreness. The Crow has been out for a year since a knee reconstruction. Adelaide coach Neil Craig said, “What happens though is that, as he gets closer to resuming, he ups the ante in terms of intensity so all of a sudden he’s going to get football soreness because he’s now ready to go."
  

• Hawthorn's $182k defender Trent Croad could be back in the AFL within a fortnight after a long-term foot injury. Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said, "It could be 2 weeks, it could be 6 weeks - that will be determined by how well he pulls up from his training sessions in the next couple of weeks. But I've got no idea."

• Popular young Port Power midfielder Hamish Hartlett is expected to miss 4 weeks after tweaking a tendon in his hamstring. Hartlett, a $212k midfielder who is owned by over 16,000 DT coaches, has been battling injuries for most of this season.

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DT Round 13 Sunday Teams

Geelong v Port Adelaide, Sunday, Skilled Stadium
Geelong
Ins: Tom Harley
Outs: Ryan Gamble
Pretty simple change for the Cats with skipper Harley coming in for Gamble, meaning $369k forward Mathew Stokes is left out again.

B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Corey Enright, Tom Harley, James Kelly
C: Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson, Travis Varcoe
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Joel Corey
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling
I/C: David Johnson, Shane Mumford, Max Rooke, Harry Taylor
Emg: Ryan Gamble, Mathew Stokes, Simon Hogan

Port Adelaide
Ins: Alipate Carlile, Jason Davenport, Nathan Krakouer, Nick Lower
Outs: Daniel Motlop (ankle), Marlon Motlop, Steven Salopek, Matthew Westhoff
The return of Krakouer is a boost for many DT coaches, but Salopek copping the axe is a surprising blow.

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

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Sunday, MCG
North Melbourne
Ins: Liam Anthony, David Hale, Brent Harvey, Ben Warren
Outs: Jack Ziebell (leg), Aaron Edwards, Gavin Urquhart, Sam Power
As mentioned yesterday, Ziebell's injury has forced everyone's hand, but the selection of Anthony is a boost for many DT coaches. Harvey is a handy inclusion too.

B: Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson, Leigh Harding
HB: Daniel Pratt, Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson
C: Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey, Liam Anthony
HF: Scott McMahon, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Lachie Hansen
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Andrew Swallow, Adam Simpson
I/C: Daniel Harris, Ben Ross, Corey Jones, Cruize Garlett
Emg: Sam Power, Gavin Urquhart, Todd Goldstein

Western Bulldogs
Ins/Outs: No change
Popular $319k defender Lindsay Gilbee is named again in the 22 despite an ankle concern.

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

St Kilda v Richmond, Sunday afternoon, Docklands
St Kilda
Ins/Outs: No change
No changes for the high-flying Saints.

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: James Gwilt, David Armitage, Raphael Clarke

Richmond
Ins: Jarrod Silvester
Outs: Adam Pattison
$75k rookie defender Silvester comes in for his AFL debut while there's still no Nathan Brown or Andrew Raines.

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

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Who Is Zac Clarke?

With Dean Cox out injured this weekend, many DT coaches are looking around for a cheap backup ruckman to avoid a donut. And one name many DT coaches are looking at is Fremantle's $86k ruck Zac Clarke who is set to make his AFL debut this Saturday against Collingwood at the MCG.

But before we all hastily sign up the young fella, I thought I'd try and address the question of 'who is Zac Clarke?'

Well for starters, Clarke is a 19-year-old who was selected at pick 37 overall in 2008's AFL Draft by the Dockers from Victorian club Oakleigh Chargers. And at 203 centimetres tall, it may be no surprise to some that the youngster gave up a promising career in basketball in favour of footy.

Freo coach Mark Harvey had this to say about the youngster today, "It’s great story because he’s a former top junior basketballer who was late coming to football and now he’s going to make his AFL debut on the MCG.”

“Zac’s adapted quickly to the game and has that athletic agility that you look for in a footballer. He’s got a great temperament and has one of those attitudes that you know he is going to bring some excitement to the team.

“While he is going to need a lot of fine tuning, the experience of playing his first game on the MCG will be sensational for him.”

And the youngster, who played with Vic Metro in the under-18 championships, told the media a little bit about himself after getting a surprise call-up for this round.

“We were sitting in the team meeting and I saw my name on the board. I was pretty nervous at first but now I’m just excited about travelling with the boys and playing on the MCG.

"I just want to get out there be competitive and enjoy the experience.”

Clarke added, “Last year I decided to pursue football, so I nominated for the AFL draft to see how far I could go.”

“With basketball there is a very minute chance that you can make it at the highest level and you have to go to America and go to a college for four years. I really enjoy playing footy and the opportunity was there and available.”

