Adelaide utility Wayne Milera Junior has avoided immediate surgery to the AC joint he injured in the Crows victory over Gold Coast on Easter Sunday.
The 21-year-old sustained the injury in a heavy collision with Gold Coast’s Pearce Hanley and is expected to miss the next month as a result.
After initial concerns the AC joint would require surgery, Crows General Manager of High Performance Matt Hass said the joint had settled over the past 48 hours.
“We’ve had scans this morning [Tuesday] and met with a specialist so at this point in time we’re really happy with how the joint has settled from a pain and function point of view,” he said.
“For the next four or five days, we’ll take a conservative approach and re-assess after that.
“We’ll then have to make a decision whether we continue with conservative management or get it surgically repaired.”
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Hass said if conservative management is successful, Milera could return-to-play after four weeks.
“However, should it need surgery it’ll be longer than that… it’s hard to put a specific time frame to it but around the two month mark,” Hass said.
Young Crows Chayce Jones and Ned McHenry will both be available for selection this week after overcoming concussion symptoms sustained last weekend.
“Chayce has cleared all the concussion tests he needs to, so he’s back in full training and is allowed to have contact so he’ll be available for this weekend,” Hass said.
“Similar to Chayce, Ned has passed everything he needs to and will also be available.”
Forward Shane McAdam faces a test this week and possible return to play as he recovers from a calf injury sustained in the Crows SANFL side’s second trial match back in March.
Injury list as of Tuesday, April 23
McAdam (Calf) – Test
Milera (AC Joint) – TBC
McPherson (Hamstring) – 1-2 weeks
Brown (Ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Seedsman (Knee) – 2-5 weeks
Douglas (Syndesmosis) – 4 weeks
Jacobs (Knee) – 4-6 weeks
Doedee (ACL) – Season
