Monday’s news includes a bunch of MRO verdicts, some injury updates, Craig McRae speaks about Collingwood’s ruck situation, while Josh Carr touches on Zak Butters’ role.
UPDATES
West Coast coach Adam Simpson revealed that Campbell Chesser (AF $237k SC $132k D/M) will miss time with a knee injury picked up in Sunday’s Western Derby. Simpson told 7NewsPerth: “Campbell has got a minor knee issue. It looks like he’ll miss a few weeks with that as well.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae spoke to reporters about Oscar Steene (AF $200k SC $102k RUC) potentially being the main ruck due to all their injuries. He said: “We’re rapt with how he is going. He’s come in and really shown what he’s capable of, and I think we’ve got a player for the future no doubt. But as I said Friday night, I’m not keen to throw people into the wolves. I want to make sure we set them up to succeed, so we just have to make sure that’s the right time.
The Magpies coach added: “I’m not saying it’s not futuristic, it might be in a couple of weeks who knows. But it won’t be this week.”
On Darcy Cameron’s (AF $719k SC $494k R/F) knee injury and the outlook moving forward, McRae said: “We feared the worst to be honest, we thought it could have been an ACL. I’m a positive guy, we’re looking forward to having him back in 8-10 weeks.”
McRae also highlighted some strong performers in the VFL that may be brought up later in the season. He said: “Jakob Ryan (AF $246k SC $117k DEF) and Ed Allan (AF $264k SC $126k MID) look really impressive. Those two kids are going to be really good for us in the future. I really like both those lads. They’ll play AFL footy this year if the opportunity presents.”
Adelaide have chosen to accept the one-match suspension handed to Luke Pedlar (AF $343k SC $215k FWD) for rough conduct. He will miss this week’s clash against Fremantle on Saturday.
Other notable players sanctioned by the MRO include: Connor Rozee (AF $793k SC $523k M/F) ($2500 fine ($1500 early plea) for umpire contact) and Darcy Parish (AF $908k SC $594k MID) ($2500 fine ($1500 early plea) for striking Hunter Clark)
St Kilda have released an injury update on Mason Wood (AF $740k $449k MID) (shoulder) and Jimmy Webster (cheekbone). The update said: “Mason Wood remains a chance to play Gold Coast if he passes medical assessments this week. Conversely, Jimmy Webster is set for a stint on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.”
On Webster, Acting Football GM David Misson said: “We’ll have a better idea of Jimmy’s return to play timeline after surgery.” Webster is listed on the Saints’ injury report as 5-6 weeks. Jack Steele (AF $969k SC $604k MID) (collarbone) is listed as 3-4 weeks away.
Port Adelaide assistant coach Josh Carr spoke to the media about Zak Butters (AF $710k SC $503k M/F) and what his role looks like in the team. He said: “He’s a bit of both (midfielder and forward). I think a good Zak Butters delivers in both areas and has a spread of midfield versus forward time. He’s got some strengths that add to both areas, but it’s about consistency week to week.”
Carr also spoke about the team’s ruck situation, with the first ruck mantle not being set in stone. Scott Lycett (AF $572k SC $419k RUC) has held that spot, but Jeremy Finlayson is also seen as an option. Carr said: “Who knows what it looks like going forward. At the moment, Scotty’s been the number one ruck, and it comes down to performance as a team and individually.”
The Western Bulldogs released an injury update, including Taylor Duryea. Head of Sport Medicine Chris Bell said: “Taylor Duryea became unwell toward the back end of last week, so unfortunately had to miss the game last week. He has now fully recovered – so he will return to availability for this weekend.” A watch to see how that might affect a Dogs backline that already share the ball a lot.
Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew joined SEN Breakfast and spoke about Ben King (AF $309k SC $198k FWD) maintaining his confidence despite a difficult day marking the ball. Dew said: “It’s a great lesson. The fact he was getting to uncontested mark areas shows he was working hard and finding the gaps. He just gets going and most importantly, his ground level play didn’t drop off.”
