NewsBite

Who’s fit, hurt and impressing: How your club is shaping up for 2019

Everyone in South Australia knows about the Ollie Wines incident — but who’s fit, who’s hurt and who’s training the house down at your club? Get the inside word here.

Western Bulldogs star Jason Johannisen has suffered an ankle injury at training.

The key Bulldog is “set for a stint on the sidelines”, the club says, after suffering the injury in a training mishap on Friday.

Johannisen was injured in a tackle.

It is unclear whether the injury puts his JLT Series participation under threat, with the Bulldogs to play their first game against Gold Coast in Mackay on March 3.

INJURY: SETBACK FOR KEY BOMBER DEVON SMITH

NEW BLUE: GIBBONS FINALLY ACHIEVES HIS AFL DREAM

KNEE VICTIMS: AFLW FACING GROWING ACL CRISIS

Jason Johannisen injured his ankle at training. Picture: Michael Klein
Jason Johannisen injured his ankle at training. Picture: Michael Klein

“The club will be in a better position to determine an accurate timeframe for his return to training in the coming days,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.

Which players have stood out in pre-season training at your club and who’s playing catch up?

We look at how every club is placed heading into the 2019 season.

ADELAIDE

WHO’S FIT

After failing to play a game last year and having groin surgery, Brad Crouch is expected to be like a recruit this season as the Crows look to return to finals.

WHO’S HURT

Unlike last pre-season when the rehab ward at West Lakes was beginning to get busy, the Crows have enjoyed a largely injury-free pre-season. Key defender Daniel Talia is the exception having had left knee surgery in December but he still looks like being available for Round 1. The other minor scare was Brad Crouch who missed a week of running with a foot injury but he has otherwise enjoyed a flawless summer.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Emerging ruckman Reilly O’Brien, who is set to provide support for Sam Jacobs, and dashing half-back Wayne Milera who has been top-three in the time trials. Brodie Smith who missed most of last year while recovering from a knee reco is also flying and will slot straight back in to the half-back line.

— Reece Homfray

Brad Crouch didn’t play a game in 2018. Picture: AAP
Brad Crouch didn’t play a game in 2018. Picture: AAP

BRISBANE

WHO’S FIT

The Lions have enjoyed a largely uneventful pre-season and have close to a full list available for match simulation. The majority of the players look to be in good nick and picking a standout isn’t easy. Given Charlie Cameron missed the back end of last season and left a huge void when he went out of the team, the sight of him in full flight probably stands out the most. Second and third year players such as Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage, Alex Witherden and Cam Raynor all appear a little bigger and stronger.

WHO’S HURT

Darcy Gardiner’s knee injury suffered at their training camp in Hobart last week was the first major hiccup for the Lions over the off-season. Gardiner limped off the intra-club scratch match with a PCL injury and will be out of full training for between six and eight weeks. Brisbane hope to experiment with key defender Harris Andrews in attack but with new recruit Marcus Adams the other Lion to have a slow start to his pre-season, those plans will be temporarily shelved until he gets some depth back into his defensive stocks.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Ask Brisbane and they’ll say Lachie Neale, and there’s no doubt the former Docker is making a big impact at his new club. But every club says that when they spend big on a player and you’d expect someone of Neale’s standing in the game to hit the ground running. Brisbane’s hopes of climbing the ladder will rely on the continued development of the club’s under 22-year-olds and they are all making progress. But the standout would have to be Jarrod Berry. It seems he beats his personal bests every time he is tested but it is his maturity and emergence as a leader that is even more impressive.

— Andrew Hamilton

Charlie Cameron is on track for the start of the season. Picture: AAP
Charlie Cameron is on track for the start of the season. Picture: AAP

CARLTON

WHO’S FIT

Jack Silvagni has spent a summer of explicit explosive running as he attempts to spend more time on the ball. His younger brother Ben has impressed as a switch-hitting key position player in match simulation. While the club hasn’t committed to him yet, clearance king Michael Gibbons has been a standout at training, to the point where one casual observer made the assessment that if you didn’t know who he was, he would be playing against Richmond in Round 1.

