North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri is available for selection for the Kangaroos’ Round 17 clash away to Port Adelaide after one week out with a fractured jaw.
North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said: “Tristan has had a smooth recovery from his procedure where he got good running, football, and strength loads in at the backend of last week.
“Yesterday (Monday) he received clearance to play after surgical review and will transition back in with the main program this week to be available to play.”
Geelong confirmed Bailey Smith is expected to be available after illness, while offered a positive update on Tom Stewart.
The Cats said: “Tom Stewart completed the team’s main training session on Monday, with the Club’s medical team to provide final clearance under the AFL concussion protocol before he is available selection for Thursday night’s game.”
Adelaide reported Izak Rankine is “likely to be available” after knee and ankle issues in their clash with Port Adelaide.
Crows General Manager High Performance Ian McKeown said: “It’s a big sigh of relief for Izak. We assessed both his ankle and knee on the night and, pleasingly, he was in a position to return.
“We’ll monitor him throughout the week, however we’re confident he’ll be available for Friday night.”
The Crows also provided an update on Wayne Milera (hamstring) who’s set for a brief lay-off, ruled out of the Eagles trip.
McKeown said: “It’s a better prognosis for Junior and we’re hopeful he’ll be available next weekend to face Gold Coast.”
GWS have ruled out Brent Daniels indefinitely after scans confirmed a calf injury for the small forward.
The Giants update said: “A specific timeline is yet to be determined for Daniels regarding his calf strain. Given his injury history, the club will take a measured approach and expects to have a clearer indication of his return-to-play timeline in three weeks.”
Essendon revealed Archie Roberts is “on track to return next week” following a dislocated shoulder which didn’t require surgery.
Mid-season Draft pick 1 Jaxon Artemis pulled up with hamstring soreness from the Dons’ VFL game and will be a test for this week.
Young West Coast ruck/tall forward Cooper Duff-Tytler will undergo further assessment after experiencing calf soreness against Carlton.
Eagles High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said: “Cooper felt some tightness in his calf in the third quarter against Carlton on the weekend. We are letting his calf settle and once he begins his run program, we will have a clearer understanding of timeframes.”
Brisbane are getting a few players back with Keidean Coleman (hamstring) and Dan Annable (shoulder) both available, while Dayne Zorko (quad) and Hugh McCluggage (calf) are expected to return next week.
Melbourne revealed second ruckman Max Heath will be assessed with a shoulder issue. AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said: “Max has just been dealing with some ongoing shoulder soreness. We will assess his availability following our main training session this week.”
Christian Salem (foot) has also returned to full training with the group and is expected to be available to play soon.
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Ben Somerford
