Four-time All Australian defender Jeremy McGovern is edging closer to returning from a fractured thumb and will be in the mix for West Coast’s side to face Hawthorn on Sunday.

McGovern took part in main training last Thursday in a bid to get up for the win over Carlton but was ruled out before the team was submitted on Saturday afternoon.

The star defender completed some ball work and looked more assured handling the Sherrin at Mineral Resources Park on Tuesday morning, raising hopes he will be back to take on the Hawks after a three-game absence.

“Gov has gotten very close the last few weeks,” General Manager – Football Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.

“It’s simply a matter of how he handles the ball and how much pain he feels through that thumb. We’re more confident this time this week than last.

“He trained quite well today, including ball-handling. He’ll tell us later in the week but we’re quite hopeful this week’s the week.”

In more encouraging news, young key backman Harry Edwards has pulled up well from his concussion after sitting out last round and is expected to be available if he gets through main training.

Veteran defender Will Schofield is battling minor abductor awareness but was on the training track on Tuesday alongside Edwards and will be assessed later this week.

Meanwhile, big man Nathan Vardy (ankle) should be ready to play after a strong training performance on Saturday.

However, in a disappointing result, the season is over for exciting small forward Jamaine Jones due to hamstring surgery.

“Poor old Jamaine ended up with some surgery on Monday to repair the hamstring tendon,” Vozzo said.

“That went well, but it just means his season is now ended and he’ll be in a rehab period building to full-strength for the rest of the year.”

Fellow speedster Jack Petruccelle is recovering from his hamstring complaint and continues to elevate his high pace running at training.

“He’ll do some more high speed running next week I understand but he’s probably still three-to-four weeks away, that was quite a significant hamstring injury,” Vozzo said.

The frustrating season for Mark Hutchings continues as well, with the diligent onballer requiring stitches for a cut toe. 

“Mark had a minor setback. Unfortunately he’s ended up with a cut toe,” Vozzo said.

“He has got stitches which will keep him out probably for one week, possibly two, but confident it should just be the one.”