AFL injury news Round 19: Season over for Scott Pendlebury

The silver lining of Scott Pendlebury’s season-ending injury could be the chance for the next Magpie in line to press his captaincy claims.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies looks on with a bandaged leg during the 2021 AFL Round 19 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Collingwood Magpies at Marvel Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Scott Pendlebury’s season is over after scans revealed the Collingwood captain suffered a hairline fracture of his leg in Friday night’s loss to Port Adelaide.

It’s another blow for the Magpies who have endured a wretched run with injuries this year, forcing caretaker coach Robert Harvey to pin his faith on the club’s next generation of players at the back end of the season.

Pendlebury, 33, told ABC radio late on Friday night he felt he had broken his leg, comparing it to a similar incident in 2009.

The initial scans on Saturday morning appeared to clear him of any fracture. But a secondary scan and further medical assessment later in the day found a minor crack in the lower part of his leg, ending his 2021 campaign.

“Unfortunately I have a little crack in my leg and that’s it from me on field this season,” Pendlebury tweeted.

“Thanks for the well wishers and keep getting behind the boys.”

Scott Pendlebury post-match with milestone man Travis Boak. Picture: Michael Klein

He was subbed out of the game at quarter-time.

Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright confirmed the bad news on the normally durable skipper, conceding: “It takes a fair bit to bring him down.”

“He has been durable almost beyond belief to have played 334 matches across 16 seasons, but a fracture, however small, requires appropriate treatment and care.

“There is no displacement and Scott is relatively comfortable.”

Wright stressed the veteran midfielder will continue to work with the young group across the next month from a teaching perspective and would be back again for a 17th AFL season next year.

“As a captain, he will stay close to our very young group over the last month … to contribute as a leader, and as usual, we’ll see him back on track on day one of pre-season training,” Wright said.

His absence will give Magpies vice-captain Taylor Adams a chance to lead outright on the field in the last four games.

Adams, 27, is considered the man most likely to take over from Pendlebury, potentially as early as next season, if the current skipper is happy to hand over the reins.

Pendlebury has twice fractured his leg – in the 2009 qualifying final and again in 2012.

He is already the Magpies’ games record holder, but the club believes he still has plenty of footy left, with some giving him a chance to reach the 400-game mark, given his durability and passion for the game.

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Scott Pendlebury watches on with injured teammate Jeremy Howe. Picture: Getty Images

Full extent of Dusty’s injury revealed

— Jon Ralph

Dustin Martin narrowly avoided surgery on his serious kidney injury and was in an intensive care unit until Tuesday.

But despite the likelihood he will remain in a Gold Coast hospital until next week, Richmond holds no fears over his recovery for Round 1 next year.

The Tigers star is in “good spirits” but “more sore than he thought he would be”, according to coach Damien Hardwick.

Martin’s lacerated kidney did not continue to bleed after his collision with Brisbane Lion Mitch Robinson, so he avoided surgery.

Dustin Martin on all fours after the heavy collision with Lion Mitch Robinson. Picture: Michael Klein

In most cases given the damage and force of the bump he would have needed surgery but the triple Norm Smith medallist’s recovery will still be lengthy.

After being moved from ICU on Tuesday he is still in a critical care unit on the Gold Coast, with doctors in no rush to discharge him as they continue to monitor his progress.

Doctors have ruled out any contact in training for three months, but with Martin able to resume by October he will be able to partake in a full pre-season.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said the star on-baller was in “good spirits” but wasn’t sure when he would be released from hospital.

“Dustin is still in hospital, we are not too sure when he’s going to come out. At this stage it looks likely, hopefully, over the weekend, but we are not too sure at the moment,” Hardwick said on Friday.

“The doctors are still looking at him and making sure he fully recovers.

“He’s sore. He’s a very strong lad, but he’s certainly a lot more sore than he thought he would be.

“It’s a significant injury, which is why he won’t play football for the remainder of the year. He’d love to be around us, he’d love to be with us, but he’s dealing with it the best he can.

“The one thing I’d say about Dustin is mentally he handles these things very well, he does a lot of work in that space. He’s in as good a place as he can be at present.”

