Carlton Blues

Carlton provide latest on key pair as Giants sweat on star’s fitness after scan: AFL finals injury news

The latest on the injury front for two of this week’d preliminary finalists ๐Ÿ‘‡

Published by
Mitch Keating

Carlton are expecting to have star pair Sam Docherty and Harry McKay available for Saturday's trip to Brisbane for their preliminary final against the Lions.

Docherty suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first half of last week's two-point win over Melbourne but was able to play out the match after some assistance from club trainers prior to the main break.

The former Blues captain would look to have little issue with the ailment in seeing out the thrilling win, with Docherty even winning a crucial contest on the wing in the dying stages to assist Blake Acres' game-winning goal with less than a minute on the clock.

On Monday evening Carlton confirmed they expect Docherty to be fit to face Brisbane on Saturday afternoon, while the surging Blues are also in line to regain key forward McKay for the penultimate match of the year.

McKay would miss the win over the Demons due to a concussion sustained in Carlton's elimination final victory against the Swans, having entered the mandatory concussion protocols that will come to an end before the weekend.

The 2021 Coleman Medal winner is on track to be cleared to face the Lions as he works through the final days of his rehabilitation from the head knock.

Carlton will also have Jack Martin available this week after the Blues forward had his two-game suspension halved at the AFL Tribunal last week.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 02 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 24, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Blues did not name either Jacob Weitering (head/neck) or Blake Acres (shoulder) in their injury update despite injury concerns from last Friday's win.

Elsewhere, GWS coach Adam Kingsley is confident breakout ruckman Kieren Briggs will face Collingwood for his side's preliminary final following a shoulder injury sustained in the Giants' semi-final win over Port Adelaide.

Briggs was left hampered by the issue on Saturday night but would sit out the end of the game, spelling some concern for the in-form big man.

Speaking onย Fox Footyย on Monday night, Kingsley revealed Briggs is still needing to prove his fitness over the coming days but is expected to line up against the Magpies at the MCG on Friday.

"He had a scan today, it feels like it's on the minor scale of shoulder injuries," Kingsley said.

"He'll train on Wednesday, our main session. We expect him to play.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Tom Green and Kieren Briggs of the Giants celebrate Briggs kicking a goal during the round 12 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Richmond Tigers at GIANTS Stadium, on June 04, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

"Marginally (less than 100% fit), I think he'll be fine. I think he will still be able to perform, if he isn't able to perform we won't play him. I would think he's good to go."

Briggs aside, the Giants will enter this week with a near-full-strength side for their preliminary final clash with minor premiers Collingwood.

GWS regained ex-skipper Stephen Coniglio for their meeting with the Power, with the Giants midfielder putting together a best-afield performance to help steer the New South Wales side to a top four finish under their first-year coach.

2023-09-22T09:50:00Z
Published by
Mitch Keating