Two weeks ago, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said Heritier Lumumba had been "totally cleared" of concussion and was expected to resume training on Monday.
But as the balance of the Demons' list returned to pre-season training, Lumumba was a high-profile absentee, with the veteran still not satisfied that he is ready to put his head in danger as he seeks to make a comeback from the knocks that thwarted his 2016 campaign. The rebounding defender – who turned 30 last week – last played at AFL level in round six this year, appearing only once thereafter in the VFL. His season was prematurely ended after he suffered another head knock in his comeback match with the Demons' VFL affiliate Casey.
![No show: Heritier Lumumba was not present at Melbourne training.](/web/20161122050008im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/g/t/v/1/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gstvtl.png/1479703690779.jpg)
While former Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis slotted in with his new teammates at Gosch's Paddock on Monday, Lumumba was nowhere to be seen. The Demons said the 2010 Collingwood premiership backman was still collecting more medical information before making a decision about his future. It's understood the eccentric former Magpie has a relatively high threshold he wishes to meet before he is willing to take to the track.
Lumumba has played 24 games for the Demons since being traded from the Magpies – where he played 199 games – at the end of 2014. He is entering the final year of a three-year contract at Melbourne.
In Lumumba's absence, Lewis sported his teammate's No. 8 training jumper rather than the No. 6 he was handed earlier this month. The four-time premiership Hawk impressed during the session, while key backman Tom McDonald was the standout in a running drill. Young midfielder Clayton Oliver was on lighter duties as he awaited a punishment from the Dees' leadership group, having been caught drink-driving during his annual leave. Reigning best and fairest Jack Viney was also easing his way back following post-season hip surgery.
On the other side of AAMI Park, Chris Mayne and Daniel Wells trained for the first time as Collingwood players as the Magpies' senior players returned to the track at the Holden Centre. Mayne and Wells moved from Fremantle and North Melbourne respectively last month as free agents.
At nearby Punt Road, new Richmond midfielders Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia were put through their paces for the first time since arriving in the recent trade period from Geelong and Gold Coast respectively. In warm conditions, Caddy trained with the main group, but Prestia was largely restricted to running laps as the Tigers ease him back into full training after season-ending knee surgery at the Suns. Recently acquired former Sydney big man Toby Nankervis was also present.
Prestia had company in the group doing a modified program, joined by youngster Corey Ellis. Chris Yarran took another step on his long road back from mental health and fitness issues, splitting his time between the main group and the rehab group, although the sizeable fitness gap between the former Carlton speedster and most of the others training was clear during a running drill. He appeared in reasonable spirits, though, posing for photos with fans at the end of the open session. The West Australian hasn't played for Richmond since arriving at the club, and returned to WA in the middle of the year to deal with personal issues. The Tigers remain hopeful he will eventually work his way back to senior football. He has two years to run on his deal at the club.
While most of the Richmond list was present, a handful of the Tigers' most experienced players, including bookends Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt, veteran ruckman Ivan Maric, and new Brownlow medallist Trent Cotchin are yet to return, with the full Tigers list to be back next Monday.
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