Tuesday’s injury reports are starting to trickle out with key updates across the board to help guide your Round 9 trade targets and trade-outs.
Melbourne offered an update on the status of Clayton Oliver after missing last round for personal reasons, revealing he has returned to training.
Demons AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said: “Obviously Clayton missed the game last week, he completed a session with some of our VFL squad on the weekend, and integrated back into full training today.
“We’ll continue to work with him across the week to have the best plan for his mental and physical wellbeing. The plan is for him to train on Thursday, and then we’ll assess his availability for selection following that session.”
Kysaiah Pickett sustained an ankle injury late last game but is expected to play this round. Griffith said: “Koz just had an ankle sprain towards the end of the game, but he’s recovered well. He was part of full training today.”
Geelong Executive General Manager – Football Andrew Mackie provided an update on Tom Stewart who missed last game with a knee issue.
Mackie said: “After experiencing knee soreness following the Round 7 game against Carlton, we took the cautious approach and decided to give Tom the week to rest and recover. We will continue monitor him and make a call on his availability closer to squad selection on Thursday.”
Mackie also spoke about the status of Mitch Knevitt who has had a foot injury. He said: “Mitch has been managing a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. He is progressing well, but as we do in most cases, we erred on the side of caution and decided to give him another week to manage it. Mitch will be a test this week to face GWS.”
GWS have revealed Kieren Briggs will face a fitness test this round. The Giants update said: “Jake Riccardi (hand) and Kieren Briggs (ankle) will also be tests for this weekend. Riccardi was a late out from Thursday’s squad while Briggs rolled his ankle in Sunday’s Sydney Derby.”
Fremantle have confirmed Hayden Young will miss 10-12 weeks due to hamstring surgery, while Nathan O’Driscoll could return this weekend after an ankle injury.
Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “He (O’Driscoll) turned the corner quite quickly this week. He’s got a couple more hurdles to jump over before we declare his availability, but it is looking promising.”
Sydney have listed Ben Paton as a test this week. The Swans update said: “Ben has recommenced running from his calf strain and will be a test to return to play this week. Test.”
Callum Mills is also a step closer to return. The update said: “Callum completed two football sessions last week. He is aiming to complete match play in our main training session this week, where his progression will then be determined based on his recovery. Week to week upon reassessment.”
Hawthorn’s Cam Mackenzie will miss 1-2 weeks having had hand surgery, with his availability likely to impact Henry Hustwaite’s role and selection. Jack Scrimshaw will miss again due to concussion protocols.
Gold Coast’s Lachie Weller will miss approximately 6 weeks due to a hamstring injury, while George Wardlaw is set to be available for selection for North after a corked thigh.
Mattaes Phillipou faces a fitness test to prove he’s available to return for St Kilda following a pre-season stress fracture followed by a corked quad at training.
Essendon have “cleared” Jye Caldwell to return from injury this round. The Dons update said: “Hasn’t featured since round three due to a hamstring strain, now set to bolster the side’s midfield personnel after a successful recovery.”
The Dons have also listed Jordan Ridley as 8 weeks with his hamstring injury.
Carlton have listed as Jack Silvagni (hand) as a test, noting he’s back in full training and writing: “Will aim to complete training this week to be available for selection.”
West Coast High Performance Manager Mat Inness revealed Archer Reid is expected to play this round despite an ankle worry last game. He said: “Archer rolled his ankle, however he saw out the game without issues. He will have a quiet start to the week and will train on Thursday, and he is expected to be available for the weekend.”
Collingwood announced Tom Mitchell is set to return from a foot injury this weekend in the VFL, pending a test.
Pies coach Craig McRae also revealed Brody Mihocek will miss this round with an abdominal issue while Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard and Scott Pendlebury will all be managed out against Freo.
Adelaide have confirmed Matt Crouch will be sidelined for between 4-6 weeks due to hip soreness having started a rehab program.
