The AFL clubs all submitted their injury reports on Monday and Tuesday with no major new concerns, but some significant trickle-on effects for popular players.

NEWS

Off the top, however, there was news from the AFL Tribunal that James Sicily is free to play in Round 2, successfully getting his kicking charge downgraded to low impact.

UPDATES

Essendon revealed Zach Reid will miss the next 4 weeks due to a hamstring strain they’d previously described as minor.

The Dons injury report said: “The 21-year-old was subbed out of the contest at half-time after reporting hamstring awareness to fitness staff in the second quarter, with scans this week revealing the full extent of the injury.”

Darcy Parish “remains a chance” to play this weekend, with Essendon stating he needs “to train fully over the coming days to confirm if he’ll make the trip to face Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night”. His availability may impact Archie Perkins’ role.

Essendon also noted Jordan Ridley is eyeing off a Round 3 return from a quad strain, stating he is “tracking well in his recovery”.

West Coast offered an update on the status of Jai Culley who could be a early-season cheap SuperCoach trade-in once he returns from an ACL injury.

Eagles High Performance Manager Mat Inness said: “Jai is going really well. He has been in full training the last couple of weeks, so he’s probably another two weeks away from hopefully returning to play.”

Adelaide confirmed Taylor Walker is “expected to return” for their Round 2 game following a back injury which may impact Chris Burgess’ role and/or selection.

Jack Sinclair is in the mix to return from a calf injury for St Kilda, which may impact the roles of Riley Bonner or Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

“We knew the turnaround between Rounds 1 and 2 was always going to be tough, so ruling out Jack early last week allowed him to fully focus on Round 2,” EGM Football David Misson said. “While he still has some boxes to tick, we’re hopeful he’ll be available for selection.”

Dan Butler (ankle) is listed as a “test” which may impact Lance Collard getting another go. Saints coach Ross Lyon said Butler is likely to play VFL for Sandringham this weekend.

Fremantle confirmed Brennan Cox will miss 12-14 weeks with a high-grade hamstring injury, while fellow key defender Oscar McDonald is “expected to be sidelined for an extended period” opening the door for a possible Hugh Davies debut.

Sean Darcy (knee) is listed as 3 weeks, which will impact Luke Jackson when he returns. Freo High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “Sean is tracking as planned, he’s on the Alter-G (anti-gravity treadmill) running at about 65-70 per cent of his body weight. He will progress further on the Alter-G and hopefully progress to on-field later in the week.”

Sydney provided updates on Luke Parker and Taylor Adams, with the duo closing in on returns.

On Parker, the Swans said: “Parker’s broken arm is healing well, he has started some non-contact ball drills. He is expected to be assessed in 2 weeks’ time.”

On Adams, the Swans said: “Taylor is progressing well from his knee injury. He is building up his running and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks.”

Sydney also slated Callum Mills (shoulder) for a “mid-season return”.

GWS noted rookie Darcy Jones successfully returned from an ACL injury and tonsilitis via the VFL, putting him in the mix for an AFL debut.

Collingwood declared Tom Mitchell will be available for selection after managing an ankle complaint last week.

Brisbane revealed Connor McKenna will miss four weeks with a  hamstring injury with his absence alongside Keidean Coleman’s, opening up a backline role for someone to grasp at the Lions.

North Melbourne confirmed Jy Simpkin will return to action in Round 2 following concussion protocols, while Hawthorn announced that Will Day’s (foot) return to play timeline is six weeks.