PORT ADELAIDE has announced all but seven players are in contention to play in the annual Family Day intra-club trial match at Alberton this Saturday.
Matthew Broadbent, Jared Polec, Lindsay Thomas, Chad Wingard and Steven Motlop are being managed on their returns from injuries while Robbie Gray and Jack Watts have been granted leave to attend weddings.
The Power’s Head of High Performance, Ian McKeown, says he hasn’t put a date on Broadbent’s return from an ankle injury but won’t take any risks.
“We’re taking a longer-term approach with Matthew because of his history with that ankle,” McKeown said.
“He first hurt the joint in a freak training mishap in June last year. The rehab from that was fairly routine but he aggravated the injury after making a comeback and the decision was made to bring his 2017 season to an early end so he could have surgery.
“After returning to training this year the syndesmosis in his ankle was still giving him some discomfort so we’re monitoring it closely to ensure he makes a full recovery.”
Polec, Thomas, and Wingard are increasing their training loads after hamstring issues and Motlop is managing a sore groin.
McKeown says these players are all progressing well but won’t be rushed into competitive matches.
“When players of their experience report any soreness at this time of year we’re especially cautious to give them the best chance of an injury-free season,” McKeown said.
McKeown says Watts and Robbie Gray are aiming to play in Thursday night’s inaugural AFLX tournament at Hindmarsh Stadium after missing the trial match.
The Alberton gates will open at
More on portadelaidefc.com.au...
