Co-captain Liam Duggan, midfielder Tim Kelly and defender Reuben Ginbey will be available to take on Gold Coast in round one, with Jack Graham listed as a test for the trip to Queensland.
Duggan has progressed through concussion protocols and has been cleared to play, while Kelly has overcome a hamstring niggle and Ginbey is available after toe soreness.
Hard-running midfielder Graham (hamstring) is listed as a test as he edges toward putting his hand up to play at People First Stadium.
“Jack needs to finish off his rehab this week. There are one or two more hurdles to clear before he’s available to play,” High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said.
Key defender Harry Edwards will miss this week as he continues to work through concussion protocols.
“Harry has been a little slower progressing, and he won’t be available this week. The expectation is that he’ll be available for round two,” Merriman said.
Recruit Brandon Starcevich will be sidelined for three-to-four weeks after a minor setback to the same calf he recently recovered from.
“Unfortunately, Brandon had a very minor separate issue to the same calf last week, which will hold him back another week or two,” Merriman said.
Ruckman Bailey Williams (groin) is tracking well as he builds toward his return.
“Bailey has really lifted his intensity and output at training. We’ll use the WAFL practice match this week as part of his build back toward full match minutes,” Merriman said.
Second-year midfielder Tom Gross (hamstring) is progressing strongly through his reconditioning program.
“Tom has been really professional in his rehab, and we’ll see him taking part in some football drills this week,” Merriman said.
Draftee Fred Rodriguez (foot) is expected to return in six-to-eight weeks, while Sam Allen continues to progress from his knee reconstruction.
“Fred will be running on field for the first time this week, which is exciting for both him and the team,” Merriman said.
“Sam is continuing his football build. We are seeing him in more and more football activities, whilst also focusing heavily on his change of direction.”
Mid-season recruit Jack Hutchinson (ankle) remains six-to-eight weeks away as he continues to build his running volumes and intensities, while tall forward Jack Williams is a test due to a calf injury.
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