Barometer: whoâ€™s hot, whoâ€™s not?

Dr Peter Larkins talks us through all the big injuries from round seven of the AFL.

Jarrad Waite is needed by the Blues when they face St Kilda. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: News Corp Australia

INJURIES

Brad Crouch (leg) 1-2 weeks

Patrick Dangerfield (ankle) test

Ricky Henderson (leg) 3-4 months

Matt Jaensch (ribs) TBC

Tom Lynch (broken jaw) 4-6 weeks

Jack Osborn (back) 1 week

Jason Porplyzia (back) test

Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) 3-4 months

THE DAY I RAN INTO PLUGGER: FORMER CROW

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Sit and stew. That's what the Crows must do for almost two long weeks after suffering their most disappointing loss of the year. The loss to the Dees has hit the Crows for six, Brenton Sanderson's men slumping to 3-4 when they were supposed to continue their momentum with another win before taking a week off. The unlucky Tom Lynch's absence is another bitter pill to swallow, although at least Tex Walker — who booted four goals in the SANFL at the weekend — will be back. Still, one man can't make the difference for the Crows, who must wait for Collingwood on May 15, with fire in their bellies, before a chance at redemption.

Pearce Hanley was sorely missed by the Lions at the weekend. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

BRISBANE

INJURIES

Claye Beams (foot) 1 week

Jonathan Brown (soreness) test

Pearce Hanley (back) test

Matthew Leuenberger (knee) 10-12 weeks

Stefan Martin (back) test

Ash McGrath (calf) 2-3 weeks

Sam Michael (hamstring) test

Daniel Rich (knee) season

Brent Staker (calf) indefinite

Patrick Weardon (ankle) 10 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Luke McGuane had another quiet game. Rohan Bewick was subbed off after struggling, while Mitch Golby (starting sub) and James Polkinghorne will also battle to keep their place.

PHYSICALLY-ILL ROCKLIFF SETS EXAMPLE FOR TEAMMATES

ON THE CUSP: Jonathan Brown should come straight back into the team and straighten up Justin Leppistch's side, while all at the Gabba will be desperate for Pearce Hanley to overcome his back injury in time to face the Bombers. Brent Moloney has had a back/hamstring issue and the Lions may consider bringing him in if he's over that. Brisbane's reserve grade side had a bye at the weekend, so those just underneath couldn't further push their claims or gain extra match fitness. Jordan Lisle was solid a couple of weeks back. Jackson Paine, Ryan Harwood and rookie Zac O'Brien — if upgraded after a recent standout performance in the twos — could all come into calculations.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: A deflating 79-point loss for the Lions just a week after their breakthrough win against the Saints. But the result was perhaps always on the cards given the Swans' recent resurgence, plus the Lions' mounting injury list. This week Brisbane is again on home soil, against an Essendon side struggling to find its best. Leppitsch's men will need to get on top early to be any chance.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse addresses the media after his side's 104-70 loss to Collingwood.

CARLTON

INJURIES

Andrew Carrazzo (back) test

Ed Curnow (broken leg) 4 weeks

David Ellard (calf) test

Chris Judd (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Matthew Kreuzer (foot) 8-10 weeks

Jarrad Waite (hamstring) test

Chris Yarran (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Blues were hammered for much of the night, so Mick Malthouse is likely to swing the axe. But who cops the brunt? Jeff Garlett, quiet again, could return to the VFL, while sub Kane Lucas could be on borrowed time. Sam Rowe also could be on the outer this week.

TRADE IN BRYCE? SHAW SAYS YES

ON THE CUSP: All eyes will be on star Jarrad Waite as the Blues prepare for their Mother's Day clash with the Saints. he, along with Andrew Carrazzo, was a late withdrawal. Both would be welcome additions. David Ellard could return, while the Northern Blues' best featured some likely types. Young midfielder Patrick Cripps, Jaryd Cachia and Dennis Armfield stood out in the reserves' close loss, while Cameron Wood continues to impress.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: The Blues are on a hiding to nothing in Round 8. Facing a team coming off a 145-point drubbing (St Kilda), the heat will be squarely on Mick's men when they run out at Etihad Stadium. There will again be changes at selection, with the Blues desperately needing a functioning forward line. The loss to the Pies ended up looking respectable thanks to an eight-goal last quarter. Expect the shackles to be off as the Blues try to get that free-flowing footy — that we saw late against the Pies — going from the first bounce.

