YOUNG defender Tom McDonald is a chance to play in Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG, after missing the past four matches with a shoulder injury.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson said McDonald was on the cusp of playing last weekend, but was given extra time to overcome his injury.
“He was really close to playing last week. We just felt it was wise to give him another week to get a bit of strength in that shoulder,” he said.
“Essentially, he’s been in full training for two weeks, so we really expect him to play this week.”
Veteran forward Shannon Byrnes could also return this round, after missing rounds eight and 10 with a wrist injury.
“He’s pretty good, but he probably just needs a bit of confidence with regard to his tackling, so we thought another week [off] would do him good,” he said.
“He’s going to have a couple of good sessions this week, before he plays on the weekend.”
Young gun Jack Viney will still be sidelined for another few weeks, although he is making progress from a toe injury.
“Jack’s out of the boot now and is walking around, so he’ll probably start running next week,” Misson said.
“We expect that to be [a] pretty smooth [recovery and] for [him to be back in] two or three weeks.”
Co-captain Jack Grimes (shoulder) and power forward Mitch Clark (foot) will still be sidelined for five to six weeks.
“They’re in different stages of their rehab. Grimesy is well and truly into his running - he’s actually starting to do some light skills, without any contact, and he’ll see the surgeon next week,” Misson said.
“He’s (Grimes) on the long term injury list, so he’ll be at least that eight weeks, but we’re looking at no contact until that six-week period.
“Mitch is going pretty well - he’s doing some good work in the gym and he’s walking around on that foot now and he’s OK, so we’re pretty happy with his progress.”
As announced on Monday, key defender James Frawley will miss up to a month with a hamstring injury, sustained late against Hawthorn at the MCG last Sunday. Misson indicated the club would be cautious with Frawley.
“It was unfortunate, [the injury happened] with two minutes to go,” he said.
“James had a scan yesterday (Monday) and it didn’t reveal a lot of damage, but just where it is, we think it’s going to be three to four [weeks].
“That area of the hamstring can often be a little bit funny with healing, but the good thing was that it wasn’t a significant tear. We’ll give him all the time he needs.”
