Another busy Tuesday with clubs announcing their injury lists which are mounting up during this unusual season, led by updates on Patrick Cripps, Nat Fyfe, Mitch Duncan and Callan Ward.

CRIPPA CLEARED
Patrick Cripps (AF $732k SC $551k MID) is owned by 54% of SuperCoach coaches so they’ll be breathing a sigh of relief with news his shoulder knock from Sunday won’t keep him out.

Carlton Director of High Performance Andrew Russell declared Cripps will play against Port on Sunday.

“‘Crippa’ had a minor episode to his shoulder during the game: he got it strapped, came back on and had really good strength,” Russell said.

“He settled down well, trained today and there is no issue whatsoever: he’ll train fully on Friday and play.”

Carlton teammate Marc Murphy (AF $633k SC $434k MID) will face a fitness test due to a hip complaint.

GAME OF FYFE
Nat Fyfe (AF $714k SC $639k MID) appears in some doubt for Sunday’s Western Derby and even if he does play, he may not play maximum midfield minutes.

“The hamstring probably hasn’t pulled up as well as I would’ve liked and that’s not uncommon with hamstrings, just to get a little general awareness,” Fyfe said.

“We’ll monitor that throughout the week. We’re a bit compromised with how much training we can do at the moment but I will do everything I can to be available for selection.

“The cork will just take some time as well. (I’m) pretty confident (I’ll play) but there’s always a chance with these things, they could go either way.

“We’ve just got to wait and see how it responds and pulls up. As I’ve previously done a hamstring injury on this side we’re a little more cautious than we’d otherwise be.”

DUNCAN DOUBTS GROW
Geelong coach Chris Scott spoke to the media this morning and hinted that it’s likely Mitch Duncan (AF $744k SC $555k MID) will miss Thursday’s game with Collingwood due to a hamstring injury.

“He’s not ruled out but that doesn’t make him in either,” Scott said. “We’ll know a bit more after today. We’re keeping our options open with Mitch because it was a minor issue and he’s made significant progress.

“But that’s as optimistic as I’d like to be. We’re well aware of what the fixture might present over the next month or two… We’ll make a decision with those challenges in mind.”

It’s worth noting Geelong will have an 11-day break after Thursday’s game.

GIANT DOWN
Callan Ward’s (AF $556k SC $488k MID) slow recovery from his ACL injury has continued, with an injury on the opposite knee ruling him out for four to six weeks.

Giants Head of Medical Cullan Ball said: “He kicked around his body and had that kick smothered. He did some damage to his lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, so that’s not the one he had reconstructed last year which we’re thankful about.

“We expect he’ll probably miss four to six weeks depending on how quickly he settles down but thankfully no need for surgery.”

Pricey mid Tim Taranto (AF $835k SC $555k MID) is no longer on the GWS injury list. Giants defender Phil Davis said: “He was looking strong and fit on the weekend (in a practice match). If he feels ready to go and so does the coaches, then he would be a welcome addition. He’s an important part of our midfield.”

LION LOCKS?
Brisbane expects both Hugh McCluggage (AF $727k SC $576k MID) and Mitch Robinson (AF $615k SC $507 MID) to play against GWS Giants on Saturday after picking up knocks against Geelong last round.

Lions High Performance Manager Damien Austin said: “Hugh got a bit of damage to his AC joint but looking at scans it’s only minor bone bruising and soreness. He trained and has fair range so we expect him to play.”

On Robinson, Austin said: “He got a direct hit. It started puffing up straight away and he couldn’t go on. He trained today so we expect him to play.”

OTHERS
Port Adelaide confirmed they’d accepted the one-week ban for Brad Ebert (AF $692k SC $492k FWD) so he’ll miss Round Seven’s clash with Carlton.

Jordan De Goey (AF $560k SC $413k FWD) is up for selection according to Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley who said: “He trained today. He’s fit and up. He’s available for selection. We’ll decide that this afternoon.”

Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey (AF $530k SC $402 DEF) is looming for a return for long-term injury which may be an option to monitor. After Impey returned in last weekend’s scratch match, Hawks Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd said: “He’s pulled up really well, so we’ll look to increase his game time this week and we’ll see where we go from there.”

Taylor Walker (knee) and Rory Atkins (shoulder) are both listed as tests for Adelaide, meaning if they are available it may impact the selection of their rookies such as Fischer McAsey (AF $265k SC $212k DEF) and/or Shane McAdam (AF $231k SC $156k FWD). McAsey played forward in Walker’s absence last week.

In-the-news Essendon defender Conor McKenna (AF $523k SC $433k DEF) needs surgery on a broken hand and will have a fitness test for this weekend.

West Coast’s Luke Shuey (AF $671k SC $507k MID) will be a test for Sunday’s Western Derby but the club revealed Jack Petruccelle (AF $352k SC $253k FWD) has suffered a hamstring injury which will rule him out for a month.

TOMORROW
It’s a quiet Wednesday on the media front with St Kilda coach Brett Ratten, Essendon coach John Worsfold and Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew speaking to the press, although the Suns have no new injury worries. Geelong and Collingwood will name their 22s for Thursday, with Duncan and Josh Daicos’ (AF $560K SC $391k MID) selections to be of interest.