WHO’S HURT

Unfortunately, there are too many in this bracket with co-captain Sam Docherty gone for the year (knee). Recruit Mitch McGovern is running laps after suffering a non-displaced fracture of his back, Darcy Lang is highly unlikely for Round 1 (foot), Alex Fasolo is six to eight weeks (broken arm), Caleb Marchbank is on light duties (back), Jarrod Picket (knee) is a fair way off, Liam Jones (fractured hand) is running laps, Matthew Kreuzer (knee) is hopeful of being ready for Round 1 while Will Setterfield and Tom Williamson are making steady progress from long-term injuries.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

After a second year of stagnation, Sam Petrevski-Seton is flying as he prepares for more midfield time. And the Zac Fisher journey continues to grow. Number one draft pick Sam Walsh has had a stunning debut pre-season. Tom De Koning, Patrick Kerr and Harry McKay are a trio of young talls who appear ready to take the next step after improving their running during pre-season. Lochie O’Brien missed some early sessions but in the past two weeks has been blitzing on the track. Paddy Dow has increased his strength and is ready for a breakout second season.

— Jon Anderson

Mitch McGovern is back running after an injury setback. Picture: Michael Klein
Mitch McGovern is back running after an injury setback. Picture: Michael Klein

COLLINGWOOD

WHO’S FIT

Just imagine what a fit and firing Darcy Moore could do to the Collingwood defence that was stretched so thin throughout last season. He’s in good shape at the moment and it is hoped that the hamstring issues that cost him so much time on the sidelines last year — and a Grand Final berth — are a thing of the past. He will make a huge difference if he can have an injury-free season.

WHO’S HURT

Touch wood, Collingwood has a healthy list at the moment. The club expects to have as many as 40 players available for the Round 1 clash with Geelong on March 22. The only players currently have been ruled out are Tim Broomhead (coming back from broken leg), Lynden Dunn and Matt Scharenberg (coming back from knee reconstructions) and draftee Will Kelly (ankle surgery). Jack Crisp is upping the ante to keep his unbeaten streak of 98 games alive, as he works his way back from post season hip surgery and back soreness, Brodie Grundy (toe) should be fine soon, and Dayne Beams (back), Adam Treloar (hamstring) and Daniel Wells (foot) are upping their loads at the right time.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Trackwatchers have been very impressed with the gains Josh Daicos has made this summer. He played 10 games last year, but the 20-year-old couldn’t quite hold down his spot late in the season. Given the strength of the Pies’ list, it won’t be easy to break his way back in, but his performance in recent match simulation has been noted.

— Glenn McFarlane

Darcy Moore is hopeful he is over his hamstring woes. Picture: Getty Images
Darcy Moore is hopeful he is over his hamstring woes. Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON

WHO’S FIT

Forward Joe Daniher (osteitis pubis) has started to join in some work with the main training work and will start to build his volume and intensity. Orazio Fantasia’s injured finger has healed well, although he still has to wear a guard for a bit longer. He hasn’t missed out on running so his fitness base is strong. Ruckman Tom Bellchambers (shoulder) is progressing well after his off-season shoulder surgery and is edging closer to full contact work. Defender Martin Gleeson (ankle) is also on track after his injury-interrupted 2018 and is getting back into high volumes of training.

WHO’S HURT

Devon Smith suffered “partial disruption” to his bicep muscle in a collision with a teammates but the Bombers say the injury poses no threat to his season. Midfielder Zach Merrett suffered a setback when he injured his ankle last month, but his recovery is progressing better than expected and he is likely to start jogging over the next week to 10 days. Cale Hooker injured his hamstring last month and has started to resume some light running, but won’t be at top speed for a few weeks.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Bombers’ general manager of football Dan Richardson named a group including Andrew McGrath, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, David Zaharakis, Shaun McKernan and Aaron Francis as those who had enjoyed strong pre-seasons. Defender Michael Hurley had also been in strong summer form until a minor tweak of ankle last week, but he was only limited for one or two sessions. Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford have also impressed.

