Wulff tilt a flag hits a bump
Craig Wulff's bid to end his long East Perth career with another tilt at a premiership has been thrown into doubt by a severe finger injury.
And West Perth's prospects of toppling the Royals in the WA Day derby on Monday have decreased after Sandover medallist Andrew Krakouer was ruled out with a knee injury.
Swan Districts and Perth too have their injury concerns for today's clash at Lathlain Park.
Swans will be without captain Tallan Ames (broken ribs) and fellow 2010 premiership defender Travis Casserly (quad) while Demons Ben Power and Brad Keast will miss due to hamstring injuries.
Swans midfielder Adam Faulkner has recovered from a groin injury and been recalled for today's game along with Josh Kirkup and Rudy Riddoch.
Faulkner averaged 24 possessions, seven marks and four tackles in the first seven games of the season before being forced out of the round-nine clash with Claremont at Steel Blue Oval with groin soreness.
Perth added ruckman Mitch Leyendekkers, forward Callum Collard and defenders Jarryd Morton and Jarrad Irons.
Wulff, 31, may be out of action for an extended period after surgery to repair the right little finger he broke and dislocated against Claremont in round eight.
He considered having the finger amputated after being told it could take up to 12 weeks to recover from surgery.
"I thought about having it lopped off and would have done it myself if it meant playing in a grand final," Wulff said.
"I have declared myself fit to play, and will do so again next week, but the surgeon said it could be eight weeks or so before I am right."
Wulff said the surgery was required to realign his finger bones and repair the serious ligament damage.
Wulff has played 233 matches for the Royals, including last year's grand final loss to West Perth. He will become the WAFL's most experienced current player after Kris Miller makes his final appearance for South Fremantle on Monday.
