SHELLEY Heath and Saraid Taylor will need to pass fitness tests ahead of Melbourne’s Thursday night clash against GWS.
Melbourne’s AFLW High Performance Manager Sam Batterton provided an update on the duo on Tuesday afternoon.
“Shelley injured her shoulder during the game [on Friday], she was pretty sore, so the decision was made to pull her out of the match,” Batterton said.
“She’s recovered really well, and scans have shown there’s no damage, so she’ll need to pass a test to be available for this week.
“Saraid’s doing really great and has ticked off the last part of her rehab from a calf injury.
“She’ll also need to pass a final fitness test to be available for selection."
Eliza McNamara, who was also sidelined during the Bombers match, will miss this week with a broken nose.
“Eliza was removed from the game after a knock to the face,” Batterton said.
“She was cleared of concussion and returned to the field, but did sustain a broken nose.
“With the short turn around, we’ll give her this week off, but don’t expect her to miss any further games.”
Veteran Demon Paxy Paxman will also miss Thursday’s game against the Giants with a foot concern.
“Paxy pulled up a bit sore following the game,” Batterton said.
“It’s similar soreness in her foot to what she’s had over the last few weeks, so to give her the best chance to play in the backend of this season, she’ll rest through this week.”
In positive news for Jemma Rigoni, who’s been sidelined with a groin injury, the young Demon is now available for selection after successfully completing match scrimmage on the weekend.
“It was great to see Jemma back playing some minutes during the scrimmage and did really well with no issues at all,” Batterton said.
“She’s back full training with the group and is available to be selected.”
Blaithin Mackin (calf), Lauren Pearce (wrist) and Olivia Purcell (face) are all nearing a return to play with the hopes to get the trio back for the final games of the home-and-away season.
“Blaithin is progressing well with that calf rehab and is just a few weeks away from getting back into footy,” Batterton said.
“Lauren is integrating into training; she can’t yet use that left hand due to that wrist surgery but is tracking really well.
“Liv has also integrated into some training and has introduced some low intensity contact today which she got through well.
“She’ll complete some more modified contact work alongside running and skills over the next few weeks."
After sustaining an injury to her patellar tendon during Week 4, Eden Zanker will remain on the sidelines as she continues to seek advice from specialists.
“Eden has another meeting with a specialist this week, so she won’t be available again this week,” Batterton said.
“That meeting will dictate our next steps, so we’ll have a really clear plan for Eden early next week."
Grace Beasley (knee), Tayla Harris (shoulder), Jacinta Hose (knee) and Aimee Mackin (knee) all continue to work through their respective rehab programs.
