PRESSURE forward Tom Atkins is set to undergo surgery on an injured hand this week, which puts him in doubt for the final round of the home and away season.
Atkins played with the injury during the weekend’s clash with the Lions, but coach Chris Scott says it didn’t put him at risk of a prolonged absence.
“He has a slight issue with his hand that needs a really minor surgical procedure which will probably keep him out for this week,” Scott said.
“It’s not serious, if he doesn’t play this week he’ll play the next week in that pre-finals bye period, or would be available to play. He’s unlikely (this week) because of that surgery.”
“He played really well (on the weekend), but I’m not going to go into the specifics of how it happened. I think the question is around did he make it worse? The answer is a categoric no.”
“We’re really comfortable with our plan there and it’s actually a good outcome for what that issue could have been."
Atkins’ partner is crime in the forward half, Gary Rohan, could be ready for a swift return to football.
“It looks like he could be available this week,” Scott said.
"That’s not certain yet, but again if he doesn’t play this week then it’s nice to know we’ve got that (VFL) game up our sleeve."
Jordan Clark, who injured his elbow at training in early August, is showing positive signs in the early stages of his rehabilitation.
“He's moving well and the nature of those upper body injuries where the player can run, generally means they can come back a little quicker than if they lose some conditioning through not being able to run,” Scott says.
“My understanding is he won't be available this week, I think we’ve put a line through that, but the next fortnight we’re open minded to.”
“That’s tracking along ok but I don’t think there’s great clarity until they get to the next stage of their training and look at contact and that stuff, it’s a bit hard to predict.”
Lachie Fogarty is also on the improve after suffering a hamstring strain in the VFL.
“He had that minor hamstring strain which looks to be progressing really well so I don’t think this week is off the table. It’s probably more likely the next week,” Scott said.
The recently re-signed Nakia Cockatoo should be back in the VFL side this weekend after missing the previous two weeks with hamstring tightness.
“It looks as if he’ll play – which is a really good sign,” Scott said.
“We’re really conservative with him. He got a bit tight last week out of the blue. The decision was made early on not to play him. He’s recovered from that and trained really well so all signs point to him playing this week.”
Jordan Cunico will face an uphill battle to make his return this season after suffering a severe lower leg injury in early April.
“He’s not done but he’s lost a lot of training time now,” Scott said.
“We’re not in the position where we’d rule it (a return) out but he’s going to have to come to hand pretty quickly with his condition to be a chance, but we’re leaving that chance on the table.”
