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: The Crows have taken the expected conservative option with the Dangerfield injury – he is likely to miss at least two more. Laird had a heavy knock to the side of his neck but will be available. 

The Doc says: Hanley had surgery on Tuesday for a metacarpal fracture - most players miss 3-4 matches. Moloney is expected to be available. Golby has tight quad but should be available. Brown has ongoing hip soreness and won't be tested until late in the week but is reasonable chance to play. Black and Martin are unlikely this week. 

The Doc says: Waite has ongoing bone bruising after his round 15 knee strain. His training will be limited by soreness and possible swelling from the bone soreness, which often takes six weeks to fully resolve. The Blues will monitor his progress weekly but he may miss more than two. White sustained a C3 vertebrae fracture playing VFL but there is no associated spinal damage. He will make a full recovery after spending six weeks in a supportive neck brace.

The Doc says: Blair will be nursed carefully this week and is doubtful. Brown has had groin problems earlier this season and will need to convince the medical staff he is 100 per cent ready to play. Thomas is aiming for a round 20 or 21 return. 

The Doc says: Hocking is almost certain to return and Winderlich (hamstring) is an outside chance also. Zaharakis has a small fracture in his lumbar vertebrae but may get through a fitness test.
 

The Doc says: Sandilands has recovered from a respiratory virus and is expected to play, as is Suban who had a bleed in his calf before round 16. Ballantyne is rated an outside chance by the club but is still at risk.

The Doc says: Chapman remains a week-to-week prospect and may play VFL this week. Hunt was treated cautiously by the club and faces a fitness test later in the week. Christensen is an outside chance if not sore late in the week after testing.
 

The Doc says: Swallow has knee soreness and missed round 17 - is likely to return this week. Thompson will be limited after a new ankle sprain on the weekend. Lonergan is due for a NEAFL return. Hunt reinjured his calf at training and will miss another 2-3 weeks.

The Doc says: Scully missed last week but is likely return. Coniglio is expected to train fully but is still at risk. Gilham will face a full test late in the week.

The Doc says: Franklin is likely to return this week if he completes a full week in training and has no further fluid build-up in his knee. Mitchell (illness) should return. Anderson (hammy) should be available after playing in the VFL but lacks senior match readiness.

The Doc says: Garland has a left ankle ligament concern and is likely to miss. Clark has not recovered as expected from his latest foot surgery and will now focus on preparing for 2014. Macdonald and Stark are expected to be available but may play VFL.

 

The Doc says: Ziebell has a badly bruised right shin (fractured in 2009/2010) but is expected to play. No other new concerns from last weekend. 

The Doc says: No new injuries after the weekend's victory over St Kilda. One of the healthiest lists in the AFL.

 

The Doc says: The Tigers have a healthy list at present and have no new concerns from the weekend.

The Doc says: Roberton will undergo concussion monitoring tests all week but is doubtful. Armitage had a heavy head knock but was cleared to return. Schneider played VFL but probably needs more time before a senior recall. Geary may return if he trains well late in week. Milera broke his ankle in the VFL and had surgery – will be right for pre-season in October.

The Doc says: O'Keefe was subbed out with concussion and will be monitored all week before final testing –is likely to play. Shaw played at the lower level and probably needs more match conditioning. Goodes and Jetta are both recovering more slowly than initially predicted.

The Doc says: Shuey had a recurrence of right hamstring problem and will miss at least another three weeks. Waters is now having shoulder surgery and will not return this season. Kerr is likely to return after playing in the WAFL. Scott Selwood is a good chance to return.

The Doc says: Goodes had surgery on Sunday for a fracture of both the radius and ulna bones in his left forearm and will miss the remainder of 2013. Lower and Boyd may be ready to return to senior level – Lower more likely.