Martin is still in a Gold Coast hospital. Picture: Michael Klein

The Tigers must win four of the last five games to give themselves their best shot at finals but after being trounced by Geelong in a 63-point defeat in Round 8, Hardwick admits the Tigers will be heavy underdogs against the Cats on Sunday.

“We’ve got a challenge, there’s no doubt about it, but we’ve been in these situations before and we’ve come out on top. It’s very much an underdog status for us but we’re looking forward to an enormous challenge versus a very good Geelong.“

Hardwick conceded Martin was a “hard player to replace”, but the return of veteran Shane Edwards for Sunday’s clash with Geelong could help off-set that.

“We’ve got some players we think can fulfil that role in a different manner that we are excited to be given an opportunity to and see how that pans out,” he said.

“But if we’re looking for one player to replace Dustin Martin we are going to be found short in that regard. It will certainly be a team effort. It will give us a different look.

Will quarantine end McGrath’s finals dream?

– Sam Landsberger

Essendon star Andy McGrath’s unfortunate spell in mandatory quarantine has pushed his September dream further out of reach.

The injured midfielder is targeting an elimination final return from knee surgery should the Bombers hold on to their place in the top eight.

But McGrath’s recovery was slowed when he was ordered into isolation in Queensland on Saturday because he visited a coronavirus exposure site in Victoria on July 13.

“There’ll be a bit of a cost in terms of his return,” coach Ben Rutten said on Wednesday.

“Hopefully we don’t lose too much ground there. He’s going to be able to find a way to keep his conditioning up to some level – (but) certainly not exactly how we’d like it if he was in our program.

“‘Pidge’ is a really positive, upbeat guy. So he’s handling that as well as anyone could.”

Andrew McGrath is isolating away from teammates. Picture: Michael Klein

Like McGrath, St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall is locked in his hotel room in Perth as his teammates roam freely around the resort, a situation that concerns Saints coach Brett Ratten.

“We’re just really worried about him now,” Ratten said.

“He’s actually locked in his room. His meals are being dropped off at the door. He doesn’t have much space. He won’t be leaving his room for the 14 days I think.”

St Kilda’s psych is speaking to Marshall over Zoom while the Saints and the AFL have urged the West Australian government to allow Marshall to fly back with the club on Saturday night.

Otherwise Marshall must wait for his isolation period to expire on July 27.

McGrath is doing everything in his power to return this season and the No. 1 draft pick and 2017 Rising Star winner is among the most professional players at the Bombers.

But McGrath has temporarily lost access to resources such as club physios, massage therapists and proper weights training.

There is a risk that McGrath’s quadriceps and muscles around his left knee could begin to waste and, therefore, require more time to build back up.

Rutten said McGrath was completing “baseline conditioning” in his hotel room and would be reassessed when he is allowed to re-join the club.

The ball magnet injured his PCL in round 12, which is 13 weeks before the scheduled start of the finals series.

When scans confirmed McGrath’s injury it was hoped he would be back in 8-12 weeks.

But that timeline has blown out with Rutten revealing McGrath was still in the “early stages of his recovery” seven weeks on.

Full-forward Cale Hooker faces as uncertain future as the Bombers weigh up making Harry Jones their main man next year.

Hooker turns 33 in October but has produced a brilliant season, booting 32 goals, and is keen to go again.

Andrew McGrath is hoping to be back for the finals. Picture: Michael Klein

Rutten said “where we’re going as a club” would be a key factor in determining whether to re-sign Hooker for one more year.

The Bombers trained at Noosa District Rugby Union club on Wednesday as they prepare to ‘host’ Greater Western Sydney at Metricon Stadium.

Their past three counters have been thrillers – the Giants have won the past two by a combined six points while in 2019 Hooker booted the matchwinner.

Rutten’s focus this week has been on improving their full-ground defence after North Melbourne pierced through the Bombers by foot in the first half last week.

ADELAIDE

Tom Doedee – Concussion – Test

Nick Murray – Concussion – 1 Week

Daniel Talia – Foot – TBC

Luke Brown – Achilles – Season

Wayne Milera – Knee – Season

Mitch Hinge – Shoulder – Season

Matt Crouch has recovered from his groin injury picking up 28 disposals in the SANFL on the weekend opening the door for a possible return. It could be one defender out, one defender in for the Crows with crucial interceptor Tom Doedee a chance to play after his big collision against Essendon in round 17. But Nick Murray won’t feature in the clash with Hawthorn after suffering a concussion last week.

