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: McPharlin suffered back tightness behind his hip in the warm up, which meant he was protective of it before the game and didn't practise long kicking. It's something he's had before and as a result, became cautious about it and had it freed up by physios on the sidelines before the game. He also had treatment on his left calf throughout the night. While the travel could pose a challenge for his back, he should be OK to play. Johnson is a bigger concern as he needed his calf worked on throughout the game in his first one back since round 22. He can expect icing, physio and a reprieve from excessive sprint work this week. He should play but remains in the window where a recurrence is possible so will have to be carefully managed in the lead-up to the game.
 

The Doc says: Whitecross will miss the Grand Final as he will undergo a second traditional reconstruction on his right knee, which is the one he injured against Collingwood in last year's qualifying final win. Franklin sprained the medial ligament in his right elbow when his arm was trapped between David Hale and Cam Guthrie in the first quarter on Friday night. He should play with strapping as the worst-case scenario and I don't expect he will need surgery post-season. Brent Guerra has a corked hip/buttock from the second quarter and also suffered a slight slip of his shoulder in the third. He played out the game and was more limited by the cork than the shoulder. With normal physio this week, he should be fine to play. Hale cramped in his calf in the third quarter and needed maintenance after that but should play while Sewell dislocated a finger in the opening seconds but will also be available. Puopolo hurt his ankle and was a concern on the night but was strapped up and played out the game. He should be fine to play.