High Performance Manager Mat Inness provides an update on West Coast’s injured players ahead of round 12 against St Kilda
Speedy forward Jack Petruccelle and big men Callum Jamieson and Harry Barnett are set to be available to return from injury this weekend.
Petruccelle has missed the past two matches after suffering an ankle injury against Collingwood in round nine.
The 25-year-old should be available to face St Kilda and Alex Witherden is listed as a test after suffering calf tightness during last round’s loss to Adelaide.
“’Petch’ has been going really well. He’s been getting up to max speed, he’ll join in training on Thursday and if he gets through he’ll play this week,” High Performance Manager Mat Inness told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“’Witho’ had some calf tightness throughout the game. He played to three-quarter time and we subbed him out as a precaution, so he’ll be a test this week.”
Jamieson (hamstring) has been out of action since he was a late withdrawal from the round five win over Richmond, while Barnett has missed a month due to shin soreness.
“’Jamo’ and Harry have been in training for the last week or so,” Inness said.
“Again, assuming they get through training, we’ll see them in the WAFL as well.”
West Coast has lost Luke Edwards to concussion protocols after an incident early in the WAFL Eagles’ win over Claremont.
“Unfortunately for Luke at the first bounce of the WAFL he got a head knock, so he didn’t play any further part in the game and he’ll miss this week in the concussion protocol,” Inness said.
Meanwhile, young gun Elijah Hewett now has a timeline to aim for in his return from foot surgery.
“Elijah Hewett is back running. The last week has been really good for him,” Inness said.
“We’ve put a timeline, still six-to-eight weeks away, but if everything goes to plan we’ll see him back later on in the season.”
In more good news, co-captain Oscar Allen is closing in on his long-awaited comeback from a knee problem within two weeks.
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Knee 2 weeks
Rhett Bazzo Groin 4-5 weeks
Luke Edwards Concussion Protocols 1-2 weeks
Elijah Hewett Foot 6-8 weeks
Noah Long Knee Season
Jack Petruccelle Ankle Test
Alex Witherden Calf Test