The Western Bulldogs revealed Tim English could play this Friday night against Fremantle, listed as a test as he looks to overcome a knee injury that has sidelined him for the past few weeks.
English needs to get through main training to prove his fitness. Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said: “Tim initially had quite significant bone bruising and swelling associated with his medial knee ligament injury.
“He has continued to make slow but steady recovery across the last week, and completed a game-like but controlled rehab session successfully on Saturday.
“Appreciating that Tim plays a very dynamic and physically demanding role for our team, we will work through a process in our main training session this week to consolidate a return-to-play timeline.”
Arthur Jones is also in the mix to return from a hamstring injury. Bell said: “Arthur has now completed his end-stage rehab from his low-grade hamstring injury, which included a game-like training session on the weekend. If he gets through training like I expect, he will return to availability.”
Geelong has revealed Gryan Miers could return as early as Round 9, with the Cats offering an update on his troublesome knee injury.
Geelong’s update said: “Gryan Miers is progressing well, taking part in the Club’s field session today, he will continue on his individualised program and work towards a return in the next 1–3 weeks.”
Sydney listed Isaac Heeney as a test, in a positive update on his injury status. The Swans said: “Isaac is set to return to play this weekend after calf soreness onset following the match against the GWS Giants.”
Tim Taranto is also in line to return for Richmond after concussion. Tigers High Performance Manager, Ben Serpell said: “Tim’s progressed very well through his concussion protocols.
“He’s just got to get through one more session, and then we can say he’s cleared to play for this weekend.”
Early-season popular pick Josh Gibcus, however, will miss some time with a new knee issue sustained in the VFL. Serpell said: “Josh Gibcus has sustained an ACL sprain, which is not to be confused with a rupture.
“He will sit out the next little while as we decide what our course of action is going to be. It is an uncommon injury, so we need to be considered with our approach for his return to play.
Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy will miss 3-5 weeks following calf scans, opening up an opportunity for a good run for Luke Jackson. Freo’s update said: “We’ve been through all the data and scans, and we are looking at about three to five weeks.”
Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet (hand) is listed as a test, which will impact Liam Reidy’s selection. Carlton’s update said: “Will aim to train fully this week and be available for selection.”
Essendon’s Mason Redman is set to play VFL this weekend after an early season meniscus tear. Melbourne’s Trent Rivers (knee) is 1-2 weeks off, while Christian Salem (foot) is 2-3. Hawthorn has listed Will Day (shoulder) as only 3-4 weeks.
Port said Will Brodie (corked thigh) got through full training on Tuesday and will be available for this Friday’s game against Adelaide. Brisbane are set to welcome back Dayne Zorko (calf).
