Bailey's rotten luck continues

AAPThe West Australian The rotten luck of Hawthorn AFL ruckman Max Bailey has continued, as he will require another full knee reconstruction. Hawthorn confirmed on Sunday Bailey ruptured the

anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's loss to Essendon at the MCG, which cost the Hawks a place in the finals. It will be the third time Bailey, 23, has

undergone a reconstruction, having already had his right knee repaired twice. Saturday's game was just the sixth of Bailey's career, but given his latest setback he faces an

uncertain future, although the Hawks have supported him through his previous reconstructions. Hawthorn also confirmed midfielder Brad Sewell suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket

when he was ironed out in a shirtfront from Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd early in the third quarter, which sparked a wild melee. Lloyd was reported for rough conduct and this week will

sweat on the match review panel's assessment of his bump, as he waits to see if he can take part in his side's first finals series in five years. The Hawks were sore, sorry and

seething after Saturday's loss, but the teams still alive in 2009 avoided too much trouble on the injury front. Geelong were pleased with the returns of big man Brad Ottens and

midfielder James Kelly, who took part in Saturday's win over Fremantle after lengthy absences through respective knee and hamstring injuries. It was Ottens' first game in the AFL

since round two, while Kelly had not played since the round-14 defeat to St Kilda. The Cats are hopeful Paul Chapman (hamstring) and Travis Varcoe (shoulder) will be available for next

weekend's qualifying final, but fellow forward Steve Johnson is not expected to be available after hip surgery until the club's following game. Johnson underwent arthroscopic

surgery on Friday. Flankers Max Rooke (quad) and David Wojcinski (ankle) were sore after the win over the Dockers, but are expected to be available this week. The Brisbane Lions will assess

defender Josh Drummond (quad), but could have forward Daniel Bradshaw (quad) and backman Daniel Merrett (hamstring) return for the elimination final against Carlton at the Gabba. Bradshaw

and Merrett missed Saturday night's win over Sydney. Carlton will have Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Cameron Cloke available, after the club suspended the trio for turning up late to a

recovery session. They sat out Saturday night's loss to Adelaide. The Crows, who host Essendon in the other elimination final, will this week monitor defender David Mackay (ankle) and

tagger Nathan van Berlo (back). The Bombers will assess defender Courtenay Dempsey (hamstring) to see if he is any chance of returning. Geelong defender Andrew Mackie, 25, confirmed on

Sunday on the Seven Network he had signed a four-year deal with the Cats. The 2007 premiership player made his debut in 2004 and has played 103 games. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU

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