WHILE Charlie Curnow, Brodie Kemp and Jacob Weitering weren’t named for the AAMI Community Series opener, the trio will be ready for Round 1. 

Bookends Curnow and Weitering have been managed for tomorrow night’s clash with Melbourne, while Kemp experienced some calf tightness earlier in the week. 

All three will be available for selection in a fortnight’s time for the traditional Thursday night contest against Richmond. 

Jack Carroll, Tom De Koning, Sam Docherty, Jack Martin, Harry McKay and Lachie Plowman will all feature in their first hitouts for the season at either AFL or VFL level tomorrow: the team news can be found here.

Here’s where things stand from an injury standpoint.

Charlie Curnow (rested)

Curnow was cleared of injury following last week’s practice match against St Kilda. He had some slight soreness in the days after the practice match, but was able to train earlier in the week and complete the session. The decision was made for Curnow to sit out of the AAMI Community Series game in order to best prepare and be fully fit for Round 1.

Jacob Weitering (rested)

Weitering had some soreness in the days following the practice match against St Kilda, but was also able to train earlier in the week. The decision was made for Weitering to sit out of the AAMI Community Series game in order to best prepare and be fully fit for Round 1.

Brodie Kemp (calf)

Kemp pulled up from last week’s practice match with some calf tightness: adopting the same approach taken with Curnow and Weitering, Kemp will sit out of the AAMI Community Series game in order to be available for Round 1.

Player

Injury

Update
Dominic Akuei Groin Akuei experienced some groin soreness a few weeks ago: he is back in the skills program after being monitored closely. He is expected to be available for the start of the season. (Update: 21 February)
Charlie Curnow Rested Cleared of injury following last week’s practice match against St Kilda. He had some slight soreness in the days after the practice match, but was able to train earlier in the week and complete the session. The decision was made to sit out of the AAMI Community Series game in order to best prepare and be fully fit for Round 1. (Update: 2 March)
David Cuningham Knee Cuningham is currently in a running program, with the aim to be available to play in the second half of the season. (Update: 21 February) 
Josh Honey Knee Honey underwent surgery last week on the illotibial band (ITB) around his knee. He is currently in a recovery phase ahead of integrating him into a running program: he is expected to be available to play after the first month of the season. (Update: 21 February) 
Brodie Kemp Calf Pulled up from last week's practice match with some calf tightness: he will sit out of the AAMI Community Series game in order to be available for Round 1. (Update: 2 March)
Caleb Marchbank Knee Marchbank has started integrating back into the skills program, with the aim to be available to play some level of football between Rounds 5-8 this season. (Update: 21 February) 
Liam Stocker Ankle Stocker underwent surgery before Christmas following an ankle syndesmosis injury, which was a higher grade than that of teammate Walsh. He is currently in a strong running phase of his rehabilitation, which he is continuing to focus on. He won’t be available for the practice games, with his availability to play to be assessed again at the start of the season. (21 February) 
Sam Walsh Ankle Walsh completed surgery last week following an ankle syndesmosis injury. In a recovery phase, he is wearing a moon boot post-surgery and has been ruled out for at least the first month of the season: his availability to play will be assessed after that time. (21 February)
Jacob Weitering Rested Had some soreness in the days following the practice match against St Kilda, but was able to train earlier in the week. The decision was made to sit out of the AAMI Community Series game in order to best prepare and be fully fit for Round 1. (Update: 2 March)