KEY Melbourne pair Jack Viney and Tom McDonald remain sidelined for six to eight weeks, but are set to start running on Monday.
Viney and McDonald are both out with foot injuries, but elite performance manager Dave Misson said the duo was making steady progress, when speaking to Melbourne Media about this week's injury list.
Bernie Vince, who split his webbing on his hand last round, will be available, while Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) and Pat McKenna (hamstring) remain sidelined indefinitely.
Looking ahead to round two
“We were disappointed with the round one result, but from a physical and medical point of view, we came through pretty well. As is normal in round one, and probably round two and three, we had a bit of cramping, but injury wise, we’re pretty good,” Misson said.
“It’s always good to get on the road – it gets everyone together. We’re not sure what the conditions are going to be like – but it’ll be quite humid and warm, but we’re really looking forward to getting up there [in Brisbane] and improving on our performance from round one.”
Misson's injury assessments
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
“Patty is doing some running outside. He’s doing some really good work in the gym with his strength, so touch wood, he’s in the initial stage of his rehab.”
Tom McDonald (foot) – 6-8 weeks
“Tom is on a deload and is doing a lot of work off legs. He’s looking to start running on Monday outside. We’re hoping – and from what we’re seeing in the physio room – that has done some good stuff.”
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – indefinite
“Vanders is going well. He’s been running outside for three weeks now, and importantly he’s pulling up really well after those running sessions, so we’re just gradually increasing his loads, to the point where hopefully, in four to six weeks’ time, he’ll start some football training.”
Bernie Vince (webbing) – available
“It’s an injury that can happen regularly in AFL. He had some stitches during the game and afterwards as well, but he’ll be no problem.”
Jack Viney (foot) – 6-8 weeks
“Jack is also on a deload and is doing a lot of work off legs. He’s also looking to start running on Monday outside. Like Tom, Jack is tracking well with markers put in front of them, and their soreness is decreasing each day, so we’re pretty happy with the way they’re going. They’re on track to run on Monday.”
Melbourne injury list: round two
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
Tom McDonald (foot) – 6-8 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – indefinite
Bernie Vince (webbing) – available
Jack Viney (foot) – 6-8 weeks
