Melbourne star Clayton Oliver has been cleared to face Richmond in Round 7, while there is mixed news for a pair of sidelined key forwards ahead of this weekend’s AFL matches.
Oliver underwent minor surgery on his troublesome finger this month while the Demons enjoyed an extended 13-day break during their early season bye round.
The prolific on-baller successfully returned to main training this week and will play against the Tigers at the MCG on Wednesday night.
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“Clayton got the all-clear to sweat and integrate into training at the end of last week,” Melbourne high-performance boss Selwyn Griffith said on Monday.
“He trained really well and is available for selection for this week against Richmond.”
Defender Marty Hore (fractured thumb) is also available to return for Melbourne, while off-season recruit Shane McAdam will make his comeback through the VFL.
Former Adelaide forward McAdam is yet to play for the Demons after a delayed start to the season with a hamstring injury.
“Shane has done a power of work over the last couple of weeks,” Griffith said.
“He’s integrated into the main group, and we’re excited to see him play with the VFL this week.”
Richmond expect to be bolstered by the return of gun midfielder Jacob Hopper (knee) and defender Dylan Grimes (wrist) for the ninth edition of the marquee ‘Anzac Day Eve’ clash against the Demons.
Meanwhile, Western Bulldogs spearhead Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is no certainty to return for Saturday night’s clash against Fremantle.
Ugle-Hagan wasn’t at training on Monday after missing last Thursday night’s win over St Kilda because of personal reasons.
“He’ll need a big session Wednesday to twist coach Luke Beveridge’s arm at selection, but is on the back foot for the trip to play Fremantle, especially after Rory Lobb’s strong return,” 7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary said.
There’s better news for St Kilda with Max King on track to return from a knee injury for Friday night’s clash against Port Adelaide.
King just needs to get through main training on Wednesday to be ticked off.
Finally, Hawthorn speedster Changkuoth Jiath had been set to resume in the VFL on Saturday after recovering from the hamstring injury that hobbled him in February.
But after a solid week of training, he was a late withdrawal with a quad strain.
The 24-year-old has played 45 games since his 2019 debut, never managing more than 16 in a season.
The speedy wingman and halfback only played eight times last year because of calf and achilles problems.
He spent time at a sports medicine facility in Qatar during the off-season as the Hawks tried to rid him of his persistent soft-tissue injuries.
– With AAP
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