MELBOURNE is preparing to face Port Adelaide in an official AFLW practice match on Sunday, with experienced Demons Paxy Paxman (foot) and Gab Colvin (calf) a chance to make their first appearance of 2024.
Both players missed the club’s match simulation last Friday due to their respective injuries but will have their eyes set on being available for this weekend’s game.
The club’s AFLW High Performance Manager Sam Batterton said the two would have one final fitness tick-off before selection availability.
“Paxy has made really great progress with her foot injury,” Batterton said.
“She’s integrated back into training with the main group and if she successfully gets through our session on Thursday, will be available for selection this weekend.
“Gab has ticked off all her markers from that calf injury.
“She’s also integrated into main training and will need to complete Thursday’s session to be available for Sunday.”
Young Demons Jemma Rigoni and Lily Johnson won’t be available to play this weekend but are both hitting important milestones in their return-to-play schedule.
“Jemma returned to running today, adding to the great progress she’s made in the last few weeks,” Batterton said.
“She’ll build on her loads in the next week and look to join the main group in the next fortnight.
“Lily’s back into to training with the team, which is great to see.
“She’ll continue to build her loads up over the next few weeks.”
Saraid Taylor and Tayla Harris will also miss the Sunday game after sustaining calf and quadricep injuries, respectively.
“Saraid noticed some tightness in her calf during [Friday’s] game, so was taken out of the match as a precaution,” Batterton said.
“We sent her for scans which have shown a low-grade calf strain. Fortunately, it’s on the minor side, so she shouldn’t miss too much football.
“Tayla also had some scans following a session earlier in the week, which revealed a low-grade quad strain. Again, this is on the minor side.
“She’ll miss Sunday’s match, but we fully expect her to be ready for Round 1.”
The Dees will travel interstate for the practice match, which will kick off from 11:00am (local) at Alberton Oval.
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