Tuesday’s injury reports have been dropping ahead of Round 1 with some key updates on Colby McKercher, Rowan Marshall and Adam Treloar among others.
Colby McKercher is no certainty to play for North Melbourne in Round 1 due to an ongoing finger issue, with the Club stating he’s merely “in contention”.
North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said: “Colby was at the end stage of his recovery last week. He was building back in with main group training and letting that finger regain full function.
“He’s also had some really good conditioning over the past three weeks and is in contention to play this week providing he gets through training well.”
Rowan Marshall has been ruled out of St Kilda’s Round 1 after entering concussion protocols.
The Saints update said: “Marshall has entered concussion protocols after receiving a head knock in Sunday night’s game against Collingwood. The 30-year-old left the ground just before three-quarter time and did not return.”
Adam Treloar is in the mix to return from a calf injury, along with Ryley Sanders from concussion protocols.
Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said about Treloar: “Adam trained strongly on the weekend, continuing to build football training consistency following his episode of calf tightness in mid-February. If he gets through main training and performs well, he will be considered to return to availability this weekend.”
On Sanders, Bell said: “He completed a non-contact match-like session on the weekend and has integrated back into some team training today. He still has some boxes to tick across the next few days, but remains on track to return to availability this weekend.”
Brisbane recruit Sam Draper is “available for selection” following a foot injury, putting in doubt youngster Zane Zakostelsky’s job security.
Hugh McCluggage is expected to only miss one game with a “low-grade left strain strain”.
Adelaide expects Riley Thilthorpe to be available after being managed for back soreness. Crows General Manager High Performance Ian McKeown said: “Riley is expected to return to the main training group this week and be available for selection.”
Mitch Hinge, however, has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a back injury.
Carlton will be without Adam Saad until Round 3-4 due to a “minor hamstring strain”.
Geelong duo Patrick Dangerfield (calf) and Jeremy Cameron (quad) will face fitness tests to take their place this round.
Melbourne trio Jai Culley (arm), Brody Mihocek (concussion) and Bailey Fritsch (hand) are all listed as available.
West Coast confirmed Liam Duggan (concussion), Tim Kelly (hamstring) and Reuben Ginbey (toe) will all be available for their Round 1 game with Jack Graham (hamstring) a test.
