Essendon forward Devon Smith is on track to be available for selection for Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium.
The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the Bombers’ round nine win over Fremantle and has missed the past three matches while completing a rehabilitation program.
Head of high performance Sean Murphy said the 2018 Crichton medallist will be able to put his hand up to return to the side if he completes a full week of training.
“Dev’s progressed through his rehab really well,” Murphy told Dons Digital’s Liberty Financial Performance Update.
“His last sort of marker was to train fully this week.
“He trained fully today, and the plan will be to train Friday, hit a few little markers off and he’ll be up for selection all going well on Friday.”
Another potential inclusion for the Dons’ trip to Launceston is ruckman Sam Draper, with the 22-year-old successfully recovering from a syndesmosis injury.
Murphy said the 205cm key tall had enjoyed two solid practice games and will be available for selection pending no setbacks during training this week.
“He’s actually played two games through scratch matches, and we’ve been able to get some really good minutes into him,” he said.
“He trained fully with the group on the weekend, and he’ll train fully across the week and be up for selection.”
Tall forward Peter Wright will be touch-and-go to face the Hawks at UTAS Stadium as he progresses from a calf injury, while David Zaharakis (hamstring) and Andrew McGrath (PCL) won't feature after injuries sustained against Richmond in round 12.
While Wright has made progress in his recovery, Murphy said the 24-year-old would be listed as a test for Sunday’s game.
‘Wrighty’ has got that calf complaint from over in WA,” he said.
“We’re still working through that one.
“He’s a test for this weekend and he’ll need to tick off a few more things on Friday to be available for selection.”
Utility Tom Cutler will be available for VFL or AFL selection after recovering from a calf injury.
The big-bodied 25-year-old took part in a modified practice match at the weekend and showed positive signs in a good amount of game time.
“'Cuts’ has gone through his rehab process from that calf injury,” Murphy said.
“He returned on the weekend through a scratch match - a 12 versus 12 game joined in with Richmond and North Melbourne.
“It was great to see him return and get some minutes in, so he’ll be up for selection and hopefully get a full game in this week.”
Murphy also touched on injury updates to Zaharakis, McGrath and Dylan Shiel, while highlighting stellar high-performance efforts from Darcy Parish and Nik Cox against the Tigers.
Watch round 14’s Liberty Financial Performance Update below.
INJURY LIST - ROUND 14
PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
Peter Wright | Calf | Test |
Devon Smith | Hamstring | Test |
Dylan Shiel | Knee | Short term |
David Zaharakis | Hamstring | Short term |
Will Snelling | Thumb | Short term |
Dylan Clarke | Ankle | Medium term |
Andrew McGrath | Knee | Long term |
Michael Hurley | Illness | Long term |
Jye Caldwell | Hamstring | Long term |
Irving Mosquito | Knee | Long term |
Kaine Baldwin | Knee | Long term |
Updated Wednesday, June 16 |