BRISBANE

Lachie Neale – Shoulder – Test

Marcus Adams – Foot – 3 Weeks

Darcy Gardiner – Shoulder – 3-5 Weeks

Harry Sharp – Ankle – 7 Weeks

Noah Answerth – Groin – TBC

Eric Hipwood – Knee – Season

Cam Rayner – Knee – Season

Lachie Neale sent a scare through the Lions camp after he left training with a shoulder injury on Tuesday but the club says it was just a stinger and should be right for this week. Jarrod Berry returned through the VFL last week and could be in the mix for senior selection.

Lachie Neale of the Lions is tackled by Tom Lynch. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON

Marc Murphy – Calf – Test

Patrick Cripps – Soreness – Test

Mitch McGovern – Hamstring – 1 Week

Levi Casboult – Knee – 1-2 Weeks

Oscar McDonald – back – 1-2 weeks

Alex Mirkov – Knee – 1-2 Weeks

Michael Gibbons – Hamstring – 3-4 Weeks

Marc Pittonet – Ankle – 3-5 Weeks

Sam Docherty – Ankle – 4-6 Weeks

David Cunningham – Knee – Season

Caleb Marchbank – Knee – Season

Fitness tests for Murphy and Cripps as mentioned above and despite Charlie Curnow’s plea to play in his brother Ed’s milestone match, it looms unlikely the gun forward will return to AFL just yet. He is tracking well according to the club and managed 75 minutes in a reserves scratch match last week as he recovers from a knee injury. Meanwhile the Blues expect former Dee Oscar McDonald to be available for the final few rounds.

COLLINGWOOD

Brody Mihocek – Abdominal – Test

Will Hoskin-Elliott – Back – Test

Will Kelly – Quad – 1 Weeks

Jeremy Howe – Hamstring – 1 Week

Josh Thomas – Concussion – 2 Weeks

Josh Daicos – Finger – 3-5 Weeks

Beau McCreery – Hamstring – 4 Weeks

Beau McCreery – Hamstring – 5 Weeks

Callum Brown – Shoulder – Season

Darcy Moore – Knee – Season

Tyler Brown – Shoulder – Season

The Pies have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks with Callum Brown the latest to be ruled out for the season. Forward Josh Thomas is set for a two-week stint on the sidelines as per the AFL concussion protocols while Will Hoskin-Elliott and Brody Mihocek will need to undergo tests ahead of the clash against Port Adelaide. It could pave the wat for youngster Jack Ginnivan to make his debut. But in a dose of good news Jeremy Howe could make his long awaited return from a hamstring injury in round 20 after passing recent required testing.

ESSENDON

David Zaharakis – Wrist – Test

Andrew Phillips – Hamstring – Test

Dylan Shiel – Knee – 1-2 Weeks

Kyle Langford – Hamstring – 2-3 Weeks

Andrew McGrath – Knee – 5-6 Weeks

Jye Caldwell – Hamstring – 5-6 Weeks

Harrison Jones – Foot – TBC

Aaron Francis – Mental Health – TBC

Michael Hurley – Hip – Season

Zac Reid – Back – Season

Michael Hurley – Illness – Season

Irving Mosquito – Knee – Season

The big talking point out of Windy Hill was Dylan Shiel’s indication that he’s close to declaring himself fit but is still a couple of weeks away. The Bombers will take a cautious approach with breakout forward Harrison Jones who has a hot spot stress reaction in his foot. Ruckman Andrew Phillips could be available if needed with the journeyman needing to pass a fitness test on his hamstring.

