Dom Sheed and Jai Culley are set to make welcome returns for the WAFL Eagles against South Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

The pair of left-footed midfielders have been building their workloads on the training track in recent weeks and are now on the cusp of comebacks.

Sheed has been progressing positively since a foot hotspot was detected pre-Christmas, while Culley will return to action 336 days after he suffered a ruptured ACL against Richmond in round eight last year.

“It’s good news for Dom Sheed and Jai Culley who are both due to play this week, assuming they get through training tomorrow, which we expect they will,” High Performance Manager Mat Inness told westcoasteagles.com.au.

After key defender Harry Edwards’ successful return last round, there is more positive news on the horizon with high-flier Liam Ryan likely to play state league football in round three of the WAFL season next week.

“Liam Ryan has been in full training for about two weeks so another week to increase his durability and then we’re hoping he plays next week,” Inness said.

Meanwhile, recruit Tyler Brockman is hopeful of only missing Saturday’s Gather Round clash with Sydney after going into the concussion protocols.

“Tyler Brockman had a head knock (against the Western Bulldogs) so unfortunately he’ll miss this week through the concussion protocols, but he is tracking really well so hopefully it’s just this week,” Inness said.

Key position draftee Archer Reid (knee) is not far behind, listed as two-to-three weeks away, however dashing half-back Coby Burgiel’s appendix operation will keep him sidelined for around a month.

“Coby Burgiel unfortunately had an appendix issue last week, he had to get that removed, so he’ll spend some time on the sidelines,” Inness said.

Meanwhile, fellow 2022 draftee Elijah Hewett has begun his recovery after successful foot surgery in Melbourne.

“Elijah had his surgery last week. All went well, so he’ll be off legs for a period of time but then we hope to see him back sometime after the bye,” Inness said.

Injury list:

Oscar Allen Knee 8-9 weeks

Rhett Bazzo Groin 6-7 weeks

Tyler Brockman Concussion Protocols 1-2 weeks

Coby Burgiel Appendix 4-6 weeks

Matt Flynn Knee 5-7 weeks

Elijah Hewett Foot Post-bye

Archer Reid Knee 2-3 weeks

Liam Ryan Hamstring 1 week