St Kilda defender Sam Gilbert has recovered strongly from the head knock he received in Sunday’s win over Fremantle and is a chance to face Richmond on Saturday night.
The 30-year-old stalwart was carried off Domain Stadium on a stretcher after having his arms pinned in a crunching tackle by Dockers key forward Cameron McCarthy.
Saints GM Football Performance Jamie Cox dismissed any concern regarding Gilbert’s neck and said he would undergo standard concussion protocols on Thursday before being cleared to face the Tigers.
“Our doctors took a lot of caution given they hadn’t had the chance to do a full scan of Sam on the ground,” Cox told saints.com.au on Tuesday night.
“The good news is he has recovered strongly and most of his symptoms have cleared.
“As normally happens with concussion, he’ll need to pass a test later in the week but at that minute things are looking really positive for ‘Gilbo’ to be available for the weekend.”
Emerging key forward Paddy McCartin also appears likely to be available for selection this weekend, although he will need to pass a final concussion test on Thursday before being declared fit.
After suffering three bouts of concussion last season, the 21-year-old sustained his first head knock of 2017 in a VFL game two weeks ago.
“Paddy McCartin missed last week with concussion. He started doing some physical training over the weekend and is looking strong as far as his work on the track,” Cox said.
“He’s got to pass his final concussion test on Thursday but he’s heading the right way and we’re hopeful that he’ll be available this weekend.”
Second-year half-back Brandon White and hard-nosed half-forward Nathan Wright both sat out the second half of Sandringham’s win over Werribee after suffering a concussion and corked calf respectively.
White and Wright are both likely to be available this weekend but will need to prove their fitness on Thursday before being cleared to play.
“Brandon White got a head knock in the game. It wasn’t a big knock but there was enough concern to pull ‘Whitey’ out of the second half of the game,” Cox said.
“He’s recovered pretty well but has to go through the right protocols to be available for football this week.
“There was some concern that ‘Wrighty’ might have strained a calf in the VFL game because he also missed the second half.
“The scans appear that it might be more of a corky and more of a knock to the calf. He’s recovering well and will face a test later in the week in the hope he’ll be available.”
Injury Update 4/7/17
Sam Gilbert (concussion) Test
David Armitage (groin) 3-4 weeks
Darren Minchington (foot) 6 weeks
Paddy McCartin (concussion) Test
Hugh Goddard (foot) Season
Brandon White (concussion) Test
Nathan Wright (calf) Test
