AFL Injury Update: Caddy Set for Bombers Return, Blues Defend McKay Amidst Speculation

Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon has confirmed that Nate Caddy will play in Saturday's match against Hawthorn following his recovery from a heart scare.

The 21-year-old was taken to hospital during last Sunday's three-point win over GWS due to an elevated heart rate. Caddy was released from hospital after being given the all-clear, and the club's medical staff has since approved his return to face the Hawks.

"He'll be good to go," Solomon said.

"They said there's no risk with what happened and he's fully good to go. I trust our medical staff, and Nate's in a good headspace as well."

According to Solomon, Caddy has spent a significant amount of time with the doctors and medical team to review the situation thoroughly. The player now has a clear understanding that there is no risk involved and is feeling highly confident. Because of this, Solomon emphasized that they must trust their medical staff.

Essendon enters the match without Xavier Duursma, who is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, while Kyle Langford will also miss the Hawthorn game due to suspension.

McKay Sidelined from Carlton Training Amid External Commentary

Meanwhile, star Carlton forward Harry McKay did not participate in the Blues' main training session on Thursday.

McKay sustained a minor tear to his meniscus, along with bone bruising to his knee, during Saturday night's 21-point defeat to Collingwood. The 28-year-old was forced out of the game early after his knee knocked into teammate Sam Walsh.

The injury sparked widespread speculation, with Fox Footy commentator David King questioning the one-time Coleman medallist's injury. The Blues were privately seething with McKay's character being criticised before the actual severity of the injury was confirmed on Sunday.

Interim Blues coach Josh Fraser said he "didn't spend a lot of time thinking about" the commentary surrounding McKay.

"Whenever there's an injury, your mindset goes to the care and support for the player," Fraser said.

"We act on the information we're given from our medical team, the commentary around all of that, I probably push it to the side."

Fraser stated that he can only evaluate the player based on how he presents himself, noting that McKay has shown his usual character.

"I can only judge him on the way he's presented and he's presented his usual self."

"Great energy around the group, trying as hard as he can to play and leading internally around the club."

Carlton's wildcard hopes will go on the line on Saturday when they host the out-of-form Gold Coast at Docklands.