Collingwood refusing to rule Steele Sidebottom out of Round One despite lingering calf issue
Collingwood is still refusing to rule star midfielder Steele Sidebottom out of their Round One clash against the Western Bulldogs despite a calf injury.
Sidebottom was forced out of the club's pre-season clash against Richmond early, and initially appeared to be in major doubt to face the Bulldogs, with the injury sustained two weeks out from the season opener.
The 30-year-old was reduced to walking laps this week at training, but the club is adamant that he remains a 50-50 proposition to take the field next week.
While Sidebottom's availability remains up in the air, Collingwood looks set to have Taylor Adams in its side after the midfielder was involved in his first full match simulation since injuring his hamstring in early February.
Steele Sidebottom was reduced to walking laps this week after injuring his calf against Richmond Getty
Collingwood's Round One opponent also has its own concerns, with defender Hayden Crozier set to miss the first two months of the season after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury he suffered in the pre-season.
Crozier injured his AC joint in Monday's AAMI Community Series win over Melbourne, and the club confirmed that he had gone under the knife.
"The surgery went well and we'll concrete his timeframe for return in the next couple of days," the Bulldogs' head of medical services, Chris Bell said in a club statement.
"But expect Hayden to miss the next six to eight weeks of footy."
Hayden Crozier has been a mainstay in the Bulldogs' defence since moving over from Fremantle Getty
In better news for the Bulldogs, star forward Aaron Naughton and youngster Laitham Vandermeer are expected to be available after copping knocks during the Demons clash.
Carlton is confident that star forward Harry McKay will be in its line-up to face Richmond next Thursday despite an early exit in the Blues' pre-season loss to St Kilda.
McKay suffered an ankle injury and was one of three players including Jacob Weitering (hip) and Jack Newnes (hip) to come out of the game under an injury cloud.
The trio of players both did light skills work at training on Tuesday and are likely to be available.
Harry McKay is vital to the Blues' forward set-up with Charlie Curnow and Mitch McGovern still out Getty
Carlton's Round One opponent, Richmond, is also likely to field a near-full strength team in the season opener, with Bachar Houli the only real doubt for the reigning premiers.
Houli is still dealing with the calf injury he courageously played through in October's grand final and is unlikely to face the Blues.
However, fellow premiership stars Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch are expected to face Carlton despite sitting out the club's pre-season clash against Collingwood last week.
Beaten grand finalists Geelong are also sweating on the fitness of one of its veterans, with Mitch Duncan still no certainty to be ready for Round One.
Bachar Houli is still paying the price for courageously playing through a calf injury in the grand final Getty
The 29-year-old is facing a race against time to be fit as he attempts to overcome a calf injury sustained during the summer.
Duncan has resumed running, but having missed the Cats' pre-season win over Essendon, will need to convince the team's medical staff to give him the green light to return to AFL action immediately.
Luke Dahlhaus (groin) and Esava Ratugolea (leg) are both likely to be available for the clash against Adelaide, while Rhys Stanley will have cleared the AFL's 12-day concussion protocol by the time the March 20 clash rolls around.
