As the AFL gears up for Gather Round, we have the injury reports today, with updates on Sam Docherty, Will Day, Jarrod Witts, Sam Walsh, Max Gawn, Luke Pedlar, Jordan Dawson, Jack Bytel and Jack Steele.
UPDATES
Carlton star defender Sam Docherty (AF $924k SC $525k DEF) will unfortunately miss the next 4-6 weeks after suffering a torn meniscus in the win against North Melbourne. Docherty reported soreness after the game, and had scans on Monday that confirmed the injury. He had surgery on it today, and Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd gave an update on the injury. He said: “Once he completes surgery, he’ll launch into his rehab and do everything required to get back to play, which we expect to be in 4-6 weeks.”
In better news for Carlton, it is expected that Sam Walsh (AF $916k SC $611k MID) will return for the Gather Round opening match against Adelaide on Thursday night, after slowly recovering from his back injury.
Hawthorn young gun Will Day (AF $727k SC $454k DEF) has been offered a two-game ban for his tackle on Brad Close during the third quarter against Geelong on Easter Monday. Day given a rough conduct charge, and graded as careless conduct, high impact & high contact.
In Gold Coast’s official injury report, co-captain Jarrod Witts (AF $845k SC $617k RUCK) is listed as a test for this week’s game against Fremantle on Friday afternoon after being a late withdrawal last week against St Kilda due to general soreness.
In Melbourne’s official injury report, captain Max Gawn (AF $849k SC $622k RUCK) is now listed as only 1-2 weeks away, as he continues his recovery from an MCL injury. It was said in the injury report Gawn “is making positive strides” in his rehab.
In Matthew Nick’s presser today, he said a number of players are available this week for selection, including popular rookie Luke Pedlar (AF $343k SC $215k FWD). He missed last week’s game against Fremantle due to suspension, but is in the frame to make his return against Carlton on Thursday night.
Nicks also talked about Jordan Dawson (AF $862k SC $618k DEF) and what his role may look like going forward, after spending more time in the midfield over the past two weeks. Nicks said: “We’d like to keep Jordy up around the footy. We feel like it balances our group out very well. Match committee will help us with that and what the balance of our side looks like. Jordy’s ability to play both (defence and midfield) is a real advantage for us, but we’d probably like to keep him up around the midfield if we could.”
St Kilda midfielder Jack Bytel (AF $346k SC $159k MID) has escaped serious injury, after leaving the field shortly after being subbed on due to an ankle injury. Acting General Manager of Football David Misson gave an update on Bytel in the St Kilda injury report. Misson said: “Jack has avoided serious injury which is great, especially given his recent run of bad luck. We’ll monitor how his ankle heals this week and have a better idea on his return to play timeframe after that.”
St Kilda captain Jack Steele (AF $969k SC $604k MID) is now listed as only 1-2 weeks away as he continues to recover from his collarbone injury he suffered against the Western Bulldogs in round 2.
Brisbane Lions defender Daniel Rich (AF $723k SC $531k DEF) and Darcy Gardiner (AF $442k SC $344k DEF) are both available for selection ahead of their Gather Round clash against North Melbourne on Saturday. Could put a selection squeeze on, with popular rookie Darcy Wilmot (AF $340k SC $216k DEF) potentially being affected.
