North Melbourne have ruled out ruckman Tristan Xerri for their Round 16 clash with Essendon due to a fractured jaw, with no guarantees on his availability after that.
The Kangaroos confirmed in their weekly injury report that Xerri had undergone scans which revealed the fractured jaw having reported soreness following the win over Richmond.
North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said: “A follow-up scan revealed a fracture in his jaw and a need for surgery. Tristan will miss this week’s game against Essendon and has a surgical review next week to determine availability beyond that.”
Essendon revealed that young defender Archie Roberts is tracking well following a shoulder dislocation and likely not undergo surgery, instead aiming to return to play in “coming weeks” although he’s still listed as “TBC”.
The Dons update said: “Roberts has responded incredibly well to the initial phase of his rehabilitation program following the shoulder dislocation he sustained in round 14.
“He will continue to strengthen the shoulder and integrate back into training with the aim to return to play in the coming weeks.”
The Bombers also confirmed Jye Caldwell was available following injury, while Darcy Parish is “expected to be available” pending getting through main training on Thursday.
Geelong has the bye but provided an injury report, stating Bailey Smith should return for their Round 17 game. The Cats update said: “Bailey Smith missed Geelong’s Round 15 game against Fremantle due to illness, however is expected to be return for next Thursday night’s match against Brisbane.”
Tom Stewart was only mentioned in the injury list, remaining in concussion protocols for now.
Sydney coach Dean Cox has confirmed Errol Gulden will return this round against Brisbane, despite the injury report listing him as a “test’ following a long-term shoulder injury.
West Coast are set to get back Willem Duursma (calf), Tom McCarthy (hamstring) and Jack Graham (shoulder), which could cause a squeeze for spots, with the likes of Marcus Herbert under pressure. Jack Hutchinson (hamstring) and Hamish Davis (concussion protocols) are also in the mix to be available.
Eagles High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “Willem was in during the bye to make sure he did everything he could to get ready for Carlton. He has trained fully over the last week, and as long as he gets through training on Thursday then he will be available.
“Similar to Willem, Tom was in during his break. Tom trained fully on Saturday and has produced good speed. Once he completes Thursday, he will be available.”
Jack Sinclair exited the game in the first quarter with a lower leg concern, which the Saints have confirmed was a calf injury, not an Achilles issue as had been speculated during the game.
St Kilda’s update said: “Sinclair has avoided an Achilles injury, with scans confirming a high-grade calf injury during yesterday’s match. The defender was assisted from the ground in the opening minutes of the game, with scans today confirming the diagnosis. Sinclair will miss an extended period and will be re-assessed over the coming weeks to determine a timeline for his return.”
The Saints provided further updates on ruck duo Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall, with the former appearing set to miss games which may boost Marshall’s role and scoring capacity.
On TDK, St Kilda said: “De Koning was admitted to hospital during the game on Sunday, with scans revealing two fractured ribs and a punctured lung. “The club will continue to seek specialist advice over the coming days for the 26-year-old, and will provide a further update post the coming bye.”
The Saints said “Marshall has been cleared of serious injury after undergoing precautionary scans following the match”.
Fremantle confirmed there was no injury concern for midfielder Hayden Young. Freo’s update said: “Young came from the ground in the third quarter against Geelong on the weekend, but returned to play, and no injury update is required.”
Jack Ross is a test to return for Richmond following concussion protocols. Tigers High Performance Manager Ben Serpell said: “Jack Ross has turned a corner getting through the concussion protocols. He’s just got to get through one more session, symptom-free. Provided he gets through that later in the week, then we’ll make him available for selection this weekend.”
Brisbane listed key pair Dayne Zorko (quad) and Hugh McCluggage (calf) still as both 2 weeks away, while GWS announced Jesse Hogan will miss as he’s set for finger surgery.
Gold Coast revealed Daniel Rioli will be out for the medium term after a broken jaw while Wil Powell is a test to return from a shoulder concern.
Port confirmed Ewan Mackinlay (knee) and Esava Ratugolea (patella tendon) are both done for the season following injuries sustained on the weekend. Kane Farrell is out for 3-4 weeks with groin soreness.
Hawthorn have confirmed Jack Gunston (foot) and Conor Nash (neck) will both miss their clash with GWS while Jarman Impey is out for at least 2 weeks with a hamstring injury sustained last weekend.
Hawthorn High Performance Manager Peter Burge said about Impey: “He’s got a medial hamstring injury. It’s certainly on the minor end. We’re expecting him only to miss two to three games, so he’ll be back running this week.”
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