Aaron Hall will miss another game due to his quad injury, while the Western Bulldogs confirmed Bailey Smith will return and Essendon revealed Massimo D’Ambrosio faces a fitness test.
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Aaron Hall (AF $703k SC $495k DEF), however, will not play this round due to his ongoing quad issue. North Melbourne Head of Performance Kevin White: “‘Hally’ is progressing well with that minor quad strain. The plan this week is to build his speed, acceleration and footy function in a gradual manner away from the main group.
“This will have him better placed to return next week and enhance his ability to finish off the year strongly, rather than rush him to be cleared this week.”
Massimo D’Ambrosio (AF $329k SC $195k DEF) will be a test to play this weekend after a cork forced him to be subbed out on Sunday. Essendon Head of High Performance Sean Murphy said: “That quad cork is decent, so we’ll use the week to see how that pans out and assess his availability. Every day it’s progressing and hopefully by the end of the week he’s up and training, but he’ll be a test this week.”
Bailey Smith (AF $872k SC $553k M/F) is locked in to return after suspension. Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said: “Bailey Smith will play, come back into the team… He’s in a good headspace. I think he’s managed it extremely well.”
Scott Lycett (AF $660k SC $497k RUCK) will not return for Port Adelaide this round due to signs of a shoulder infection which may aid Brynn Teakle’s (AF $192k SC $102k F/R) selection chances, as he closes in on a return to full fitness.
