Adelaide defender Wayne Milera has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old suffered a stress fracture in his foot in late June and was subsequently ruled out for two months.

Crows Head of Science and Medicine Steve Saunders said the decision was made with Milera’s long-term future in mind.

“Prior to making the decision to progress him into contact training, Wayne had a CT scan that showed the healing wasn’t quite at the level we’d have liked,” Saunders said.

“While the foot is feeling good, we’re not happy with it structurally, so we’re going to hold him back until next season.

“He’s progressed well clinically, in terms of what he’s able to do… but the scan has shown the bone healing is not at the level.

“Wayne understands we don’t want to take a risk with him (and) won’t attempt to play again this year.”

Milera will require a standard bone graft to aid his healing.

“A bone graft is a common procedure utilised to augment or stimulate better bone healing,” Saunders said.

Small forward Lachlan Murphy is a “good chance” to face GWS on Tuesday, following a shoulder knock against the Hawks.

“Lachie’s shoulder is pretty sore,” Saunders said.

“He was able to complete the game but had restricted overhead function. We’ll be seeing how he progresses through the week to determine if he’s ready to play GWS.

“We think he’s a good chance (for GWS). The next week (against Carlton) should pretty much be a lock for Lachy.”

A return date for versatile forward Ben Davis is yet to be determined.

“Ben’s foot is progressing well, he’s started some light running on the anti-gravity boost treadmill today (Thursday),” Saunders said

“Ben is touch and go on if he returns to play… it’s most likely he won’t. But we’ll continue the conservative management program we have in place at the moment to assess him on a week-to-week basis.”

Young Crow Will Hamill has been cleared to return and will take part in a scratch match with Port Adelaide on Friday.

Following a conservative approach, he is likely to be available for selection again in Round 17.

 “Will is going very well. The decision was made to spend a little bit more time gradually progressing his contact training and build a volume of work,” Saunders said. 

“While he’s medically available, we’re taking a longer-term view.”

Senior forward Tom Lynch has a similar return timeline to Hamill. 

“Tom (Lynch) is pressing us for availability against GWS, but we’ll hold Tom out until Carlton.”

Young defender Andrew McPherson should be available for selection, pending the next week of training.

“Andrew has had two really good weeks of training on the track,” Saunders said.

“He should be right to go against GWS. We’ll monitor a few indicators of his over the week.”

Injury list as of September 3

Andrew McPherson - Hamstring (test)
Lachlan Murphy - Shoulder (test)
Tom Lynch - Hamstring (1 week)
Ben Davis - Foot (TBC)
Wayne Milera - Foot (season)
Tom Doedee - Hamstring (season)
Jordan Gallucci - Achilles (season)