Initial scans have cleared utility James Podsiadly of structural damage to his back.
Podsiadly, 33, sustained a knock to his back in the third quarter of Adelaide’s SANFL game against North Adelaide on Saturday. He was assisted from the field by trainers and didn’t take any further part in the match.
Crows Head of Football David Noble said the early signs were good for Podsiadly.
“We’re pleased to say there’s nothing structurally wrong with James’ back. The initial diagnosis is some severe bruising. It’s really good news for James and the Club,” Noble said.
“We’re not sure where that places him as far as playing in the next week or two, but we’ll assess that with the doctor in the coming days.”
All-Australian Brodie Smith will need to need to follow concussion protocols, which will determine his availability for Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at Adelaide Oval.
Smith was taken from the ground on a stretcher in the fourth quarter against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. The wingman was concussed when he was slung in a tackle and his head made contact with the leg of an opponent.
Initial assessments have also cleared Smith of any structural damage.
“Brodie sang the song after the game and he travelled home with the team, so that was a pleasing sign,” Noble said.
“He’ll continue to follow the protocols from the doctor this week in regards to the concussion. He’ll simply be a day-by-day assessment and we’ll be completely guided by the Club medicos.”
Midfielder Sam Kerridge (hamstring) could also be available for selection this weekend. Kerridge hasn’t played at any level since Adelaide’s opening NAB Challenge game in Port Lincoln.
The news isn’t as good for draftee Harry Dear.
Dear, 18, dislocated his shoulder in a collision during the Club’s SANFL match at Prospect Oval.
Noble said the key forward would require further assessment to determine the extent of the injury.
“Unfortunately, Harry Dear looks like he’s done some damage to his shoulder,” Noble said.
“We’ve got to get Harry into see a specialist to assess what the structural damage is. It doesn’t look great at this stage, but we’ll get a little bit more confirmation on what that means going forward.
“He’s probably going to be (at the) longer (end of the scale) than shorter.”
Recruit Luke Lowden won’t be available to bolster Adelaide’s big man stocks for about another month.
Lowden is being managed carefully as he recovers from a nagging Achilles complaint.
“Luke came to the Club with some Achilles issues and we’ve been managing that with him. It’s sort of been one step forward, half a step back with Luke when we want to increase the workload,” Noble said.
“We’re taking a bit more of a conservative approach. It looks like it’ll probably be around 4-6 weeks to get the conditioning up that we need for Luke to play at State League level as a starting point.”
The SANFL Crows forward line could be boosted by the inclusion of Mitch McGovern soon.
McGovern’s training load was carefully managed over the pre-season, but he’s progressed to full training and is expected to make his SANFL debut in the coming fortnight.
“It’s pleasing for Mitch. He’s started to train with the main group over the last week or two,” Noble said.
“We think he’ll progress into our State League team, with a bit of luck, this week. If not it’ll be the following week.”
Brad Crouch (foot), Riley Knight (ankle), Sam Siggins (buttock) and Rory Atkins (knee) continue to make progress in their returns from injury. Defenders Andy Otten (knee), Sam Shaw (hamstring) and Brent Reilly (fractured skull) remain longer-term propositions.
Injury List as of Monday, April 13
Brodie Smith (concussion) – Test
Sam Kerridge (hamstring) – Test
Sam Siggins (buttock) – 3-4 weeks
Luke Lowden (Achilles) – 4-6 weeks
Brad Crouch (foot) – 5-6 weeks
Riley Knight (ankle) – 6-7 weeks
Rory Atkins (knee) – 6-7 weeks
James Podsiadly (back bruising) – TBA
Harry Dear (shoulder) – TBA
Andy Otten (knee) – TBA
Sam Shaw (hamstring) – TBA
Brent Reilly (fractured skull) – TBA
