MELBOURNE could see the return of four Demons this week.
High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith provided an in-depth update on the quartet, with Ben Brown, Jake Lever, Michael Hibberd and Max Gawn all working towards a return to play this week.
“Ben [Brown] progressed really well across the week but just when it got to that end stage, making sure he was able to do all the contact and aerial work that we know is really important for his game, he still just had a few symptoms associated with that,” Griffith told Melbourne Media.
“We decided to continue to rest him last week. He will integrate into full training this week and look to be available for the weekend.
“Jake’s [Lever] recovered really well. He trained with the group today. If he can get through full training, he will be available for the week as well.
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“Michael [Hibberd] was subbed out of that game the other week. Just with the short turnaround and the travel, we just looked for an opportunity to make sure we could get on top of that, to ensure he could have the best lead in for the rest of the season.
“He’s recovered well and will integrate into training as well and must get through full training to get available for the week.
“[Max] Gawny had a really good session over the weekend. He’s integrating into full training this week and similarly to the other players, if he can get through our full training session, he will be available for selection.”
Following Melbourne’s loss to Essendon on Saturday, the sole casualty from the match was small forward Charlie Spargo, who was subbed out of the game following a head knock.
“Unfortunately for Charlie, he suffered a concussion during the game, so has entered into the AFL’s concussion protocols," Griffith said.
“He will continue to progress through them as symptoms allow. We don’t have any certainty on his full integration as of yet, but he will follow that protocol and hopefully be available as soon as possible.”
Joel Smith has been out with a thumb injury in recent weeks, but the defender is pushing forward in his training, hopeful to make a return to play in approximately one week.
Kye Turner (groin), Christian Salem (knee) and Will Verrall (pelvis) are all progressing positively through their respective rehab programs.
In exciting injury news, young Demon Taj Woewodin made a successful return in the VFL on Sunday, after missing five weeks with a finger injury. Woewodin was among Casey’s best with 23 disposals, three clearances and three tackles.
Check out the full injury list below.
