Injury Report | Demon duo sidelined

CHRISTIAN Salem and Jake Melksham have been sidelined after the duo sustained injuries during last Saturday’s match against Essendon.

Salem was removed from the game following an incident involving his foot, with the club’s AFL High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith providing an update on the defender.

“Unfortunately, scans have revealed that he sustained a small fracture in his foot,” Griffith said.

“He doesn’t require surgery and will progress conservatively. Once pain and function improve, we’ll begin to progress him through his return to play program.”

Melksham played out the remainder of the Round 5 match, but scans have unfortunately confirmed that the forward has suffered a syndesmosis injury.

“His injury doesn’t require surgery which is positive, and we’ll aim to progress him as his pain and function allows through a conservative management process,” Griffith said.

Trent Rivers continues to manage a knee concern and will remain on the sidelines over the next fortnight.

“Trent has been dealing with ongoing knee soreness,” Griffith said.

“We’ve continued to work with him to ensure that he can get back to the brand of football that we all love to see from him.

“Unfortunately, after the match simulation on the weekend, he’s pulled up with soreness, which means we’ll now focus on reconditioning his strength and power over the next two weeks.”

Changkuoth Jiath is nearing a return to football after missing the last two weeks with a calf strain.

“CJ has progressed well through his calf injury and will return to team skills this week, with the goal for him to be available to play next week,” Griffith said.

In positive news for Jake Bowey, the Demon is putting the final touches on his rehab of a Lisfranc injury sustained during pre-season.

“Jake has been progressing really well over the past few weeks and will integrate into team skills this week,” Griffith said.

“We’ll assess his return over the next two weeks.”

Young Demon Paddy Cross will also be looking at a return over the next few weeks as he progresses through a thumb injury.

“Paddy has returned to skill work following his thumb surgery,” Griffith said.

“He will progress through main group skills and contact training as pain and function allowed with his availability to be accessed next week.”

Shane McAdam (Achilles), Tom Campbell (neck) and Jack Viney (Achilles) all continue to work through their respective rehab programs.

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