MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 14: Christian Petracca of the Demons in action during a Melbourne Demons training session at Gosch's Paddock on December 14, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos for AFL Photos)
Melbourne have provided an update on Christian Petracca’s condition after breaking four ribs and lacerating his spleen in Monday’s King’s Birthday game.
The Dees are yet to provide a timeline on Petracca’s return but the serious nature of the injury means he’ll be sidelined for an extended period.
Dees General Manager of Football Performance Alan Richardson said: “Christian is in good spirits and making positive strides in his recovery.
“Christian is expected to be moved out of the ICU and into a general ward by tomorrow morning, and discharged from hospital in the coming days.”
Collingwood have revealed that Nick Daicos is no certainty to play in their Round 13 clash with North Melbourne ahead of their Round 14 bye due to two corks in his shin.
The Pies update said: “Nick Daicos was subbed out of Collingwood’s Round 13 match against Melbourne on Monday after getting two separate corks to both sides of his shin.
“The 21-year-old received a knock to his shin in the first quarter and then received another to the other side in the third quarter. Daicos was unable to take off running so was subbed out for the remainder of the match.
“He has since responded well and has started some jumping in the pool and on the gymnastics floor. He is expected to complete some training at the back end of the week which will determine his availability for Sunday’s game.”
Nathan Kreuger’s job security seems solid, assuming he stays fit, with the Pies confirming Mason Cox is still 5-7 weeks away from returning due to an MCL injury.
Jordan De Goey “has made solid progress in his recovery” from an abdominal issue but is still only expected to return to full training ahead of the Round 15 game against Gold Coast with a return slated for 2 weeks after that, firming up Jack Crisp’s midfield role.
That’s also shored up with Tom Mitchell undergoing a procedure last week on his plantar fasciitis issue, meaning he’s out for another 6-8 weeks, which may aid rooks like Lachie Sullivan.
Another rook, Joe Richards, is 2-3 weeks away from returning following a foot fracture.
North Melbourne rookie Wil Dawson will be sidelined for an extended period of time due to a high-grade AC joint injury.
Kangas head of performance Kevin White said: “(Dawson) will be assessed once out of the sling to determine strength, function, and a return-to-play timeline based off how he recovers during this initial phase.”
Zac Fisher wasn’t listed in North’s injury update after a cramp late against West Coast, while there was a positive update on Colby McKercher who hasn’t played since Round 9 due to a foot injury.
White said: “Last week was an important week for Colby in getting progressive loading on-field, pulling up well and transitioning from runners to football boots across the weekend. He had a strong footy conditioning session on Tuesday and will look to join in training Friday, plus another strong loading day on Sunday.”
Sydney coach John Longmire spoke to the media and praised Brodie Grundy for his role. He said: “We’ve been really pleased with what he’s brought to us. The thing that really stands out is how much of a competitor he is…
“He loves to compete and gets after the opposition and adds another big-bodied midfielder to our team. Our midfielders really understand and appreciate his presence around the scramble and that makes a big difference to them.”
Freo coach Justin Longmuir hinted that Hayden Young could tag Marcus Bontempelli this week, after Jarrod Berry did that role last round. Longmuir said: “Youngy is our man for that, I feel like he can nullify the opposition or quell the opposition’s influence at times and then win a bit of the ball himself.
“He’s got a good balance in his game, whether that’s against Bont this week or if we just go head-to-head, we haven’t really worked out yet.”
In other news, St Kilda confirmed a debut for Arie Schoenmaker following Dougal Howard’s hamstring injury. He went with pick 62 in the 2023 AFL Draft and is a 194cm key defender, who had 26 disposals and 6 marks a fortnight ago in the VFL.
