SECOND year player Christian Petracca is on track to return to football via the VFL next week.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson said Petracca, who missed 2015 with a knee reconstruction then injured his toe in pre-season, was training strongly with the main group.
“This week he’ll be training [but] he’s a chance next week against Box Hill to do a little bit in the game,” Misson told Dee TV.
“We’ll make a final decision next week but he’s tracking really well and he’s training well with the group.
“He’s a chance of playing some restricted minutes next week.”
Forward Chris Dawes continues to make strong steps in his recovery from a calf injury but is still at least four weeks away from playing.
“Chris is on an extended calf rehab [program], he’s tracking really well and doing some good stuff on the track and good work in the gym,” Misson said.
“He’s due to join in some team skills next week which is exciting for him and he’ll need a few weeks of that before he’s a chance of playing.”
Ruckman Jake Spencer is four-to-six weeks away from returning, after popping his plantar fascia last week.
“Jake Spencer had that plantar fascia [and] was probably heading for an operation,” Misson said.
“But [he] was doing some light craft last week and actually popped the plantar fascia which is a really good result and means he doesn’t need an operation.
“He just needs the pain to settle a bit now and he’ll probably start running on Monday but he’ll need at least a month before he’s playing again.”
Meanwhile, versatile midfielder Ben Newton continues to build up his fitness after undergoing ankle surgery before Christmas.
“[Ben] started group skills this week and he’s tracking well,” Misson said.
“But he’s another one who’s going to need at least four weeks of full training before he plays.”
Melbourne Injury List
Jake Spencer – Foot – 4-6 weeks
Chris Dawes – Calf – 4 weeks
Ben Newton – Ankle – 4 weeks
Christian Petracca – Foot – 1 week
