News Injuries & Suspensions
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GUN Geelong midfielder Mitch Duncan is in doubt for the Cats' season-opener after back-to-back calf setbacks this summer.
Duncan is expected to sit out both pre-season hitouts against Collingwood (February 26) and Essendon (March 6), putting him in a battle for round one against Adelaide (March 20).
The 29-year-old strained a calf earlier this month, the second complaint on the same muscle this pre-season.
"He's got a calf that is going to slow him down for the next few weeks," coach Chris Scott told AFL.com.au on Tuesday.
"I'd be surprised if, and this is me talking - I'm not the doctor or the head physio - I'd suspect he might miss a bit of the pre-season games which might leave him in a slower position to start the season.
"These things are more complicated than 'he's done it twice'. He had a minor issue with his calf and was looking like he was getting back into full training and had another minor issue."
SITTING OUT Gun Cats miss match sim, versatile tall looks to fill Taylor-sized hole
Defender Tom Stewart will return to full training on Wednesday after recent quad tightness and be joined by boom recruit Jeremy Cameron for the first time after his recent setback.
The 2019 Coleman medallist strained his hamstring in January and has been edging back to full fitness that will have him ready to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
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"We would expect him to get some match practice against Collingwood and play some game time against Essendon," Scott said of Cameron.
"That would suggest he's on track for round one, he's done a lot of work.
"One of the advantages the new players (Cameron, Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins) into our system had was that their previous teams didn't make the finals so they've effectively had four weeks' longer preparation which gives them a little buffer for these hiccups that can happen."
High-profile recruit Jeremy Cameron was on a modified program since a hamstring injury in late January. Picture: AFL Photos
Eight-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield is ramping up his fitness, working through a persistent groin injury that has required multiple weekly sessions in Adelaide with medical guru Steve Saunders.
Dangerfield has lifted his running intensity in recent weeks that has Cats officials buoyed he'll be fit to face his former side in a little over four weeks.
"It's really exciting for us that it looks like Pat is on track," Scott said.
CIRCLE THEM IN YOUR CALENDAR The 20 matches of 2021 you won't want to miss
"The signs are good that the program that's been put in place is working.
"He's on track for round one, there's no reason to think he won't play. But the priority is making sure any soreness he's got is gone once and for all."
Forward Luke Dahlhaus is dealing with his own groin troubles and is under a cloud for round one, ruckman Darcy Fort (knee) will be sidelined, while Sam Simpson is recovering from shoulder surgery.
IN ON DEMAND NOW
Duncan is expected to sit out both pre-season hitouts against Collingwood (February 26) and Essendon (March 6), putting him in a battle for round one against Adelaide (March 20).
The 29-year-old strained a calf earlier this month, the second complaint on the same muscle this pre-season.
"He's got a calf that is going to slow him down for the next few weeks," coach Chris Scott told AFL.com.au on Tuesday.
"I'd be surprised if, and this is me talking - I'm not the doctor or the head physio - I'd suspect he might miss a bit of the pre-season games which might leave him in a slower position to start the season.
"These things are more complicated than 'he's done it twice'. He had a minor issue with his calf and was looking like he was getting back into full training and had another minor issue."
SITTING OUT Gun Cats miss match sim, versatile tall looks to fill Taylor-sized hole
Defender Tom Stewart will return to full training on Wednesday after recent quad tightness and be joined by boom recruit Jeremy Cameron for the first time after his recent setback.
The 2019 Coleman medallist strained his hamstring in January and has been edging back to full fitness that will have him ready to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
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05:25MINS
Coach contract heat: Why Dees and Giants need big starts, Bucks' wait
Cal Twomey and Mitch Cleary assess the contract status of the coaches ahead of 2021.
Published 4 days ago
"We would expect him to get some match practice against Collingwood and play some game time against Essendon," Scott said of Cameron.
"That would suggest he's on track for round one, he's done a lot of work.
"One of the advantages the new players (Cameron, Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins) into our system had was that their previous teams didn't make the finals so they've effectively had four weeks' longer preparation which gives them a little buffer for these hiccups that can happen."
High-profile recruit Jeremy Cameron was on a modified program since a hamstring injury in late January. Picture: AFL Photos
Eight-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield is ramping up his fitness, working through a persistent groin injury that has required multiple weekly sessions in Adelaide with medical guru Steve Saunders.
