George Hewett is no certainty to return yet there was good news for Dustin Martin, Rowan Marshall, Luke Jackson and Patrick McCartin and Patrick Cripps declared he’s over his hamstring issue.
UPDATES
George Hewett (AF $758k SC $536k D/M) is no lock to return from Carlton despite previous indications. The Blues injury report said: “Still managing the cork to the calf sustained in Round 6. Will continue to be assessed as the week progresses and remains a test to play.”
Zac Williams (AF $697k SC $494k DEF) is no certainty to return either. Carlton’s injury report said: “Missed Round 7 with Achilles soreness. Will continue to be assessed as the week progresses and remains a test to play.”
Patrick Cripps (AF $831k SC $526k MID) assured that he’s feeling no ill-effects from his recent hamstring injury. Cripps said: “I feel good. It was just unlucky, it was more of an over-stretch injury rather than a strain. That recovered really well. To play two games in a row, it’s obviously in the back-end of that now.”
Dustin Martin (AF $676k SC $503k M/F) is set to return to action and potentially become a cheap option in coming weeks. Richmond Physical Performance Manager Peter Burge said: “He’s looking really good to potentially be available for selection this week. We’ve got another main session on Thursday and all being great in that, then I’d anticipate he’d be up for selection.”
Rowan Marshall (AF $684k SC $472 RUC) missed last game with a corked thigh but St Kilda said: “Rowan Marshall will also be eligible for selection this week after missing Round 7.”
Melbourne have declared Luke Jackson (AF $603k SC $455k R/F) will be back available for selection after his stint in health and safety protocols.
Patrick McCartin (AF $349k SC $268k D/F) is looking good to return from concussion. Sydney coach John Longmire said: “Paddy and Logan (McDonald) are absolutely right in that (selection) frame. They trained today, we expect them to train again on Thursday and be available.”
Longmire said Tom Hickey (AF $660k SC $535k RUCK) is a “strong chance” to return from a knee injury which may impact Peter Ladhams (AF $686k SC $505k R/F).
Brady Hough (AF $273k SC $147k MID) is in contention for a return at West Coast with a few players out with health and safety protocols and injuries. The Eagles said in their injury update: “Hough could be available this week after experiencing back spasms after training last week.”
Willie Rioli (AF $418k SC $271k FWD) is among those who’ll miss out. West Coast Head of Health Mark Finucane said: “Willie sustained the hamstring strain in the second quarter of the game and was subbed out of the game at half-time, so he’ll just be rehabilitated through his program.”
Essendon revealed Jake Stringer (AF $592k SC $433k M/F) will miss 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury which may impact their midfield set-up.
Tarryn Thomas (AF $545k SC $378k M/F) continues to fall in value and is set to play this week. North General Manager of Football Performance Dan McPherson said: “Tarryn just had a bit of hamstring tightness late in the game. The scan came back clear so he should be fine to play this weekend.”
McPherson said debutant Miller Bergman (AF $200k SC $117k D/M) will meet with a surgeon after his shoulder dislocation but will likely be out for a bit.
