Adelaide provided a positive update on Rory Laird, who they claim is “expected to return for Saturday night’s Showdown” following a shoulder injury that kept him out of last round.
Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said: “At a pinch he could have played last week, he had a fair bit of bruising around that shoulder and swelling that wouldn’t disappear, so that restricted his range of movement.
“He’s got through everything we needed him to over the weekend and is running around really well, he will take part in most of training tomorrow and we anticipate him being available on Saturday.”
Sydney coach John Longmire offered an update on the fitness of Callum Mills (AF $661k SC $462k MID) who he had said was “banged up” for Saturday night’s win over Fremantle, leading to him playing on the wing.
Longmire said: “He missed six weeks with an injury and then he’s coming back after that. He’s feeling a bit better. His body is still getting used to the grind of coming back after a six-week break. We feel like he’s so flexible though, we can play him inside, wing, half-forward, half-back and that’s the beauty of him. We can play him in any position and know he’ll have an impact. He’s a key player around our club.”
The Swans coach was also glowing of Errol Gulden who goes from strength to strength this year. He said: “You know he’s a real competitor. He just goes so hard at it. Sometimes those guys just find a way. We probably thought half-forward/wing was for him this year, we’ve thrown him inside and he’s done really well. For a third-year player, he’s doing alright. He’s really consistent now. He values defence, he’s a really strong attacking player. He’s going really well.”
Melbourne offered another update on Clayton Oliver who is listed as 2-3 weeks. Dees club doctor Jacob Jewson said: “He’s integrating back into some training now and looking pretty good and he’ll continue to progress across the next little while into full training.”
Essendon revealed in their weekly injury report that Will Setterfield is a week away from availability following a long-term foot injury, while Brisbane noted Zac Bailey will miss another game due to a calf injury.
North Melbourne confirmed co-captain midfielder Jy Simpkin will be available for selection this week following two games out due to concussion.
GWS confirmed Tom Green is “one week away from a return” from his hamstring injury. Elliot Yeo is a test for West Coast following a hip injury.
Read Monday’s injury news, with updates on Walsh, Darcy and Ridley


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