The West Coast Eagles could have a host of big-name players available for selection in the coming weeks should they continue their good work in the club’s rehabilitation group.
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General manager of football Craig Vozzo said dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy, versatile big man Nathan Vardy and exciting utility Brendon Ah Chee were all tracking towards an imminent return.
Josh Kennedy trained well at Lathlain Park and has his sights set on a date with the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium in round four.
“He has recovered from that minor procedure he had and he’s certainly aiming for as early as possible; it could be round four. That’s what we are hoping,” Vozzo said.
Vardy is tracking slightly behind Kennedy as he works his way back from the groin injury he suffered during West Coast’s practice match against Fremantle on March 4.
Vozzo said he had advanced past the stage of straight line running.
“He’s doing more side-to-side work and starting to kick the ball around,” he said.
“He’s tracking nicely. I spoke to him yesterday actually and he’s pretty confident of getting back at about AFL five or six.”
Ah Chee is also putting in the hard yards and nearing a return to the club’s main training group.
Vozzo reckoned he should be back playing at the same time as Vardy.
Another player making strides following an injury-interrupted summer is Oscar Allen.
West Coast’s second selection in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft has overcome the leg injury that stalled his pre-season and is working on building his tank in preparation for a return vie the WAFL.
“It’s been a long journey for young Oscar,” Vozzo said.
“We’re really excited with what he potentially brings to the group. He’s put a hell of a lot of work into his recovery and he’s now entering that next bit where he’s doing a lot of the main training. It’s basically his mini pre-season. We’re hopeful that he’ll be back in a few weeks, around AFL five.”
The club’s footy boss was happy to announce that the Eagles got out of its opening AFL fixture at Optus Stadium unscathed.
Several players made successful comebacks from long-term injuries, none more so than star ruckman Nic Naitanui.
Vozzo said the club “couldn’t be more happy” with the way Naitanui performed against the Swans.
“It was a pretty smooth transition back into the team and he had a great impact,” he commented.
“More importantly, he’s pulled up with just normal soreness – the normal stuff you have after playing a footy game.
“He’s tracking well. He’s on his ‘Nic program’ and he’ll be available to play this week.”
