The injury reports are dropping on Tuesday afternoon with updates on Josh Dunkley, Christian Salem, Colby McKercher, Toby Pink, Joe Richards, Jordan De Goey and Stephen Coniglio.
UPDATES
Brisbane have revealed Josh Dunkley had an injury concern from the weekend but has been declared fit to face Melbourne on Friday night. The Lions update said: “Dunkley had a scan on his glute on Monday following Saturday’s win over Port Adelaide, though trained on Tuesday and will play against Melbourne.”
The Lions also declared Will Ashcroft “available” after 12 months out with an ACL injury but hadn’t made a call on whether he’d play AFL or VFL.
North Melbourne offered an update on Colby McKercher’s availability having returned via the VFL following a foot injury but it seems a return to senior ranks may need to wait.
Kangas head of performance Kevin White said: “He played capped game loading with the aim to maximise intensity and work rate in three quarters of football. Over the coming weeks, Colby’s training loads will be modified and game load metrics progressively increased to enable his foot to adapt.”
Toby Pink will face a fitness test to prove his fitness following a rolled ankle against Melbourne on Saturday night. White said: “His ankle was swollen post-game but has been trending well the past 48 hours. He will be off legs early this week and test in main training on Thursday.”
Melbourne defender Christian Salem should “good to go” according to Dees coach Simon Goodwin after being subbed out last round with a knee concern.
Goodwin said: “He’s good to go. He’ll train today and we’re really confident he’ll be right to go. He had a little bit of knee soreness last week. But he’s progressing pretty well. We’re pretty confident he’ll get through training today, be available and be on that plane up to Brisbane as well.”
Jordon Sweet’s job security may be a tad firmer with news that fellow Port ruckman Ivan Soldo is out for 4 weeks due to knee soreness. Port’s update said: “Soldo is continuing to manage knee soreness caused by scar tissue irritation.”
St Kilda noted backman Jimmy Webster (calf) is a test to return this week while defender Dougal Howard is 1 week away following a hamstring injury, which may impact Arie Schoenmaker’s job security.
Gold Coast’s injury update noted they’re confident Ben King will be available to face Collingwood following a knee complaint which may impact Sam Day’s role and/or selection.
Collingwood rookie Joe Richards is in the mix to return from a foot injury this week. The Pies injury update said: “Richards has cleared his rehab program for his foot injury. Richards has completed high end running and kicking movements separately from the group. He will move into contact drills this week and will be assessed to determine his availability for Saturday’s game.”
The Pies update also noted Jordan De Goey is “progressing well” and will be assessed for his fitness after an abdominal tear. Scott Pendlebury (bicep) and Brody Mihocek (hamstring) have both been declared fit to return, while Tom Mitchell (foot) is 3-5 weeks away.
Stephen Coniglio needs to pass a Thursday fitness test to prove he’s ready to return from a shoulder injury.
GWS update said he is “likely” but added: “Completed training last week but the club opted to give the star midfielder an extra week of contact training to ensure his readiness for a return. Coniglio will need to complete this week’s full training schedule to be deemed fit and available for team selection on Thursday.”
Harry Perryman also needs to pass a fitness test on Thursday to confirm his availability.
Fremantle have confirmed key defender Alex Pearce will miss 3-4 weeks due to a fractured forearm which may offer job security for rookie Hugh Davies. Luke Ryan may also be required for a more defensive role, with Brennan Cox needing another week in the WAFL following injury.
