CO-CAPTAIN Jack Viney and key forward Tom McDonald are making steady progress in their comeback from respective foot injuries, although they remain sidelined for another four to five weeks.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed the pair was making inroads, but confirmed that utility Pat McKenna had a setback in his comeback from a hamstring injury.
McKenna remains out indefinitely, along with Aaron vandenBerg (ankle).
Misson said no further injuries emerged from last weekend.
“[There were] no injuries from either game [in the AFL and VFL]. We’ve got to get through our week of training, but we’re pretty pleased how our boys pulled up,” he told Melbourne Media.
“There was a bit of cramping in the VFL and a few bumps and bruises in the AFL, but otherwise, it was quite pleasing.
“The VFL has got a six-day break and they won’t do a heap of training on Thursday, whereas the AFL guys have got a bit of a longer break, so it’s a chance for us to get a bit of work into them.
“We’re looking forward to training on Thursday and the [AFL and VFL] games coming up on the weekend.”
Misson’s injury assessments
Tom McDonald (foot) – 4-5 weeks
“Jack Viney and Tom McDonald are on a pretty similar program. Tom’s one or two sessions ahead of Jack at the moment. So, we’re pretty pleased with how they’re tracking.”
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
“Unfortunately Patty had a minor setback in the gym last Friday with his medial hamstring – some tightness and maybe a slight tweak. So, we’ll just wind Patty back for a week or two, but hopefully it shouldn’t stop him running in a couple of weeks. He was going really well and we think this was only just a minor setback, so hopefully Patty can keep progressing over the next month or so.”
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – indefinite
“Vanders is starting to get some really good volume in his running – doing six, seven or eight km sessions now. Importantly, he’s pulling up really well, so he’s another one we’re pleased with his progress.”
Jack Viney (foot) – 4-5 weeks
“Jack and Tom McDonald are both going really well and are getting up to 80 or 90 per cent run throughs this week. They’re doing a little bit more in boots and are doing some more footy stuff.”
Melbourne injury list: round four
Tom McDonald (foot) – 4-5 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – indefinite
Jack Viney (foot) – 4-5 weeks
