News From The Reserves

- In the VFL, Casey Scorpions knocked off Coburg Tigers by 33 points this weekend, although most of Casey's Melbourne brigade were playing AFL with all their injury woes and tanking issues.

So for Coburg's Richmond bunch, Alex Rance was BOG, while Shane Tuck was excellent and Mark Coughlan and Graham Polak were amongst the best.

Werribee Tigers beat North Ballarat by 27 points this week, with both sides North Melbourne feeder clubs I'll take a conjoined look. For the Tigers, Leigh Adams and Nathan Grima were in the best, while for the Roosters, Cruize Garlett was BOG and Ed Lower wasn't bad either.

Northern Bullants smashed Bendigo Bombers by 74 points this weekend, with the Bullants' Carlton brigade in hot form. Cameron Cloke pressed his case for an AFL game with 6 goals and a best afield performance. Jeff Garlett got 3 snags too, while Andrew Walker returned with some touch with 38 disposals and Nick Stevens got 32 stats. Robbie Warnock also got through the game unscathed.

For Bendigo, with full-forward Matty Lloyd's injury there's a spot available and Jay Neagle got 2 snags and was in the best, so look out for him. Sam Lonergan got 2 and was in the best, while youngster Michael Quinn was the Bombers' best.

Sandy knocked off Williamstown by 26 points, with young Saint Tom Lynch impressive again with best afield. Luke Ball was also in the best for Sandringham, while Matt Maguire kicked a goal but wasn't amongst the best.

For Williamstown, Bulldogs bigman Wayne Skipper kicked one snagger and was amongst the best.

Box Hill pipped Port Melbourne by 8 points in an upset which was inspired by their young Hawks brigade of Hayden Kiel, Jarryd Morton (2 goals), Brendan Whitecross (2 goals), Travis Tuck and Cameron Stokes.

- In the SANFL, Norwood beat South Adelaide Panthers by 43 points with Adelaide's Taylor Walker dominant up forward with 7 goals and 4 behinds. Maybe he's a chance next week for the Crows.

The Eagles beat North Adelaide by 17 points, with Port Adelaide's Nick Salter kicking 7 snaggers there.

Sturt thrashed Port Magpies by 92 points, with Power veteran Peter Burgoyne amongst the best for the losers.

- In the WAFL, South Fremantle beat Subiaco by 19 points in a top-of-the-table clash with young Eagles forward Callum Wilson booting 4 crucial goals in Q4, with 5 overall for the game. Chad Fletcher had 31 touches for Subi. Eagles Adam Cockie and Tyson Stenglein both played for the Lions too, but weren't rated amongst the best.

In the only other game of WAFL this weekend, another Eagles forward Ben McKinley did okay kicking 5 majors as East Perth ran out easy winners down against Peel Thunder.

- In the QAFL, Brisbane Lions ressies beat Redland by 23 points with Aaron Cornelius outstanding with 7 goals. Ruckman Joel Tippett dominated the ruck, while Jason Roe was good down back. Troy Selwood was back from injury and played the match.

- In the Canberra AFL, Sydney Swans reserves had the bye.

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DT Round 17 Movers & Shakers

Okay another weekend done. And with finals fast-approaching, everyone's looking for a bargain with trades few and far between. There's also some forward carnage this week with injuries but we'll also keep tabs on a few ruck options here and there. Anyway, it is now mathematically impossible for DreamTeam to make the finals, so I'm hitting up some serious tanking and building for next season. But for all you finals-bound folk, here's the price important fluctuations.

For Collingwood, forward Alan Didak managed a nice score of 96 but he's actually on the slide following a weak one a few games back. Didak is down $28k to a nice $427k with a BE of 197 next week. Follow that name.

Other Pies worth notice, are mid Dane Swan (131) who slipped $800 so he's down to $498k and couldn't jump back above the magical $500k figure. Also def Heath Shaw (102) is in some form and good value up $16k to $340k with a BE of 58 next week.

For Carlton, midfielder Marc Murphy represents super value for me, despite a score of 111 his price is up just $600 to $373k which is top stuff. His BE is 82 next week, so get on while it lasts.

Also at Visy Park, mid Chris Judd (71) and mid Bryce Gibbs (92) are both on the slide so take a look at them with big BEs next weekend.

For Geelong, superstar midfielder Jimmy Bartel is sliding into wonderful, absolutely delicious value. He posted 94 this week but is down $16k to $396k. It's a result of a few injury worries but his BE is 171 next week. Monitor him, but I'd say get on that train soon.

Also at the Cattery, mid Joel Corey (111) is sliding down $14k to $399k, while mid Joel Selwood's (185) boat has sailed and he's up $38k to $406k.

For Hawthorn, it is official. Buddy is back! And seriously if you haven't got him, get aboard the Buddy train. Lance Franklin posted 118 this week and goes up $44k to a very affordable $313k. Get on, ASAP.

