We get a number of injury updates around the league, and the likes of Tanner Bruhn, Alwyn Davey and Will Setterfield being talked up by fellow teammates and coaches.
Adelaide rookie Max Michalanney (AF $268k SC $135k DEF) is a high chance to make his debut in round one against GWS. Defender Brodie Smith has been impressed by what he has seen from him.
“He can play tall and small, and he’s been super impressive for a kid who’s just come in. He knows the game back to front, he’s got leadership qualities already and he’s looking really good,” Smith said.
Essendon new recruit Will Setterfield (AF $610k SC $348k MID) has had a strong preseason, firmly in the Bombers’ midfield rotation. Assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa spoke about him on RSN and had plenty of positive things to say about him.
“He’s been really impressive. He’s fit in really well with the boys. He’s a really smart footballer, he understands the game. He gives us flexibility, he’s a bigger body compared to some of the other midfielders we’ve got.
“We see him playing inside (midfield) or even out on the wing, and that flexibility is gonna help us compliment the other midfielders that we’ve got,” he said.
Rookie Alwyn Davey (AF $212k SC $117k M/F) has provided some excitement to the club. Giansiracusa says they’re tempering their expectations, but looking forward to a big year from him.
“We’re very excited, but we’re tempering those expectations. He’s been very good, as soon as he stepped into the footy club.
“He’s going really well, he runs a lot, gets up and down the ground, he’s an excitement machine and the best thing is that you don’t have to teach him how to tackle and chase. He’s exciting for us, looking forward to him having a big year,” he said.
Geelong star Jeremy Cameron joined SEN Breakfast and spoke about the impact of their young players this preseason, being able to push the older players. New recruit Tanner Bruhn (AF $471k SC $311k M/F) was a standout in the practice matches, and Cameron highlighted him as someone who has caught his eye in the preseason.
“I really like the way Tanner’s been going about it. He played forward a lot at the Giants and a little bit in the midfield as well. But he spent a lot of time up around the middle (with Geelong) and he buries in and wins the ball for us.
“He’s a really good runner and ball user as well. I’ve been impressed with what he’s been able to do,” Cameron said.
Patrick Dangerfield spoke to Gerard Whateley on SEN on his preseason and the importance of not missing a training session. Tom Stewart (AF $836k SC $604k DEF) was mentioned by Dangerfield as someone who has had that continuity this preseason.
“Normally you’d say it (missing a session) doesn’t mean much, but it does bulletproof you for the season, particularly when you haven’t had that continuity in previous preseasons.
“We’ve got some players that have had wonderful preseasons. Tommy Stewart’s one, he’s managed to have an incredible 5-year block (even) with missing preseason sessions and this is the first one that he hasn’t missed a beat, so he’s in phenomenal nick,” Dangerfield said.
The skipper also spoke about players who have had interrupted preseasons like Tom Hawkins (AF $680k SC $519k FWD) (foot) and Mitch Duncan (AF $820k SC $486k DEF) (calf) and their round one chances.
“We had a few players missing over the weekend for various reasons. I don’t think big Hawk will play, Mitch Duncan will be touch and go,” Dangerfield said.
Duncan has been sent to South Australia to do a personal mini-preseason to help recover from his calf injury. Whether he gets up for round one will be something to monitor for fringe Cats like Jack Bowes (AF $607k SC $277k DEF) and how it might affect their place or role in the lineup.
GWS small forward Brent Daniels (AF $318k SC $191k FWD) is in the mix to play round one against Adelaide after a long layoff with injury. Daniels played his last game in round 21 of the 2021 season and has been dealing with constant hamstring issues since.
He suffered a setback to his hamstring last month, but is now back to training with the main group and a chance to play GWS’ season opener.
Richmond have released injury updates on a number of important players, including Jayden Short (AF $867k SC $543k MID), Dion Prestia (AF $788k SC $518k MID) and Tom Lynch (AF $674k SC $519k FWD). Club Physical Performance Manager Luke Meehan has the latest.
On Short: “(He’s) probably not as likely, but again, there’s a fair bit of time still to go and a main training session next Tuesday, so he would have to be a part of that. But at this stage, he’s maybe unlikely (for round one).”
On Prestia: “He’s pulled up quite well actually. We’re hoping to get him involved in a couple of sessions leading up to next Thursday night. At the moment, things are looking really positive. He has a couple of sessions to get through, but we’re hopeful that he’s okay.”
On Lynch: “(He pulled up) really well (from playing three quarters on Saturday). Tom’s a pro, he’s worked really hard the last few weeks. He’ll fully train going into round one.”
Robbie Tarrant is still a couple of weeks from playing games with a hip injury, which could present the opportunity for a surprise round one bolter in Tylar Young (AF $200k SC $102k DEF), a mature-aged key defender who was picked from the 2022 rookie draft. Most likely a last-resort option, but one to watch.
