Speedy utility Jayden Hunt is a chance to return against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, with replacements to be required for Elliot Yeo, Jake Waterman and Noah Long following a spirited loss to Essendon.
Hunt is a test to play after managing a toe injury and some other ailments, while Waterman (concussion protocols) and Yeo (groin) are only expected to be sidelined for the short-term.
Long has damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee, but a return-to-play timeframe won’t be known until it is determined whether he requires surgery.
“’Hunty’ missed last week with a bit of a toe injury. He will be a test for this week, so we’re hoping he gets up, but he’ll be a test later in the week,” High Performance Manager Mat Inness told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“’Yeoy’ got a low-level groin strain out of the weekend. He did run today and he ran pretty well, but he will miss this week.
“In the last 90 seconds of the game, Jake copped a head knock, unfortunately failed the concussion (assessment) so he will miss this week, too.
“’Longy’ unfortunately hurt his knee in a tackle. His PCL has been damaged. We’ll put a process around him over the next couple of days and give an update shortly.”
Young midfielder Zane Trew will miss another week in the concussion protocols, with emerging tall Harry Barnett (shin) facing a short stint out managing a stress reaction.
Ruck recruit Matt Flynn (knee) is closing in on his first game for the club in two-to-three weeks.
“’Trewy’ has been a little bit slower through the concussion protocols so again he’ll miss this week but hopefully after this he’ll be OK,” Inness said.
“Last week Harry Barnett reported a little bit of shin soreness. We picked up some low level bone stress early on, which is good and we’re hoping he’s back in the next week or two.
“’Flynny’ is progressing really well. He’s been doing some ruck contests and now he’s building up his load from that point-of-view.
“He’s in the majority of training so it’s just the high-level drills he has to progress to, but he’s going really well and will be back in the next couple of weeks too.”
Oscar Allen (knee) was back running at Mineral Resources Park this week in a positive step in his progress.
“Oscar is back outside running, which is great news for him,” Inness said.
“Again, over the next few weeks he’ll keep progressing and come into drills.”
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Knee 4-5 weeks
Harry Barnett Shin 2-3 weeks
Rhett Bazzo Groin 4-6 weeks
Matt Flynn Knee 2-3 weeks
Elijah Hewett Foot Post-bye
Jayden Hunt Toe Test
Cullum Jamieson Hamstring 3-4 weeks
Noah Long Knee TBC
Zane Trew Concussion Protocol 1 week
Jake Waterman Concussion Protocol 1-2 weeks
Elliot Yeo Groin 1-2 weeks