Dangerfield has lifted his running intensity in recent weeks that has Cats officials buoyed he'll be fit to face his former side in a little over four weeks.
"It's really exciting for us that it looks like Pat is on track," Scott said.
CIRCLE THEM IN YOUR CALENDAR The 20 matches of 2021 you won't want to miss
"The signs are good that the program that's been put in place is working.
"He's on track for round one, there's no reason to think he won't play. But the priority is making sure any soreness he's got is gone once and for all."
Forward Luke Dahlhaus is dealing with his own groin troubles and is under a cloud for round one, ruckman Darcy Fort (knee) will be sidelined, while Sam Simpson is recovering from shoulder surgery.
IN ON DEMAND NOW
GUN Geelong midfielder Mitch Duncan is in doubt for the Cats' season-opener after back-to-back calf setbacks this summer.
Duncan is expected to sit out both pre-season hitouts against Collingwood (February 26) and Essendon (March 6), putting him in a battle for round one against Adelaide (March 20).
The 29-year-old strained a calf earlier this month, the second complaint on the same muscle this pre-season.
"He's got a calf that is going to slow him down for the next few weeks," coach Chris Scott told AFL.com.au on Tuesday.
"I'd be surprised if, and this is me talking - I'm not the doctor or the head physio - I'd suspect he might miss a bit of the pre-season games which might leave him in a slower position to start the season.
"These things are more complicated than 'he's done it twice'. He had a minor issue with his calf and was looking like he was getting back into full training and had another minor issue."
SITTING OUT Gun Cats miss match sim, versatile tall looks to fill Taylor-sized hole
Defender Tom Stewart will return to full training on Wednesday after recent quad tightness and be joined by boom recruit Jeremy Cameron for the first time after his recent setback.
The 2019 Coleman medallist strained his hamstring in January and has been edging back to full fitness that will have him ready to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
SHARE
05:25MINS
Coach contract heat: Why Dees and Giants need big starts, Bucks' wait
Cal Twomey and Mitch Cleary assess the contract status of the coaches ahead of 2021.
Published 4 days ago
"We would expect him to get some match practice against Collingwood and play some game time against Essendon," Scott said of Cameron.
"That would suggest he's on track for round one, he's done a lot of work.
"One of the advantages the new players (Cameron, Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins) into our system had was that their previous teams didn't make the finals so they've effectively had four weeks' longer preparation which gives them a little buffer for these hiccups that can happen."
High-profile recruit Jeremy Cameron was on a modified program since a hamstring injury in late January. Picture: AFL Photos
Eight-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield is ramping up his fitness, working through a persistent groin injury that has required multiple weekly sessions in Adelaide with medical guru Steve Saunders.
Dangerfield has lifted his running intensity in recent weeks that has Cats officials buoyed he'll be fit to face his former side in a little over four weeks.
"It's really exciting for us that it looks like Pat is on track," Scott said.
CIRCLE THEM IN YOUR CALENDAR The 20 matches of 2021 you won't want to miss
"The signs are good that the program that's been put in place is working.
"He's on track for round one, there's no reason to think he won't play. But the priority is making sure any soreness he's got is gone once and for all."
Forward Luke Dahlhaus is dealing with his own groin troubles and is under a cloud for round one, ruckman Darcy Fort (knee) will be sidelined, while Sam Simpson is recovering from shoulder surgery.
IN ON DEMAND NOW
Duncan is expected to sit out both pre-season hitouts against Collingwood (February 26) and Essendon (March 6), putting him in a battle for round one against Adelaide (March 20).
The 29-year-old strained a calf earlier this month, the second complaint on the same muscle this pre-season.
"He's got a calf that is going to slow him down for the next few weeks," coach Chris Scott told AFL.com.au on Tuesday.
"I'd be surprised if, and this is me talking - I'm not the doctor or the head physio - I'd suspect he might miss a bit of the pre-season games which might leave him in a slower position to start the season.
"These things are more complicated than 'he's done it twice'. He had a minor issue with his calf and was looking like he was getting back into full training and had another minor issue."
SITTING OUT Gun Cats miss match sim, versatile tall looks to fill Taylor-sized hole
Defender Tom Stewart will return to full training on Wednesday after recent quad tightness and be joined by boom recruit Jeremy Cameron for the first time after his recent setback.
