In a week where injuries will already play a pivotal role in trades for AFL Fantasy & SuperCoach the news out of Geelong was very welcome, Patrick Dangerfield virtually guaranteed a Round 16 start this morning on radio.
It was a “slow” start to the week.. “the body is good” Patrick Dangerfield via @1116sen.
“I’ll be playing this week” Patrick Dangerfield via @1116sen.
Bet Lab: Round 15 Wrap
The updates surrounding Max Gawn (Ankle) are a little more concerning & there is a fair amount to process, this is what we know out of Tuesday:
Max Gawn struggled in the final minutes flying back to Melbourne on Sunday night.
His Ankle is still quite swollen.
He has been icing his ankle on & off for 20 minutes since returning on Sunday night, he was at the club today continuing the icing process.
As a result of the icing process he has been on minimal sleep.
He has been told if the swelling reduces he is a chance to play in Round 16.
“Everyone around the club is saying.. If I get the swelling down, back-end the week of training.. hopefully play Sunday.” Max Gawn via @RSN927.
He is very keen to play this week due to his “competitiveness”.
“It’s going to be pretty hard for the coaches or the fitness staff to tell me that I’m no good this week.” Max Gawn via @RSN927.
With the Finals chances for Melbourne this season almost out of reach there is the possibility the Max won’t be risked due to the availability & fitness of back-up Braydon Preuss.
If Max is good to go, there is the possibility that Melbourne play both he & Preuss in the same team to reduce the Ruck workload. If Melbourne play Gawn as a solo Ruck in Round 16 then the Demons could be at a disadvantage if he is not 100% or is unable to complete a full game.
“He might actually play this week.. just in terms of his form & where the team is at anyway.” Max Gawn on Braydon Preuss via @RSN927.
Melbourne may still name Gawn on Thursday & even in the final 22 on Friday with a final decision to be made as late as Sunday prior to a 1:10pm AEST game.
“.. we’ll probably give him to the last minute before we make a final decision” Elite Performance Manager, David Misson.
Due to the impact a Max Gawn trade will have on AFL Fantasy & SuperCoach this week, being fully informed will put you ahead of your competitors.
Final training session for Melbourne this week is on Saturday 9:30am AEST.
Bet Lab: Round 16 Markets
Better news on the Lachie Whitfield front, he has completed full training & according to coach Leon Cameron today was even held out the Round 15 game.
Whitfield is likely to return this week.
He trained Saturday, he’ll train today, he’ll train Thursday.. If he gets through that, he’ll be heavily considered. – Leon Cameron.
Carlton key forward Charlie Curnow will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks with a knee injury, a decision on the availability for Patrick Cripps (Foot) will be made later in the week.
“.. he ran today & moved quite well. He’s a chance to play & we’ll see how he holds up under a bit of footy load later in the week” Director of High Performance, Andrew Russell.
Essendon Ruck Tom Bellchambers will be sidelined for 6 weeks with a calf injury, Zac Clarke may be an option for the Bombers in Round 16.
Clarke recorded 14 Disposals & 33 Hit Outs in the VFL last week.
Jake Stringer will be assessed at training this week with his leg injury, unable to run since the injury in Round 13 his chances appear to be slim playing in Round 16 for the Bombers.
“He’s missed a period of running, so we will be looking to see what he can do at training on Wednesday & then make a decision about his availability.” Physical Performance Manager, Justin Crow.
Matt Guelfi (Ribs) looks like he will be available this week, mid-season draftee Will Snelling recorded 19 Disposals, 2 Marks & 4 Tackles in the VFL last week.
Sam Collins (Hip) will miss the remainder of the season for the Suns, Nick Holman (Back) will be sidelined for an extended period.
Taylor Garner will not be available for Nth Melbourne for a further 3 weeks due to a club suspension.
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