A brace of senior players, who have not been available for NAB Challenge matches or the opening round of the AFL season, are pushing to be available in the next couple of weeks.

Experienced defender Xavier Ellis, ruckman-forward Callum Sinclair and hard-nosed midfielder Mark Hutchings are on the cusp of a return.

To view the full injury list, click here

Ellis is likely to be available for selection, after straining as hamstring in NAB2 against Port Adelaide, while Sinclair has recovered from a fractured finger, sustained in the opening match of the pre-season campaign against Carlton.

Hutchings has been battling groin soreness in the back end of the pre-season, but has also been listed as available.

Unfortunately, with East Perth having a bye in the WAFL this weekend, the timing is not ideal, but he should benefit from an additional week.

Developing midfielder Alec Waterman, who missed last weekend’s round of fixtures with a low grade quad strain, should also be ready to resume after the Royals’ bye and wingman Dylan Main is likely to play in the fifth round of WAFL action.

Draftee Damien Cavka is making good progress from a stress reaction in his foot, while star forward Jack Darling has looked good in the early phase of a running program.