Rd 12 injury report
All of the most recent injury news, including David Zaharakis’ season-ending injury.
After a four-day turnaround owing to the AFL’s condensed schedule, the Bombers will give their players every opportunity to be available for Sunday’s game with St Kilda at the Gabba.
Medical Services Director After the Bombers drew Gold Coast for the second time this season on Wednesday night, David Rundle said the focus had been on the players’ rehabilitation and preparation for the round 12 encounter.
“We have a four-day turnaround into the game against St Kilda, so once again, the big focus has been and will be continue to be on recovery into Sunday’s game,” Rundle stated.
“Immediately following the Suns game, the playing group went to Rigs Recovery Centre on the Gold Coast.” The cryotherapy chambers, NormaTec compression boots, and other cold baths were available to the players. The athletes will also continue to utilise Bond University’s high-performance center.”
Rundle stated that veterans David Zaharakis (quad) and Tom Bellchambers (knee) were the primary injury worries from the draw.
“When kicking for goal in the fourth quarter, David injured his quadriceps muscle.” He has a high-grade quad tendon strain that will necessitate a prolonged recovery time over the next 10 to 12 weeks, ruling him out for the rest of the season,” he stated.
“Tom hyperextended his knee in a centre-bounce contest against the Suns early in the game, and while there is no ligament damage, he has bone bruising.” He will be given every opportunity to play this week, and his availability will be decided as late as feasible.”
In good news, the Bombers are expected to welcome back forward Jacob Townsend against St Kilda after a concussion layoff.
“Jacob has passed the mandatory concussion tests and has been training without incident all week.” Rundle expects him to be available for selection this week.
With the upcoming returns of Cale Hooker and Orazio Fantasia from calf ailments, the club will continue to take a cautious approach, with Rundle stating Hooker will not be eligible for selection for Sunday’s meeting.
Meanwhile, captain Dyson Heppell, Jake Stringer, and Patrick Ambrose are making good progress in their recovery regimens.
“It’s now eight weeks since Dyson fractured his ankle and had surgery,” Rundle stated.
“He is increasing his running volume by alternating between running on the ground and running on the anti-gravity treadmill.” He’ll keep progressing over the next few weeks until he’s at the stage where he can join the main group.
Jake has been out of commission for five and a half weeks following his syndesmosis stabilisation surgery. He is making fantastic progress and has begun undertaking agility exercises as he increases his running loads. How quickly he recovers now will be determined by how his ankle reacts to greater change of direction and running loads.
“Finally, Pat has been out of commission for seven weeks due to a mid-foot sprain. He’s out of the boot and works on strengthening his foot’s intrinsic muscles. Given his six weeks in a boot, it will take some time to strengthen the foot, ankle, and calf regions, but we are pleased with his overall improvement.
