GAWN RETURNS FOR DEES TRAINING
MELBOURNE skipper Max Gawn is back to business.
The Demons ruck – who suffered a hamstring injury a fortnight ago – was back in full training at Gosch’s Paddock in a Monday morning session that beat the traffic.
Melbourne took to the track just after 8am, with Gawn embarking on full match simulation, including going toe-to-toe with ruck recruit Brodie Grundy. As the team prepared to travel to Seymour and Yea for its community camp, premiership player Christian Salem was restricted to walking laps and mild handball drills and is set to be sidelined as he deals with an ongoing thyroid issue.
The Demons said it was a problem the 27-year-old had been aware of and managing, with the condition affecting his heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. “Christian is currently undergoing treatment for an illness related to his thyroid gland,” Melbourne’s head doctor Laura Lallanec said, with the Demon also working with a specialist.
“Christian has had a similar issue in the past where his thyroid becomes overactive.
“He will continue to be monitored closely by his specialist and reintegrate into training as his thyroid levels stabilise.”
Lachie Hunter – who was traded to Melbourne at the end of last season – trained with the midfield group both in the centre against Jack Viney and also on the wing.
Kysaiah Pickett spent time in the middle and up forward, while star ball winner Clayton Oliver appeared visibly leaner.
The Demons are set to take on St Kilda in a match simulation session on February 24 before a practice match against Richmond on Saturday, March 4.