Gold Coast speedster Jordan Murdoch is unlikely to play this weekend after injuring his quad in training last week.
Murdoch was a late scratching for the NEAFL match against Sydney Uni and Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull told the Alpha Sport Injury Update he would be monitored with a view to return in Round 19.
“Jordan completed training on Thursday night then presented with some tightness in his quad,” Bull said.
“After assessment that was revealed to be a low-grade quadriceps strain so we elected for him not to play in the NEAFL on the weekend.
“It’s likely he won’t play this weekend as well then we’ll look to resume him playing again in Round 19.”
Pre-season SSP signing Sam Fletcher made his comeback from his own quad injury in the NEAFL on the weekend where he had 18 disposals and 10 tackles.
“Sam returned after a few weeks out with his quad injury and played really well in the NEAFL,” Bull said.
“He got through really well so that’s exciting for Sam and hopefully he can build a few games moving forwards now.”
In more positive news, Josh Schoenfeld is expected to be available this weekend after completing rehab on his injured knee.
“Josh has done really well after his knee surgery so Josh will train fully with the team this week and then hopefully be available for selection on the weekend as well,” Bull said.
Late last week Stuart Dew revealed recently re-signed young gun Izak Rankine’s comeback had hit a snag. Rankine returned to football at NEAFL level after suffering a hamstring injury in the pre-season, however, a hip complaint has seen him miss the last two NEAFL matches.
“He’s got a bit of a sore hip at the moment, so were taking a real cautious track with him given its his first year in the system,” Dew said.
“We are just going very slow with him there’s no deadline on that, there’s no need for him to play AFL this year and at the moment we’ll just clear up his hip complaint and go from there.”
Jack Martin had successful surgery on a finger tendon last week. He will be reassessed in coming weeks for a clearer picture on his recovery and the likelihood of a return this season.
Click here for the full injury list.