Laird to be ‘monitored’, Cerra syndesmosis diagnosis, Whitfield close to return
Rory Laird still isn’t certain to play in Round 6 while Adam Cerra will miss 3-4 weeks due to syndesmosis but there’s good news for Steven May and Lachie Whitfield.
UPDATES
Rory Laird (AF $763k SC $542k D/M) should be OK to take his place in Round 6 despite a shoulder worry during their game against Fremantle.
Crows Head of Footy Adam Kelly said: “Rory was assessed on the day, he got a knock to his shoulder & was able to return to play. We’d expect he’ll be available for selection this weekend. We’ll monitor that throughout the week.”
Kelly also updated on Taylor Walker (AF $655k SC $489k FWD), when he said: “Tex carried a low-grade calf strain into the game on the weekend… Will continue to be monitored throughout the week with the expectation he will play against the Hawks this weekend.”
Fremantle confirmed that Adam Cerra (AF $619k SC $451k MID) has suffered an syndesmosis injury.
Dockers GM football operations and performance Joe Brierty said: “It’s a low-grade syndesmosis injury and we expect that he’ll be out for around 3 to 4 weeks.”
West Coast put out their weekly injury report which showed Shannon Hurn (AF $650k SC $476k DEF) is recovery well from his calf injury, which may impact Alex Witherden‘s (AF $671k SC $456k DEF) role/selection.
Eagles Footy GM Craig Vozzo said: “Hopefully he will have sign off this week and all being well he will be available the following week.”
Steven May (AF $556k SC $443k DEF) looks like he’ll make a quick recovery for Melbourne after his eye injury and concussion in Round 4.
Melbourne Performance Manager Darren Burgess said: “He has progressed through his concussion protocol. As long as he gets through main training tomorrow, he should be OK to play.”
On James Harmes (AF $489k SC $344k DEF), Burgess said: “Harmesy is seeing the surgeon early next week, if he gets the clearance, he’s an outside chance to play next week. Probably more likely the week after.”
It’s not so good for rookie Bailey Laurie (AF $228k SC $117k D/F) who’ll be out for at least six weeks with an eye injury.
Carlton confirmed rookie Luke Parks (AF $205k SC $102k DEF) “will miss the next 1-2 weeks due to a low-grade hamstring strain”.
Hawthorn’s ruck depth will be tested with Jon Ceglar (AF $506k SC $369k RUCK) suffering an ankle injury in the VFL.
Hawks Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd said: “He’ll obviously miss this game but over the next week or so we’ll get a bit of a better indication as to how much longer it’ll be.”
The GWS Giants hope to welcome back Harry Perryman (AF $673k SC $505k MID) from glandular fever this round, while Lachie Whitfield (AF $820k SC $561k DEF) is listed as “one week” now.
Brisbane put out their injury report with Jarrod Berry (AF $570k SC $455k MID) a chance to play this round.
The Lions update said: “Scans on his adductor and hip flexor came back clear and (Performance Manager Damien) Austin said he would be available for selection if he was able to prove his fitness later in the week.”
On Ely Smith‘s (AF $170k SC $123k M/F) ankle injury, Austin said: “It’s unfortunate for him that he’s suffered this setback. He’ll be out for three weeks but we expect him to bounce back well.”
TOMORROW
Busy day brewing with Leon Cameron, Simon Goodwin and Luke Beveridge all speaking to the media.
