The Adelaide Crows were dealt a major blow on Friday when last season’s leading goal kicker Tom Lynch went down with a dislocated shoulder.
The forward suffered the injury during the Adelaide’s final pre-season hit out against GWS, however Lynch wasn’t the only Crow now nursing a sore spot- Richard Douglas earned a trip to hospital for a hit to the groin, Andy Otten jarred his reconstructed right knee and Sam Shaw experienced some concerning hamstring tightness.
Douglas, Otten and Shaw are expected to be ready for round one against Geelong at Simonds Stadium, however Lynch is set for an extended spot on the sidelines where he will join Nathan van Berlo and Ricky Henderson, out with an Achilles and a broken leg respectively, watching from the stands against the Cats.
AFL Boss Andrew Demetriou Calling It A Day
Oft injured Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands has impressed so much during pre-season that Fremantle awarded the league’s tallest player a one-year extension to run until the end of the 2015 season.
The Dockers were crushed for a second time this pre-season by crosstown rival West Coast earlier in the week and have some serious concerns heading into next week’s season opener against Collingwood.
Nat Fyfe was a late withdrawal with a corked thigh, however speculation suggests the star midfielder is carrying a knee injury sustained in last month’s NAB Cup match against the Eagles. Chris Mayne and Clancee Pearce suited up but are just a few of the Dockers behind the eight ball courtesy of injury interrupted pre-seasons.
To compound matters further, Michael Walters could be scratched for the crucial test against the Magpies for a high hit on Eagle Brant Colledge. Walters was reported and will see his case go directly to the match review panel next week.
West Coast are in better shape after having run through Fremantle twice as part of an undefeated pre-season.
Nic Naitanui made his first appearance of 2014, coming on as a substitute late in the first half and registering nine possessions as a forward and ruck-rover.
Josh Kennedy kicked five goals while Sharrod Wellingham once again looked to be a difference maker after a troubled West Coast debut last year.
The Western Bulldogs are another team looking for an improved 2014 and took a positive step forward by defeating Carlton on Friday.
Injury plagued Shaun Higgins was among the best on ground with 33 touches as the Dogs ran out 17-point winners.
Tom Liberatore, Koby Stevens and Adam Cooney each fired in what looks to be a vastly improved midfield.
Kade Simpson was Carlton’s standout with 29 disposals while Collingwood recruit Dale Thomas notched a so-so 17 touches.
Brock McLean suffered a minor leg injury but is expected to be right for round one.
Geelong suffered a loss to North Melbourne on Friday, but the major positive was the form and health of Tom Hawkins.
The big forward struggled mightily to get his crook back in shape last year, but the Kangaroos loss represented his third straight pre-season outing, kicking three goals in the process.
Hamish McIntosh also managed his second game in 18 months and added a goal, 15 hit-outs and 14 possessions.
Josh Caddy looks primed for a massive 2014 while Matthew Stokes and Mitch Duncan also had prolific nights.
North were led by strong outings from Nick Dal Santo, Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
