MITCH Hannan will be a chance to face the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday, with the forward set to undergo a fitness test on his jarred knee.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson is hopeful Hannan will join Thursday’s main training session and be available to make his return after missing the past two weeks.
Hard-nut James Harmes will also take to the track, despite a quick turnaround between surgery on his broken hand and last weekend’s game against Adelaide.
In what Misson described as a “remarkable” effort to “get up and play”, Harmes will rest the healing hand before his training ramps up mid-week, ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) remains on the sidelines for a least another two weeks, while co-captain Jack Viney’s return is dependant on the reloading phase of his rehab.
Meanwhile, Billy Stretch (toe), Jake Lever (knee) and Corey Maynard (hip) all continue to progress in preparation for the pre-season.
Misson’s injury assessments
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) – 2-3 weeks
“Hibbo has been doing some good stuff in rehab; some good running. He’s probably still two to three weeks away.”
Jack Viney (toe) – 2-4 weeks
“Jack hasn’t quite started running yet, so his return to play will be a bit dictated by his reloading. Clinically, he’s looking a lot better and we’re hoping to start him running either late this week or early next week.”
Mitch Hannan (knee) – test
“Mitch did a good session yesterday. We’ll just see how he pulls up today. He’s a chance of playing this week, so we’re hoping to get him out to train on Thursday with the group.”
James Harmes (hand) – available
“He did an amazing job, remarkable, really, to get up and play after having surgery on the Monday. We were probably a little bit concerned on the Friday night – it was pretty swollen, but it was probably as much the flight to Adelaide than anything else. He’s pulled up really well after the game and the wound looks very good. He’ll have a reasonably quiet early start to the week, but he’ll definitely be playing on Sunday.”
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
“Billy spent the week at home in Adelaide with family and friends – he’s due back today. As we’ve mentioned previously, he’s done for the year, but looking to get him ready for pre-season.”
Jake Lever (knee) – season
“Jake’s actually heading overseas tomorrow; going to Europe for three weeks. He’s been working really hard up until now, and when he gets back, we’ll really get him stuck into his rehab.”
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
“Corey’s starting to do more and more on that hip. He did some work on a cross trainer last week and we’re looking to run him in a few weeks.”
Melbourne injury list: round 20
Mitch Hannan (knee) – test
James Harmes (hand) – available
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) – 2-3 weeks
Jack Viney (toe) – 2-4 weeks
Jake Lever (knee) – season
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
