MELBOURNE’s backline could be significantly bolstered in Round 12 with a number of crucial defenders in the frame for selection this week.
In exciting news for the red and blue, Steven May is likely to play his second game for the club against Collingwood on Monday after making a successful return from a groin injury in the VFL last weekend.
Kade Kolodjashnij will also be available to play after getting through Casey’s game unscathed, following a seven-week stint on the sidelines with concussion.
Christian Salem has no concerns after withdrawing from Saturday night’s game with illness and will play this week, while Jay Lockhart (knee) and Alex Neal-Bullen (concussion) are also back to full fitness after training with the main group on Wednesday.
The Demons will have another training session at Casey Fields on Friday where the microscope will be on a defensive trio.
Marty Hore (calf), Jake Lever (ankle) and Harry Petty (knee) will all be looking to complete the session and make themselves available for the clash with the Pies.
“They will all need to do a bit of training on Friday, so they’ll be a test this week,” Elite Performance Manager David Misson told Melbourne Media.
“Marty had a run on the AlterG today and we’re hoping he can get through that session.”
Corey Maynard has been ruled out again this week as his concussion symptoms continue to linger, while the club is taking a no-risk approach with Aaron vandenBerg’s foot, giving the midfielder as long as he needs to get it back to full strength.
“Vanders is going pretty well – he’s done a fair few running sessions outside,” Misson said.
“There hasn’t been a setback, he’s actually progressing pretty well but it’s just going to take longer than we thought – we’re taking a cautious approach there.”
Jake Melksham (foot) and Neville Jetta (knee) are still a number of weeks away, but their respective recoveries are travelling smoothly.
“Melksham will start running next Wednesday, so he’s tracking as expected,” Misson said.
“Nev has started running outside and has pulled up well, so that is looking positive too.”
Unfortunately for Demons youngster Tom Sparrow, he will miss at least two months with a knee injury.
“Tommy had a knee operation two weeks ago after hurting his knee in the VFL, so he’ll be sidelined for a little while,” Misson said.
Check out Melbourne’s full injury list below.
Injury List
Marty Hore | Calf – Test
Jake Lever | Ankle – Test
Harry Petty | Knee – Test
Corey Maynard | Concussion – 1 week
Jake Melksham | Foot – 4-6 weeks
Joel Smith | Groin – 4-6 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg | Foot – 6-8 weeks
Neville Jetta | Knee – 6-8 weeks
Tom Sparrow | Knee – 8-10 weeks
Guy Walker | Shoulder – Indefinite
Aaron Nietschke | Knee – Season
