KEY forward Jesse Hogan will miss the rest of the 2018 season, after suffering a foot injury during Melbourne’s nine-point loss to the Sydney Swans at the MCG last Sunday.
After gaining all the relevant information on Tuesday morning, elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed that Hogan would be sidelined for the rest of the season.
“Jesse was hampered by that foot injury during the game. Despite playing out the game, we needed to investigate that yesterday (Monday), which we did,” he told Melbourne Media.
“He had an MRI scan and a CT scan and what it showed was a partial stress fracture to the navicular bone. What that means for Jesse is that essentially his season is over. It can develop into a serious injury and we feel we’ve got it quite early.
“It’s not going to require surgery and we’re looking at a positive outcome for his preparation, going into 2019. We think he’s going to be right to go for the start of pre-season, but unfortunately for the rest of this season, that’ll be it for Jesse.”
Misson also confirmed speedster Jayden Hunt would miss the next two to four weeks with an ankle injury, which he hurt again against the Swans, and 2015 best and fairest winner Bernie Vince would be sidelined for the next six weeks after injuring his AC joint, playing for Casey Demons on Saturday.
In better news for the red and blue, defender Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) and forward Jake Melksham (hamstring) will be available for Melbourne’s clash against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium.
Co-captain Jack Viney (toe) is three weeks away and high-flyer Joel Smith (collarbone) is one to two matches from resuming. First-year Demon Oskar Baker (hamstring) will miss a further six weeks.
Trio Jake Lever (knee), Billy Stretch (toe) and Corey Maynard (hip) are out for the rest of the season.
Misson’s injury assessments
Oskar Baker (hamstring) – 6 weeks
“Oskar did a hammy in the VFL a couple of weeks ago, which was a reasonably solid one, so he’ll probably be at least another six weeks.”
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) – available
“He is out of rehab now and is doing a normal training week and we expect him to be available this week.”
Jesse Hogan (foot) – season
“Jesse was hampered by that foot injury during the game. Despite playing out the game, we needed to investigate that yesterday (Monday), which we did. He had an MRI scan and a CT scan and what it showed was a partial stress fracture to the navicular bone. What that means for Jesse is that essentially his season is over. It can develop into a serious injury and we feel we’ve got it quite early. It’s not going to require surgery and we’re looking at a positive outcome for his preparation, going into 2019. We think he’s going to be right to go for the start of pre-season, but unfortunately for the rest of this season, that’ll be it for Jesse.”
Jayden Hunt (ankle) – 2-4 weeks
“Jayden suffered a minor tweak of that same ankle that he’s had problems with before. So, we just need to let it settle down for a couple of days to really see where he’s at, but he’s probably looking at anything from two to four weeks.”
Jake Lever (knee) – season
“Jake is still currently overseas and he’s due to get back this week, so we’re looking forward to getting him back and getting him stuck back into his rehab.”
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
“Corey had his first running session outside today and felt really good, so he’s quite happy with his progress. He’ll just keep doing more and more volume with his running rehab.”
Jake Melksham (hamstring) – available
“Jake is going well. He is out of rehab now and is doing a normal training week and we expect him to be available this week.”
Joel Smith (collarbone) – 1-2 weeks
“Joel had that shoulder injury in the AFL game last week against the Suns. Joel’s been fantastic since the surgery. He’s got really good range and good mobility. He did his first running session today (Tuesday), so he’s half a chance of being available for the GWS game next week. So, we’ll just keep monitoring his progress.”
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
“Billy is still in a boot, but he’s off the crutches, so he’s weight bearing in the boot at the moment and is starting to do some work in the gym.”
Bernie Vince (AC joint) – 6 weeks
“Unfortunately, as has been reported, Bernie had a pretty solid AC joint injury in the VFL on the weekend. He was operated on Sunday afternoon and it’s at least a six-week healing time for that injury.”
Jack Viney (toe) – 3 weeks
“Jack started running outside and had another running session this morning, and is looking really good. Jack’s plan, if it happens to pan out that we do make finals, would be for him to be available for the first week of the finals. That’s our plan for him at the moment, but we just need to get there first.”
Melbourne injury list: round 22
Oskar Baker (hamstring) – 6 weeks
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) – available
Jesse Hogan (foot) – season
Jayden Hunt (ankle) – 2-4 weeks
Jake Lever (knee) – season
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
Jake Melksham (hamstring) – available
Joel Smith (collarbone) – 1-2 weeks
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
Bernie Vince (AC joint) – 6 weeks
Jack Viney (toe) – 3 weeks
