Clayton Oliver hasn’t been cleared to play in Round 19 yet and faces a fitness test along with Lachie Whitfield, while Josh Kelly has been ruled out but there’s positive news for Aaron Hall.
UPDATES
Clayton Oliver (AF $957k SC $723k MID) isn’t a certainty to return this round following thumb surgery although seems likely and will face a test.
Melbourne Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said: “Clayton Oliver completed some conditioning last week and will integrate into skills this week and be reviewed at the end of this week for availability for this weekend.”
Josh Kelly (AF $822k SC $550k MID) is into concussion protocols and will miss Round 19. GWS said in their update: “Kelly suffered a concussion with just a few minutes to go in Saturday’s loss to the Lions in Canberra. The co-captain failed a concussion test post-game and has been placed under the 12-day concussion protocols.”
Lachie Whitfield (AF $753k SC $462k D/M) is listed as a test after being a shock absentee last round. GWS said: “Whitfield is a test for Sunday’s match after missing last week’s game with a minor hip flexor injury.”
Aaron Hall (AF $703k SC $495k DEF) looks likely to return from a quad injury. North Head of Performance Kevin White said: “Hally has gone really well. We probably could have squeezed him in last week if we wanted to in terms of his return to play. (It’s) main training tomorrow and if he ticks that off he’ll be available to play this week, so looking forward to having Hally back.”
Gold Coast have listed Malcolm Rosas (AF $311k SC $240k FWD) as a test to return from a hamstring. The Suns said: “The 21-year-old will progress back into full training this week and press his case for a recall to the senior team.”
Hawthorn listed first-year players Sam Butler (AF $286k SC $180k M/F) and Ned Long (AF $190k SC $102k M/F) both as tests this weekend. Butler has had a shin issue.
Brynn Teakle (AF $192k SC $102k F/R) will be considered for Port after recovering from a collarbone injury. Port assistant coach Nathan Bassett said: “He’s a chance. Brynn has great athleticism and we could use Charlie (Dixon) in the forward line to give us more confidence to attack the goal square more.”
Become a HB subscriber for $4.95 per month or $9.95 for the AFL season. Exclusive content, CBA stats, Kick-in stats, Twitter chats, prize money in our Fantasy/SuperCoach groups. Register here.
