FOLLOWING a nasal fracture sustained in Week 5, Eliza McNamara will be available to play as the Demons prepare to take on the Crows in Adelaide this week.
Melbourne’s AFLW High Performance Manager Sam Batterton provided an update on the star winger on Tuesday afternoon.
“Eliza has done really well. She integrated into training on Sunday, which was really good to see,” he said.
“She got through that session which means she’ll be available this week.”
The good news continues for Melbourne, as Batterton provided an update on Liv Purcell and her return to full-contact training.
“Liv got a custom fit mask that she will train and play with,” he said.
“This will allow her to get into contact scenarios, so she integrated into training on the weekend, and she’ll look to fully train this week.”
There are a number of Dees who look closer to making a return in coming weeks. Batterton provided updates on Lauren Pearce (wrist), Blaithin Mackin (calf), and Paxy Paxman (foot).
“Loz is doing well, she’s also reintegrating into some training,” Batterton said.
“She’s still a week away before she’s available to play, but is able to do a fair portion of her training in a splint at the moment, which has been great.
“Blaithin ticked off her return to running today, which is great. She looks to increase her training and running loads over the next week, and next week we’ll assess whether she’s likely to play.
“Paxy pulled up pretty sore after the last game she played, against Essendon. We gave her the weekend off, but she’s been back running today, which is really positive. She’ll look to train this week and we’ll assess where she’s at from there, by the end of this week.”
Eden Zanker (knee) is steadily continuing her rehab, with positive signs for the All-Australian forward.
“Eden is doing well; she’s also been back running and is involved in some training,” Batterton said.
"We’re still not 100% sure when she’ll return to game time, but she’s made really great strides in her last few sessions.”
“Eden’s progressing well through the concussion protocols,” Josh Keily, Melbourne’s AFLW High Performance Manager, said.
“We’ll look to get her involved in main training towards the backend of this week and she’ll need to successfully complete this session if she is to be available for Saturday’s game.”
“Maeve has ticked off a number of markers throughout her hamstring rehab and is doing all she can to return as quickly as possible,” Keily said.
“In what has been a tough time missing two finals, her professionalism and support for her teammates have been second to none.”
“Liv has been smashing the first stage of her ACL rehab,” Keily said.
“She’s moving really well both in the gym and on track, recently beginning early run mechanics - it’s been awesome to see.”
“Jacinta has been building out into top-speed and change-of-direction mechanics and is beginning to introduce higher intensity with football movements such as ruck contests,” Keily said
“Eden’s progressing well through the concussion protocols,” Josh Keily, Melbourne’s AFLW High Performance Manager, said.
“We’ll look to get her involved in main training towards the backend of this week and she’ll need to successfully complete this session if she is to be available for Saturday’s game.”
“Maeve has ticked off a number of markers throughout her hamstring rehab and is doing all she can to return as quickly as possible,” Keily said.
“In what has been a tough time missing two finals, her professionalism and support for her teammates have been second to none.”
“Liv has been smashing the first stage of her ACL rehab,” Keily said.
“She’s moving really well both in the gym and on track, recently beginning early run mechanics - it’s been awesome to see.”
“Jacinta has been building out into top-speed and change-of-direction mechanics and is beginning to introduce higher intensity with football movements such as ruck contests,” Keily said
