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.”
“Grace has officially completed her ACL rehab,” Keily said.
“She’s in a great spot and has been training well with the main group. She’ll officially be available for selection this weekend.”
“Gab has been managing a wrist injury sustained during the match scrimmage two weeks ago,” Keily said.
“She’s pulled up well from training last week and will be available for selection on Sunday.”
“Molly has been managing some shin soreness this past week,” Keily said.
“We’ll aim to get her involved in the main session on Wednesday with the hopes for her to be available if she successfully completes the week of training.”
“Sinead met with a specialist last week who recommended that she have another week of rest from games,” Keily said.
“We’ll aim to have her rejoin the group next week so that she can put her hand up for selection moving forward into finals.”
“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
“Grace has officially completed her ACL rehab,” Keily said.
“She’s in a great spot and has been training well with the main group. She’ll officially be available for selection this weekend.”
“Gab has been managing a wrist injury sustained during the match scrimmage two weeks ago,” Keily said.
“She’s pulled up well from training last week and will be available for selection on Sunday.”
“Molly has been managing some shin soreness this past week,” Keily said.
“We’ll aim to get her involved in the main session on Wednesday with the hopes for her to be available if she successfully completes the week of training.”
“Sinead met with a specialist last week who recommended that she have another week of rest from games,” Keily said.
“We’ll aim to have her rejoin the group next week so that she can put her hand up for selection moving forward into finals.”
“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
