ELITE performance manager Dave Misson says high-flyer Joel Smith’s knee injury could’ve been a lot worse than it was.
Misson said Smith, who will miss the rest of the 2017 season, was lucky to not to injure his anterior cruciate ligament.
“Joel landed awkwardly from a marking contest [playing for Casey against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval last Saturday] and it’s quite an unusual injury, as he’s fractured his tibia, so it’s a lot better than an ACL and being out for 12 months,” he told Melbourne TV.
“But he’s seeing a couple of surgeons on Wednesday to determine whether he needs that surgically repaired or not.
“Either way, his season’s over.”
Ruckman Jake Spencer will face a test this week, after copping an injury in the VFL last round.
“Jake got a weird injury – he strained his abdominal muscle – it’s pretty similar to a fast bowler’s grunt muscle,” Misson said.
“We’ve got to see how he pulls up during the week, so he’ll be a test for this week.”
Goalkicker Jesse Hogan (shoulder) is three to four weeks away, meaning he could be available for finals, if Melbourne makes it.
“Jesse started running yesterday (Monday). He’ll do another running session today and progress that this week,” Misson said.
“He’s starting to do some more strength work in the gym, so he’s tracking as well as we’d hope.”
Defender Mitch White (hamstring) is a similar timeframe to Hogan.
“Mitch is going pretty well. He’s got an important week this week, where he gets to 90 per cent running by the end of the week,” Misson said.
“We’ll keep progressing him along the rehab path, hopefully to get him back by the end of the season.”
Forward Dean Kent could be a chance to return late in the season, if Melbourne plays finals and pushes deep into September.
“Dean’s battling a little bit. He’s been trying to run, but he’s still experiencing some pain in that shoulder and he’s seeing a surgeon tomorrow (Wednesday), so we’re not putting a line through him yet for the season,” he said.
“He’ll need to improve reasonably quickly over the next week or so.”
Backman Colin Garland (knee), utility Aaron vandenBerg (heel), rookie Tim Smith (navicular bone), first-year Demon Pat McKenna (hamstring) and youngster Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) are all in different stages of their rehab.
“Lochie Filipovic has embarked on a big strength block in the gym; Paddy McKenna is working hard on his leg strength in the gym, as well as some running,” he said.
“’Bull’ Smith is actually off the crutches. He’s still in the boot, but he’s thrown the crutches away, so he’s been able to move a bit more freely.
“Col Garland is starting to progress his one-on-one skills and agility and is going really well, and Vanders is still in China [on a promotional visit and holiday].”
Melbourne injury list: round 21
Lochie Filipovic (hip flexor) – season
Colin Garland (knee) – season
Jesse Hogan (shoulder) – 3-4 weeks
Dean Kent (shoulder) – 4-6 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – season
Joel Smith (knee) – season
Tim Smith (navicular bone) – season
Jake Spencer (abdomen) – test
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) – season
Mitch White (hamstring) – 3-4 weeks
