Tiger trio set to return, Draper a chance, Farrar update & Salem good to go
The Tigers are set to be bolstered by the return of Trent Cotchin, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia for their clash with Adelaide which will impact Riley Collier-Dawkins and Hugo Ralphsmith, while Jy Farrar’s injury status is in.
The Bombers could get back Sam Draper and Jake Stringer which leaves Alec Waterman’s selection up in the air whilst Christian Salem is good to go but Viney is still a few weeks away.
UPDATES
Dion Prestia (AF $612k SC $416k MID), Shai Bolton (AF $652k SC $498k M/F) and Trent Cotchin (AF $525k SC $397k MID) are all set to be added to the Richmond line-up this weekend.
Richmond Performance Manager Peter Burge said: “We have Cotchin, Prestia and Bolton potentially returning to the side.”
This may impact the selection of Riley Collier-Dawkins (AF $337k SC $214k MID) and Hugo Ralphsmith (AF $176k SC $123k M/F).
Patrick Naish has been ruled out with a hamstring and Marlion Pickett currently has been suspended for one week which could save their spot in the side.
Essendon have flagged the potential return of Sam Draper (AF $453k SC $378k RUCK) and Jake Stringer (AF $451k SC $327k FWD) depending on how they get through training this week.
Bombers Head of HP Sean Murphy said: “Draper & Stringer will be a test for this weekend. All being well, they’ll get through training this week & be available for this weekend.”
This could impact the selection of Alec Waterman (AF $280k SC $167k FWD) who returned last week and was said to be a chance to play Stringer’s role. Waterman however, did not attend a centre bounce last week.
Christian Salem (AF $722k SC $558k DEF) was a late out last week but is expected to return from his soreness that kept him out.
Melbourne GM of AFL Performance Alan Richardson said: “After training on Tuesday at Casey Fields, he is in the clear for the top of the table clash at Marvel Stadium.”
Jack Viney (AF $678k SC $500k MID) remains two-to-three weeks away with a lingering toe injury which could mean James Harmes (AF $558k SC $408k DEF) and James Jordon (AF $544k SC $366k MID) will keep up their impressive midfield minutes.
The Hawks have been forced to rule out Jaeger O’Meara (AF $705k SC $526k MID) due to concussion protocols. This could impact the midfield minutes of James Worpel (AF $599k SC $400k MID) and Jack Scrimshaw (AF $601k SC $451k DEF).
The Suns left out Jy Farrar (AF $368k SC $243k FWD) last week due to an injury picket up against the Lions. His availability is still no certainty according to Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull who said: “Jy got a pretty significant cork during the game (vs Brisbane).
“He’ll be training tomorrow night & we’ll see how he gets through that to assess his availability on the weekend.”
Tom Hickey (AF $545k SC $492k RUCK) continues to battle knee soreness but an eight-day break could benefit his chances of playing this weekend.
Swans coach John Longmire: “He’s OK. He’s just a little bit sore which isn’t unusual… We’re hoping by the end of the week with an 8-day break he feels better.”
TOMORROW
There’s no press conferences scheduled but we’ll get the final few weekly injury updates, including Geelong’s update on Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie.