Other Hawkers worth a look are fwd Cyril Rioli (90) who I think is at a good price down $4k to $245k while mid Jordan Lewis (84) ain't bad down $8k to $378k.

For Fremantle, big gun forward Matty Pavlich is back fit and firing, and I'd take a fancy to his price if I hadn't sold him a few weeks back. Pav posted 136 against West Coast yet is down $2k to an affordable $359k.

Also for the Dockers, def Paul Duffield (64) is down $11k to $364k which is okay depending on his injury while def Clancee Pearce (64) is winning friends up $32k to $156k.

For West Coast, midfielder Matt Priddis is probably their best value player going around as he posted 107 in the derby yet is down $9k to a tasty $358k. Have a look.

Other Eagles worth mentioning are fwd Mark LeCras (75) who is ok value down $20k to $264k and young mid Pat McGinnity (56) bursts his bubble up $30k to $116k.

For the Brisbane Lions, the price of defender Josh Drummond (90) is quite lovely as he drops $5k to a tasty $309k. Take a look if you're after a handy defender.

Also from the Sunshine state, fwd Jonathon Brown (145) soars out of range up $28k to $395k and young mid Jack Redden (106) destroys his bubble up $59k to $145k.

For North Melbourne, I'm returning the ruck-watch, with Hamish McIntosh posting a 90 but going up $11k to a stiff price of $376k. It's a tad unaffordable.

Others from Arden Street worth a mention are mid Liam Anthony (89) up $40k to $251k (amazing stuff) and here's a rough one for ya, I think def Gavin Urquhart (103) ain't bad value up $9k to $224k. Worth a punt? Maybe not.

For St Kilda, gun midfielder Lenny Hayes is sliding into temptacious value. Hayes posted 99 on the weekend, yet is sliding down $22k to good value at $407k. His BE is 90 next week, so make your move now.

Also from Moorabin, Farren Ray (109) goes bananas up $44k to $351k and Jason Blake (133) destroys all reality up $31k to $318k.

For the Western Bulldogs, Brownlow Medallist midfielder Adam Cooney (61) ain't bad value down $9k to $381k, although he's been inconsistent this season. He is sliding, with a BE of 133 next week.

Others worth a note are Matty Boyd (140) up $14k to $421k and fwd Jason Akermanis (71) sliding down $12k to a nice $355k with a high BE next week.

For Sydney, midfielder Brett Kirk drops again down $30k to an affordable $335k following a score of 80. He's got a big BE of 122 next week, so if you're keen, wait a week.

Also from the Swannies, fwd Ryan O'Keefe (89) keeps going up with a rise of $2k up to $466k while Adam Goodes (70) slides again down $6k to $368k.

For Melbourne, forward Aaron Davey represents half-decent value following a score of 94. He's down $10k to $327k with a BE of 97 next week. Not bad.

Worth a mention elsewhere, is mid Cam Bruce (76) down $19k to $385k with a BE of 157 and fwd Liam Jurrah (51) who's up $13k to $213k which is quite upgradable.

For Richmond, The Footy Show's favourite forward Nathan Brown could be worth a risk. Brown scored 66 this week but goes down $23k to a nice $330k. With a BE of 139 next week, I'd wait, but monitor his progress.

Others worth a punt from Punt Road (pardon the pun-t!) include mid Benny Cousins (98) who's in hot form up $17k to $342k and def Jayden Post (78) who wins some friends up $34k to $157k.

For Essendon, midfielder Jobe Watson is sliding into juicy value after a few injury-affected weeks. His score of 68 on the weekend sees him down $22k to $308k. With a BE of 138 next week, he could go under $300k and be worth a look.

Also from Windy Hill, fwd Angus Monfries (83) I think is pretty cheap down $5k to $299k, while I've been going on about Andrew Welsh (119) for a while but his ship has left the port, as he's up $22k to $370k.

For Adelaide, gun midfielder Scott Thompson posted a score of 80 this weekend and slides into juicy value down $19k to $375k. With a BE of 135 next week, have a look.

Others worth a mention are fwd/mid Simon Goodwin (117) who's ship has almost sailed up $18k to $328k, while mid Chris Knights (117) is still an okay price up $3k at $340k.

For Port Adelaide, midfielder Travis Boak is down $17k to a very affordable price of $323k. He managed 80 this week and has a BE of 119 next round. Not bad, worth a look.

Also from the Port, midfield sensation Jason Davenport (82) is up $38k to $302k and def/mid Chad Cornes (72) is good value (depending on his injury) down $100 to $308k.

