Injury reports started to come in on Monday with updates on Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich and Tom Liberatore, while Fremantle made a call on Matthew Johnson’s two-game suspension offer.
UPDATES
The Brisbane Lions confirmed both Dayne Zorko (AF $718k SC $464k M/F) and Daniel Rich (AF $661k SC $464k DEF) will miss 2-3 weeks with hamstring and calf strains respectively.
Lions coach Chris Fagan told AFL360: “It was quite promising today. I was a little bit concerned for Zorks. I actually thought he’d re-injured the tendon that he’d struggled with over the summer but it was actually his other hamstring and it’s just muscle. He’ll be 2-3 weeks. It’s on the minor side.
“Daniel Rich is similar, he’s got a little bit of a calf injury. He’ll be in that 2-3 bracket as well. Not as bad as I first thought.” Rich’s absence may help the scoring of Conor McKenna (AF $536k SC $306k DEF) and/or Darcy Wilmot (AF $379k SC $263k D/M).
The Western Bulldogs clarified Tom Liberatore (AF $873k SC $612k MID) remains a test as he bids to return from concussion in Round 8. Dogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said: “Tom still has some boxes to tick this week, expecting to make a call on his availability following our main training session this Thursday.”
GWS revealed popular loophole option Nicholas Madden (AF $200k SC $102k F/R) has returned to full training following off-season foot surgery but is still listed as 1-2 weeks away.
Fremantle confirmed it had accepted the two-game suspension offered to Matthew Johnson (AF $280k SC $185k MID) for rough conduct for a tackle on Dayne Zorko.
The Dockers have ruled out Heath Chapman for an extended stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, keeping Corey Wagner (AF $330k SC $117k D/M) in contention with Johnson out.
Popular Freo pre-season pick Nat Fyfe (AF $657k SC $313k M/F) is closing in on a return from a foot injury. Dockers high performance manager Phil Merriman said: “Nat’s foot pulled up really well from a step up on the weekend. He will be main training this week, with a plan for him to play football this weekend.”
Scott Lycett (AF $530k SC $383k RUC) suffered a game-ending back injury playing for Port in the SANFL but has recovered well and is eligible for selection this week.
