Compared to what we knew, injury lists have improved as clubs advance and into the last round of mid-season byes.
Before their Round 16 matchup with North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs anticipate that Aaron Naughton, Nick Coffield, and James Harmes will be available for selection.
After their week off, Collingwood anticipates some calvary to return, as a young Kangaroo’s season has completely ended.
Rioli to be tested, Butters freed from suspension
Willie Rioli, the power forward, must pass a fitness test in order to be considered for the Brisbane game on Saturday.
Despite missing the previous two weeks due to a calf strain sustained during the North Melbourne match, Rioli has improved significantly.
The fact that midfielder Zak Butters was found not guilty by the Tribunal of striking GWS’s Tom Green and that the one-match penalty was eventually overturned will soothe the club.
Charlie Dixon’s availability is currently under review following his three-game suspension for a bump in the SANFL.
Schache available for Dees, Lever close
Josh Schache, a depth forward, has recovered from a foot injury to be eligible for selection.
Selwyn Griffith, the manager of Melbourne High Performance, stated that Josh had had a successful training block in recent weeks.
“On Wednesday, he will train exclusively with the main group in order to be ready for selection this week.”
Good news for Jake Lever, who plans to make a comeback in Round 16, and soon for Jake Melksham, who is just getting over an ACL injury.
Jake is expected to resume full training the next week, according to Griffith, who stated that he is returning to the gym this week.
“He will then try to be selected in the Round 16.”
Griffith said, “Jake (Melksham) is currently training with the main group.”
“He’ll probably be back on the field in the upcoming weeks.”
Ashcroft set to make early return
After suffering an ACL injury, Will Ashcroft’s recuperation is almost complete, and the team anticipates his availability for Round 16.
Since rupturing his ACL in July of last year, Ashcroft has spent the last month training nonstop.
But a “acute shoulder dislocation” will keep the Lions without a defender for at least four weeks.
Answerth hurt it in a VFL match which they won over Sandringham.
Danger, Danger
Patrick Dangerfield, the winner of the Brownlow Medal, and Ollie Henry, the forward, are expected to be available for Geelong’s match against Carlton on Friday night.
Dangerfield, who overcame a hamstring ailment, is expected to play in his first game since Round 7.
Henry, who was out during the Richmond game due to hamstring awareness, will also be available.
The team has given midfielder Cam Guthrie two weeks to heal from an achilles injury, so his return is not too far off.
According to a club statement, “Cameron is progressing well in his recovery. Over the next two weeks, he will begin to increase his footy loads and conditioning as he nears his return.”
Giants prepared to play again
GWS will be welcoming back Coniglio Stephen and Lachie Ash for the Sydney Derby; if their fitness tests come back positive later this week, the two will play.
While Coniglio is recovering from a shoulder ailment he sustained in Round 11, Ash is nearing the end of a six-week calf injury he sustained in Round 9.
Adam Kennedy, a seasoned player who had an ACL injury in April of last year, will play his first football game in 14 months.
While defender Nick Haynes will be out for at least three weeks due to a hamstring strain, youngsters James Leake and Darcy Jones are striving to play at any level this week after suffering their separate ailments.
