Livewire forward Liam Ryan is finally ready to return to competitive football and needs only to complete this week’s training program to resume with the WAFL Eagles against premiers East Fremantle on Sunday.
Ryan, after a freak hamstring injury in the round three RAC Derby against Fremantle last season and then a further hamstring tendon issue in the pre-season, has missed 12 months of football.
If he clears the final couple of hurdles he will play managed minutes against the Sharks.
Half-forward Tyler Brockman is also ready to resume after passing concussion protocols that saw him miss the Gather Round clash with Sydney while young defender Coby Burgiel has accelerated his return.
Burgiel is recovering from an appendectomy and should resume in the next fortnight, the same timeline that has been set for exciting young forward Archer Reid as he recovers from a knee issue.
Midfielder Luke Edwards and forward Ryan Maric, both of whom were injured against Sydney, are still a chance to play this weekend.
Edwards was subbed out of the game with a tight hamstring in the second quarter while Maric was taken to hospital for examination after a heavy third quarter collision. Initially it was feared that Maric had a collapsed lung and fractured ribs, but he was cleared of serious damage and was able to return home with teammates.
He will continue to be assessed through the week.
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Knee 7-8 weeks
Rhett Bazzo Groin 5-6 weeks
Matt Flynn Knee 5-6 weeks
Elijah Hewett Foot Post-bye
Archer Reid Knee 1-2 weeks
Coby Burgiel Appendix 1-2 weeks
Luke Edwards Hamstring Test
Ryan Maric Ribs Test
