A number of Eagles who copped big knocks during the club’s thrilling after-the-siren win over Port Adelaide should be cherry ripe to face Melbourne on Sunday, according to Craig Vozzo.
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West Coast’s general manager of football said Nathan Vardy, Scott Lycett and Liam Ryan were all on track to participate in Thursday’s main training session and put their hands up to face the Demons at Optus Stadium.
Vardy copped a blow to the knee, Lycett clashed heads with teammate Jack Redden and Liam Ryan incurred a big cork during a physical clash with the Power at Adelaide Oval.
“Nathan Vardy, Scotty Lycett and Liam Ryan, they all had significant knocks in game to different parts of each of their bodies but they’ve all pulled up pretty well,” Vozzo said.
“They are getting through the week slowly and we are expecting them to full train and be available on Sunday.”
Another Eagle pushing for a return is Fraser McInnes, who has been sidelined for two weeks with an adductor injury.
Vozzo said the versatile big man had benefitted from an extra week of rest and would be available for selection this weekend.
“Big Fraser McInnes has had some ongoing issues with his groin, so we took a conservative approach last week and we’re glad we did,” he said.
“He’s pulled up really well from the two-week rest and we expect him to get through training on Thursday and play on the weekend.”
Will Schofield could be back next week after making big strides in his hamstring rehabilitation program, but Tony Olango’s recovery is progressing slower than expected.
He is striving to make a comeback in two weeks' time.
As reported earlier today, Josh Kennedy is pressing for a return against Brisbane next Sunday after declaring himself unavailable to face the Dees.
Vozzo said the club was taking a cautious approach with the dual Coleman medallist.
“JK has probably got another week on the sidelines at least, but he had a full on-ground session on Monday, so we are making progress and we will just be guided by how his body recovers from each of those sessions,” he said.
