SHELLEY Heath will consult a specialist this week after injuring her finger during Round 8.
Heath came off in Melbourne’s win over Essendon on Friday night with the club’s AFLW High Performance Manager Josh Keily providing an update on the Demon.
“Unfortunately, Shelley sustained a finger injury during the game. She will consult a specialist this week for some further assessment,” said Keily.
“Shelley will miss our game in Perth, but once we have some clarity following the specialist’s appointment, we’ll be able to look at how to best approach her recovery.”
Sinead Goldrick was also sidelined during the team’s Friday night game due to illness but has recovered and will be available for selection in Round 9.
In disappointing news for Blaithin Mackin, the Demon will remain on the sidelines after injuring her calf at training.
“Blaithin was coming back from her knee injury and unfortunately sustained a calf injury last week” Keily said.
“This set her return back a few weeks, which is disappointing for Blaithin.
“She’s flying along now though, and ticking off all the early markers of her rehab.”
Saraid Taylor (hamstring) and Sarah Lampard (calf) are both inching closer to a return to football in the coming fortnight.
“Saraid and Sarah will get back into football towards the backend of this week,” Keily said.
“Then they’ll both look to be available in the next two to three weeks.”
Grace Beasley continues to build her training loads as she looks to return from an ACL injury sustained last season.
“Grace continues to complete main training with the group,” Keily said.
“She’s ticking off her own strength markers in the gym, before we can get her into some match scrimmages in the coming weeks.”
After suffering an ACL injury during Round 2, Olivia Purcell is taking positive steps at the beginning of her long-term rehab.
“Liv is continuing some lower limb strength work in the gym, in addition to beginning some walking mechanics, which is a positive step for her,” Keily said.
Young ruck Jacinta Hose keeps hitting important markers in her rehab of a back injury sustained at the beginning of the year.
“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.
