Lloyd Gone Next Week, At Least

Essendon's $285k forward Matty Lloyd will miss next week and perhaps a few more games after sustained a heel injury in today's loss to Richmond.

Speaking after the game, Essendon coach Matty Knights said, "It's hard to know with those heels. I'm not that experienced myself with those injuries.

"Bruce Reid [club doctor] said it will be definitely next week, and couldn't guarantee the week after.

"It could be a little bit of time so we'll just wait and see."

Essendon travel across the Nullarbor next week to face the Eagles at Subi in Round 18.

Knights added Alwyn Davey was fine despite copping a heavy knock, while Jobe Watson and Mark McVeigh were 'a good chance' to play next week after receiving corked thighs.

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DT Round 17 Injury & Suspension News

Okay, you know the deal now, this section is our weekend rolling maul (to use a term from another sport). Basically, we'll keep you updated with all the injury and suspension news as they come, game by game, day by day, kick by kick, inch by inch. Anyway more importantly, enjoy your weekend and enjoy your DreamTeam!

Adelaide v Port Adelaide: Port's Dean Brogan was a late change with the flu and rib soreness. Adelaide's Andy Otten iced up with a thigh injury in Q3, Brodie Martin on and off the field with a knee worry. In Q4, Port's Troy Chaplin limped off with a nasty ankle problem and Chad Cornes shut down early with a knee worry.

Essendon v Richmond: Matty Lloyd struggled and ended up going off with a heel injury. Andrew Lovett copped a corked knee, while Tigers Jarrod Silvester went off in Q4 with a knee worry too but might be okay. Chris Newman has a knee complaint too.

Melbourne v Sydney: Amon Buchanan was a late withdrawal. There were knocks to Dees Kyle Cheney (calf) and Liam Jurrah (minor ankle injury).

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs: Popular defender Lindsay Gilbee is a late withdrawal due to 'personal reasons'. Shaun Higgins and Rob Murphy both ended up on the pine with hamstring injuries. Murphy's may have just been tightness.

Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne: no changes.

West Coast v Fremantle: Luke McPharlin was a late withdrawal for Freo. Brett Peake hurt his ankle but came back. Paul Duffield got hit hard and had his shoulder strapped. Freo's Tim Ruffles has a serious one, went off on a stretcher, maybe a season-ending knee injury.

Geelong v Hawthorn: Cats defender Matty Scarlett had a groin problem and was done for the game in Q2. Harry Taylor copped a heavy one and was struggling with a lower abdominal strain, while Hawk Jordan Lewis may be off to the tribunal this week for an off-the-ball incident.

Carlton v Collingwood: A late change for the Blues is defender Michael Jamison who drops out again with a groin. Brendon Fevola hurt his ankle which effected his output but the big worry is gun midfielder Chris Judd ended the game on the pine and limping with an ankle problem. Carlton's Chris Johnson also had a knee concern.

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Injury Update: Immediate Reaction

• Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade admitted Shaun Higgins hamstring injury today meant he'll probably miss two weeks. Eade also spoke about Rob Murphy saying, "It was sort of like a cramp and they were confident he would be able to get back on, but every time he started to run it started to cramp. He'll certainly miss next week, so we're hopeful there's no damage there and it will only be the one."

• Carlton coach Brett Ratten claims gun $386k midfielder Chris Judd will be fine to play next week despite finishing Friday's game on the pine and seen limping after the final siren. Ratten claims he rested Judd and he'll be okay to take on North next Friday.

• Fremantle coach Mark Harvey conceded the early signs were not encouraging for young $86k forward Tim Ruffles, after he had to be stretchered off in the Western Derby. The club is hopeful the youngster's knee injury isn't serious, but it doesn't look good.
  

• Harvey also acknowledged late withdrawal Luke McPharlin ($257k fwd/def) was rated only a 50-50 chance for next weekend's clash with the Western Bulldogs.

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