FREMANTLE

Sean Darcy – Knee – Test

Matt Taberner – Calf – Test

Stephen Hill – Hamstring – Test

Brett Bewley – Ribs – Test

Michael Frederick – Ankle – 5 Weeks

Rory Lobb – Ankle – TBC

Brennan Cox – Hamstring – Season

Heath Chapman – Shoulder – Season

Joel Hamling – Ankle – Season

Sam Sturt – Knee – Season

The Dockers will be sweating on the availability of Sean Darcy, Matt Taberner and Rory Lobb for their massive clash against Sydney. Both Darcy and Taberner are expected to pass respective fitness tests but Lobb’s unlikely after being subbed out in the loss to Geelong. Meanwhile, Stephen Hill is set to finally return through the WAFL after being withdrawn last weekend with hamstring awareness.

GEELONG

Jordan Clark – Shoulder – Test

Jeremy Cameron – Hamstring – 2-4 Weeks

Mitch Duncan – Knee – 4-6 Weeks

Cooper Stephens – Ankle – Indefinite

Dynamic forward Gary Rohan is set to be available for the Cats after missing with a quad cork but should be the only return. Both Jeremy Cameron and Mitch Duncan are still a number of weeks away.

GOLD COAST

Lachie Weller – Concussion – Test

Oleg Markov – Calf – Test

Sam Day – Foot – 1-2 Weeks

Brandon Ellis – Hamstring – 2-3 Weeks

Nick Holman – Abdomen – TBC

Hugh Greenwood – Knee – Season

Jarrod Witts – Knee – Season

Lachie Weller looms as a crucial test this week as he deals with the AFL concussion protocols while Oleg Markov will also need to an undergo a test on his calf. The Suns lost experienced duo Brandon Ellis and Nick Holman in the loss to the Bulldogs and both are set for a stint on the sidelines.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Lachie Whitfield – Concussion – Test

Josh Kelly – Ankle – Test

Toby Greene – Isolation – 1 Week

Matt de Boer – Isolation – 1 Week

Kieren Briggs – Isolation – 1 Week

Jake Stein – Isolation – 1 Week

Braydon Preuss – Pectoral – 6-10 Weeks

Bobby Hill – Managed – TBC

Matt Flynn – Shoulder – TBC

Lachlan Keeffe – Knee – Season

Josh Kelly should be available to play his 150th game against Essendon despite being subbed out with an ankle injury last week. GWS should also be boosted by the return of Lachie Whitfield who missed last week with concussion. But the Giants have a ruck headache with Matt Flynn out for the season with a dislocated shoulder while Kieren Briggs is part of the quarantine quartet for another week but should get veteran Shane Mumford back.

George Hewett of the Swans is tackled by Josh Kelly. Picture Getty Images

HAWTHORN

Chad Wingard – Hamstring – Available

Blake Hardwick – Hamstring – Available

Jack Scrimshaw – Concussion – Available

Harry Morrison – Hamstring – Test

Will Day – Ankle – 3-4 Weeks

Jack Gunston – Back – TBC

James Sicily – Knee – Season

Jarman Impey – Ankle – Season

Changkuoth Jiath – Knee – Season

The Hawks will regain three key players for their round 18 clash with Chad Wingard the big in while Blake Hardwick and Jack Scrimshaw should both slot into a Hawthorn backline coming off the thrilling draw against the Dees. Youngster Harry Morrison hasn’t played since round 13 due to a hamstring injury and faces a fitness test.

MELBOURNE

Nathan Jones – Calf – Test

Adam Tomlinson – Knee – Season

Veteran midfielder Nathan Jones will undergo a fitness test as he prepares to put himself back into the senior selection frame ahead of finals. Harrison Petty looks certain to play after a hamstring scare in Saturday night’s draw against Hawthorn.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Aidan Bonar – Ankle – Available

Dom Tyson – Calf – Test

Taylor Garner – Ankle – 1 Week

Aidan Corr – Toe – Indefinite

Ben Cunnington looms as an important selection for the Roos last week with the contested midfielder expected to return. The midfield could also be bolstered with Jed Anderson also available while Dom Tyson faces a test on his calf.

PORT ADELAIDE

Lachie Jones – Hamstring – Available

Zak Butters – Knee – Test

Connor Rozee – Knee – Test

Orazio Fantasia – Knee – 1 Week

Robbie Gray – Knee – 3- 4 Weeks

Tom Rockliff – DVT – TBC

Kane Farrell – Knee – Season

Trent Burgoyne – Hamstring – Season

The Power is set to welcome back star players Zak Butters and Connor Rozee who both just need to overcome fitness tests but are expected to line up in the clash against the Pies. Xavier Duursma should also feature after an impressive performance in the SANFL, Lachie Jones is also available after recovering from a hamstring injury.

