ELITE performance manager Dave Misson says he’s optimistic defender Oscar McDonald will play against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
McDonald suffered an ankle injury in Melbourne’s 32-point win over Fremantle at TIO Stadium last Saturday night. But Misson said the youngster was making good progress.
“His ankle has pulled up really well; the swelling is quite minimal. He’s hopping and walking pain-free. He’s looking to have a run tomorrow and train on Friday and we’re hoping he will be available,” he told Melbourne TV.
Rookie Josh Wagner (knee) and Cam Pedersen (shoulder) are set to resume this weekend.
“Both trained really strongly on the weekend with the VFL and trained again, so they will definitely be available to play,” he said.
Defender Heritier Lumumba (concussion) is likely to miss another week.
“He’s had a bit of a run this week and a kick and is feeling better for getting-going but [it’s still one] to monitor. He definitely won’t play this week and it will just be how he feels symptomatically next week,” Misson said.
Youngsters Jay Kennedy-Harris (hamstring) and Christian Salem (illness) have been earmarked for returns next week.
“They should play next week. They trained with the group today and will do another session on Friday and a couple more next week so they should be ready to go,” Misson said.
First-year player Mitch King is also tracking well in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury.
“Mitch is going really well [in rehab]. He’s smashing the weights in the gym and he’s not too far away from running – probably about three weeks away and that’s getting him really excite,” Misson said.
Melbourne injury list: round 17
Jay Kennedy-Harris (hamstring) – 1 week
Mitch King (knee) – season
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) – test
Oscar McDonald (ankle) – test
Cameron Pedersen (shoulder) – available
Christian Salem (illness) – 1 week
Josh Wagner (knee) – available