Whether or not that helps you make a decision as to trade him into your DT team or not is up to you, but he sounds like a talented young fella.

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DT Round 13 Teams

Plenty of big changes this weekend, with Dean Cox's absence the major concern as over 100,000 DT coaches own the ruckman. Other major outs include Scott Pendlebury, Jack Ziebell, Adam McPhee, Steven Salopek, Kyle Cheney and Steele Sidebottom while there's still no sign of Josh Drummond and Lindsay Gilbee is a doubt for the Bulldogs. But big ins include popular DT youngsters Dayne Beams, Hayden Ballentyne and Liam Anthony.

Essendon v Carlton, Friday night, MCG

Essendon
Ins: Henry Slattery, Nathan Lovett-Murray
Outs: Mark McVeigh (susp), Adam McPhee (calf)
$288k def/forward McPhee's calf injury is a blow for almost 20,000 DT coaches. Still no David Zaharakis in the 22 for the Bombers, but popular young $134k defender Michael Hurley is named on the emergencies after injury.

B: Henry Slattery, Tayte Pears, Dustin Fletcher
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Cale Hooker, Heath Hocking
C: Kyle Reimers, Ricky Dyson, Brent Prismall
HF: Angus Monfries, Scott Lucas, Jason Winderlich
F: Andrew Welsh, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton
I/C: Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Andrew Lovett, Hayden Skipworth
Emg: Bachar Houli, Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis

Carlton
Ins: Bret Thornton
Outs: Jeff Garlett (omitted)
$322k defender Thornton slots back into the side with $171k forward Garlett missing out. Garlett is plenty of DT sides' back-up forward so that's not great news.

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

Collingwood v Fremantle, Saturday, MCG

Collingwood
Ins: Nathan Brown, Tyson Goldsack, Dayne Beams, Chris Dawes
Outs: Scott Pendlebury (knee), Martin Clarke, Steele Sidebottom, Cameron Wood (omitted)
Still no Paul Medhurst but $180k midfielder Beams is back much to the delight of over 35,000 DT coaches. Pendlebury's injury is obviously a worry but Sidebottom copping the axe will concern over 70,000 DT coaches although he is an emergency.

B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Shannon Cox
HB: Nick Maxwell, Leigh Brown, Tyson Goldsack
C: Brad Dick, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas
HF: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, John Anthony, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: Nathan Brown, Sharrod Wellingham, Chris Dawes, Alan Toovey
Emg: Steele Sidebottom, Paul Medhurst, Cameron Wood

Fremantle
Ins: Hayden Ballantyne, Zachary Clarke, Brett Peake
Outs: Adam Campbell, Kepler Bradley, Michael Walters (omitted)
More new rookies for the Dockers, with $86k forward Ballantyne the big inclusion. $75k def Clancee Pearce holds his spot for his third game but $86k mid/forward Walters drops out. $86k ruck Clarke is in line for his AFL debut.

B: Greg Broughton, Antoni Grover, Scott Thornton
HB: Steven Dodd, Luke McPharlin, Paul Duffield
C: Nic Suban, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Stephen Hill, Matthew Pavlich, Andrew Foster
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy
I/C: Brett Peake, Matt de Boer, Clancee Pearce, Zachary Clarke
Emg: Clayton Hinkley, Des Headland, Kepler Bradley

Adelaide v Sydney, Saturday, AAMI Stadium

Adelaide
Ins: Richard Douglas, Graham Johncock
Outs: Brent Reilly (hamstring), Jared Petrenko (omitted)
No Goodwin is the big news from Adelaide, while popular $140k DT defender Petrenko is out again but named on the emergencies.

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

Sydney Swans
Ins: Ryan Brabazon, Patrick Veszpremi
Outs: Jarrad McVeigh (shoulder), Jarred Moore (omitted)
Another injection of youth by the Swans, with $230k forward Veszpremi an exciting one after good form in the reserves. Still no Craig Bolton.

B: Paul Bevan, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Jared Crouch
C: Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Ed Barlow, Ryan O’Keefe, Nick Smith
F: Heath Grundy, Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin
Foll: Darren Jolly, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton
I/C: Ryan Brabazon, Kristin Thornton, Patrick Veszpremi, Jesse White
Emg: Luke Ablett, Matt O’Dwyer, Michael Pyke

West Coast v Hawthorn, Saturday night, Subiaco Oval

West Coast
Ins: Andrew Embley, Sam Butler, Ben McKinley
Outs: Dean Cox (groin), Mark Nicoski (back), Jamie McNamara (omitted)
Cox is out which concerns almost everybody. $343k midfielder Embley returns while Nic Naitanui gets his chance to impress in the ruck with another AFL run.