— Rebecca Williams

Orazio Fantasia is recovery from a finger injury. Picture: Michael Klein
Orazio Fantasia is recovery from a finger injury. Picture: Michael Klein

FREMANTLE

WHO’S FIT

Marquee signing Jesse Hogan (foot) has firmed for Round 1 selection after being nursed through the off-season. Forgotten Dockers midfielder Harley Bennell is also back running and participating in kicking drills following a latest calf setback.

WHO’S HURT

Fremantle and Flyers captain Nat Fyfe is in doubt for the revamped AFLX tournament on February 22 following a knock to the elbow during a training mishap. The Brownlow medallist landed heavily on his elbow which resulted in an inflamed bursa. The Dockers have been hit hard by injuries to key midfielders with Stephen Hill (quad) and Connor Blakely (hamstring) struck down.

WHO’S IMPRESSED

Veteran David Mundy looks set to be injected back into the midfield following the departure of Lachie Neale. Untried Docker Tom North has impressed in recent weeks, along with ex-Richmond utility Reece Conca and second-year draftees Adam Cerra and Andrew Brayshaw. North played 11 games for WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder last year, averaging 19 disposals. Mature-aged recruit Brett Bewley is also expected to be unleashed in Round 1.

— Gilbert Gardiner

Nat Fyfe hurt his elbow at training after landing awkwardly. Picture: AAP
Nat Fyfe hurt his elbow at training after landing awkwardly. Picture: AAP

GEELONG

WHO’S FIT

Esava Ratugolea has delighted the club with his recovery from a broken leg last year. Zac Guthrie has finally started to look like a mature-bodied AFL footballer. Gary Rohan has been spending far more time on the track than the injury room. Oscar Brownless has made a huge impression after being taken at Pick 74 in the 2018 National Draft. Likewise ruck prospect Darcy Fort.

WHO’S HURT

Nakia Cockatoo is making cautious progress from tonsillitis and a spider bite while in Bali. Ruckmen Ryan Abbott and Zac Smith have been on modified programs due to back injuries.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Luke Dahlhaus hasn’t missed a beat. At 26, he’s at a point in his career where he desperately requires a stellar season after two years of indifferent form. Brandan Parfitt re-signed for an extra year (2020) last week and has impressed coaching staff over summer. Irish-born Mark O’Connor continues to grow as he learns the game and his body adapts. Another Irishman Stefan Okunbor, who has Nigerian heritage, has made huge inroads in a short period.

— Jon Anderson

Gary Rohan in injury free this pre-season. Picture: Getty Images
Gary Rohan in injury free this pre-season. Picture: Getty Images

GOLD COAST

WHO’S FIT

Everyone. I’ve covered this club since their inception and have never seen them train like they have this pre-season. Foundation players such as David Swallow, Jarrod Harbrow and Michael Rischitelli would all tell you the same. When St Kilda fought back from a 31-point three-quarter time deficit at Metricon Stadium in Round 13 last season to record a two-point win, their coach Alan Richardson said he always had confidence his side could run games out. What he didn’t say, but the Suns know, is opponents always feel they can run over the top of them and that the Gold Coast has a tendency to freeze in close games. It is a perception they are desperate to change.

WHO’S HURT

Former Tiger Corey Ellis had groin surgery pre-Christmas and has been a late starter to the pre-season. Key defender Jack Leslie, who was cut then relisted as a rookie is battling knee soreness and is on a modified training program. Other than that, the Suns are looking pretty good.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

The Suns are talking up their mature-age recruits like George Horlin-Smith, Jack Hombsch and Anthony Miles but are working hard to keep expectations off gun draftees Izak Rankine, Jack Lukosius and Ben King. List manager Craig Cameron added some experience and depth during the off-season but it is the form and fitness of the club’s better players that will determine how well they go this season. Jack Bowes is entering his third season and is looking bigger and stronger than before. He is expected to spend all his time in the midfield this year. Pearce Hanley looms as a new recruit after two tough years battling injury and if the Irishman can recapture his best form and stay injury free, he will be a key weapon for the Suns.

