There were positive updates for Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly, Sam Walsh and Keidean Coleman, but there was bad news with George Hewett ruled out for Round 20 with his ongoing back issue.
UPDATES
Carlton have confirmed that George Hewett (AF $766k SC $536k D/M) will miss this round with an ongoing back issue. The club said: “Continuing to manage his back and will miss this week. Is currently a week-to-week assessment to play.”
Sam Walsh (AF $828k SC $575k MID) seems to be in the clear after an ankle scare. The club update said: “Expected to train this week and be available to play.”
Lachie Whitfield (AF $753k SC $462k D/M) appears set to be available to return for the Giants. GWS said in an update: “Whitfield is set to return from a hip flexor injury that has caused him to miss the past two matches.”
Josh Kelly’s (AF $822k SC $550k MID) return from concussion protocols hasn’t been confirmed but he appears on track. GWS said: “Kelly missed last week’s loss to Carlton under the concussion protocols and while he still needs to get through training on Thursday, he’s on track to be available for the match.”
Keidean Coleman (AF $657k SC $468k D/F) is in the mix to return from a hamstring injury. Brisbane said in an update: “Keidean Coleman could make himself available for selection as early this weekend, pending main training on Thursday morning.”
The news isn’t good for Daniel Rich (AF $693k SC $511k DEF) who has been ruled out. The Lions update said: “Rich will miss Brisbane’s Round 20 clash against Richmond under concussion protocol.”
Brodie Grundy (AF $802k SC $544k RUC) is likely to return via the VFL. Collingwood said in their update: “Has been given extra time to train his ruck and centre bounce work to set him up for success upon his return with coaches to assess how many minutes he needs to play to reach optimal match fitness.”
Brayden Maynard (AF $622k SC $477k DEF) hasn’t been ruled out despite his shoulder injury from Sunday’s game. The Pies said: “His availability will be assessed during the captain’s run later in the week.”
Adelaide’s Matt Crouch (AF $711k SC $439k MID) missed their SANFL game on the weekend with quad tightness. Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said: “We scanned him on Monday and fortunately there was only a minor issue, we expect him to do some training tomorrow and hopefully be available for the weekend.”
Gold Coast’s Malcolm Rosas (AF $311k SC $240k FWD) returned from injury in the VFL on the weekend. Suns Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said: “Mal had a one-week hamstring injury which he came back from really strongly.”
