AFL injury news: All the latest from round 17 as Hawks await Mitch Lewis scans, Pies confirm Mihocek surgery
Returning Hawthorn forward Mitch Lewis has been cleared of concussion after a heavy collision against the Cats – but the news isn’t as positive yet on his troublesome knee.
Hawthorn believes Mitchell Lewis has avoided a concussion but will sweat on scans of the key forward’s troublesome left knee after a nasty collision on Saturday.
Playing his first game since Easter Monday, Lewis suffered a cut to the back of his head, appeared dazed, and then hobbled from the field following a final-quarter clash with Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij.
Hawthorn officials confirmed Lewis underwent a HIA test and did not enter concussion protocols, but a decision was made to rule him out of the game.
Speaking after the 51-point loss to Geelong, the coach would not shed any light on the extent of concerns for his knee after missing more than three months of senior football with a cartilage issue.
“Fair bit of blood and he was a bit battered after the game and a bit sore and sorry for himself. I haven’t spoken too much to the medical guys, I’m not sure what’s come out of the game just yet,” Mitchell said.
“Hopefully (Lewis is) not too bad, he was probably a bit too courageous in that incident.
“I don’t think so at this stage, but that’ll continue (to be assessed). I don’t think they did that at this stage, but we’ll see over the next 24 hours I guess.
“He had two ice bags on when I left the rooms just then. I thought it’s better to go in here a bit naive than have to tell you what I know, so I actually don’t know the answer … time will tell.”
Mitch Lewis has come from the ground following this contest.#AFLCatsHawkspic.twitter.com/xn9z4I5oeQ
— AFL (@AFL) July 6, 2024
Mixed news for injury-cursed Pies as brutal run looms
– Glenn McFarlane
An injury-cursed Collingwood is bracing for a brutal run to qualify for the finals without its most important forward Brody Mihocek, who will undergo surgery this week for a ruptured pectoral tendon.
The Magpies confirmed on Saturday that the 31-year-old will miss the rest of the home and away season, which includes six of their seven games against leading finals contenders.
Collingwood left the door ajar for a possible return for Mihocek late in the finals series – if the Magpies are still competing – but given the extent of the injury, his entire season is most likely over.
But the Magpies are breathing a sigh of relief with ruckman Darcy Cameron cleared of broken ribs after going to hospital for assessment following the costly 12-point loss to Essendon on Friday night.
It means Cameron – the club’s only experienced ruckman not currently sidelined with injury – should be right to tackle Geelong next Friday.
“This is disappointing news for Brody who is set to miss the remainder of the home-and-away season,” General Manager of Football Brendon Bolton said of Mihocek.
“It is unfortunate for Brody who has already spent some time on the sidelines this season.
“Brody is a resilient person, and we have no doubt he and our high-performance team will be proactive in taking every step possible to ensure the best recovery.
“He is expected to have surgery in the coming days and our program will continue to support him through this next period.”
He only returned from injury last week against Gold Coast but was injured during the final quarter of the Bombers’ match.
He tried to play on briefly, but had to come off late in the game.
It comes as another key forward Dan McStay prepares to play half a game in the VFL next week in his first game back from a knee reconstruction suffered in the pre-season.
Cameron bruised his ribs at training during the week and copped another knock during the Essendon game.
He was taken to hospital for scans as a precaution after the match.
Isaac Quaynor, who was moved to a wing on Friday night, is also nursing a sore toe.
Collingwood is precariously placed on the ladder, sitting on eight wins, six losses and two draws, but the road ahead looks arduous, with the finals no guarantee at this stage.
They will take on Geelong at the MCG on Friday night, with the run home including Hawthorn, Richmond, Carlton, Sydney, Brisbane Lions and Melbourne.
Collingwood will likely welcome back John Noble back from concussion protocols for the clash with Geelong, but most of the other injured Magpies are still some time away from returning.
Mason Cox (knee) won’t be back for the Cats’ game, but he and Jamie Elliott (vascular issue) are progressing towards a return, with a timeline of one to three weeks.
Tom Mitchell (plantar fascia) is expected to be two to four weeks away, while Beau McCreery (calf) won’t return for at least a month.
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