PLAYMAKER Christian Salem will miss up to a month with a hamstring injury, as forwards Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts and Jesse Hogan will face fitness tests in the lead-up to Friday night’s clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
But co-captain Jack Viney has been given the green light to play this round, after he suffered a shoulder injury during Melbourne's epic three-point win over the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
Salem and Garlett sustained hamstring injuries against the Eagles; Watts did not play, due to hamstring tightness, and will now aim for this round to play his 150th match. Hogan is also a chance to return, after being sidelined since round eight due to testicular cancer.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed Salem would be out for three to four weeks, but said Garlett, Watts and Hogan would have to be put through their paces.
“Christian is probably going to miss three to four [matches]. It’s not a serious hamstring, but it’s something that we’ve got to be cautious with, because he’s had a couple in the past,” he told Melbourne TV.
“Jeff’s scan was actually really good. Clinically he’s very good, so we’ll just tick some boxes during the week, as to whether he plays or not. Jack Viney, with the shoulder [injury], has pulled up really well and we’re not sending him in for scans. He’ll be fine to play.
“He (Watts) trained on Monday morning and he ticked the boxes that he needed to, so he’s got some more things that he’s got to get through during the week. It’s probably a bit early to tell at this stage of the week, but we’re hopeful. Jesse’s a sneaky chance this week. He’s been going really well with his footy and conditioning work.”
However, youngster Joel Smith will play his first match since round one, after suffering a shoulder injury. He is set to return via the VFL.
“His last four weeks in rehab and with the main group have been outstanding, so we’re really looking forward to him getting back on the field this week,” Misson said.
Co-captain Nathan Jones (quadriceps) remains out for four to five weeks and Angus Brayshaw (concussion) is out indefinitely.
“He had his first run on Monday and it’s probably a four to six-week injury, so he’ll probably be five weeks,” Misson said.
“Gus, we’re working through contact stuff with him. He’s doing a bit more every session. Again, we’re not putting a timeframe on Gus, but we’re really happy with his progress.”
First-year Demon Pat McKenna (hamstring) and rookie Lochie Filipovic (hip) will miss another four weeks each.
“Both are going well and ticking all of the boxes, but they’re about a month to five weeks away,” Misson said.
Defender Colin Garland, tough-nut Aaron vandenBerg and forward Tim Smith, who will all miss the rest of the season, are in varying stages of their rehab.
“Garlo had another run on Monday and looks really good running. He hasn’t got a limp and he’s doing good run throughs, and progressing that work,” Misson said.
“Vanders and ‘Bull’ Smith are off legs at the moment with their foot issues.”
Melbourne injury list: round 15
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) – indefinite
Lochie Filipovic (hip) – 4 weeks
Colin Garland (knee) – season
Jeff Garlett (hamstring) – test
Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) – test
Nathan Jones (quadriceps) – 4-5 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – 4-5 weeks
Christian Salem (hamstring) – 3-4 weeks
Joel Smith (shoulder) – available
Tim Smith (navicular bone) – season
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) – season
Jack Viney (shoulder) – available
Jack Watts (hamstring) – test