The 2019 Coleman medallist strained his hamstring in January and has been edging back to full fitness that will have him ready to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
SHARE
05:25MINS
Coach contract heat: Why Dees and Giants need big starts, Bucks' wait
Cal Twomey and Mitch Cleary assess the contract status of the coaches ahead of 2021.
Published 4 days ago
"We would expect him to get some match practice against Collingwood and play some game time against Essendon," Scott said of Cameron.
"That would suggest he's on track for round one, he's done a lot of work.
"One of the advantages the new players (Cameron, Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins) into our system had was that their previous teams didn't make the finals so they've effectively had four weeks' longer preparation which gives them a little buffer for these hiccups that can happen."
High-profile recruit Jeremy Cameron was on a modified program since a hamstring injury in late January. Picture: AFL Photos
Eight-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield is ramping up his fitness, working through a persistent groin injury that has required multiple weekly sessions in Adelaide with medical guru Steve Saunders.
Dangerfield has lifted his running intensity in recent weeks that has Cats officials buoyed he'll be fit to face his former side in a little over four weeks.
"It's really exciting for us that it looks like Pat is on track," Scott said.
CIRCLE THEM IN YOUR CALENDAR The 20 matches of 2021 you won't want to miss
"The signs are good that the program that's been put in place is working.
"He's on track for round one, there's no reason to think he won't play. But the priority is making sure any soreness he's got is gone once and for all."
Forward Luke Dahlhaus is dealing with his own groin troubles and is under a cloud for round one, ruckman Darcy Fort (knee) will be sidelined, while Sam Simpson is recovering from shoulder surgery.
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AFL injury news: Lachie Neale battles calf issue, Melbourne forward stocks take another hit
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...k/news-story/181d309725e585434baaef406616e8b1
Brisbane is confident Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will be fit for thei Lions’ season opener next month after a calf complaint disrupted his pre-season.
Neale will be involved in his first match simulation on Friday after dealing with a soft-tissue concern in his calf muscle for the past month.
The 27-year-old has been nursing the injury for much of the pre-season and was absent from the Lions’ last two intraclub matches to manage the calf complaint.
He began the pre-season on restricted duties and is expected to be back into full training next week.
Neale is set to line up for the Lions when they play the Suns in next week’s practice match leading into the AAMI Community Series.
Brisbane’s former No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner was a standout during the Lions match simulation last Friday, impressed with his efforts in the midfield.
DEMON TAKES LEAVE AFTER FAMILY TRAGEDY
- Nick Smart
Melbourne’s forward line issues continue to mount with rising star Kysaiah Pickett currently away from the club following the death of his mother.
Pickett has flown to Western Australia to be with his family and is unlikely to return until sometime next month.
The Demons’ season opener will be on March 20 against Fremantle at the MCG, which gives Pickett a short window to be ready for Round 1 despite him still training while in Perth.
“‘Kozzie’ will be away for a little while,” Demons general manager of AFL football performance Alan Richardson said on SEN.
“Unfortunately, and condolences to the family, his mother passed away. He needs to do the right thing there and has committed to going back.
“The funeral is in late February or early March.
“He’ll be there until then and when he feels like it’s the right time to leave the family he’ll be back.”
Richardson said club welfare officer Matthew Whelan was working closely with Pickett and his family during this time.
“He’ll train over there,” he said.
“We’re blessed to have Matty Whelan as a welfare advisor.
“We don’t profess to know everything about the indigenous culture, but we understand that there are some differences and we need to respect that.
“We’re incredibly supportive of whatever Kozzie and his family think is right.
“It looks like it will still be a couple of weeks.
“Until he’s back he’ll train and then he’ll still have a couple of weeks prior to Round 1.
“We’ll just have to wait and see how he goes.”
Pickett’s absence is compounded by the setback to forward and big-name recruit Ben Brown, who is unlikely to debut for the Demons until at least Round 4 following knee surgery.
Youngster Sam Weideman will also miss some time after a stress fracture in his femur was detected.
“It’s obviously disappointing, they’re going to miss the start of the season both lads,” Richardson said.
“Brown with the cartilage, we’re hoping that he’d be back between Round 4 and Round 6.
“Weids just kept getting sore in the top part of his thigh.
“We presumed it was actually his hip, and so he went in for X-rays and it ended up being a crack in his femur, (which is) an unusual one.
“The same sort of time frame, which means potentially… we could be a little bit light on.”
Although, the former St Kilda coach believed the Demons had the depth to cover the losses.
