Melbourne forward Koltyn Tholstrup has been dealt a lengthy injury blow on the cusp of the Demons' pre-season fixtures, set to miss a chunk of the home and away season.
Tholstrup enjoyed a solid debut season as a medium-sized forward, cracking into the senior side for 10 matches and kicking five goals.
The 19-year-old was on a modified program following his end-of-year review and was beginning to transfer back into full training before scans revealed "early signs" of bone stress.
The setback will cost Tholstrup up to 12 weeks of action, leaving the youngster on the sidelines until potentially Round 7.
Alan Richardson said the news was disappointing for the youthful Demon.
โKoltyn was on a modified training program following an end of year review and was coping well integrating back into training," Richardson said.
โAs part of his ongoing management, we conducted a follow up scan and unfortunately this identified early signs of bone stress. We expect this to keep him sidelined for the next 10 to 12 weeks.
โIt's disappointing news for Koltyn, but his long-term health and recovery remain our top priorities.โ
Meanwhile, Pick 11 of the 2024 Mid-Season Draft Luker Kentfield is progressing after a vicious spell of pneumonia, with the tall forward hospitalised due to its complications.
โOver the Christmas break whilst back home in Perth, Luker was struck down with a nasty bout of pneumonia. He unfortunately experienced some complications with this that involved a lengthy hospital stay,โ Richardson said.
โHe has been recovering at home for the past fortnight and will now slowly start to progress his day-to-day activity.
โWe look forward to welcoming him back into the club in the coming weeks."
Veteran Jake Melksham is facing a nervous wait on scans after a hamstring injury this week, but the severity is yet to be determined.
In positive news, skipper Max Gawn has returned to full training after recovering from a nasty larynx injury sustained in December.
The star ruckman spent six weeks with no contact but has since been permitted by specialists to resume regular training.
Jake Lever has also returned to full training after shoulder and knee surgeries this off-season, while star midfielder Christian Petracca is making strides towards resuming full training after a rib crack.
Judd McVee and Kade Chandler are set to begin integrating into contact drills from their respective foot and AC joint injuries, while backup ruck Tom Fullarton will continue to manage his hamstring concern in the rehab group.
