Laird explains performance, Kingsley on Kelly & Whitfield’s availability, Stewart’s scans positive, JHF applauded
We have plenty of injury, MRO news, plus coaches comments following the opening round of the 2023 season, including updates on Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield’s availability, Tom Stewart’s scans, and Rory Laird talks about his unusually quiet day vs GWS.
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Rory Laird (AF $1.02m SC $703k MID) joined Kymbo and the Rooch to talk about his uncharacteristic performance against GWS, where he was held to just 18 disposals, and only had two marks and two tackles.
“GWS didn’t put a hard tag on, but made an emphasis around stoppages not to (let us) get any connection,” Laird said. “Not only with me, but we found it hard throughout the whole midfield to get some ruck-mid connect. Credit to them, they beat us not only around the ground, but especially at CB (centre bounces). They played it really well and I struggled to get involved within the game.”
The Crows superstar was also asked about what GWS did specifically to shut down their midfield’s connection and what adjustments he can make personally for next time if it happens again.
“I probably could’ve gotten on the move a bit more personally and actually look to get through the stoppage and move around a bit more. I struggled to actually cover the ground on the weekend. The conditions I found really challenging personally, and I think a lot of guys did on both teams. There was a lot of cramping going on by the end of the game.
“I probably could’ve been on the move a bit more or looked to free up someone else. I probably made it easier for them to be able to sit on me and there’s some big bodies in there (GWS mids), so I had to get off them a bit more,” Laird said.
Laird also agreed with Toby Greene’s sentiment that it was one of the hardest games he’s had to play due to the conditions, which contributed to his struggles to cover the ground. He said: “I found it hard to do effort-to-effort and that probably replicated my output and influence on the game, which I didn’t really have any. I haven’t played anything like that before in 203 games, and I hope I don’t have to anytime soon.”
GWS coach Adam Kingsley joined SEN Breakfast to provide an update on the availability of Josh Kelly (AF $890k SC $582k MID) and Lachie Whitfield (AF $771k SC $473k MID) following their respective concussions. “Obviously Whitfield and Kelly are ruled out with concussion, so that’s the 12-day protocol. They’ll be available the day before round three, so I expect to have both of them back for that Carlton game,” he said.
Tom Stewart (AF $775k SC $604k DEF) suffered a Grade 2 MCL injury during the first quarter of Geelong loss to Collingwood. Although he is ruled out for round two against Carlton, scans have revealed that the injury will not be long term. “Following scans, it was pleasing news the injury is not severe enough to keep sidelined long term. We expect Tom to return to the line-up in the short term,” Cats GM of Football Simon Lloyd said.
Liam Jones (AF $299k SC $228k DEF) suffered a neck injury which had him subbed out against Melbourne. Scans have revealed no structural damage, which leaves the door open for him to play in round two against St Kilda. Dogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said: “Scans came back with positive results. Liam has some pain & muscle spasm so we’re working overtime to get him back on track & will determine his availability as the week progresses.”
North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri (AF $556k SC $393k RUC) will undergo surgery after suffering an ankle injury against West Coast. His recovery timeline will be determined post-surgery. “This is disappointing news for Tristan after an outstanding pre-season. Everyone at the club was looking forward to seeing him evolve as a ruckman and build on his game,” North GM of Football Todd Viney said.
Kysaiah Pickett (AF $543k SC $365k FWD) had a monster performance against the Western Bulldogs, which was overshadowed by a brutal bump on Bailey Smith. Pickett was handed a two-match ban as a result of the incident. Melbourne have opted to accept the suspension, meaning Pickett will miss games against Brisbane and Sydney, before returning in round four against West Coast.
Port Adelaide defensive coach Nathan Bassett spoke to reporters today and praised Jason Horne-Francis (AF $572k SC $348k M/F) after his terrific Power debut. Bassett said: “I think Jason’s form has been pretty good in the trial games. So you can see he’s been building towards a strong performance, and he certainly gave us that. He adds a different dimension to our midfield in what he does and how he plays, and hopefully he can keep growing his game to become the player we think he can be.”
He also spoke about Travis Boak (AF $841k SC $580k MID) and his availability heading into round two. How Port use him is something to watch, depending on how that might affect the midfield rotation and minutes for the likes of JHF, Connor Rozee (AF $784k SC $513k M/F) and Zak Butters (AF $765k SC $529k M/F). “Trav’s a chance. He’s clearly got to prove that he’s fit enough to play but if Travis Boak’s fit and ready, I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t play,” Bassett said.
Lachie Weller (AF $677k SC $447k DEF) is a high chance to return for Gold Coast in round two, although it is yet to be determined whether it will be through the VFL or straight into the senior side. His inclusion will be one to monitor, seeing the possible effect on Charlie Constable (AF $368k SC $123k D/M) and Bodhi Uwland (AF $233k SC $123k D/M).