“We’ve still got Tommy Mac (McDonald) who’s training really well,” he said.
“Luke Jackson is also an incredibly exciting young player only his second year, while (Mitch) Brown and Harrison Petty can go forward and has done so.
“So we’ve still got some depth there, but if we continue to get injuries it just makes things a bit light.”
It is why the Demons have brought in delisted ex-Kangaroo Majak Daw, who is training with Melbourne in the hope of winning a rookie spot.
“Majak, we think he has the attributes to be able to support us in a couple of areas, and one of those being where we’ve lost a couple of players – key forward,” Richardson said.
“He’s kicked six goals in an AFL game, last year post his return to play when he predominantly played ruck, in fact his performance was so good in centre bounce in particular that (Todd) Goldstein would start forward.
“So that gives us potentially a bit of flexibility, if it is that we needed him.
“Our hope would be that the guys that I mentioned earlier, Tommy Mac and co, will be able to get the job done and stay injury free.
“But if it is that we’ve got injuries, we think that he’s probably the person that would be the most ready to be AFL fit at the start of the year.”
STAR DOGS RECRUIT SUFFERS SETBACK
– Jay Clark
Western Bulldogs’ midfielder Adam Treloar will have to overcome a significantly interrupted preseason preparation to play in the Round 1 grudge match against his former side Collingwood.
The club on Monday confirmed the star midfielder is battling a calf problem which is expected to keep him sidelined for at least another fortnight.
Treloar has been on light duties with calf tightness and is in doubt to play in the Dogs’ informal scratch match against Hawthorn in two weeks.
It continues Treloar’s dreaded run of soft tissue problems which included dual hamstring surgery in 2018.
The 27-year-old also only played 10 games last year amid dual hamstring setbacks.
While the Dogs do not think the problem will put Treloar in danger of missing the Round 1 clash against his old teammates, the calf tightness is an unfortunate hiccup as he looks to an instant impact at his new club.
Bulldogs‘ head of sports medical Chris Bell said the club wanted to be careful with its new recruit given his run of soft tissue worries.
“With Adam‘s history of soft tissue injuries, we are taking a conservative approach with him at this stage of the season,” Bell said.
“We have been proactive with managing Adam‘s calf tightness over the past fortnight.
“His recovery is progressing and we anticipate he will return to full training over the next couple of weeks.”
Collingwood made the shock decision to trade the ball magnet against his wishes to relive some pressure on its bursting salary cap in last year’s trade period.
There were also some concerns about how Treloar would cope or perform being in Victoria when his fiancée, Kim Ravaillion, and daughter Georgie moved up to Queensland so Ravaillion could play Super Netball for the Firebirds.
But Treloar strongly disputed those claims and was adamant he wanted to stay at Collingwood for the rest of his career, meaning he could face an emotional first encounter against the Magpies in the season-opener under lights.
The Magpies are paying up to $300,000 a year of his salary which is believed to be worth as much as $900,000 a season.
Treloar was upset he was given the flick but has settled in well at the kennel aside from the injury setback in the new year.
The club has begun ramping up some match simulation training in recent weeks but the calf problem has prevented the former Magpie and GWS Giant from participating with his new teammates.
The club will be cautious with Treloar and may not risk him in the AAMI Community Series game against Melbourne on March 8 at Marvel Stadium depending on how much training he can do in the lead-up.
Ideally, he will fit in at least one practice game before the Round 1 clash so he can build on the chemistry and synergy with his new midfield teammates.
The Bulldogs will open their regular season against the Magpies on Friday March 19 at Marvel Stadium.
t his best Treloar, who averaged 27 disposals a game last season, is one of the most prolific linebreaking midfielders in the AFL.
But the Bulldogs face an interesting juggling act trying to fit all of their superstar ball winners into the same engine room in 2021.
While Josh Dunkley has been assured significant midfield minutes after failing to secure a trade to Essendon last year, Jackson Macrae, Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith and Treloar will all compete for time in the middle.
Captain Bontempelli, who is tipped to ward off his free agency options and sign a long-term contract extension at the kennel, could spend more time forward this season.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...k/news-story/181d309725e585434baaef406616e8b1
Brisbane is confident Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will be fit for thei Lions’ season opener next month after a calf complaint disrupted his pre-season.
Neale will be involved in his first match simulation on Friday after dealing with a soft-tissue concern in his calf muscle for the past month.
