WHILE Melbourne’s pre-season has, for the most part, gone to script, a few boys remain in the rehab group leading into Round 1.
Get up to date with the club’s full injury list below.
Kyle Dunkley
Heel | Available
Kyle Dunkley has been on a restricted program in recent weeks due to some heel soreness, but he is back training with the main group and available for selection.
Sam Weideman
Ankle | Available
Sam Weideman rolled his ankle against the Hawks in Launceston, and while he has been on a managing his training over the past two weeks, he also looks to be fit for Round 1.
Nathan Jones
Achilles | Test
Nathan Jones will have to prove his fitness before Melbourne’s trip to Perth after experiencing some soreness in his Achilles after the second Marsh Series match of the pre-season.
Braydon Preuss
Knee | Test
After tearing his meniscus in February, Braydon Preuss has made a very quick recovery.
The ruckman’s knee is back to full strength, allowing him to compete freely at training and he could be ready to go this weekend.
Joel Smith
Quad | Test
Joel Smith suffered a minor setback in the lead up to the Marsh Series, injuring his quad at training.
While he wasn’t able to play a practice match, he has returned to the main group and looks likely to put up his hand for selection.
Mitch Hannan
Groin | 6 weeks
Mitch Hannan was hindered by some groin issues last year and has faced more challenges this pre-season.
He is still in the rehab group but looking to increase his workload in the coming weeks.
Harry Petty
Groin | 6 weeks
Similarly to Hannan, Harry Petty has been restricted over the summer with a groin issue and is still up to six weeks away from a return.
Aaron vandenBerg
Foot | 3 months
Aaron vandenBerg’s misfortune has continued, with the 28-year-old expected to be sidelined for up to three months with a broken foot.
The hard-at-it Demon, who has played just seven games in the past three seasons due to an on-going foot injury, did the damage in Melbourne’s last pre-season hit-out against Hawthorn.
vandenBerg’s injury came in unlucky fashion, with the midfielder simply kicking the shin of an opponent in Launceston.
Fortunately, the injury has no relation to the foot trouble he has had in the past, with the hopes that he will be back to full fitness after his stint in rehab.
Kade Chandler
Finger | TBC
After breaking his wrist earlier in the pre-season, Kade Chandler unfortunately went down once again at training on Monday.
Chandler suffered a broken finger at Casey Fields, leaving him to assess his options in the coming days.
Harley Bennell
Calf | Indefinite
Harley Bennell pulled up sore after a training session last week and scans showed he had a low-grade strain in his calf.
While it is disappointing for the Demons’ rookie to face another minor setback, there is no rush in getting him back to full fitness, with a long-term plan in place.
Kade Kolodjashnij
Head | Indefinite
Kade Kolodjashnij’s ongoing battle with concussion has been well documented, and the club is looking to take a cautious approach with his recovery.
Aaron Nietschke
Knee | Season
Towards the end of 2019, Aaron Nietschke went down with his second ACL injury in under 12 months, ruling him out for the entire season.