Collingwood midfielder Dane Swan believes the Pies are genuine contenders for this year's AFL flag but insists there is still plenty of work to do.

COLLINGWOOD (bye this week)

INJURIES

Alex Fasolo (foot) test

Nathan Freeman (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Corey Gault (collarbone) 7-9 weeks

Quinten Lynch (leg) 5-7 weeks

Adam Oxley (ankle) 1 week

Ben Reid (calf) test

Matthew Scharenberg (feet) indefinite

Ben Sinclair (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Sam Dwyer (knee) TBC

Nick Maxwell (back) test

Clinton Young (leg) test

Alan Toovey (hamstring) test

BUCKS BUOYED BY YOUNG PIES

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: The Pies are back inside the top four — and they look like they might stay there for a while. The hunger and relentless defensive pressure that made them such a brilliant side earlier this decade has returned. But it is their younger players, such as Tom Langdon, Taylor Adams and Jack Frost, who have revitalised the side and given it a breath of fresh air. They will enjoy the week off, however, as the injuries are starting to mount. But at the same time, those injuries have not taken a toll, which is a credit to the Pies' depth.

Tom Bellchambers is nearing a return. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

ESSENDON

INJURIES

Alex Browne (knee) season

Will Hams (hip) 1-2 weeks

Elliott Kavanagh (hamstring) test

Nick Kommer (knee) 2-3 weeks

Jackson Merrett (corked thigh) test

David Myers (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Jason Winderlich (knee) test

ON THE BLOCK: Mark Thompson indicated he was happier with Jake Carlisle, so he looks likely to stay. The coach has said he'll change up his side this season in a bid to keep the side fresh, so there could be changes. Jason Ashby and Jackson Merrett loom as the most likely omissions, while the medicos will decide if Jason Winderlich plays.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Bellchambers has played a couple in the VFL now and will be right in the frame for a call up, despite a quiet day against Sandringham at the weekend. Travis Colyer impressed in the VFL loss while fellow midfielders Kurt Aylett and Nick O'Brien thrust their names forward with polished displays. Kyle Hardingham booted three and will also be in contention for a recall.

CARLISLE 'TURNING THE CORNER': BOMBER

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: It was a must-win clash for the Bombers against the Bulldogs, and they scrounged their way to the four points. The victory gave Essendon a 3-4 ledger and if they get the job done against Brisbane — which they should — suddenly the top eight isn't far off at all. The Bombers aren't playing great footy, but if they can get through this patch and rest up during the bye they'll be happy enough to make an assault during the middle of the year.

Fremantle grab another victory over West Coast, maintaining their dominance in the western derby

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Michael Apeness (adductor) test

Zac Dawson (ankle) TBC

Colin Sylvia (suspended) 1 week

Max Duffy (shoulder) 2-3 weeks

Scott Gumbleton (hamstring) 4-6 weeks

Stephen Hill (hamstring) test

Sam Menegola (knee) test

Alex Pearce (shin) 1 week

Tanner Smith (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Michael Walters (ankle) 12-16 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to diss too many from a winning Derby side, as the Dockers had a bit of mongrel back after a sub-par month. Hayden Crozier may be vulnerable if Ross Lyon makes changes, while Clancee Pearce is another who can be on the fringes.

DOCKERS HOPEFUL ON HILL

ON THE CUSP: Stephen Hill suffered a minor hamstring injury at training last week and is believed to be touch and go for Round 8. But the Dockers travel to Adelaide this week to take on the hardest-running side in the competition, so there's a big question mark over whether Freo rolls the dice with their silky wingman. Garrick Ibbotson and Kepler Bradley were both OK for Peel Thunder at the weekend and could come under consideration.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Doesn't 4-3 look a helluva lot better than 3-4? Freo's win over the Eagles has them sitting sixth on the table and their finger off the panic button. Sunday's win was more like the Freo of 2013, given the pressure on display from the Purple Haze, although Derbies tend to bring out that ferociousness in players. Perhaps a bigger test of where the Dockers are at will come this week — a six-day break against Port Adelaide in the city of churches. On form, the Power has to start favourites.

