AFL news: Injury news, Elijah Tsatas debut, Max King genuine chance to play against Carlton

The moment Bomber fans have been waiting for will arrive this weekend when top draft pick Elijah Tsatas plays his first AFL game.

Max King could return from injury this week. Photo by Michael Klein.

Essendon matchwinner Jake Stringer is unlikely to make his comeback from a foot problem this weekend, but Bomber fans will get their first look at top draft pick Elijah Tsatas at AFL level.

Stringer, 29, missed the loss to Sydney Swans on Saturday night after his plantar fasciitis problem worsened in the wake of the club’s main training session last week.

This masthead understands Stringer has been battling the foot problem in recent weeks amid criticism of his physical conditioning.

But the goalkicker has defied considerable pain and restriction to continue playing for the Bombers in a young forward line before the decision to take a break last week.

Scans confirmed the foot problem, but there has not been a decision to pull the pin on his season.

Essendon remain confident Stringer can still return to the senior side in the run home as the club attempts to make the finals with a round 24 upset win over Collingwood at the MCG.

But it’s unlikely the Bombers will take any risks in the clash against West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday as he works through his recovery stages.

Stringer could return to the selection mix the following week against North Melbourne if his foot responds well to training next week.

If the Bombers topple cellar dwellers Eagles and North Melbourne over the next fortnight they will remain a strong chance to play finals if they can knock off either GWS or Collingwood.

Jake Stringer is set to miss another week. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Bombers have confirmed No.5 draft pick Tsatas will debut after a strong block of form in the VFL.

The outside midfielder, who is still building his fitness after an early-season meniscus injury, has averaged 25 disposals, 14 uncontested possessions, seven clearances and 100 SuperCoach points over his past seven games.

VFL coach Leigh Tudor said Tsatas fought hard in a loss to Sydney playing midfield and forward at the weekend, gathering another 22 touches, six clearances and five tackles.

“He won enough of his own ball and looked strong in the clearance at times, but it was also nice to see him develop some forward craft as well,” Tudor said.

“He battled hard all day for us.”

Senior midfielder Dylan Shiel is also trying to return to the senior side from a nagging foot issue.

In his absence Jye Caldwell played one of the best games of his career notching 27 disposals, 17 contested possessions and one goal in the two-point loss to the Swans.

Top-10 draft pick Elijah Tsatas in action in the VFL. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Return of the King? Saint ‘every chance’ to face Blues

– Nick Smart

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has declared forward Max King is “every chance” to make a shock return for Sunday’s finals-shaping clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

Lyon had initially declared King “done for the year” with a shoulder injury just three weeks ago, but on Sunday he said the spearhead was now very close to a return after training well over the weekend.

The rejuvenated Saints, now fifth on the ladder after Sunday’s win over Hawthorn, should also have Bradley Hill and Tim Membrey available to face the in-form Blues.

“We didn’t complicate it, we just said enjoy it on to a cracking game next week against the Blues at full tilt,” he said.

“We’ll get Hill back….he’s ready to run two marathons next week.

“Max King trained well today and he’s every chance (to play next week).”

Max King at training. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Although it’s not all good news for the Saints, with Zak Jones (knee) and Cooper Sharman (hamstring) both set for stints on the sidelines after hurting themselves in the win over Hawthorn..

They believe Jones has hurt his medial ligament, while Sharman will be sent for scans.

“We’re not sure (on Sharman), he’s never had one (a hamstring injury) before,” Lyon said.

“He thinks it’s a cramp…but I think we’re more leaning towards a hammy to be truthful.”

Lyon said King would have to prove his fitness this week to face the form side of the competition on Sunday.

“We’ll take no risks with him,” he said.

“He’s got to be confident but we think he might be confident, so that doesn’t hurt.”

Originally published as AFL news: Injury news, Elijah Tsatas debut, Max King genuine chance to play against Carlton