Injury List – Rd15

Losing Beams is a big blow, but it could have been much worse. The strain in his AC joint is expected to take 3-4 weeks to heal. Bell will go in for surgery on his fractured and dislocated ankle on Thursday. – Michael Whiting

Elliott and Varcoe could return to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, while Wells will be sidelined for at least another week as he recovers from his latest calf problem. Sinclair is nearing a return from a long-term hamstring injury. – Ben Collins

Essendon is expecting to have Hooker back from injury after the important key forward missed last week’s loss to the Swans with a finger injury. He will need to get through training this week but the Bombers are confident the All Australian will be available. Laverde is also a chance to return, albeit through the VFL, after missing all of the season with an ankle injury he suffered in the JLT Community Series competition. Dashing half-back Conor McKenna will be fine to meet the Brisbane Lions on Sunday despite hurting his finger late in the defeat to Sydney. – Callum Twomey

The Dockers will test skipper Fyfe against but he is expected to return from a bruised sternum against the Saints, while veteran ruckman Sandilands could finally be back after missing the past month with hamstring tendon inflammation. Danyle Pearce hurt his calf playing for Peel at the weekend, but the injury was only minor. Bennell’s long-awaited comeback from calf trouble via Peel Thunder could only be a week away. – Travis King

All eyes will be on Ablett this week after he was a late scratching from the weekend’s game against St Kilda. The club is hopeful he’ll play this weekend, but the champion midfielder is no certainty. Kolodjashnij copped a big bump at training last Thursday and needs to undergo more testing, while Hall’s hamstring will keep him out a little longer. – Michael Whiting

Hogan is a chance to play his first game since round seven when the Dees take on the Swans on Friday night. The star forward will be tested this week to determine his availability. Garlett and Watts also face fitness tests. Viney has been declared a certain starter after hurting his shoulder during the clash with West Coast. – Ben Guthrie

McCartin’s head knock was on the lighter end of the scale but with the latest incident his sixth concussion since 2014, the Saints are treating him conservativly. McKenzie played on in the VFL after he copped a hit but was limited with his running. Wright is likely to return after an AC joint injury. Minchington played out the game for Sandringham with an ankle knock and will need to pass a fitness test. – Dinny Navaratnam

Aliir completed the Swans’ light session on Monday and if he gets through training on Wednesday should be available for selection, while Tippett and Cunningham are at least another week away, but will increase their training this week in a bid to be fit for round 16. – Adam Curley

Hurn, Kennedy and LeCras are all aiming to be back against Port Adelaide on Sunday week but none of that experienced trio is guaranteed to make it back to face the Power. Nelson and Venables have both stagnated in their recoveries and will be at least another week or two before resuming. – Travis King

Murphy will return for Saturday’s clash with West Coast if he passes a fitness test on his hamstring. A knee complaint is unlikely to keep Picken sidelined. – Ryan Davidson