Alix Tauru is set to make a return to football this week, the first time since being drafted into the AFL.
The 18-year-old joined the Saints with a stress fracture in his back, which he developed in the latter stages of the 2024 Coates Talent League season.
After a strong few months of rehabilitation, EGM Football David Misson said it was a pleasing sign to see Alix available this weekend.
“Alix has put in the hard yards over the summer to get his body right and it’s a great reward for effort to see him making his return to the game this weekend through the VFL,” Misson said.
“Being in the rehab group can be isolating for any player at times, let alone someone new to the system and to the club.
“Alix has been diligent and patient in his recovery, and we look forward to hopefully seeing him go from strength to strength from here.”
Dan Butler (Achilles) could also make his debut for the year, only requiring passing a fitness test at training this week to put himself in the frame for selection.
Jack Steele (knee), Liam Stocker (concussion), Max Heath (ankle), and Jimmy Webster (ankle) will also need to get the tick at training to make themselves available.
Hunter Clark is facing 1-2 weeks on the sidelines, with his return to play timeline confirmed following the abdominal injury he received against Geelong in Round 2.
Max King will not face Port Adelaide this weekend, however, remains in the frame for a Gather Round return from his knee injury.
Liam O’Connell and Alex Dodson have both entered concussion protocols after receiving respective head knocks on the weekend, while Jack Carroll is facing a month off the field to rehab a hamstring injury obtained in Sandringham’s Round 2 game against Richmond.
Mattaes Phillipou (leg), Dougal Howard (shoulder) and Paddy Dow (knee) all continue to make positive progress on their recovery journeys, with the trio still several weeks away.
INJURY LIST
Alix Tauru | Back | Available
Jimmy Webster | Ankle | Test
Liam Stocker | Concussion | Test
Dan Butler | Achilles | Test
Jack Steele | Knee | Test
Max Heath | Ankle | Test
Alex Dodson | Concussion | Protocols
Liam O’Connell | Concussion | Protocols
Max King | Knee | 1 week
Hunter Clark | Abdominal | 1-2 weeks
Jack Carroll | Hamstring | 4 weeks
Mattaes Phillipou | Leg | 4-5 weeks
Dougal Howard | Shoulder | 4-5 weeks
Paddy Dow | Knee | TBC
