The weekly injury reports are starting to trickle out with key updates across the board to help guide your Round 24 trade targets and trade-outs.
Essendon have declared Zach Merrett fit to return in Thursday night’s clash with Carlton, which will mark his 250th game.
The Dons’ injury update said: “The Captain underwent successful surgery on a metacarpal fracture in his hand last week, and following consultation with a surgeon on Monday, he’s been officially cleared to play in the Club’s final home game at the MCG.”
Young forward Liam McMahon will also be available for selection, despite a concerning wrist/hand injury last game.
The Dons said: “Scans showed no structural damage after the mid-season pick’s hand was stomped on late in last Friday’s defeat to the Saints. He’s trained fully this week and is expected to line up on Thursday.”
Brodie Grundy is on track to return in Round 24 for Sydney following a concussion. The Swans update said: “Brodie continues to recover without issues. He will be a test to return to play this weekend. Test.”
Lachie Neale is “progressing as planned” but won’t make it back for Brisbane’s Round 24 game. The Lions injury update confirmed Neale “will sit out of Sunday night’s clash with Hawthorn” due to a quad strain.
Jarrod Berry is “still a chance to play” after he dislocated his shoulder against Freo, but Eric Hipwood (calf) will miss.
Freo revealed Hayden Young (groin) could be available this weekend, pending a fitness test at their main training session on Wednesday.
Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “They (Young and Johnson) completed a game simulation session on the weekend. Both are looking really good and need to get through training on Wednesday to be available for selection this weekend.”
North have ruled out Cam Zurhaar (ankle) from their final game, while George Wardlaw (ankle), Riley Hardeman (concussion) and Zac Banch (rib) will all be tested.
On Hardeman, North’s update said: “Hardeman will be assessed on Tuesday to determine his availability for unrestricted training on Thursday.”
North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said about Banch: “Zac has been progressing each session with his ability to increase intensity and football function. He joined non-contact drills last Friday and topped up for a game-loading session to prepare for potential selection this week.”
Adelaide confirmed Luke Pedlar will miss again with hamstring soreness. Crows General Manager High Performance Darren Burgess said: “Luke Pedlar had some hamstring soreness at the back end of main training last week.
“As a result, he missed the game against Collingwood on the weekend. He’ll probably miss one more game and then be available after that.”
Nick Vlastuin will miss Richmond’s final game due to a fractured ankle, while Luke Trainor (hamstring) and Campbell Gray (knee) will be available.
Carlton confirmed Cooper Lord has entered concussion protocols and will miss their final game.
Gold Coast clarified Bailey Humphrey will miss their Friday night game against Port due to a knee injury.
GWS revealed Brent Daniels is a chance to return this weekend following an adductor injury.
