YOUNG gun forward Jesse Hogan is set to miss Casey’s finals series after it was confirmed he will miss at least a month and up to six weeks with a knee injury.
Hogan suffered the injury in Casey’s 129-point win over Bendigo Gold at Casey Fields on Saturday.
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Hogan had escaped a serious, long term knee injury, but would still face some time on the sidelines.
“Jesse's scans revealed some bone bruising, he will continue to be assessed symptomatically [and] it is expected that Jesse will require 4-6 weeks to rehab from this injury,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
Rebounding defender James Strauss, who suffered a shoulder injury in Melbourne’s 95-point loss to Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday, will have further consultation to determine his outcome.
“James had an incident during the second quarter where he dislocated his shoulder, scans today have confirmed damage. James will consult surgeons to decide on the best course of action,” Mahoney said.
Speedster Sam Blease (ankle) will also be monitored during the week.
“Sam has had a frustrating season with his ankle; he hurt it again yesterday (Sunday). Sam's best course of action will be assessed over the coming days,” Mahoney said.
Forward Shannon Byrnes will also be assessed after battling a foot problem against Freo.
“Shannon experienced some foot pain during yesterday's (Sunday) game, scans today showed no major damage, his timeframe will be reviewed during the week,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney said ruckman Mark Jamar, key forward Chris Dawes and tall defender James Frawley were all in the mix to play against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.
“Mark Jamar, Chris Dawes and James Frawley all ran today (Monday) and if progression is to continue through the week, they will be available for this week’s games,” he said.
Backman Tom Gillies and first-year Demon Dom Barry (groin) face fitness tests this week.
Rookie Tom Couch (hamstring) will miss another two weeks, but is aiming to play for Casey in the finals.
Big man Mitch Clark (foot) and midfielder Michael Evans (foot) are out for the rest of the season.
Round 22 Melbourne injury list
Dom Barry (groin) – test
Sam Blease (ankle) – season
Shannon Byrnes (foot) – season
Mitch Clark (foot) – season
Tom Couch (hamstring) – 2 weeks
Chris Dawes (calf) – test
Michael Evans (foot) – season
James Frawley (hamstring) – test
Tom Gillies (calf) – test
Jesse Hogan (knee) – 4-6 weeks
Mark Jamar (toe) – test
James Strauss (shoulder) – season
