Buddy Doubt After MRP Verdict

Superstar and popular DT forward Lance Franklin could miss Round 22 after being handed a one-week suspension by the match review panel.

Franklin was charged with engaging in rough conduct after a hit on Richmond's Ben Cousins and the Hawk can accept a one-match ban.

It'll be a huge blow for plenty of DreamTeam coaches heading into the Grand Final, with forwards options depleted after injuries to Steve Johnson, Paul Chapman, Mitch Brown and maybe even Nick Riewoldt.

The Hawks look likely to challenge the decision leaving the door open for a late reprieve.

Also, Hawthorn have updated the status of Jaryd Roughead on their injury list to TBC, suggesting he could be a chance to play in this weekend's do-or-die match with the Bombers.

Read more »

Riewoldt To Miss DT GF?

St Kilda's gun forward Nick Riewoldt could be unavailable for the DreamTeam Grand Final due to a knee problem.

Riewoldt, a hugely popular DT player, had scans on his knee on Monday after hurting it in Sunday's loss to St Kilda.

The Saints star said, "It's pulled up a little sore this morning, so at this stage of the year they wanted to be really diligent.

"My knee feels really good and I obviously don't know the result of the scan yet, but I'd be very, very surprised if it was anything at all. I'm walking fine, so I just wanted to put that [speculation about my knee] to bed."

Read more »

Around The Grounds

• Adelaide pair Nathan Bock (heel) and Brett Burton (corked glute) could return for the Crows this week and, of course, the DT Grand Final. Adelaide's Jason Porplyzia said today, "It’d be great to have 'Bocky' and 'Bird' [Burton] back, if not this week, for the first final." Rob Shirley though, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

• Essendon livewire forward Alwyn Davey will miss the DT GF with a shoulder injury. Essendon footy manager Paul Hamilton said, "The results confirmed that Alwyn has a grade three injury to his shoulder which is fairly severe." The injury is a 2-4 week injury.

• Sydney forward Jarred Moore will also be unavailable for the DT GF after puncturing a lung and breaking 2 ribs. Fellow Swan Ryan O'Keefe said, "It’s a bit unlucky for Jarred. He would have loved to play in the game on Saturday night."

Read more »

Hayes Ready To Return

Popular Saints DT midfielder Lenny Hayes is likely to return just in time for the fantasy Grand Final.

Hayes missed the weekend's loss to North Melbourne as a late withdrawal.

The Saints midfielder said, "I’ll be right next weekend. I had a little bit of illness later in the week so I was probably a little bit touch and go up until the start of the game."

Luke Ball also might be a chance of a recall after good VFL form.

Hayes added, "He showed some good form for Sandy so I would like to see him back in the team but that’s not my decision. We’ll wait and see what happens at selection."

Read more »