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

Hawthorn
Ins: Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson, Brendan Whitecross
Outs: Brent Renouf, Ryan Schoenmakers, Travis Tuck
Young $288k midfielder Whitecross returns, while Schoenmakers' omission is annoying one for over 15,000 DT coaches. No return for Liam Shiels.

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

Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, Saturday night, GABBA

Brisbane Lions
Ins: Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
Outs: Troy Selwood (shoulder), Tim Notting (omitted)
Still no Josh Drummond which is a huge worry for almost 30,000 DT coaches, although he should be back next week. $183k def Merrett's return is handy for some, while there's also still no Travis Johnstone or Bradd Dalziell.

B: Jason Roe, Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock
HB: Joel Patfull, 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: Ashley McGrath, Scott Harding, Jared Brennan, Sam Sheldon
Emg: Jack Redden, Matt Austin, Tim Notting

Melbourne
Ins: Matthew Warnock, Ricky Petterd
Outs: Kyle Cheney, Clint Bartram (omitted)
Popular $210k defender Cheney drops out while there's another game for young forwards Jack Watts ($150k) and Liam Jurrah ($126k).

B: Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Ricky Petterd
HB: Aaron Davey, Jared Rivers, James Frawley
C: Neville Jetta, Brock McLean, Jamie Bennell
HF: Russell Robertson, Brad Miller, Matthew Bate
F: Brad Green, Colin Sylvia, Liam Jurrah
Foll: Paul Johnson, Jack Grimes, Cameron Bruce
I/C: Brent Moloney, Cale Morton, Stefan Martin, Jack Watts
Emg: Nathan Jones, Lynden Dunn, Shane Valenti

Geelong v Port Adelaide, Sunday, Skilled Stadium

Geelong
Ins: Tom Harley, Simon Hogan, Mathew Stokes
Outs: -
Someone will have to drop out for Harley. Young $86k forward Hogan is named again in the 25 and will press for his third game this season.

B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Corey Enright, Tom Harley, James Kelly
C: Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson, Travis Varcoe
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Joel Corey
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Blake, Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood
I/C (from): Ryan Gamble, David Johnson, Shane Mumford, Max Rooke, Mathew Stokes, Simon Hogan, Harry Taylor

Port Adelaide
Ins: Matt Broadbent, Alipate Carlile, Jason Davenport, Nathan Krakouer, Nick Lower, Paul Stewart
Outs: Daniel Motlop (ankle), Marlon Motlop, Steven Salopek (omitted)
Cheap $308k midfielder Salopek cops the axe. Krakouer's return is good news for over 28,000 DT coaches. $86k mid Davenport could burst his bubble and play his 3rd game while $75k mid Danny Meyer gets another seniors run.

B: Michael Pettigrew, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Danny Meyer, Domenic Cassisi, Tom Logan
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Justin Westhoff
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Josh Carr, Jason Davenport, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower, Matthew Westhoff, Matthew Broadbent, Paul Stewart

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Sunday, MCG

North Melbourne
Ins: Liam Anthony, Todd Goldstein, David Hale, Brent Harvey, Ben Warren
Outs: Jack Ziebell (leg), Aaron Edwards (omitted)
Finally Anthony is named in the 22 much to the delight of over 13,000 DT coaches. Skipper Harvey is a handy inclusion too. Lindsay Thomas is named despite doubts on his fitness, while there's still no Daniel Wells.

B: Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson, Leigh Harding
HB: Daniel Pratt, Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson
C: Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey, Liam Anthony
HF: Scott McMahon, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Lachie Hansen
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Andrew Swallow, Adam Simpson
I/C (from): Daniel Harris, Sam Power, Gavin Urquhart, Ben Ross, Corey Jones, Todd Goldstein, Cruize Garlett

Western Bulldogs
Ins: Tim Callan, Sam Reid, Stephen Tiller
Outs: -
Gilbee is named in the 22 despite an ankle concern. He may drop out. $184k midfielder Reid is named in the 25 for his first AFL run of 2009.

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

St Kilda v Richmond, Sunday, Docklands

St Kilda
Ins: James Gwilt, Raphael Clarke, David Armitage
Outs: -
No major concerns from the Sainters.

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

Richmond
Ins: Jarrod Silvester, Jake King, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
Outs: -
Still no Mark Coughlan, Nathan Brown or Andrew Raines. $75k key defender Silvester is named in the 22 for his AFL debut.

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

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Ballentyne Set For Debut

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey has strongly hinted the highly-anticipated debut of $86k rookie forward Hayden Ballentyne will be this weekend against Collingwood.

Ballentyne's debut has been the subject of plenty of talk and speculation, but recent wrist and back injuries have delayed his first AFL game.

