Star midfielder Clayton Oliver is not any certainty to return for Melbourne’s mammoth conflict with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium after spending nearly per week in hospital.
A nasty contaminated blister on his foot meant Oliver missed the Demons’ spectacular King’s Birthday win over Collingwood.
The four-time Demons best-and-fairest winner had already sat out the earlier two matches towards Fremantle and Carlton on account of a hamstring harm.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin mentioned he was hopeful Oliver and versatile tall Harrison Petty can be obtainable to return for Thursday evening’s blockbuster in Geelong.
“We need to make sure they train well (on Monday) and also again on on Wednesday,” Goodwin mentioned.
“We’re hopeful, but we’re certainly not declaring them at this point.
“Obviously spending 5 days in hospital is not supreme so ensuring that he is (Oliver) acquired the load required, is coaching to the extent and he is able to go.”
Petty has been out since injuring his foot in the Demons’ round-nine win against Hawthorn.
“It is about efficiency and ensuring that they are able to carry out so we cannot take any dangers with any gamers,” Goodwin said.
Melbourne were comfortably beaten in Geelong last year as the Cats continued their charge towards claiming the 2022 premiership.
The Demons pulled off a famous win at Kardinia Park in 2021 to seal the minor premiership in the final round of the season, albeit without any of the Cats supporters due to COVID-19 restrictions.
To adjust to the unique dimensions of the ground, Melbourne will spend the night in Geelong on Wednesday and have a training session at GMHBA Stadium.
“We’re transferring our program down there (to Geelong) on Wednesday and deal with it like a sport away from residence, spend the evening in a resort and practice down there and put together ourselves as finest we are able to,” Goodwin mentioned.
“We’ve performed down there loads within the final 4 or 5 years; we have had some success, however we have additionally had some fairly common performances
“We want to get used to the environment, want to set it up and prepare as best we can and this is one of those ways that we can do it.
“Just like each different approach sport, whether or not it is Adelaide Oval or Optus Stadium, you at all times get to coach at that floor.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
