Shock Stephenson & Bolton injury blows, Butters setback, Jones close to return
It was a day of injury carnage led by Jaidyn Stephenson, Shai Bolton, Zak Butters, Jake Stringer, Nathan Murphy and Jeremy Howe, while there was some good news for Isaac Heeney and Lachie Jones.
Honeyball SC BBL memberships are on sale! Only $35 season offer or $20 per month. Get access to all HB content, plus our exclusive injury list, comprehensive global T20 leagues form guide, HB Twitter & Whatsapp chats, entry into our members-only SC group (with a SC Champion ring for the winner) and more.
UPDATES
Sydney coach John Longmire spoke to the media and revealed Isaac Heeney (AF $487k SC $354k FWD) is a chance to return.
Longmire said: “We’re hoping he can do some running tomorrow & look to train on Thursday. We’re hoping he pulls up OK and is available.”
North Melbourne revealed that Jaidyn Stephenson (AF $591k SC $392k M/F) will miss six weeks due to a wrist injury sustained on the weekend.
Roos GM of Footy Brady Rawlings said: “Reported some soreness in his wrist post game & was sent off for scans. A very fine fracture was detected & a specialist advised surgery was required. Will now be out for about 6 weeks.”
Shai Bolton (AF $652k SC $498k M/F) was another to go down with a wrist injury, sustained in an off-field incident over the weekend.
Richmond said in a statement: "Bolton became involved in the ensuing altercation and sustained a fractured wrist that will require surgery. He will be sidelined for the next 2 to 3 weeks."
Port confirmed that Dan Houston (AF $619k SC $452k DEF) has been clear of any major damage to his shoulder but it will need to be monitored and managed moving forward.
Power assistant coach Michael Voss said: "Dan Houston’s injury is the AC-joint that we were already aware of. It’s something that Dan will need to manage & what his pain tolerance is."
Zak Butters (AF $616k SC $501k M/F) has suffered a setback in his recovery. Port's update said: "Began running last week as he continues to progress his rehabilitation from a left ankle syndesmosis repair but his return will be delayed due to the ongoing recovery of an associated nerve injury around his knee."
The same update provided good news for Lachie Jones (AF $278k SC $139k DEF) who "is on track to push for selection in Round 10".
During Voss' press conference, he also was asked about potential debutant Sam Hayes (AF $170k SC $123k RUCK) who may step in if Scott Lycett is suspended at the tribunal.
Voss said: "Sam Hayes has been in great form in the SANFL this season. We definitely wouldn’t be afraid of exposing him to AFL football if the moment calls for it."
Essendon confirmed in-form Jake Stringer (AF $451k SC $327k FWD) had suffered a hamstring strain. Bombers GM of Football Josh Mahoney said: "This is likely to be a standard recovery & we expect Jake back in approximately 3 to 4 weeks.”
Mahoney also revealed Jye Caldwell (AF $529k SC $348k M/F) had a setback in his recovery from injury and his return will be delayed.
Nathan Murphy (AF $264k SC $159k DEF) will miss next round after his concussion over the weekend, testing allegedly passing his test.
Pies Footy GM Graham Wright said: "The protocols involve more than the matchday test & with all of the factors considered our doctors determined that it's in Nathan’s & Jordan’s (Roughead) best interests to miss.”
The return of Jeremy Howe (AF $603k SC $475k DEF) will be delayed. The Pies update said: "After consultations with specialists today, it was agreed to remove scar tissue from his right hamstring, a procedure that is likely to sideline him until late in the season."
Adelaide provided an update on Lachlan Murphy (AF $347k SC $289k FWD) who will miss 8-10 weeks with a syndesmosis injury, which may impact James Rowe's (AF $326k SC $236k FWD) job security.
The Dogs confirmed that Lachie Hunter (AF $653k SC $463k M/F) has had hand surgery although no timeline was yet confirmed.
Geelong said that Patrick Dangerfield (AF $748k SC $611k M/F) is "commencing on field running this week" as he recovers from an ankle injury.
Touk Miller (AF $846k SC $592k MID) accepted his one-game ban for engaging in rough conduct, along with Jeremy Finlayson (AF $424k SC $348k FWD) for striking, which may impact Jesse Hogan (AF $465k SC $310k FWD) or Kieran Briggs' (AF $170k SC $123k D/F) selection.
Earlier in the day, the Giants confirmed Lachie Keeffe (AF $366k SC $335k DEF) had suffered an ACL injury which may also open up opportunities.
TOMORROW
Scott Lycett will face the tribunal, we'll get plenty of injury updates and we'll hear from Gold Coast Footy GM Jon Haines and Geelong coach Chris Scott.
Honeyball SC BBL memberships are on sale! Only $35 season offer or $20 per month. Get access to all HB content, plus our exclusive injury list, comprehensive global T20 leagues form guide, HB Twitter & Whatsapp chats, entry into our members-only SC group (with a SC Champion ring for the winner) and more.