— Andrew Hamilton

Izak Rankine and the Suns have been training hard this pre-season. Picture: Getty Images
Izak Rankine and the Suns have been training hard this pre-season. Picture: Getty Images

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

WHO’S FIT

Most of the list. The Giants have regularly had 40 players on the track over summer in a great sign, with coach Leon Cameron recently contrasting it to a tough 18 months during which that number had often been 32 or 33. Returning ruckman Shane Mumford suffered a low-grade hamstring strain in the final training session before Christmas but is back on the track. Mumford has until Round 3 to find peak fitness as he serves a two-match club-imposed suspension to start the season.

WHO’S HURT

Lively forward Toby Greene is still recovering from ankle surgery in November in what is the main concern for the Giants. Greene, 25, only played nine games last season due to a foot injury, coming after impressive campaigns which had seen him kick 45 and 44 goals the previous two years. While Greene has been back running for about a month and put in a solid block in that regard, the Giants are taking a cautious approach and have vowed they will not rush their star back for Round 1 if he is not ready. Key forward Jon Patton is continuing his recovery from a third-knee reconstruction last July and remains some way away from returning to full training but is running well.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Renowned runner Adam Tomlinson blitzed the field in the club’s 2km time-trial before Christmas, with midfielder Stephen Coniglio and defender Adam Kennedy finishing second and third. But a lot of the buzz has been around exciting new forward Ian “Bobby” Hill. Cousins with Fremantle brothers Stephen and Bradley Hill, former Collingwood forward Leon Davis and West Coast forward Josh Hill, ‘Bobby’ is a speedy small forward with a great leap who can also pile on the forward pressure. Former Fremantle midfielder Tom Sheridan has also slotted into life at his new club well after being snapped up by the Giants as a delisted free agent.

— Chris Cavanagh

Adam Tomlinson won the Giants’ time-trial. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Adam Tomlinson won the Giants’ time-trial. Picture: Phil Hillyard

HAWTHORN

WHO’S FIT

Darren Minchington, 25, wasn’t the biggest name to make a move in the trade period, but he could move straight into the best 22. The St Kilda hard nut was a big-time ballwinner in the VFL and could become a Paul Puopolo-style cog in the Hawthorn midfield-forward machine. Tim Mohr and first-year defender Jacob Koschitzke, 18, will also add key defensive depth.

WHO’S HURT

Mitchell’s absence is a massive loss but we know Alastair Clarkson is a genius when it comes to these things. Chad Wingard missed some training last week to deal with some calf tightness. Grant Birchall (knee) and Tom Scully (ankle) are back running at training after long lay-offs but are still months away from playing senior footy. It will be a cautious approach with both as they look to build match fitness in the VFL first.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

James Worpel, 20, is the one to watch at Hawthorn. The former Geelong Falcon, who slipped to pick No. 45 in the 2017 national draft, is relishing his second preseason in preparation for an expanded midfield role. Tom Mitchell’s injury has created a significant void but the second-year hard-nut is ready to step up in the engine room, alongside fellow ready-to-go onball candidates James Cousins, 21, and Daniel Howe, 22. Rookie Harrison Jones, 19, also has ability in the clinches and could come from the clouds. Jaeger O’Meara has also been in sparkling form on the training track, eager to make up for lost time at Gold Coast.

— Jay Clark

The Hawks will take a cautious approach with Tom Scully. Picture: Getty Images
The Hawks will take a cautious approach with Tom Scully. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

WHO’S FIT

Clayton Oliver had post-season surgery on both shoulders but is coming along nicely. And hard nut co-captain Jack Viney has been on a modified program to make sure his troublesome foot is cherry ripe for the season. Nathan Jones and Jake Melksham have both been dealing with back/hamstring complaints. Oscar McDonald had a clean-up on his hip, while Christian Petracca had a knee arthroscope.

