Read up on the latest AFL injury news ahead of Round 17.
All 18 AFL clubs returned to action for the first time since Round 11 as the race for finals starts to heat up.
Collingwood are likely to be without John Noble and Beau McCreery for their highly anticipated clash with Essendon on Friday.
Richmond’s hands are tied as Dustin Martin’s back seized up on Sunday, putting him in doubt for their trip west.
Here’s all the latest injury news across the AFL…
Pies pair to miss
Collingwood duo Beau McCreery (calf) and John Noble (concussion) are unlikely to face Essendon on Friday night.
McCreery was subbed out of Saturday’s loss to Gold Coast with a calf complaint, while John Noble was sent for a head injury assessment (HIA) and subsequently entered concussion protocols.
Hawks skipper “looked uncomfortable” with shoulder
Hawthorn’s James Sicily is under another injury cloud following a marking contest that hampered his right shoulder.
Late in the third term, Sicily came off second best, looking like he dislocated his shoulder as he went straight down to the rooms.
The Hawks captain didn’t return to the ground given the game was beyond doubt for the club.
However, fears have grown given Sicily dislocated his shoulder in Round 8 and missed two games.
Martin “hand might be dealt”
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin may be forced out of the trip west due to a back issue he suffered in the loss to Carlton.
Coach Adem Yze has been clear that Martin will be managed at times throughout the season, and could now miss the clash with Fremantle.
The three-time Norm Smith medallist was subbed from the game in the third term.
“Whether this is a reason why he needs to miss because he’s got a tight back now, our hand might be dealt. If he bounces out of the game OK, there’s no reason why he can’t play against Freo,” Yze said post-game.
“We’ve just got to have those discussions and think about it more than anything… hopefully he’s OK.”
Richmond could regain midfielder Dion Prestia for Saturday’s clash at Optuys Stadium.
Carlton utility to miss, wait on ruckman
The Blues are likely to be without utility Matt Kennedy following a knee injury during the win against Richmond.
Kennedy hurt his knee during a ruck contest against Tiger Jacob Koschitzke in the final term and was taken into the rooms shortly after.
The former Giant has injured his MCL before and will be sent for scans to determine the damage.
As for ruckman Tom De Koning, coach Michael Voss believes he is in the frame to return against the Giants after being managed.
De Koning was a late withdrawal with general soreness and was replaced by Marc Pittonet.