HARD-nut James Harmes (hand) and forward Mitch Hannan (knee) will face fitness tests in the lead-up to round 19, while dasher Jayden Hunt is set to be available for selection, after missing the past five weeks with an ankle injury.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson confirmed Harmes was touch-and-go, after he had surgery on Monday morning, while Hannan was a chance to resume after missing round 18.
Hunt is one player who could come back into the selection mix against the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval.
Co-captain Jack Viney (toe) and Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) remain sidelined for at least another three weeks.
Youngsters Harry Petty (rested) and Mitch King (concussion) are available, although Casey has a bye this round, while second-year Demon Dion Johnstone (quadriceps) should be right to resume in the VFL the following weekend.
Defender Jake Lever (knee), speedster Billy Stretch (toe) and ball-winner Corey Maynard (hip) remain sidelined for the rest of the season.
Misson’s injury assessments
Mitch Hannan (knee) – test
“Mitch just pulled up with a sore knee against the Bulldogs [after round 17]. It’s actually responded really well to treatment, so he’ll be a test this week, in terms of whether he plays or not.”
James Harmes (hand) – test
“Harmesy hurt his hand in the last quarter [against Geelong]. He came off and was assessed by the docs and it was pretty obvious that there was a break there. He did unbelievably well to just go back and play out the game. He had surgery yesterday (Monday) and had a plate put in, which went really well. It’s going to be a bit about how the wound heals and how the swelling functions with the hand, whether he gets up or not. We’re hopeful, but he’s probably less likely than more [than likely] to play to be honest.”
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) – 3 weeks
“Hibbo hurt that quaddie at the end of training last week. He’s probably three weeks away.”
Jayden Hunt (ankle) – available
“Hunty’s been rehabbing that ankle and he’s been rehabbing really well. He’s due to train with the group tomorrow and he’ll essentially be available to play.”
Dion Johnstone (quadriceps) – 1 week
“Dion had a quad. There is a VFL bye this week, so Dion will be available the following week for Casey.”
Mitch King (concussion) – available
“Mitch just had some ongoing concussion after two weeks ago. He’s fine and no worries. He’s trained a couple of sessions and he’ll be available for the VFL next week.”
Jake Lever (knee) – season
“Jake is done for the year, but continues to do some good work in the gym, in rehab”
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
“Corey is the same as Jake Lever. He’s done for the year, but he continues to some good work in the gym and in rehab.”
Harry Petty (rested) – available
“Harry, being a first-year player, we just felt that he needed a bit of a spell. So, he was rested last week. With the VFL bye this week, he gets a couple of weeks where he’s really focused on some gym work. But he’s continued to train and he’ll be right for the VFL game after the bye.”
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
“Billy, with that toe injury, is essentially out for the year. He’s back in Adelaide this week and due back at the club next week.”
Jack Viney (toe) – 3-4 weeks
“Jack’s going well. He’s playing it by ear, and day-to-day, but there are a couple of markers that we’ve put in place for Jack to tick off before he starts loading that foot again. We’re hopeful that he may run on the AlterG [Anti-Gravity] Treadmill later in the week, but that’ll be determined by how he looks in the physio room this week.”
Melbourne injury list: round 19
Mitch Hannan (knee) – test
James Harmes (hand) – test
Michael Hibberd (quadriceps) – 3 weeks
Jayden Hunt (ankle) – available
Dion Johnstone (quadriceps) – 1 week
Mitch King (concussion) – available
Jake Lever (knee) – season
Corey Maynard (hip) – season
Harry Petty (rested) – available
Billy Stretch (toe) – season
Jack Viney (toe) – 3-4 weeks
