
Tom Rockliff floored again after big bump
THE Brisbane Lions' injury woes look set to continue with skipper Tom Rockliff facing concussion tests before being cleared to play against fellow struggler Carlton on Sunday.
Rockliff has played only six quarters of football since fracturing a rib and puncturing a lung in round one against Collingwood.
He lasted less than a quarter in the QClash loss to Gold Coast on Saturday after a big bump from Suns defender Steven May.
"He's away from the club today," Lions football manager Dean Warren said yesterday. "He'll do concussion tests during the course of the week to see how he progresses. We'll monitor him really closely - he has to pass the test before he plays."
Brent Staker was having a test on a hamstring late yesterday and was set to miss at least a week, while key big man Daniel Merrett (hamstring) looks likely to be sidelined for another week after missing the past three games.
Young forward Jono Freeman (glute) and ruckmen Trent West (knee) and Archie Smith (knee) are all expected to return through the NEAFL in two weeks.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge has been sent straight to the AFL Tribunal for his elbow on North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow in the win on Saturday night.
Fellow Hawk Jordan Lewis can accept a two-match ban for striking Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein.
