LDU set to play, Hopper and Dusty to return, Duncan available
As usual, teams released their injury reports today, with plenty of updates including Luke Davies-Uniacke, Mitch Duncan, Jacob Hopper, Dustin Martin, Max Gawn, Christian Salem and Nat Fyfe.
UPDATES
It looks as though North Melbourne will gain both Luke Davies-Uniacke (AF $860k SC $557k MID) and Jy Simpkin (AF $826k SC $500k MID) for their Good Friday clash against Carlton. LDU was a very late withdrawal against Hawthorn due to calf tightness, while Simpkin missed last week due to suspension.
Speaking to reporters today, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said that Luke Davies-Uniacke will be tested on Thursday, but they hope he should be good for Good Friday. Clarkson said: “We thought he was going to be available last week. He just had a calf cork from the week before and usually they settle and this one just didn’t settle over the last 24-48 hours (before the Hawthorn game) that we expected it to. We’re hopeful, but he’ll need to be tested and we’ll do that probably on Thursday.”
North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White also gave an update on LDU post training today. He said: “He’s fully trained (on Tuesday), he hit his speed markers, so providing he pulls up alright over the next 24 hours then he’ll be clear to play this week.”
West Coast released their injury report after several players went down against Fremantle on Sunday. The most relevant player is Campbell Chesser (AF $237k SC $132k D/M), who will likely miss a few weeks with a knee injury, but a timeframe is still unclear, with West Coast General Manager of Football Gavin Bell saying “Campbell Chesser’s timeframe to play again will be assessed in due course.” In some positive news for the Eagles, it is expected that Elliot Yeo (AF $625k SC $337k DEF) will return for his first game of the season in their clash against Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.
In Geelong’s injury report, defender Mitch Duncan (AF $820k SC $487k DEF) was not listed on there, meaning he is available for selection for Geelong’s Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn.
Melbourne captain Max Gawn (AF $849k SC $622k RUCK) was back running on the weekend as he works his way back from the knee injury he suffered against the Brisbane Lions in round 2. Melbourne’s High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said Gawn is making “positive progress” as he works his way to a return in 3-4 weeks.
Griffith also said Christian Salem (AF $653k SC $390k DEF) is also recovering well after surgery on a torn meniscus and will begin his rehabilitation this week. He said: “He’s got clearance to start to ramp up some of his work today, so he’ll start some conditioning, strength work.”
Richmond released their injury report today, with some mixed news. Jayden Short (AF $820k SC $544k MID) will miss the clash against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, but both Jacob Hopper (AF $722k SC $332k MID) and Dustin Martin (AF $664k SC $480k M/F) are available to play. Richmond Physical Performance Manager Luke Meehan gave an update on all three players. He said: “Jayden (Short) will progress through a gradual running program and is unavailable in the short-term. Dustin (Martin) and Jacob (Hopper) trained strongly over the weekend and are available to play.”
Nat Fyfe (AF $657k SC $314k M/F) looks set for another week on the sidelines, with Executive General Manager of Football Peter Bell saying Fyfe will need another week to recover. Bell said: “Nat was close (to playing in the RAC Derby), the plantar fascia is a tricky injury. He’ll miss this week, we’re trying a few different things which is very frustrating for Nat but I’m sure we’ll see him back out there shortly.”
Gold Coast Sun Sam Flanders (AF $492k SC $251k M/F) will be spending some time on the sidelines, after scans confirmed an MCL injury and was subbed out during the 3rd quarter of last week’s game against Geelong. Gold Coast Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull gave on update on Flanders in the Sun’s official injury report. He said: “He’s in a brace at the moment and we expect Sam to be around the six week mark before he returns to play.”
GWS Giants first round pick Darcy Jones (AF $260k SC $117k) will miss the entire 2023 season after suffering an ACL injury in their VFL clash against Carlton. Giants General Manager of Football Jason McCartney gave an update on Jones. He said: “Unfortunately it’s just one of those things that happens in football and we’ll wrap our arms around Darcy and give him all the support he needs at this tough time.”