AFTER nearly six weeks on the sidelines, defender Daniel Turner is set to be available for selection.
The young Demon sustained a hip injury at the beginning of the AFL season, but has successfully worked through his rehab schedule to return to play this weekend.
Selwyn Griffith, the club’s High-Performance Manager, provided an insight into Turner’s progression.
“He’s been back in full training the last couple of weeks,” Griffith told Melbourne Media.
“He’s completed a few match-load sessions and now will integrate fully this week to be available for selection.”
In more positive news, Lachie Hunter returned to football over the weekend, via a VFL match simulation with Carlton, having spent the start of the season on the sidelines with a calf injury.
“It was really great to see Lachie back out there,” Griffith said.
“He participated in that [VFL game] and got through that really well. He's pulled up well and is training fully this week to be available for selection.”
Defender Jake Bowey is beginning to integrate into skills five weeks on from his shoulder surgery.
“We wanted to ensure he had good range of motion before we progressed him into training with the team,” Griffith said.
“He’s done a great job and is really professional around those elements, so he integrated into the non-contact part of training today.
“He’ll continue to do that until he gets clearance from the surgeon and doctors, to make sure we can start to progress his contact over the coming weeks.”
Marty Hore is recovering from a thumb fracture, currently completing a post-surgery program.
“Marty’s in a window where we need to make sure that wound is cleared…he’s tracking well at the moment,” Griffith said.
“He participated in some coaching for the VFL match simulation and has still been really engaged in and around the club.
“The plan will be to get him going once he gets the clearance and look for him to be available for the Round 7 clash against Richmond.”
Charlie Spargo (Achilles), Shane McAdam (hamstring), and Jake Melksham (knee) are all continuing to progress through their respective rehab schedules.
