MELBOURNE is optimistic that key forward Mitch Clark, who has been sidelined since round five with a foot injury, will play again in 2013.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson said Clark had stepped up his rehabilitation this week, and was optimistic about him returning this year.
“Mitch has started his running this week. He actually looks pretty good on the track and did some run throughs today (Tuesday), so he’ll just progress through his running rehab program,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“We’re definitely hoping that he can come back and play this year.”
Misson said co-captain Jack Grimes was on target to return against the Sydney Swans at the MCG on Sunday – his first appearance since injuring his collarbone against Carlton in round six.
“He comes off the long-term list on Thursday officially, so it’d be up to the match committee if they decide to play him or not,” he said.
“He’s been training fully for six weeks now, and he’s had two weeks of full contact training and hasn’t had a hiccup, so he’s in some really good nick.”
Leader Jordie McKenzie (elbow), dasher Sam Blease (ankle) and defender Joel Macdonald (foot) are likely to play this weekend, but Jack Viney (toe) remains touch and go.
“Bleasey is walking around normally - he’ll have a bit of a run around tomorrow (Wednesday) and we expect him to train fully on Thursday, and Jordie similarly. Both of those guys will push their claims to play this week,” Misson said.
“Joel’s been in full training now for three sessions. He’ll train fully on Thursday, and he’ll be in the frame to play.
“Jack Viney will be a test for this week, and he’s probably a session or two short. He’ll definitely play next week, I would think.”
But midfielder Michael Evans and ruckman Mark Jamar, who have foot injuries, are expected to miss the next month.
“Evo and Mark Jamar are probably a little bit slower than we hoped, and they’ll be at least another month,” Misson said.
Rookie Nathan Stark is still another two to three weeks away from returning in the VFL.
“He hurt his ankle before the bye, and he’s pushing really hard to get up for the VFL game next weekend. The VFL has got a bye this week, but he’s going to be pushing to play the following weekend,” Misson said.
