DEFENDER Neville Jetta is again set to miss this Saturday night’s clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
Jetta, who missed round Melbourne’s round five loss to Fremantle, due to concussion, looks set to spend another week on the sidelines, according to elite performance manager Dave Misson.
“He’s in the doctor’s hands here. He’s probably likely to miss this weekend again and he’s definitely improving and hasn’t really got symptoms,” he told Dee TV.
“We want to give him some clear air from his last concussion to when we allow him any contact training.
“He’s probably likely to miss this week, but we’ll just keep assessing Nev and look at him day to day.”
But in better news, Misson was optimistic key forward Chris Dawes would be available to play this weekend.
“Chris ran pretty well [at training on Tuesday]. He had a scan last week and was clear on scan. He’ll look to train with the group on Thursday and hopefully be available,” he said.
Misson said tough-nut midfielder Jack Viney was also progressing well from injury.
“Jack’s well and truly into his running program and he started some one-on-one skills and it’s probably a bit of a rush to get him ready for this week, so we’re hoping he’ll be ready for next week,” he said.
Versatile tall Sam Frost (toe) is being managed carefully and Dean Kent (hamstring) remains out for at least a couple of months.
“Frosty, we’re being pretty conservative with that toe, making sure it heals properly before we start him running and that’ll probably happen next week,” Misson said.
“Kenty is now a week post-op. The operation went really well and he’s walking on crutches and is reasonably pain free. He sees the surgeon on Monday and we’re hoping it’s going to be a 10-week injury.”
And youngster Jayden Hunt is set to play his first match of any sorts this season, after being sidelined with a back injury. Hunt has been earmarked for a return via the AFL Victoria Development League.
“Hunty’s now had about three weeks of training and has pulled up pretty well from that, so he’ll hopefully play this week,” Misson said.
As already known, Jack Trengove (foot) and Christian Petracca (knee) are on the sidelines for the rest of the season.
Melbourne injury list: round six
Chris Dawes (calf) – test
Sam Frost (toe) – 4-6 weeks
Jayden Hunt (back) – available
Neville Jetta (concussion) – test
Dean Kent (hamstring) – 10 weeks
Christian Petracca (knee) – season
Jack Trengove (foot) – season
Jack Viney (fibula) – 2 weeks
