Round 1 is almost upon us with the AFL clubs putting out their injury reports on Tuesday, providing key updates on Jack Sinclair, Rowan Marshall, Sam Flanders, Bailey Dale, Josh Daicos and many more.
Jack Sinclair and Rowan Marshall will be available for St Kilda against Adelaide in Round 1 after overcoming minor pre-season setbacks.
St Kilda EGM Football David Misson said: “Jack and Rowan have been really diligent in their respective recoveries, and we look forward to their inclusion on Sunday.”
Under-priced Gold Coast’s midfielder Lachie Weller (hamstring) will be available for selection to face West Coast on Sunday.
Sam Flanders has been ruled out with a back injury. The Suns said: “Sam Flanders (back) will also not travel to Perth to face the Eagles and will aim to make his return in Round 3 against the Demons.”
The Western Bulldogs have listed Bailey Dale (quad) and Ed Richards (calf) as tests to play in Round 1, as the pair “need to get through main training on Thursday before putting their hand up to be selected”. Their availability may impact Joel Freijah’s role. Marcus Bontempelli (calf) is listed as 5-6 weeks.
Josh Daicos is a test to play this weekend against Port after sustaining an ankle sprain in Opening Round. The Pies update said: “He finished the game and is expected to be available for this weekend’s match. Daicos will be restricted in his training early in the week, with his loads to increase closer to the game.”
Jordan De Goey has been ruled out, which is good for Harry Perryman’s role. The Pies said: “He is expected to be available for Round Two.”
Port listed Zak Butters as 4-6 weeks, while Connor Rozee wasn’t mentioned following recent reports he had an injury.
Carlton have declared Sam Walsh is available to play after a hamstring concern, while Charlie Curnow is likely to be available in Round 2 following a knee issue.
Bo Allan wasn’t listed in West Coast’s injury report but it’s been reported he’ll miss Round 1 following an illness last week where he lost 5 kilograms. He has returned to training but the club are said to want to take the “conservative” route with the rookie.
GWS have listed Tom Green as a test to face Melbourne in Round 1, as he looks to return from a pre-season calf injury ahead of schedule.
The Giants clarified Kieren Briggs “has been cleared of any serious damage to his neck” but will miss their game under concussion protocols.
Youngster Phoenix Gothard has recovered from an ankle sprain, but will now miss 3 weeks due to a broken finger sustained at training on Friday.
Fremantle have listed recruit Shai Bolton as a test to face Geelong in Round 1 due to leg soreness.
Fremantle Executive Manager of Football Joe Brierty said: “Playing his first full game (against Melbourne), he pulled up a little bit sore early last week. We wanted to send him for some precautionary scans, which just came back with a little bit of signalling which shows a stress response in his lower leg.
“Taking precautions, he’s gone through some de-loading over the last week and we’re looking for him to complete main training to be available for selection.”
Richmond have confirmed no.1 draft pick Sam Lalor will debut against Carlton on Thursday night, clarifying his injury status in their injury report following a fractured jaw.
Tigers High Performance Manager Ben Serpell said: “That was very unlucky for Sam, back over at West Coast, being pushed into that contest. He’s held himself high throughout the whole rehab process and put himself in the best position to be selected to play this week.”
Forward Tom Lynch is available for selection, having got through concussion protocols. Rookie Josh Smillie is listed as 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Hawthorn listed James Worpel as 3-4 weeks following an ankle injury from Opening Round that doesn’t need surgery. James Blanck (knee) is listed as 5-7 weeks.
Shaun Mannagh won’t play AFL in Round 1 following a pre-season foot injury. Geelong’s update said: “Shaun is back in full training after being managed throughout the preseason with a right foot bone stress injury. He is set to play in the VFL practice match on Saturday against Port Melbourne.”
