SAM Weideman will be available for selection this weekend after overcoming a calf injury he sustained at training prior to round nine.
Melbourne’s elite performance manager David Misson confirmed the 20-year-old tall would be free to play, with Dean Kent (hamstring) also expected to return after the bye in round 13.
Following some foot soreness last week, Misson said that swingman Tom McDonald pulled up well after the game against the Crows and isn’t expected to miss any football.
“[McDonald] was good the day before the game and he pulled up well from the game. He trained fully with the group today and we expect him to play this weekend,” Misson told Melbourne Media.
On the mid to long term list, Misson said that Aaron vandenBerg (ankle), Corey Maynard (hip) and Pat McKenna (hamstring) were also progressing well in their recovery. vandenBerg is expected to be available in four weeks while Maynard and McKenna remain out indefinitely.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Misson said the team were excited to tackle the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
“[We had] a six-day break coming back from Alice Springs, which was played in tough conditions. It was pretty hot and on a reasonably hard ground,” Misson said.
“But the guys have pulled up really well and are excited to be back in Melbourne and playing a very good team.”
Misson’s injury assessments
Sam Weideman (calf) - available
“Sammy just had a little calf issue a couple of weeks ago, so he’ll be available this week.”
Dean Kent (hamstring) – 2 weeks
“Kenty just with that hamstring is training really well, he’s due to be training with the group next week and he’ll be available to play after the bye.”
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – 4 weeks
“Vanders, really exciting, he’s looking to do a session with the group at the end of next week. He’ll need probably two or three weeks of training, but again he’s another one who we expect to play pretty soon after the bye.”
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
“He’s due to run at 90%. Again similar to Vanders, he’ll do a session with the group at the end of next week. He’ll need bit of training since he’s been out for so long, but we’re quietly confident with Patty and quietly hopeful.”
Corey Maynard (hip) – indefinite
“Corey’s continuing to put some good running sessions together, again like Pat McKenna we’re not putting a timeframe on him. He continues to progress well through his rehab.”
Melbourne injury list: round 11
- Sam Weideman (calf) - available
- Dean Kent (hamstring) – 2 weeks
- Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – 4 weeks
- Corey Maynard (hip) – indefinite
- Pat McKenna (hamstring) – indefinite
