JAKE Lever is edging closer to full fitness as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said the defender is recovering well and will look to increase his workload over the next few weeks.
“Jake (Lever) has had a really strong last week,” Griffith said.
“He integrated into some training today, which is great — so he’ll look to increase his loads and be involved in more training across the next few sessions.”
02:06
Harrison Petty has entered the AFL’s concussion protocols following a head knock against West Coast on Saturday.
“It was an unfortunate episode before half time for Petts. But he’s recovered well,” Griffith said.
“He began his first stage of the concussion protocol today, and he’ll continue to progress through that as his symptoms allow — with the hope that he’ll be back into some training at the end of this week. Then we’ll assess his availability the following week.”
Marty Hore also continues to progress through his rehabilitation program.
“Marty (Hore) unfortunately had some calf tightness after a session last week,” he said.
“We’ve had to stay steady with his program. He’ll continue to build towards getting back to playing, but at this stage, it’s just slowed his return.”
Clayton Oliver returned to training on Tuesday after missing the club’s Round 8 clash against West Coast.
“Clayton missed the game last week, he completed a session with some of our VFL squad on the weekend, and integrated back into full training today,” Griffith said.
“We’ll continue to work with him across the week to have the best plan for his mental and physical wellbeing. The plan is for him to train on Thursday, and then we’ll assess his availability for selection following that session.”
Ricky Mentha is another Demon working through concussion protocols after a training incident last week.
“Ricky unfortunately suffered a concussion at our main training session last week,” Griffith said.
“He’s through the first couple of phases of the concussion protocol and won’t be available for this week. We’ll look to progress him as his symptoms allow, with him hopefully returning to playing and training next week.”
Meanwhile, Kysaiah Pickett is expected to be available for selection after recovering from an ankle injury sustained late in Saturday’s win.
“Koz (Pickett) had an ankle sprain towards the end of the game, but he’s recovered well,” Griffith said.
“He was part of full training today. Our expectation is he’ll have another full training and be available for this week.”
"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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