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: Sloane is doing well after an unusual retina tear and is a possibility to return this weekend but will not be fully assessed until Friday. Joyce needs arthroscopic surgery on both shoulders and will aim for return prior to Christmas. 

The Doc says: Brown has a rupture of the plantar fascia ligament, which supports the long arch in his left foot. He will have bleeding and swelling - the recovery is usually 4-6 weeks minimum so it is unlikely the Lions would risk playing him as he would be very limited even with pain killing injections. However, Brown has defied the odds in the past and played ahead of full recovery. Moloney has only missed one game and is unlikely this week. Black should be close.

The Doc says: Carrazzo has had yet another calf setback and will be nursed for at least 2-3 weeks. Waite and Ellard will train but both are unlikely to play.
 

The Doc says: Jolly (knee) is in line for a return to the seniors this week – perhaps Hudson (calf) also. Thomas is a possible round 22 return but probably will have a VFL run after such a lengthy time out (round seven surgery). No new concerns from the weekend.

The Doc says: A high-grade left hamstring tear sees Dempsey's season over – a major rehab challenge for the pre-season also. Winderlich will be tested late in the week but is a slim chance only.

The Doc says: Clancee Pearce may struggle to get back to the senior side before finals. Ibbotson is likely to miss one more week. McPharlin has missed seven weeks and will be badly short of match conditioning for a finals return.

The Doc says: Josh Hunt played last week but the club is still concerned with his on-going shin soreness. Hawkins has chronic back restriction but the Cats are confident he can continue to play in an effort to regain match fitness for finals. Chapman had a successful return in the VFL but needs more game time at the lower level. Christensen is due back too and also played in the VFL on the weekend.
 

The Doc says: No new injuries reported on the weekend. Hunt (six weeks) and Rischitelli (eight weeks) are due to train fully but both have missed a lot of footy and would struggle to play out full games.

The Doc says: No new injuries from the weekend. The Giants are doing surprisingly well on the injury front given the young playing group and the late stage in the season.

The Doc says: Hodge broke his right thumb early in the final quarter yet played out the game despite significant pain. Surgery will help stabilise the fracture but the healing time is still six weeks. He is likely to play in 2-3 weeks wearing a protective guard. Bailey should return from a bruised hip. Guerra had a right calf issue and will be nursed in training – may need a full test late in the week.

The Doc says: Dawes missed last week but is unlikely to risk his calf after ankle/calf problems earlier this season. Sellar is due to face a full test late in the week.

The Doc says: No new concerns after a good win over the Cats. Delaney was a late withdrawal and will still be limited this week – an outside chance only.

 The Doc says: Stewart sustained a season ending nasty break to his radius in the lower forearm and required surgery. Hombsch had a training collision that also ended his season. Ebert had scans on Tuesday but the club is uncertain as to how long he will miss – likely to be two games minimum.

The Doc says: No new concerns this week. King (round 17 hammy) needs more rehab time to avoid the risk of recurrence. Petterd is in a similar risk phase with a right adductor strain from round 18.

The Doc says: Stanley had a plate inserted for a clavicle fracture and will miss the rest of the year. The Saints have also begun their end-of-season surgery process with Siposs (shoulder reco) and Simpkin (muscle compartment release) having ops this week. There are no likely returns from the injury list this weekend.

The Doc says: No new injuries and no likely returns this week.

The Doc says: Priddis was a late withdrawal and is unlikely to be risked this week unless he trains at full pace all week. Masten was expected to miss at least two weeks so would be a surprise return. LeCras has missed two and is a good chance to return.

The Doc says: Boyd and Jones both missed round 19 – Jones is more likely to return this week. Lower is expected to pass concussion testing later in week.