with Dr Peter Larkins

Doc Larkins, footy's first and most respected media medico, gives his take on the injury lists of all 18 AFL clubs. He writes exclusively every week for AFL.com.au.

The Doc says: Vince will need to fully complete concussion protocol before being passed fit to play. Riley had a complicated ankle fracture and ligament repair, ending his season. Martin and Johnston (knee fracture from round six) may face full testing late in the week.

The Doc says: Moloney has a left calf strain and is doubtful for 2-3 weeks. Golby has rib and lung bruising and will likely miss. Black will be managed with care and may miss two weeks. 

The Doc says: Waite is a real concern after injuring his ACL reconstructed left knee – the club reports bone bruising only but they will monitor swelling and soreness over coming days. He is very doubtful this week. Betts (left hip pointer) will be limited all week and is only an outside chance if needed. 

The Doc says: Lynch and O'Brien are likely to be available, but only if internal issues are resolved with O'Brien. No other likely returns this round although Beams is an outside chance.
 

The Doc says: Watson (clavicle surgery) is likely to miss six weeks and will aim for a round 21 return. Stanton (ankle) will need treatment all week but could face a fitness test – is doubtful. Crameri is a reasonable chance.
 

The Doc says: McPharlin is a big loss with a high-grade calf injury and the club has conceded he will miss 5-6 weeks. Crozier is unlikely to return this week. 

The Doc says: Corey will face concussion-monitoring tests all week before being considered but the Cats usually adopt a conservative approach, especially with older players. Vardy is in a similar position. Varcoe (VFL) is on the cusp of a senior return – maybe this week or next. Chapman is edging closer to a match hit-out - most likely in VFL. Rivers (knee) is right for a senior return if needed. 

The Doc says: Ablett will be monitored all week but may not be risked yet. Hunt is more likely to play. Lonergan has been slowed down in his comeback. Dixon and Gorringe face full testing and should be OK. 

The Doc says: Coniglio is likely to be rested - no obvious returns although Brogan could play if needed.

The Doc says: Guerra should train fully and may press for selection testing. Ellis and Shiels need more time for rehab and graduated training increases. No other likely returns.  

The Doc says: Frawley (recurrent hammy) will be frustrated with more time out - more likely one to three weeks. Blease and McKenzie will face full tests later in the week.
 

The Doc says: Wood had surgery for an uncommon adolescent knee development problem (cartilage loosening) and will need six months of careful monitoring. There are no other new problems for the healthy North list. 

The Doc says: Pittard will be nursed all week after spending time on crutches after the match – the club is confident he will play but he must be doubtful. There are no other new concerns.
 

The Doc says: Ellis will face concussion monitoring all week. Jackson has a sore right ankle and will need treatment - he will be limited at training. Houli will most likely need more time after being a late withdrawal with a tight hammy. Maric may miss one more. 

The Doc says: Riewoldt is likely to return after resting his sore knee during the Saints' trip to Perth. Blake and Schneider should train fully this week and may be available - Blake is more likely. 

The Doc says: Frustrating setback for Reid (left quad recurrence) – he had already missed six games and now faces similar rehab time out. Xavier Richards (quad) will be nursed also. Shaw continues to be a week-to-week proposition to face a full fitness test. 

The Doc says: Waters succumbed to knee concerns and will miss 3-4 weeks after arthroscope surgery. Brennan will miss 1-2 games. Shuey, Kerr, A. Selwood and Butler are likely to return. 

The Doc says: Johannisen sustained a massive hit in the GWS game and required a right AC joint repair. He will miss the rest of season. Wood may play VFL level