MELBOURNE defender Jake Lever will undergo surgery on his ankle, sidelining him for up to eight weeks.
Melbourne’s High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith provided an update on Lever on Monday afternoon.
“We've been looking to manage Jake conservatively, and he's done a power of work to try to get up for each game, but due to a lack of function and continued pain, he hasn't been able to do that,” Griffith told Melbourne Media.
“As part of our management process, we sought some expert opinions. He saw a surgeon today and, unfortunately for Jake, he will now undergo surgical intervention and he'll likely be out for approximately eight weeks.”
In further disappointing news, ruck Tom Campbell has been sidelined with a minor hamstring injury.
“Tom had some hamstring tightness following an incident during the VFL game,” Griffith said.
“He was removed from the game at half time and some imaging has shown a low-grade hamstring strain.
“We'll now progress him through the relevant strength markers in order to get him back as soon as possible.”
Matt Jefferson will remain a test this week as he looks to return from a fracture to his hand.
“The aim for Matt has been about returning him to full hand function and he wasn't comfortable enough to do contest-based work last week,” Griffith said.
“He's progressed well over the weekend and will look to integrate into training this week, with the availability to be determined after our main training session on Thursday.”
Similarly, Xavier Lindsay will also look to complete a fitness test prior to Saturday’s game, having been sidelined with a low-grade injury to his medial ligament following Round 3.
“Xavier had a great training session over the weekend,” Griffith said.
“He'll look to integrate this week with determination of his availability after Thursday's main training session.”
In positive news for young Demons Koltyn Tholstrup and Luker Kentfield, the two have completed their extended rehab schedules and are now available for selection this week.
“Both Luker and Koltyn have returned to full training, so they're both available for selection,” Griffith said.
“Our VFL team have a bye this weekend, but they're both training really well.”
Judd McVee is close to following in their footsteps, just a week away from a return to the selection table.
“Judd integrated back into most of training last week and he'll full train this week, with the plan for him to be available ahead of Round 6.”
Marty Hore (calf), Shane McAdam (Achilles) and Andy Moniz-Wakefield (knee) are all continuing to complete their respective rehab programs.
“Steven was able to get a good session done over the weekend and integrated into training today,” Griffith said.
“We'll assess how he pulls up from training today to determine his availability for Thursday night.”
“Jake sustained that cut in the first quarter, which fortunately our medical team were able to clean and stitch up so that he could play out the game,” Griffith said.
“The main concern now is infection, wound care and making sure that Jake is able to function.
“We've got him on a lower training program to allow that wound to heal as best it can and we’ll assess that as we come into Thursday night's game.”
“It was an unfortunate incident for Daniel, but he's recovered really well,” Griffith said.
“He was back in today to start those concussion protocols. He'll progress as quickly as his symptoms allow, with the hope that he’ll be available for the game against West Coast.”
“Jake's progressed really well following surgery,” Griffith said.
“He's come out of that cast and is in a moon boot. He's just progressing his ankle and calf strength as tolerated at the moment.
“He’ll have another review at the end of this week and then hopefully we'll be able to start ramping up the next phase of his rehabilitation.”
“Shane went to accelerate during match play on Friday, and has unfortunately ruptured his Achilles tendon in the process.
“This is an incredibly disappointing outcome for Shane, who was starting to get some real momentum and confidence in his body, following a strong pre-season.
“Shane will meet with a surgeon in the coming days, with the view to undergo surgery. From here, we will have a greater understanding of what his recovery timelines will look like.
“We will wrap our arms around Shane and fully support him throughout this next period.”
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed what we all feared, with Andy to miss the season with an injury to his ACL, MCL and PCL,” Richardson said.
“This is incredibly disappointing news for Andy, who has had a really strong pre-season. We have been so impressed by his attitude and will to get better, and he was starting to reap the rewards of his hard work.
“Andy will undergo surgery in the near future, before beginning to work through his recovery. As a club, we will wrap our arms around him and make sure he is well-supported.
“Despite being on the sidelines, we know Andy will still play an important role for us this season, particularly with the positive energy he brings to the club every single day.”
“Steven was able to get a good session done over the weekend and integrated into training today,” Griffith said.
“We'll assess how he pulls up from training today to determine his availability for Thursday night.”
“Jake sustained that cut in the first quarter, which fortunately our medical team were able to clean and stitch up so that he could play out the game,” Griffith said.
“The main concern now is infection, wound care and making sure that Jake is able to function.
“We've got him on a lower training program to allow that wound to heal as best it can and we’ll assess that as we come into Thursday night's game.”
“It was an unfortunate incident for Daniel, but he's recovered really well,” Griffith said.
“He was back in today to start those concussion protocols. He'll progress as quickly as his symptoms allow, with the hope that he’ll be available for the game against West Coast.”
“Jake's progressed really well following surgery,” Griffith said.
“He's come out of that cast and is in a moon boot. He's just progressing his ankle and calf strength as tolerated at the moment.
“He’ll have another review at the end of this week and then hopefully we'll be able to start ramping up the next phase of his rehabilitation.”
“Shane went to accelerate during match play on Friday, and has unfortunately ruptured his Achilles tendon in the process.
“This is an incredibly disappointing outcome for Shane, who was starting to get some real momentum and confidence in his body, following a strong pre-season.
“Shane will meet with a surgeon in the coming days, with the view to undergo surgery. From here, we will have a greater understanding of what his recovery timelines will look like.
“We will wrap our arms around Shane and fully support him throughout this next period.”
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed what we all feared, with Andy to miss the season with an injury to his ACL, MCL and PCL,” Richardson said.
“This is incredibly disappointing news for Andy, who has had a really strong pre-season. We have been so impressed by his attitude and will to get better, and he was starting to reap the rewards of his hard work.
“Andy will undergo surgery in the near future, before beginning to work through his recovery. As a club, we will wrap our arms around him and make sure he is well-supported.
“Despite being on the sidelines, we know Andy will still play an important role for us this season, particularly with the positive energy he brings to the club every single day.”
