Turf toe sidelines Sandilands for 10

Updated June 11, 2012 16:58:42

Fremantle has received a big injury blow, with dominant ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a toe injury.

Sandilands was substituted in the first five minutes of the Dockers' game against Richmond on Saturday, and the club announced on Sunday that scans showed he had suffered a "turf toe" injury on his right foot.

The ruckman missed three months of football last season when he picked up a similar injury to the big toe on his left foot.

Sandilands will consult a specialist to determine whether the injury requires surgery.

In a statement, Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond said a medical report had confirmed a negative diagnosis.

"It's very disappointing for Aaron, the club and our members and supporters," Bond said.

"But as is always the case in these situations it provides a great opportunity for other players in the group to step up and take on the challenge created by Aaron's absence."

The Dockers will also miss defender Zac Dawson for at least one match after he strained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against the Tigers.

Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill will undergo a test after straining his ankle.

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First posted June 11, 2012 16:58:42

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Hall facing extended stint on sidelines

Updated June 1, 2011 12:58:00

Western Bulldogs veteran Barry Hall faces another injury-forced stint on the AFL sidelines, just one match after returning from a five-week break.

The 34-year-old made a dismal return from ankle surgery against Hawthorn on Sunday, with just two disposals and no goals, before being subbed off early in the second half.

Assistant coach Brett Montgomery, in charge of the Dogs' attack, said Hall had damaged the same ankle and was expected to miss Saturday's clash with Geelong.

Hall's absence could stretch for several games, as the Dogs plot a way to ensure he does not further aggravate the injury when he next returns.

"If the ankle doesn't come up quickly, that would suggest that he's going to need more than a couple of days," Montgomery said.

"We've had some intervention already. If he doesn't play this week, we'll have to sit down and formulate a plan, whether it's next week, the week after, we'll have to sit down and get into that."

Montgomery said the Dogs needed Hall fit and back in their attack.

In their six losses this season, they have scored less than 80 points.

Their struggling attack faces a huge challenge against the Cats, who have the competition's top-ranked defence, bolstered this season by the more defensive gameplan implemented by coach Chris Scott.

Montgomery said regular defender Tom Williams, who kicked two goals after being thrown forward last round, was likely to again play in attack.

James Mulligan, a 21-year-old tall defender, will be given an AFL debut.

Experienced backman Ryan Hargrave is likely to come back from a foot injury and full-back Brian Lake will retain his spot.

But Lindsay Gilbee, who failed to impress last weekend after being initially dropped then given a late reprieve, could again face the chop.

"We're not certain about that. He was lucky to get a game on the weekend," Montgomery said.

He was also unsure whether midfield star Adam Cooney, who had missed the past two rounds after struggling with knee soreness, was ready to resume, although he trained encouragingly on Wednesday.

"We'd get him in as quick as we can, but we want to be doing him justice and the team justice," Montgomery said.

"It's Wednesday, he needs a day to recover and then we'll weigh it up from there."

-AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, vic, footscray-3011

First posted June 1, 2011 12:53:00

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