High Performance Manager Mat Inness provides an update on West Coast’s injured players ahead of round 18 against Brisbane
The West Coast Eagles have received mixed injury news, with Rhett Bazzo set for his first game for 2024 while in a disappointing result Elijah Hewett’s season is unfortunately over.
Hewett has developed some minor bone stress in his foot, separate to the area he underwent surgery on in March to remove an issue with his sesamoids.
The dynamic 20-year-old midfielder will require a period off legs which will preclude him from playing football for the remainder of the campaign.
“Elijah had a big return-to-play session last Thursday and had a really good session. Unfortunately, he had a bit of foot awareness post-session, so we did some investigation,” High Performance Manager Mat Inness told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“There’s low-level bone stress, which is not in the same spot as he had his original injury.
“With the time of the year, long-term athlete, we don’t want to take any risks with him so we’re going to take him off legs for a couple of weeks.”
Talented defender Bazzo has battled groin trouble this year but is ready to play following a strong training block.
“Really good news for Rhett Bazzo. He’s ready to play this week,” Inness said.
“We’ve got training on Thursday and assuming he gets through that we’ll see him out there on the weekend.”
Ruckman Matt Flynn (ankle) and midfielder Dom Sheed (hamstring) could also be available for Sunday’s game against Brisbane at Optus Stadium.
“’Flynny’s’ rolled ankle from a week-and-a-half ago, he was back out there running today so again he needs to tick some boxes before he’s cleared to play but he’s a test this weekend,” Inness said.
“Dom with his hamstring, if he gets through training on Thursday we’re hopeful he’ll play, but again he’s got some boxes to tick before he’s available.”
Speedy forward Jack Petruccelle is another week away from returning from his hamstring injury, while star defender Jeremy McGovern will also miss the Lions clash after suffering a punctured lung and fractured rib against Melbourne.
“’Petch’ with his hamstring, he got up to some good speed today. He is a high-speed athlete so we’ll need to re-load a little bit more speed into him so he won’t play this week,” Inness said.
“’Gov’ got the knock to his ribs in the last quarter on the weekend. With the internal injury he won’t play this week but in good news he’s making his way back to Perth.”
The club is continuing to investigate Callum Jamieson’s knee issue and will provide an update when available.