Fremantle midfield recruit Nikki Gore will put her hand up for round one selection, while the Antonios are progressing well through their rehabilitation phases, according to AFLW Senior Physio Gabby Charlton.
In the Perth Radiological Clinic Injury Update ahead of Fremantle’s AFLW round one clash against Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday, Charlton said Gore would return to training on Tuesday evening after completing the AFL’s concussion protocols.
The recruit sustained a concussion in Freo’s pre-season practice match against Richmond on 6 August.
Livewire forward Makaela Tuhakaraina (shoulder) and defender Matilda Sergeant (foot) are tracking well in their returns, with Tuhakaraina expected to feature from the midway point in the season.
“Tux’ underwent shoulder surgery in our off-season and is progressing really well. She is about to return to full training,” Charlton said.
“She will be on track to return halfway through our home and away season.
“Tildi has had a bit of recent foot pain and it has shown up as a hotpot on the MRI scans.
“She will go through an offloading period and then transition into a reconditioning phase.”
Meanwhile, both Ebony Antonio (PCL) and Kara Antonio (hamstring) are progressing well in the early stages of their respective rehabilitation phases.
“Epps sustained that PCL injury in the West Coast game and is progressing through an 8–10-week conditioning phase at the moment,” Charlton said.
“Hopefully, we will see Epps towards the back end of the season.
“Juddy’ has begun some gym-based strengthening after her hamstring surgery, so she is progressing well through her reconditioning.”
Mikayla Morrison’s work in the gym is reaping the rewards as she looks to return in Season 8 next year from an ACL injury sustained in Fremantle’s round six clash against Calrton last season.
“Morro hit a big milestone a couple of weeks ago and returned to running for the first time after her surgery,” Charlton said.
“She has been working really hard over the past few months in the gym, so it’s really good to see that paying off.”
INJURY LIST
Nikki Gore (concussion) – Test
Makaela Tuhakaraina (shoulder) – 4-5 weeks
Matilda Sergeant (foot) – TBA
Ebony Antonio (PCL) – 8-10 weeks
Kara Antonio (hamstring) – TBA
Mikayla Morrison (ACL) – TBA
