Melbourne up and
Intense training has Demons fit and ready
MELBOURNE vice-captain Jack Viney expects Charlie Spargo to be “100 per cent” for the grand final, revealing the small forward had “pulled up fine” from a twisted ankle.
In what Viney described as a “heated hitout”, Spargo sent a scare through the Demons camp when he hurt his ankle during the key training session for the minor premiers at Perth’s Lathlain Park on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old, who has kicked 17 goals for the Demons this year, did not take any further part in the session but was on his feet with his boots off at the end of training.
Melbourne later confirmed Spargo had jarred his ankle.
The Demons said on Sunday Spargo had not required any scans or further treatment and would be able to take part in the club’s next training session on Monday.
Viney said Spargo, who has not missed a game for the Demons this year, had pulled up well from the injury scare.
“He has pulled up fine, he just had a little bit of a jar of his ankle,” Viney said.
“He required no further treatment or anything like that, they weren’t getting him scans or anything like that, it was just a jar or tweak of his ankle.
“I am sure he is a bit stiff this morning but ice it up and that’s what we deal with on a regular basis is getting little jars of fingers, knees, ankles etc.
“But he is a professional and I am sure he will be 100 per cent come Saturday.”
Melbourne defender Christian
Salem conceded last week that it would be a delicate balance for the Demons – between being match-hardened and avoiding injury in their match preparation – as they tried to counter just one game of football in three weeks.
Viney said the Demons’ session had been “heated” but the club needed to train hard to get the rewards.
“We had a pretty heated hitout last night,” Viney said.
“I am a pretty big believer in you have got to train hard to play well.
“So I gave it a real hot crack and that hopefully puts us in good stead in a week’s time.”
Meanwhile, the Western Bulldogs players were allowed to leave their hard quarantine conditions on Sunday morning and Dogs star Josh Dunkley used the new-found freedoms to catch up with friends and family.
“The clock ticked over at 9.30 and we’re allowed out of the hotel now for a bit of a coffee and a walk,” Dunkley told ABC radio.
“I’ve got family and stuff in WA so I’ve teed up a little bit of a walk with them.”
The Dogs also trained on Saturday but avoided a highintensity hitout like the Demons given they’ve played each week of the finals.
The week off before the grand final has paved the way for key defender
Alex Keath (hamstring) and small forward Cody Weightman (concussion) to recover to play.