It was a bumper Tuesday of injury reports with updates on Luke Davies-Uniacke, Sam Walsh, Jackson Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Humphrey, Will Day, Jeremy Cameron and Christian Petracca.
UPDATES
Luke Davies-Uniacke remains no certainty to play in Round 24 due to a bruised foot. North Melbourne Head of Performance Kevin White said: “Luke had some significant bruising and bleeding underneath his big toe after his game last week (against Essendon).
“He was too sore to run on the Tuesday, we tested him in runners and boots on the Thursday as a functional assessment test and to see if he has any chance to get up for the game – he was just too sore as soon as he switched into his football boots. Today (Tuesday) he had a light run out on the ground and showed improvement but he’s very much a test still for Thursday.”
Sam Walsh (hamstring), Adam Cerra (hamstring) and Lachie Fogarty (soreness) are in the mix to play this weekend although Carlton are yet to declare them. Carlton’s injury report said: “All players are aiming to be available for selection against GWS. All will need to complete full training later in the week to be available to play.”
Hawthorn put out their injury report with no mention of Will Day who went off late due to cramp. The Hawks said Brandon Ryan is “expected to be available” after illness while Hawthorn High Performance Manager Peter Burge said about Jai Newcombe they “expect him to be fully training later this week and be playing on the weekend” following hamstring tightness.
The Western Bulldogs revealed Jackson Macrae will miss Round 24 due to concussion. Dogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said: “Soon after the completion of the game, Jackson developed some low-level symptoms that he reported to our Club Doctor.
“Jack subsequently failed a concussion test and was immediately placed in protocols. Jack will be assessed during this week before a return to play plan is developed.”
There’s a more positive outlook for a Tom Liberatore return from concussion. Bell said: “Tom and Robbie (McComb) are progressing well in the final stages for their recovery following their concussions. Both are on track to be cleared to return to full contact training for our main session on Thursday. I’m optimistic that both will return to availability.”
Gold Coast Suns rookie Bailey Humphrey will miss Round 24 as he’s set for finger surgery. Suns Head Physiotherapy Lindsay Bull said: “Bailey unfortunately injured his finger in last weekend’s match and will undergo surgery today to repair that damage, so will also be unavailable for the match against North Melbourne.”
The Suns also ruled out Ben King (knee), Jack Lukosius (Achilles) and Tom Berry (shoulder) for their final round game. Dante Visentini is “expected to be available” for Port’s final round game.
The Port injury update said: “Visentini will be assessed throughout the week after missing the last two weeks of football with a minor quad strain. The 20-year-old ruck is expected to be available for selection for Sunday’s Richmond clash, pending a successful fitness test.”
Jordan De Goey is set to return from a glute injury for Collingwood. Pies Head of High Performance Jarrod Wade said: “De Goey will be available for selection following the glute complaint that kept him out of Friday night’s game against Brisbane. De Goey trained over the weekend and returned to full speed training.
There was chaos at Geelong following their elimination from finals calculations with Tom Hawkins (hamstring), Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) and Brad Close (ankle) all ruled out, along with forward Jeremy Cameron.
Geelong Footy GM Simon Lloyd said: “Jeremy Cameron will have surgery on his troublesome AC joint. It’s been incredible he’s been able to keep going and performing at a certain level, and it’s now time to be proactive with that surgery on his AC joint, which will be on Thursday.”
Cam Guthrie is a chance to play AFL after returning in the VFL from a foot injury. Lloyd said: “Cam goth through the game, so (it was) a successful return from a foot injury, which is really positive – albeit it was on modified, reduced game time. We’ll probably go a more conservative approach with Cam this week, but again, that decision still needs to be made and assessed throughout the course of the week.”
Rhys Stanley is also a chance to play after an adductor issue, which may impact Tim English’s VC/C strength. Lloyd said: “He’s running at the moment. He’ll be tested with change of direction and other aspects and measures he needs to tick off throughout the week, and we’ll assess his availability in the latter part of this week.”
GWS explained Braydon Preuss’ VFL absence on the weekend was due to general soreness, which likely means Kieren Briggs will play sole ruck in Round 24. St Kilda revealed Anthony Caminiti had entered concussion protocols after playing in the VFL, although few will still own him.
Finally, on the topic of Round 24 restings, Melbourne midfielder Christian Petracca on AFL360 rubbished any suggestion he’d miss out. Petracca said: “God no, I’m playing… We’ve got the finals bye too, if you miss this week’s game it’s a two-week break going into the first final.”
