AHEAD of Melbourne’s first AFLW hit-out of the 2025 season this Saturday, the club’s AFLW High Performance Manager Josh Keily has provided an update on the health of the program’s list.
In disappointing news for Gab Colvin, the defender has been sidelined with a knee injury.
“During a drill at training, Gab unfortunately sustained an MCL injury,” Keily said.
“While we were happy for it to not be a worst-case scenario, it’s obviously still disappointing for Gab to be sidelined for the opening part of the season.
“She’s going well now and will start building into more strength next week as part of her rehab program.”
Irish Demon Blaithin Mackin will also spend some time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
“During Blaithin’s Gaelic season she sustained a grade-two hamstring strain,” Keily said.
“She arrives in Melbourne later this week, so we’ll assess her injury further once she arrives at the club and build her rehab schedule from then onwards.”
In more positive news, Denby Taylor is getting back into training after suffering an injury to her foot earlier this pre-season.
“Denby has been managing a stress response in her foot,” Keily said.
“She’s completing 80% of training at the moment with a couple more things to tick off. The aim is to get her back into main training next week.”
Grace Beasley, who sustained an ACL injury during Week 4 of the 2024 season, is progressing positively through her stages of rehab.
“Grace is tracking really well through her ACL rehab,” Keily said.
“She completed testing two weeks ago and got some really positive results. She’s been getting into more football skills, higher speed and change of direction.”
After undergoing surgery on her back last month, Jacinta Hose has returned to the club and is beginning the early steps back into movement.
“It’s been great to have Jacinta back in at the club after her surgery,” Keily said.
“While she manages her pain levels, she’s completing light gym activities and swimming.”
Melbourne’s available squad will all line up in Saturday’s match simulation against Hawthorn at Casey Fields.
The Dees and Hawks will face off in a four-quarter game with the first bounce scheduled for 12:30pm.
