Apart from the anticipated aches that accompany the first competitive match for the year, McKenzie said he was pleased with how the players recovered – including Dale Morris in his first senior hit-out after 18 months on the sidelines.
“There’s the typical bumps and bruises and general soreness that we expected after a first hit out but overall really pleased and no major injuries, so very happy,” McKenzie said.
“[Morris has] pulled up really well, very happy with his return - I think he was pleased to play a game and get through.
“He recovered great. No soreness at all.”
Noteable omission Jordan Roughead was precluded from the NAB Cup side with a virus but the 22-year-old is set to resume full training this week and will be clear to play in round two against Hawthorn in a fortnight.
“[Roughead] was taken out due to a virus that he was suffering at the end of last week and we didn’t want to put him out under that condition,” he said.
“He will be in full training this week and there is no issue in him building up over the following week.”
Meanwhile, first round draft pick Nathan Hrovat is making progress with his quad injury but will continue on a modified training load this week.
“A few weeks ago he had a very low grade injury to his quad,” he said.
“He’s running well [and] he’s been progressing very well with his football, he is kicking the ball and he will be back into some modified training this week.
“We will build him up over… the next couple of weeks, looking to play some time later down the track.”