The 27-year-old has been nursing the injury for much of the pre-season and was absent from the Lions’ last two intraclub matches to manage the calf complaint.
He began the pre-season on restricted duties and is expected to be back into full training next week.
Neale is set to line up for the Lions when they play the Suns in next week’s practice match leading into the AAMI Community Series.
Brisbane’s former No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner was a standout during the Lions match simulation last Friday, impressed with his efforts in the midfield.
DEMON TAKES LEAVE AFTER FAMILY TRAGEDY
- Nick Smart
Melbourne’s forward line issues continue to mount with rising star Kysaiah Pickett currently away from the club following the death of his mother.
Pickett has flown to Western Australia to be with his family and is unlikely to return until sometime next month.
The Demons’ season opener will be on March 20 against Fremantle at the MCG, which gives Pickett a short window to be ready for Round 1 despite him still training while in Perth.
“‘Kozzie’ will be away for a little while,” Demons general manager of AFL football performance Alan Richardson said on SEN.
“Unfortunately, and condolences to the family, his mother passed away. He needs to do the right thing there and has committed to going back.
“The funeral is in late February or early March.
“He’ll be there until then and when he feels like it’s the right time to leave the family he’ll be back.”
Richardson said club welfare officer Matthew Whelan was working closely with Pickett and his family during this time.
“He’ll train over there,” he said.
“We’re blessed to have Matty Whelan as a welfare advisor.
“We don’t profess to know everything about the indigenous culture, but we understand that there are some differences and we need to respect that.
“We’re incredibly supportive of whatever Kozzie and his family think is right.
“It looks like it will still be a couple of weeks.
“Until he’s back he’ll train and then he’ll still have a couple of weeks prior to Round 1.
“We’ll just have to wait and see how he goes.”
Pickett’s absence is compounded by the setback to forward and big-name recruit Ben Brown, who is unlikely to debut for the Demons until at least Round 4 following knee surgery.
Youngster Sam Weideman will also miss some time after a stress fracture in his femur was detected.
“It’s obviously disappointing, they’re going to miss the start of the season both lads,” Richardson said.
“Brown with the cartilage, we’re hoping that he’d be back between Round 4 and Round 6.
“Weids just kept getting sore in the top part of his thigh.
“We presumed it was actually his hip, and so he went in for X-rays and it ended up being a crack in his femur, (which is) an unusual one.
“The same sort of time frame, which means potentially… we could be a little bit light on.”
Although, the former St Kilda coach believed the Demons had the depth to cover the losses.
“We’ve still got Tommy Mac (McDonald) who’s training really well,” he said.
“Luke Jackson is also an incredibly exciting young player only his second year, while (Mitch) Brown and Harrison Petty can go forward and has done so.
“So we’ve still got some depth there, but if we continue to get injuries it just makes things a bit light.”
It is why the Demons have brought in delisted ex-Kangaroo Majak Daw, who is training with Melbourne in the hope of winning a rookie spot.
“Majak, we think he has the attributes to be able to support us in a couple of areas, and one of those being where we’ve lost a couple of players – key forward,” Richardson said.
“He’s kicked six goals in an AFL game, last year post his return to play when he predominantly played ruck, in fact his performance was so good in centre bounce in particular that (Todd) Goldstein would start forward.
“So that gives us potentially a bit of flexibility, if it is that we needed him.
“Our hope would be that the guys that I mentioned earlier, Tommy Mac and co, will be able to get the job done and stay injury free.
“But if it is that we’ve got injuries, we think that he’s probably the person that would be the most ready to be AFL fit at the start of the year.”
STAR DOGS RECRUIT SUFFERS SETBACK
– Jay Clark
Western Bulldogs’ midfielder Adam Treloar will have to overcome a significantly interrupted preseason preparation to play in the Round 1 grudge match against his former side Collingwood.
The club on Monday confirmed the star midfielder is battling a calf problem which is expected to keep him sidelined for at least another fortnight.
Treloar has been on light duties with calf tightness and is in doubt to play in the Dogs’ informal scratch match against Hawthorn in two weeks.
It continues Treloar’s dreaded run of soft tissue problems which included dual hamstring surgery in 2018.
The 27-year-old also only played 10 games last year amid dual hamstring setbacks.
While the Dogs do not think the problem will put Treloar in danger of missing the Round 1 clash against his old teammates, the calf tightness is an unfortunate hiccup as he looks to an instant impact at his new club.