Chris Scott discusses his side's narrow win over Richmond

GEELONG (bye this week)

INJURIES

Zac Bates (hamstring) 3-5 weeks

Josh Caddy (foot) 6-8 weeks

Allen Christensen (back) 4-6 weeks

Shane Kersten (knee) 4-6 weeks

Andrew Mackie (hamstring) test

Lincoln McCarthy (back) test

Daniel Menzel (knee) indefinite

Billie Smedts (leg fracture) test

Nathan Vardy (knee) season

SCOTT SATISFIED AHEAD OF CATS' BREAK

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: Coach Chris Scott said he would have loved to have been 7-0 by now. Greedy, much? Most fans of any club would take six wins from seven games. Nonetheless, it has been an intense yet outstanding opening to 2014 for the Cats, who will enjoy putting their feet up this weekend. They had control for most of the game against Richmond on Sunday, but simply struggled to put their spirited opposition away. Another a mini wake-up call perhaps, following a massive one seven days earlier via Port Adelaide.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna gives Gary Ablett a pat on the head after the club's breakthrough win at Etihad Stadium against North Melbourne. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

GOLD COAST (bye this week)

INJURIES

Clay Cameron (shoulder) 2-3 weeks

Tom Nicholls (knee - PCL) TBC

Jack Martin (shoulder) indefinite

Zac Smith (knee) indefinite

Andrew Boston (ankle) indefinite

WIN OUR BEST EVER: McKENNA

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: They've arrived. Those that think the Suns in the eight is just a passing fad might want to skip ahead in the fixture. It looks as though they'll be here for some time yet — and who knows, possibly for the remainder of 2014. After a well-earned bye the Gold Coast faces St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide (in Adelaide) — three very winnable matches for a team growing in confidence, seemingly by the week. Guy McKenna's side plays attractive footy, has a midfield that can match most (and will one day likely be the envy of all) and have forward targets that aren't spoken about like their southern rivals (GWS) but looked every bit as good on Sunday. Exciting times ahead.

GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron says he wasn't too disheartened by Saturday's defeat to Port Adelaide, commending his side's fightback in the final quarter.

GWS

INJURIES

Jeremy Cameron (ear) 1 week

Phil Davis (kidney) indefinite

Shane Mumford (knee) 1 week

Tim Mohr (knee) 1 week

Sam Schulz (shoulder) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Jeremy Cameron is unavailable for Sunday's match against West Coast because a recent inner ear injury means he cannot fly for three more weeks. Jed Lamb, Jono O'Rourke and Matthew Buntine will face selection pressure from within a strong reserves outfit.

ON THE CUSP: In the absence of Cameron, Tom Boyd is the logical replacement after being dropped from the senior side after the Round 6 loss to Gold Coast. Lachie Whitfield made a successful return from injury in the NEAFL, where Liam Sumner kicked three goals and Lachie Plowman and Jacob Townsend were named among the best players. Tom Bugg and Zac Williams remain in the mix, but Shane Mumford is not likely to play until after the Round 9 bye.

GROUNDED JEZZA TO MISS EAGLES CLASH

ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: The Giants can be proud of their effort against the form side of the competition. They were competitive for large periods of the match against Port Adelaide, but went to sleep for short periods and leaked numerous goals. Jeremy Cameron will be a big loss for the trip West, but it should give Jon Patton and Tom Boyd — if selected — a chance to have the run of the forward line. It will be a huge challenge, but West Coast aren't in great form and the Giants are capable if things click into gear like they did in Round 1 against Sydney.

Sam Mitchell looks likely to miss a couple of weeks with a calf injury. Source: News Corp Australia

HAWTHORN

INJURIES

Jed Anderson (shoulder) indefinite

Brad Sewell (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Liam Shiels (shoulder) 1-2 weeks

Matt Spangher (ankle) 2 weeks

Sam Mitchell (hamstring tendon) 8 weeks

Brian Lake (calf) 3-4 weeks

Brendan Whitecross (knee) indefinite

Will Langford (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: After a 145-point win it is hard to see the Hawks making any changes to their line-up based on form, however they have some injury concerns. Sam Mitchell and Brian Lake are unavailable for Friday night's clash with Sydney after sustaining soft-tissue injuries on Saturday.

DOUBLE INJURY BLOW FOR HAWKS

ON THE CUSP: Ben Stratton and Jonathan Simpkin were omitted from the Hawthorn side following the Round 6 win over Richmond and loom as the logical replacements for Mitchell and Lake. Simpkin was named best on ground for Box Hill on the weekend and Stratton was the emergency for the AFL side. Kyle Cheney was also among the best players in the VFL and may come into contention.

