Stay up to date throughout Round 2 with our rolling injury report from the coaches post-game. With the eight-game round extending from Thursday night through until Sunday, these snippets of info will be key.
Carlton v Hawthorn
Connor Macdonald was subbed out with an ankle concern. Hawks coach Sam Mitchell was “not sure” about the extent of the injury and will have a scan tomorrow (Friday).
Mitchell praised Josh Ward after a good game having missed Round 1. He said: “I thought Josh Ward was fantastic. I thought his running power, his skill and ball use tonight was first class. Players like him helped tonight. He was able to create a lot of threat to the opposition with his run.”
The Hawks coach was also upbeat about Changkuoth Jiath, who is back after long-term injuries. He said: “He’s obviously got a physical profile that is magnificent. With that comes an injury risk so he has to be diligent… he played an important role and stepped up when we needed.”
Harry McKay was a late withdrawal for Carlton due to illness.
Footscray v Collingwood
Collingwood have confirmed since the game that Reef McInnes has suffered an ACL injury. Brody Mihocek missed the game with a back spasm.
Essendon v Adelaide
Izak Rankine was subbed out for Adelaide with the side 9 goals up in the third term. Crows coach Matthew Nicks explained: “He’s fine, yep. We were in a unique position where we could make a decision with where the game is at. And Izak’s history at the MCG sits in the back of your mind. It’s a long season. If we get an opportunity to manage a player with their loads, we’ll do that.”
Nicks also denied there was any apparent injury behind the decision. He said: “No. What was coming up was that his work rate was (at a high level). Izak Rankine was working as hard as anyone on the field. We don’t want to take any more risk. He’s done the work in the pre-season, so he’s able to work as an onballer.”
Rookie Sid Draper had a late injury concern. Nicks said: “As far as I’m aware, I hope he’s OK. I think it was more of a knock to the knee. He may have quite a contusion or bruise. It’s one we’ll need to keep an eye on.”
Essendon coach Brad Scott was rapt with Elijah Tsatas’ game. He said: “I thought Elijah has shown signs through the pre-season with his work rate. It’s been a slow burn. I have a strong view that the elite players at junior level eventually show those same traits at senior level. Elijah showed today, more than any game he’s played for Essendon, the elite traits he had as a junior. That’s really encouraging.”
Scott dismissed any concerns about Zach Merrett’s shoulder, saying medical staff hadn’t even spoken to him about it.
Port Adelaide v Richmond
Jack Lukosius was subbed out early with a knee injury and will require scans. Lachie Jones had a knee knock late. Richmond subbed out Sam Banks, having earlier had a head clash that left him bloodied.
St Kilda v Geelong
Tom Stewart sustained a knee injury and was subbed out. Cats coach Chris Scott said: “Their (medical team) first impression is that its minor.”
Bailey Smith was a late withdrawal with a calf injury. Scott said: “Very close this week. If you were to describe our system when it comes to these things, if they’re a chance to play, we give them as long as possible and then tend to be conservative, unless they’re absolutely right.
“The conservative nature of the decision-making suggests to me that he’ll be right next week, but again, I’m probably the wrong person to ask, I’m just parroting what I’ve been told.”
Liam Stocker was subbed out and will miss next week having entered concussion protocols. Hunter Clark had a groin issue too.
Brisbane Lions v West Coast
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter provided an update on Jack Graham who was a late out with a hip injury. He said: “He was close to be honest. He just hurt himself a little bit. The day after training he felt it. We had a fitness test yesterday for him.
“To be honest he probably could’ve played but he would’ve been a little bit restricted. The way Jack plays, we need him to be able to really run. We just made a call there. At this stage, we’re thinking he’ll be in line for selection next week and be OK.”
Bailey Williams was subbed out with cramps while Archer Reid appeared to limp off late but McQualter wasn’t asked about him.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said they’re likely to get Charlie Cameron (calf) and Kai Lohmann (ankle) back next week, but Brandon Starcevich (concussion protocols) will miss again.
North Melbourne v Melbourne
Melbourne’s second-gamer Matthew Jefferson was subbed out with a hand injury, which is suspected to be a fracture. Jake Lever rolled his ankle too.
Dees ruckman Max Gawn had a down game, which coach Simon Goodwin explained was partly due to off-field reasons. He said: “You’ve also got to realise that in life there are other things that are going on. So we’ll support Max. He’s a great person, he’s a great leader and there’s a backstory to everyone’s performance.”
North coach Alastair Clarkson praised Tristan Xerri for his display in the ruck on Gawn. He said: “I thought ‘X’ was fabulous in the ruck against Max and that’s where the ascendancy came from.
“I think we had four centre bounce goals in the last quarter and that really broke the back of the Melbourne side … in a game where it was only two or three goals separating the sides for the bulk of the day.”
Fremantle v Sydney
Brandon Walker was subbed out after a dislocated shoulder. Sydney subbed out Brodie Grundy but it was tactical rather than injury related.
