A DUO of veteran Demons will face fitness tests this week as Melbourne prepares for its blockbuster ANZAC Day Eve match against Richmond.
Steven May, who was ruled out of Round 6 with a minor groin strain, is eyeing off a return this week, with the club’s AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith providing an update on the defender.
“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 Melksham will also need to get through this week’s training after sustaining a nasty cut during Saturday’s game against Fremantle.
“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.”
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Daniel Turner will remain on the sidelines this week after a knock to the head during Saturday’s game has entered him into concussion protocols.
“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 Lever, who underwent surgery on his ankle two weeks ago, is close to entering the next stages of his rehab program.
“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.”
Tom Campbell was absent from the VFL game last weekend, with the club opting to manage him ahead of the short turnaround leading into the ANZAC Day Eve game.
Marty Hore (calf), Shane McAdam (Achilles) and Andy Moniz-Wakefield (knee) all continue to progress through their respective rehab schedules.
"We'll train tomorrow and later on in the week. As long as he progresses through that without any agitation of symptoms, he'll be available for selection this week."
"Marty's going to integrate back into some training this week and then continue to just build his training integration and match volume to be available in the coming weeks."
“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.”
"We'll train tomorrow and later on in the week. As long as he progresses through that without any agitation of symptoms, he'll be available for selection this week."
"Marty's going to integrate back into some training this week and then continue to just build his training integration and match volume to be available in the coming weeks."
“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.”
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