YOUNG tall Sam Weideman is set to miss another week with a calf injury, after being sidelined in round nine.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed Weideman would be out for another match.
But forward Dean Kent (hamstring) and hard-nut Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) are getting closer to a return and are slated for comebacks after the mid-season bye.
Ruckman Mitch King (elbow) is set to return in the VFL this week, but ball-winner Corey Maynard (hip) and utility Pat McKenna (hamstring) remain out indefinitely.
Misson said the team was ready for its road trip to Alice Springs this week.
“It’s been pleasing. We’ve been playing pretty well, but we’ve got a bit test this week, and a solid road trip against a really good footy club,” Misson told Melbourne Media.
“It’s always a great trip [to Alice Springs]. We love going up there and it’s going to be a bit warmer than Melbourne, but it’s something to look forward to at the moment.
“We’ll take a good competitive team up and play against a really good footy club and hopefully get a good result.”
Misson’s injury assessments
Dean Kent (hamstring) – 3 weeks
“Kenty’s going really well. He’s doing some good solid running work and is starting to do some skills. He’ll play in and around the bye week.”
Mitch King (elbow) – available
“Mitch has had an elbow [injury] and has been going very well. He’s been doing a lot of contact in rehab, and he joined the group today for training. He’ll be available this week.”
Corey Maynard (hip) – indefinite
“Corey is progressing with that hip. He’s starting to run fast and is doing a bit more work in rehab. We’re not putting a timeframe on him.”
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
“Patty is starting to run at 90 per cent and we’re starting to increase his agility and one-on-one skills, but we’re not putting a definitive timeframe on him.”
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – 4-6 weeks
“Vanders is going really well. We’re seeing the type of athlete that we’ve come to know and love Aaron to be – he’s powerful, explosive, but he also has a good tank. He’s really showing that in rehab, so we’re looking forward to seeing him just after the bye.”
Sam Weideman (calf) – 1 week
“Weids unfortunately just had a minor calf strain at training last Thursday. He actually did the whole session, but we felt it was too risky to put him in for the game. We’re going to look after him by not pushing him to play this week on a short turnaround. We think he’ll definitely be available this week.”
Melbourne injury list: round 10
- Dean Kent (hamstring) – 3 weeks
- Mitch King (elbow) – available
- Corey Maynard (hip) – indefinite
- Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
- Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – 4-6 weeks
- Sam Weideman (calf) – 1 week
