AFL

The Magpies' medical room is now overflowing with the AFL's longest injury list, from which it's now possible to name a phantom starting 18.

The Magpies' medical room is now overflowing with the AFL's longest injury list, from which it's now possible to name a phantom starting 18.

In the fallout from a brutal loss to flag fancy Richmond at the MCG on Friday night, the wounded Pies have likely lost both their best player Jordan De Goey (hamstring) and promising youngster Isaac Quaynor (foot stress injury) for multiple weeks each, while star midfielder Taylor Adams (hamstring), full-back Jordan Roughead (concussion) and Tom Phillips (collarbone) are under clouds.

However, there is good news on the injury front for the Blues, with former captain Marc Murphy and key defender Liam Jones nearing recovering from respective setbacks.

Stocker, 19, missed last Saturday's upset victory over Brisbane due to the foot injury, having previously played in five successive games after making his senior debut last month.

The rebounding defender, who the Blues traded up to secure in last year's NAB AFL Draft, was averaging 13.6 disposals per game and had impressed the club with his kicking ability.

That's according to AFL.com.au's Brownlow Predictor, which has Dangerfield's teammate Tim Kelly leading with a tally of 19, ahead of inspiring Carlton captain Patrick Cripps on 18. 

Dangerfield, who took 'Charlie' home in 2016, is within reach of Kelly on 16. 

After starting the season in red-hot touch, left knee and right ankle complaints proved problematic.

However, Dangerfield has exploded into peak form over the past fortnight. 

He was immense as the Cats tore Richmond apart last Friday night, racking up 38 disposals, eight inside 50s and a goal.

The coaching rumour mill is set to go into overdrive over the coming months as pressure mounts on several coaches.

North Melbourne are already on the lookout for a new coach after parting ways with Brad Scott, while positions could open up at Carlton, St Kilda and Essendon by the end of the season depending on results.

Lyon is contracted to Fremantle at the end of 2020, and was clear in his position when asked about the prospect of switching clubs.

"That's really simple. I've never been happier here," said Lyon, who has coached Fremantle since 2012.

On his return from a two-week hamstring lay-off, Hickey sprained an ankle during the second quarter against Melbourne last Friday night.

After being helped from the field, he was able to return for the critical battle against Max Gawn as the Eagles surged home to clinch a 16-point victory.

However, the 28-year-old will miss the Crows trip and is doubtful to be available to face the Western Bulldogs in round 11. 

Williams, who strained his left hamstring in the second quarter of the Giants' 93-point demolition of Carlton on Sunday and played no further part in the match, could miss a couple of games.

Coniglio sat out Wednesday's light session as he continues to nurse the finger he dislocated against Sydney in round six but is expected to push his case for a recall on Thursday against the Demons after missing last week's win over the Blues.

The Eagles were flogged by a rising Brisbane outfit in round one and are desperate to avoid a 0-2 start ahead of the Grand Final rematch with Collingwood at the MCG.

The Giants will head to Optus Stadium brimming with confidence after dismantling Essendon, and could welcome back Rolls Royce midfielder Josh Kelly from hip and knee issues.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has a tough decision who to send Hutchings to, after free agent Stephen Coniglio (31 disposals, three goals), Tim Taranto (30, one) and Lachie Whitfield (30) tore the Bombers apart.

The 27-year-old fell awkwardly on the cricket pitch area of Moe's Ted Summerton Oval during the JLT Community Series match with Collingwood on March 10.

He was immediately taken from the field, but returned a short time later before finally conceding to the injury.

Beveridge told AFL.com.au Roughead had recovered well from the knock and trained at "100 per cent" on Monday.

With the Dogs already missing important trio Liam Picken (concussion), Marcus Adams (ankle) and Dale Morris (knee), the availability of Roughead is a major fillip.

Kurt Tippett's shock retirement and first-choice big man Sam Naismith's ACL rupture have rocked the Swans' preparations on season eve, leaving them with a barebones ruck division.

John Longmire is set to turn to Callum Sinclair and possibly untried Darcy Cameron as his major big man options from Sunday against West Coast, with Dean Towers providing support.

The extreme shortage coincides with the Eagles preparing to unleash 2012 All Australian ruckman Nic Naitanuifor the first time in more than 19 months.