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: Jenkins needs surgery for his ankle fracture and will now aim for the October pre-season return. McKernan has a moderate ankle sprain and is in some doubt to play this week. Dangerfield has only missed two games but is an outside chance to play if he completes rigorous testing late in the week. 

The Doc says:  Moloney injured his left hammy late in the game and will most likely miss. Black and Martin are close to selection this week.

The Doc says: Waite is edging closer but still needs 1-2 weeks protection from hard sessions. No new injuries from the weekend. Ellard (round seven calf) has been slow.
 

 The Doc says: Ball was a withdrawal on weekend and definitely won't be risked if any signs late in the week. Reid has left ankle sprain and will be treated with physio daily but is likely to be limited all week. Jolly and Hudson are outside chances only.

The Doc says: Watson would be a surprise return after missing just three games after a broken clavicle – most unlikely. Fletcher is a good chance to return, along with Crameri. 

The Doc says:  Freo reported no new injuries this week. Ballantyne is likely to play after missing two games only.

The Doc says: Simpson is a big loss – he requires surgery to repair a rupture of the medial ligament and patella dislocation. Hunt and Christensen are both reasonable chances to get through fitness testing but the Cats always take the conservative approach if any concern. Chapman continues as a week-to-week VFL prospect.
 

The Doc says:  Thompson was a late withdrawal but is expected to be back this week. Prestia also failed to recover from a tight hammy and is still in doubt due to a potential recurrence. Swallow is also likely to play.

The Doc says:  Palmer will have unusual sesamoid bone excision under his big-toe joint and will now aim for the pre-season in November. Concussion testing for both Mohr and Hoskin-Elliott but younger players are less likely to play the week after these head-knock episodes.

The Doc says:  Birchall is making expected slow progress after round 13 knee-bruising incident – he's likely to need 2-3 light weeks yet. Shiels has missed four weeks so may need run in the VFL after next week.

The Doc says: Frawley had a third hammy incident and will now rehab for at least amonth. Garland is expected to train fully but still faces a fitness test – is in some doubt. McKenzie will face stringent concussion testing before selection – is a minor chance only.
 

The Doc says:  Swallow had surgery on Sunday to repair an Achilles tendon rupture. Return to full capacity is unpredictable in elite athletes but a 10-12 month time frame is often required – it's a very significant injury for a midfield running player. Warren is unlikely to return to senior level this week.

The Doc says:  No new concerns reported from last weekend. Daniel Stewart should be available if needed.

The Doc says:  Vickery will undergo standard concussion monitoring all week but must pass stringent new medical assessment prior to selection – is in some doubt. Petterd has new right adductor injury – needs probably two weeks off. King missed last week and is likely to be given another week to avoid recurrence. Dea is an outside chance if needed. Arnot has a stress fracture and will need two months off.

The Doc says:  Riewoldt has a chipped spur in his left ankle and may miss given his chronic knee soreness -  possible end-of-season surgery required for his ankle. Gwilt was in trouble early last week with swelling and soreness in his previous ACL reco knee – is likely to miss. Hayes had soreness in right hammy along with ongoing calf tightness – will need to train freely before selection but the Saints won't risk him if there's any doubt.

The Doc says:  Malceski has significant right-shoulder soreness from a big hit – the club feels it is only "bruising" but AC joint is likely to be sprained and he is in doubt for the weekend. Johnson has had a major setback with his ACL graft rupture - will need second knee reco and return date is unclear.

The Doc says:  Masten has a significant right ankle ligament tear without fracture and will need 2-3 weeks off minimum. Naitanui continues to struggle with groin stress issues and will likely need more surgery – if not soon then at the season's end. Kerr should be right to return to the senior side. LeCras will also need 2-3 weeks more time, which will cost him match fitness due to limited running capacity.

The Doc says: No new injuries this week. Lower should return to push for a senior spot.