RICHMOND

Shane Edwards – Ankle – Test

Callum Coleman-Jones – Calf – Test

Dion Prestia – Hamstring – 1-2 Weeks

Bachar Houli – Syndesmosis – 3-5 Weeks

Nick Vlastuin – Knee/Quad – TBC

Kamdyn McIntosh – Hamstring – TBC

Noah Balta – Syndesmosis – Indefinite

Nathan Broad – Syndesmosis – Indefinite

Ivan Soldo – Knee – Indefinite

Dustin Martin – Kidney – Season

It’s been well documented but the Tigers will be without Dustin Martin for the rest of the season but will be boosted by the return of Shane Edwards who is expected to play against the Cats. Emerging forward Callum Coleman-Jones has also progressed well from his calf injury and could come into calculations.

Shane Edwards tries to clear under pressure. Picture: Michael Klein

ST KILDA

Nick Coffield – Hamstring – Test

Jack Higgins – Back – 1 Week

Daniel McKenzie – Concussion – 1 Week

Shaun McKernan – Toe – 1-2 Weeks

Hunter Clark – Jaw – 2-3 Weeks

Jarryn Geary – Shoulder – 8-10 Weeks

Mason Wood – Back – TBC

Tom Highmore – Hand – TBC

Josh Battle – Ankle – TBC

Jade Gresham – Achilles – Season

Jake Carlisle – Back – Season

Rebounding defender Nick Coffield is in line to return for St Kilda as the Saints juggle some injury headaches. They lose duo Daniel McKenzie and Tom Highmore who both didn’t make the trip to WA to face the Eagles alongside Jack Higgins and Dan Hannebery who also remain in Victoria.

SYDNEY

Sam Reid – Calf – Available

Braeden Campbell – Shin – Available

Lewis Melican – Achilles – Test

Chad Warner – Shin – 1 Week

Callum Mills – Isolation – 1 Week

Colin O’Riordan – Isolation – 1 Week

Harry Cunningham – Isolation – 1 Week

Callum Sinclair – Isolation – 1 Week

Sam Naismith – Knee – Indefinite

The Swans face another week without the players that visited the Rugby but could welcome back Sam Reid and rising star nominee Braeden Campbell who are both available. Key back Lewis Melican faces a test on his achilles injury.

WEST COAST

Josh Kennedy – Calf – Test

Luke Shuey – Calf – 2 Weeks

Jack Redden – Leg – 2 weeks

Tom Barrass – Hamstring – 2 weeks

Jamaine Jones – Ankle – 4 weeks

Willie Rioli – Suspension – August 20

Brendon Ah Chee – Hand – 5-6 weeks

The Eagles have confirmed Luke Shuey has suffered a minor calf strain after being subbed out against the Crows and will miss the next two weeks. Josh Kennedy should return after a week off but Jack Redden and Tom Barrass are still a couple of weeks away.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Tom Liberatore – Managed – Test

Easton Wood – Ankle – Test

Laitham Vandermeer – Knee – Test

Josh Dunkley – Isolation – 1 Week

Adam Treloar – Ankle – 2-4 Weeks

Lin Jong – Hamstring – 2-4 Weeks

Ryan Gardner – Shoulder – 3-5 Weeks

Stefan Martin – Groin/Hip – TBC

Toby McLean – Knee – Season

The Dogs will lose Josh Dunkley after his morning coffee run ended in 14 days Covid isolation but it should welcome back Tom Liberatore who was managed for the Suns clash. Easton Wood also looms as a possible return who has resumed full training while young forward Laitham Vandermeer could also come into selection contention. Big man Stef Martin’s return has hit another hurdle with former Brisbane ruck continuing to battle a groin injury. It was more bad news for Toby McLean who will undergo surgery after sustaining an ACL injury.

Originally published as AFL injury news Round 19: Season over for Scott Pendlebury