Experienced defender Luke Brown is set to have season-ending surgery on his left Achilles.

The 28-year-old has had an interrupted season playing 11 of a possible 16 games and the decision to have surgery was made in consultation with Club medical staff and specialists.

“While it’s disappointing for Luke to have his season end prematurely, this will put him in the best position to be able to attack the next pre-season and get his Achilles right for next year,” Head of Football Adam Kelly said.

“He has scar tissue around the Achilles which can be attributed to an old ankle injury.

“The good news is Luke’s Achilles tendon is healthy and the surgical intervention will be debridement of tissue around his Achilles and posterior ankle and we anticipate a smooth recovery.”

Fellow defender Tom Doedee is currently in the AFL’s concussion protocol after being subbed out of Friday night’s loss to Essendon with suspected concussion.

Doedee was involved in a collision in a marking contest in the first quarter and suffered blurred vision when being assessed in the rooms. He also has bruising to his chest.

“Tom is observing the AFL’s concussion protocols after being subbed out of the game against Essendon on Friday night with concussive symptoms,” Kelly said.

“He will undertake ongoing medical assessment throughout this week.”

Key forward Taylor Walker continues to progress well in his recovery from a neck strain and muscle strain in his chest following a collision in the Round 16 loss to Brisbane.

Walker was ruled out of Friday’s game against Essendon but the discomfort in his chest and neck is improving each day as is his range of motion.

“Taylor trained on Saturday and is expected to be integrated into training with the group from Tuesday,” Kelly said.

“The plan will be for him to train again on Thursday but it will be dependent on how he continues to recover.”

Midfielder Matt Crouch is making strong progress in rehabilitation from groin surgery and trained with the main group last Thursday.

A more definitive return to play date will be set after this week’s sessions but he may be available for selection earlier than has been forecast over recent weeks. 

“We’re really happy with the progress that Matt has been making, he is running strongly and there is a chance he may be available to return to football earlier than anticipated,” Kelly said.

“We have maintained a cautious approach with him throughout the season and a decision on when he is ready to play will become clearer later this week.”

Wingman Paul Seedsman suffered a corked calf against the Bombers but is expected to train on Tuesday and is likely to be available for selection to play West Coast.

Injury list as of July 13:

Taylor Walker (neck, chest) Test
Tom Doedee (concussion protocol)
Matt Crouch (groin) 1-2 weeks
Daniel Talia (foot) TBC
Luke Brown (Achilles) season
Wayne Milera (knee) season
Mitch Hinge (shoulder) season