WITH just two games remaining in 2019, Melbourne has ruled Mitch Hannan and Tim Smith out for the rest of the season.
Hannan, who has missed the past three weeks with a groin injury, won’t be risked in the latter stage of the year, with Smith also set to take a cautious approach.
Smith hurt his foot during Melbourne’s loss to St Kilda in Round 19, and after an interrupted season, will be looking to get his body right over the break.
As announced on Monday, Steven May will also be sidelined for the last two rounds after hurting his hamstring in the final quarter on Saturday.
“It’s just a standard hamstring strain, so that’ll keep him out for the year,” Elite Performance Manager David Misson said.
“It’s a minor setback but shouldn’t impact his pre-season at all.”
In more positive news, Oskar Baker, who suffered a corked knee against the Magpies, hasn’t been hindered at all and will be available for selection this weekend.
Tom Sparrow also continues to make inroads in his recovery from knee surgery, with a chance to return if results fall his way.
“He’s going really well,” Misson said.
“He’s done some good work in rehab so he’s a chance to come back for VFL finals if we make it.”
Tom McDonald, who also injured his knee earlier in the season, won’t make a comeback, but is sticking to his schedule well.
“He did his first run today on the AlterG which was a good sign,” Misson said.
“He didn’t feel any pain at all in his knee so it’s tracking well.”
Finally, Corey Maynard, who announced his retirement last Friday, continues to battle hip soreness and will be a week-by-week proposition.
Check out Melbourne’s full injury list below:
Injury List
Oskar Baker | Knee – available
Corey Maynard | Hip – Test
Tom Sparrow | Knee – 2 weeks
Jeff Garlett | Shoulder – Season
Mitch Hannan | Groin – Season
Neville Jetta | Knee - Season
Kade Kolodjashnij | Head – Season
Steven May | Hamstring – Season
Tom McDonald | Knee – Season
Aaron Nietschke | Knee – Season
Joel Smith | Groin – Season
Tim Smith | Foot – Season
Aaron vandenBerg | Foot – Season
Sam Weideman | Jaw – Season
Guy Walker | Shoulder – Indefinite
