Josh Dunkley (AF $985k SC $685k M/F) has been ruled out Brisbane’s Round 17 game against West Coast and he could miss more with the star listed as “1-2 weeks” in the Lions injury report.
Brisbane’s update said: “Dunkley will miss Saturday’s match with the West Coast Eagles due to a calf injury. Dunkley, who was subbed out late in Thursday night’s win against Richmond, will be further assessed next week.
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Melbourne offered the latest update on Clayton Oliver (AF $990k SC $658k MID) as he bids to return following numerous weeks out with a hamstring injury.
Dees club doctor Laura Lallenec said: “He’s going well, returning to training this week. He’ll continue to progress. He’s still got some things to tick off in his rehab and we should know later this week whether he’s available this weekend.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir told 7NewsPerth that ruck/forward Luke Jackson (AF $756k SC $546k F/R) is carrying a hip injury, impacting his ability to attend CBAs. Longmuir said: “Over the last two weeks, Luke’s been carrying an injury which doesn’t allow him to jump at his best and compete at his best in the ruck.
“We feel like it’s getting better, it’s definitely improved from the Essendon game. It got a little bit sore late in the game against Western Bulldogs but he’s pulled up really well. We’ll see what it’s like at main training and work out a plan later in the week. He definitely won’t miss any footy.”
North Melbourne offered a reassuring update on Jack Ziebell (AF $776k SC $468k D/F) after he picked up a knee knock on the weekend.
North head of performance Kevin White said: “Jack had his knee driven into the turf causing acute soreness so we went conservative with him late in the final term. He will fully train on Thursday and be available this week.”
Sydney officially provided an injury update on Chad Warner (AF $843k SC $551k MID) who was a surprise out when teams dropped last Thursday.
Swans Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services Damian Raper: “Chad has sustained a calf strain and will miss this week’s game against Richmond. He will then be assessed further by our rehabilitation team to determine his return to play timeframe.”
Hawthorn revealed the reason behind Jarman Impey’s late withdrawal last round was soreness and that he would be a test for Round 17.
Hawks High Performance Manager Peter Burge said: “It came more apparent towards the middle of the week with our main training that he wasn’t feeling as good as we expected. He completed our last session on the Saturday, but still didn’t feel where he needed to be to play the game, and based on his feedback and our assessments he didn’t play. But he’s a lot better today (Tuesday) and I’d expect him to be training on Thursday. We’ll be in a better position to make more of a definitive call after main training on Thursday for this weekend.”
Geelong provided an update on Jeremy Cameron’s potential return in Round 17 following concussion protocols.
Cats Footy GM Simon Lloyd said: “Jezza’s tracking well. I’ve gone on record saying Jez travelled with us to Sydney last week and did a lot of running around the SCG and moved well and he ran well yesterday as well. In regard to concussion protocols we’ll be guided by our medical team as to when Jez will be deemed available and we’ll know that later on in the week.”
Collingwood’s injury report included Brayden Maynard who is a test after another shoulder knock. The update said: “He will be assessed later in the week to determine his availability.”
Carlton revealed former well-owned rookie Ollie Hollands is “available this week” following a collarbone injury.
West Coast appeared confident Jack Darling would be available next round after a shoulder scare, while Tim Kelly appears set to return from illness, with both potentially impacting the roles of Ryan Maric and Elijah Hewett.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley talked up Josh Kelly after his strong display on the weekend. He said: “He’s been a fantastic player for us across the course of the year. I think I heard somewhere he’s the fourth highest rated payer in the league in terms of Champion Data stats. I’m sure when All-Australian teams are discussed, he’ll be well and truly among that discussion.”
Kingsley also confirmed Lachie Whitfield will come back in after suspension creating a dilemma with their backline, potentially impacting Harry Himmelberg, Isaac Cumming or Lachie Ash, while Brent Daniels would be “touch and go” to return from a hamstring issue.