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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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DT Round 17 Sunday Teams

Melbourne v Sydney, Sunday, Manuka

Melbourne
Ins: Kyle Cheney, Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Michael Newton, Shane Valenti, Matthew Whelan, Jordie McKenzie
Outs: Brock McLean (knee), Mark Jamar (quad), Brad Green (scaphoid), Jack Grimes (back), James Frawley (back), Neville Jetta (flu), Russell Robertson (omitted)

B: Lynden Dunn, Matthew Warnock, Matthew Whelan
HB: Brent Moloney, Jared Rivers, Cameron Bruce
C: Clint Bartram, James McDonald, Aaron Davey
HF: Jamie Bennell, Michael Newton, Cale Morton
F: Brad Miller, Matthew Bate, Liam Jurrah
Foll: Stefan Martin, Ricky Petterd, Nathan Jones
I/C: Paul Johnson, Kyle Cheney, Jordie McKenzie, Shane Valenti
Emg: Rohan Bail, Jake Spencer, Simon Buckley

Sydney Swans
In: Amon Buchanan, Jarred Moore, Mike Pyke, Kristin Thornton
Out: Ted Richards (ribs), Paul Bevan, Craig Bird, Patrick Veszpremi (omitted)

B: Ed Barlow, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Craig Bolton
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Martin Mattner
C: Nick Smith, Brett Kirk, Jarrad McVeigh
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett
F: Jesse White, Michael O’Loughlin, Daniel Hannebery
Foll: Darren Jolly, Kieran Jack, Jude Bolton
I/C: Kristin Thornton, Mike Pyke, Amon Buchanan, Jarred Moore
Emg: Patrick Veszpremi, Craig Bird, Paul Bevan

Essendon v Richmond, Sunday, MCG

Essendon
Ins: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Angus Monfries
Outs: Sam Lonergan, Heath Hocking

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

Richmond
Ins: Ben Cousins, Trent Cotchin, Adam Pattison, Nathan Brown
Outs: Shane Tuck, Angus Graham, Mark Coughlan, Alex Rance

B: Jake King, Will Thursfield, Chris Newman
HB: Dean Polo , Luke McGuane, Matthew White
C: Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio
HF: Robin Nahas, Jack Riewoldt, Jayden Post
F: Nathan Brown, Mitch Morton, Ben Cousins
Foll: Tyrone Vickery, Daniel Jackson, Richard Tambling
I/C: Adam Pattison, Tom Hislop, Jordan McMahon, Jarrod Silvester
Emg: Adam Thomson, Mark Coughlan, Alex Rance

Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Sunday afternoon, AAMI

Adelaide
Ins: Nathan van Berlo, Rob Shirley
Outs: David Mackay (hamstring), Richard Douglas

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Brad Symes, Nathan Bock, Brent Reilly
C: Nathan van Berlo, Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield
HF: Bernie Vince, Scott Stevens, Andrew McLeod
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Chris Knights
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Michael Doughty
I/C: Robert Shirley, James Sellar, Brodie Martin, Brett Burton
Emg: Taylor Walker, Phil Davis, Richard Douglas

Port Adelaide
Ins: S Burgoyne, Chaplin
Outs: Matthew Boradbent, Nick Salter

B: Alipate Carlile, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Chad Cornes, Paul Stewart
C: Steven Salopek, Domenic Cassisi, Travis Boak
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Justin Westhoff
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Shaun Burgoyne, Troy Chaplin, Jason Davenport, Nick Lower
Emg: Matthew Broadbent, Hamish Hartlett, Nick Salter

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Grimes Should Be Back Soon

Melbourne claim outstanding young $347k defender Jack Grimes will miss just 1-2 weeks with a back injury.

Grimes, who is owned by almost 60,000 DT coaches, has been ruled out of this week's clash with Sydney due to the back complaint which has troubled him in the past.

Due to his history of back problems, many DT coaches have been worried about the latest setback but according to a report on the Demons website, Grimes should be back shortly.

The website said, "Rising Star Jack Grimes hyperextended his back after landing awkwardly from a marking contest last week and will miss 1-2 weeks."

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Around The Grounds

• Port Adelaide could be set for some late withdrawals this weekend with flu apparently amongst the squad this week. $253k ruckman Brendon Lade was rumoured to be a victim but Power assistant coach Adam Kingsley said, "Ladey's fine he's just been laid up in bed. We've had a couple of guys who have had the flu during the week so it's not ideal preparation, there's obviously a bit of it going around."

• Adelaide's $267k defender Scott Stevens will have to pass a late fitness test ahead of the Showdown this weekend. Stevens has a corked calf from the loss to St Kilda. Crows operations manager John Reid said, "He's (Stevens) had a problem but we expect him to be OK."

• Melbourne's $354k midfielder Brad Green will miss the rest of the season with a wrist injury. Green will undergo surgery to repair a fructured scaphoid bone on Tuesday as well as a broken knuckle in his right hand.

• Demons' $145k forward Jack Watts won't play again for at least another fortnight after chipping a bone in his thumb in the VFL.
  

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