The injury (and illness) curse struck again before the bounce last Saturday with midfielders Harley Bennell and Matt Shaw late withdrawals for the clash against Sydney. Bennell is battling a slight calf strain, whilst Shaw is suffering from a viral infection, and the pair are considered unlikely to face the Dockers at Metricon Stadium on the weekend.

Jack Leslie – 20 possessions, six marks and four rebound 50s

If Steven May fails to get up for this weekend’s clash with Fremantle, fellow key defender Jack Leslie could be recalled to fill the void. May was substituted out of the game against Sydney with an adductor strain in the third quarter and is considered unlikely to play. After playing in round seven and eight, Leslie was squeezed out of the back six, but he responded emphatically against the Swans reserves in the NEAFL.

Charlie Dixon – 15 possessions, five marks and 2 goals

Spearhead Charlie Dixon is set to return to the senior line up after serving his one-game suspension for breaching club standards. The 25-year-old didn’t dominate Sydney defenders Xavier Richards and Allir Allir, but he impressed with his effort in the reserves. Dixon’s return will undoubtedly be beneficial for Peter Wright who was forced to be the focal point at times last weekend when Tom Lynch went down back.

Nick Malceski – 18 possessions, nine rebound 50s and three marks

With two games under his belt in the NEAFL, rebounding defender Nick Malceski may be ready to return to AFL level after battling a persistent knee complaint. Rodney Eade said post-game that his prized recruit may need another run in the reserves, but with Fremantle coming to Metricon Stadium he might be inclined to inject Malceski back into his side.

Zac Smith – 29 hitouts, 17 possessions, six clearances and two goals

For the second consecutive week ruckman Zac Smith put his hand up for a recall to Eade’s side with a commanding performance. Against Sydney listed pair Tom Derickx and Toby Nankervis, Smith was the most influential ruckman on the ground. With Fremantle possessing the imposing Aaron Sandilands and the athletic Zac Clarke, the match committee may look to bolster their ruck division by pairing Smith with the in-form Tom Nicholls.

Tyrone Downie – 23 possessions, 11 tackles, eight clearances and five inside 50s

Mature-aged rookie Tyrone Downie has demonstrated his class inside 50 throughout his time on the Gold Coast, but against the Swans reserves on the weekend, the Bendigo product was damaging in the middle of the ground. Downie’s pressure on the opposition and potency around the stoppages could see him elevated off the rookie list.