Adelaide superstar Izak Rankine is likely to be available for selection for the Crows this round after the Club took a precautious approach with an additional week off to rehab a calf strain.
Crows General Manager High Performance Ian McKeown said on Rankine: “Izak is feeling really good at the moment. We chose not to risk him for the game against the Western Bulldogs and he will just need to get through training tomorrow unphased in order to be available.”
Geelong defender Tom Stewart is no guarantee to return this round from concussion protocols.
The Cats said in their weekly injury report: “Tom Stewart is continuing progress through the AFL concussion protocol, with the Club to monitor his availability throughout the week for Thursday night’s game.”
Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong looks set to return from a calf injury. Freo Director of Performance Adam Beard said: “Caleb’s progressed really, really well and he’ll be available this week.”
Essendon’s Archie Roberts will spend a period of time on the sidelines having suffered soft tissue damage from his shoulder dislocation. He’ll meet with a surgeon this week.
Essendon’s GM – AFL Daniel McPherson said: “It’s disappointing for Archie, who’s been so consistent for us in just his third season at the level.
“He will have a surgical consult early in the week, which will help inform the next course of action; that being rehab and return for the back end of the season, or have it surgically repaired now – we will gather all the necessary information before making that call.”
Melbourne rookie Lukas Cooke is set to miss a month after a facial fracture on debut. Dees AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said: “During the game, Lukas experienced contact to his face in a contest, and unfortunately imaging has shown that he sustained a facial fracture.
“He underwent surgery today, which went well and now he’s in recovery. Our initial timeline is that he’ll likely miss four weeks, but we’ll assess further as he recovers from that surgery.”
Richmond ruckman Toby Nankervis is set to return too, with the Tigers declaring him “available”. Tigers High Performance Manager Ben Serpell said: “He’s certainly available for selection this weekend.
“We just wanted him to get a little bit more training under his belt before we brought him back to play, but expect him out there this weekend.”
Liam Reidy is set to return to availability from an ankle issue in either Rounds 16 or 17. Carlton’s update said he’s on a modified program and “expected to be available to play in the next fortnight”.
Port Adelaide have declared Josh Lai “should be available” to return from concussion protocols, while the Bulldogs listed Tom Liberatore as a test as he bids to return from a long stint in protocols.
Sydney gun Errol Gulden is also closing in on a return from a shoulder reconstruction. The Swans listed him as a test this week and wrote: “Errol is integrating into full team training and is a test to play RD 16 vs Brisbane.”
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Ben Somerford
