ROOKIE Josh Wagner has been ruled out of Saturday night’s clash against Fremantle at TIO Stadium.

Coach Paul Roos confirmed on Thursday morning at AAMI Park that the half-back would not play again this week, after he missed last round’s loss to the Adelaide Crows at the MCG with a knee injury.

“He’ll play next week, as he’s just a touch off this week,” he said.

“We want him to be able to train and play – and not just play.

“We saw even before the bye that he was starting to grind down a little bit. He had three good quarters against the Swans [in round 13] and then struggled in the last quarter. We want him to get back and play four quarters of footy.”

Roos said premiership player Heritier Lumumba, who suffered another head knock while playing for Casey against Richmond at Punt Rd Oval last Sunday, was on the improve.

“[He had] the first couple of days away from the club and [had] a quick analysis from the doctor … Zee [Arian] on Tuesday and then I spoke to our other doctor Bianca [Scotney] and he had improved over 24 hours,” he said.

“The VFL has got a bye [this weekend] … but he’ll have a pretty tough training session on Saturday.”

Roos said youngster Angus Brayshaw, who has also battled concussion this year, was back on track, but would not be considered for the match in Darwin.

“He’s fine. He’s played two weeks now and he’ll have a good training session on Saturday morning and then probably another week in the VFL and then hopefully it’ll become a form thing,” he said.

“At the moment, it’s just a fitness thing and getting him to play a good four quarters in the VFL.”