Experienced midfielder Jack Redden is in the mix to return when West Coast faces reigning premier Richmond in Thursday night’s blockbuster at Metricon Stadium.
The 29-year-old missed last Sunday’s hard-fought victory over Greater Western Sydney due to an abductor strain but took an encouraging step in a heavy training session the previous day.
With dual club champion Elliot Yeo still sidelined, Redden’s return would be welcomed in what promises to be a red-hot contest against the Tigers.
“Jack is progressing well. He had a pretty full on session on Saturday, which he got through really well,” General Manager – Football Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“He’ll load up more this week and is some chance to play against Richmond.”
Emerging pair Oscar Allen (hip) and Jackson Nelson (shoulder) also hope to take their spots in the mouthwatering Tigers clash after wearing heavy blows during the Giants triumph.
“Oscar copped that fairly heavy knock to the hip, which initially seemed to lock up a little bit, but as the game wore on Ozzy got more and more movement through it,” Vozzo said.
“The scans show a pretty low-level strain so he’ll be a test later in the week. He’s actually pulled up quite well and is moving really well this morning, so fingers crossed for later in the week.
“Jacko Nelson copped that big knock to the shoulder area. He’s moving quite well actually.
“It’s going to be on the lower-end just the way he’s displaying his symptoms at the moment and he’s a chance for later in the week as well.”
Yeo didn’t travel to Queensland on Tuesday morning, however he is showing promising signs in his recovery from groin trouble.
“Elliot is progressing well. He’s made some really good improvement over the past seven-to-ten days,” Vozzo said.
“Because it’s that OP-type (osteitis pubis) injury it’s hard to project exactly when he might recommence with the team, but doing more and more.
“Probably another couple of weeks of slow and steady build up, and then we’ll make a decision from there.”
Experienced campaigners Will Schofield (elbow) and Nathan Vardy (compartment syndrome) are also making strong recoveries following recent surgery, while young forward Jake Waterman (hand) isn’t far off returning.
“Vards is progressing well, fortunately. The wound has healed up nicely. He’s still a chance for later in the year. We got some really good news on that,” Vozzo said.
“He’ll slowly and steadily build up his program. He’ll stay back in Perth initially and train with our rehab staff over here and be supervised by our medical people.
“Will is progressing well. The surgery has ended in a really good result. The wound is healing nicely and he’s only a couple of weeks from playing.
“Like Will, Jake’s surgery has gone really well with the hand. He’s been able to do a lot of the work anyway one-handed with the ball-work and then all the running unimpeded so Jake will be a pretty quick recovery.”
Meanwhile, speedy forward Jack Petruccelle (hamstring) is picking up his running work and should return to scrimmage play within two-to-three weeks.
West Coast injury list:
Oscar Allen Hip Test
Jamaine Jones Hamstring Season
Mitch O’Neill Back 5 weeks
Jackson Nelson Shoulder Test
Jack Petruccelle Hamstring 2-3 weeks
Jack Redden Abductor Test
Will Schofield Elbow 1-2 weeks
Nathan Vardy Thigh 5 weeks
Daniel Venables Head Season
Jake Waterman Hand 1-2 weeks
Francis Watson Knee Season
Elliot Yeo Groin 2-3 weeks
