The weekly injury reports are starting to trickle out with key updates across the board to help guide your Round 18 trade targets and trade-outs.
North Melbourne haven’t listed ruckman Tristan Xerri on their injury list, despite reports that the club were still monitoring him following a head knock in Thursday’s loss to the Western Bulldogs.
The Kangaroos have ruled out Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw from their next match due to concussion. Luke Parker (ribs) will need to prove his fitness.
North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said: “(Parker) has recovered well and will re-enter main group training on Tuesday to press his case to play this week.”
GWS are yet to declare Lachie Whitfield’s return from concussion protocols, stating he needs to pass a fitness test
The Giants injury update said: “Whitfield is on track to return this weekend and play his 250th game after missing last week due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
“He successfully trained at the club on Friday and Tuesday and will need to complete Thursday’s session symptom-free to be cleared to play on Saturday.”
Essendon midfielder Jye Caldwell has suffered a syndesmosis injury, meaning he’ll undergo surgery in coming days and is set for a stint on the sidelines.
The Dons update said: “With scan results on Sunday confirming the full extent of his injury, the 24-year-old will have surgery in the coming days – a return-to-play timeline is yet to be determined.”
On the timeframe, Essendon GM – AFL Daniel McPherson added: “We’ll have a better idea of his recovery timeframe once he’s had surgery this week.
“He’s a total professional, so he’ll attack his rehab in the coming weeks and we’re looking forward to seeing him back out on the park towards the back end of the season.”
Essendon have also ruled out Zach Reid for the rest of the season after suffering another hamstring strain at training last Wednesday.
The Western Bulldogs didn’t even list Ed Richards in their injury update despite an AC joint in last Thursday’s game where he appeared hindered but played on.
Geelong has declared Bailey Smith is expected to be available this round to face the GWS Giants after being a late withdrawal with illness.
Veteran Mitch Duncan sustained an AC joint injury playing VFL which will sideline him for a stint, while Cameron Guthrie is still battling low-grade calf symptoms and will miss a few more.
Riley Bice faces a fitness test following a calf injury in the VFL. Sydney’s injury update said: “Riley sustained a low-grade calf strain in the VFL match last week against Footscray. He will be a test to return to play this week.”
Brisbane have cleared Keidean Coleman to be available for selection following a quad issue.
Hawks young gun Sam Butler is listed as 1 week with a leg injury. Hawthorn High Performance Manager Peter Burge said: “As a result of the terrible injury he suffered last year, there’s just been some complications around the fibula side of his leg. He’s now played a total of 11 games, including VFL games, so he’s played quite a lot of football.
“We’ve just had to go with a little more management of that accumulation of that load. We expect him to resume some form of training next week and we’ll assess his availability to play football next week as we progress over the next couple of days. But he’s definitely improved and feels a lot better, we just need to take that next step back into loading on land and progressing to football training again.”
Port have confirmed its season over for Sam Powell-Pepper (ACL), Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) and Dante Visentini (syndesmosis).
The Power update said: “Visentini will undergo surgery this week to repair his syndesmosis, while Ratugolea’s treatment plan will be determined over the coming days.”
Richmond rookie Jasper Alger played out Saturday’s game but actually sustained an ankle injury early on, ruling him out for 3-4 weeks.
The Tigers confirmed Sam Lalor’s season is over due to a hamstring injury, while Campbell Gray is a test this week following a knee injury. Jayden Short is in the mix having successfully returned in the VFL last weekend.
