MELBOURNE has ruled Paxy Paxman out of this weekend’s clash against Fremantle with a minor foot injury.  

Sam Batterton, the club’s AFLW High Performance Manager, provided an update on the Demon on Tuesday.  

“Paxy pulled up sore after the game,” Batterton said.  

“She’s had [her foot] scanned and the damage seems to be on the minor side, which is really positive.  

“We’re optimistic that it’ll be a short-term sidelining.” 

Jemma Rigoni is closing in on a return to footy after managing a groin injury throughout the early part of the season.  

“Jemma has made really great progress,” Batterton said.  

“She’s ticked off a few of her really key markers, so she’ll rejoin training at the backend of this week. 

“Then she’ll look to be back into a game [of footy] in the next couple of weeks.” 

In positive news for the Demons, Liv Purcell has returned to running after sustaining facial fractures a month ago.  

“She’s ticked off a couple of sessions of running, which is great,” Batterton said.  

“She’s in a slow build at the start while she heals from that facial surgery, but she’s made great progress.”  

Tayla Harris returned to the club this week following surgery on her shoulder.  

“She’s in a sling at the moment, so she’ll be managing the shoulder from that capacity,” Batterton said. 

“But it was great for her to get moving, kicking the footy today outside. It’s been good to have her back at the club and getting around the girls.”

Saraid Taylor is progressing through her calf injury, while Aimee Mackin and Jacinta Hose continue to manage their rehab for ACL injuries.