Practice matches are done and dusted, with plenty of news around the league including injury updates, possible selection news, and MRO verdicts.
Collingwood gun Jordan De Goey (AF $700k SC $468k MID) is free to play round one, escaping with a $3000 fine for a dangerous tackle on Lloyd Meek, which was classified as rough conduct, careless and low impact.
Pat Lipinski (AF $711k SC $472k M/F) dislocated his shoulder against Hawthorn and is expected to miss the first half of the season after undergoing surgery.
“We are disappointed for Pat who has undergone his second shoulder surgery in six months. The expectation is that he will be out of the selection frame until after the mid-season bye,” GM of Football Graham Wright said.
Something to monitor is how this impacts Collingwood’s midfield rotation and who might fill Lipinski’s role. While unlikely, rookie Ed Allan (AF $264k SC $126k MID) could be featured early in the season if the opportunity presents.
Gold Coast star Touk Miller (AF $972k SC $662k MID) is all good to go for round one after missing both preseason matches with a hamstring injury.
“I trained on Saturday while the boys were playing and felt fantastic. I’ve got two normal weeks at it now and I’m ready for round one. If it was in-season I would have played the weekend just gone,” Miller said.
Hawthorn rookie Cam Mackenzie (AF $288k SC $180k MID) impressed in their practice match against Collingwood, racking up 24 disposals, along with five marks, three tackles and a goal on 73% time on ground. Speaking to Gerard Whateley on SEN, coach Sam Mitchell had positive words on Mackenzie.
“He’s such a level-headed young lad, he’s just very very consistent in the way he goes about it. Every time he’s played, he’s played well, really pleased with his performance so far,” he said.
On a round one debut for Mackenzie: “Not sure yet, we’re not into selection. We had a couple of guys missing or rested from that game so it’s gonna be a squeeze. We haven’t had it for awhile, having really good players who deserve a game not getting one. There’ll be a couple of unlucky lads in our squad,” Mitchell said.
Melbourne midfield coach Adem Yze spoke about the dynamic between star rucks Max Gawn (AF $914k SC $622k RUC) and Brodie Grundy (AF $830k SC $512k RUC), and how things might look moving forward.
“We’re just trying to work out the game time and how often they play forward. They both hit the scoreboard and we expect them to go down there, and we need them to go down there and play well as a forward. It will evolve over time… that’s still going to be a work in progress,” Yze said
North Melbourne’s Cam Zurhaar (AF $522k SC $351k FWD) is in doubt for round one after suffering a calf strain against the Western Bulldogs.
“Cam will be on light duties and monitored closely over the next week. It will be a matter of waiting to see how he responds, then progressing his rehab as his symptoms allow,” GM of Football Todd Viney said.
Depending on the outcome, it may impact the roles of North’s small/medium forwards like rookie Harry Sheezel (AF $296k SC $198k FWD) in the short term.
Scans revealed that Richmond’s Jayden Short (AF $867k SC $543k MID) suffered a calf strain against Melbourne.
“Short’s availability will be assessed closer to next Thursday’s season opener,” the club update said.
Dion Prestia (AF $788k SC $518k MID) also strained his pectoral muscle, with the club saying he “remains a chance” to play against Carlton in round one.
Bulldogs defender Ed Richards (AF $648k SC $460k DEF) suffered a corked quad against North Melbourne. He will be on light duties for the week, then back to full training next week.
Hayden Crozier (AF $494k SC $218k DEF) is not expected to train this week after dislocating his finger. He is set to return to the main group next week.
