TALL defender Oscar McDonald remains a touch-and-go for Sunday’s clash against the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG, after injuring his ankle again last weekend.
McDonald hurt it again during Melbourne’s six-point loss to the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium last Saturday.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson said McDonald would face a fitness test.
“Oscar rolled his ankle in the game, but went back out and finished the game,” he told Melbourne TV.
“There’s no structural damage at all – it’s just the same ankle he’s rolled a couple of times already this year.
“He had a run [on Wednesday] and ran pretty well, so we’re expecting him to be available, but he’s going to have to train on Friday.”
Ruckman Jake Spencer suffered a knee injury, while playing for Casey against Sandringham at Casey Fields last Sunday.
Misson said the big man would also need to be monitored before given the go ahead for this weekend.
“Jake got a knock on the knee in the first quarter and tried to continue, but couldn’t play out the game,” he said.
“Scans earlier in the week ruled out any fracture, so it’s really just a solid contusion in the side of his knee.
“He’s still pretty sore [as of Wednesday], but the VFL guys have got until Saturday and we probably expect him to get up.”
Forward Aaron vandenBerg is set to return this weekend, after missing last round with a hip complaint.
“He ran really well on Monday and trained with the group [on Wednesday], so he’s going to be available as well,” Misson said.
Half-back Heritier Lumumba (concussion) remains out indefinitely, as first-year player Mitch King (knee) continues his recovery.
“’H’ is continuing to work through those concussion symptoms and he’s been out running and doing a little bit of footy work, but we’re taking it really slowly with him,” Misson said.
“He’s got the occasional symptom here and there, but he’s gradually getting better, so there is still no timeframe on his return.
“Mitch is going well and he’s started running. He’s had two running sessions, so that’s a milestone in an ACL rehab. His strength work in the gym is going really well and most importantly, his attitude has been excellent, so he’s come along well.”
Misson said duo Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris, who both returned from extended time on the sidelines, had pulled up well after playing for Casey in the AFL Victoria Development League last weekend.
“The both played well on limited game time and importantly both pulled up really well, so they’ve trained strongly this week and they’ll play in the VFL this week,” he said.
Melbourne injury list: round 19
Mitch King (knee) – season
Heritier Lumumba (concussion) – indefinite
Oscar McDonald (ankle) – test
Jake Spencer (knee) – test
Aaron vandenBerg (hip) – available
