AFL News: Bombers’ star sidelined three uncertain heartfelt tributes for ex-Eagles star…

Essendon’s defender Mason Redman has been ruled out of their crucial AFL match against Carlton due to a hamstring strain, and star forward Kyle Langford needs to prove his fitness. Redman was injured after Sunday’s loss to Gold Coast, and Langford was substituted with a corked hip.

Both Langford and ruckman Todd Goldstein (ankle), who was rested, must pass training to play in Sunday’s game at the MCG. Essendon hopes Redman will recover for their round 15 match against West Coast after their bye. Midfielder Darcy Parish faces another five-to-six weeks out with a calf strain.

Additionally, defender Zach Reid will likely miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, having played just nine AFL games in four years due to persistent injuries. Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet will have a fitness test to return from a finger injury.

Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield and forward Ollie Henry both face fitness tests for their game against Sydney. St Kilda’s Max King (knee) must pass a fitness test to play against his twin brother Ben’s Gold Coast on Saturday. Suns’ captain Jarrod Witts is out with a hamstring injury but expected to return in round 15.

Brisbane Lions will regain Brandon Starcevich (calf) for Friday’s match against the Western Bulldogs after a month out.

Todd Remembered as a WA Great

Western Australian football legend and former West Coast coach John Todd has passed away at the age of 86.

Inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and honored as a legend in the West Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2004, Todd was a prominent figure in the sport. He became the youngest winner of the Sandover Medal at 17 during his debut season with South Fremantle in 1955. Although his playing career was cut short by a knee injury, Todd left a significant mark as a coach.

He led teams to six WAFL premierships—four with Swan Districts (1982, 1983, 1984, and 1990), one with East Fremantle (1974), and one with South Fremantle (1997). Additionally, Todd coached WA in State of Origin and Australia in International Rules matches. He was West Coast’s second coach, guiding the Eagles to their first finals appearance in 1988.

AFL Chair Richard Goyder praised Todd’s contributions: “John Todd was successful in every aspect of his football journey and influenced so much of West Australian football to demand the highest standards and seek constant improvement. To win premierships at three different clubs is an extraordinary achievement.”

Goyder also highlighted Todd’s lifelong passion for the game: “He had an unbelievable love of the game and football people. Even in recent years, he was a regular attendee at games, engaging with everyone and advocating for the sport and its impact on communities.”

Todd’s legacy will be honored at the Australian Football Hall of Fame inductions later this month.