Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks confirmed Hugo Hall-Kahan will return for the Crows on Friday night against Sydney, pending any issues at training.
Nicks said: “Hugo will come back in. We’ll train today and (if) everything goes well. He was managed for a week, the plan was for Lairdy to be managed this week, unfortunately that’s been taken out of our hands.”
On Rory Laird, Nicks offered some insight into a timeline on his recovery from a syndesmosis injury after the Club’s vague update of the “next several weeks”.
Nicks said: “Not sure exactly yet to give you a timeframe but hopefully two to four (weeks).”
Geelong coach Chris Scott discussed the likelihood of Tanner Bruhn playing this Thursday against St Kilda following a neck scare against GWS, along with Jack Henry.
Scott said: “It sort of seems to be, we have still got a fair way to go. My policy generally is to give everyone a bit of space with these things, until we are ready to give a more accurate position on availability.
“The most important thing for us was that it was established relatively quickly that they weren’t serious injuries, but the potential for serious injury had to be covered off. Whether they play this week or not, I am not sure. But the good news is that if not this week, you would think they are available pretty soon. The really bad outcome was averted.”
Scott, however, did confirm Gryan Miers will play following a period out of the side, with a complex ACL injury.
He said: “It has probably been more confusing for you than it is for us, because I don’t explain it in any detail and don’t have any intention to.
“We have been really happy with the way things have progressed. I am breaking my own rule here and talking about selection before we actually select the team, but I will be open on this one. He will play, that is in a really good spot for him and us in my opinion.”
Melbourne coach Steven King admitted Jack Viney (Achilles) is unlikely to return this season, which impacts their midfield mix moving forward.
King said: “I think it’s getting close to that point now (where the club will rule Viney out for the year). Without speaking on Jack’s behalf, it’s getting to a point now where he has sort of progressed to a level, but whether it’s still on the table, we’ll have to sit down with the medical team and really nut that out.
“Obviously each week that goes on, it’s getting more and more difficult. We don’t want to compromise Jack in any way. His long-term health is going to be more important than trying to just get him back for this year, so that’s something we have to sit down and manage.”
More to follow…
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Ben Somerford
