The weekly injury reports are starting to trickle out with key updates across the board to help guide your Round 23 trade targets and trade-outs.
Essendon have confirmed captain Zach Merrett will miss Friday night’s game against St Kilda due to a broken hand that has required surgery, but are hopeful he’ll play in the final round.
The Dons update said: “Zach Merrett has undergone successful surgery on Monday to repair a fractured metacarpal in his hand.
“The injury, sustained during the Dons’ defeat to Geelong, will sideline him for the upcoming round 23 match against St Kilda. The Club is optimistic that Merrett will be able to return for their round 24 match against Carlton to celebrate his 250th career game.”
Carlton have ruled out midfielder Adam Cerra for their final 2 games of the season with a knee injury.
The Blues update said: “Has been unable to progress his training loads this week, ruling him out of the final two games of the season.”
Sam Walsh, however, is in line to return from a foot injury this weekend. Carlton’s update listed him as a test and said: “Will aim to train fully this week to be available to play.”
Sydney have already ruled out Brodie Grundy from their Round 23 clash with Geelong due to concussion protocols. Swans coach Dean Cox confirmed that on SEN radio on Monday morning.
Sydney’s injury update on Tuesday said: “Brodie was involved in a collision in the 4th quarter of the AFL match against Brisbane. Whilst initially passing a Head Injury Assessment post-game, Brodie reported concussion symptoms on Sunday afternoon. He will be managed per the AFL Concussion Guidelines. 1 week.”
Hayden Young is in the mix for a quick return from a groin injury, with Freo listing him as a test.
Dockers High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “He’s (Young) progressed well through the gym and has been doing some good running kilometres.”
Geelong have confirmed Mitch Duncan is set to make his return via the VFL, while Cam Guthrie (calf) is a test to play VFL.
Melbourne have lost young gun Caleb Windsor (hamstring) for the season, while Xavier Lindsay (hamstring) has been ruled out of Round 23.
The Dogs have listed Adam Treloar (calf) as a test this round. Dogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said: “He completed a second match simulation training session on Saturday.
“We will continue to discuss Adam’s plan across this week to determine if he returns to availability for this weekend.”
St Kilda’s Harry Boyd is done for the season having undergone surgery on a bone stress injury in his tibia.
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