ADAM BALDWIN'S FORECAST: Since the loss to Geelong, Hawthorn has enjoyed two pretty soft kills since. Sydney is a greatly improved side over the past month and will present a much greater challenge. A lot of the focus this week will be around whether Buddy plays, but Hawthorn will also take a keen interest in the availability of Kurt Tippett. If Sydney present a forward line with Franklin, Tippett and Sam Reid, then the loss of Brian Lake begins to hurt all the more. The midfield battle will be crucial and the Hawks will need to find someone to fill a defensive role if Will Langford doesn't play and in the absence of Liam Shiels. The Hawks will start favourites and rightly so, but they are a little vulnerable.

Melbourne held on to claim a morale-boosting victory over Adelaide Crows on Saturday night.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

James Frawley (toe) test

Jesse Hogan (back) indefinite

Viv Michie (jaw) 1 week

Jack Trengove (foot) season

Max King (leg) 4-6 weeks

Jack Watts (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to knock Alex Georgiou after that heavy head clash he suffered in the first quarter against Adelaide. Ultimately, though, he was subbed out of the game with five disposals. His replacement, Christian Salem, only had three touches, but he is an exciting prospect. Defender James Frawley is in doubt for next week's game due to a toe injury.

ON THE CUSP: It was the Demons' big men who shone during Casey Scorpions' loss in the VFL on Sunday. Jack Fitzpatrick was a strong presence up forward and pinch hitting in the ruck, while Colin Garland looked to have recovered from his leg injury with a solid performance in defence. Sam Blease and Mitch Clisby racked up plenty of the footy across half-back, while Jimmy Toumpas was influential through the midfield.

OH, WHAT A FINE WEEKEND FOR BERNIE

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: Has 'a grand old flag' ever been belted out so vociferously? The win over Adelaide on Saturday night was a ripper. It breathed new life into a club that has experienced little joy over the past eight seasons. Chris Dawes went from second fiddle to principal violin, while recruits Dom Tyson and Bernie Vince led the midfield superbly. Surprisingly, the Dees have been excellent at restricting teams to low scores this season, only conceding an average of 78 points per game. With the Western Bulldogs — Melbourne's upcoming opponent — bereft of confidence after three consecutive losses, the Dees will head into Saturday night's clash with a strong belief they can win.

North Melbourne Kangaroos coach Brad Scott has criticised his team's inability to start games on the front foot, while Gold Coast Suns coach Guy McKenna has praised his side for their win over the Kangaroos.

NORTH MELBOURNE (bye this week)

INJURIES

Ben Brown (knee) test

Tom Curran (foot) indefinite

Cam Delaney (foot) test

Jamie McMillan (broken leg) 1-2 weeks

Robbie Tarrant (lower leg) test

Daniel Wells (foot) test

WE CAN'T WORK IT OUT: SCOTT

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Sunday's loss was disappointing, no doubt. But let's not get carried away either. North was flat, butchered the ball and simply failed to launch attacks with any venom. But thanks to recent road wins the Kangaroos remain poised at 4-3 and within striking distance of the top four. They boast depth in the midfield and down back. Not sold on the forward set up (three similar-type athletic talls) as it's not working well enough for long enough in games. Expect North to exorcise its demons and bounce back hard after the bye, starting with Brisbane in Round 9.

Port Adelaide maintained their impressive start to the 2014 season, claiming a 35-point win over GWS in Canberra.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES

Jarrad Redden (knee) 3-4 weeks

Sam Russell (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Lewis Stevenson (toe) 4-5 weeks

Mason Shaw (wrist) 1-2 weeks

Sam Colquhoun (knee) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Jarman Impey has been in this section for a few weeks now. After collecting four disposals as the sub against the Giants on Saturday, is it time the popular SuperCoach pick has a stint in the SANFL? Tom Jonas re-signed with the Power last week, but had little impact with seven disposals in Canberra.

POWER FORWARD LINE SHAPING UP

ON THE CUSP: Hamish Hartlett and Alipate Carlile were late withdrawals against the Giants due to the flu, but both should come straight back into the side this weekend. In the SANFL, the charismatic Kane Mitchell put his hand up for AFL selection, collecting 31 disposals and six clearances in a best on ground display. Tom Logan also impressed, providing ample run and carry and accurate delivery heading inside forward 50.

