WHILE Melbourne’s injury list grew by three at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night, it’s not all doom and gloom for the red and blue.
Michael Hibberd (collarbone) and Jake Melksham (foot) will be sidelined on the back of the clash with the Suns, but Jordan Lewis is a chance to get up for Round 9 as he has recovered quickly from a rolled ankle.
Charlie Spargo (foot) and Sam Weideman (hip) are both a chance to return this weekend after missing Casey’s VFL match with soreness on Saturday, while Corey Maynard could also play after battling a hip injury in recent weeks.
Jake Lever looks likely to make his long-awaited comeback to footy after rupturing his ACL in Round 11 last season, preparing to get some match fitness under his belt at VFL level.
And while Kade Kolodjashnij is still battling his concussion symptoms, Elite Performance Manager David Misson says he may not be too far away.
“Kade’s turned a corner with his concussion,” Misson told Melbourne Media.
“He’s going to be doing a full week in rehab this week and the aim is to get him up to play a game before the bye.”
Joel Smith is also on the mend with his groin injury but won’t be rushed as the club looks to get the versatile forward fit for the backend of the season.
“Joel has improved a fair bit,” Misson said.
“He’s due to run at 80 to 90 percent this week but he’s still at least a month away.”
Misson also said Neville Jetta’s knee rehabilitation is on track, as the defender recovers from his mid-season surgery.
“Nev started some bike work and strength work last week so he’ll probably have a run on the Alter G treadmill later this week or early next week.”
Check out the full injury list below.
Injury List
Jake Lever | Knee – Test
Jordan Lewis | Ankle – Test
Corey Maynard | Hip – Test
Charlie Spargo | Foot – Test
Sam Weideman | Hip – Test
Mitch Hannan | Knee – 1 week
Jay Kennedy Harris | Knee – 1 week
Michael Hibberd | Collarbone – 2 weeks
Steven May | Groin – 2-3 weeks
Jake Melksham | Foot – 4-5 weeks
Joel Smith | Groin – 4-6 weeks
Kade Kolodjashnij | Concussion – TBA
Aaron vandenBerg | Foot – TBA
Neville Jetta | Knee – 8-10 weeks
Guy Walker | Shoulder – Indefinite
Aaron Nietschke | Knee – Season
