Elijah Hewett and recruit Tylar Young are on track to play in West Coast’s match simulation against Fremantle on Saturday.
Hewett missed the intraclub last Friday following a calf niggle while Young didn’t take part due to a minor shin complaint.
“The plan is for Elijah to get some minutes against Fremantle on Saturday, and he is currently tracking well towards that, while Tylar will be back in full training tomorrow,” Merriman said.
“Brady Hough is also back into full training after his ankle injury and will be available for the pre-season match against Port Adelaide.”
West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan will miss the match sim against the Dockers after entering the concussion protocols following the intraclub.
Jack Graham and Tom Gross (hamstring strains) plus recruit Brandon Starcevich (calf) will also be unavailable after sustaining soft-tissue injuries.
“Brandon has a low-grade calf strain which we’ll make sure we tick every box with,” Merriman said.
“Jack feels good today and will begin running progressions on Tuesday with a plan to increase his running loads throughout the week.
“Tom’s hamstring strain is a higher grade so he will be a slower build towards the early rounds of the AFL season.”
Tyler Brockman will undergo minor surgery after an ITB issue that has interrupted his training loads.
“Tyler is having minor surgery and the recovery timeline will be around six weeks,” Merriman said.
After being restricted by a groin injury over summer, ruck-forward Bailey Williams is set to rejoin main training and build his workload.
“Bailey is about to re enter the program and the focus will be on rebuilding his football capacity over the coming weeks,” Merriman said.
Fred Rodriguez (foot) and Jack Hutchinson (ankle) are both about to begin their on-field loading phase after recovering from stress related injuries.
Saturday’s match simulation in Cockburn is closed to the public but will be broadcast live on Kayo and Fox Footy 504 from 9am.