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: Ken Hinkley's men did what they had to do against GWS to claim the four points. Jared Polec continues to put his hand up for recruit of the year, while Robbie Gray is fit and turning into the player most pundits thought he would become. At the 'Portress', the Power will go in as favourites against Fremantle. Their tall forwards — Jay Schulz in particular — are in superb touch and could be too hard for the Dockers' defenders to match up on.

The Tigers can't wait for Ivan Maric to return. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

RICHMOND (bye this week)

INJURIES

Jake King (toe) 8-10 weeks

Chris Newman (calf) 3-4 weeks

Chris Knights (knee soreness) test

Ivan Maric (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Matt Thomas (knee) test

RICHMOND COACH DAMIEN HARDWICK IS THE SPECIAL GUEST ON THE COUCH TONIGHT — 8.30 PM ON FOX FOOTY

HARDWICK WANTS SAME ATTITUDE NEXT WEEK

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Another defeat, but the Richmond that turned up at the MCG on Sunday looked remarkably like the version that almost made the top four in 2013. Brett Deledio added dash but Alex Rance was an even bigger inclusion as he repelled repeated Geelong attacks and teammates grew in confidence around him. The fact "next step needed" players Reece Conca, Brandon Ellis, Nick Vlastuin and even Ty Vickery were among the Tigers' best is another good sign. Both the seniors and VFL sides have the bye next week so there won't be much movement from here on selection for Round 9. Chris Newman's injury could open the door for Ben Lennon to come into the 22 in Round after being an emergency the past two weeks. The Tigers' top draft pick was very good again in the VFL as Richmond belted the Cats at Punt Rd. Ben Griffiths (four goals), Nathan Foley and Ricky Petterd (30 disposals each) put up their hands for recalls while Anthony Miles has a mortgage on Jake King's spot on the senior list after another 37 disposals and 12 clearances. The top eight is a long way off but the fixture (Melbourne and GWS following the bye, then huge games against Essendon and North Melbourne) offers the chance to get something going in the middle third of the season — if Richmond can reproduce the intensity, effort and run shown in the second half against the Cats.

St. Kilda's Jarryn Geary suffered a serious elbow injury against the Hawks. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

ST KILDA

INJURIES

David Armitage (leg) 2-3 weeks

Sam Gilbert (foot) 10 weeks

Lewis Pierce (back) 2 weeks

Nathan Wright (broken leg) 10 weeks

Eli Templeton (broken arm) indefinite

Jarryn Geary (elbow) 10-12 weeks

Tom Hickey (foot) 10-12 weeks

Sam Fisher (hamstring) test

Luke Dunstan (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: Could the weekend have gone any worse for the Saints? A 145-point defeat, long-term injuries to ruckman Tom Hickey and underrated defender Jarryn Geary and, just to top it off, Sam Fisher came off in the first 10 minutes of Sunday's VFL game with hamstring tightness and didn't return. The forced changes mean it will be hard to drop too many based on form, which will save a few after some very ordinary performances — 16 St Kilda players couldn't break the 60 SuperCoach point barrier. Shane Savage managed only eight disposals against his old side and could be first in the gun.

CAVEN: THE DAY I RAN INTO PLUGGER

ON THE CUSP: Luke Dunstan should be right after clashing heads with Daniel Markworth at training on Thursday, and here's another positive — the Saints' VFL affiliate Sandringham is unbeaten after coming from 20 points down at three-quarter time to defeat Essendon on Sunday. Sam Dunell (15 disposals, two goals) and Arryn Siposs (20 disposals, three goals) both played key roles in the win and Seb Ross picked up 32 disposals and two goals. A left-field wildcard could be rookie Jason Holmes — the rapidly improving former US college basketballer won the VFL ruck battle against Tom Bellchambers and the Saints (a) are light on for rucks and (b)

have openings for rookies with several candidates for the long-term injury list. It's unlikely, but could be fun to watch if it happens.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The silver lining from a horror weekend is that next up is Carlton, a side that was almost as bad on Friday night (for three quarters, anyway) as St Kilda was the next day. It is also a team against whom the Saints have won four of their past five matches, including the past two instalments of the annual Monday night fixture. A return to Etihad Stadium will also be welcomed, especially by Nick Riewoldt, who has kicked only one goal in the past two weeks after 17 in the first five rounds. But the injuries will make it a tough few months ahead.

