The GWS Giants revealed a surprise injury concern ahead of Round 18, while there’s a raft of players set to return which could impact the selection of some well-owned rookies.

DEBUTANT DOUBT

GWS debutant Jack Buckley (AF $193k SC $123k MID/FWD) is in doubt for their Round 18 match against St Kilda due to concussion.

Buckley, who is owned by 9% of AFL Fantasy and 2% of SuperCoach coaches, suffered a delayed concussion on Saturday night.

GWS Head of Medical Cullan Ball said: “He was involved in a couple of pretty heavy incidents, heavy knocks, and he was fine during the game – we checked on him multiple times and he was OK.

“After the game he came off and started to feel a bit off and he was diagnosed with a delayed concussion post-game. He’s pulled up really well and he’s got enough time going through the concussion protocols to play in the next game.

“He’s ticked all the boxes so far. He’ll train tomorrow non-contact and then if he’s good there we’ll tick his contact off and I’d expect him to be ok to play.”

Callan Ward (AF $477k SC $408k MID) appears unlikely to return from his finger issue in Round 18.

ROZEE OUTLOOK

Connor Rozee (AF $476k SC $342k MID/FWD*) will be fit to play for Port against Collingwood in Round 18 despite appearing to have some issues last round.

Port assistant coach Brett Montgomery said: “Connor Rozee has no issues after cramping on the weekend. We’re happy he’s been able to find more of the ball in recent weeks. A clean bill of health for him.”

Montgomery confirmed that Tom Clurey (AF $369k SC $306k DEF) would miss with a hamstring injury, opening the door for first-year defender Miles Bergman (AF $244k SC $148k FWD) potentially.

OTHERS

St Kilda’s Zak Jones (AF $663k SC $478k MID) will miss his side’s Round 18 clash with GWS due to a minor hamstring strain which was revealed by scans.

St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said: “We will weigh up the best option to replace Zak and trust whoever does come in to do the job.” Jack Bytel (AF $238k SC $190k MID) may be an option.

Dom Sheed (AF $603k SC $407k MID) looks like a lock to return from a minor hamstring injury for West Coast’s clash with North Melbourne which might force out Hamish Brayshaw (AF $172k SC $102k MID) or Xavier O’Neill (AF $287k SC $184k MID).

West Coast coach Adam Simpson said on 7 News Perth: “I think we get Dom Sheed back this week, he was touch and go but with a four-day break into the Saints, we rested him but he’ll be available this week.”

Brendon Ah Chee (AF $349k SC $277k MID) could also return from a minor finger problem, meaning the Eagles could make a few changes.

Daniel Talia (AF $312k SC $306k DEF) looks set to return for Adelaide after a minor knee problem, meaning Jordon Butts (AF $201k SC $142k DEF) will likely drop out.

Crows Head of Science and Medicine Steve Saunders said: “We’re expecting him to be well and truly ready to play his 200th.”

Easton Wood (AF $362k SC $290k DEF) is in contention to return from a hamstring issue for the Bulldogs against Fremantle in Round 18 on Sunday.

Dogs medical services manager Chris Bell said: “Easton continues to make great progress following his hamstring injury. He completed a game-like rehab session on the weekend and is planned to fully train this week. We’ll determine his availability towards the back-end of the week.”

TOMORROW

Brett Ratten, John Longmire, Leon Cameron and Adam Simpson will speak to the media, before West Coast and North Melbourne name their 22s for Thursday’s Round 18 opener.