Bulldogs‘ head of sports medical Chris Bell said the club wanted to be careful with its new recruit given his run of soft tissue worries.
“With Adam‘s history of soft tissue injuries, we are taking a conservative approach with him at this stage of the season,” Bell said.
“We have been proactive with managing Adam‘s calf tightness over the past fortnight.
“His recovery is progressing and we anticipate he will return to full training over the next couple of weeks.”
Collingwood made the shock decision to trade the ball magnet against his wishes to relive some pressure on its bursting salary cap in last year’s trade period.
There were also some concerns about how Treloar would cope or perform being in Victoria when his fiancée, Kim Ravaillion, and daughter Georgie moved up to Queensland so Ravaillion could play Super Netball for the Firebirds.
But Treloar strongly disputed those claims and was adamant he wanted to stay at Collingwood for the rest of his career, meaning he could face an emotional first encounter against the Magpies in the season-opener under lights.
The Magpies are paying up to $300,000 a year of his salary which is believed to be worth as much as $900,000 a season.
Treloar was upset he was given the flick but has settled in well at the kennel aside from the injury setback in the new year.
The club has begun ramping up some match simulation training in recent weeks but the calf problem has prevented the former Magpie and GWS Giant from participating with his new teammates.
The club will be cautious with Treloar and may not risk him in the AAMI Community Series game against Melbourne on March 8 at Marvel Stadium depending on how much training he can do in the lead-up.
Ideally, he will fit in at least one practice game before the Round 1 clash so he can build on the chemistry and synergy with his new midfield teammates.
The Bulldogs will open their regular season against the Magpies on Friday March 19 at Marvel Stadium.
t his best Treloar, who averaged 27 disposals a game last season, is one of the most prolific linebreaking midfielders in the AFL.
But the Bulldogs face an interesting juggling act trying to fit all of their superstar ball winners into the same engine room in 2021.
While Josh Dunkley has been assured significant midfield minutes after failing to secure a trade to Essendon last year, Jackson Macrae, Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith and Treloar will all compete for time in the middle.
Captain Bontempelli, who is tipped to ward off his free agency options and sign a long-term contract extension at the kennel, could spend more time forward this season.
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KEY BOMBER INJURIES SOUR SKIPPER’S RETURN
– Jon Ralph
Essendon captain Dyson Heppell is a certain starter for Round 1 in a new half back role that will help lessen the strain on his troublesome foot.
But All Australian defender Michael Hurley remains bed-ridden with a lingering leg infection and seems a distant prospect of playing in the season opener against Hawthorn.
Hurley and Jake Stringer (achilles) would both need to make dramatic recoveries five weeks out from Round 1 in an Essendon side that will give opportunities to its bunch of young kids.
Stringer has managed his achilles over summer and after pulling up sore in match simulation the club has made the decision that he will commit to a period of strengthening the area instead of continuing full training.
Essendon’s forward line will be built around ex-Suns forward Peter Wright and a group of mid-sized and small forwards, with Cale Hooker, James Stewart and Jayden Laverde playing back.
Heppell has had multiple rounds of surgery on his foot and ankle but after having a pin removed from his ankle in September Dons football boss Josh Mahoney told the Herald Sun he was perfectly placed for Round 1.
“Dyson has been managed really well by the medical and high performance team he’s now essentially in full training. He is expecting to play the pre-season games and he’s playing a new role off half back. He gives the defensive some real experience which is important,” he said.
“It was a good decision to get a procedure done at the end of the season and he’s looking forward to getting out there as captain. It’s a decision based on him adding some experience to the defence but also the physical requirements of that role versus the midfield.”
Hurley’s lack of progress is a clear concern given he spent a week in hospital but after being discharged last Sunday is still attempting to shrug off the infection.
“He has a leg infection which is being treated through antibiotics. His recovery time frame is based on how quickly he recovers. It’s a bit of an unknown at this stage. The more time he misses with training and the restrictions of being bed-ridden is going to impact his return. It’s just important to get on top of it and once he gets to that stage we can think about timelines.”
Essendon is determined to get Stringer back to full fitness rather than limping through his achilles issues after he battled when returning from a syndesmosis strain last year.
“He’s on an achilles program to strengthen that area. After that he will continue to build his loads. It’s important for Jake that we set him up for success this year, so that’s what we are doing.”
David Zaharakis (PCL surgery) is building his loads after also recovering from a quad tendon strain and while he is making progress the club says only that he will be back in the early rounds of the year.