Sydney Swans soared to a 123-44 win over a lacklustre Brisbane Lions outfit on Saturday night to cement their place in the top eight.

SYDNEY

INJURIES

Sam Naismith (knee) 2-4 weeks

Alex Johnson (knee) season

Kurt Tippett (knee/ribs) test

Lewis Jetta (groin) test

Lance Franklin (knee) test

Mike Pyke (hamstring) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: A pretty complete performance by the Swans against the Lions on Saturday, with every player contributing in some capacity. However first-choice ruckman Mike Pyke was subbed out of the game with a hamstring injury just before half-time. He could miss several weeks.

SWANS COULD UNLEASH DREAM TEAM

ON THE CUSP: The Swans' dream team forward line could be united for the first time this season, with Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett possibly set to join Sam Reid inside forward 50. Sydney's NEAFL side had the bye on the weekend.

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: It has taken John Longmire's men a little while to get going, but the Swans have won their past three and are slowly playing themselves back into form. Yes it was against Brisbane, but the midfield was outstanding, with Kieran Jack (26 disposals), Josh Kennedy (34), Jarrad McVeigh (35) and Dan Hannebery (31) collecting plenty of the footy. However we will get a real sense of where the Swans are at on Friday night against the rampaging Hawks. The good news is they might have the forward line dream team — Franklin, Tippett and Reid — all playing together for the first time.

West Coast hopes Mark LeCras isn't far off returning. Source: News Corp Australia

WEST COAST EAGLES

INJURIES

Xavier Ellis (calf) test

Shannon Hurn (knee) test

Mark LeCras (broken arm) 1-2 weeks

Beau Waters (shoulder) season

ON THE BLOCK: Scott Lycett only managed five touches against Fremantle and was subbed out of the game in the third quarter. Simon Tunbridge got his opportunity against Fremantle and returned one goal from six touches in a full game. But of greater concern was the low disposal counts for Chris Masten (12 touches), Jamie Cripps (11), Jamie Bennell (10) and Nic Naitanui (nine).

DOCKERS BURN WAYWARD EAGLES

ON THE CUSP: Xavier Ellis is a chance to return from a calf injury, but he will be monitored throughout the week. Sharrod Wellingham was one of East Perth's best players in the WAFL, gathering 25 disposals and seven inside 50s. Josh Hill (three goals from 15 touches), Patrick McGinnity (26 disposals and six tackles) and Dom Sheed (21 touches) all had an impact for the Royals.

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: We have only just finished Round 7, but the Eagles' fall from grace over the past month is alarming. After sitting inside the top four following Round 3, West Coast finds itself outside the top eight after four straight losses. Losing any game is disheartening, but going down to Fremantle in the western derby is not an ideal start to the week for an Eagles fan. Adam Simpson's men should turn their fortunes around against GWS on Sunday, but they must rectify their kicking for goal at some stage. As Robbo discussed in The Tackle, they have booted 31.50 from their past four games. Bad kicking equals bad footy.

Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney speaks to the media following the narrow defeat to Essendon on Saturday night.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES

Jarrad Grant (foot) 1-2 weeks

Daniel Pearce (knee) 6 weeks

Josh Prudden (knee) 1 week

Jordan Roughead (shoulder) 5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: There were not too many players down on form, despite the close loss to Essendon on Saturday night. Koby Stevens was subbed out after gathering just seven touches. Tom Williams (nine disposals) is still finding his feet.

NEW BULLDOG FAILS TO BITE BOMBERS

ON THE CUSP: A young bloke called Giansiracusa booted two goals and was named one of Footscray's best players in its close loss to North Ballarat in the VFL on the weekend. The Dogs could do with his experience on Saturday. Fletcher Roberts was excellent down back and subsequently named the Dogs' best player, while Brett Goodes, Jason Tutt and Mitch Wallis all put their hands up for AFL selection.

BEN WATERWORTH'S FORECAST: That was a frustrating loss. The Dogs were gutsy in the first half but conceded nine Essendon goals in the third term. They had more disposals, more contested possessions and more clearances, yet still went down. That is three straight losses for the Dogs, who now sit 15th on the ladder. They have a good opportunity to reverse their form this weekend, but a Melbourne side full of confidence will not make it a cakewalk. The Dogs are one of the best teams in the competition for centre clearances, but the next step in the chain — delivering the ball inside forward 50 — needs drastic improvement.