Champion duo Josh Kennedy and Shannon Hurn are on track to return for Sunday’s RAC Derby, while star defender Jeremy McGovern could only be sidelined for two matches following an abductor strain.
Meanwhile, speedster Jack Petruccelle is also pushing to play against Fremantle after a minor hamstring setback, and hard-working small forward Jamie Cripps will be tested following a knock to his ribs.
Kennedy was absent from the shocking defeat at Geelong due to a sore ankle, but has pulled up well from a week’s rest.
He and Hurn, who is set to break Dean Cox’s club games record in his 291st appearance, only need to get through training this week to take their places in RAC Derby No.52.
“Josh pulled up sore with that ankle, but the week off has been terrific for him. He did a bit of training yesterday and expecting him to main train and be available for selection if he gets through, which we expect him to,” General Manager – Football Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“Shannon and Jack Petruccelle have both undertaken a similar rehab regime for the calf and hamstring, respectively.
“They both signed off their relevant medical testing and strength and conditioning testing last weekend.
“All being well they’ll get through training this week and be available for selection.”
With skipper Luke Shuey (hamstring) sidelined until after the bye – along with Elliot Yeo (groin) - acting captain McGovern hobbled off the ground during the disastrous second quarter at GHMBA Stadium on Saturday and did not return.
However, the prognosis is relatively positive for the four-time All Australian following scans.
“He’s likely to miss a couple of weeks. It could have been a worse scenario, so we’ll take a couple of weeks at this stage and go from there,” Vozzo said.
Cripps was sore post-game but is a chance to take on the Dockers and there is also good news for electric forward Liam Ryan, who is progressing well from bone stress to his shin.
“Jamie copped a knock to the rib area in the course of the game and pulled up sore with some bruising,” Vozzo said.
“He’s settling fairly quickly, so we’ll see how he pulls up after main training later this week and make a call from there with our medical staff obviously giving us some guidance.
“Liam, it’s already been a couple of weeks off legs I was pleasantly advised yesterday, so that’s a good thing in terms of progression.
“He’s doing some cardio work behind the scenes. Hopefully will get some time or ground in the next week or two, and then probably another couple of weeks from there, so probably a three or four-week process from here.”
Injury list
Brendon Ah Chee Knee Test
Jamie Cripps Ribs Test
Josh Kennedy Ankle Test
Shannon Hurn Calf Test
Jeremy McGovern Groin 2-3 weeks
Jack Petruccelle Hamstring Test
Liam Ryan Shin 3-4 weeks
Luke Shuey Hamstring TBC
Daniel Venables Concussion TBC
Elliot Yeo Groin TBC