The club’s decision to replenish its key position stocks and secure a trio of young draftees in Nik Cox (pick 8), Archie Perkins (pick 9), and Zach Reid (pick 10) means the Dons are keen to play emerging talent if they are good enough.
“At this stage we want to pick the best teams we can for both games against Carlton and Geelong. We think it’s really important to build the cohesion of the group. But if opportunities come up for young guys including those first year players, then they just have to take those opportunities.”
– Jon Ralph
Essendon captain Dyson Heppell is a certain starter for Round 1 in a new half back role that will help lessen the strain on his troublesome foot.
But All Australian defender Michael Hurley remains bed-ridden with a lingering leg infection and seems a distant prospect of playing in the season opener against Hawthorn.
Hurley and Jake Stringer (achilles) would both need to make dramatic recoveries five weeks out from Round 1 in an Essendon side that will give opportunities to its bunch of young kids.
Stringer has managed his achilles over summer and after pulling up sore in match simulation the club has made the decision that he will commit to a period of strengthening the area instead of continuing full training.
Essendon’s forward line will be built around ex-Suns forward Peter Wright and a group of mid-sized and small forwards, with Cale Hooker, James Stewart and Jayden Laverde playing back.
Heppell has had multiple rounds of surgery on his foot and ankle but after having a pin removed from his ankle in September Dons football boss Josh Mahoney told the Herald Sun he was perfectly placed for Round 1.
“Dyson has been managed really well by the medical and high performance team he’s now essentially in full training. He is expecting to play the pre-season games and he’s playing a new role off half back. He gives the defensive some real experience which is important,” he said.
“It was a good decision to get a procedure done at the end of the season and he’s looking forward to getting out there as captain. It’s a decision based on him adding some experience to the defence but also the physical requirements of that role versus the midfield.”
Hurley’s lack of progress is a clear concern given he spent a week in hospital but after being discharged last Sunday is still attempting to shrug off the infection.
“He has a leg infection which is being treated through antibiotics. His recovery time frame is based on how quickly he recovers. It’s a bit of an unknown at this stage. The more time he misses with training and the restrictions of being bed-ridden is going to impact his return. It’s just important to get on top of it and once he gets to that stage we can think about timelines.”
Essendon is determined to get Stringer back to full fitness rather than limping through his achilles issues after he battled when returning from a syndesmosis strain last year.
“He’s on an achilles program to strengthen that area. After that he will continue to build his loads. It’s important for Jake that we set him up for success this year, so that’s what we are doing.”
David Zaharakis (PCL surgery) is building his loads after also recovering from a quad tendon strain and while he is making progress the club says only that he will be back in the early rounds of the year.
The club’s decision to replenish its key position stocks and secure a trio of young draftees in Nik Cox (pick 8), Archie Perkins (pick 9), and Zach Reid (pick 10) means the Dons are keen to play emerging talent if they are good enough.
“At this stage we want to pick the best teams we can for both games against Carlton and Geelong. We think it’s really important to build the cohesion of the group. But if opportunities come up for young guys including those first year players, then they just have to take those opportunities.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/02/16/hamstring-issues-continue-to-plague-saints-mid/
St Kilda midfielder Zak Jones has suffered a hamstring setback, putting him in doubt for the start of the season.
The hamstring is Jones’ third in the last 12 months.
The Saints have listed it as a three-week injury, cutting it close on the path to Round 1.
Jones played 16 games for St Kilda in his first season with the club, averaging 19 disposals and four clearances per game.
Youngster Ryan Byrnes has also suffered a serious hamstring tendon strain.
St Kilda midfielder Zak Jones has suffered a hamstring setback, putting him in doubt for the start of the season.
The hamstring is Jones’ third in the last 12 months.
The Saints have listed it as a three-week injury, cutting it close on the path to Round 1.
Jones played 16 games for St Kilda in his first season with the club, averaging 19 disposals and four clearances per game.
Youngster Ryan Byrnes has also suffered a serious hamstring tendon strain.
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Clayton Oliver away from the main group still after o***eason shoulder surgery per Mitch Cleary.
Did we know he was having surgery this o***eason? Or just a minor cleanup or something after last years double reco?
https://www.afl.com.au/video/549829
Did we know he was having surgery this o***eason? Or just a minor cleanup or something after last years double reco?
https://www.afl.com.au/video/549829
