Carlton Blues star Sam Walsh to return from back injury in round five

The former No.1 draft pick is expected to play his first game of the season when undefeated Carlton face Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Walsh has sat out the first four games of 2024 due to a back injury.

The 23-year-old had back surgery after the end of the 2022 season and there were fears he might need another operation.

But Voss and the club have been adamant all along Walsh would return sooner rather than later and they were just being careful with one of their best players.

“(I’m) very happy that the Sam Walsh questions will now be over, that is a victory in itself,” Voss told SEN on Tuesday.

“With Sam there was a lot of speculation, the reality is they had to get through some milestones.

“Grateful to have him available and it’ll be great to have him out there. They took their time with his recovery.”

Injury-hit Richmond could be boosted by the return of defender Dylan Grimes for their clash with winless West Coast.

Grimes is listed as a test for Sunday’s game after struggling with a wrist injury.

Three-time premiership midfielder Dion Prestia remains three weeks from returning as he recovers from his latest hamstring injury, as does Jacob Hopper with a knee issue.

Pendlebury fractures rib, in doubt for next match

Scott Spits

Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury fractured a rib during last Sunday’s narrow win over Hawthorn but might not miss a match with the Magpies having the bye.

The former captain was injured during the second quarter at Adelaide Oval and restricted to 36 per cent game time.

Collingwood withstood Hawthorn’s final-quarter comeback and improved to a 2-3 record. Their next match is against Port Adelaide at the MCG on April 20.

“Scans have confirmed Scott Pendlebury sustained a rib fracture during the second quarter of Sunday’s Gather Round match,” the club said in a statement.

“The 388-gamer will be monitored across Collingwood’s bye week and will be assessed to determine his availability for the Magpies’ round-six clash against Port Adelaide.

“A further update will be provided next week.”

Nathan Krueger has also had a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for another two to four weeks.

The club said the 24-year-old suffered a minor calf strain.