CAPTAIN Nathan Jones faces a fitness test for Sunday’s clash against Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed Jones, who injured his ankle and was subbed out of his 200th AFL match against Fremantle at Domain Stadium last Sunday, would be assessed later in the week.
“He’s pulled up pretty well. He’s walking around on it OK and he’ll probably have a bit of a run today (Wednesday) and we expect him to train on Friday and be right to go,” he told Dee TV.
Misson said forward Chris Dawes (ankle) was a 50/50 chance to play against the Giants.
“He’s improving slowly, so again he’s in a similar boat [to Jones] and he’ll either have a bit of a run today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday) and then train Friday,” he said.
Misson confirmed Heritier Lumumba (ankle) and Dom Tyson (hamstring) would miss the final round.
“’H’ had ankle surgery yesterday (Tuesday), which was reasonably significant, so he’ll have a three month rehab and he’s out for the year and it’ll probably delay his pre-season a bit,” he said.
“Dom’s looking pretty good, but we’re very conscious that we want him to have a really good off-season and pre-season, so we’re not going to risk him this week.”
Midfielder Aidan Riley (knee) and youngster Jayden Hunt (back) face fitness tests this week.
“Aidan tweaked an MCL (medial collateral ligament) right at the end of training last week, so he missed the Sandringham game on the weekend,” Misson said.
“He’s done most of what he needed to do this week and we’ll train Friday, so we expect him to play.
“Jayden Hunt, with his back [injury], we’ll have to test him this week.”
Run-with player Jordie McKenzie and big man Jack Fitzpatrick both missed last round in the VFL due to concussion, but should be right for Casey’s elimination final this week.
“They’re going to train fully this week and we expect them to play,” Misson said.
Misson said first-year Demon Angus Brayshaw and rookie James Harmes were set to return after being rested last round.
“Those guys trained on Monday and they were just rested, so we expect them to be available for either AFL or VFL,” he said.
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle), Cameron Pedersen (wrist), Christian Petracca (knee) and Jack Trengove (foot) continue to work in rehab.
“They’re all running and all doing well with their rehab, but they’re finished for the year,” Misson said.
Melbourne injury list: round 22
Angus Brayshaw (rested) – available
Chris Dawes (ankle) – test
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) – available
James Harmes (rested) – available
Jayden Hunt (back) – test
Nathan Jones (ankle) – test
Heritier Lumumba (ankle) – season
Jordie McKenzie (concussion) – available
Cameron Pedersen (knee) – season
Christian Petracca (knee) – season
Aidan Riley (knee) – test
Jack Trengove (foot) – season
Dom Tyson (hamstring) – season
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) – season
