Recovering Kennedy raises Eagles' hopes

West Coast star Josh Kennedy's swift recovery from ankle surgery has raised hopes he will be fit to play in the opening round of the AFL season.

Dons youngster may need ankle surgery

Essendon youngster Jordan Ridley was due to see a specialist on Tuesday morning to determine whether he needs ankle surgery following an injury at training last week.

Training camp cancelled after players consult AFLPA

Melbourne players sought counsel from the AFL Players' Association to have their pre-Christmas gruelling training camp called off.

Knee setbacks for Heeney and Henderson

Geelong defender Lachie Henderson and Sydney youngster Isaac Heeney have both experienced pre-season knee setbacks.

Scott Pendlebury has more surgery on injured finger

Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury has had to have another operation on his injured finger, but the club says it is no cause for concern.

Delayed start for Saints goalsneak after surgery

Injury-riddled youngsters Nathan Freeman, Paddy McCartin and Hugh Goddard are all expected to hit the ground running when St Kilda commence pre-season training next Wednesday, however goal sneak Jade Gresham is set for a slower start after having surgery last month.

Crows forward, Cats backman to be assessed ahead of prelim

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Geelong defender Tom Stewart and Adelaide forward Mitch McGovern were both set for tests this week to determine their availability for Friday night's preliminary final at Adelaide Oval.

Geelong defenders' Lonergan pact

Geelong's defenders made a pact before Friday night's semi-final against Sydney to ensure the curtain didn't fall on Tom Lonergan's career in the veteran backman's absence.

Lions' Beams, Rockliff booked for surgery

Brisbane have paid tribute to leaders Dayne Beams and Tom Rockliff for defying the pain barrier after booking the Lions stars into end of season shoulder surgery.

Injured Bomber Fantasia aiming for finals

Essendon are cautiously optimistic that livewire forward Orazio Fantasia will be available if they reach the finals.

Lions cub Skinner needs third knee reco

Brisbane youngster Sam Skinner faces another lengthy stint on the sidelines after enduring his third ruptured ACL.

Dogs' fate in the lap of the gods, says Beveridge

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge acknowledged that the reigning premiers' destiny in 2017 was out of their hands after the Dogs conceded the last five goals of the game in a 17-point loss to Port Adelaide in Ballarat on Saturday.

De Goey out for season, doubt around Viney

Adelaide captain Taylor Walker and star onballer Rory Sloane will aim to prove their fitness on Wednesday ahead of Friday's AFL blockbuster against Sydney.

Key Bulldogs poised to return

With their season on the line, the Western Bulldogs are poised to be buoyed by the return of Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen and premiership hero Dale Morris for Saturday's match against Port Adelaide in Ballarat, providing the pair get through training later in the week.

Riewoldt out of Saints clash with Melbourne

St Kilda have ruled out Nick Riewoldt of Sunday's do-or-die clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

No knife through Wood, Boyd to announce retirement

The Western Bulldogs are confident premiership captain Easton Wood will be fit to play in the finals if the club makes it that far after deeming that the defender does not need hamstring surgery.

Laws committee set to tackle the tackle

AFL panel to look at big 'grey area' in controversial rule as issue reaches another flashpoint after Roo Ben Brown was concussed by flying Pie Brodie Grundy.

Coaches at odds over 'perfect' Grundy tackle

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Brad Scott and Nathan Buckley at odds over a tackle from Pies ruckman Brodie Grundy that left Ben Brown in hospital.

Riewoldt confident of taking on Hawthorn

Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt is very confident he will be able to line up against Hawthorn on Sunday at the MCG after suffering a nasty eye injury last week at training.

Cats keep Motlop, Menzel sidelined for up to a month

Steven Motlop and Daniel Menzel could miss three or four AFL matches as Geelong aim to ensure they are ready for the finals.

Demons hopeful Hogan will have an impact this season after successful surgery

Melbourne are not putting a timeframe on Jesse Hogan's return to the field but they are hopeful the gun young forward will still have an impact this season after having collarbone surgery.

Hopes remain of Hogan returning this year

Jesse Hogan faces surgery for a broken collarbone on Sunday, but Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says his young star was still upbeat, with hopes remaining that the forward can return this season.

Eye of the Tiger: Training mishap sidelines Riewoldt

A freak eye injury will keep Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt sidelined for at least one match as the Tigers look to consolidate their top four spot.

Dion Prestia sidelined for Tigers

Richmond will rest Dion Prestia for Saturday's AFL clash with Gold Coast after his troublesome knee flared up again.