Following Essendon’s 15-point defeat to Geelong on Sunday, head of medical services Megan Smith provides an update on the playing list’s health, while highlighting some strong individual performances. 

Performance

After some positional changes to the team, Sophie Van De Heuvel showed her speed and endurance on the wing, with 30.2 per cent of her 6kms covered classed as high-speed running.

Once again, Cat Phillips covered a lot of the ground with 78 per cent game time, racking up a total of 7.7km, including 37.6 per cent completed at high speed.

Phillips was at the elite level for her running and high work rate of 142 metres per minute.

Debutant Olivia Barton was impressive with her work rate and running with 28.1 per cent of her 5.8km classed as high speed.

With seven games under her belt, first-year player Amber Clarke showed her development on the wing.

At 52 per cent game time, Clarke completed 27.5 per cent of her 4.8km at high speed, with a work rate of 130 metres per minute.

Injury

Ellyse Gamble

Ellyse’s calf injury is progressing well and we will look to introduce impact loading this week. She is still an estimated two to four weeks away.

Mia Van Dyke

Mia will start to integrate contact training following her shoulder injury last week. Mia will have to get through training this week to be available for selection.

Injury list - Round eight