WHO’S HURT

Gun recruit Steven May suffered a hamstring injury at training this week that will keep him out of AFLX but the Demons are confident he will be right for Round 1. Kade Kolodjashnij has stepped away from the main group to help mend a fresh adductor complaint. The Dees want him fit to add some extra run to the midfield. Jake Lever is on track for a Round 10 or 12 return after his knee reconstruction last year.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Marty Hore could step straight into the Demons’ senior side this year. Coming off two Collingwood VFL best-and-fairest awards, the reliable utility has the kind of no-frills approach Simon Goodwin loves. And he’s hardly missed a beat over summer. First-year ballwinner Tom Sparrow has bulked up and could press for an early midfield or forward berth along with underrated tough nut Bailey Fritsch. Veteran Michael Hibberd, swingman Tom McDonald and superstar ruckman Max Gawn have also been stand outs on the track.

— Jay Clark

Clayton Oliver had surgery on both shoulders. Picture: Michael Klein
Clayton Oliver had surgery on both shoulders. Picture: Michael Klein

NORTH MELBOURNE

WHO’S FIT

Spearhead Ben Brown (knee) and key defender Robbie Tarrant (calf) rejoined in match simulation drills last week as preparations for the 2019 season ramped up following minor pre-season setbacks. Brown and Tarrant will build towards the club’s season opener against Fremantle at Perth Stadium. The 25 year-old Brown, who battled injury last year, had an arthroscope on his hip at the end of the season.

WHO’S HURT

Skipper Jack Ziebell is one of three Roos on modified programs due to separate calf setbacks, with Jasper Pittard and Ben Jacobs also restricted. The trio are expected back in time for the JLT Series. North is working closely with Majak Daw but a decision has not been made on whether to put the talented swingman on the long-term injury list, allowing the club to elevate a rookie in his place.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Second-year draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke looks set to push hard for senior selection after a breakout pre-season, while usual suspects Ben Cunnington and Shaun Higgins have picked up where they left off last season. Higgins was unceremoniously flattened by Jed Anderson during a lively match simulation at Arden St last week but the 2018 All Australian bounced back up unscathed. Recruits Aaron Hall and Dom Tyson will press for selection, making Roos coach Brad Scott’s job of selecting a best 22 even harder with draftees Bailey Scott, Curtis Taylor and Tarryn Thomas vying for spots.

— Gilbert Gardiner

Luke Davies-Uniacke will be pushing for more senior games in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein
Luke Davies-Uniacke will be pushing for more senior games in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

PORT ADELAIDE

WHO’S FIT

Hamish Hartlett and Robbie Gray have both made good progress from varying degrees of knee surgery while number five draft pick Connor Rozee has not missed a session and will be right in contention for a Round 1 game. Rozee emerged as a dashing half-back in the SANFL but is eyeing a spot in Port’s forward line early in the season.

WHO’S HURT

It’s been a tumultuous month for the Power where they’ve been dogged by off-field stories they would much rather avoid. From an on-field perspective the most significant was Ollie Wines who dislocated his shoulder in a waterskiing accident and had surgery that will sideline him for 8-10 weeks. The vice-captain is doubtful for Round 1 but the Power is hopeful he is right to play in the first month of the season.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Ryan Burton is another new face at Alberton to impress over summer and will add polish across half-back while the Power is set to play with two ruckmen after luring Scott Lycett from West Coast after the Eagles’ premiership.

— Reece Homfray

Hamish Hartlett is back on the track after knee surgery. Picture: Simon Cross
Hamish Hartlett is back on the track after knee surgery. Picture: Simon Cross

RICHMOND

WHO’S FIT

Small forward Dan Butler is ready to go and determined to make amends after missing the second half of last season with an ankle injury. The Tigers say midfielder Dustin Martin is also fit and firing both physically and mentally and is keen to return to the heights of his Brownlow Medal-winning 2017 season. Defender Brandon Ellis, who was dropped for last year’s finals series, is working hard and learning plenty as he prepares to take on a new role in the midfield this season. Ellis, 25, has worked closely with captain Trent Cotchin as part of the switch.

