Carlton spearhead Harry McKay won’t play the remainder of the home and away season, despite avoiding the dreaded ACL tear.
Meanwhile the Dogs lose trio after tough Swans loss.
Catch up on all the latest injury news in this week’s Casualty Ward.
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NORTH MELBOURNE youngster George Wardlaw is facing multiple weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained in the loss to Hawthorn.
Wardlaw, who missed last week’s match as a late out, pulled up lame before half time and did not return to the contest.
The Age reports Wardlaw is “out for multiple weeks with a right hamstring strain”.
He’s not the Kangaroos’ only injury concern with Cam Zurhaar suffering a syndesmosis injury.
While his foot issue will not require surgery, his season could be over as he begins his rehabilitation in a moon boot.
BULLDOGS son of a gun Sam Darcy is set for another stint on the sidelines in an injury cruelled year.
The 19-year-old failed to finish the game against the Swans on Thursday night due to a severely corked quad.
“He suffered a big blow to the outside part of his quad thigh muscle,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell said.
“As part of this injury you not only damage the muscle tissue but also break the blood vessels that carry blood around your thigh.
“From this significant corkie, Sam has suffered extensive bleeding and swelling into his thigh and lower leg.
“We will manage Sam conservatively but do expect him to miss the next few games of footy.”
The Dogs will however regain star midfielder Bailey Smith from the flu for their crunch game against Essendon on Friday night.
“He had a really quiet week last week whilst he recovered, but in some good news he has improved and is re-energised,” Bell said.
“He will be monitored though main training this week, but I am expecting him to return to availability.”
James O’Donnell and Lachie McNeil will also miss their match against Essendon are both were concussed in the loss to Sydney.
Curnow confirms the BLUES ARE BACK | 00:34
CARLTON spearhead Harry McKay will miss at least six weeks as he prepares to undergo knee surgery.
While avoiding the dreaded ACL tear, scans confirmed the big Blue needed a clean out to his right knee that could spell the end of his season.
There’s just six home and away matches remaining this year before finals – should Carlton qualify.
The forward was subbed out early in the Blues thumping win over Port Adelaide.
McKay leapt for a ball up the ground in the opening quarter before landing heavily on his right leg and immediately signalling for assistance.
“While it is disappointing for Harry that he will be sidelined, we know he will be the ultimate professional and continue to have a positive influence around the Club during this period of the season,” Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said.
“One of the main things the playing group prides itself on is stepping up and everyone playing their role when needed.
“That opportunity will present again in Harry’s absence.
“We’ll continue to lean on our even contribution across the board as we lock in for this Saturday’s game against West Coast.”
Adam Cerra is currently managing hamstring tightness and will have to pass a fitness test to face West Coast this weekend.
Matt Owies, who was the late withdrawal from the win over Port Adelaide, will miss at least the next week after scans confirmed a low-grade calf strain.
The forward could miss the Round 20 as well, depending on his recovery.
Zac Fisher (hamstring) and Marc Pittonet (knee) will both be assessed this week.
Port Adelaide Press Conference | 06:10
PORT ADELAIDE have big concerns over star Zak Butters, who failed to see out the loss to Carlton.
Ralph said Butters was battling a groin issue and was no certainty to front up in the top-two blockbuster clash with Collingwood.
“Ken Hinkley has injury headaches of his own,” Ralph reported.
“Brilliant midfielder Zak Butters in doubt with a groin injury.
“Battling before half time, he spent the last quarter on the bench.
“Potentially no Butters, Jason Horne-Francis (back) and Charlie Dixon (soreness).”
The DOCKERS are counting the cost of a sorry outing at the MCG with injuries to key players putting another dent in their fading finals aspirations.
Defender Brandon Walker was taken from the field on a stretcher after a sickening incident that saw his knee buckle underneath him.
Initial reports are that Walker suffered a dislocated kneecap, with coach Justin Longmuir fearing the injury will be long-term.
Pies thrive in second term to sink Freo | 01:31
Walker’s horror moment came shortly after star ruckman Sean Darcy limped to the bench earlier in the quarter and didn’t return to the field with what the club confirmed was an ankle injury.
He didn’t reappear on the bench until midway through the fourth quarter, emerging with crutches beside him. But Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said he was hopeful Darcy’s injury wasn’t serious.
“It was a bit of an innocuous injury, or the way it happened anyway,” Longmuir said.
“He’s gone over on his ankle. We’ll get him back and scan him.
“Hopefully it comes up alright.”
SYDNEY will be without Angus Sheldrick for a number of weeks after the youngster underwent surgery on his injured foot.
Coach John Longmire said Sheldrick sustained the injury against Richmond but didn’t go under the knife until Friday.
“He’s come out and had a pretty severe ankle injury, syndesmosis type of injury in the first quarter against Richmond, had an operation on Friday, so he’ll be out for a number of weeks unfortunately,” he confirmed.
Lewis Melican will also be sidelined with a hamstring issue that saw him subbed out of the win over the Western Bulldogs.
“Unfortunately Lewis Melican is going to be out for three to four weeks with a hamstring,” Longmire confirmed.
“He’s had a terrible run with soft tissue injuries, so he’ll miss a bit of footy.”
But Longmire said it was better news for Chad Warner.
“He did some training today, and the plan is to train him again on Wednesday and hopefully be available to play. Hopefully he gets through the second training session this week and he’s ready to go.”
