Training scare but Spargo’s on track
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 an ankle injury scare.
In what Viney described as a “heated hitout”, Spargo sent a scare through the Demons camp when he appeared to twist his ankle during the key training session for the minor premiers at Mineral Resources 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 told ABC radio. “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 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 in three weeks.
Viney said the Demons’ session had been “heated” but the club needed to train hard to get the rewards in the premiership decider against the Western Bulldogs.
“We had a pretty heated hitout last night,” Viney said.
“I am a pretty big believer in you have 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.”
Viney said he would like all squad members awarded a premiership medallion as he declared the Demons would be “giving their all” in the grand final for club stalwart Nathan Jones.
Jones arrived home to Melbourne with just hours to spare last Sunday morning to see Odie Reign and Dove Margot born. The 33-year-old officially announced his retirement after a 302-game career last week.
Viney said the Demons would be playing with the thought of Jones
“I got in touch with Nathy, he had a pretty quick exit to get there for the birth of his twins,” Viney said. “He is such a legend of the footy club for such a long time and had to make a really tough decision so we want to be giving it our all on Saturday. It’s a shame he is not going to be up here with us.”