Jeremy McGovern’s long-awaited return from hamstring tendon surgery is edging closer, with the four-time All-Australian defender to be tested at training this week before putting his hand up to face Brisbane at the Gabba.
In another positive development, Tom Cole is also on the verge of a comeback from his ankle complaint which has sidelined the premiership back pocket since round four.
Meanwhile, star forward Jack Darling’s sore shoulder will be tested during main training, while silky onballer Tim Kelly and youngster Luke Edwards are aiming to put their hands up following bouts of illness.
Sorely missed since round three, McGovern fell short of a comeback against Sydney in round 15 but two weeks on he is eager to return.
“Jeremy has progressed through his functional build which is what we were looking to sign off for his hamstring,” Head of Health Mark Finucane told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“He’s just got to train tomorrow and hopefully will be available for the weekend.
“Tim and Luke were both late outs from the game (against St Kilda) due to illness. Both have done some training in the early part of this week, which is a good sign, and hopefully into main training tomorrow to show their fitness for the weekend.”
Darling was subbed out late after hurting his shoulder against St Kilda but is hopeful of boarding the plane to take on the Lions, while Cole and half-back Luke Foley (hamstring) are pushing for game minutes.
“Jack hurt his shoulder after landing in a marking contest. He just struggled with his power in bodying up in pack situations so was subbed out of the game,” Finucane said.
“He’s recovered really well. He will be a test at training this week and hopefully available to play.
“Tom has done a mountain of work in his rehab from his ankle injury and has shown he is ready to play. He’ll be potentially available for some minutes this weekend.
“Luke is right on the edge of being available to play this week. Main training tomorrow and if he’s confident in the body then he will potentially be available for this week, and if not we’ll give him one more week and looking at playing next week.”
More cavalry should arrive for the Eagles in the short-term future, with Callum Jamieson (hip), Greg Clark (foot), Isiah Winder (knee) and Samo Petrevski-Seton (quad) close to playing returns, while Zane Trew will miss one more match after a collision at training.
Two-time Club Champion Elliot Yeo (hip) is two-to-three weeks from playing again, with star forward Liam Ryan set for a final assessment later this week to help guide the direction his hamstring management takes.
Injury list:
Coby Burgiel Hamstring 6-7 weeks
Greg Clark Foot 1-2 weeks
Tom Cole Ankle Test
Jai Culley Knee Season
Jack Darling Shoulder Test
Harry Edwards Groin 6-7 weeks
Luke Foley Hamstring Test
Callum Jamieson Hip 1-2 weeks
Jamaine Jones Ankle 6-7 weeks
Jeremy McGovern Hamstring Test
Nic Naitanui Achilles Season
Samo Petrevski-Seton Quad 1-2 weeks
Josh Rotham Thumb 3-4 weeks
Liam Ryan Hamstring TBC
Zane Trew Concussion protocols 1 week
Jake Waterman Illness Indefinite
Connor West Knee TBC
Isiah Winder Knee 1 week
Elliot Yeo Hip 2-3 weeks
