AFL
McDonald set for surgery

Heath Chapman could be in line to return to football this weekend, according to High Performance Manager Phil Merriman.

The 22-year-old defender is a chance to play minutes with Peel in their WAFL clash with Subiaco this Sunday, pending how he pulls up from training this week.

If proven fit, it would mark an important milestone in Chapman’s recovery from a hamstring issue as he looks to work his way back into Fremantle’s starting line-up.

“Heath has had a few focuses in the gym that are slightly different to the norm in regard to reconditioning,” Merriman said.

“He’s been progressing with all his football loads really well, so he will be a test to play minutes at Peel this week.”

Sean Darcy could return to AFL level next weekend against Port Adelaide, with a return to full training expected for the ruckman next week.

Meanwhile, young winger Nathan O’Driscoll is also in line to return to football this weekend after recovering from his knee injury.

“Sean is progressing well, he will have an introduction into football this week at training and then have a full training week next week with an eye on returning against Port Adelaide,” Merriman said. 

“Driz is going really well and will have a full week of training this week. He’s a test to play this week.”

01:45

Perth Radiological Clinic Injury Update | Round 4

High Performance Manager Phil Merriman discusses the current state of our injury list with some encouraging updates on Sean Darcy, Heath Chapman, Nathan O'Driscoll and Karl Worner

Merriman also provided further updates on Karl Worner (concussion) and Ethan Stanley (ankle).

“Karl’s health and wellbeing are paramount to us, he is still going as planned but we want to make sure we tick every box and he gets through every session perfectly,” Merriman said.

“At this stage he is a test to play.

“Ethan is good to go, he will be a test to play if he gets through the training sessions and we hope he will play at Peel this week.”

Forward Sam Sturt has also been listed as a test for selection this week after not playing at either AFL or WAFL level over the weekend due to a hamstring concern.

ROUND FOUR INJURY LIST
Heath Chapman (hamstring) – test
Sam Sturt (hamstring) test
Nathan O’Driscoll (knee) – test
Ethan Stanley (ankle) – test
Karl Worner (concussion) – test
Sean Darcy (knee) – 1 week
Corey Wagner (calf) – 2 weeks
Brennan Cox (hamstring) - 10-12 weeks
Oscar McDonald (knee) – TBC
Odin Jones (concussion) – TBC
Josh Corbett (hip) – Season
Sebit Kuek (knee) - Season