Accident Ward, Injury Update, Tarryn Thomas, North Melbourne, Matt Crouch, Broken Leg, Nic Naitanui West Coast, Jaeger O’Meara, Fremantle Dockers

Adelaide suffered a blow on the eve of the first round when veteran midfielder Matt Crouch broke his leg in a training accident.

While West Coast and Fremantle will sweat over the fitness of two of their star veterans, North Melbourne are trying to recover from the loss of defender Ben McKay.

Get the latest injury news ahead of Round 1.

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NORTH MELBOURNE‘S Tarryn Thomas suffered fears of injury on his return to a VFL training game just weeks after retiring from the club.

Thomas unluckily landed on his ankle late in Saturday’s game and had to be assisted from the field.

Footage after the game shows Thomas’ visibly swollen ankle, with scans due to come on Monday.

“I think it might just have been an tweak,” said Kangaroos teammate Daniel Howe.

“I thought he was pretty outstanding (on his return).

“You can see the talent he has.

“We will support him in any way we can and we hope he can return to the field as soon as possible.”

Currently, Thomas is not available for AFL selection until he completes a respectful behavior program.

The controversial rising star has been sacked after being charged over an alleged “revenge porn” image.

The Roos will already do without star defenders Ben McKay for round 1 due to a right foot complaint.

Scans confirmed McKay had suffered from bone stress and the club had banned him from the start of the season.

“Ben’s preparation for the season has been smooth, so this is unfortunate news on the eve of the first round,” said Todd Viney, Roos’ general manager of football.

“Our immediate focus is to ensure Ben’s symptoms settle down. His rehab program will continue to evolve with the aim of bringing him back into the training program when the time comes.”

Adelaide midfield player Matt Crouch has been ruled out indefinitely after breaking his leg in training last week.

The 27-year-old was examined following the blow to his right leg on Friday, where it was confirmed he had a “minor fracture of the fibula”.

“Matt will spend the weekend resting and we will re-examine him in 48 hours to assess the injury,” said Crows high performance manager Darren Burgess.

“It’s unfortunate timing as he’s had a strong pre-season so far but luckily the injury shouldn’t disrupt his season too much.”

No return-to-play date was given for Crouch.

Crouch, a 2017 All Australian, had been hoping to reclaim his spot in the Crows’ roster after a frustrating 2022 season that saw him finish the year in the SANFL.

WEST COAST veteran Nic Naitanui will miss Round 1 as he struggles to get over Achilles pain.

Nine News Perth report the Ruck star will miss North Melbourne clash after it took him ‘longer than expected’

Naitanui did not train with teammates on Friday as he completed a series of small running drills under the watchful eyes of Eagles medical staff.

“Nine News understands that Naitanui will not be able to face the Kangaroos and may miss more games,” said reporter Paddy Sweeney.

The injury hits leave the Eagles in ruck stocks while Bailey Williams is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

That leaves nine-man Callum Jamieson carrying the rucksacks against the tall trees of North Melbourne – led by veteran Todd Goldstein.

The Eagles are still hopeful going forward Jack darling is recovering from an ankle injury sustained last month.

FREMANTLE could take on St Kilda without a veteran Michael Walters while fighting a calf complaint.

Coach Justin Longmuir believes he will have his star striker available despite Walters missing preseason clashes.

“He ticked every box so let’s hope he’s available for Round 1,” he said.

“If not then we’re really confident he’ll be right for Round 2.”

Jaeger O’Meara another remains in a race to get fit after limping with an ankle problem from Dockers’ intraclub match on Saturday.

Luke Jackson, Luke Ryan (back and Michael Frederick (Quad) are expected to all be available for selection.

GEELONG have yet to officially rule out tom hawkin from her blockbuster round one with Collingwood.

Hawkins underwent foot surgery after the big win in the final and had to pause for the first few rounds.

But they will be without Sam Menegola (Knee), jack henry (foot) and Jake Kolodyashniy (Concussion).

“Tom’s doing most of the main training and moving really well and freely so again that’s going to be something from our coaching staff and Scotty and the game committee have to sit down and work through what that looks like,” Cats Footy boss Simon told Lloyd .

“But as we’ve always said for all of our players, we will always keep the longer-term picture and the player’s best interests in mind.”

Opponent COLLINGWOOD will be without Pat Lipinsky after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury last week.

“We are disappointed in Pat who has undergone his second shoulder surgery in six months,” said Graham Wright, GM of Football, Collingwood.

“The expectation is that he will be out of the selection frame by the time he’s gone mid-season.”

GOLD COAST captain Touk Miller has declared himself a safe starter for the Suns’ season opener against GWS despite missing both preseason games.

Miller contracted “sore” from an intra-club hitout last month and has since been sidelined.

“I trained on Saturday while the boys played and felt fantastic,” he said.

“I now have two normal weeks and I am ready for the first round.

“If it had been in season I would have played last weekend.”

Young WESTERN BULLDOGS Round 1 Bolter Arthur Jones remains doubtful after an adductor injury.

7NEWS’ Mitch Cleary reports that Jones was injured in practice on Saturday.

“Incredibly unfortunate timing,” Cleary said.

said Cleary Cody Weightman was also racing against the clock because of his own adductor problem.

CARLTON expect Jesse Motlop to be fit in time for their blockbuster Round 1 against Richmond.

The small forward was put on a modified training program due to a calf problem.