WHO’S HURT

All eyes are still on star recruit Tom Lynch, who is yet to join in full training after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury last June. The Tigers say they will not rush Lynch back and have told him to take his time but still believe he is on track to tackle Carlton in Round 1. Midfielder Jack Graham is not quite back in full contact training but is also expected to be ready for Round 1 after having post-season shoulder surgery. Forward Jason Castagna was still in a moon boot at the club’s training camp on the Gold Coast late last month as he recovers from a high ankle sprain. Dylan Grimes is still wearing a mask while training after having surgery on a broken nose suffered in a handball drill at training last month.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Richmond’s top draft pick last year at No.20, Riley Collier-Dawkins has made his presence felt on the track over pre-season, particularly at the club’s camp on the Gold Coast last month.

While not wanting to put too much pressure on the 19-year-old, the Tigers expect Collier-Dawkins to play some senior football relatively early in the season. Former Saint Maverick Weller is also pushing his case for an early-season debut in his new colours as he continues to train well with Richmond’s forwards group.

— Chris Cavanagh

The Tigers are hopeful Tom Lynch will be ready for Round 1. Picture: Getty Images
The Tigers are hopeful Tom Lynch will be ready for Round 1. Picture: Getty Images

ST KILDA

WHO’S FIT

Forward Paddy McCartin (foot) and ruckman Billy Longer (ankle) are back into full training and match simulation work after completing their rehabilitation from injury. The pair is expected to be available for JLT selection. Recruit and former Demon Dean Kent also returned to full training last month after recovering from his post-season shoulder operation.

WHO’S HURT

Draftee Jack Bytel had surgery last week to repair a bulging disc in his lower back and is expected to undertake a three-month rehabilitation period. Defender Jake Carlisle remains on a modified program after experiencing back issues after Christmas and will be hoping to rejoin the main training group in a couple of weeks.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

St Kilda general manager of football Simon Lethlean said Hunter Clark and Ed Phillips had both impressed over the pre-season as Phillips set the standard after Christmas by taking out the team’s time trial. Jack Sinclair and Jack Billings have also enjoyed strong summers.

— Rebecca Williams

Jake Carlisle is still a few weeks away from joining the main training group. Picture: AAP
Jake Carlisle is still a few weeks away from joining the main training group. Picture: AAP

SYDNEY

WHO’S FIT

Josh Kennedy hasn’t missed a beat after a quieter 2018 season, leading the charge on the training track. Jarrad McVeigh and Heath Grundy are also in the thick of it after completing most sessions. Sam Reid played only a single game last year with injury but has led the charge with a flawless pre-season. Ex-Roo Ryan Clarke and ex-Cat Jackson Thurlow have slotted in seamlessly with Clarke’s running prowess a feature as usual. Draftee Nick Blakey is just ramping up his training as part of the Swans policy of managing the training programs of its first-year players.

WHO’S HURT

Lance Franklin has finally started jogging after a pre-season groin release and while he hasn’t been ruled out for Round 1, surely he would be well short of full fitness if he did play. Dan Menzel had a similar procedure several weeks later after his first training session at the Swans, but has responded strongly and started training. Sam Naismith is easing back after an ACL rupture and while he hasn’t been ruled out of Round 1, he is taking his time with rehab. Kieren Jack had a post-season knee arthroscope but is tracking well, while Zak Jones also had a minor knee procedure. Jake Lloyd had hip surgery post-season but is back into training and progressing strongly. A toe injury limited Matthew Ling to only six games last year and he is still coming on slowly.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Isaac Heeney is ready to get into Beast Mode after a big pre-season, dominating match practice along with Cal Mills, who moved into the midfield in recent game simulation. Tom Papley was banged up towards the end of last year but still managed 20 goals, and yet has gone to a new level this summer. Aliir Aliir, who played only three games in 2017 and just one before Round 13 last year, has been involved in the pre-season since the first session and done most of the fitness work.

