We take a look around the league for some updates in the aftermath of the first set of practice matches.
Western Bulldogs
Josh Bruce has transitioned from the forward line to defence. Assistant coach Brendon Lade was impressed by his work during the first three quarters.
“He’s done the whole preseason down back so he’ll stay there for awhile. Bevo’s (Luke Beveridge) made it no secret that he’s happy to put him forward at times,” he said.
St Kilda
Jack Billings has been sidelined due to a hairline fracture to his right fibula, which was suffered during St Kilda’s practice match against Melbourne.
“Despite the setback, we know Jack will attack his rehab to return to the field as soon as possible. For now, we’ll be doing everything we can to support him through this latest injury,” Acting GM of Football David Misson said.
Port Adelaide
Travis Boak copped a knock during the second quarter against West Coast, but has been cleared of any serious injury.
Tests revealed no fracture, but extensive bruising around the ribs and lung area.
North Melbourne
Tarryn Thomas made his return to the club, but is required to participate in the programs put in place before taking the next steps forward.
“He has to continue to contribute to them, spend time after hours in completing them, and we need to see the accountability in the way he talks about the experience,” GM of Football Todd Viney said.
Geelong
New recruits Jack Bowes, Tanner Bruhn and Ollie Henry performed strongly during the Cats’ practice match against Hawthorn. But they are no guarantee to break into the starting 22.
“At the moment our team is a hard one to pick and while we’ll work hard to give them opportunity, there are still no guarantees,” coach Chris Scott told SEN.
An update on Jack Henry’s foot injury, which may have an impact on Esava Ratugolea:
“After consulting a leading foot specialist in Brisbane, surgery was deemed the best outcome. Jack will be sidelined for the medium term,” the update said.
Fremantle
Coach Justin Longmuir was positive about Nat Fyfe’s game against Adelaide, in particular his ability to get better as the game progressed.
“Felt like he just got more and more confident in his game as it went on. Got a bit of his old mojo back, which was good,” he said.
Luke Jackson suffered a head knock and is ruled out of Fremantle’s next match against Port Adelaide.
“He got a (head) knock in a contest and had delayed headaches from that, so we’ll rule him out this week. No risk policy around head knocks,” Longmuir said.
Essendon
Dyson Heppell has suffered a mild foot sprain and will be on a modified program for the next few weeks.
Collingwood
Tom Mitchell’s role is in question, but former skipper Scott Pendlebury is confident in his ability to contribute regardless of where he’s played.
“It’s not going to be the Tom Mitchell who has 35-40 possessions every week. It’s the Tom Mitchell who dominates around the footy, is a beast around the ball but also puts on pressure, tackles,” he said.
Carlton
Skipper Patrick Cripps rolled his ankle in Carlton’s practice match against Collingwood, but the club is confident that the injury isn’t serious.
“He hobbled off the ground but he was walking around the rooms and handing balls out after the game. So we are pretty sure he is going to be fine,” assistant coach Tim Clarke said.
Brisbane
Lachie Neale suffered a corked quad and a dislocated finger in the Lions’ practice match victory over Sydney, and the club will be cautious with him moving forward.
“We’re trying to manage him through … round one’s a couple of weeks away,” assistant coach Jed Adcock said.
Adelaide
Wayne Milera will miss Adelaide’s upcoming practice match against West Coast due to personal reasons.
