The early mail is trickling out with updates ahead of Round 23, headlined by Brodie Grundy, Zach Merrett, Archer May, Hayden Young, Sam Flanders and Lachie Neale.
Sydney coach Dean Cox provided an update on ruckman Brodie Grundy who’ll miss Round 23 due to concussion protocols but could return in Round 24.
Cox said: “He’s okay. He’s doing all the protocols. He’s doing all the testing he needs to do. Getting his body moving and reporting really well through that. So that’s the first part of the protocol process is to make sure that he can tick off every day as it comes.
“He’ll sort of ramp his training up at the back end of this week and into next week. He’s a massive loss for the footy team, the footy he’s been playing. Pete Ladhams has played some really good VFL football, so he’ll get his opportunity to lead the run.”
Essendon coach Brad Scott confirmed Zach Merrett will miss Friday’s game after hand surgery but remains hopeful of a Round 24 return. He said: “It’s an unfortunate situation, it carries on a bit of an unfortunate trend.
“We’re hopeful it’s a one-week injury, he’s had surgery, that was a success. We’re expecting him to be available next week but obviously miss this week. I wouldn’t be able to put Zach out, even if I wanted to, he’s our captain and he’s our inspirational leader and as soon as he found out about the surgery, he wanted the surgery within the hour so that he could get back.
“That’s just the competitor that he is, he wants to get back and lead the team as soon as possible, so that’s the sort of attitude and the inspiration that we really want and need at the moment.
Scott also revealed Archer May will miss their final two games. He said: “Archie May has ruptured a ligament in his ankle, a couple of ligaments, so he’ll miss at least two, possibly two-to-three weeks.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir downplayed Hayden Young’s chances of returning this round from a groin injury.
He said: “He’s got to get through training first, which in my mind is pretty unlikely for this week the way it sits right now. We want to get some work into him, and we want to make sure when he’s back he’s resilient. We’ll work through that, but it (selection) is probably unlikely.”
The Western Bulldogs confirmed Jordan Croft will make his debut on Sunday against West Coast while Adam Treloar (calf) is in the mix to play VFL this round wtih a view to a Round 24 AFL return.
Gold Coast’s Sam Flanders is “pushing for a return to action”, with the Suns stating he “will train fully this week ahead of Saturday’s home match”. Suns coach Damien Hardwick was bullish about Flanders’ return.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan downplayed any hopes of Lachie Neale returning in the regular season from injury.
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