World Footy News

The number of injuries affecting AFL players with international backgrounds is high at the moment. Brisbane's Irish duo of Colm Begley (quad) and Pearce Hanley (hamstring) are both expected to be out for 4 weeks, while Sydney's Irish defender Tadhg Kennelly missed the Tribute Match (hamstring) but should return this week. Samoan figurehead Aaron Edwards (broken leg) faces 8 to 12 weeks on the sidelines, and South African born Luke van Rheenen (foot) is out for the season. At last check Carlton's O'hAilpin brothers at least weren't injured, but Setanta continues to be bounced between seniors and the VFL, and Aisake was recently dropped to the VFL Reserves over reportedly an on-field dispute with VFL team-mate and assistant coach Matthew Lappin.

The injury toll across the AFL is remarkably high this season, with clubs averaging about eight players injured right now, out of playing lists of approximately 40. No wonder Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Richmond are performing quite well, with three, two and three injured players respectively. Brisbane and Essendon "lead" the injury field with 13 each. It would seem the week break for most players will have been most welcome.