Around The Grounds

--- Collingwood's $341k ruckman Josh Fraser is set to return to AFL footy after a knee injury. Pies onballer Dayne Beams said about Fraser (who is owned by over 23,000 DT coaches), “Josh got through training today and I think his knee’s pretty good. He’ll be up for selection this week and Pebs (Anthony Rocca) played another game in the VFL on Sunday and got through well and played well."

--- Despite reports to the contrary yesterday, there's some good news from Essendon about Dustin Fletcher and Patty Ryder. Bombers coach Matthew Knights said, "With Dustin, it looks like being better than first thought. The scans look like they're clear, and we'll assess him as the week goes on." Knights added about Ryder, "It's also better than we first thought. I think he's strained or hurt a popliteus [muscle] behind the knee, but he's going to be shorter rather than longer as well, preferably one week, but maybe two or three."

--- North Melbourne's $309k midfielder Daniel Wells has admitted his injury-plagued season is officially over with osteitis pubis his last problem. Wells told kangaroos.com.au, "There are only two games to go but thinking about it, I tried really hard to get back and play but it wasn't to be. That's it for the rest of the year."

--- Geelong's gun $466k forward Paul Chapman should be available for this weekend's clash with the Bulldogs after he was taken off the club's injury list. James Kelly (hamstring), Darren Milburn (ankle), David Wojcinski (ankle) and Max Rooke (knee) will all face tests while Travis Varcoe has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks with a shoulder injury.

--- The Western Bulldogs have revealed $352k midfielder Ryan Griffen will miss two weeks with a hamstring problem. Also Tom Williams (foot) will miss 2, while Daniel Cross (ankle) still another but Shaun Higgins should return, while Dan Giansiracusa is fit, but will come back via the VFL. Also Rob Murphy & Brad Johnson should be okay for this weekend despite picking up corked thighs in Brisbane.