But now the youngster is fit and ready to play and Harvey has admitted he's a good chance for a run against the Pies at the MCG on Saturday.

"We've got a number of guys who we're looking at at the training session. Hayden's one of them."

Referring to the risk of rushing Ballantyne back after his recent injuries, Harvey added, "He plays at a really high tempo, so it wouldn't matter whether he played at WAFL level or AFL level, it would be the same risk.

"If you have a look at Collingwood, and possibly sides that have beaten them this year, sometimes a small forward can hurt them."

Many DT coaches have eyed off Ballentyne as a cheap forward to potentially replace injured Kangaroo Jack Ziebell.

Harvey didn't comment on whether other Dockers' youngsters Michael Walters ($86k mid/forward) and Clancee Pearce ($75k def) would play this weekend, but acknowledged Des Headland and Brett Peake were pushing for a game this Saturday.

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Gilbee Doubtful For Dogs

Western Bulldogs' popular $319k defender Lindsay Gilbee is a big doubt for this Sunday's match against North Melbourne after re-injuring his troublesome ankle at training.

Gilbee, who is owned by over 57,000 DT coaches, left the training track early at the Bulldogs' Wednesday session after hurting his ankle in a tackle.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said, "He got caught in a bit of a tackle. He hurt it again in Darwin, so it has been going on for a few weeks.

"There was some doubt on him anyway. It was the first day that he's trained; he didn't train at all last week, so I suppose there is some doubt now.

"I'll get a further update from the doctor later on, but the doctor did come out and say he's still hopeful he'll be able to play but it's obviously put him in some doubt.

"I'll wait to get an update but we're still hopeful he'll play. We'll certainly give him every chance and certainly name him, but we don't know at this stage."

Those comments suggest Gilbee is unlikely to face the Kangaroos and Eade floated Dylan Addison, Tim Callan or Sam Reid as possible replacements for the defender.

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Goodwin Won't Face Swans

Bad news today for the 20,000 DT coaches who own Adelaide's $336k mid/forward Simon Goodwin, after the Crows skipper was ruled out of Saturday's game against Sydney.

Goodwin, 32, strained a medial ligament in his knee against Essendon in Round 11 and has been struggling with the injury ever since.

Earlier in the week Goodwin was rated a 50-50 chance to face the Swans but it's been confirmed he'll miss out again.

"Goody has been trying to get himself up and he’s very diligent with what he does in trying to get right to play," Crows midfielder Nathan van Berlo revealed.

"Unfortunately, Simon’s not able to play this week, but as we showed last week there are a number of guys that can certainly come in, fill positions and play their role."

Adelaide did confirm $304k defender Graham Johncock and $286k forward Richard Douglas would be available for the Sydney game after both had illness last round.

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Hartlett To Miss Again

Highly rated Port Adelaide youngster Hamish Hartlett faces more time on the sidelines after re-injuring his hamstring at training this week.

The $212k midfielder, who's aggregate value has increased by $74k in his rookie AFL season, was sent for scans on Wednesday but is unlikely to be available for the Power's match against Geelong on Sunday.

The injury is another blow for the 16,000 patient DT coaches who own Hartlett, who hasn't played since Round 10.

Meanwhile, Port's $298k forward Warren Tredrea has a minor injury concern but should be okay for Sunday's game.

Tredrea has an infected finger which prevented him from training with the main group on Wednesday, but he seems confident he'll play.

Tredrea, who is owned by over 6,000 DT coaches, has averaged 77 DT points a game this season.

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Around The Grounds

• Brisbane's $327k defender Josh Drummond faces a rigorous test at Lions training on Thursday to prove his fitness after a calf injury. Should Drummond get through the session he'll play, as Lions assistant Adrian Fletcher said, "We pick our best side week in, week out and if Drummo is fit and we believe he can play his percentage of game time, we've got to pick the best side."

• Geelong captain Tom Harley, a $228k defender, will return to the Cats' side to face Port Adelaide this Sunday after a hamstring tear. Cats coach Mark Thompson said, "He's going to play this week - he's ticked all the boxes." It creates a dilemma for Geelong, as to who will drop out of the 22 which beat Freo last week.

• Hawthorn's $335k mid/defender Rick Ladson looks ready to finally play his first game of 2009 after a long-term knee injury. "To stake a claim for selection, they needed to train well today," Hawks footy manager Mark Evans said on Wednesday.

• St Kilda pair Leigh Fisher and David Armitage will both miss 2 weeks after picking up injuries in the VFL on the weekend. Fisher, a $162k defender, has a hamstring problem, while Armitage, a $244k midfielder, injured his shoulder. Neither has played an AFL match this season.
  

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