Adelaide key forward Kurt Tippett is in doubt for his AFL side’s round-18 clash in Geelong after suffering a third concussion in five weeks.
West Coast’s Beau Waters accidentally clashed heads with Tippett during the second quarter of Saturday’s game at AAMI Stadium, which Adelaide won by 49 points to grab a spot in the top two on the table.
However Tippett had missed last week’s win over Greater Western Sydney after receiving his second heavy head knock of the season.
“If he’s not right to play, then he won’t play, it’s as simple as that,” Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said after Saturday’s win over the Eagles.
“Kurt’s had no concussions in his life and then he has three.
“It’s hard to know why, it’s just unlucky.”
Sanderson said he would be guided by the club’s medical team.
“They’ll make a good call and the correct call and I’m sure by Wednesday or Thursday next week we’ll be a lot clearer about what happens from here,” he said.
The Crows will regain key forward Taylor Walker from suspension for next Saturday’s game against the Cats at Simonds Stadium.
Another star forward, Geelong’s three-time premiership hero Steve Johnson, is also facing a fitness test.
Johnson felt tightness in his right groin after kicking the ball across his body and was subbed off during the third term of Friday’s win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
Western Bulldogs small forward Shaun Higgins is expected to miss a month with a hamstring strain and Port Adelaide’s Jasper Pittard could be out for two weeks after suffering a rib injury.
Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge, who hasn’t played at AFL level since round six, made a comeback from a knee injury in the VFL on Saturday. Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says Hodge may need two or three games before returning to the AFL side.
Carlton are hoping key forward Jarrad Waite (back) can return at VFL level next weekend.
The Blues are also optimistic that ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (hip) can resume for next Saturday night’s clash with Richmond at the MCG, while Mitch Robinson will also be pushing for a recall after being a late withdrawal from Carlton’s win over Western Bulldogs with a sore calf.