— Jon Ralph

Isaac Heeney has had a big pre-season. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Isaac Heeney has had a big pre-season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

WEST COAST

WHO’S FIT

This isn’t the usual section Josh Kennedy has found himself in during recent pre-seasons. But the fact that the star forward is targeting the first JLT Community Series game against Geelong on March 1 is seriously good news for the reigning premiers. He was on a modified program through most of the pre-season, but has progressed well in the past few weeks. Willie Rioli wants to push for more game time in the midfield this season after being confined to attack throughout most of last season. He worked hard during his break in the Tiwi Islands, where he and his cousin, Richmond’s Daniel Rioli, used the heat to try and boost their fitness. Club insiders are confident he can add to the Eagles’ varied midfield mix if he can build his tank.

WHO’S HURT

The Eagles will be ensuring Nic Naitanui doesn’t try to rush himself back too soon from what was second knee reconstruction. The big man is looking towards an AFL return by mid-season and he’s doing everything right to make sure that happens. Jamie Cripps faces a race against time to be right for Round 1 after undergoing toe surgery. Jeremy McGovern won’t be pushed too early in the pre-season after having a plate inserted on the ribs he broke in the Grand Final. Elliot Yeo and Tom Barass have had limited pre-seasons, but are about to crank up their campaigns after overcoming niggles.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Adam Simpson has earmarked Jack Petruccelle and Jake Waterman as possible forward line contenders early in the season given the retirement of Mark Le Cras and the interrupted pre-season of Jamie Cripps. Simpson said Petruccelle, 19, who played three games last year, had been having “a bit of a breakout preseason”. Waterman played 16 games last year but missed the finals and will likely push for more game time in 2019. The coach says 20-year-old Waterman “looks a stronger, bigger, fitter player already.”

— Glenn McFarlane

Nic Naitanui is ahead of schedule. Picture: Michael Klein
Nic Naitanui is ahead of schedule. Picture: Michael Klein

WESTERN BULLDOGS

WHO’S FIT

Matt Suckling’s persistent achilles injury has eased after a light pre-Christmas program, allowing him to slot into full match practice. Tom Liberatore is fit and motivated after another ACL injury, saying last week he hadn’t ruled out a return by Round 1. Caleb Daniel is back in full training after his own knee clean-up.

WHO’S HURT

Jason Johannisen is set for a stint on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in a training mishap. Tom Boyd is one of the chief concerns given a back injury that has failed to heal since late last season, when his season was curtailed. The Dogs are hopeful they can ramp up his training in February but he hasn’t responded to treatment so far. The club’s No.7 draft pick Bailey Smith battled achilles issues through all of his senior TAC Cup year but after being handled with kid gloves is finally ready to move into full sessions. Lukas Webb is finally out of a neck brace after a serious injury last season in the VFL and the club’s medicos are working on a graduated program for him to return to full training. Liam Picken still isn’t in

the full footy program but the club is still hopeful he can get back to senior football in 2019.

WHO’S IMPRESSING

Josh Dunkley is turning heads with his training form, while mature-aged recruits Ben Cavarra and Will Hayes have slotted into the club with impressive training form. Father-son Rhylee West has been another strong contributor, while the usual suspects Mitch Wallis, Lachie Hunter and Marcus Bontempelli have all been leading the charge on the training track. Second-year players Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton have built on last year’s gains while the club’s first rookie pick Lachie Young is another to set himself up for a strong season.

— Jon Ralph

Tom Liberatore is aiming for a Round 1 comeback. Picture: Michael Klein
Tom Liberatore is aiming for a Round 1 comeback. Picture: Michael Klein

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/whos-fit-hurt-and-impressing-how-your-club-is-shaping-up-for-2019/news-story/ac84e2681f6451daeeab96e298d97c7d