The early mail is trickling out with injury updates ahead of Round 18, headlined by Tristan Xerri, Luke Parker, Lachie Whitfield, Will Day and Hayden Young.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson confirmed that Tristan Xerri doesn’t have any concussion symptoms and is good to go this round.
Clarkson said: “Not at all as it was all ticked off by our doctors and the AFL doctors on gameday, including whether he came from the ground or not. He’s reported zero symptoms at the game and since. He’s done all the training this week. He’s ready to go.”
The North coach indicated Nick Larkey (knee) was “more unlikely than likely” having not trained on Thursday. He wouldn’t be drawn on individuals, with a list of players missing last week including Luke Parker.
However, he did say: “We’re hoping a lot of those guys that didn’t play last week will be available to play. We’ve just got to work out the balance.”
Clarkson revealed Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw were “symptom free”, so they’d return once out of concussion protocols.
Geelong coach Chris Scott confirmed George Stevens will play this round. He said: “Obviously we were really pleased with him. He’ll be in the 23. We just have to work exactly how it all lands but he’ll certainly be playing this week.”
Scott intimated that Mitch Duncan out for Bailey Smith was the likely only change, although they’d name up Tyson Stengle who could still be withdrawn late for personal reasons. On Smith, Scott added: “He was ill and now he’s not. It’s pretty simple. He’s trained well, looks good.”
Lachie Whitfield has been declared available to play following concussion protocols, according to GWS coach Adam Kingsley. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kingsley said: “He’s fine to play. He got through training. Wasn’t wearing a pink hat which was nice, in terms of contact. He feels great, trained well, so he’ll play.”
Kingsley also revealed Jesse Hogan was “good to go” after missing last week while they’d give Jack Buckley “every chance to get up” from a rolled ankle and that it was “looking pretty positive”.
The GWS coach also said Stephen Coniglio would require another round in the VFL.
Kingsley was also asked about using tagger Toby Bedford on Bailey Smith or Max Holmes and replied: “Bailey Smith has had a fantastic season. He’s a terrific player. He provides, along with Max Holmes, a lot of their speed and run and skill, penetration.
“They’re a terrific ball use team, really hard to defend and those two in particular contribute strongly to that. We’ll certainly have plans for Smith and that may include Toby.”
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell provided a clear timeline on Will Day’s return from a long-term foot injury. He said: “Round 20 has been the vague target for a period of time now and nothing has changed. He will do some extra training today and has done a couple of drills over the last week or so.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed Hayden Young wasn’t quite ready to return from a long-term hamstring injury. He said: “Next week. Still got some boxes to tick… it’s a chance (he’ll return via WAFL), he has missed a lot of footy.”
