Bombers hit hard by injury

Essendon's midfield has been hit hard by the loss of Andrew Lovett and Andrew Welsh
for Saturday night's crucial AFL clash with Brisbane at the MCG.
Veteran key forward Scott Lucas will also miss the match, with all three hurt during
last Sunday's disappointing loss to West Coast at Subiaco.
The Bombers have also dropped Hayden Skipworth and Cale Hooker for a game they
desperately need to win, after surprise losses to Richmond and the Eagles have left
them a game adrift of the eight.
Experienced defensive midfielder Welsh returned in round 12 after breaking his leg
in the pre-season, but received a knock to the leg against the Eagles last weekend,
forcing him out.
Speedster Lovett copped what the club described as a "heavy cork" to his leg during
the same match, while Lucas is experiencing knee soreness.
But countering those losses, midfield gun Mark McVeigh and pacy forward Alwyn Davey
are both back from injury.
Irishman Michael Quinn has been recalled, along with youngsters Bachar Houli and
Jarrod Atkinson, the latter for the first time since round 18 last year.
The Lions have been boosted by the return of full-forward Daniel Bradshaw from a
hamstring strain, while Tim Notting is back from suspension.
Collingwood have made two unforced changes for Saturday night's top four-shaping
meeting with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, dropping Jaxson Barham and Steele Sidebottom
in favour of fellow youngsters Chris Dawes and Brad Dick.
The Crows have lost Patrick Dangerfield and dropped Brad Symes, with David Mackay
and Taylor Walker coming into the side.
Geelong remain without key defenders Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor for Friday
night's MCG clash with Carlton and have lost Paul Chapman (hamstring), with Tom
Lonergan coming in to add defensive depth.
The Blues have named an unchanged side.
Richmond have included Graham Polak on an extended bench in their squad for Sunday's
MCG meeting with Sydney.
While there is no guarantee he will make the final 22, it is the closest he has come
to senior selection since being hit by a tram in June last year.
But young midfielder Trent Cotchin will miss the rest of the season to have hip
surgery.
The Swans have lost Craig Bird to a shoulder injury.
Melbourne added more names to their long list of sidelined players, with Jack
Grimes, Matthew Whelan and Jamie Bennell all forced out by injury for Sunday's
low-stakes meeting with North Melbourne.
But midfielders Brent Moloney, Colin Sylvia and Cale Morton are all back in their
squad, along with potential first-gamers Rohan Bail and Tom McNamara.
The Kangaroos have been depleted by the retirement of Adam Simpson and a hamstring
injury to Leigh Harding.
The Western Bulldogs have named an unchanged side for Saturday's Etihad Stadium
meeting with West Coast, who have lost Eric Mackenzie to injury.
Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne is suspended for Sunday's Subiaco encounter with Port
Adelaide, who are yet to make any omissions, but have included Brett Ebert and Peter
Burgoyne on an extended bench.